Monday, June 30, 2008
What $10,000 Buys You Today
As I did some field research (pictures simply do not cut it sometimes) today, I happened upon two $10,000 bags: the one above, in lambskin, and a Bottega Veneta limited edition expandable lizard bag in a lovely mustardy taupe (I regret that I could not obtain a photo of said bag). Both were painfully beautiful, exceptionally made, and ridiculously overpriced. I remember when Hermes was the highest high-end bag company out there and anyone seen with a Birkin (now roughly $7 grand for the leather version) was sporting haute bag-couture. Now, sadly enough, an Hermes is commonplace (at least, on Fifth and Madison Avenues), and a quietly fabulous bag costs a year's worth of tuition (at least at a state school) and merits barely a raised eyebrow on the street.
My slow ascent into the world of designer bags has left me somewhat jaded. As my husband always is quick to point out, I was madly in love with my first Gucci bag, which has now since had an unfortunate accident and is retired on my bag shelf. Then came the slew of mid- to high-end bags: Kate Spade, Coach, Longchamp, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Yves St. Laurent, Fendi, Bottega Veneta. And yet, there's always a new designer bag out there that I covet. With designer bag prices reaching astronomical highs, I've finally decided that there's a limit for even the most dedicated fashionista.
$10k? Are you kidding me? I'm all for a well-made gorgeous handbag, but at the prices that are proliferating today, I have to wonder what compels one to make the charge. Then again, there is a diamond-encrusted crocodile Birkin that goes for $148,000. I suppose that Chanel bag is supposed to look cheap by comparison.
Easy Dressing: Beaded Necklace Blouses
Dressing lately has become a complicated task, replete with item-specific accessories and complex layering fit for a Japanese kimono. Necklace blouses, however, resolve that issue quite easily, combining the necessary accessory (necklace) with a easy-to-wear piece (the blouse). Add a skirt or a pair of pants in a similar hue and you're set to go.
1. Banana Republic Monogram Silk Beaded Top, $125: Lovely on its own or with a suit jacket.
2. Banana Republic Puff-Sleeve Origami Top, $79: While this top doesn't have beading, the cut-outs resemble it. The puff sleeves are adorable, yet sophisticated.
3. Oscar de la Renta Crochet Embellished Top, on sale for $1,732 (down from $2,310) at http://www.net-a-porter.com/: Not for the faint of heart, or the faint of income:
Friday, June 27, 2008
Hot Trend For Fall: Lace
Lace is a versatile fabric that can be worn in a plethora of ways: high/low, conservative/ subversive, minimum/maximum, sweet/wild. As I fingered the rich lace at Prada (yes, their fall items are in!), I was surprised how tempting it was, and how easily I had forgotten its appeal. And yet, I was not willing to spend approximately $3,000 for a piece of it. Thankfully, lace is not exclusive at Prada, and its easy transition into low(er) prices allows lace to be a hot trend for fall. Here are some more affordable and no less stunning options (all available at eluxury.com):
1. 3.1 Philip Lim Runway Two-Tone Lace Dress, $625: A sweet and complex dress, rich in details and color.
2. Tracy Reese Runway Lace Overlay Frock, $475: The feather-print and the lace bodice make this dress wild and subversive, and yet pretty.
3. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Lace Dress, $995: This dress can be worn simply, with black heels, or goth, with skulls and crossbones (not my pick). Personally, I think it's a little overpriced for the design.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Giambattista Valli Resort 2009
Although Giambattista Valli's exaggerated shapes aren't for every body, one can hardly deny that this man is pure genius. His Resort 2009 line did feature some strange ruching as shoulder ornamentation (which I aesthetically admire but decidedly refrain from showcasing), but for the most part, his collection was exquisitely finessed, fit for royalty.
1. I've never been as enchanted by a basic black suit as I am by this one. Note the exaggerated puff sleeves, a trend that we saw on the Fall runway lines:
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
New Orleans Style
Now for the really important item: the STYLE. I've narrowed it down to categories, based on my observations:
1. J. Crew Meets the Windsors: These are the upper-crust of New Orleans, who live mainly in the Garden District. Men wear suits, boys wear polos and khakis, and women and girls wear pretty sundresses.
2. Middle-Class Standard: Like many New Yorkers, New Orleans men and women who work in the Financial District or high-end hotels dress predictably: men in suits, women in a short-sleeved blouse and pencil skirt.
3. Tourists: Always in shorts, tee-shirts, and sandals. Camera and map in tow.
4. Grunge/alternative: Tattoos, dreadlocks, dirty bodies. Usually relaxing on the ground, and always white.
As The Unofficial Guide to New Orleans stated, "Self-respecting New Orleans dress, tourists don't."
Shopping in New Orleans was a bit of a challenge, and I think it reflected the dress here. Although I did not go to the Riverwalk Mall (where there is a Saks and your Banana Republic, Gap, etc.), I did not see a single high-end store; only one boutique in the French Quarter sold designer duds at a discounted price (Miu Miu's for $100!). Mostly the stores in the French Quarter varied from touristy junk (Mardi Gras beads, preserved alligator heads, masks, obnoxious tee shirts) to high-end antiques/art/jewelry on Royal Street. Small boutiques carried inexpensive but cute clothes, cheap plastic and rhinestone jewelry, and knock-off bags. Designer duds were not a priority in this town.
Obviously, living in New York has skewed my fashion perspective somewhat. Most people care about looking decent, not wearing designer clothing. The priority in New Orleans is living well, not dressing well by runway standards.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Off to New Orleans!
Bill Blass: Resort 2009
In Peter Som's capable, fresh, architecturally-gifted hands (his parents are both architects), Bill Blass is experiencing a resurgence of chic, easy American style that no longer seems staid and old-fashioned. (I've glossed over Bill Blass for years, relegating that label to my parents' generation.) And if you haven't been yet convinced, here are three examples that just may sway you.
1. I love the ease of the long cardigan over a fun, interesting design:
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Trend: Raw Stones
Monday, June 16, 2008
Peplum: The New Shape
PEPLUM: A short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress (www.thefreedictionary.com)
While the thought of an extra layer of fabric extending from one's waist may sound unflattering, on second glance, peplum can actually work like a belt: it emphasizes the small of the waist while exaggerating the width of the thighs, creating a pleasing silhouette for the pear-shaped among us. Miu Miu's odd but whimsical sumo wrestler-meets-ballerina example was gorgeous but intimidating off the runway (not many of us can boast having Cameron Diaz's lean legs), but with longer lengths, I became reconciled to its practical application.
1. Roland Mouret Pre-Fall 2008: It's hard not to love peplum when Roland Mouret does so in such a feminine, curve-enhancing way.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Fendi: Puffed Purple
While I'm not in any rush to buy a sweater dress, this lovely one from Fendi would be an easy addition to my wardrobe several months from now (when it goes on sale). I've finally grown to acknowledge that maybe I do need less dressy items that still have an elevated sense of style. Puffed sleeves were good enough for Anne of Green Gables, and they remain stylish today--just make sure the rest of your outfit isn't puffy as well.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dear Thumbelina: Glad about Gladiators?
Zac Posen utilized gladiators with a number of his looks, from beautiful day dresses to evening wear. Wear them with
2. GEOMETRIC SHIFT DRESSES with or without JACKETS: The gladiators soften the dressed-up look here. She doesn't look like she tried too hard (pumps would make the look more formal).
In another look from Zac Posen, he combined gladiators with
3. A PRETTY FLORAL DRESS: The key is using a subdued pattern that doesn't compete with the shoes. Make sure your shoes complement the dress in hue (wear a floral dress with specks of white, for example, if you have white gladiators).
Another option is to go ultra boho luxe, like this example from Net-a-porter, which combined gladiators with
4. LONG, BOHO TUNICS: If you're not sea-side, you may want to wear them with short shorts. Emphasize the look by choosing ethnic extras, like wood beading, large bangles, and long, chunky necklaces.
You can, of course, do a more hard-edged look, as seen here in another example from Net-a-porter:
5. PENCIL SKIRT WITH LEATHER JACKET: While this look is a little unconventional, it works if you're a little more Downtown than Uptown in your aesthetics. Wear silver jewelry with it and don't be afraid of dramatic details like a large collar.
LASTLY, you can always wear gladiators with
6. PANTS /SHORTS and a BLOUSE: For a casual but put-together look, choose tailored pants/shorts and a feminine blouse to off-set the masculine bottom.
Enjoy your gladiators!
Sincerely,
Thumbelina
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Richard Chai Resort 2009
Prada Resort 2009
1. An easy, loose olive green dress. I'd wear this with large earrings and a distinctive, studded belt:
4. While animal prints aren't for me, this dress is quite intriguing; however, the low-slung bag doesn't match the elegant, dressed-up vibe:
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Burberry Prorsum: Resort 2009
As anyone can tell from my previous posts, I adore Christopher Bailey for the genius that he is; he's also brought sexy back to the House of Burberry. However, his Resort 2009 line is almost identical to his Pre-Fall 2008 line: it's replete with the standard Burberry "look": pencil skirts, belted jackets/sweaters, black ankle socks with booties, brocade/textured fabrics. While I certainly appreciate the look, I wonder if it's a little too one note. I'm sure designers struggle with the age-old question of choosing between "if it ain't broke" and "reinventing the wheel." In many ways, that same question haunts the consumer. Do you faithfully adhere to a uniform, making it your "signature" look, or do you mix it up for variety's sake?
1. Beautiful skirt, wonderful color combinations:
Monday, June 9, 2008
Jaalber Jewelry: Turkish Delight
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Legal Designer Knock-Offs
Friday, June 6, 2008
Monique Lhuillier: Resort 2009
1. While I wouldn't wear this gown with this blazer, I'm completely mesmerized by the beautiful black swirls on this soft puffy white fabric:
2. The combination of a long floral jacket over a puffy khaki gown is surprisingly fresh.