CFDA/Vogue Design Editions at Gap

The Display at the 54th and 5th Avenue Gap store

If you haven't heard, Gap is currently featuring a drool-worthy collection from Alexander Wang, Vena Cava, and Albertus Swanepoel (known for his hats), winners of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards. Like a devoted fashionista, I arrived twenty minutes early to get my hands on the collection. Surprisingly, the line was quite small, and as I got there, I glimpsed for the second time in under a week the immaculate Anna Wintour as she said goodbye to Alexander Wang. Normally shy around celebrities, I channeled my chutzpah and asked for a shot with the adorable designer. He was quite gracious!

I'm on the left, but I cropped myself out of this photo:


The Vena Cava girls (Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai) were also uber sweet:

I went ga-ga over these whimsical khaki pants from Vena Cava:

Some detail shots of the pants:

Notice the black zipper at the bottom:

Vena Cava dress #1 without a belt:

With my Luca Luca stingray belt:

Which do you prefer--plain or belted?


Vena Cava dress #2 without a belt:

With a YSL belt:

If you can't access a Gap store, buy these lovelies online. Alexander Wang's jackets, shorts, and khaki pants are also quite adorable, as are Albertus Swanepoel's hats. (I purchased the large floppy hat for sunny days at the park.) These designs are bringing khaki back!

Apocalyptic Beauty?

Christopher Kane Resort 2010

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Although Christopher Kane claims that the subversive and disturbing images on his quite pretty and feminine dresses were from "images of nuclear test explosions from the fifties to the seventies," one can hardly divorce those "test" images from the actual ones resulting in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb explosions in 1945 that killed over 200,000 people. For a certain generation, those images are akin to our more current ones of two planes piercing the Twin Towers (and imagine the outrage if that image was used as fashion's canvas).

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But this is Christopher Kane: his spring 2009 collection featured close-ups shots of growling apes (from Planet of the Apes), and he won over fashionistas everywhere with the charm of a troglodyte (remember King Kong? We're Ann Darrow in his hairy grip). Despite all of the shock and indignation that his Resort collection incites, it also musters our admiration, awe, and wonder, as if some beauty is possible in this decimated afterglow. It reminds me of a Pixar movie that I finally saw that earned my disgust despite its widespread popularity: Wall-E. The ominous wasteland of endless trash; the obese, paralytic, and horizontal television-watching humans; the humane machines that are, ironically, more human than the actual ones: these apocalyptic messages awoke in me a kind of existential antipathy I had not expected when I sat down to watch a family-friendly film. Of course, as my brothers rightly pointed out, the redemption that arrives in the shape of a fragile plant in a boot does speak to some hope. Perhaps the future isn't as bad as it seems. Perhaps some beauty can be found after all.

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I certainly hope that this is Kane's message. The last two looks do resemble a floral sky, and if one blinks, those earlier images of war and destruction fade away.

When In Rome...

On the runway...

Dress: Miu Miu

Belt: Max Azria

Pumps: YSL

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I fell in love with Miuccia Prada's spring Miu Miu collection, and this dress, which took its inspiration from large Roman tile prints (see the two heads?), is so striking in its color palette and design (you can't see the back from these photos, but it's completely black).

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On a side note, two days ago I managed to see Anne Hathaway in Shakespeare in the Park's production of Twelfth Night. For some reason, I've seen at least five productions of this play, and this one was by far the best one I've ever seen. Anne Hathaway was simply radiant as Viola/Cesario. For those of you who don't know, Shakespeare in the Park is a free, high-quality summer theatre series in New York City that attracts at least one big name each summer (Liev Schreiber enacted Macbeth recently); the only impediment is the interminable wait to procure tickets (I usually have to wait 6 hours to ensure a seat). As an added bonus, I giddily espied Hugh Jackman and Anna Wintour in the audience! (He's my imaginary celebrity husband. Wait. It's a tie between him and Christian Bale.) Oddly enough, Prince Edward (Queen Elizabeth's third son) and Miss America happened to be at my school the same day. I couldn't believe I saw five celebrities in one day!

Holey Macrame!

Macrame Tunic: Marni

Jeans: Levi's

Pumps: YSL

Although I initially wanted the dress version of this top (see below), I changed my mind and went for the top instead for more versatility. I've got a bad habit of buying cocktail-y dresses, which usually prompts an annoying but predictable response from the salesperson: "Going to an event?" I then resist the urge to roll my eyes and simply say, quite lamely, "Uhhhh, no." I finally realized that I need to buy more "day" items, as my closet is shockingly "night"-dominate. Does anybody else have this peculiar problem, or is it just me?

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The gorgeous but impractical dress version:

Strong Shoulders Part II

Origami Blouse: 3.1 Philip Lim

Skirt: Miu Miu

Wedges: Fendi

I've added the link for Gilt Groupe (for those of you who want to join); see the post immediately following this one.

Gilt Groupe Link

For those of you interested in joining GILT GROUPE, use this link:

http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/cl221

On Shoe Shopping

Enzo Angiolini Waters, on sale for $89

Enzo Angiolini Felissa, on sale for $98.96

Kors Michael Kors Bang Platform Sandals, on sale for $156.90 (down from $225)

Jill Stuart Salem High Heel Gladiator Sandals, on sale for $161 (down from $230); also available in white or camel

L.A.M.B. Frankie Open Toe Thong Pumps, on sale for $248.50 (down from $355)

Coach Jenkins Gladiator Heel (also available in beige), $328.00

In this dismal economy, it's perfectly understandable for one reader to ask about inexpensive shoe options. Here are some pointers about shoe shopping:

1. Nine West, Aldo, Steve Madden, and Enzo Angiolini have budget-friendly shoes with high fashion styles (many of them actually mimic high-end designer fashions), but keep in mind that many times, these shoes may not be as comfortable or high-quality as designer shoes (I warrant that this is not always true, as I have seen poorly-made expensive shoes, but generally, this is the case). If you want a trendy style that will be worn for one or two seasons, these brands provide good options.

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2. Keep in mind that you can purchase higher-quality shoes during sale seasons for similar prices as the brands listed above. Many designers have diffusion lines (lower-priced or contemporary lines) that are in the $200-300 range. Some of these include BCBG, Kors by Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and See by Chloe. Tory Burch, Pedro Garcia, Coach, and other contemporary designers also have high-quality shoes for lower prices than high-end designer ones (I'm waiting for those green Coach beauties to go on sale).

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3. If you live in NYC or LA, check out sample sales for inexpensive shoes. (I have seen Devi Kroell python shoes for under $100.) Of course, if you don't live anywhere near a major city, check out online sample sales: The Outnet (Net-a-porter's discount site), Billion Dollar Babes (slashed contemporary goods), and Gilt Groupe** (this site is for discounted high-end goods). If you live near an outlet, such as Woodbury Commons, you're sure to hit upon a veritable mother lode of discounted goodies. If you aren't squeamish, check out your local consignment store.

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**You have to be invited to join Gilt, but use this link to join:

~http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/cl221

4. Consider investing in expensive, well-made shoes that will last years to come. My YSL Tribute platforms are incredibly well made. Although I "walk like a horse" (to use a friend's self-disparaging comment) and tend to ruin cheaply-made soles, these shoes hardly look it after a vigorous walk down NYC's mean streets. They are worth the expensive price tag. (Many women can hardly stomach the thought of spending that much on a single pair of shoes, but if they add up the price of several of their cheaply-made shoes that wear out very quickly, it would equal those and last longer.)

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5. Take care of your shoes to make them last longer. I know this has nothing to do with purchasing "inexpensive shoes," but I think care is another important element to consider when thinking of your shoes. I used to horribly mistreat my shoes: I'd wear them in the rain, day after day, etc. Make friends with your local cobbler to add a protective sole (to extend the shoe's life), repair ruined soles, and shine them when they get dull. Wear rain boots in rainy weather, and purchase two types of shoes: nice ones for work or special occasions and durable, cheap ones for wear-and-tear situations. Knowing how to take care of your shoes ensures more use and pleasure. And we all know that shoes bring pleasure to the fashionista within each of us!

Short Stories

Blouse: Banana Republic
Shorts: Zara
Pumps: YSL

Jacket: Tree

Top: H&M

Shorts: Banana Republic

Sandals: YSL

I apologize for the lack of posts recently; I'm fiercely finishing up my grading for the school year, which means copious exam marking and report card commenting. (In truth, grading has got to be my least favorite aspect of teaching. I really envy college professors who have graduate student assistants.)

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Back to the post...I've recently rediscovered the joys of shorts (I've lifted the personal ban against them), but there are a few TF-imposed rules I'd like to share:

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1. Shorts must never be an excuse for sloppy dressing. Pair them with something dressier, like a nice top or a structured jacket or, better yet, with stunning heels. (If you can't wear heels with them, at least choose nice flats. Avoid flip flops.)

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2. Short shorts should be not be slutty. Please--nobody wants to see your butt cheeks hanging out of them or varicose veins, cellulite, or any other unsightly parts reserved for dark rooms or forgiving lovers. Wear a length that is appropriate to the situation and that's flattering to your particular body type.

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3. Shorts should not be expensive; this is not the time to splurge. Look to H&M, Zara, Gap, Old Navy, or Banana for budget-friendly versions that are just as chic as the expensive designer ones. Save your dough for a well-made, structured jacket or a pair of classic pumps.

Vintage; Gladiators; Zootopia

Silk Dress: Vintage (mother's)
White Bag: Vintage Chanel
Gladiators: Guiseppe Zanotti

Last Saturday's weather perfectly complimented another trip to the zoo, this time being the Bronx Zoo. Thankfully, my husband's company sponsored a free trip; otherwise, we would have spent a steep $27 per person (plus extras for the Monorail, the Butterfly exhibit, the Apes, and any food expenses). In the end, however, even an expensive trip to this zoo is worth it; we walked around for at least four hours and didn't even get to see everything.

I bought these gladiators on sale last summer, but they're still available at various department stores (now on sale again). They're pretty indispensable: the neutral metallic shade goes with almost anything, they're comfortable, and the back zippers ensure easy access:


Some highlights from the zoo:

Hogging the limelight:


Awww, isn't he cute?!

The Three Stooges:

On the prowl...

Living the good life:

Hang tight:

Home, home on the range: Where the deer and the antelope play!

Preening peacock:

They give stinky a good name:

Possibly the oddest-looking creature I have ever seen:

Ruby Slippers Redux or Ding! Dong! The Wicked Witch is Dead!

Speaking of ruby slippers, I thought I'd share some pictures of a strange and curious gift I once received:

The box (looks innocent enough):



Then the surprise...


In use as a doorstopper!

"She's gone where the goblins go below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out."

What's up with the tacky stockings?!

Another functioning shoe gift from a dear friend (pictures slide into the metallic wedges):

Nude + Black + Ruby

Silk Cardigan: Banana Republic
Top with Sequin Trim: Alessandro Dell'Acqua
Necklace: Aldo
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Platforms: YSL

I normally hate a drop-waisted look, but I couldn't resist the gorgeous sequin detailing on this substantial top (I know you can't feel it, but it's a weighty piece with multiple layers; plus, the top edges contain black slivers for contrast):

None of my shots from yesterday's outfit worked except one of the shoes. I call these my "ruby slippers":

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

On Helping Style Spy (and other bloggers) Achieve World Domination

Gorgeous Style Spy herself, featured above in a drool-worthy YSL dress ~

If you haven't already checked out the glorious list of highly-addictive blogs featured on the right side of your computer screen, do so. I've already mentioned some of my favorites: Wendy Brandes Jewelry, Nini's Style, Diabolina's Super Sweet Fashion Diary, Hanh's Life in Travel, The Little Fashion Treasury, and Miss Cavendish are all among my daily cyberspace visits. Here are a couple more that I must alert you to:

1. STYLE SPY: Style Spy provides discount deals on goodies, works in conjunction with non-profit organizations to help women in third-world countries, and highlights covetable pieces for her fellow fashionistas. But what I love most about this woman is her incredibly humorous wit and sharply-written commentaries. (She also recently posted about yours truly, but I swear this post had nothing to do with that!) She's determined to achieve world domination, and she offers a tempting gift basket to anyone willing to help her do so (visit here to find out).

2. STREET STYLE LONDON: Watch out, Scott. Polka Dot's got London covered, and she does so with a magnanimous eye, highlighting high, low, and quirky fashion--and everything in between.

Isn't Polka Dot adorable?!