Invitation to Join Gilt Groupe

If you haven't yet joined Gilt Groupe, you should. It's a shopper's paradise. And it doesn't only facilitate daily flash sample sales for women's fashions (the sales change every day)--it also includes a plethora of sales for men, children, home goods, and even lifestyle or city-specific discounts (restaurants, vacations, discount dry cleaning, etc.). A sample of today's women's offerings includes Haider Ackerman, Ann Demeulemeester, Nanette Lepore, and fine estate jewelry (think Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels).

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Join by using this link: www.gilt.com/invite/cl221

Happy shopping!

The Rise of Falling Hemlines

Photo from Jak & Jil

Louis Vuitton fall 2010 Runway

Rachel Comey dress, available at Saks

Marion Cotillard at the Premiere of Inception

Marc Jacobs fall 2010 Runway

After what seems to be an interminable obsession with miniskirts, the fashion pendulum has swung again to embrace the longer hemline of 1950s aesthetics. Fashion editorials recreating the idyllic tongue-in-cheek idealism of Leave It To Beaver abound, announcing yet another reason for women to shop. But while this new conservatism is a refreshing directional change (I am the first to admit that I was tiring of the hard-edged rocker chick look), I am reminded of something that George Taylor, a Wharton School of Business economist, noticed in the 1920s: when hemlines rise, so does the economy.

The converse, according to Taylor, also applies, which, if we were to follow his "Hemline Theory," indicates that the fashion gods have predicted an upcoming economic slump. While fall collections tend to be darker, more subdued than spring collections on average, it's hard to deny the newfound classic quietness that dominated the shows. Whether this change is a result of sobering fiscal harbingers or fickle fashion fatigue, it's unclear how many women will embrace this slightly awkward hem length and how and when fears about the economy will fall away.

Summer Uniforms

Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

While I relish the ease and freedom of summer, I dislike dressing for the hot stickiness of summer. Most of my clothes tend to be ornate, heavy, and formal--perfect for the cold wintry months but the very antithesis of easy summertime dressing. With only three pairs of shorts in my closet (I need to buy more shorts!), I find myself limited to a couple of summer uniforms: a) a thin dress and sandals and b) a shirt (preferably collarless, like the one above), shorts, belt, and gladiator flats.

What about you? What is your summer uniform?

Handbags: The Beige Rage

Beige, camel, honey--Fall is all about the latest "it" color.


Marc by Marc Jacobs: Classic Q "Hillier" Tote: I've seen this bag all over town, but this particular shade has charmed me like no other.


Gucci Suede 1973 Medium Shoulder Bag: Gucci, like other designers recently, has come out with a line of vintage-inspired bags that manage to look fresh, not staid.

Balenciaga "Day" Bag in Seigle: If I hadn't just bought a Balenciaga, I would be seriously tempted to purchase this beauty.

Which one strikes your fancy?

Finger-Licking Good: Finger Rings

Gaia Repossi for Alexander Wang (available Fall 2010), Images Taken from www.sweatybettypr.com/blog

BCBG Pave Joint Ring, Images Taken from www.bcbg.com

Every time I wear my BCBG finger ring, I always receive numerous compliments for its unusual design. While the Gaia Repossi version is also a beautiful version, I personally prefer the BCBG version--the pave sparkles against the gold finish. It also has a hidden hinge in the middle, which makes it extremely comfortable--even when typing. Best of all, it won't break the bank.

Current Obsession: Rose Gold Hardware

Bag: Balenciaga Arena City with Rose Gold Hardware

I was initially contemplating the regular gold hardware, but then I laid eyes on this beauty--distinctive yet not as blingy as the gold. I managed to snag the last one in the store!

Close-up of the zipper and studs

Sandals: (very old) Guiseppe Zanotti gladiators

Why aren't more accessories made with rose gold details?

Moiselle: A Serendipitous Hong Kong Find

When I went to Hong Kong for spring break this year, I chanced upon Moiselle, a Hong Kong-based Asian brand that's ubiquitous in all of its many malls (seriously, Hong Kongers put Americans to shame when it comes to shopping--I've never seen so many Chanels, Pradas, and Guccis!). While the brand's price point could be categorized as "contemporary," its quality is much more luxe--think rich tweed jackets, supple silk blouses, impeccably tailored coats, and dramatic evening gowns. I certainly wanted to buy everything in the store, but I limited myself to two blouses: one blue and black silk top with multiple cut-away layers, and the other a simple (at least on the front) black tank with an intricate design of shredded, patterned strips along the back (I've never seen anything like it before). I'm envious of Asian women who have daily access to this brand--I'm surprised it hasn't arrived on Western shores. See the website for more covetable styles.

Blogger Meet Up/Closet Swap

From Left to Right: Kelly (and her adorable chihuahua Bunny) from The Glamourai, Mimi from Brook & Lyn, Joelle from The Owls Are Not What They Seem, and Daphne from Jolie Laide.

Last night I met up with four exceptional bloggers (aren't they fabulous?!) who are all participating in a closet swap organized by Mimi from Brook & Lyn. We're all submitting three items to swap, and doing it all online. Click here to read more. We had a wonderful time chatting over coffee and cookies at The City Bakery. Stay tuned for more details about the swap!

P.S. I saw Brook Shields and Lindsay Price yesterday when I was shopping at the Decades Two Sample Sale...turns out that celebrities shop at sample sales too! I scored a Chanel charm necklace, which I'm crazy about. A girl can't have enough Chanel.

Mane Attraction

YSL Fall 2010

Miu Miu Fall 2010

Alexander McQueen Fall 2010

My Kind Of Style

YSL Spring 2010

This is exactly the sort of thing I'd like to wear come spring with a belt, skinny jeans, and heels.

But It Looked So Good In The Photo...

I immediately fell in love with these chocolate leather shorts from Zara, but regrettably refrained from purchasing it for the following reasons:

1. Poor Sizing: It comes in only two sizes: small and medium, and the small fits like a large or an extra large.

2. No Belt: It doesn't come with the belt in the photo, nor could it be found in the belt section.

3. Fit: After thinking that maybe it only needs a belt to give that "paper bag" effect, I realized it looked terrible no matter how I styled/wore it. I could be wearing a potato sack (and yes, I did see the Project Runway episode about potato sacks) and look less ridiculous.

Alas...if anyone knows of a better fitting alternative, I'm all ears.

Leopard Hunting High and Low

Forever 21 Leopard Sweater; Christian Louboutin Leopard Wedges (on top of red dust bag)

Ever since I saw this stunning pair of Christian Louboutin booties on Street Style London, I was smitten. The booties, however, are unwalkable (they pinch in the front like so many Louboutins). Thankfully I found this highly versatile and comfortable wedge version that I can wear all year long.

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While I usually don't shop too often at Forever 21 (clearly, I am no longer 21), I did pop my head in recently and was surprised to find this adorable cardigan at a ridiculously low price. Although I initially thought that I was buying leopard at the tail-end (no pun intended) of the craze, Alber Elbaz's pre-fall Lanvin collection confirmed that leopard's not going away anytime soon--which is fabulous since I've just fallen in love with it.

The Princess and the Pea-Sized Bag

Look closely!!

You may remember these sandals from the Prada Fairy Collection (spring 2008). My dear friend had this miniature bag custom made for me to match my sandals! (This gives new meaning to my blogger namesake.)

I apologize for the craptastic quality of these photos :( On one side of the bag, the bag maker even included a Prada logo!

The reverse side...

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Yes, I've been a bad blogger lately--I haven't been able to motivate myself to post. Thank you all for being patient with me!

Someday My Prints Will Come

Proenza Schouler spring 2010

Miu Miu spring 2010

Alexander McQueen spring 2010

Christian Cota spring 2010

Peter Som spring 2010

Traditionally, I've been a solids gal with a particular penchant for neutrals and the occasional, but conservative, bright hue. Lately, however, I've found myself gravitating towards all things psychedelic, tribal, and animal. With the newfound surge of optimism that dominated the spring runways--and, for some, the stock market--, designers and shoppers alike have bought into the hope that prints sartorially represent. The ubiquitous leopard print from fall has now evolved into something wilder, something freer: eccentric pattern mixing; feral and tamed animals alike coexisting; and ladylike and hyperbolic floral versions. My most recent purchases testify to this attraction: a tiger-print bubble skirt from Miu Miu, a leopard-print camisole from YSL, a green and gray cubist blouse from Christian Cota, and an asymmetrical zebra sweater from a local boutique. And with the lure of these gorgeous spring prints, I have a feeling that this attraction won't end anytime soon.

The One That Got Away

Leigh Lezark looking stunning in Fendi
Photo Credit: StockholmStreetStyle

"There is always one girl out there that got away...the one that got away...guys have that and serial killers have that."--Adam Sandler in Funny People

Add THAT DRESS to that list. *SIGH*

A Few of My Favorite Things

FAVORITE THING #1: Studded, ornate, museum-worthy heels. These particular beauties are courtesy of Cesare Paciotti (photo credit: Jak & Jil).

FAVORITE THING #2: Sci-fi movies. For those of you who scoff at the idea of Star Trek, let me present to you Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (whose title, I might add, is an allusion to Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" monologue; in Hamlet, "the undiscovered country" is death; in Star Trek, it's the future). This movie really is an allegory of Cold War politics, but it's so much more than that. It addresses our natural racist inclinations and fear of annihilation--so apt today. (I just saw 2012 and The Road--it seems like Hollywood isn't letting up on the apocalyptic theme.)

FAVORITE THING #3: Brunch. Let's face it. I'm a brunch junkie. These delectable blueberry pancakes and the french toast in the next picture are both from Zoe, a restaurant in Soho.

FAVORITE THING #4: Korres. I'm really picky about lotions (I have extremely dry skin), and Korres' Jasmine (or Guava) body butter is insanely rich, fragrant, and healing. I'm also addicted to their shower gel and lip balm.

FAVORITE THING #5: Murad. While we're on the subject of beauty products, let me introduce you to Murad's Clarifying Cleanser. Great for people who have mild to severe acne.

What are some of your favorite things?

The Return of the Kitten Heel?

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

Marni Spring 2010

Missoni Spring 2010

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Dear Patient and Faithful Readers: Thank you for your patience during my long absence. I needed some time away from my blog, and I'm also currently reassessing whether or not I want to continue with it. I'm back--for now--but I will let you know if that changes. I greatly appreciate all of the kind notes you sent and I'll be visiting your blogs again soon.

Fur. Concrete. Spice.

Fur (Lambskin) Vest: Alexander Wang

Leather Jacket: Rick Owens

Cashmere Sweater: Gap

Black and White Tee: BCBG

Jeans: Silence + Noise

Booties: Chanel

Bag: Prada

Here I am wandering around the courthouses and federal buildings by the Brooklyn Bridge stop on the 4/5/6 train line. In the above photo, I'm looking at the Sugar House Prison Window, which was originally part of a prison for American Patriots during the Revolutionary War.

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More vest shots:

I'm obsessed with the idea of a fur vest, and this one by Alexander Wang is quite substantial; it's warm enough to wear as a coat or as a chic layering piece over a leather jacket on brisk fall days.

My husband took me to Spice Market, a trendy Asian-fusion restaurant in the Meatpacking District, for my birthday.

This row was the only empty section of the restaurant when we got there. By the time we left, it was completely filled up.

Appetizer #1: Lobster Summer Roll with citrus-dill gelee

Appetizer #2: Steamed Mussels with lemongrass, Thai basil, dried chili, and coconut juice

Entree #1: Char-grilled Chicken with kumquat lemongrass dressing

Entree #2: Onion and Chili Crusted Short Ribs with egg noodles and pea shoots

Dessert: Ovaltine Kulfi with caramelized banana and spiced milk chocolate sauce

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Have a wonderful week!