Coveting

Traveling for the holidays but still looking to stay warm and cozy? Check out the Burberry Cashmere Travel Ballet Flats. Now all you need is the tree and the crackling fire.

Retailing for $175 at Saks.

In Quotes

"I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity."

— Vogue editor-in-chief Diane Vreeland to Elle

Razzle Dazzle

Sequined Converse: fabulous or heinous? I think they're great, though I'm not sure how I'd wear them.

Coveting

It's a little Alice in Wonderland, a little Mad Hatter, but still a lot of simply fabulous. If you want to stand out in a crowd, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Runway Box Headband is perfect for you. Now off to Wonderland...

Retailing for $118 at Bloomingdale's.

My Favorite Pirate

I know he's not a fashion figure, but Johnny Depp is among my favorite actors and for a man, he's very fashion forward. Esquire did a great interview with him, so I figured I'd post some of the highlights:

- "My life is my life because of Tim [Burton]. Definitely."

- "Don't take any shit off anyone, ever. Eloquent and right."

- "My definition of freedom is simplicity, really. Anonymity."

House of Coco

Want to see Coco Rocha's home? It's prettttty awesome. In fact, I'm kind of jealous.

Coveting

I feel like I'm always on the market for a gorgeous wallet, but none of them meet all the criteria. It's either too small, a weird color, not enough credit card slots, or too clunky to fit in a purse. This Tory Burch Suki Python-Embossed Leather one is just right. A chic wallet that also doubles as a fancy clutch? I'm sold.

Retailing for $275 at Bloomingdale's.

In Quotes

"Unless you have been living in northern Tibet or someplace equally remote, you know that models have distinct walks. For instance, if Carmen Kass were forced to walk with a bag over her head, you would know from the little shake of her bust, as well as the high knee step, that it was Carmen. Karlie Kloss, a new runway star, walks with a sort of campy sphinxlike motion of her head, accompanied by a glare. According to J, Coco Rocha, who walks quickly, with her chin tucked in, "looks like her nose is always running."

— Cathy Horyn profiling Miss J. Alexander for the New York Times

The New 'Rachel'

Everyone, including the New York Times, is obsessed with Blake Lively's hair. As if we didn't already know.

Mad for (Beige) Plaid

The Sartorialist did a long-term project for Burberry called "Art of the Trench." The results are up now, and it is nothing short of amaaaazing. I was seriously drooling while perusing, and you will be too.

Coveting

Of course the designers are already teasing us with Resort Collections (just as we're approaching freezing temps, no less!), but the Cavalli Tropical Shirtdress is especially a killer. The light silk, the bold print... oh, I wish it were cruise time already!

Retailing for $1,095 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Too(s) Cool

The Sartorialist's profile of Amir Toos is absolutely awesome. Some highlights:

Q: Personal style quirk?

A: Always leave room for assumption!

Q: Never caught wearing?

A: Dress shirt with a tie, without the jacket, in public.

Q: Favorite Place to search for inspiration?

A: Manhattan Public Library.

In Quotes

"It's the same thing in me that makes me love fashion — I'm fascinated by colors and textures and layering things."

— Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, on her love of interior decorating (and fashion!)

Coveting

Rachel Zoe is obsessed with chunky YSL pumps, and frankly, I am too. This pair is covered (and dark colored) enough to justify winter wear and the 6-inch heel ensure you'll be a focal point in any crowd.

Retailing for $895 at Neiman Marcus.

Bed Head

Obsessed with Kate Moss's beyond sexy hair in the new Topshop ads? Well, Fashionista is too. Gold star for whoever has the best advice on how to achieve the look.

Bemused

Nylon chronicles some of the muses of the moment in their latest blog post. My favorite? The fabulous Alexa Chung, of course.

She Had It Coming

Lindsay tells the Times UK that she knew she'd be a target for her Ungaro collection. The gist:

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I didn't expect everyone to be completely loving the collection. It is the same with everything I have done. I knew that people were going to target me. I am a target. I don't know why I am, but I am, and I accept that."

Oh, Lindsay.

To Luxe or Not to Luxe?

We are apparently back to this notion of luxury shame, and apparently it's hurting the luxury market substantially. Thoughts?

Coveting

I know I've been exhibiting an obsession with bows recently, but a life-long love is not easy to cure!! Donna Karan seems to agree with me, as she designed this gorgeous perfect-for-the-office-presentation-but-also-for-the-party-after outfit. The Bow Tie Wrap Jacket alone makes me want to die smiling.

Retailing for $1,495 at Saks.

(Rolled-Cuff pants are an additional $695.)

Fashion from the UES

Into the prep school scene? Well, the styles they are a-changin'. W Magazine reports that although Blair Waldorf headbands are here to stay, Upper East Side schools are overrun with neon Doc Martins, 80s blazers and pillbox hats. Yes, Jackie O style. Check the crazy interview out for yourself.

The Future of Fashion

Fashion heavyweights like Ashley Olsen, Isaac Mizrahi and fashion critic Robin Givhan gathered at the 92nd Street Y last night to discuss fashion in this time of economic peril and where it's heading next. The Cut did a great little round-up of the event, but here are some highlights:

Mizrahi: "I think that to be stylish you have to connect to something and love it."

Givhan: "I think [Michelle Obama] is a perfect example to them that you can incorporate fashion into your lives..."

Olsen: "For me, when I look at it as a celebrity brand, it's almost silly to me, because I'm not coming from a celebrity standpoint."

In Quotes

"Truthfully...it is hard to go wrong with black pumps. It really comes down to a two-step process. 1. Find a pair you love — the higher the heel, the better. 2. Wear them with everything!"

— stylist Rachel Zoe (in The Zoe Report) on a classic wardrobe staple

Coveting

It's only mid-October, and my ears are already numb from the cold. I'm not one to pull off bold hats, but this Helen Kaminski Tashi Rollable Fur Felt Hat just makes me smile enough to try it. The pleat is extra adorable, isn't it?

Retailing for $245 at Bloomingdale's.

In Quotes

"I like to think that my style and the clothes I design are effortlessly elegant and sexy. I think the word effortless is very important. I think that that creates an ease and a confidence, because I think there's nothing more beautiful than a woman who's confident."

— legendary designer Diane von Furstenburg describing her own style in this month's Harper's Bazaar

Class of 2010?

Vanity Fair did a yearbook-style awarding of superlatives for the SS10 fashion show season. Definitely worth taking a look.

The Weather Outside is Frightening

The rapid temperature drop has made one thing very clear: it's time to start thinking of winter coats. Thankfully, Refinery 29 has compiled a list of this season's greatest hits. Check it out, and get ready to break out the scarves and mittens.

Crazy for Coco

The Coco Rocha ads for Zac Posen look unbelievable. A real vision in red.

[via Fashionista]

All That Glitters

...is Natalia! Photographed here at the Gaia Repossi and Eugenie Niarchos party.

[via Style.com]

So Sartorial

Esquire UK did a fabulous little interview with The Sartorialist recently. The highlight:

ESQ: Who’s the best-dressed man in the world?
SS: “I never think about that. I’m interested in the idea of visual greed; I don’t care who a person is, what brands they’re wearing or whether I like their whole look. I’ll shoot just their particular collar and the way it works with their tie and pocket square. There’s a guy called Lino who has a store in Milan called Al Bazar, and he’s such a character, but I don’t want to be like him. I love the way he dresses, but in an abstract way.”

Coveting

We all know I love ribbons and bows, and this Ranjana Khan Crystal-Bow Strap dress double the pleasure. An absolute must-have for the winter holiday party season.

Retailing for $1,275 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Spotted in Paris

By the Sartorialist, of course.

The Incredible Irving

As you may have heard, iconic photographer Irving Penn passed away this morning. The fashion world is sure to dearly miss him. If you want some background history, the New York Times obit is gorgeous and really does do him justice.

There Are No Words

[via The Cut]

The Wearability Factor

What's this? Fashion being wearable? Whoever heard of such nonsense? Apparently the New York Times has, and the Parisian deities like YSL and Chloe. I like to call it couture-meets-comfort. What a fabulous concept...

[via NYTimes]

In Quotes

"If you say to me, I've got a ticket to Paris, I want to be able to go now."

— Annabel Hodin on how she dresses

So Stella

As Stella McCartney's collection debuted yesterday on the Paris runway, the Guardian UK ran a story/interview with McCartney, discussing what it's like to live as a Beatle's child. Some highlights:

- "The beliefs I was raised with – to respect animals and to be aware of nature, to understand that we share this planet with other creatures – have had a huge impact on me."

- "What? They are heartless. They must be! Why on earth would they use fur and leather otherwise? There's no excuse for fur in this day and age. Baby kids are boiled alive. Foxes are anally electrocuted. If that's not heartless, what is?"

- "Wearable – it's almost a dirty word in fashion, wearable, but that's what I do."

- "The greatest luxury of having the parents I had was that it has enabled me not to have to compromise. In the back of my mind, I always knew – if this all goes horribly wrong, I'll be all right. That's an option that most people just don't have, financially."

Coveting

Where would I wear this Marchesa masterpiece? I have no idea. And yes, I know it looks like a sea of plums. But I'm really in love with it.

Retailing for $6,820 at Neiman Marcus.

In Quotes

"You know how little girls draw princesses in beautiful dresses? I've never stopped."

— up-and-coming designer Caroline Seikaley, describing her collection in this month's Vogue

A Culture of Spending Cuts

The Style section of the New York Times wrote a feature a few days ago about the spending cuts that have been enforced at Conde Nast since the macho McKinsey advisers came in. Apparently, freelance writers stay at hotels like the W when on assignments? No longer.

Coveting

I guess this morning's unexpected showers freaked me out a little bit, because now I'm frantically searching for the perfect fall trench. I haven't necessarily settled on one yet, but this Kate Spade "Bisous" Sateen Bow Trench seems simply perfect — Grace Kelly meets Katharine Hepburn.

Retailing for $645 at Bloomingdale's.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Milan Fashion Week is well under way, and one of the lines garnering rave reviews is, of course, Versace. According to WWD, it's highly whimsical...something straight out of Alice in Wonderland. My absolute favorites below:

Oh, It's Hard to Live in the City

My favorite reality TV guilty pleasure? The City. Yes, seriously. And this NYMag interview with Whitney Port summarizes why, so check it out.

In Quotes

"Some people dream of having a big swimming pool — with me, it's closets."

— Audrey Hepburn, expressing every fashionista's priorities

They Grow Up So Fast

Everyone's in a tizzy today about Suri Cruise wearing glittery kitten heels while out on the town with Katie yesterday. I don't know about you, but I think there's nothing wrong with that. So...she looks a little 3-going-on-30, but what of it? She pulls off those heels and ruffled skirt better than most older girls I know!

[via NY Daily News]

Emmy Fabulous

So the Emmy's are on, and though I know everyone (seriously, everyone!) will be weighing in on the outfits tomorrow morning, I just can't resist weighing in right. My two favorites for the night go to actresses from my two absolute favorite TV shows:

Sandra Oh in Marchesa

Leighton Meester in Bottega Veneta

[via The Cut]

Coveting

Milly's designs are all covered in ruffles and bows this season (love it!), but this Ruffle Knee Coat in Smoke is a particular favorite. Regal enough for your visit to see Her Majesty and sexy enough for the downtown dinner date... sounds just right.

Retailing for $675 at Neiman Marcus.

The Bold and the Beautiful

I always feel like beauty is an often-ignored aspect of Fashion Week. After all, you're so busy gaping at fabulous materials, cuts, and colors of clothes that nobody has time to check out the eyeliner or the chignon. W Magazine did a great little round-up of the best beauty trends from NYFW. My favorite is the white eyeliner — crazy, but I'm dying to try it! Check out the rest here.

In Quotes

"The It's About Time Award: Finally, the good folks at Coca-Cola realized that it was unnatural for fashionistas to be without a cold Diet Coke for longer than 45 minutes, and kindly partially sponsored the shenanigans at Bryant Park. Our raging addiction thanks them."

— The Fug Girls, perfectly summarizing a staple of the fashion lifestyle: calorie-free soda.

The Great American

For the preppies among us (myself included), Mr. Ralph Lauren is something of a demi-god. Kind of made my day when he was the subject of Vanity Fair's Proust Questionnaire this month. Highlights below:

When and where were you happiest?
Eating a burnt-bacon cheeseburger and pecan pie at J. G. Melon.

What is your most treasured possession?
My little dog, Bikini.

What is your current state of mind?
Depends upon my hair.

[via Vanity Fair]

(Fashion) Week in Review

Jealous that you're not at the tents? I feel you. Make like me and stalk the photos, becoming your own critic of what's hot and what's not. Some of my top picks:

Oscar de la Renta

Tory Burch

DVF

Zac Posen

Ralph Lauren

[via NYTimes]

In Quotes

"Designers are trying to figure out what will motivate their customers and new customers to shop."

— Vogue fashion editor Sally Singer on designers' approaches this Fashion Week

Coveting

I've tried for years to love boots, I really have. To me, they're sexy but eternally uncomfortable, and though I always think I want a pair, I never end up pulling them off quite right. So when the news broke that this fall's staple item was over-the-knee boots, I said to myself, "No way." I'm just not made to rock those kinds of things.

It all changed when I discovered the Chloe Tied Leather OTK Boots. Soft and wearable, bold but not obnoxious (because the leather is matte, not shiny), these feel like they'd be a true investment shoe. Plus I'm a sucker for anything with bows.

Retailing for $1,295 at Nieman Marcus.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears...Oh My!

Of all the beautiful collections that have shown in New York so far, possibly my favorite — and what looks to be the most wearable — is the DVF ready-to-wear. The safari prints are bold, beautiful, and perfect for spring. Nothing like a leopard print to brighten up your day...

[via The Cut]

A (Fashion) Career of One's Own

The New York Times published an article today about how now more than ever, fashion graduates are not satisfied working behind the scenes or helping on background stuff...they want to become the editors, the designers, the stylists of the future, and they want to do it fast.

How does one get started, you may ask? In a nutshell: don't expect to start at the top, be prepared to suffer, know that naivete is bliss, and be persistent.

Go in cautiously though. As Kelly Cutrone put it, "You'll be very lucky if you start and end your career liking clothes."

The Moment profiled the Kubricks' personal chef of 6 years, Celia Brooks Brown, today, and she's quite the character... This is definitely a story you'll want to read.

Some fun facts: she loves dirty martinis, "gangsta acrylic nails," and Brief Encounter. For serious.

How the Fashionable Shop

In honor of Fashion's Night Out, the Times asked some of the world's best shoppers — Vogue's various Editor-in-Chiefs — what they intend to buy and why they shop. Some highlights:

"What I love about shopping is that it fulfils different functions. Acquisition is such a small part of the experience. It’s the excitement of possibility that is the most enjoyable part — the idea that you are going to find treasure." — Alexandra Shulman, British Vogue

"For Vera [Wang], hitting the stores is about more than an act of acquisition. It’s one of self-invention and self-empowerment, no matter how small and inexpensive her purchase might be. It's Vera’s attitude that I’ll keep in mind when I do the rounds on September 10." — Anna Wintour, American Vogue

"I’ve never had a case of buyer’s remorse. The trick lies in really knowing your body, understanding what works, spending only what you can afford, and buying only what you love. A year ago, I saw a beautiful, sequined Abraham & Thakore coat and I had to have it. I am yet to wear it. But I know that the perfect time will come." — Priya Tanna, Indian Vogue

[via Times UK]

In Quotes

"I really try to live in the now. It’s not that I try to live in a fake world or that I don’t respect the past or tradition, but I make clothes for now, I think."

— designer Dries Van Noten on his designs

[via The Moment]

At Summer's End

I'm sort of in denial that Labor Day marks the end of summer, especially because that means the end of all things strappy and flowy and white.

Don't freak out too much though, because it also means end-of-summer sales (or, investing for next summer!). Found this adorable Tory Burch Kelsey Low Cork wedge. It's the perfect shade of turquoise and is now $150 at Bloomingdale's, down from $250.

Maybe the end of summer isn't so bad after all...

Coveting

I know, I know...the Little Black Dress never gets old. But if it ever did begin to bore you, this Missoni Banded Dress is a fabulously chic, effortlessly cool alternative. It's short but comfy — what more could you ask for?

Retailing for $1,955 at Bergdorf's.

Glamour Girl

Wishing I were this glamorous...difficult in this humid weather.

[via Tory Burch Twitter]

Shopping Strategy

Fashionista and Marie Claire fashion editor Nina Garcia just released a new book called The Style Strategy: A Less-is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart.

In a nutshell: buy what you need, stick to your guns, and don't forget the basics. Thanks, Nina.

[via Marie Claire]

In Quotes

"Pencil skirts are high maintenance, requiring high heels, skinny tops, a slim, short jacket, sheer or completely opaque tights and a Mad Men sassiness."

— Times UK writer Lisa Armstrong commenting on a challenging winter fashion trend

What's in a Word?

NYMag's fashion blog, The Cut, asked designers to describe their upcoming Spring 2010 collections in a single word. Some highlights:

"Evocative"

Jason Wu

"Off-shore"

Proenza Schouler

"American Beauty"

Tory Burch

"Perv"

Alexander Wang

"Splendiferous"

Anna Sui

"Singed"

Rodarte

Coveting

Cold weather will be here be here before you know it, and there's nothing better than a great coat to help you beat the winter blues. Try this amazing Red Valentino Bow-Neck jacket to stay warm and stand out when the clouds roll in.

Retailing for $1,090 at Saks.

In Quotes

"Lack of effort. Bad fit. And bad quality (Not to mention bad shoes.) The cargo shorts, T-shirt and flip-flop combination."

— New designer Antonio Azzuolo on the worst fashion faux pas a guy can make

Sienna's Style

Yesterday I confessed that I'm obsessed with the Olsens. Well, another style obsession of mine is Sienna Miller, and I was beyond thrilled when I opened up WhoWhatWear today to see a profile of her summer outfits. I saw her up close recently, and yes, she is this effortlessly glamorous in person. If only we could all be so blessed.

Olsen Obsessed

Confession: I'm obsessed with the Olsen twins. They've had me hooked since the Full House days, and yes, I'm still a loyal fan. I know that even on a good day, they look like they went shopping in a trash can, and I realize that they're certainly not Oscar contenders in the acting arena, but they're just so...cool.

This article in yesterday's Style section of the New York Times cemented my love for them. Their high-end collection, The Row, is the very definition of 'simply perfect.' Nice to know that "beleagured retailers" can't help but gush over them as well.

In Quotes

"I don’t always recognise [my style] because if you ask me what my style is, I’m really not that sure. Really. It wasn’t until I started to work for Gucci in the Nineties that it started to become clear to me. And that’s because Tom Ford was pushing me to do the dark eye make-up, to wear high heels and to keep things very simple and lean."

— French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld on her signature style

Crazy for Wang

W Magazine did an interview with the amazingly talented Alexander Wang. Some highlights:

- he really considers himself "a Nineties kid" and admits to being inspired by Saved by the Bell

- his look now is t-shirt-and-black-jeans style, quite simple

- he names shoes after models and purses after TV show characters

Could this guy be any cooler? I think not.

[via W Editors' Blog]

Savings at Starbucks

A self-proclaimed Starbucks addict, I'm always looking for the best deals at my favorite coffee chain. Today I watched a fabulous and informative slideshow on the many ways to save at Starbucks, all while satiating your coffee craving.

A fun fact that the slideshow omitted: Starbucks has a "short" size. Yes, a size smaller than tall. They don't advertise it but will be happy to oblige if you order one. Your wallet (and your calorie counter) will thank you.

[via Savvy Sugar]