In Quotes

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

— Vogue editor-in-chief Diane Vreeland to Elle

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]

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]

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]

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]

Fall in Love

What is it about fall fashion that makes us fall in love? The Sartorialist wondered this today, posting a gorgeous photo of an Italian man in a wool suit.

Every August, as September issues hit the stands, I find myself counting down the days until mid-October, when it's chilly enough to break out the autumn scarves, booties, and trench coats. Then, of course, winter rolls around, and suddenly I'm wishing for sunshine and summertime.

[via The Sartorialist]

Best of September

During my (unbearably hot) trip into the city today, I discovered that the September issues of magazines have hit newsstands! They're definitely on the skinnier side, especially compared to a few years ago, but quality over quantity, right? And the quality's been great. Some highlights:

- Favorite cover, Vogue aside, goes the Leighton Meester for Harper's Bazaar. Not a fan of the digital aging they did for her spread, but the cover looks effortless, glamorous, and ready for fall.

- The best fall fashion guide, hands down, goes to Elle. I think they provided something like 600 different looks!

- Vanity Fair's annual Best Dressed list included some questionable people (Renee Zellweger, seriously?) but I feel like it's gotten so much press in recent days that I don't need to discuss it. Who else has made it a life goal to make it onto that list?

- Glamour put Jessica Simpson on the cover, cashing in on her tabloid popularity in recent weeks. I actually didn't buy the issue because I didn't like her as a cover girl. Likable she may be, but fashion icon she is not.

- Love the Marie Claire profile of Alexa Chung as the "Queen of Cool." I was in the audience of her live show today and yes, she really is that cool in person!

- And after a sneak peak onto the magazine's website, it looks like Amanda Seyfried will rock the Allure cover. She seems an unlikely choice, but the photos do speak for themselves.

- Sidenote: suprised that Diane Kruger isn't on any September covers, given the praise of Inglorious Basterds and how generally pretty and stylish she is! Maybe next time.