Recent Splurge

I've been busy preparing for November market and a few weekend trips that have kept me away from my blog for a while, but I'm back! I just couldn't stay away for too long.

In light of the recent opening of the BCBGMAXAZRIA store on 5th avenue and 40th street, I had determined to mark the occasion with a browse through. I hesitated at first thinking it was just another clothing store and I could find better things downtown or online. I did eventually go in. The decor inside was sparse, illuminated by the bright white walls and ceilings. Assorted alibaster skinned manequins were posed multifariously in BCBG garb throughout the store. The sound of uptempo, heavy bassed music resonated all around me, coaxing me into a jubilant, sociable state of mind. I knew it was playing simply to entice me into investing my hard earned money in some fashionable, trendy accoutrement. Ultimately, it worked!

Frankly, it wasn't just the music or the mood I was in that did it. As I browsed I found quite a few items I could see myself wearing. A couple of silk blouses here, a few trousers and dresses there, I tried on several and made my decision based on fit, style, material and price.

I chose a beautiful pewter colored blouse. I'm currently overdosing on grays but I just can't get myself to commit to brighter colors lately, so pewter it was. It's an adorable smock blouse with a pleated scoop neckline, puffy elbow length sleeves with stitched cuffs, a drop shoulder ruffled seam and a button and loop closure on the left side of the hemline. It fits great, I could wear this out to a party, to dinner, for drinks, to work, with slacks, with jeans, with or without a belt, tucked into a slim skirt, with heels or with flats. I could accessorize it with jewelry or wear it without. Maybe I'll wear this to Thanksgiving dinner! The material is viscose rayon/ polymide and is machine washable. It's just so cute!

I paid about $180 for it at retail and that will go a long way. It was a delightful treat for myself and I had to share it.

If you're NOT near a BCBGMAXAZRIA store, you can find it online at:
BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Neck Top - - Nordstrom.com - silk top - silk blouse - bcbg Stylehive BM 246913 #:246913
OR
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2943587?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=bcbg+in+Women%27s+Apparel&origin=searchresults

School Boy Chic

"You've been a bad, bad boy!", cried the school teacher. The verdict is in....Oxfords rule this fall. Its a bit different from the preppy look we normally associate with the word "oxford" but it definitely gets its influence from it. The look encompasses a little of that rock n' roll look from the 70's with the platfrom and the high heel and a little of the conservative , signature lace up front and patch detail that we've come to know as the oxford look. Bordering on the masculine side but with a femanine silhouette. Here's a picture of Sarah Jessica Parker rockin' this look. To the far left is one by Benetton. In the center is one by Casadei, $655; at Hu's Shoes, 202-342-0202. Consider this a bootie (not quite a shoe, not quite a boot.)

OP-ARTment

Have you ever moved into a new apartment or home with so much wall space you couldn't decide what to do with it? YEAH RIGHT! Not likely if you live in a New York city apartment, but let's just pretend for a second, shall we?

A great way to fill up a blank wall is with this powder coated metal open air sculpture. It's basically op art that plays with positive and negative space. It serves as a conversation piece and art. It is a great item for those of you who prefer minimalist style. The white version is great for adding contrast to a dark wall. It also comes in graphite grey. It measures 49" x 27" and costs $179.00. Shop for this and similar items at thisnext or at http://www.wingarthome.com/.

Little Beau Chic

I take a liking to things that are different or a bit unusual so naturally I liked this dress when I saw it. It's a grey asymmetrical dress by Beau Soleil Beau. It features a right side strap with knot where the fabric is gathered to one side. It reaks of style and comfort all at once and it's very playful. Easy color to work with, the fabric moves with you but doesn't cling. Wear it with flats or pumps or even strappy sandals before this summer is gone. You can even cover up a bit with a cropped bolero jacket if its a little chilly in the evening. One thing's for sure, you'll have fun wearing it.

Addicted

Vanessa Bruno clothing is like crack for the fashionista! You will find many must have pieces that will help you float through the holiday season in a stylish high. Take this coat for instance... Brown wool, funnel neck, pleated bell sleeves, asymmetrcial buttoned placket and slit pockets. So many fun details, so little time! If you can't justify buying something like this for yourself at
$855.00 then consider buying it as a Christmas gift for your best friend or sister who happens to be the same size as you! I mean there should always be a reason for you to enjoy your purchases. Now you won't have to choose between warmth and style. Take a peak at it here...Vanessa Bruno Bell sleeve coat - NET-A-PORTER.COM - wool - brown - seaming Stylehive BM 219153 #:219153

The Future Is Now

As part of my job I'm required to attend trend forecasts and utilize our various online trend services to get foresite about what's up & coming and what's hot, often observing a gazillion runway shots in the process.

Sometimes I come out of the forecasts more confused then when I went in because they try to include every facet, color, style, and area of trend in order to satisfy all of their clients which range from ready-to-wear apparel to every category in accessories (handbags, shoes, jewelry, umbrellas, scarves, etc.) You get the picture.

Recently one thing has become clear in all the trend services I've used... RETRO FUTURISM is so in NOW! What the heck is retro-futurism, you ask? Ok, well as wikipedia puts it, it is:

"...an enthusiasm for the depiction of the future produced in the past."

For us lay people, imagine seeing a 20 something year old female dressed like Charlize Theron in the film Aeon Flux listening to Echo and the Bunnymen or better yet, David Bowie a la Ziggy Stardust, on her newly purchased iPhone, while sporting 70's disco ball earrings because she thinks they're "futuristic and cool". You've just witnessed retro-futurism. She wasn't born when Echo, Ziggy or 70's disco balls were cool, but for her, they all embodied a futuristic style. Ok, see where I'm going with this? NO? Let's just say its hip to envelope the futuristic trends of the past and yet dress savvy enough for life on a space station somewhere on the moon.

So while pyramid studs on accessories (think 80's punk rock) and round snake chains (think 70's disco) are NOT new things, there is definitely a new design take on them. It's just a matter of how you wear them and what you wear them with.

Keep your eyes open for more metallic fabrics also, but in pale, heavenly hues as well as bold, futuristic metal components such as mesh, disks, studs and mirrored balls on various clothing and accessories.

Above photos of Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Wendy Nichol jewelry, assorted runway and magazine shots for fall/winter 2007