Dior Days

Building a closet worth calling effortless style takes years to develop, it just doesn't happen overnight no matter how much money you're willing to spend. One of the major components I was missing from my closet was a monogram clutch that was classic and stylish. I've had my eye on this Dior clutch I recently purchased from my vintage dealer. I have purchased a few items from her and have done so for the last several years. When buying vintage, my recommendation is to buy from a trusted, knowledgeable vendor who can keenly differentiate a fake from a real. A good relationship also means a good price! Try to go to the same person often even if you can't buy, have a discussion about what you would like and he or she can keep an eye out for you when on the hunt!

I'm not Sold...

I'm one of those people that flip through the same magazine several of times throughout the day, week and year! With every flip through a different season or weight gain/loss I see something that for some reason it didn't catch my eye the first time around. As a stylist and a personal self critique when it comes to my own appearance I am most concerned with fit and how to manipulate clothes so they work with my personality and lifestyle.
My most recent mag ravish was People Style Watch a good magazine that turns high fashion into our closet. It also makes editorial images and celebrity dressing more accessible. I spotted this Shoulder Bra top on page 68 and thought it was a genius idea until I went to the shapefx.com website.
Now why is it that a Size A cup model and Size 0/2 model are showcasing how a shapewear works? I want to see a woman with my issues, big problematic DD cups, heavy hips on a smaller waist that's not so small because of that annoying roll in the back. A model conveying such issues would really help sell shapewear to the avg woman who needs the guide! And if the bra is supposed to enhance.... I'm not convinced of that either. Why is it that the part of the bra that connects the shoulder cap to the bra cup is so far from the skin? It looks like its the type of strap that would keep falling off the shoulders which defeats the whole point!
I'm not convinced! We need to test this one out!

Mint Candy Apple!

I'm an off and on polish addict! More of an addict during the winters when there is less of a reveal with all those layers!
Against all my winter camels, reds and black color palettes I fell in love with the mint candy apple and thought what a dash of brightness this will add to the december drobe!
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J Brand!

I'm really loving the fit of these jeans!
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Helmut Newton

The Vogue Years.
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Dress for Less

These are the very things that give me fashion high blood pressure!! Many months ago I did a post on these new Pollini shoes I purchased. They're suede cutout booties with a stack heel. Suede is one of my favorite shoe fabrications. Its rich and it automatically gives a look a luxe punctuation! What's even more appealing is how its open toe so it can be worn through out the seasons with or with out hosiery! I fell in love! They were expensive but hey, they're shoes!! But while in LA at Nordstrom's Rack. I noticed these leather cut out black shoes that look almost identical with my Pollini's!! The designer knockoffs are close, don't you agree?
I always preach that good accessories are an investment and I will never back down on those convictions! But if we were doing a dress for less fashion segment, I think we found it!

Marc Jacobs Men

I couldn't get enough of these masquerade eyewear at MJ's!

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Black Belt

Interesting way to slim down a chunky sweater! I like this from http://gille-k.blogspot.com/

Set for Congo

Ornate designs on well tailored futuristic clothing always catches my eye. David Koma's Spring collection did not only catch my eyes but it sent my pupils to full on dialation! What's most impressive is the designer who just recently graduated from fashion school in March 2009. This young creative fire captures sexy adornment in a way that feels futuristic at the same time. The glass/lucite bracelets paired with the moments are fun and innovative! Just when I thought I had enough arm pieces Koma reminds me that there is always room for more cha cha!

Step One and Step One Again?

We constantly discuss how fashion seems to repeat itself throughout the ages, but what happens when great photography and art direction is repeated? Do we acclaim it as a complement or nouveau interpretation?

"In the 70's you began to see a new kind of American brashness. Why shouldn't a woman have the nerve to show a little abandon? Isn't that reality?
- Polly Allen Mellen, Vogue Fashion Editor 1966 -1991

Vogue has consistently created an art direction that reverberated the times. This raw image depicted that sense of brashness; a bold move to things "less done."

The picture above, August 2008 cover of Zink magazine is very similar to the Vogue image but the differences are quite interesting. The eye thats now opened for instance, or the hand that's bejeweled, it propelled me to think either we are more aware of who we are as women or have we become a part of a fashion formula where following art is more important than allowing our experiences to dictate what fashion should really be.

Art direction is vital to giving understanding to how fashion should be worn and provides visual to the designation. But if we are going to repeat fashion and art photography what does that say about us as consumers? What does it say about OUR time?

@ Moschino

I wouldn't need any other accessories with these!

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Somber Palate

All Aboard Marie!

Marie pictured above is family to me.  She is one of my inspirations and I have always admired her intelligence and wit. I haven't seen her in years until recently. Marie told me about her 3 month trip to a foreign country in the next few weeks. Of course, your purveyor wanted to know what she would be bringing along for this amazing self-awareness journey! Let's just say my question sparked a whole shopping project. 

One of the most important items a woman can own in her wardrobe is a beautiful tailored  blazer! An extra plus if its a tuxedo jacket. I discovered this blazer shortly after my cheetah hat spotting. Marie needed some convincing! Well a picture says a thousand words! 

I told my lovely friend that having a blazer on this trip is almost empowering. Your ready for anything chic with this moment on. Without question. All she needed was a cute mini skirt (you don't want to bend over and exposed yourself through the sheerness of tights, its not refined.)  The patent leather shoes provided the accent mark and my DG pin gave the look character.

Have a great trip Marie, send us pictures of you with the look oversees!!

xopurveyor

My feet are caged in Ferretti!!

I'm all the way in for these caged and netting shoes for Fall! The trend is the new sexy! Making the feet oh so vulnerable!
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Cheetah Accents!

I've been on the hunt for a cheetah hat that wasn't synthetic (yuck!) and I found it! Its so chic, like the Vogue editorials from the September Issue! Recently on Facebook, I asked my pals what do they think about cheetah, sexy or tacky?? Mostly everyone agreed that when cheetah is done as an accent, it looks great. Balance, Balance, Balance! OD on anything is never in good taste. 

Laugh out Loud

I'm in the Windy City Chicago laughing, living and working! While in town my friends took me to Selmarie. The food there is amazing and the service seamless. If it wasn't for my new practice of portion control, I would have seconds! Rose is pictured here with me. 

ON ME: Vintage Italian Leather Jacket, La Rok Pants, Sonia Rykiel Scarf

ON ROSE:  Wool Pea Coat by Sandro

Cork Screw Purse!

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Dynamic!!

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Not Exactly the Blues

Been on the go! How are you all doing?? My latest accent D&G ribbon pin!
Sweater Givenchy
Pants: Zara
Eyewear: Vintage no label

Latest Arm Candy by Marc Jacobs, $9 each!

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