The Wright Gems May 31, 2008

Two piece necklace by artist Cara Tilker

Ever thought that you could take a piece of the Guggenheim at home with you? Or wear it to a party and have everyone fall head over heels with… your jewelry? (Not you, sorry…) Check out the Restoration Rocks limited collection, which features unique pieces in silver or gold, acrylic, and gunnite as it was collected during the 2007 restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind. Unique and breathtaking as Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique building. I am currently eyeing this two-piece necklace.

Check it out at the Guggenheim Museum store at 88th street and 5th avenue or go on line: www.guggenheimstore.org

Bold Brights for Eyes May 4, 2008

 Dior sunglasses Neimanmarcus.com

One of the new trends for the season is bright sunglasses. Keep the color solid if this is your first time, or try a couple of combinations if you are more riske. A couple of tricks to get the trend right, so you don’t end on the fashion faux-pas list:

- If the hue is bold, the frame should be simple.

- Find a hue that complements your skin tone. If you are unsure, or your personal shopper is not at arm’s reach, ask the store associate for help - they are usually pretty good.

- If you are unsure about the pair you are trying on, leave them and come back another day. If you still like them, then get them.

Remember: brights and colorful sunglasses can become the outfit, so keep everything else simple. HAPPY SHOPPING!

 

D&G sunglasses from Neimanmarcus.com

Ladies & Gentlemen: what’s hot - spring 2008 March 17, 2008

Hello readers! Many of you have been asking me what are the Trends for spring 2008, because you want to have a list handy when you hit the stores. Keep notes please.

Ladies

The new shift dress from Liz Clairborne

- Neutrals, black and white, hues of jewel colors
- High Waists are back, the real waist is defined by belts
- Thin belts wrapped around the waist a couple of times is very 2008.
- 30s, 50s and 60s inspiration
- Bohemian chic is always a spring/summer favorite
- Safari pants paired with stripy tops & a tailored jacket
- Fedoras will keep you looking cool and keep the sun off your face
- Kaftans & gold sandals are one of the hottest looks when the temperature rises
- Bold colors in ladylike classics will spice up your office look, I.e. a red trench coat, or yellow pumps
- Floral dresses. They are back and totally hot

Gents
The white shirt & vest combo by Paul Smith

- Crisp white shirts with tailored vest & pants in a sand shade
- Woven accessories, i.e. a bag or shoes
- Sleek tops & jackets paired with tennis shorts for the weekend chilled look
- Charcoal or black jacket + white shirt + colored denim + sneakers = urban dandy
- The pinstriped suit. Always a classic
- Don’t bother with ties. The designer Yamamoto never wears one, even when he meets kings, queens and emperors

Last but the most important point on both lists: Be true to yourself: if you are not sure about a look, don’t bother.

Happy Shopping!

Spring-Summer 2008 / Women / Milan Fashion Week October 1, 2007

Thank God for Italian designers! Here are my favorite shows from Milan’s fashion week for spring / summer 2008. Start saving now!

GUCCI - For images click here
A very different collection, very inspiring and definitely Frida Giannini will have us talk about her collections in the years to come. Loved the biker jackets and the flowery mini dresses, while the compination of black and white with hues of sunflower yellow is very Italian chic.

Anna Molinari For images click here
Sweet meets Grecian meets T-shirt dress, one of the best collections for spring 08 so far. Lovely chiffon dresses, which can be worn by all of us everywhere, a wonderful collection which makes me look forward to many lovely breezy mediterannean days and starry nights.

Emilio Pucci - For images click here
When you want to change from the goddess-like airy dresses of Anna Molinari and wear something more structured and geometric, but fun and versatile, then Matthew Williamson of Pucci should be your designer of choice. Boho of Capri, now that’s what I call an It collection.

MaxMara - - For images click here/em
This is the collection for your office wardrobe, gone funkier, asian inspired and definitely stylishly deconstructive. Loved the jackets and the dresses; always appropriate, never boring.

Versace- For images click here
There is one word to describe Donnatela’s spring 08 collection: WOW!!! There wasn’t anything in the collection from the belted silk shift dresses, to the gowns, to the jumpsuits that did not look fabulous…Elegantly sexy and fantastic colors of the fruits’ spectrum. I wish I could buy everything.

Silk for Chic August 4, 2007

Silk Charmeuse Pintuck Blouse at Liz Clairborne
Summer is at full blast…Dressing for work should be easy and breezy, but that doesn’t mean that you can go to the office in a tank and flip flops, a look that I find should be left for a lazy weekend on the beach and out of the board room.

The top trend in the top department is a silk blouse. Get yourself a couple a silk tops / blouses which you can pair with knee length skirts, trousers but also jeans. They are dressy enough for work, easy to wear, let your body breath and so pretty against your sun-kissed cheeks.

It is a perfect time to look for a silk blouse, knock-offs are everywhere and you can wear them in the fall/winter too under a cashmier jacket or a blaser. Tres chic!

Loving Geometry June 16, 2007

Abaete Dress at Bluefly.comMissoni Dress at saksfifthavenue.com

Chic girls know their geometry and how it can be applied in real life. ‘Does this sofa fit in my living room corner, does this square shape of sunglasses suit my round face, can this crescent shaped clutch fit my daily essentials for work?’

Now chic girls are very excited because geometrical shapes have become the new fresh trend for summer, which will stretch out in the winter months. Isn’t that grand? Now you can buy this dress that you’ve been eyeing for a while, without feeling guilty for your budget, as you’ll be killing two birds with one stone.

Geometrical shapes have inspired designers this season and you can find them on apparel, accessories and outwear. What am I buying? Just a dress. A simple A-line mini dress with a geometrical pattern like this Abaete one featured here.

If you decide to go geometrical, I recommend that you look for a simple design of the garment you decide to buy. A complicated design and a geometrical pattern together can be overkill. Pair your dress with chunky heels now or boots for winter, and top it off with eyeliner +gloss for a 60s look gone very 2007-8.

Happy shopping!

Pucci Girl May 15, 2007

Pucci Love Print Shift Dress, at Net-a-Porter
Since 1947 when Emilio Pucci was approached by a Harper’s Bazaar photographer who asked him to design skiwear for a story in 1948’s winter edition of Bazzar, to the enormous hit of his couture house, which opened in 1950 on the Isle of Capri, fashionistas everywhere have been following the Pucci style religiously. The Pucci style is known for the use of bright colours and bold patterns.

Today, the Pucci style is hotter than ever. Try getting the real thing, because a fashion-savvy person can always tell the difference between the authentic design and the copy-cat. In an authentic Pucci design, the colors clash very tastefully.

But if you’re on a budget, try the vintage route, or just buy a scarf which you can pair with everything. It is a great investment that you’ll wear many-many seasons and years to come.

CIAO!

Get a cool shirt and help kids in Africa April 12, 2007

How would you feel if you could buy a unique T, but know that 100% of the money spent on that T would go to those who really need it? Great! Right?

I came across this cool vintage T on line boutique, Defunkd. They offer rare vintage Ts from a large spectrum of collectible concert Ts, from hip-hip to punk rock to pop culture, mostly from the 80s. Currently they are auctioning 20 mint vintage Live Aid concert Ts online with 100% of profits donated to benefit the original cause. The auction will be on until May 10, & store visitors will have an opportunity to bid on original concert shirts from Live Aid - the world’s biggest rock festival held in 1985 to raise money for starvation in Africa.

This charity auction is the result of a partnership of Defunkd and Africa Aid, a non-profit organization, which provides financial assistance to underprivileged African communities through a range of initiatives, from AIDS-related issues to education and sustainable development.

One cannot claim to be a knowledgeable shopper, if one doesn’t check out vintage stores. When buying vintage one can be assured of uniqueness and pop out from the mainstream. An easy way to start buying vintage is T-shirts. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to wear a unique and cool T and in many cases the only way is vintage.

Check these websites out: www.defunkd.com and www.africaaid.com

Spring is all about clutch bags March 19, 2007

Goldenbleu Tiffany Patent Clutch at Neiman Marcus

I am dreaming of spring. I am dreaming of beautiful warm days, long walks in the park, sipping coffees at outdoor cafes and people watching. I am also dreaming of a clutch bag…

To read the rest of the article CLICK HERE!

Fashionable Music February 23, 2007

Great music and great fashion style go hand in hand. There is no fashion stylist or fashion creator, who works without music in the background. Music helps you dream and open up, it reveals emotions and desires that wouldn’t probably come out on the surface without the stimulation of a good tune. And sometimes when you get hold of a good CD, that’s pretty much all you are listening to.

Recently I got hold of a great album, ‘DEEP’ by the group Ror-Shak. I am listening to it when I am writing, when I am styling clients or when I am playing with my daughter. It is a well-balanced album containing a lot of airy and melancholic vocals by famous artists such as Julee Cruise, Lisa Shaw and others, while the music style is a composition of broken beats, downtempo, soulful chill, electronica and some cool jazz.

Every song on the album is very simple and complex at the same time, full of surprises, uplifting but also makes you think a bit deeper than usual. I guess that’s why DB and DJ Stakka, the brains behind Ror-Shak, called the album ‘DEEP’.

Check it out