Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

I wish I had a few photographs of my best examples of this topic, but alas I am without. However, still droning on about the poor economy I want to say that there is little way to justify the prices of all things fashion these days. Thus I am stealing the campaign slogan about the environment and applying it to our wardrobes - it is time to ‘reduce, recycle, and reuse’. It’s time to get creative!
Lets admit it - we could all happily wear a new outfit everyday. Sick to death of looking at the same clothes in my closet but not eager to spend any money has forced me to come up with new combinations in an otherwise old wardrobe. You’d be surprised how chic some pieces you purchased three years ago still are; you’re probably just bored of seeing them hanging in your closet.
Reduce the amount of time you spend shopping. Recycle the items you already have by looking in the back of the closet at the clothes you swore you’d never touch again or by going through those old boxes of clothes. Reuse all your findings by pairing possibilities you never imagined together. I have faith that the inability to buy the trend of the moment will allow for individual style to resurface where it has been lost to our lust for labels.

Copycat

I am usually all about the real thing. I have never been a fan of knockoffs, however these are troubled times and $900 for shoes, even exquisite shoes, is ludicrous. At Barney’s I was smitten with a pair of Lanvin pumps, as I am with most things Lanvin. Sadly I had to leave the store and the love of my life on the shelf. A few days later I was at Steve Madden with a friend when we both saw the perfect copy of the Lanvin pumps possible. Best part, people keep complimenting me on them! I have a new respect for the delicate design of copying perfection.

Classic, Contemporary, Chanel

Only Chanel could do classic and contemporary like this. Today I went to the Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit in New York. The exhibit is a wild, UFO-like structure that is meant to look like the identity of Chanel, the quilted handbag that has become a symbol of style and status in fashion. This purse is travelling around the world – Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York, London, Moscow, and Paris. It features an experience of different artists visions intertwined with this iconic and timeless identity of Chanel. The different artistic visions unite somewhere in the realm of chic/trendy and provocative. One of the artists showcases video images of naked people beating each other with Chanel handbags and scurrying naked after a giant Chanel bag like little mice.
One of the key messages of the exhibit was the importance of a bag, not just an expensive purse, but the power of a bag, the things inside it that describe and define us; the secrets we keep inside. Thus the idiom of the exhibit was: Empty Your Bag. It is a French expression, ‘vider son sac: dire ce qu’on a sur le coeur’. Which the exhibit explained that in French this idea of empting one’s bag is used when someone reveals something that was kept secret for a long time. Our bags hold a lot more than our wallets and lip-gloss. Maybe that’s why I like ones so large I can hide inside, I must have a lot of secrets…
If you find yourself in any of the places this spaceship purse is landing it's surely worth a visit.

Magic Wand

I know it has been a while, but I thought I should share a favorite beauty secret or savior. Stick it to redness and blemishes. Clinique makes the perfect concealer stick to cover minor imperfections on your skin. It comes in three different shades to match your complexion and actually works to cover redness and fight acne. The best part is these tiny stick lasts forever. I carry mine around with me everywhere just in case…

DRESS for Success

Getting ready for work each day can be exhausting in its own right. Trying to look chic and professional every morning can wear you out and you haven’t even had your coffee yet. The remedy: stock up on stylish, yet appropriate dresses. A simple, smart dress with manageable heels to carry you through the day and just a hint of accessory will ensure that you look first-rate and fashionable at the office, but will save you the angst of trying to make that white blouse and trousers look different than it did yesterday. Here are a few looks to try.


3.1 PHILLIP LIM

TODD LYNN

FENDI

CELINE

Drivers Start Your Engines

I can’t seem to find a clever or elegant way to articulate my new must-have obsession, but I love this accessory that I foresee as a trend as the brisk winds begin to blow. Driving gloves seem to be the new avant-garde statement item. They are chic and edgy. Best of all these gloves are practical for fall, which is usually hard to come by in the name of fashion. Call me crazy, but I am officially on the hunt for a great pair. I think I prefer the full finger style, I may not be tough enough for the cutoffs...?

All That Glitters

As a new intern in design at DVF I thought it was only appropriate to show some of my work. After hours of cutting and sewing the results of our spring 2009 collection resulted in a beautiful show of glitter and embellishments. Every look had something special from beads to sequins and each topped off with an intricate headpiece. The headpieces are way cool, but take it from me... took a long time to make (I spent countless hours working on them). But in the end it was all worth it and all very exciting. Here are a few looks from the show. Enjoy!

Mother Nature

This fall designers like Burberry Prorsum are showcasing a nature inspired collection in perfect harmony with the season it represents. I may be biased as it is my favorite, but fall is full of splendor, with the brisk weather and colored leaves it is no wonder designers are trying to replicate that serenity in their pieces. Burberry Prorsum has mixed street wear beanies with feathers and earth tones. This synergy had a fantastic result making mother nature a trend for fall 2008. Integrate some of this earth child look into your wardrobe.

Damn Baby

Okay so I know this mini fashionista is the product of a freak marriage/scientology experiment and is she is probably an alien, but baby's got style! Suri Cruise is so chic I'm actually envious. Listen someone tell me who her stylist is. She has better clothing than the It girls in Hollywood. She is one lucky little Extra-Terrestrial.

Frill Seekers

In life we're all looking for a little fun and excitement. Why shouldn't your style and accessories reflect that vest for life. Frill is a fall trend that gives these pieces great detail. Go ahead and frill yourself.

Gossip Girl

I hate to be this predictable and obvious, but clearly one of the hottest shows on television (okay shut it I love it) was going to be at the head of the class this fall for fashion. Naughty schoolgirl is back, but this time it has a chic new look with expensive labels and tailored clothing. The former fantasy/memory of short plaid shirts and pigtails is over. What makes this trend sexy and alluring is the attitude and femme fatale persona that goes along with it. And all this association just from a show about devious little rich high schoolers... this could make fall interesting.

Typecasting

The stereotype of the over-the-knee boot has been trashy, a sort of what corner are you workin vibe. But this fall these boots are getting a whole new reputation. They are sexy and provocative but with everyone from Sergio Rossi to Brian Atwood showcasing them they're also now chic and sophisticated. Assumptions are so last season.

Thank God I'm A Country Girl

Well, life on the farm is kinda laid back

Ain't much an old country boy like me can't hack

It's early to rise, early in the sack

Thank God, I'm A Country Boy

John Denver isn't so dated at the moment as we see a new trend for fall on the rise. Not only is plaid still in, but it's the whole country style that is hitting the runway and the streets for this season. Although life in the city isn't so laid back you can bet you'll see this look walking around. Pick up a pair of riding pants and Frye boots and you'll be ready to go out or heard some cattle.

African Studies

True beauty and inspiration is best created from culture and meaning. Any good designer knows this. That is what makes this Swarovski crystal and rhodium 'Maasai' necklace by jewelry designer Tom Binns one of the hottest accessories for fall. (check it out at style.com)
For the Maasai women beadworking has a long history as a symbol by which the women can articulate their identity and position in society through body ornaments. Although wealth in this African culture is primarily focused on cattle and children, the use of jewelry is rather similar to affluent areas in the world where jewelry is often used to show or prove a sort of social standing...

Leather Lovin

So don’t tell PETA I said this, but you can’t go into fall without a leather jacket. Designers like Rick Owens and Helmut Lang are doing incredible things this season with leather bomber jackets. This one pictured, by Rick Owens, is rustic and vintage looking. It is lined and thus warm enough to transition into a few weeks of winter before it gets truly frigid. Helmut Lang has one at Intermix that is more feminine and dressy. The leather is so soft and the neck zips up asymmetrically. Save a few loose pennies. These jackets are pricey, but so worth it. Definite fall lust item.

As Pretty As A Present

PROENZA SCHOULER

MICHAEL KORS

This fall wrap yourself up in ribbons and bows. Models hit the runway for Fall 2008 looking like gifts. This trend has designers taking everything - blouses, dresses, pants - and tying them all up. We have seen bows before, but this season these details are oversized and everywhere.

Chunky, Frumpy, Baggy = Sexy Fall Trend

Marc Jacobs is making every woman’s dream come true this fall. For day and night you can look stylish and chic in loose, baggy, chunky knits. So while it has been so fun painting on our dresses and leggings every night it looks like breathing is about to return to our daily routines. For daytime you can pair this look with shorts or skinny or straight-leg pants. Transition these heavy sweaters to evening by adding a belt, fun jewelry and a hot little skirt.

The Very Little, Little Black Dress

Audrey Hepburn may not approve of the changes being made to her classy dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's, but times are changing. This staple piece has undergone a contemporary makeover. It's shorter and sexier then ever. The classic little black dress now has a little more sass. So grab your pearls and your girls and hit the town.


MIU MIU

HERVÉ LÉGER

ROKSANDA ILINCIC

A Scent For All Seasons

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer - Mademoiselle by Coco Chanel smells lovely for all seasons. It is light and fresh and never overwhelming. It's all I wear. Give it a try!

Biking Bronco

One boot, two styles. To continue with my point about fall fashion mixing trends here is a hot commodity. This Miu Miu shoe takes one part country and one part biker to create one badass boot.

A New Look for Lace

From chains to lace, here is another necessity. Fall fashion is already gearing up to be an eclectic mix of patterns, fabrics, and styles. Heavy necklaces festooned atop feminine lace, like shown here at Prada’s Fall 2008 runway show. Prada took the sophistication of lace in juxtaposition with dominatrix styled hair, makeup, and accessories proving that anything goes this coming season. Be brave and bold with your style and you are sure to look strong, sexy, and elegant.

Chain Me Up

Add a heavy chain necklace to your must-have list for fall, like these Givenchy pieces. A definite way to ensure you will look striking and edgy. I will have to choose one sans crosses personally, but you get the idea. They're stunning. I may need to be chained up if I don't stop finding great things for fall.