SAG - Stunning And Glamorous

I know it is a bit late, but I like to take my time and survey the options. I was particularly impressed with the procession of elegant dresses at the SAG award show of 2009. Here are a few of my favourites -

Laura Linney, in Michael Kors with Cathy Waterman jewels and a Tod's clutch.

Evan Rachel Wood, in Monique Lhuillier with Sergio Rossi shoes.

Kate Winslet, in Narciso Rodriguez with Chopard jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Anne Hathaway, in Azzaro with Cartier jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Penélope Cruz, in Azzedine Alaïa with Chopard jewels and a Felix Rey clutch.

Michelle 'O' bama

Politics, Polished, and Posh - not since Jackie O have those words had so much in common. Our new first lady, Michelle Obama, may not be the first first lady with style, but she sure is making America look good. She is a fashion icon with her professional, elegant, and bold style. The secret to her style success - color, color, color!

Empress Coco

Oh how I love fall fashion! Just when I thought Karl Lagerfeld could do no greater - his pre-fall 2009 collection hit the runway. The stellar show was a marriage of Russian decadence and Byzantine jewelry. His inspiration? Style.com explains that the creation draws on 'Coco Chanel's exotic history with men: in this case, the Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich, and the Russian inspirations—the Ballets Russes, Constructivism, Byzantine jewelry, and Slavic folklore'. How he continues to stun with his stunning creations is proof that he is truly a master of aesthetics and elegance.

Aphrodite

Because fashion and women are meant to be worshipped…goddess inspired dresses are breezing down the runway as a popular look for Spring 2009. Designers know that nothing makes a woman look and feel more elegant and feminie than the drape of these lovely flowing dresses. With so many different glamorous styles and colors you sure to find one to flatter your form.

DONNA KARAN

MARCHESA

MALANDRINO

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...