My Coveted Fall Blazer

I am proud to say that I just recently splurged on this Fall's Elizabeth and James Feather- Peplum Blazer. This sleekly cut black blazer adorned with black ostrich feathers is a reinvention of its 2008 predecessor. I have already created a list of ways it can be worn- with a short dress and opaque tights, with super skinnies and ankle booties or with a black jegging, a T by Alexander Wang t shirt and a tall riding boot. The possibilities are truly endless.

*Image Courtesy of Shopbop.com

The Wonders of Phillip Lim

I first spotted this 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Bow Detailed Bag on Rachel Bilson a while back. I loved it then, but couldn't fathom purchasing another gold and black handbag. Now that Lim has recreated this beauty in gray, I deem it my new "It" Bag. It is girly with its huge bow, but tough with the stud detailing. Now that's what I call the best of both worlds.

*Images courtesy of Net-A-Porter.com

Vintage Mizrahi

As of lately, I've been using my Netflix account not to rent the latest and greatest movie releases, but to rent fashion and music documentaries. A few weeks ago I received the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton documentary which was a hit! Loved, loved it. This week, to my delight, Unzipped was delivered to my mailbox. You might be thinking Un-what? I know it's a bit 90s but this is a classic fashion documentary that follows designer Isaac Mizrahi around as he prepares for his 1994 Collection titled, "Unzipped." Mizrahi is dramatic, honest, moody, funny, energetic, genius and overall creative. A great highlight of the film is when you meet his models: Kate, Cindy, Naomi, Amber, Linda, Christy and Kate. Have you heard of them? And the best part is when Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell get in a cat fight over heels vs. flat. Watch it here. It should go down in model catfight history. The first of many "behind the runway" catfights. Aside from the model drama, it is amazing to see where Isaac gets his inspiration from- "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Nanook of the North." With cameos from Andre Leon Talley, Eartha Kitt, Ingrid Sischy, John Galliano and Sarah Mizrahi (his mother) this is a great inside look into Mizrahi's mindset and talent. The tidbits of black and white reels along with confessional segments is something we see in modern day docs and TV. What a trendsetter. I love you Isaac. Love when you first designed for Target, loved your cameo in Sex and the City and love you in The Fashion Show.

*Images courtesy of wikipedia.org, pagesonline.it, fashionencyclopedia.com

Check out Chan Luu

I thought I was over wrap bracelets for the moment, but then I discovered these unique ones by Chan Luu. We just got them at my store and I absolutely love them. This one in particular is gold vermeil faceted beads loomed on Greek leather with a gold vermeil button closure. It wraps around most wrists about 5 times and is perfect for layering with other bracelets or bangles. Chan Luu, a graduate of Boston University and FIDM, has been designing jewelry since 1996. A previous apparel buyer and boutique owner, Luu followed her desire to design and made it come true. Now, her goods are found all over the globe at Neiman's, Sak's, Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols and the list goes on and on. And her collection goes in depth with regards to the wrap bracelet. Luu has designs that wrap around the wrist ten times (can also serve as a necklace), one with multi-strands of leather and offers all of them all in a variety of colors, precious metals, semi-precious stones and pearls. Although they are a bit pricey, ranging form $170- $500, it is worth it and will be a great staple in your collection. I know, I know you're thinking you can get something similar at H and M or Forever 21 but you're wrong, you can't and if you do it will turn your skin green. If you need further validation, celebrities wear Luu's jewelry. The roster includes Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera and yes, Britney Spears! Check out her necklaces, earrings, fine jewelry and silk/cashmere scarves as well.

*Image courtesy of chanluu.com

National Celebrate your Skinny Jeans Day

During my insomnia the other night, I was up watching E! News and there was an annoying segment on how skinny jeans are dangerous to your health. I scoffed at the notion and was about to turn it off, but then I was kind of intrigued. Some shiny faced journalist from a fitness magazine said that skinny jeans can cause a condition called, lipoatrophia semicircularism, in which mechanical pressure on the thighs can cause skin depressions due to atrophy of the subcutaneous tissue. Huh? In other words the jeans are too tight and your thighs get messed up. She went on to say that skinny jeans cause fertility issues in both men and women as well as digestive problems. And then she launched a revolution to rid of all skinny jeans. Yeah, like everyone is going to start to wear flare or bootcut jeans. Why would E! present such a debbie downer segment when they feature all the hot celebrities who wear skinny jeans? And its such a fallacy as well. I've never heard of anyone having such problems. Skinny jeans should be taut and fitted, but not too constricted where its pressing up uncomfortably against your babymaker. So I'm going to declare today, in my grand little world, "National Celebrate your Skinny Jeans Day." And I'd like to kick it off by sending a big shot out to Susie Crippen and Jeff Rudes, the creators of JBrand denim who basically re-launched and re-introduced the skinny jean trend into mainstream fashion. Thank you for having the skinny jean evolve ever so eloquentely in the past 5 years. Of course we have to look way back to the punk movement in the 70's where The Ramones and Sex Pistols were wearing the tightest jeans ever (thanks Vivienne Westwood- never afraid to rebel) and then into the 80's where Mick Jagger, Pat Benetar and Chrissie Hynde rocked them as well. Thank you, thank you!

The Ramones

Chrissie Hynde


Katie Holmes in J Brand's "The Deal"


Rihanna in J Brand's "912 Oz"


Vanessa Hudgens in J Brand's "910 Skinny"


Lauren Conrad in J Brand's "912 Wounded Knee"

Jada Pinkett Smith in J Brand's "912 Pencil"

*Images courtesy of jbrandjeans.com, wikipedia.org, content.answers.com

Signature Sequin

For the past few months, I've been obsessing about buying some sequin pieces, may they be vests, jackets, tops or skirts. I hope this doesn't make me sound like a Vegas showgirl, but sequin done right can be just glorious and iconic at the same time. And I know that I'm not far off because this trend was seen on the runway for Fall 2009 collections. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, Badgley Misckha, Chanel, Diane Von Furstenburg, Thakoon, Gucci, Michael Kors, Matthew Williamson, Balmain and many others all presented some beautiful sequin pieces. Some were embellished lightly with sequin, others were heavily adorned with them. As smart as it would be for me to spend $1,500 and up on something from those collections, I find it best to stay more within my price range. Here are some attainable pieces that have caught my eye. So shiny.

Robert Rodriguez Sequin Jacket


Gryphon "The Sequins Short"

Alice + Olivia Sequin Top with Oversized Armholes

See by Chloe Sequin Camo Blouse

* Images courtesy of shopbop.com

Singer 22 Super Sale!

I usually can't stand going through sale racks because I wasn't born with the patience. I do, however enjoy flipping through web pages all while the comforts in my own bed, watching reality television (tonight it's Miami Social). Singer22.com, a favorite website of mine is having a ridiculously good sale. Take 20% off already marked down items! Yay! Here's to building your contemporary label collection! And let me tell you, I've surveyed the sale items and there are some good finds. They include:

J Brand "Wounded Knee" Jeans
Dolce Vita "Air" Sandals
Vince Cardigans
Kettle Black Boyfriend Shirts
Alice + Olivia Dresses
Madison Marcus Jackets

...And so much more!!!

Determine your checking account or credit card balance and budget for this sale- it's too good to pass up. Log off this blog and buy now! Let's get the economy jump started in the name of contemporary trends!