My Heart Breaks

With news that the Christian Lacroix Couture house has filed for bankruptcy, Suzy Menkes offers some very true words about today's fashion industry.

“..... just as royalty now has less attention than celebrity, so couture has lost its unique prestige, with the word bandied about by any high-end designer. And whereas fragrances produced from the mystique of haute couture once kept the houses afloat, now it is just as likely that a hip jeans brand like Diesel or a celebrity like Jennifer Lopez will have the perfume hit that has stubbornly eluded Lacroix.”

If you have a chance, head over to Lacroix's website. His collection archives go all the way back to 1988. It is truly the end of a fabulous fashion era.

Shoe Twits

I am against Twitter. I think for most people it is a self indulgent way to talk about the menial tasks in one's life. Good for you that you got to work on time or that you think you want sushi for dinner. The truth is, no one really cares.

However, if you happen to be a celebrity of sorts, Twitter is the perfect way to continuously stream your everyday thoughts to your fans and followers. The well known stylist and fashionista, Rachel Zoe, posted his amazing photo on her Twitter page.

In her own words, 'I DIE!'.

image from Rachel Zoe's Twitter

Sisters do as Sisters should....

I fell in love with this Longchamp campaign the second I saw it. It is uncanny how much Kate and Sasha can look alike. Almost like twins.







images from TFS

Eco Chic

Even the Kaiser brings his own bag to the store. I wonder what he bought.....?

image from BryanBoy.com

Sneak Peek: D Squared A/W 2009

Get ready for Fall 2009 with the latest from Luisaviaroma

This look available for pre order at Luisaviaroma June 1st.

Anatomy of an 'It Bag': Chanel 2.55

Recently a friend of mine referred to her Chanel 2.55 handbag as her "two and a half". That remark got me thinking about how far the 2.55 had come over its 5 decades. Never changing too much from the original design by Coco herself, the 2.55 has always been the calling card of the 'Ladies who Lunch' but has also become a status symbol for young Hollywood. Seen on the arms of everyone from Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton to the Olsen twins, the 2.55 is almost as crucial to a starlets career as bling is to a rapper.

Today, everyone wants a 2.55. I prefer the 80's style Jumbo XL; perfect for everyday and can fit all my essentials for the evening. The 'two and a half' is and will always be the perfect bag that goes with everything from jeans to evening gowns. An icon all by itself and an essential for every wardrobe.



images from TFS, Vintagecouture.com and The Purse Forum

Beyonce + Gareth Pugh = DIVA

Beyonce has a tendency to wear the latest runway fashions and ruin it for the rest of us. After she wore the Balenciaga 'Lego' shoes to the AMAs in 2007, I never wanted to see them again! However, I do give her props for sticking to her guns and her fashion choices (minus everything from the House of Dereon).

As much as I try to resist Beyonce's bootylicious ways, I can't help but LOVE this music video. She rocks Gareth Pugh in almost every dance number and I need to get my hands on a pair of those fringe glasses.

Beyonce, You are a DIVA!

The Soft Side

I am really loving this editorial from Paris Vogue. The light colors and super cute baby lion give the hard edged Rodarte open knit sweaters a casual and cozy feel. Usually paired with liquid leggings and spiked accessories, the Rodarte sweaters have PUNK written all over them, until now. Sasha's ethereal looks makes me want to wear my deconstructed sweater with my summer whites and maybe cuddle a lion.

images from TFS

Wardrobe Staple: Black Blazer

Whether it is a night out or a day running errands, a black blazer is the answer to the "how-am-I-gonna-pull-this-outfit-together?" question. Fitted, Boyfriend, boxy and with Balmain-esque shoulders, this wardrobe must-have comes in so many shapes that it is hard to figure out which one works for you.

Most people should stick to the fitted style with one or two button closures. For the more adventurous fashionista the double breasted style or an exaggerated shoulder/lapel/hem/what-have-you, can add an unexpected edge to any outfit.

Next time you are in a fashion pinch just toss on your favorite black blazer and you will instantly look polished.

3.1 Phillip Lim and Vivienne Westwood blazer from La Garconne. Preen and Lover blazers from Net-a-Porter.

images from La Garconne and Net-a-Porter

Chloe Sevigny in Elle Magazine

styled by Kate Lanphear.

images from TFS

Model Profile: Gemma Ward

One of my all time favorite models.

"Gemma is one of the very, very few models who look as though they come from another dimension."

- British Photographer, Nick Knight

Images from TFS

Style Secret: MK Recycles her "It Bags"

MK's Miu Miu handbag. First seen sometime around 2001 and again a few weeks ago in NYC.

images from TFS

Elizabeth and James Shoes

I want them all.

images from Shopbop

So Wrong it's Right!

AF1's from Solefood on Canal Street, NYC.

images from Kicks on Fire

Fall 2009 Accessory Report: My Picks

images from Style.com

A Peek Inside: Julia Roitfeld's NYC Home

I secretly want to see inside strangers houses. I know that sounds very "peeping tom" of me but I wonder how other people organize their stuff, decorate their rooms and display their possessions.

Thanks to The Selby, you can look into the houses of the up-and-coming from the comfort of your own couch. Here are a few choice images from the NYC apartment of Julia Roitfeld, daughter of Carine Roitfeld, editor of French Vogue.

Stacking magazines is a great way to display them without taking up too much space.



Glass skull ring on marble, Louis Vuitton cashmere blanket.



Shoes. Oh my god, Shoes!

I am also a cosmetic junkie, so other people's medicine cabinets fascinate me as well.

images from The Selby

Resort 2009: Karen Walker

Resort collections usually cater to those who have an actual resort to go to during the summer months. The truth is, most of us don't have anywhere to go rendering Resort fashion a moot point.

Karen Walker's 2009 Resort collection, filled with cute dresses and chic blazers, is wearable no matter where you are this summer season. Casual enough for a seaside but structured enough for the city, Walker's Resort collection is on the top of my list of must-have summer wear.





Visit Refinery29 for the rest of the look book images.

images from Refinery29

Shop this Site: A.OK by Oak

Oak recently launched their new site, A. Ok. Everything is under $100 and as hip as what you would find on their regular site. How Recessionista of them!




images from A.Ok

Shop this Store: Vincent Park

Located in 'Hipster-ville' Vancouver (aka Main Street) Vincent Park is the place for hipsters and fashionistas alike to find great clothing, accessories and homewares. Carrying Cheap Monday, Free People, Covet, Mined Rd Jeansmaker, Fred Perry, and Retro Super Futures among many other labels, Vincent Park caters to guys and girls looking for something fashionable and affordable.



Opened by sisters, Lauren and Cara Stryer a little over a year ago, Vincent Park has already gained a lot of recognition as a great spot not only for the fashion finds but also for their cute perks. Whether it is Cupcake day, a Christmas party or a special sale, Vincent Park always has something up their sleeve. Find out the latest news on their blog, Vincent Park.

images from The Style Spy

Fall 2009 Accessory Report: Surrealism

images from Style.com

Met Costume Institute Gala: Socialite Edition

images from Style.com

Fall 2009 Accessory Report:

images from Style.com

Met Costume Institute Gala: Designer and Muse Edition

images from Style.com

Met Costume Institute Gala: Chanel Couture Edition

images from Style.com

Fall 2009 Accessory Report:

images from Style.com

Met Costume Institute Gala: Bal-mania Edition

Above is an example of how wrong one can wear Balmain. I am sorry, Dr. Airan, but you look more like Elvira than a world class Dermatologist. It could have been a tie between Anya and Daria but side boob always takes the cake.

images from Style.com

Costume Institute Gala: Vintage Edition

images from Style.com

Met Costume Institute Gala: Model Edition

images from Style.com

Met Costume Institute Gala: Louis Vuitton Edition

images from Style.com

Viva Las Vegas

Gone to Vegas for a few days.........


images from Art.com

POPS

Purple cropped jacket + red lace up boots + black leggings + black/grey t shirt = POP!

images from TFS

Sparkle Eyes and DIYs

I was toying with this idea a few months back, putting my prescription in these rhinestone encrusted Chanel sunglasses. I forgot about it until I saw this picture and I might actually do it because this girl looks so cute and sparkly.



Also, if you are thinking about some great fashion DIYs check out the Park & Cube blog. From shredded jeans how to and step by step studding, you are sure to get inspired. Also check out the Park & Cubicle Bazaar. If you wear a size 7.5/8 shoe you are in luck!

images from Garance Dore