Norstrom Spring Catalog

On Monday, I received the Spring collections catalog from Norstrom's. It was such a nice surprise.  The Norstrom catalog I usually get reminds me of one Macy's might put out. I thumb through it eager to get to the end.  I not a fan of Michael Kors accessories and watches, Coach (eew) bags and Jessica Simpson shoes, much less looking at and keeping a copy of the catalog to take a peek at some other time. It goes right in the trash. Why waste some of the marketing budget on a spread of their Juniors department called BP or a celebrity shoe line that is in name only?

Catalogs used to embody all that one wished for.  I would dream about the glossy pages of the Neiman's Lookbook when I was younger.  I would try different scenarios in my head of what occasion and where I would wear the beautiful clothes and accessories that adorned the pages.  When the era of the internet came along, catalogs and print media seemed to be a distant memory.  I would still receive a few catalogs, and the Nordstrom Junior-thing was one of them.  Like I said, it went right in the trash. This time was different. the catalog was a fantastic collection of the spring's best from Chanel, Gucci, YSL and my favorite piece, the Jason Wu peplum dress as seen below:

This retails for $3,165.00 so the chance I will be getting this a part of my spring clothes is pretty minimal. Instead, and I look at it longingly and remember how I did the same years ago.  Thank you, Nordstrom, for putting together such a beautiful glimpse of Spring 2012 and thank you, also, for bringing back to me something that was, and is, such a pleasure to look upon. 

I think we got this

Almost always my blog is about all things style.  I cover fashion and image; what I think is hot and what's not.  This time, what's been on my mind is style via attitude and leading by example.  Last week, I had a meeting with a senior VP at a large banking group.  I like and respect the president of the company very much and wanted to pitch the possibility of me helping their officers with image and style.  When I met the senior VP, I instantly knew her company just didn't need me. Not because she looked like a million bucks, but because she carried herself like  million bucks.  She warm and down to earth.  She has the gift, like a politician, that makes you feel like you're the only one in the room. I saw how she could get her point across succinctly but in a non threatening way.

Gretchen told me she didn't think they would need any outside help because she said they handle all image and branding of their management in house. She said, "I think we got this".  I couldn't agree more.  This company doesn't use a handbook: they learn by example.  They guide each other and demonstrate professionalism in the day to day.  The practical lessons learned set the tone for who they are, with room to be themselves-the direct anthesis of the very buttoned up UBS (United Bank of Scotland) handbook that spells out everything from personal fragrance selections to what a banker should eat for lunch. At this company, their attitude and professionalism are their image.  It trickels down from the top. The way it should be.

It's in the Bag

Last week someone asked me if I had, say, $1000 to spend, what would I buy: a bag or shoes.  I said "I would put it toward a bag, of course". I was aware that I responded with a little "duh" in my tone. I mean, it's a foregone conclusion. A bag always trump shoes. An everyday bag means just that: you can carry it everyday. You can't (or shouldn't) wear the same shoes with every outfit during the week and weekend. The other point to consider is the how quickly they show signs of wear. Shoes by their nature are just going to wear faster.

I have been looking for a new everyday bag for months.  I was on the waiting list at Louis Vuitton for the Medium Monogram Neverfull for what seemed like forever. The day they finally called me to tell it was available, my car was totalled and I couldn't go pick it up.  I think it was divine intervention that saved me from getting the bag it seems every gal has.  I loathe it now. It seems everywhere I look, there's another one.

I am so happy I waited.  The bag I decided on was a Ferragamo Betulla in oxblood. Here it is below in grey, my 2nd choice:

It is available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.  I have a few Ferragamo pieces and love them for the quality and timelessness. I know with this bag, I won't look like the masses at the mall on any given Saturday.  This understated and beautiful bag sets the bar high for every other 'everyday' bag. I am glad to own it.

Golden Age

Every season infuses elements of season's past.  Trends that are current always have a hint or an echo of style from day's gone by.  I am all about the seventies and eighties influence in fashion right now.  I wasn't a fan of jumpsuits or color blocking for myself the first time around..maybe because I was too young to be concerned with anything other than riding and all things equestian.  I do remember though, how fond I was of the high necked, ruffled Gunny Sax blouses and gold jewelry my mom wore.  I thought she was so beautiful; she was the poster woman for femininity and grace in her lace blouse with camisole underneath.  With these blouses, my mom wore a pendant gold coin that was encircled by a gold rope setting worn with a gold rope chain.  Think Italian mobster with a big gold necklace, and you aren't far off. 

 She wore this all by itself.  I wear several of them at one time.  I love the chunkiness of these pieces.  I think they are best worn with an off the shoulder blouse in a jewel color or black.  I have also been wearing them with very long, heavy gold chains and large gold hoop earrings...I'm channel Mr.T. 

My mom asked me if I'd like all of her herringbone, v shaped chains as well.  I told her to hold on to them until next fall...I'll be wearing them soon enough and thinking of a Nagel lithograph.

Marimekko

It seems I have been hearing 'Marimekko' a lot of late.  I was just discussing my sister in law's boyfriend who has several websites and a brick and mortar store that carry large lines of Marimekko: from fabric to dresses and dinnerware. Then I saw a capsule collection from Katy Kane of  vintage Marimekko dresses that are so fantastic. Here are a few  dresses below. They begin with my favorite then are positioned accordingly.

This dress is from 1974 and is $600.00

This dress was a part of a 1979 collection and is $400.00

This dress is circa 1965, it was bought for $500.00

Each of these pieces are from Katy Kane's capsule collection for 1st Dibs.  She has a very evolved collection of vintage pieces, both by period and designer. She also has a great mix of accessories.  I was very impressed that she was able to find then offer several vintage Hermes bags; that is a rarity unless you have the opportunity to scavenger Paris flea markets with regularity.  Katy's website is http://www.katykane.com/ .  She deserves a look for sure.

Missoni Fall

Here are a few pieces from Missoni's fall collection that I love:

This is quintessential Missoni, uunmistakably so.

This dress and maxi coat are perfect together.  It would be a mistake to separate them.

The dress and coat here are my absolute favorite.  The muted hues clearly echo Missoni and the coat makes this just spectacular.  The length on this dress would be a bit longer on a gal of medium height. 

It's doubtful Denver will have these pieces.  Missoni appeals to a more artistic sensibility.  It is more downtown than uptown.  I'm sure those yummy, hip Brooklyn moms will have a piece or two from this season's collection.

See Ya, Summer!

Most people have bathing suit anxiety in the spring.  There is a frenetic attempt to get into shape before the pools open and days are long.  It's funny, because I always notice how it is a topic of conversation with both men and women, single and committed.  The conversation goes something like this " Oh my god, I need to be in a swimming suit in 8 weeks! I need a vat of protein powder, pre measured, pre packaged meals and P90X stat!"  Talk of body fat, work out regimens, salads, and whether or not tanning is a possibility are fodder for a lengthy discussion.

Not for me. I think it is much more daunting to think of fitting in into fall clothes.  When the school buses start to be apparent in traffic again and when it's time to retire the gauzy fabrics of summer is when I go into a high panic. The tailored, structured looks of fall really let me know where I am in terms of my blubber to lean ratio.  It is easy to strategically place summer clothes like swimming suits.  They can be hiked up, adjusted.  Skin with a combo of bronzer and self tanner (add some air brushed muscles and contouring for the trifecta) gives the illusion of a body to die for.

Yes

No

Try to wedge yourself into a Elizabeth and James blazer that's in your size, and then realize that during the dog days of summer, the swim ring from the pool has made it to your midsection.  I have nightmares of the 'fat man in a little coat' scene in Black Sheep.  Fall collection pants and skirts are fitted.  Belting is also de rigeur.  Nothing is worse that pulling on your Theory pants this way and that to keep them where they're meant to be or spilling out over the top of a waistband.  Not only is it unattractive, it is also uncomfortable.  These possibilities spur me on in the quest to not embarrass myself.  With all of the beautiful clothes of the best fashion season of the year, they deserve to be worn well.  Swimsuits: I'll see you next year with no hesitation.