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.

Abi Ferrin

I recently bought the Nikki 5 way dress by Abi Ferrin.  Initially, tying the dress was an challenge, to say the least. I tried both versions of off the shoulder.  The look below is one I tried. The problem with it was the extra sleeve didn't hang well at all. It should look like the picture below, but on me it just looked like extra fabric with no where to go.

My next option was the dress worn on both shoulders then tied at the waist, similar to the look below. 

This wasn't ideal, either.  The unfinished sleeve that has the open ends to enable all these variations was part of the problem.  Ultimately, the dress just isn't suited for me. I am fairly petite and the dress just overtook me.  I've seen it look so sexy and  fantastic on tall or even larger gals. It was a bummer, because I do like the edgy 80's throwback feel it has.  There are similar dresses with the same idea.  I think I'll give the others a try.

Tiffany Blue

Famed jeweller and luxury goods company Tiffany and Co. is not just the go-to place for bat mitzvahs and graduation presents any more.  They have expanded their line of leathergoods and wow, are some of the pieces fantastic.The glazed croc Pierpont Duffel in Tiffany Blue (below) is my favorite of the collection. It is extremely expensive, as all exotic leathers are. ($11,500)

How beautiful is this? My other favorite is the Ellie clutch that has all the right signs of a Tiffany piece to me; tasteful and not reminiscent of a necklace or bracelet worn by a sophomore in high school. The bow gives this a very high fashion yet lady like feel. It retails for $895.

The bag I am most likely to actually purchase (besides the same crystal hostess gift I give everyone) is the reversible tote below. At $595, I feel like this a bargain..I mean it's like 2 bags in one. It comes in quite a few different color combinations, but I like the Tiffany blue and platinum best.

I think these are the best in a pretty strong collection from veteran design duo Lambertson Truex.  In fact, some bags in this collection remind me of their designs under their own label. There are a few pieces that are in the collection that are a bit matronly, but I understand the need to have included them in the collection. Hopefully, the pieces shown above will help launch Tiffany leathergoods into  the class of relevant, iconic and sought after bag companies.



Fascinator Fabulous

We just can't get enough of looking at pics of the royals.  Here are a few pictures of Princess Eugenie wearing an Alexander McQueen sheath to the fifth day of  the Royal Ascot.  The look was made, though, by the navy fascinator she wore along with matching pumps.  My eyes were drawn up toward the headpiece, and that was a good thing; red can be unforgiving, especially if you're a bit north of a size 2.

Fascinators are in full swing, and not just for brides and hipsters.  They can be worn on the top of the head, as shown on Eugenie.  They are best, and a bit less stuffy (and easier to pull off), when pinned to the back and to the side atop a side swept ponytail or bun. I love these in all feathers with tendrils of hair swirled around or through it. The look below echos a bit of refined class, particularly in a monochromatic color scheme.

They are best suited with a summer weight tailored suit or dress with a trim silhouette.  I envision a dress by Victoria Beckam or Oscar De La Renta.  They will work with suits and dresses from fall collections as well. 

Dying for Fall

OMG OMG OMG. Fall preview looks have hit Bergdorf''s. I am beside myself because fall collections are my favorite and this year will not disappoint.  The silk dresses by Piazza Sempione and Alberta Feretti are so pretty I will keep my Spanx at the ready....and I'd love to pour myself into the Dior dress.  I am envisioning myself taking up smoking so I can smoke, sit with my legs crossed, wear red lipstick, smoke, and throw my head back while I am laughing. Maybe I'll even throw a dirty Grey Goose martini with bleu cheese olives in the mix.  Anyway, here are a few of my little loves so far.

PIAZZA SEMPIONELong-sleeve boat-neck dress in green/multicolor “Casa” print silk with drawstring waist. Sizes 4–16. Italy. $1,120.

ALBERTA FERRETTIOff-the-shoulder paisley-print dress in taupe/marigold/purple silk with crochet trim and grosgrain tie belt. Sizes 38–46. Italy. $1,395.

DIORFaux wrap-top belted dress in brown Prince of Wales plaid wool/cashmere with pencil skirt. Sizes 36–46. Italy. $3,100

Lucy in Disguise

British singer Lily Allen and sister Sarah Owen have launched a line for their vintage store, Lucy in Disguise.  The diverse line echos looks from Biba, the roaring 20's, and even a bit of disco circa the 1970s.
There is something for everyone in this collection, and it will be a smash. I am loving the celadon dress below.

Here is another favorite, no disco ball required.

It goes on sale next week in the UK and online and will be just a matter of time before it's available here in the states.