Street Chic

Big bags are sometimes a must especially when on a trip or jetting around town because they hold all the necessities and even some of the frivolities, but I just can't help it - I think there's something chic about a clutch.  It just looks neat and tidy and if done in the right size can still carry enough stuff to get you through the day.  Most (unless bedazzled in sparkle) can even march on into the evening hours without a change.

Simple and black

Paired with graphics

A splash of color

Tailored and classic

Me with a Be&D python clutch

Not Your Brown Bag Special

Summer is all about a great tote and lots of playfulness given all the warm weather but don't be fooled into thinking this fun can only be had during those vacation months.  As we move into fall, get ready because color and texture are making another splash for the colder weather this upcoming season.  It's shown with color-blocking or patterns of florals and stripes.  Dots are HUGE for fall/winter as seen here by Marni, and the Marc Jacobs runway show was covered with them - on the clothing, hats, and hose.  

Bag by Proenza Schouler

Love the snap detail

Totes by Marni

Abstract floral, dots, and bright purple

Texture is a must, and bags are shown in python with lots of colorations but even the more neutral shades when done in a snakeskin will add that extra "feel" to an ensemble.

Bag by Lanvin

This python bag by Lanvin almost has a leopard print look

Clutch by Marni

Classic Proenza Schouler bag in rose suede
All bags pictured are at Barneys New York (Dallas location)

You don't have to be matchy-matchy and can mix up all the patterns so throw on an unexpected bag with an outfit, and splurge on your accessories because they can make or break any look or an entire wardrobe.  And most of all, have FUN with your clothing and your closet!

Fashion Flashback

The other day I was at work and hit my head on one of the counters.  OMG - you can't believe how it hurt for hours and even made me feel as light-headed as a feather, but in that process I started seeing colors which caused me to have a flashback to fall/winter shows.  The saturated fabrics for the season still had a wispy feel and sheerness for a delicate look even with the layers.  A spoonful of sugar and a handful of show invitations later (for the upcoming fashion week) is making my head feel better already.

Fall/winter from Rebecca Taylor

Neutrals with movement from Doo.Ri  

Nomia does sheer blocking for fall/winter

Plum is a must for fall as seen here by Venexiana

Flouncy but graphic from Binetti

Me in Max Azria and glasses by The Row

Did You Know?

Jean Paul Gaultier book

J is for "enfant terrible" which translates of course to Jean Paul Gaultier.  Famous for making costumes (and the cone bra) for Madonna's concert tours in the 1990s and again in 2006 as well as other musicians such as Kylie Minogue and Marilyn Manson, Gaultier introduced his first collection back in 1976.  He set the fashion world in a frenzy with his man-skirts in 1985 and is known for cutting-edge avant garde styles that have immaculate tailoring.  Aside from the over-the-top styling, the clothes are really wearable and fit with ease.  His collections almost always have a multicultural feel with influences from around the globe.  In addition to his three fashion lines (menswear, womenswear, and haute couture), he has designed costumes for multiple films and once had a tv show in Europe entitled Eurotrash.  He was also appointed creative director for Hermes from 2003 to 2010 and is known for an array of fragrances as well.  David loves his pieces because of the cuts and silhouettes, and I love his pieces for their details.

Rust suit with burgundy ruffle knit polo shirt

Clothing by Jean Paul Gaultier; lizard shoes by Alexander McQueen

White ruffle shirt, khaki pants by Jean Paul Gaultier; multi-colored shoes by Prada

What's up?

Black shirt with attached tie and brown trousers by Jean Paul Gaultier; gray sandals by Yves Saint Laurent

These are a few of David's favorite pieces for summer, and below are some he's looking forward to wearing this winter.

Nylon jacket with knitted trim by Jean Paul Gaultier

Trouser close up - love this knobby wool

Trouser closeup - black wool pants with pinstripe detail and satin trim

Leather jacket with oversized fur collar that turns into a hood (love the purple lining)

And of course, we here in Dallas can't wait for the opening of the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art this November as this will be the first stop of only two U.S. cities on this international tour.

www.jeanpaulgaultier.com

Fashion Flashback

Now that New York is revving up for spring/summer 2012 shows in September, and the soaring temperatures are still upon us, I had to reminisce on some previous photos from the fall shows back in February so I could dream of cooler days.  I'm super excited about some of the simple silhouettes where all the action is up around the neck, and I love some of the new accessories (because they can make or break any outfit), and luxe is in (always has been and always will be) in terms of fabrics, colorations, and techniques.  And don't even get me started on the ruffles!  I'll keep you posted.

Fall by Jonathan Simkhai

A fall look by Whit

Ruffles by Ruffian

Ann Yee does fall

Norman Ambrose look for fall

Me (jacket by The Row)

Seeing Double

OMG!  Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen came to town recently for a small runway presentation and trunk show at Neiman Marcus.  I was so thrilled to be invited due to the fact that I am in love with these girls and the fact that Neimans only opened the viewing for about 35 people - pretty special, huh?  I wasn't in on the A-list when it came to Rachel Zoe's visit at Ken Downing's house a couple of months ago so that left me discouraged with the whole social thing, but this renewed my spirits.  Ken played to the mic as the twins sat perfectly on ottomans next to him and interjected helpful tips and their inspirations on all the pieces as each came out on the runway.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen with Ken Downing
(this photo provided by Nini Nguyen)

People who helped behind the scenes - wardrobe stylists, buyers, etc. all stated how gracious and genuine the twins are but did say they are a bit on the shy side and didn't care too much for crowds - me too so I must have been the brother who got away.  The show was a luxurious mix of separates that easily transformed from day into night including leather and knit leggings, blousy lady-like tops, and toss-on-and-go jackets with fur embellishments.  Most ensembles were shown with flats for a modern girl feel, but there were some glitzier pieces and high heels that would attend any evening affair.  The amethyst purple dress paired with a bordeaux fur jacket was an unexpected mix that looked exactly right.

Teal fur jacket by Elizabeth and James

Two hip-girl looks from Elizabeth and James

Pattern mix by Elizabeth and James

After the show, they came out on the sales floor and helped pick items that would look great on each of the guests.  I zoomed in on a fur vest that had a slight native/Bohemian flavor to it, but I didn't bother the girls with questions about fit and color; I just went to the top and asked Ken himself to help me.  He said he thought it was an easy piece to pair with tons of stuff and that even jeans and boots would look great with the beautiful fox trim, and he left me with the thought, "it makes you look so thin" and walked away.  That's all it took.  I gave them my card and waved to the girls to remember me as I'm pretty sure now we're best friends.

My find from the show 

Fur vest by Elizabeth and James

This mix of browns will go with everything - I can't wait to wear it!

Ethnic inspired

Having a laugh

Poised and ready

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen along with Nini Nguyen (this photo provided by Nini Nguyen)