Well, as the polar vortex envelopes much of the world in burgeoning gusts of blistering cold, the wonderful world of resort is upon us. As in the fashions are making their way to the racks as we speak. The brilliance of these collections is the inclusion of an eclectic panoply of looks that will take one to a beach resort, a pumpkin patch as the leaves fall, an opening or red carpet event, or a festive holiday affair. In essence, a wide array of choices to keep one covered and chic for any occasion, whether for day frolicking, evening drama, or sojourns to parts unknown....Let the resort games begin!
STELLA MCCARTNEY
One of my favorite entries in the boho chic pageant. A wise choice for a beachy resort vacation, lightweight and packable for carry on purposes. And when the chill sets in, wear with boots and one of these soft and romantic sweaters by Michael Kors. The big sweater is another ubiquitous friend on the runways these days. And who amongst us doesn't have a few of these babies shoved into a drawer somewhere?
Another wonderful entry from Michael Kors. More of the boho contingent for those gals enamored of macrame, but well done in an easy flattering silhouette and lovely lavender color. Park Avenue hippy.
GUCCI
FLOWER POWER Italian style. Wear these under a down puffer during the middle of winter to stave off the doldrums..........(just don't foresake the silken long johns).
THOM BROWNE
My new favorite designer, supremely gifted with collections exhibiting perpetual joie de vivre and youthful exuberance. How could you not be filled with joy wearing these creations?
ALBERTA FERRETTI
She never disappoints, with a host of wearable opulent pieces for any special occasion. With winter comes endless cocktail parties and assorted events that require gowns and such. The great thing about this duo is that after the parties and openings have come and gone, wear this gorgeous top as a vest over the blouse or white shirt of your choosing, with jeans, leggings, slacks. Recycle, its good for your pocketbook!
ANTONIO BERARDI
Space age cocktail fare, cool and lux, but also easy. Turn the dress into a tunic as needed. Throw over Brunello Cucinelli leather leggings.
CHANEL
Who else? If in doubt what in the world to wear over harem pants, look no further! Sell the private jet and you too can adorn yourself with opulence that only Lagerfeld can provide. Paillette drought in Paris? Mystery solved......sigh.
LOUIS VUITTON
ALL SEQUINS ALL THE TIME is my motto. Why not? To brighten any outfit. Wear over jeans and a white T shirt. OR, over the ballgown du jour.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
What he did best, concocting the ball gown of ball gowns, transforming the wearer into a latter day Cinderella after the birds and talking mice got on board.....
LANVIN
For the flapper in us all, easy lux harkening back to Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow, true screen sirens who were smart, sassy, sexy, and had moxie to spare! A fabulous New Year's Eve frock. Wear with red velvet flats.
PETER PILOTTO
Perfect party dress from the man who champions bold prints and C O L O R! Throw on a cashmere shrug for shoulder coverage. Wear with crazy Louboutins.
CHLOE
For the cool hip chick who doesn't need a firestorm of embellishments to be the belle of the ball. Classic Chloe.
ANTONIO MARRAS
A line denim dress (or tunic) with macrame lace and bold crystal detailing around the collar, perfect amalgamation of casual and lux. Now THIS is the kind of denim appropriate for the Opera. Change the tone of the outfit with the shoes.
ANDREW GN
The master of the embellished frock, a maker of timeless flattering beauties, which will turn your closet into a veritable treasure chest. These are pieces you'll cherish forever, which will elevate any outfit above the usual.
MARC JACOBS
After the little black dress and the trench coat, the next staple piece is a tuxedo jacket. Black is always a safe and pragmatic choice, but if you like color and appreciate whimsy, why not this version? (Skip the pants, sometimes too much of a good thing is, well, too much). Wear over leather leggings and patent leather stillettos. OR Tom Ford tuxedo pants.
BALMAIN
Alluring armour, vintage Balmain. For the gal with gams and grit. Go with the obvious choice for footwear, Gladiator sandals.
NINA RICCI
As an interesting contrast to the look above, off white lace over-alls, because who says you can't be chic when working the Dairy farm? (Or, just pick up that must have blouse with the nudibranch ruffles).
PHILLIP LIM
The love fest with the 70's continues, leather mini and grommets.......
DEREK LAM
The newest American sportswear master, with just a hint of a 70's vibe with wearable well made separates you can mix and match with pretty much anything dwelling in your closets. (You will never regret having the all purpose versatile jacket which can be thrown over slacks, jeans, leggings, or a pencil skirt).
BURBERRY PRORSUM
A cool take on the usual, with the big buttons and the BIG pockets. Perfect for traveling, throw your smartphone, camera and a few flash cards in those capacious pockets. Perfect over jeans in the fall. Spice it up with a sequin festooned Loro Piano cashmere scarf in a jewel tone. Love that belt.
ERDEM
A fresh take on the trench, bigger on the runways these days than the big sweater. A variant such as this is more versatile than the iconic Burberry version as it can go casual or more upscale. Throw over a charmeuse Lanvin dress for an evening out.
HOW COULD WE CALL THIS RESORT WITHOUT THE FLORAL CONTINGENT?
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Sooooo covetable, multicolored guipure lace fabrication, not something you find everyday. A mini can always morph into a tunic as needed.
DIOR
Another stunner by Raf Simons, a casual silhouette made extravagant by the pattern, embellishments, and embroidery.
ISSA
Sweet, easy, and whimsical. Perfect warm weather frock.
GILES
Really feminine but not too girly silhouette with just enough skin showing to be alluring but not tawdry, with a surreal pattern on cloque. Scrumptious. Wear with flats or boots. For purposes of modesty, thrown on over a silk blouse.
FAUSTO PUGLISI
Modern take on the A line skirt, with that great belt for added pizzaz! (A similar variant is seen in the Louis Vuitton fall winter for any interested parties). Would be smashing with a T shirt and riding boots.
RALPH LAUREN
Low key yet lux chiffon entry which would seque seamlessly from the office to evening festivities. Pair with that Erdem trench!
RALPH RUCCI
If in doubt about what to wear when, look no further than the most recent collection of Rucci. If you want pared down spartan with impeccable craftsmanship or a showstopper for an evening affair, you will not be disappointed. Exhibit B below.
RALPH RUCCI
ROCHAS
Another version of the little black dress (a seamless blend of top and skirt), with just enough flash for a fancy event, but not so constrained in form or fussy in fabrication that you couldn't wear this beauty out to brunch or wherever. For a casual vibe, pair with riding boots and a cropped sweater. Versatility=pragmatic.
ROSIE ASSOULIN
A non fussy elegant tunic which looks smashing over the palazzos, but would be at home over capris, leggings, a bathing suit, OR a long event gown.....Glam up with long strands of pearls and such.
MARY KATRANTZOU
A stunning array of suits in cloque fabrication and wondrous color pallettes to brighten up your day to day activities and work place.
ZAC POSEN
The master of construction strikes again with a seafoam delight, taffeta to infinity, a fabulous option for the SF Ballet opening in January. This definitely calls for opulent jewel regalia.
VALENTINO
A stunning piece of finery from a stellar collection to d i e for. Diaphanous chiffon, with our fine feathered friends and ruffles. And talk about covering MUCH territory in one collection, many themes were included in this wondrous display, preparing one for a safari or a wedding.
H U Z Z A H!
MICHAEL KORS
If the perfect pastel shearling has eluded you, fear not, here are two chic casual options to stave off hypothermia through fall and winter, or "summer" in San Francisco.
Remember Resort, not just a flighty interlude between fall winter and spring!
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