Who else could take a BEACHy motif and fill it with unmitigated glamour, gravitas, and grandiosity? ONLY the Kaiser, that's who! Don't let the spring moniker and tons of sand placed in the Grand Palais for yet another extravaganza lead you to think this was just an assembly of airy confectio...
The man who brought rock 'n roll glam to Yves Saint Laurent and the attenuated silhouette to Dior Homme, is back to work at the House of Celine, now another shiny cog in the LVMH machine. As the Y was dropped from YSL, so goes the accent aigu from the E in Celine. A sea change in aesthetics is hit...
So said Henry the V, and so say I! After a brief, ahem, hiatus, I am once again inspired to wax on about the collections. Bold flavors, pragmatism with romance, and an ingriguing eclecticism are back on the runways to engage and inspire us. The game is afoot as they say! We have Riccardo in the ...
Tisci presents a relatively classic collection, in that you know its GIVENCHY, however, there are some eclectic elements to it, making it that much more appealing.
Could it be that he is auditioning for the DIOR spot? After all, there is a healthy dose of tulle, as well as ruffles AND a demi-...
RESORT 2017 is upon is, and proving to be an eclectic mix meant for spring, summer, and even fall goings on.
The best part about the collections? Some folks remembered how cool all those colors in the Crayola box are!
There are varied silhouettes for all comers, and C O L O R!
A mix of lady...
Was this supposed to be an homage to Brazil or the Olympics? Or both? Meh, who cares? I could care less about the inspiration, except if known, sometimes it makes for a good anecdote or a tilt of the head. Seriously, who cares? Are the clothes aesthetically pleasing? Are they wearable ...
Just back from a fun filled and engaging trip to Central Asia, and recovering from a wee bit of jet lag, I thought I would do a bit of a hit and run with just a few images from the first two days of the trip, partially usurped by a domestic flight and many hours of driving from Tashkent to Nukus...
Miuccia Prada steps a bit beyond the usual paradigm and heads towards Dsquared and Lanvin (under Elbaz thank you very much) territory. Take a series of curious elements and blend them together in a devil may care way, as if you are a Bedouin nomad heading out to the desert for an undisclosed p...
I've been enamored of this guy since the late 90's, and he never disappoints. He fits into a cadre of personal favorites along with Lagerfeld, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino.
His aesthetic sense combines the masculine in form, with the oversized silhouettes and more typically male inspired Tuxe...
When I first heard that Lagerfeld was planning to show RESORT 2017 in Cuba of all places, my eyeballs rolled so far back in my head I figured they might just stick there.
Commie paradise? Where no one couldn't find a roll of toilet paper if their life depended on it? In other words, WUT?...
The wondrous spectacle of SPRING runway has made its way into the hallowed halls of Louis Vuitton. Thanks Nicolas Ghesquiere and atelier artisans for some of THE most spellbinding and impeccably rendered runway fashions we are privy to. Akin to whatever Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and...
Springtime for fashion typically means a more watered down version of the more opulent and theatrical fall winter fare. But for this season? The spring summer wares are every bit as glamorous, festive and uniquely stellar.
Case in point? Anything conjured by the artisans at atelier Gucc...
Pared down minimalism, aka, boring, banal, ordinary, and without redeeming aesthetic charms. At least in my opinion.
Fashion should not only shelter us from the elements and keep us within the bounds of decorum, but should inspire us, elevate our spirits, and remind us that art can be wear...
Well, LIBERTINE implies a free thinker in matters of religion, but I think the moniker applies to ideas of fashion as well. Just look at what the free spirited and free wheeling Johnson Hartig has fashioned out of Libertine, a brand he began with New York artist Cindy Greene over 14 years ago. A...
Ahhh, the ever expanding luxury brand brings us another luscious lux wearable collection which might take one from casual outings, to a fancy brunch, to a glamorous soiree. And though swathed in various versions of cashmere, feathers, and chiffon, comfort is of paramount importance.
And as yo...
Well, there were only a few contestants in the Haute Couture for spring collection as expected. The rigors of putting together one of these assemblies are strenuous indeed, not for the faint of heart.
Curiously, one of my personal favorites for spring was that of Dice Kayek, not exactly as we...
Marni has been a go to for hip and mod wearable apparel at a reasonable price point. The fabrications are an eclectic breed with a mix of natural fibers to include a heavy cotton contingent admixed with intriguing techno options and the occasional fur.
There is an architectural bent to the...
As the weather improves and the sun shines longer throughout the day, the RESORT collections segue to those of SPRING. And frankly, there is not much light between the two collections.
GUCCI by Alessandro Michele is one of THE hottest commodities these days, maybe because of the fresh ...
Here are just a few standouts from a recent sojourn to Union Square San Francisco.
The flashy exuberant dash back to the 80's exemplified by Hedi Slimane's ultimate collection for Saint Laurent may have been beyond the pale for the more conservative fashionista. Personally, I would never go near a sequined mini unless it could morph into a fabulous TUNIC. However, I was mesm...
Well, yet another beloved designer has bid adieu to one of the great fashion houses. After a tenure of 4 years, Hedi Slimane has exited SAINT LAURENT, formerly known as Yves Saint Laurent, the eponymous brand of the late great Yves Saint Laurent.
A la Tom Ford and Peter Dundas (now at Rober...
Springtime is here which means pops of pink and poppy adding a fresh and zesty twist to the impeccable purses, bags, and shoes at the beloved and heralded Louis Vuitton.
Here is just a brief sampling of the newest offerings from the iconic brand.
For some reason I'm obsessed wi...
Hat tip to a store in the Haight for the title.
The Caten brothers (that would be Dean and Dan) once again bring us a merry mix of seemingly disparate elements forged into an intoxicating brew. They double up on singular charm by combining military, Victoriana, and other winsome themes...
It's FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS......
In a visually soothing and appealing color palette.
Frocks and things for all occasions.
For cocktail hijinks, evening soirees, gala affairs, OR an EASTER PARADE!
SPRING RUNWAY 2016:
So, I stumbled by Saks Fifth Avenue today to check out the newest delight by DIOR (still missing a fashion director by the way), a spectacular spring runway piece (Raf Simon's last collection), and by serendipity happened upon a mouth watering confection by FENDI, in the form of a gloriously emb...
You've got to love a designer who loves her some critters! There will be NO skins or feathers permeating the collections of Stella McCartney. And frankly I think it is quite cool that chic, hip, and elegant casual can be perpetrated without tormenting our furry and fine feathered friends.
...
Nothing says SPRING is here like a few fancifully festooned frocks, floral embellishments and motifs, and even the occasional organza ruffled shorts!
A pastel palette looms large bringing to mind garden parties and Easter egg hunts!
And though we may not have Botticelli's Primavera t...
No jaunt through NEIMAN MARCUS would be complete without a brief sojourn through the SHOE SALON! No way can you make it out of there without major drooling and coveting.
The selection isn't boot heavy because we are on the cusp of SPRING (which can't come SOON enough), however, pretty much an...
The wonderful thing about fashion? You NEVER know which designer will change their tune and bring forth a new and engaging collection which resonates with one's aesthetic sensibilities.
I've liked Miu Miu (a subsidiary of Prada) through the years, being amused by the accessible collections...
So, I had the pleasure of making back to back visitations to Saks Fifth Avenue to view the upcoming Spring runway fare from Valentino. This was one of the most stunning collections from the Spring shows, an elegant and occasionally whimsical homage to Africa, with a running motif of the iconic f...
As per tradition, Louis Vuitton is the ultimate show in the glamorous runway follies that begin in New York and end in Paris. I don't know the origin of this tradition, but it somehow makes sense in that both Marc Jacobs and Nicolas Ghesquiere have produced some of the most heralded and antici...
And now, just a smattering of choices from the perpetual Chanel footwear fantasy care of the Saks Shoe Salon, San Francisco.
Seems like every time I wander into that den of treasures there are MANY new selections running the gamut in form and function. There will be boots and shoe booties, my personal favorite, as well as quilting and tweedy elements.
If in doubt go for a shoe bootie, no matter the color or texture, as most likely you'll be able to pair with MANY things lurking in your closet. Jeans, slacks, short skirts, midis, boho frocks, parachute pants, or even a kilt. Totally all purpose.
Well allegedly Spring will be here soon, thanks Punxsutawney Phil. And for those disbelievers in the crystal ball powers of the shadow, the proof is in the appearance of runway fare on mannequins and random racks in local bastions of fashion.
Case in point, LOUIS VUITTON, known for their mast...
So, we're coming to the end of Paris Fashion Week, leaving much fashionwear fodder to scrutinize and ogle, from New York to London, Milan and Paris!
Typically, fall winter fare is composed of heavier garments composed of woolens, cashmere, techno fabrics, and leathers. The color palette tends...
With no particular theme, other than I find myself fascinated by them, here are several disparate yet curious selections from Paris!
FALL WINTER 2016, PARIS FASHION WEEK:
Yet another collection from the legendary Rei Kawakubo of Comme Des Garcons that straddles the fence between fashion and art. Wearable art for sure, although it might be argued that some pieces are more wearable than others. Depends on the destination maybe? The entire collection could also ...
You've got to love the Japanese and their approach to ready to wear. On the Vanguard of the avant-garde for decades, one can always expect the UNEXPECTED from their disparate collections. Apparently the more repressed, polite, and mannered a society, the EDGIER the aesthetic when it comes to...
Dear Lord, just when I think their runway shows cannot possibly get any more blisteringly glorious, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana pull a bejeweled Rabbit out of a satin top hat and prove me wrong. Each and every one of the NINETY FIVE looks is some version of fabulous, from the menswear ins...
I love a suit, or frankly any kind of menswear inspired chick attire. The suit is another chameleon in the ready to wear hot house. Wear as an ensemble or team up the separates with other pieces lurking in your closet. Throw a suit jacket over jeans and then add a wide belt ala Diane Keaton. ..
And now, just a few selections from the Milan runways as we head to Paris.
More proof that FALL WINTER will be a grand and joyous ode to eclecticism!!!!
So, the Academy Awards have come and gone......Congrats to all those involved in The Revenant. Despite many hair raising moments (although I saw "The Wild Bunch" by the great Sam Pekinpah as a kid, so, I could take it), I found myself enthralled with the cinematography and of course TOM HARDY,...
Its time for a quick perusal of the newest selection of Little Black Dresses from the runways of New York, London, and Milan. There were not as many as I expected. Apparently COLOR is the new black. That being said, every permutation imaginable has manifested in the collections.
Whether ...
So, apparently something called the Academy Awards is upon us. Frankly, as a child OBSESSED by all things Hollywood, cinema, and the ultimate awards show, I was crestfallen and in utter shock when Saving Private Ryan lost out to Shakespeare In Love in 1999.....W U T ?!?!?!? That caused a momen...
Well, there are MANY runway shows from New York and London Fashion Weeks to wax eloquent about, but this just in: GUCCI HAS HIT THE MILAN RUNWAYS!!!!!
And once again, Alessandro Michele treats us to a whimsical and wondrous affair showcasing what I'm sure will be some of THE most covetable wear...
As mesmerizing as the runway antics at New York Fashion Week were (and more to come on that front later), after a quick perusal of several entries from London Fashion Week, it is clear we are happily in for a treasure trove of delights come this fall winter.
Case in point? ASHISH, the epon...
Ruffles are REGAL, ruffles are RESPLENDENT, and ruffles are RESURGENT. These fashion details can be the focal point of an outfit OR just a kicky adjunct for easy visual interest.
Maybe you don't want to go all obvious girly feminine with ruffles aplenty, but rather you want to temper your t...
Time for a respite from all things pragmatic. In any given season the runways will be rife with neutral palettes, black figuring heavily, and streamlined silhouettes. These are garments for everyday wear, to keep one clothed and unobtrusive. We all tend to live in these elements.
And then...
Once again the House of Delpozo under the creative directorship of Josep Font produces a spellbinding collection rife with unbridled exuberance consisting of unique silhouettes and a vast and vibrant color palette fit for all sensibilities. Dashing primary and secondary colors are tempered by ...
I remember the days when the Crew was a sort of glorified GAP, running in a parallel vein with Banana Republic. Casual and sporty togs with a preppy edge for the college crowd and for low key weekend hijinks. Fisherman sweaters, chinos, and T-shirts in neutral colors were the idea. This is not t...
IS RED! And for MAXIMUM IMPACT when it comes to getting gussied up? You've GOT to go R E D! No other color has the same effect upon the visual cortex as a bright vibrant version of this color. And with such a brash striking color no need to show cleavage or leg unless so inclined. But ...
Ever since I started paying attention to all things fashion week, here and on the continent, I've been besotted by the collections of Nicholas K. The crazed combination of post apocalyptic Mad Max, bedouin, and Warrior Princess are mesmerizing. These are cool, chic, and wearable pieces that co...
Nothing like a love letter from the federales to turn an otherwise glorious day off (apparently P-Phil was correct in his prognostication with respect to the coming of Spring here in SF) into a pit of inauspicious gloom. As "luck" would have it, Saks Fifth Avenue beckoned with gift cards seari...
The allegory of Botticelli aside, what could summon the essence of SPRING and all it represents in a more engaging and winsome fashion than the couture renderings of Giambattista Valli, the grandmaster of all things refined and feminine?
Throughout his pret-a-porter and couture collections, ...
The Lebanese must have a genetic predisposition towards opulent finery given the perpetual glory brought to the runways by the talented and beloved Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab, and Reem Acra, all hailing from Lebanon. Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab both produce haute couture collections, yet even their ...
Couture collections run the gamut from wacky and avant-garde to blisteringly gorgeous, as expected given the disparate menagerie of designers. Some of the pieces almost defy imagination by virtue of the silhouette, precious fabrication and intricate adornment. These are pieces that can take hu...
Well, today that grand oracle and heralded soothsayer, Punxsutawney Phil (of the Marmota monaxes) ambled up and out of his subterranean abode, and miracle of miracles, didn't cast a shadow! So, WE ARE IN FOR AN EARLY SPRING!
Thank you PHIL!
Any excuse to start the perusals of festive, ...
What do the gods on Mt. Olympus decorate themselves with while carrying on their daily duties of throwing lightening bolts and casting spells on mortals?
Why, HAUTE couture of course, and the more opulent and flamboyant, the BETTER!
Let the chiffon and organza flow and the embellishments fly!!...
Lord, its been a trying month what with the stock market in full blown status epilepticus and the weather in armageddon mode. I think Locusts have invaded Argentina. We're in dubious times…..
Thanks heavens for SPRING COUTURE!
A nice treat for our palates as we head into the month of heart...
Must be CHANEL! Thats right, Lagerfeld and Chanel presented Haute Couture for spring 2016 yesterday at the Grand Palais, and once again leave no doubt that the Kaiser is THE Cecil B. DeMille of the runways. The Chanel atelier has some of the most skilled artisans working today bringing Lagerfeld's...
Its time to plunder the mattresses! Get out your SHEKELS, SPRING COUTURE IS UPON US!
And to whet the fashion appetite:
SPRING COUTURE 2016:
Let the tulle flow and the embellishments fly!!!!
What could be more uplifting or inspiring than the fare of one Andrew Gn? When its time to beat back the doldrums of the current SNOWMAGEDDON (hat tip to the genius who amalgamated snow and armageddon), and you can't make it outside to those $15 masterpiece milkshakes, the lace laden, form flatt...
Tonight at 8:00pm, the opening of the San Francisco Ballet!
And to get us in the mood, a few looks from the past, care of the Neiman Marcus windows!
The tireless dynamic duo of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have struck yet AGAIN, delivering a vast collection of delectables, a veritable treasure chest of some of the most outrageously gorgeous ready to wear there is. The silhouettes never confuse or frighten, with the usual A li...
I learned earlier today that Wilkes Bashford, original and longterm owner of the eponymous boutique, a storied San Francisco institution since 1966, died on Saturday. This was a fashion visionary, bringing Ralph Lauren, Versace, Brioni, and Giorgio Armani to the city before anyone else while hel...
Go BOLD, BRASH, and DARING, or, just go home! This seems to be the guiding credo of Fausto Puglisi, who appears to be channeling Gianni Versace, RIP. I for one appreciate the spectacle, even though I probably wouldn't have the guts to go near much of these collections which seem ready made for t...
Apparently ELLERY was launched in Sydney in 2007, the creation of Kym Ellery..Now I wished I had paid more attention. Oh well, its nice to know there will always be a panoply of talented designers to discover that have been under your nose for an undisclosed period of time. Not that Chanel, ...
So often in life we play it safe, and refuse to venture beyond our comfort zone. This is particularly true in the realm of fashion. We stick with neutrals. Black, brown, navy and tan loom large in our closets. Occasionally a smidgen of Burgundy might find its way into an ensemble. Sigh… ...
The Golden Globes are apparently live as I write this........y a w n. I think Leonardo DiCaprio was eaten by a Bear in one of the nominated movies, or something. The only interesting part of these so called awards shows are the red carpet follies, and even they are becoming vaguely disinterestin...
It seems it was only yesterday when Raf Simons left Dior and Alber Elbaz was shown the door at Lanvin.....who will take up the helm at these bastions of fashion? No matter where I go I ask whomever shall listen. WHO WILL IT BE? Well, no one has an iota of a clue. NESSUNO! Sigh. The answe...
No sojourn to New York City in January would be complete without at least a brief pillaging of the sales at Bergdorf's and Barney's. So, between hanging with friends, swooning over the Jacqueline de Ribes exhibition at the Met, and window shopping in 19 degree weather, I managed to do a few laps...
Who needs the Wizard of Oz when all you need to do to find a brain, a heart, or courage, or better yet, shoes, dresses, or purses, is to stroll down 5th Avenue in New York City?
(My only advice is to pack a hat....something I was sorely lacking whilst developing hypothermia as I "strolled" ...
Strident men suits with olympian shoulders (hello Dynasty 80's), togs made of beef bits (um, ok Gaga), and fringed ponchos may come and go, but a WEARABLE well made and pleasingly girly frock is HERE TO STAY! I don't care who you are, this type of garment will be a loyal friend you shall revis...
What better way to ring in 2016 than in some shiny outrageous footwear?
And here, from the always inspiring shoe salon at Saks Fifth Avenue San Francisco, a few options for the glittery time that is NEW YEARS EVE!
(And some pairings from RESORT 2016)
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN:
The...
Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi shared their synaptic flow and conjured up a lush assembly of wearable opulence that might take one from lounging in a manor (or on safari in Tanzania, different strokes, etc) , to work in a venue where impeccable chic is a necessity, or to any fabulous ...
Known for some of the most exquisite red carpet finery and glorious couture collections, Elie Saab brings that same ethos of fairy tale glory to his pre fall collection. Opulence, low level and verging on over the top, is ever-present in a relatively small (typical for pre-fall and resort collec...
Now THESE are my kind of stocking treats, care of the shoe salon at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, San Franciso! While the mashed potatoes are being whipped and the pumpkin pie is baking in the oven, (and the obligatory bowl games are droning on in the background), let the perusal of the latest and greate...
To whet the appetite of all shoppers and spread some holiday cheer, scenes from my random wanderings through UNION SQUARE, San Francisco! You don't have to drop a whole lotta shekels to satisfy your aesthetic desires and embrace the season of peace, good will, and RETAIL THERAPY!
A relatively pithy collection makes a big splash, what with the big volumes, vibrant BOLD color palette, and wacky assemblies! But our brains need collections such as these to combat tweed and soiree gown ennui. Fashion shouldn't be just serioso! Here comes the DELPOZO cavalry to brighten our ...
Leave it to Lagerfeld and his atelier artisans to conjure up yet ANOTHER fun, festive, feast for the eyeballs! The PERFECT resort collection, filled with all varieties of frocks for daytime wanderings, lunches with ladies, and glamorous affairs. And of course, there will be the TWEED element...
Since his glory days at Project Runway (still one of THE most talented of the lot), Siriano has been ministering to the Ladies who lunch, wear hats, and live to make the grand entrance.
The name of the game is BIG, BOLD and T H E A T R I C A L. Voluminous skirts, all varieties of lux silkens, b...
In case anyone hasn't been paying attention to the collections for the last several seasons, MINIMALISM, in general, is scant on the runways. COLOR, OPULENCE in varied degrees, glitter and METALLICS, and of course theatricality loom large. The silhouettes are big, bold, long, and voluminous. R...
We all need a "happy place", a place where the air is clean, the atmosphere calm and inspiring, where everyone knows your name……and for me? Yep, LOUIS VUITTON, Union Square San Francisco.
Clean spartan lines, sky high ceilings, spotless surroundings, filled with a host of IMPECCABLE hi...
Allegedly, rains and deluge the likes of which man hasn't seen since the days of the New Testament will rage against these parts any moment now.
And who says you can't be drenched AND stylish simultaneously?
The antidote to EL NINO is the newest RAINBOOTS care of LOUIS VUITTON!:
I've always cottoned to Phillip Lim, with his varied assortment of engaging and sometimes quirky separates. These are friendly, stylish yet non fussy garments with a constant element of pizzaz. AND the price point remains quite reasonable. No need to hit the mattresses or your 401K to assemb...
Its seems counter intuitive, but yes, RESORT elements are currently percolating into the stores taking up their place amongst the fall winter and pre-fall lingerers as icicles rapidly multiply at an alarming pace. As you wander through the stores and boutiques bundled in heavy woolens and park...
December is here! Get out the skis, the parkas and the comfy shoes for the marathon rack perusing. Winter sales have begun! (It might even be time to get in line for the new Star Wars movie…..when does that come out, anyway?).
But no matter what we all have going these days, we need com...
While we face torrential rains, subzero temperatures, and burgeoning darkness shortly after afternoon tea time, thank goodness we have the prospect of resort wares to elevate us beyond winter's doldrums. The resort collections are always wonderfully eclectic, with the expected light and airy cot...
Stuffing and cranberry sauce in the shape of a can are now but a distant memory, heralding the beginning of everyone's favorite winter sport, HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
Whilst recuperating from Thanksgiving gluttony, one might make it to the base camp of retail therapy with some low level trolling for s...
Its time for more fearless wanderings through the shoe department of Neiman Marcus, Union Square San Francisco, where a curious amalgamation of pre-fall, fall winter and resort options are at the ready for perusal and purchasing. From outrageous to glamorous to pragmatic, always chic and styli...
Everyone may not have a rack full of Valentino in their closet, but who DOESN'T covet that rack? Or at least one of the marvelous creations from their perpetually voluminous collections? Dear Lord, the looks come fast and furious down the runway for what seems a dreamlike eternity. Sometim...
What could be more fun than trolling the net-a-porter website whilst taking in endless reruns of Modern Family?
I managed to stumble across a few more wonderfully wacky and smile inducing FAUX fur finds which won't unnecessarily tax your wallet, ethics, or ATP reserves (real fur is h e a v y…...
From Italy, Turkey, Iran, Spain, Poland, and Brazil, some of the most glorious and inspiring sights are to be found along domes and ceilings.
TRAVEL TRIP FOR CHICKS: Always look UP!
And here from my random travels abroad, some truly mesmerizing visions attesting to the brilliance of man and his ability to create things of Olympian beauty that are almost beyond belief.
ENJOY!
Once in awhile we all need a piece of wearable extravagance, with flare, theatricality, opulence, or a major razzle dazzle factor. Maybe we're going to a glamorous soiree, or to mingle with royalty, OR our own wedding and we're too honest to wear, ahem, white. OR, we just want all them other...
Kitschy? Maybe, but also fun, furry, faux and FABULOUS! Nothing will stave off the gray winter doldrums like some bright canary yellow.
And, NO ONE had to die!
I remember when Moncler was known for the sleeker version of the Puffer. (The old school version, which happened to be my personal favorite piece of clothing during my teenage years, typified by that worn by "George Costanza" of Seinfeld fame). More recently a more elegant and chic iteration...
The most vibrant and bold of colors, no matter the shade, from scarlet to cardinal to vermilion, RED is the perfect metaphor for moxie, vigor, and allure. Wall flowers need not apply. If you want to stand out from the crowd (who will be no doubt be wearing black or a version thereof), you go f...
They are RIFE on the runways, a perpetual element of feminine finery. Large, small and micro, in every fabrication possible. You cannot escape, the RUFFLE. No matter the piece or the theme of the collection, a ruffle adds a devil-may-care insouciance. These undulating elements bring to mind sunlit s...
Halloween is over, the Christmas decorations are on the shelves at Walgreens, and it gets dark at 4:30 pm....so apparently Winter is upon us. Which means its time for THE SWEATER! One of my personal favorite pieces of clothing. Warm, fuzzy, with a propensity for the wild and wacky, and bes...
Because sometimes you just want to gaze upon something pretty!
Typically this involves a BEAD, sequin, BUTTERFLY or bird. And probably some chiffon and RUFFLES.
From the Spring 2016 collections….some making a repeat performance.
Well, I'm not sure who started this curious trend of slip as dress, (?Dolce & Gabbana?), but I suppose it makes sense as a two-for. You can always put a thinner more ethereal slip under the slip dress and turn it into a real dress. And for some irony, wear with a more substantial piece atop su...
As much as I am enamored of all things vibrant, over the top, and colorful, a large swath of my closet dwellers are b l a c k. What do we all gravitate towards when in a panic about what to wear to any event? (Night out, soiree, or funeral for instance). It almost always comes down to black. E...
Well, about two seconds after Raf Simons bid adieu to Dior, the word is out that Alber Elbaz, the much beloved creative director for Lanvin this past 14 years is O U T. Something about issues with the majority shareholder and the CEO (care of WWD), etc. Well, bad news for Lanvin for sure.
I rem...
As we all continue to ponder the next step for Dior post Raf Simons, life continues on.
Which means MORE spring and summer worthy pieces from the always eclectic RESORT collections!
Pants, skirts, dresses and all versions of jackets.....(many of which can be worn ALL year round!)
RESOR...
The supremely talented Belgian formerly of Jil Sander fame, who brought Dior back from purgatory after Galliano's unfortunate turn of a phrase, and who left everyone breathless after his premier collection for the great and heralded house of Dior has metaphorically left the building. His Sprin...
Attending fashion shows and just aimlessly wondering the streets of Paris can be EXHAUSTING "work"! The sights, the sounds, miles of museums to partake of…..and of course swooning over the latest runway fare can certainly wear a gal down. And lets not forget the glorious footwear with heel...
Even though fall winter fare has barely begun to line the racks of the usual suspects and can be found on your favorite internet sites, net-a-porter and luisaviaroma for instance, Resort has begun to percolate through the ranks.
Case in point, RESORT 2016 from my new favorite obsession, Aless...
Alexander McQueen (RIP) wasn't the only one obsessed with skulls and skull iconography.....who amongst us isn't fascinated by a skull or maybe a skull and crossbones? The assembly of calvarium and facial bones is sort of goth and macabre and a reminder of Halloween, not to mention Hamlet's great...
Well, of course perfection is in the eye of the beholder, but here Phoebe Philo has assembled a curious cadre of unique fashion forward pieces that will mix and match and make for a head turning spring wardrobe.
She brings a sculptural flare, some hip pants (and even a green pantsuit!), and som...
There are few places (if any) in this world more entertaining or enthralling than the continent of Africa, from Morocco to Egypt, to the Safari infused East and South Africa. And anyone who loves a Critter will be in blissful heaven what with a healthy supply (for now at least) of Elephants, Gir...
There are many reasons to recommend travel to the wonderful country of Jordan, including the Roman ruins at Jerash, the grand hand carved sandstone buildings of Petra (a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the modern wonders of the world), the port city of Aqaba, and of course Wadi Rum, a vast...
We all have our obsessions. For many gals, its SHOES or purses. Unfortunately, most of us have a limited supply of shekels to throw at all things fashion. Typically, my ahem resources are funneled to jackets and the occasional Chanel shoe bootie. Purses typically take a back seat to somethin...
Everyone could use a motorcycle jacket, but not one of those hefty hard as nails versions to be found on Marlon Brando from The Wild One or on the random Hell's Angel.
I say go GLAM, with a rainbow of colors or some fanciful adornments. If in doubt, go the ironic route, with the iconic silh...
Well, there is never a dull moment on the Louis Vuitton runway thanks to the ever changing always unique concepts of Nicolas Ghesquiere. The pieces are mod and fashion forward even with the occasional nod to Victoriana in the form of some puffy sleeves and a ruffle or two. (I'm guessing the RUFF...
95 looks came strolling down a makeshift air terminal at the Grand Palais, which I'm guessing is the biggest runway venue there is. But that is Lagerfeld, go BIG and go BOLD, why the hell not? And frankly, go with the fanciful whims blowing through his cerebral hemispheres. I must admit that...
I could be a God in Valhalla perched upon my velvet tufted thrown eating bonbons, and yet I'd never tire of Dries Van Noten and his wondrous fanciful wares. Since purchasing my first piece what seems a thousand years ago, in the late 90's, I've been captivated by this clever Belgian and his work...
The runway shows are exactly that, SHOWS, especially in Paris! And yet, most of what we witness flowing down the the makeshift runways, from the Louvre to the Palais Royal are wearable and will be showing up in your local retail palace or at least available for special order through a trunk show...
PARIS FASHION WEEK is upon us! Well, actually, it began on September 29th and runs through this coming Tuesday. The shows are coming in a fast and furious pace, impossible to keep up!
We've seen some head turning stunners from New York, London, and of course Milan, thanks to the likes o...
Anyone searching for unbridled exuberance and unmitigated charm need look no further. In Alessandro Michele's Gucci, a treasure trove of fresh creations abound. This isn't Tom Ford's glam vixen or Frida Giannini's spirit of Jackie O. Rather, Michele presents an eclectic potpourri of bright, ...
I think I purchased my first piece of Dolce & Gabbana 12 years ago (thank you Wilkes Bashford)....a pin striped charcoal gray blazer with floral embellishments, both flat and 3D, a wearable whimsical garden. To this day, its still one of my favorite go to items, and a head turner. Its nipped i...
Who doesn't love a frock bedazzled with flowers or a floral motif? It brings to mind Impressionist renderings and garden festivities. And as much as I loved me some Laura Ashley (I should be embarrassed but for some reason I'm not, we all have a past after all), i fiori are not relegated to fl...
Well, Paris fashion week has just begun, so I am about 500 shows behind the eight ball sigh......so many sublime moments to shock and awe......
However, back we go to the Milan cat walk, where lace is rife, in the form of dreamy upscale ladylike AND barely there dresses to engage and amaze....
Time for some more fancy footwear, care of Neiman Marcus, San Francisco!
Some engaging options from three of my personal favorites, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, & Roger Vivier.
CHANEL:
Freakin' PERFECTION in a black boot. STRETCH suede to the knees, with a chunky but not c...
I for one was crestfallen upon learning of the iminent departure of Peter Dunas from Pucci. I only recently purchased my first Pucci ready to wear, a real STELLAR piece of blue velvet with Zodiac inspired embellishments, however, I've been fascinated by his recent runway extravaganzas consisti...
The great thing about fashion? With each and every runway show or display in every season, we are treated to a treasure trove of delights emanating from around the globe. Sure there are iterations of iterations of what we've come to expect, and thank goodness for that. Who doesn't love Chanel'...
If New York was about honing and elevating sportswear, the message from London is about unabashed femininity, old school glamour, and couture inspired theatricality.
Mainly, its ALL ABOUT THE FROCK, in every permutation imaginable….for varied sensibilities. A broad color palette infuses ...
Thanks to my dear friend Eric, I was lost, but now I'm found! I had ne'er heard of this delightfully quirky brand until just two days ago. I was rendered pleased indeed to add another relatively new favorite to my list: Marques ' Almeida.
Along the lines of Simone Rocha, but with more of ...
Too cool for words pretty much sums up of MUCH of London Fashion week, which began last Friday, and ends today! After a brief heat wave here in SF, the arctic breeze is upon us, so gazing upon diaphanous silkens, ruffles squared, and other airy finery is a refreshing disconnect.
The sp...
The opening of the San Francisco Opera has come and gone with the usual fanfare, giving me a chance to pull out last year's Dolce and Gabbana frock and this year's Dolce bejweled pumps. Those shoes are stunners, sure to to make a repeat performance! I used to be absolutely AGHAST at the thou...
What better interlude from the wonders of fashion week than diving into my annals of critter photography from Mkuze Falls, a private game reserve interposed between Kruger National Park and Zululand, South Africa?
Travel Tip: Invest in a telephoto zoom lens before traipsing off to the wilds...
What better way to end New York Fashion Week than with a tour de force performance by the American Grand Master of fashion, Marc Jacobs, who is arguably THE most talented American designer? What can I say? I fell head first into the MJ koolaid when he brought ready to wear to Louis Vuitton mor...
Pardon my transgression on the most recent prior post, NYFW ends TODAY!
An intriguing series of collections with the tried and true and the new and wacky continue to pepper the catwalk.
An eclectic assortment for sure makes wonderful and wearable fodder for springtime frolicking!
...
New York Fashion Week is coming to an end, leaving behind visions of sugarplum fairies and flights of fancy. The running theme of 70's flavored bohemia continues to waft through the rarified runway air, right at home with dazzling evening wear that would cause the most jaundiced observer to sw...
And the sojourn through all things summery and festive continues with wearable togs, cocktailing attire, and deliciously avant-garde non-sequiturs!
Black and white are infused throughout the collections but a ravishing theme colors the runway: RED AND RUFFLES! All good.
Lady like si...
The runway shows are coming so fast and furious, it's almost impossible to keep up! I'm constantly stupified by the bountiful cornucopia of talent emanating from our Eastern shore. The infectious potpourri of light and airy, athletic, feminine flowery and folkloric, and menswear inspired fin...
As one of our few San Francisco heat waves was simmering down, and the country in the midst of somber remembrance, the lightness and exuberance of a new beginning was conjured in tents and makeshift runways in that pinnacle of grit, strength, and elegance, New York City.
As of 9/10/15, N...
Time for a quick blast from the recent fall winter runway past. A few of my favorite looks, some previously seen, but cool enough for a repeat performance, some new!
These beauties have been spotted in the Neiman's, Bergdorf's, and Sak's "magalogs", whilst others are ON THE RACKS, waiting...
A valuable asset in life is having passion for, well, anything. It staves off ennui. I can thank my perpetually curious genius Father for infusing in me an interest in disparate activities which culminated in a series of passions including traveling, opera, Brahms, fashion, and photography, ...
As we flow into fall, a few hangers on can be seen on the racks, mainly from pre fall, occasionally from earlier seasons, including spring and resort. This fare tends to be infused with a joie de vivre, brighter in spirit, with less metaphorical gravitas. Lighter in fabric and in attitude, b...
Who amongst us does NOT have some version of shoe obsession? No gal here on the planet earth that I know of. Shoes are easy, fun, CHEAPER THAN A SHOW OUTFIT, and can make or break an outfit. Wear anything, but d o n ' t f * c k u p the shoes!
No footwear fettish can be appropriately r...
Time for more shoe shenanigans, with happy wanderings through the Saks shoe menagerie, always a respite from the world's tsunamis.
The fabulous shoes are set off by the modern but plush and serene milieu, the perfect place to indulge in the perpetual obsession of the fashionista. Enjoy.
...
What better way to start off the week than with some FALL COUTURE 2015 d a z z l e r s care of the usual suspects, fit for the random regal or for the gal who wants to channel a Peacock. Why should the male species have all the fun?
Because sometimes we just want to gaze upon something p...
Time for a stroll through the Neiman Marcus avenues of FABULOUS footwear! Short but sweet to whet the appetite! And here, from the San Francisco location, a few tasty tidbits for tooling around town, hitting the nearest gala affair, or just hanging.
CHANEL:
Two vintage styl...
In the never ending series of fashion musical chairs, Frida Giannini is OUT (after an 8 year tenure), and Alessandro Michele (former head accessory designer at Gucci) is IN as the new maestro at Gucci. I for one loved the Giannini aesthetic of mod, pared down, and feminine fare which harkened ...
Time for more fun fall winter fare, care of one of my perpetual favorites, Louis Vuitton, currently under the helm of the immensely talented and much beloved Nicholas Ghesquiere, who had lovers of all things fashion mesmerized during his tenure at Balenciaga. Though his aesthetic differs from th...
Unless you've just hit the jackpot by stumbling onto a new gizmo which can slice and dice summer squash, OR you're 22, out of Stanford and running a new startup, you're probably hoarding shekels and avoiding profligate spending like the plague. No shame in that, as so many of us can look but n...
Time for some casual fare. Well, RELATIVELY casual, with nary a bugle bead in sight. Duchesse satin and cashmere can be rendered informal by skinny jeans or shoe booties, or a nonchalant attitude. No need to forsake form for function or alluring style for comfort. And the key word for this e...
We are sliding through July at lightening speed. Which means that opening activities are just around the corner, heading to your local Opera house or Symphony hall come September. Tents will be erected and red carpets unfurled. Its time for transient rumination about all things silk and tulle. ..
More from the rarified annals of fall couture, with assorted pieces conjuring visions of armor, from medieval days gone by to a post apocalyptic future.
Maybe its my obsession with fencing, born when viewing Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone flying around the steps of the local castles, whilst lunging...
A painting of a California garden by my Father in the early 1980's.
A brilliant musician, artist, and golfer, and my greatest inspiration.
Rest in peace Dad.
mdm
From the avant-garde to the sublime, fall haute couture is upon us. Sometimes hovering just beyond the bounds of believability, often true art demonstrating the virtuosic skill of the artisans in the ateliers, always a spectacle worth observing.
We can all use the occasional interlude betw...
Fall haute couture is now busting out, with glorious concoctions emerging like butterflies from their respective pupae. The usual suspects are amongst the display, however, a new and STELLAR addition is in the mix, yes, one of my all time personal favorites and a current obsession, ALBERTA FER...
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL!
And here, the colors of the day in fall winter festive frocks!
CHEERS!!!!
Images brought to you by www.style.com
My love hate relationship with fur continues. As a lover of all critters, from the Salamander to the Blue Whale, it pains me to think about the perpetual mistreatment of animals and their extinction at the hands of man, so that we can eat a burger (yech) or look glamorous as we window shop on ...
Its that time of the fashion cycle, RESORT is upon us, an interlude between spring and pre-fall, where the collections are less expansive than their compatriots of spring and fall, but not without substance and drama. And while creeping austerity is haunting the likes of England and Greece, it...
Brrrrrr, its June, and its freezing outside! Perfect time for perusing the fall winter big coats. This was not the year of the coats, leaving me to excavate long and deep for some big coats. The runways were rife with frocks, minis, midis, ballgowns, etc. As gorgeous as these flights of ...
So, I'm off to have popovers at the The Rotunda (aka Popover heaven at the summit of Neiman Marcus), and on my travels, I stumble into the AKRIS pre-fall and wall winter trunk show. After going down the american express rabbit hole several, ahem, years ago due to an inability to control the ad...
Spring fashions are officially on sale, and who doesn't LOVE a sale? Why pay full price if you don't have to? And these days, the good stuff doesn't come without the hemorrhaging of many shekels and much teeth gnashing. Louis Vuitton NEVER goes on sale, and except at Barney's, Alaia (much be...
Spring sales are upon us, which means that pre fall collections are being dispersed throughout the lands, and fall winter trunk shows are manifesting at fancy boutiques and the usual upscale beacons of fashion. Pre-fall tends to represent a segue from spring to fall winter with a mixture of femi...
Greetings from New York City! At least for the next several hours before I leave rain and cold for no rain and cold. I love this city, the hustle and bustle, fast pace, iconic landmarks, Bergdorf Goodman, and the greatest Art museum this side of the Louvre. Just yesterday I had the privilege...
Well, I'm a bit behind the times, as Lagerfeld has already shown his resort collection from the shores of Seoul Korea. More on that later. As per usual, the fall winter Chanel cadre of delectables is vast, just another example of Karl's indefatigable, olympian stamina with respect to the cre...
Its the end of May and its F R E E Z I N G.....at least in San Francisco speak when it must be below 50 degrees outside, its like Antaractica without the Penguins....so ironically, though mid Spring, a great time to start thinking about fall winter coats. The runways were rife with dresses, no...
The genesis of the ongoing fascination with all things 60's and 70's remains somewhat of a mystery to me. Of course those were some intriguing and tumultuous times with quite a spectrum of interesting fashions segueing from the more paired down and repressed 50's into the mod, hip and elegant fa...
A great existential conundrum for sentient beings has and always will be who, what, when, and how we shall forgive. Of course life's experiences, temperament, and context weigh in the decision of what is often tantamount to the riddle of the Sphinx. Which brings to mind John Galliano and his u...
More from the always outrageous, extravagant, and entertaining Paris runway shows with a full spectrum of gorgeous and mind bending, as one would expect from the likes of Sarah Burton, Alber Elbaz, and Riccardo Tisci.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN (Sarah Burton):
Always a tour de force spectacl...
Nothing like a stroll down the couture lane to make one forget life's annoyances. Just think of the woman in the atelier hunched over one of these mad concoctions, sewing on ever so delicately, her 50 THOUSANDTH bugle bead or paillette. My trapezius is going into sympathetic spasm just conte...
I stumbled on "Ermanno Scervino" when I was browsing through the most recent Milan fashions for fall winter 2015. Honestly, I'd never heard of this house before, however was captivated by the vibrant ecletic series of beauteous frocks and coats, brimming over with luscious femininity and sexua...
Good Lord! Just today I received an email care of Chanel sharing the newest vast collection care of the Kaiser, his CRUISE collection from Seoul! Meanwhile, I'm only just now reviewing the newest delicious concoctions from Paris fashion week, albeit a few weeks after the fact. Its true, on...
Drought, famine, death, war, 7.8 magnitude earthquakes shaking the very foundation of civilization, getting unceremoniously dumped by a jackass, locusts and leprosy, the trials and tribulations of humanity are never-ending. And as a respite from these numerous atrocities we have art, music and...
Ahhhh, April 15th, the most inauspicious, if not downright ignominious day of the year, where codified sanctified pillaging of the populace occurs at an increasingly breakneck speed. And what better salve than a trip down the runways of Milan? Tickets to the upcoming "fight of the century" bet...
By the constant source of happiness and joy conjured up by the fashion brew brought to us by those wacky Italians. Allure, artistry, and aesthetic brilliance are seamlessly enmeshed into a wondrous spectacle that can be appreciated on the runways, in the stores, OR over the internet thanks to ...
The Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman BOOKS have finally arrived, heralding the approaching Spring Equinox. Perusing the shiny pages of these fashion tomes reminds me how much the spring collections lifted my sprits and enthralled me. A running theme of lighthearted and playful 70's bohemia...
Well light in actual weight, but heavy in visual impact and sensual satisfaction! Better than pasta on the Via Veneto without those evil carbs. Nothing will stave off the beat of the Four Men of the Apocalypse galloping at full speed as the anticipation of the Italians in all their glory. From t...
We travel again across the vast ocean to gaze upon yet another intriguing varied assortment of gorgeous fare with disparate inspiration, which continues to remind us why we are ever enamored of fashion. A feast for the eyes thanks to a myriad of astonishing colors in a Birds of Paradise color pa...
The Brits are back, bringing us quite the eclectic show of frocks, and togs and such, heavy on the feminine attire what with the reams of silks, laces, and floral motifs, and yet always with an edge and undercurrent of salacious intent. The sojourn through 70's Bohemia continues with the myriad ...
A few more of the usual suspects whip up a vast array of pleasure inducing concoctions, which continue to amaze and inspire, from the simple and paired down to the intricate and lavish. There are always new and unexpected combinations strolling down the runways, to delight any and all lovers o...
As a litany of ready to wear concoctions continue down the runways on our Eastern shore, we are again acquainted with the fresh and the familiar, with a constant stream of eclectic wares ranging from the pragmatic but always engaging to the audaciously opulent. The tried and true silhouettes a...
Well, though its 75 degrees and sunny here in San Fran, the rest of the country is apparently deluged in billows of snow, layers of sleet, and heaps of salt. It was too overcast for Punxsutawney Phil to see his shadow several days ago, but I'm guessing we're in for at least 6 more weeks of arm...
A few more options for pre-fall as the Fall Winter collections have already begun rolling in, and Spring couture has hit the runways! This constant stream of entertaining and enticing fare reinforces the admiration I have for designers who have to conjur up numerous collections every year, a few...
V for victory, Valentino, and Valentine's Day. A non holiday celebration of all things love related, which can trend toward the treacly and lets face it egregiously annoying for single folk, has its origins many moons ago when a troublesome fellow, Saint Valentine of Rome, took to marrying Chr...
Maybe its because there is a gay man inside of me screaming to get out, but I've been obsessed with all things menswear since I first stepped foot into Wilkes Bashford in the early 80's. Ah, the days of American Gigolo, his convertible Mercedes and the renaissance of Georgio Armani.....Perry E...
The pre fall collections are expansive indeed, with continued endless wonderful covetable options, from the simple to the splendiferous. The ever chic entries abound to keep one happily swathed in wearable luxury no matter the occasion….let the games continue to amaze and inspire.
MARNI:
..
Oh dear Lord, I'm rarely lifted out of my body into the ether of such heavenly sartorial splendor. I almost needed to be sedated whilst viewing this collection by Alberta Ferretti. Since I started paying attention to all things runway several months ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find so...
And the fun continues with a potpourri of fun festive fabulous frocks and other wearable finery, in all shapes, sizes, and degrees of opulence, to carry us through the changing of the foliage. Tis the season to get your mitts on some wide leg pants, a slouchy coat in a panoply of colors and te...
The creme de la creme of fashion icons continue the pre fall tradition of an eclectic assortment of wares to include wondrous wearable separates and red carpet worthy gowns to be worn all year round, with an emphasis on the woolen contingent. Black is ever-present as per usual, and I suppose t...
Into everyone's life a black tie event must fall. No matter how many times I vow never again to set foot at some opening du jour, for various reasons, I ultimately hear the siren call of the looming singing or dancing extravaganza, and succumb to the dog and pony show. Then comes the obligator...
New year with fledgling improbable dreams and resolutions to partake of. I give up on the "I'm going to go to the gym more (at all ?!?) and lose 10 pounds". At this age, I've finally foresaken the irksome unnecessary unrealistic goals. Wastes too much precious ATP, and as we age, Lord only kno...
Oof, the polar freeze has enveloped the bay area in unexpected actual winter like weather! I can see my breath.... Just like being in the east coast without the charm of the snow, OR the salt stains on the coat hems. Back we go to some more pre fall selections that will remind us why we L ...
Well, its officially winter....the solstice is upon us. Which makes the pre-fall collections more timely given the large component of fall winter fare. The quickstep to fall continues with varied morsels from the usual suspects to swath us in runway glory....for those ever enamored of black and ...
Pre-fall is an interesting beast, an amalgamation of delicate spring ready frothy wares and fall winter entries with more gravitas. Akin to resort, an eclectic group of pieces with the capacity to be worn all year round, with the tried and true and the new and avantgarde, something for all con...
Maybe its the Poinsettias that have been appearing slowly on the scene since Halloween, or maybe it was all the spilt blood in my recent movie going experience, "John Wick", a wickedly entertaining tale of revenge filled with mayhem galore, with a particularly laconic and bulky Keanu Reeves, but...
The snowflakes are falling, its 9 degrees in Fargo North Dakota, and everyone in San Francisco is freaking out because the temperature dropped below 60 degrees. Its 22 days until the solstice, but lets face it, WINTER is here! Which means its time to whip out the big sweaters (and they are R...
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 wi...
"The zenith of elegance in any woman's wardrobe is the little black dress, the power of which suggests dash and refinement."
...
Whomever had the class and good sense to purchase the gorgeous cocktail dresses, impeccable daytime frocks, or opulent red carpet gowns of Oscar de la Renta. After a storied career and a life lived on his own terms, filled with friends, a perpetual joie de vivre, dogs, and sumptuous surroundin...
Yes indeed, that would be a great JACKET! A wisely chosen jacket will keep you as warm as you need to be, explain to the world who you are, complete a look, and in general, provide the all important azz coverage! Resort pieces tend to be lighter and less dramatic than their fall winter and spr...
Back to the spring fashions which blend hot sexy glam with a boho chic 70's vibe but as we've seen previously, much improved from the pieces I remember from my youth. Embellished frocks, studded leather pants, velvets, taffeta and tulle are ever on display. Dreamy diaphanous dresses in all len...
Like anyone else who grew up watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, I love and have a deep and profound appreciation for the critters. All of them, from the salamanders and lizards to the Owls and Elephants. After being bored beyond belief as a genetics major (what the hell was I thinking?) ...
Time to back track to the Paris shows for the continuation of a heavenly stroll through an eclectic series of Spring fashions that parallel the cosmopolitan components of one of the great cities, Paris! Spring fashion is somewhat of a misnomer as these fashions can be worn year round somewhere...
Well, time is flying by (apparently at a logarithmic rate after the age of 35, sigh....), and we are now at the end of Paris shows. Now that I am paying attention to more than a handful of designers, its clear that there is a wonderful spectrum of treasures available at all price points, and i...
We continue with an eclectic mix of silhouettes, colors, fabrications, and styles, in a wide spectrum of looks by the romantics in the world of fashion, the Italians, by way of Milan. The running theme of obligatory glamour continues, with every silken fabrication available in low level wearab...
Reminds me of the classic 1979 movie "Breaking Away" with Dennis Christopher as a bicycling enthusiast enamored with the legendary Italian cycling team, waiting with the intense anticipation that can only be manifested by a starry eyed teenager, for said team to come race in his home town of Blo...
Back to the London catwalk with visions of the sea and all things nautical in light and airy renditions with a wee bit of Vegas thrown in, thank you Tom Ford. We are rounding up the usual suspects for an entertaining and fulfilling smorgasbord of fanciful delights! There is a full compliment...
Missing in the overwhelming coverage of the life and career of Joan Rivers was the vital influence she had on style and fashion. Even when such attention was indicated, in relating her stints as red carpet commentator and “Fashion Police” host, the focus was on those venues as vehicles for w...
With a crew like Giles, Meadham Kirchhoff, Mary Katrantzou and Erdem, you have to know that the London collections would be fascinating and multidimensional if not flat out spectacular! Throw Big Man on Campus Tom Ford into the mix, and its been quite a thrill filled ride. A hint of Italian ...
New York Fashion week ended on September 11. Interesting date for an ending, but there you have it. So, before running back to the seemingly endless treasures of fall winter 2014, here are a few more fun and fabulous fashions brought to you by American Designers who historically have a flair for...
I always thought that spring and resort collections were lesser beasts compared with their more theatrical and luxurious fall winter cousins. Sort of second rate b.s. if you will. The genesis of this perception was the misguided thought that these collections were only practical if you spent y...
Well, New York fashion week continues bringing HUNDREDS of new pieces for your perusal. We simultaneously go back to the past, to the 70's and 80's, and into the future. There are always new interesting silhouettes admixed with the tried and true to keep the fashion forward gals and the more c...
Well, summer fun is over, the kids are back to school, gala openings are upon us and resort but a distant memory on the runway. The first fall leaf has not yet fallen but the cycle of fashion dictates that SPRING has SPRUNG! New York Fashion week has begun! Now come the endless palettes of...
There was no one like her. For longer than I care to remember I have been entertained to the point of tears by this comic genius. She ran with and went toe to toe with the greats, Richard Pryor, George Carlin and David Brenner, amongst others. She was tough, brash, and sassy. Like count...
Labor Day is upon us, bringing wistful memories of summer vacations, relaxing in Napa or the Hamptons (God willing) but also the anticipation of new beginnings, in the form of first days of college, or maybe pre-school and of course, the changing of the seasons and football. Soon enough we wil...
The Mothership, on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, 2008.
It was many years ago, that I first became acquainted with Louis Vuitton. At that time it was the iconic logo purses and suitcases. What was all the fuss about? And why is that boring brown canvas so expensive? I don't get it...
Ok, so I'll never be rich, and frankly, if that was ever a real concern I never would have gone into medicine, I mean who are we kidding? And wealth won't buy good health or love, at least not in the ahem organic sense. HOWEVER, if I were to stumble upon a pot of gold or a Genie to grant me seve...
For me the holy grail of fashion is comfy stylish clothing that can be worn to work and on the weekends. Pieces that can be thrown on without a man servant in tow, or that won't rip or strangle you as you pull it over your head, which won't come apart when a Dog jumps on you, and more importan...
What is the definition of sexy? I'm guessing men and women would answer this differently. Being a straight chick in San Francisco, surrounded by frustrated straight women and gay dudes (God's great gift to women), and never particularly facile at "dating", I have little straight dude game. ..
In some stroke of luck, after one of my favorite hair stylists up and left DiPietro Todd for greener pastures outside of all things hair, I was shuttled to the fellow who cut his hair, Frank. Initally I thought, uh-oh, new guy, yikes. As it turns out, I love this dude, he takes his sweet time,...
Hat tip to the screenwriter of Notting Hill (which I viewed the other day for about the 100th time, sigh), Hugh Grant's character refers to Anna Scott as "fairly fabulous". Which I must admit also applied to Mr. Grant back in the day, when he was the IT guy in the late 90's and early 2000's. ..
Every season, we are privy to a wondrous array of magical mystical garments, in a host of colors, shapes, and lengths, so stunning in form, so intricately constructed, we can only marvel at their beauty. Dreams are made of such things as these often bejeweled and bedazzled garments, that devia...
Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy, vintage John Hughes 80's fare. Those were some good times. Knots Landing and Dynasty on the tube, Robert Palmer and Level 42 on the radio. Purple eyeshadow and shoulder pads were de rigueur. The A's and The Giants were in the world series. ..
Well, after three days of one of our rare "heat" waves, and me sweating like a whore in church (hat tip my Dad), its FINALLY cooling down. When the temperature hovers above 85 degrees in San Francisco, we of the hothouse orchid variety start swooning and praying for the iceage to make an appeara...
My interest in fashion began early, I can remember perusing items at JC Penny's in Junior High, being intrigued by Perry Ellis at Hink's (an old school retailer in Berkeley), and quite obsessed by Ralph Lauren in college. Somewhere in my attic lurks a multicolored wool Kenzo jacket (thank you ...
Like a Dog with a bone, is my obsession with Dolce & Gabbana.......relentless and neverending. Get the drool bucket out......
Sometimes we need to show up to a cocktail party, a luncheon where we need to be presentable, or dinner and the Opera. We want to look pulled together and pretty, but without too much flash and theatricality. And please God, if we are sitting through 5 hours of Wagner, we need to be comforta...
Ok, I don't care WHO you are, Marie Antoinette back from the grave or the man on the moon, you will L O V E these SPECTACULAR boots! These are the Christian Bale of boots, hot from every angle. (I refer of course to his turn as the Dark Knight, thank you Christopher Nolan). Almost everyday ...
There are some fashions that have nothing to do with pragmatism and common sense. This is not fare for the office or a first time meet and greet with the soon to be in-laws.
In but a short time we will be privy to the wonderful woolens and wacky accoutrement that is the wizardry of fall fashion! An assortment of eclectic shapes, admixed with beads, glitter, and shearling like you've never seen it before! All shapes, a host of colors, wearable, lux, round up the ...
Images brought to you by www.style.com
Well, PRE-FALL is upon is, a bridge between summer sales and the spectacle that is FALL season. This is not to say however that pre-fall is without pomp and circumstance, case in point, CHANEL pre-fall RUNWAY. One need only harken back to prior seasons...
While you can always marvel at Haute Couture and past runway collections on www.style.com, one of the ways to achieve a good understanding of a designer's genius, of the breadth of talent, is to attend a retrospective.
In San Francisco, we had the privilege of seeing the Jean Paul Gaultier r...
Like the litte girl in Annie Hall states ironically, "I'm into leather". It never dawned on me when watching that movie back in 1977, that she might be onto something! Corduroy, chenille and pleather might come and go, but LEATHER is here to stay! There is nothing that feels so cozy and luxu...
In life, there are things so indescribably beautiful, so sublime, they elicit a profoundly emotional response care of the limbic system. Who can walk into St. Peter's Basilica, gaze to the right upon The Pieta, at that supple appearing marble, Christ dead in the arms of Mary, and not feel as i...
I was leaving work yesterday, and as I was heading to the elevator, a patient was being wheeled to the Radiology department. Angst, malady, and plague are never ending. After spending the bulk of my existence holed up in centers of healing, training for sixteen years (yeah, 16 years) its no ...
2014…..sigh………spring sales are now upon us, but I had to include these pieces as a prelude to upcoming fall selections….seriously, these delicacies should come with a fainting couch……
Well I quickly perused Dolce & Gabbana's Fall winter show on style.com during a break at work, and ...
No judgement being passed in this regard, but for those of you who can't abide wearing critter skins, let me suggest anything made of baby cashmere or alpaca. AND for those of you fortunate to be blessed with family shekels or a well paying job, VICUNA! All of these fabrics are akin to fur without a...
Blazonco just designed our new website, and we couldn't be happier! Blazonco is a full-service web design company located in sunny San Clemente, California. Getting a website with Blazonco was extremely easy. We worked with one of their professional web designers to plan, create, and launch the site...
