Travel in Style

Just came across this interesting post on Apartment Therapy that talks a bit about the history of the travel trunk, particularly by Louis Vuitton. Although these heavy duty pieces of luggage were created for completely practical purposes, they are now often used strictly as home decor.

Would you use a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk as a coffee table? Here are a couple to ponder:

LOUIS VUITTON Antique Monogram Steamer Trunk

LOUIS VUITTON 1890’s Antique Damier Steamer Trunk~Owned by Abraham Lincoln’s Granddaughter!

Image courtesy Louis Vuitton archives

Dior Couture: Simply the Best

I absolutely can not get enough of the images from John Galliano’s Christian Dior Haute Couture show from Monday. Stunning is an understatement–these clothes are pure art and are totally inspired. Galliano’s reference was the fashion illustrations of René Gruau, Dior’s iconic advertising creative director during the 1940s and ’50s. His work was punctuated by light and shade, as well as pencil marks and color washes.

Galliano recreated the effect with layer upon layer of graduated tulle, fantastic makeup, and cartoon-like lines created from beading and embroidery. See some side-by-side comparisons below, and be sure to check out the full slideshow at Style.com–it’s worth a few minutes!

Notable Necklaces

I think Mandy Moore looks adorable here promoting her new Disney movie Tangled. Her sweet Paule Ka LBD only needs two strong accessories–fabulous red satin heels and a multi-strand pearl and diamond necklace (that I’m assuming is vintage). Some people might look at this necklace and think ‘old’, but Mandy did it just right. Her not-too-perfect topknot is just the right hair for her age, and she wisely stays minimal on the makeup and other jewelry.

Think pearls and crystals can’t be hip? Check out my favorites below, and think about pairing them with your own short ‘n’ sweet black cocktail dress and killer heels!

SWAROVSKI Crystal necklace by Daniel Swarovski.

MONET Vintage Modernist Enamel and Pearl Pendant Necklace

SCHIAPARELLI

Vintage Faux Pearl Opera Necklace

 

 

 

 

Golden Globes ’11: What We Loved

Because New York City is my hometown, I had two special events to look forward to yesterday: the Jets taking on the Patriots and then the Golden Globes. Funny enough, I found myself yelling at the TV during both broadcasts, but for very different reasons. Since this isn’t really the place for a sports breakdown, I’ll use this post to talk exclusively about the Globes. My absolute favorite looks are listed here, with a little explanation as to why they tickled my fancy.

First up, the ladies of Black Swan. I absolutely loved the movie and couldn’t wait to see what Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis would choose for the red carpet. In my mind, both were spot on. I loved the quirkiness of Natalie’s choice–a pale pink Viktor & Rolf gown with a hand beaded red rose. (She also sported Tiffany & Co. jewels and Stella McCartney accessories.) Kind of fitting that she herself is in full bloom, right? Mila looked every bit the movie star in an emerald green Vera Wang (a very hot color indeed) that perfectly accentuated her coloring and her curves.

I was also swooning over the long-sleeved beaded gowns worn by both Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway. It was particularly exciting to see Angelina in a gorgeous pop of color in the form of Versace, but I thought her hair and makeup were underwhelming. Anne, however, was breathtaking and my personal best dressed of the evening. Wearing a dark champagne Armani Privé gown with an open back cut down as low as it could go, she was perfection.

I also really loved the chic minimalism seen on Emma Stone and Claire Danes. Both wearing custom Calvin Klein Collection in sorbet shades, the toned-down looks felt fresh and modern. And again, the dramatic open backs upped the wow factor without being one bit vulgar.

My vote for best embellishments goes to Sandra Bullock and Olivia Wilde. While the dresses couldn’t have been more different, they were both beaded and spangled within an inch of their lives–and I loved every minute of it. Sandra chose a pale pink Jenny Packham and a fantastic Irit Design oxidized sterling silver chain cuff with pave and rose cut diamonds. (Does she seem to be getting younger by the year or what?) Olivia’s ball gown by Marchesa was a goth princess’ dream come true, and her gold studded Jimmy Choos only made it more original.

Last but certainly not least, we have January Jones. Honestly, this Versace dress deserves its own category. Definitely one to love or hate (and I’m firmly on the LOVE side), you have to admit that she owned the red carpet. Hair, makeup, minimal jewels–stunning.

Look of the Day: Blake Lively

One look at Blake Lively at the National Board of Review Gala last night in NYC and I was starstruck. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes an outfit feels completely fresh, very of-the-moment, and just has that ‘oh!’ factor. My eye was first drawn to the gorgeous pop of turquoise jewelry against her purple Marchesa dress. If this pairing doesn’t convince you to immediately try the two colors together, I don’t know what will. Plus, it’s a great reminder that turquoise is NOT just a summer stone.

I also love the dress, in what looks to be a purple ultrasuede, with its delicate cutouts that almost make it appear like a beautiful paper art. The loose hair and understated makeup make it a home run in my book. So go ahead: find yourself a pretty purple dress and try on some of these jewels for size:

18k Yellow Gold Turquoise 2.19 ctw Diamond Cocktail Ring sz 6.5

CATHY CARMENDY

20K yellow gold turquoise earrings

 

 

 

Handcrafted Sterling Silver & Gold Floral 16 ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Turquoise Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Image via JustJared

Hello, Sailor?

Stripes can be terrifying to women, mainly because we were always told to avoid horizontal stripes in order to look as svelte as possible. So what’s a lady to do when these symmetrical lines are back in a big way? Style.com is “In the Mood For: Stripes” this week, and I have to agree that the look is showing up everywhere.

Whether you’re feeling preppy or just a bit avant garde, stripes can convey totally different styles. If you’re not ready to start wearing the lines on your clothes, why not try them on your favorite handbag? Here are my picks for super stripes for 2011:

 

CHANEL Rare Chanel Teeny Tiny Striped Mini Flap Bag

 

ASPREY Signature Steamer Collection Purple Beige Striped Canvas Tote Bag

NANCY GONZALEZ

Black Python and Suede Tote

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Favorites: The Sartorialist documentary

I get tons of fashion inspiration from the man-on-the-street blog The Sartorialist, so I was excited to see a short documentary on the blogger himself, Scott Schuman. It’s really nice to hear more about his process as well as seeing him in action in New York City.

I feel so lucky to live here in NYC where there are style trailblazers everywhere you look. Not so lucky in your own hometown? The Sartorialist is a perfect way to get a fashion fix from the comfort of your own home.

First Finds: Zagliani

If you haven’t heard of Zagliani before, we’re really excited to introduce you to this unusual, but beautiful, handbag line. Created by an entrepreneurial dermatologist who figured there must be other ways to use his workplace techniques, the collection fuses exotic skins and silicone to create a whole new genre of luxury.

Intrigued yet? Here’s the story: Mauro Orietti-Carella had the novel idea to apply the same concept of Botox on people to the animal skin of bags. Once injected with his certain mix of silicone and resins, the skins are buttery-soft, luxurious, and wear even better than a traditional skin.

Although the Italian brand has been around since 1947, Orietti-Carella got on board in 2006, relaunching the company with a modern face. Regardless of the ‘Botox for Bags’ idea, Zagliani makes gorgeous, timeless bags handcrafted at its factory in Milan.

Check out our just-launched First Finds–with prices up to 55% off retail–now!

 

Tom Ford: He’s baaaaack!

It’s hard not to love Tom Ford if  you are a fashion devotee. From his impeccable personal style (hello, gorgeous!) to his stints at Gucci and YSL, Ford has always pushed the envelope in terms of high glamour. Since 2007, gents have been lucky enough to have access to Ford’s eponymous menswear line — full of perfectly tailored suits and unusual prints — but women have been pining for his return to ready-to-wear.

Luckily, the wait is over. Back in September, Ford premiered his Spring/Summer 2011 women’s collection in a top-secret, ultra-exclusive runway show. Press were banned, but lucky attendees got to see Beyoncé, Lauren Hutton and Julianne Moore (among others) strut their stuff.

Check out the video to see what all the fuss is about. Ford debuted clothes that were totally sultry, using ’70s-esque menswear with deep decolletage, tons of sequins, and siren-red lips. Accenting it all was bold yellow gold jewelry in the form of necklaces, drop earrings and cuffs. I, for one, am thrilled to welcome him back.