HAPPY NEW YEAR + ALIYA LEEKONG INTERVIEW

2012 was quite the year, wasn't it? How was it for you? I'm excited to start 2013 and am especially excited to build on the foundation that I've laid over the past six (really 12) years by expanding the StyleChile brand! I have a feeling that great things await us in 2013, lots of wonderful opportunities are in store. I'd love to learn about your goals for 2013. I'm a firm believer in speaking things into being, so feel free to share your aspirations for the new year in the comments section.

 

I can think of no better way to kick off 2013 than by sharing one of my inspirations, Aliya LeeKong, with you, in the hopes that the success she has attained in the pursuit of her passion will be encouragement for you to follow your dreams. Check out the video below for a conversation between yours truly and the culinary creative director of the Michelin starred Junoon—who also happens to be my good friend, compadre, road dog and fellow food lover—who can appreciate the finest of the fine in dining, to the local street corner fried chicken spot, to street food from far flung countries across the globe, and everything in between. What inspires you? Follow me on Pinterest to see visual representations of my inspirations!

 

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." - Rumi

Filmed by producer and artistic director extraordinaire, Tanji Gilliam, of Oil House Productions, this interview took place back in July, in advance of Aliya's August 2012 Vogue India debut. I think it's hilarious that Aliya flips the script and starts to interview me. Her questions elicited thoughts on my long-held desire to do what I love! Click read more below to see an excerpt of the Vogue India article featuring Aliya and to see more of Tanji's work: a music video for recording artist Nyticka Hemingway, the internal scenes of which were filmed in my apartment! Be sure to check out Oil House Productions, and consider them for documenting your most significant occasions, like I do.

 

Enjoy & Happy New Year!!!

MANUEL CANOVAS: FABRIC + WALLPAPER

I've long aspired to be an interior decorator, and would like to share this post with you, because fashionistas like yourselves, if anything like me, are sure to have an appreciation for design that extends beyond apparel—and into the home. I love wallpaper, and am a big fan of de Gournay, but have recently become acquainted with Manuel Canovas while perusing wallpaper online. Founded in 1963, Manuel Canovas' eponymous company creates decorative wall coverings and fabrics that evinces the founder's love of botany and his long-held passion for drawing and color. Although the French fabric house was purchased by Colefax & Fowler in 1998*, the design aesthetic is still rooted in the artistic principles and tradition of its founder, and is known for its effusive use of color in its collections. Used primarily for upholstery and wallpaper, the woven, dyed and printed fabrics have come to be associated with excellence of design and luxury.

 

* Manuel Canovas shares the plight of another well known French designer: Hervé Léger, who like Canovas, lost the rights to his name and control of his company in 1998. The Hervé Léger brand is now owned by BCBG Max Azria and Monsieur Léger designs and sells dresses under the name Hervé L. Leroux. Similarly, Monsieur Canovas now designs luxurious fabric under another name, his wife's maiden name: Lorca.

EMERALD GREEN: PANTONE'S 2013 COLOR OF THE YEAR

1- Willy Daro malachite and bronze lamp, 1stdibs.com; 2- Emerald cut cocktail ring, made of green onyx, $128; 3 - BCBG pave stone earrings at BCBG, $58.00; 4- Elie Saab's Spring 2012 Ready-To -Wear; 5- Brazilian green agate coasters, $68 from Rain Collection; 6- 14.35 carat emerald engagement ring flanked by 3.95 carat triangular shaped diamonds, $85,000 at Sotheby's;  7 - 1950s arm chair from 1stdibs.com; 8- Gold and malachite Rolex, 1stdibs.com; 9 - Catherine Malandrino stretch silk-blend jumpsuit available at net-a-porter, $395
It ain't easy being green. . . actually, it wont be hard for you to incorporate 2013's color of the year—the most abundant hue in nature—into your wardrobe and home. The Pantone Color Institute,  a world-renowned authority on color, has released the result of its annual poll of designers and brands secret  meeting of international color standard groups, forecasting that one of my favorite colors, emerald green (Pantone color 17-5641*), will be having a moment next year. I've been recommending malachite accents to friends and family for their homes and almost wore this stunner to my birthday celebration last week (but decided that wearing sequins three years in a row would be doing way too much). I do wear these BCBG earrings often though! This color has positive psychological connotations as well. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Excecutive Director of Pantone, emerald green is "the color of growth, renewal and prosperity — no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity." Here's to rebirth, revitalization, well-being and looking fab in 2013!

* Pantone believes that these colors are their intellectual property and cannot be used freely by others. But that belief is not supported by trademark law. Query how Pantone's position would play out in the courts following the recent decision in Louboutin v. Yves Saint Laurent, a case in which Christian Louboutin, he of the red bottom fame, challenged Yves Saint Laurent's use of the color red on soles of certain shoes. While a 2011 ruling by a Southern District Court found that the law does not support Louboutin, disallowing "recognition of a trademark for the use of a single color for fashion items", the Second Circuit Court of Appeals conferred limited trademark protection to Louboutin in "only those situations where the red lacquered outsoles contrasts in color with the adjourning 'upper' of the shoe".

NEIMAN MARCUS + TARGET + CFDA

Every so often, a legendary partnership blooms, delighting the masses with the sheer awesomeness of their union. Not since Bonnie & Clyde, Aol Time Warner and Spam & Rice, to living legends Bey & Jay, Exxon Mobil and Mac & Cheese, have we seen a coupling quite like this one.* Behold the alliance of Target and Neiman Marcus! That’s right, Christmas came early. Thanks to the CFDA (or the Council of Fashion Designers of America for the uninitiated) for achieving its milestone 50th anniversary so that we can all celebrate in this fashion (pun intended). Check out my favorite picks from this collection in the photo below. Share your favorites in the comments section!

1. Eddie Borgo Accent Box 2. Thom Browne's Women's Blazer 3. Altuzarra Double Old Fashioned Glasses 4. Philip Crangi Frame 5. Marc Jacobs Pouches 6. A to-die-for Prabal Gurung Cape 7. Eddie Borgo Letter Opener 8. Altuzarra Tray 9. Brian Atwood Gloves 10. Tracy Reese Dessert Plates

The limited edition collection becomes available tomorrow, December 1, just in time for Holiday shopping! From the looks of it, and the price points confirm that, there’s literally something for everyone and their pets. The partnership will feature more than 50 gifts, including cookie cutters, yoga mats, blazers, skateboards, dresses and dinnerware, starting at $7.99 and capping off at $499.99. The 50 gifts were produced by 24 CFDA designers.

* This statement is not quite accurate, as we just experienced Margiela for H&M a couple of weeks ago . . . but, what’s a good blog post without some hyperbole? 

Click "read more" below to see additional pictures and the list of designers. Head over to Target or Neiman Marcus for more information on, including additional pictures of, this historic collaboration!

DVF SAMPLE SALE!

Fabric from Diane von Furstenberg's Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

It's  that time of year again! The DVF Sample Sale is upon us. Beginning December 10th, you can enjoy up to 70% off Diane von Furstenberg's signature clothing. Click "read more" below to learn how you can access the sale. You can thank me later!

DURO OLOWU + J.C. PENNEY

"I've always tried to give women a sense of inner beauty with joy, and now it's just the right time to make that more democratic. When I was thinking about this collection, I wanted to give American classic shapes and ideas a global flair."- Duro Olowu

We know that J.C. Penney is not doing well, posting a $55 million net loss during the first quarter of 2012. But, the retailer is hitting back, tying its survival to a reinvention strategy announced this past January. Chief among it is J.C. Penney's strategic approach to wooing a highly desired demographic: the fashionable young consumer. According to dailyfinance.com, stores will be reorganized into specialty shops; high end designer collaborations with the likes of Duro Olowu,  Marchesa, Tourneau and Cynthia Rowley; and leadership by CEO Ron Johnson--who brought Apple to retail stores and is responsible for Target's strategic partnerships with fashion forward designers--are expected to turn the struggling retailer around. After digesting some competitive analysis, J.C. Penney is (finally) diving head first into the world of mass-retailer-and-hot-designer collaborations and is starting off by pairing with Nigerian-by-way-of-London designer Duro Olowu. Olowu, a former a laywer, is known as the designer responsible for bold, brash, painterly prints, a mix master of sorts, who is also the 2005 British Fashion Awards' Designer of the Year and a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Click "read more" below for additional pictures and more on Duro Olowu's capsule collection for J.C. Penney. Click the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Roost's Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Cinnamon Butter Glaze

Happy Thanksgiving, Fashionistas! Today is a day to give thanks for all that we hold dear. Whether you express your gratitude by feasting with friends and family or volunteering to feed the needy, the common thread of this holiday is food. See below for a round up of fabulous Thanksgiving recipes from some of my favorite food and drink blogs. Happy eating!

SPERRY TOP-SIDER® + J. CREW

   Sperry Top-Sider® for J.Crew short Shearwater boots, $138 at J. Crew online.

Invented in the ‘30s, becoming popular in the ‘70s and ‘80s, on the decline since the ‘90s, Sperry Top-Siders® are making quite the comeback in 2012. Enjoying a resurgence that began in the late 2000s--due in large part to better marketing, celebrity endorsements and strategic partnerships with fashion forward brands like Band of Outsiders, Milly, J. Crew and the Japanese brand A Bathing Ape--the quintessential preppy shoe has been updated in a myriad ways (with varying colorways and fabrics including sequins and prints) and serves as the inspiration for many a brand.* If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then the Sperry brand should take comfort in its resurrection, knowing that its legacy is firmly established and living on through collaborations like the one from J. Crew. Get your Sperry Top-Sider for J.Crew short shearling boots, depicted above, for $138 here. Click here to see additional footwear from the Sperry Top-Sider® for J.Crew collection!

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* Recently, I spotted this Sperry boat shoe display in a local Macy’s and, a few minutes later, came across these boat shoes--highly reminiscent of the iconic Sperry boat shoe--in Steve Madden.

ONE KINGS LANE + DESIGNER GIFT WRAP FOR CHARITY

Just in time for the holidays! One Kings Lane and seven forward thinking influencers in the world of fashion, interior design and food (my three favorite things, not necessarily in that order) will give you an opportunity to be fabulous while being altruistic. Log on to One Kings Lane beginning next Wednesday, November 14, to access gift wrap designed by Rachel Roy, Rachel Zoe, Lela Rose, interior designer Charlotte Moss, Alice + Olivia’s Stacey Bendet, Simon Doonan and food critic, Katie Lee.

   

Proceeds of the sale will benefit OphanAid Africa, Save the Children, Edible Schoolyard, the Bone MarrowFoundation, Girls Who Code, Lower East Side Girls Club, and Feeding America, respectively. If you've been living under a rock you don't already know, OneKings Lane is a member's only website that offers time-limited sales of furniture, home decor accessories, gifts, vintage items and then some--every single day. Joining One Kings Lane is easy, use this link: https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/NakiaThomas to sign up. You can thank me later. Happy Holiday shopping to you and yours!

STEELITE GIVEAWAY WINNER

Congratulations to Lisa Brown-Hall, the winner of StyleChile's latest giveaway: six crystal wineglasses from Rona, a century-old manufacturer of crystal stemware. Thanks to Lisa and the many others who participated by liking my Facebook page! Thanks to Steelite International America

for the glasses!

H&M CELEBRATES MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA COLLABORATION {VIDEO}

 Photo courtesy of H&M 

Last night H&M celebrated it's collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela at historic 5 Beekman in NYC's storied financial district. The star studded art and dance event was attended by celebrities such as Kanye West, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mena Suvari, Helena Christenson, Slema Blair, Alan Cumming and Chase Crawford. The dance was choreographed by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and the art installation were curated specifically for the event. I'm not sure how I'm going to cope without those plexiglass wedges in my life. . . Plotting on how I can get a pair on November 15th.  Click the "read more" link below for a video of the red carpet and the theatrical presentation of the collection. Thanks to Emily at Paul Wilmot Communications for the photos and video! Click on the label below for vintage H&M and Style Collaborations posts!

LADY DIOR WEB DOCUMENTARY + MARION COTILLARD

The venerable French fashion house of Christian Dior recently released the third installment in its seven series web documentary featuring French oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard. (I love a good run on sentence.) Episode 2, entitled Up and Up, my favorite thus far, is featured directly below.

Episode 3 features Marion wearing Dior designs from the 1940s and 1950s. She undergoes a metamorphosis, transforming from various Dior muses of times past. You'll learn design details of Dior's iconic Bar Suit, the forebear to today's peplum craze (e.g., the suit is cut to fall 40cm above the ground) and all about the Dior Bombshells. Episode 1 gives viewers a peek behind the scenes as artisans design, cut, fit and sew and Cotillard oversees in the Dior workshop.

Click on "read more" below to view Episode 1: Fantasia and Episode 3: Metamorphose. Watch this space for the next in the series.

ARLENIS SOSA + H&M

My love affair with H&M continues. Please indulge me while I share these fab photos of Arlenis Sosa modeling a selection of the retailer's Fall outfits and accessories. I came across these as I was conducting research for my latest project--more to come on that! These photos were featured in H&M's Fall 2012 trend update, photographed by Peter Gehrke, with art direction provided by Mikael Kangas. Designed with the working woman in mind, this sophisticated collection includes many of this season's trends: peplum is prominent, oxblood makes an appearance in the ruched long sleeved dress, a bedazzled Peter Pan collar is outstanding--all accessorized with chunky pumps in malachite green and a neutral taupe.

Click on the "read more" below to see more pics! Click on the labels below for vintage Style Collaborations and H&M posts!

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA + H&M

"The democracy of fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further." - Maison Martin Margiela

True to form of the secretive fashion house, Maison Martin Margiela's H&M collaboration was as shrouded in mystery as the ultra discreet designer. A slow release of promotional materials culminated with the presentation of 14 pictures today, with six more photos of the collection to come next week. Described by H&M's creative adviser, Margareta van den Bosch, as "one of the most important and influential fashion houses of the past three decades", the label is known for its avant-garde creations, for embracing deconstruction early in the movement, and for playing with paradox.

At the vanguard of the fashion forward, the brand's allure is helped, in no small part, by the air of intrigue surrounding its super private founder. Never photographed, and never appearing from backstage at his shows (and corresponding with the media only via fax), Belgian born Margiela imbued his brand, not only with restrained and comfortable glamour, but with the inaccessibility and exclusivity that's associated with his persona. Nowadays, a number of new designers are at the label's helm, "focusing on young, realistic energy for the future". Nothing screams accessibility like H&M. Smart move on the part of the brand!

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M will be released on November 15th in 230 H&M stores worldwide and online. The collection will feature 45 women's garments and 20 accessories. It will also include 30 men's pieces and 15 accessories. Click read more below to see additional pictures from the collection. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaboration posts!

STUD MUFFIN

 Lulu's "Did I Stud-her" Black Leggings, only $35!

I'm clearly well overdue for a Fashion Week post or three, but you know how it is . . . I was most inspired to post as I came across these tights again tonight. I own a pair and someone recently asked where they were from. Let me tell you, these are as much fun to wear as they look. I had the perfect opportunity to do so at Jay-Z's Made in America Festival in Philly this past Labor Day weekend. I felt like a rock star and you will too. Check out Beyonce rocking a House of Dereon pair here. This studded look was all over the Doo Ri and Emanuel Ungaro Fall 2009 runway, but the trend is still going strong. The best feature of the tights featured above is the price: only $35 at Lulu's! If you're willing to splurge, check out alternatives below. Enjoy!

KEIJA MINOR: CONDE NAST'S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF!

Many, many years ago, when I was fresh out of college and working as a legal assistant at a prestigious international law firm with offices at 4 Times Square—that beautiful behemoth designed by Fox & Fowle—I would enter the building and head to the left but, even then, I had aspirations to enter and turn right. I wanted to join the legion of well-appointed women (and men) who were taking the elevators up to Conde Nast, the named tenant of that building. Now, one sista’ who has ridden the corporate elevator up, beyond that mythical glass ceiling and right past that proverbial color barrier, gets to turn right every work day as she heads to her post as editor-in-chief of Conde Nast’s Brides magazine! Congratulations are in order for Keija Minor, the first African American Editor-in-Chief of a Conde Nast magazine, first ever in the publishing giant's 103-year history, and . . . she's a lawyer! Trained at the University of Massachusets Amherst and the historically black Howard University School of Law, Ms. Minor started making major moves after giving up her career as a corporate lawyer, to work for magazines Travel Savvy, Los Angeles Confidential, Gotham and Uptown. I'm looking forward to the impact Keija Minor will no doubt make at Brides magazine. Excellent success and the best of wishes, Keija!

INDEPENDENT FASHION BLOGGERS CONFERENCE FALL 2012

Where's Naki? If you look really close, you'll see me immediately to Iman's left, wearing white Madonna for H&M jeans, Sachin & Babi peplum top and Camilla Skovgaard's peeptoe heels. 

I've recently joined the Independent Fashion Bloggers network, IFB for short, and attended the organization's biyearly conference during the days leading up to New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week for the Spring 2013 collections. The conference was such a great use of my time! In addition to gaining insight into the business behind blogging, foresight into the future of digital fashion and being challenged to bring bravery back to blogging, I was inspired by wisdom shared by the new entrepreneurs panelists and picked up additional tips on how to make friends and win readers.

And, there was more! From breakout sessions focusing on: how to get a book deal, optimizing blogs with SEO, video blogging 101, creating media kits and getting a job in social media, among others, to panels on journalism v. blogging and a Q&A session with Pinterest's community manager, Enid Hwang, I was beyond moved to blog, and network, and blog some more while struggling to maintain my composure amongst the many Valentinos, Louboutins (and fab sneaks from Bakers!), peplum and leather trends and otherwise impeccably dressed women (and a few men).

Click on the "read more" link below for more about my experience and to see additional photos. . .

ANNA DELLO RUSSO + H&M

“There is something feisty and over the top in this collection” - Margareta van den Bosch, creative adviser for H&M.

For the first time in its history of design collaborations, H&M partnered with an influencer (and not a designer) Anna Dello Russo, the editor-at-large and creative consultant at Vogue Japan. What better person to team up with for an accessories collection? The fashion enthusiast knows that "accessorization is essential: it is the personal touch to any outfit." Together with H&M, Anna designed and carefully curated a collection of 50 pieces with prices ranging from $299 for thigh-high leather boots to $24.95 for antique inspired earrings. You too can adorn yourself in blinged out shades, bold turquoise jewelry and diamante encrusted heels!

“Accessories are like vitamins to fashion — as such, you should use them liberally” - Anna Dello Russo. Anna shows off pieces from the H&M Dello Russo collaboration in the picture above. 

The collection, entitled "Fashion Shower" also includes a gilded turquoise suitcase, gold and turquoise clutches, a feather hat and alligator necklace. The designs recall the highly stylized ornamentation characteristic of the Baroque period--which is ironic because Dello Russo is celebrated for discernment and refinement in all matters of fashion and style. But, the collection is not entirely discordant. After all, Anna Dello Russo is not known for subtlety! I don't think she could have more effectively projected her exuberance for fashion in anything other than what she and H&M will be offering come October 4th. The fantastic pieces reflect the reality of an icon immersed in the alternate space that only fashion can inspire. That's why I'm looking forward to scooping up as much of her jewelery as is available!

Click "read more" below to see the entire collection and "Fashion Shower" music video directed by Alex Turvey.  Producer/DJ Emiliano Pepe turns out what's sure to become a club banger, in certain circles. View vintage Style Collaborations posts by clicking the label below!

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK: SPRING 2013 COLLECTIONS - SCHEDULE & LIVE VIDEO STREAM

 

 

Stills from Jason Wu's Spring 2013 show

New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is upon us! The Spring 2013 collections were kicked off on Wednesday, September 5th, capped off by the fourth anniversary of Fashion's Night Out the following day and will continue through September 13th. Click on this link to view a live stream of the shows and check back often for highlights. What shows are you excited to see? What trends are you anticipating? I'm particularly interested in seeing how designers will interpret black and leather--trends that are having a strong moment right now (check out Jason Wu's take here). Click "read more" below to see the full Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule.

GIVEAWAY: STEELITE CRYSTAL STEMWARE

 Crystal stemware from Rona, pairs well with Phillippe Starck's "Ghost Chair". A lucky reader will win six wineglasses!

Hey, hey, hey! It's been a while, I know. But, I'm back and I come bearing gifts. I've been busy  working, traveling, getting my head together . . . and trying to build up a social media presence. My Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram accounts are all live and, in the case of Myspace, still kicking. These sites* serve as a complement to my blog so please follow for frequent postings and timely content.  In any event, while in London recently, a chance encounter with another diner at 1707 Wine Bar, within Fortnum & Mason, yielded a box full of goodies for me and I'd love to share my windfall with one lucky reader. Turns out, the generous diner is the President of Steelite International America and I think we won him over with our love of food and wine (I'm sure having the blog doesn't hurt either)! Steelite is the world leader among manufacturers and suppliers of tableware and the company works exclusively in the hospitality and catering industry. I'd like to keep all of the glasses myself, but will pay it forward instead. I'm giving away 6 crystal wineglasses, from Rona -- a century old manufacturer of non-lead crystal stemware. Winning is easy! Simply log on to Facebook and like my page. A winner will be announced in a few weeks. Stay tuned!

* Twitter: @stylechile, Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/stylechile, Facebook: www.facebook.com/stylechile, Instagram: style_chile and Myspace: www.myspace.com/stylechile

STATEMENT NECKLACES

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I can't get enough of big, bold, sparkly, statement necklaces. Adding one of these gem encrusted pieces is by far the easiest way to elevate an ordinary ensemble into the extraordinary. No need for a lot of makeup and bells and whistles when wearing a necklace like the one above. Simple, monochromatic pieces work best to showcase these beauties! Interested in trying this style? See below for where to buy.

1. Tom Binns Dumont Crystal necklace - $2,670 on net-a-porter; 2. Doloris Petunia one-of-a-kind Statement necklaces starting at  $400 on Etsy; 3.Badgley Mischka's Madame X necklace, available at Charm and Chain for $495; 4. Ben-Amun's five-strand pearl and dangling pendant necklace, $695 on Charm and Chain; and  5. Suzzana Dai's ivory windsor necklace, $470 on Charm and Chain.

BOSSY

Here it is, fresh from the pages of one of the more conservative business newspapers, a primer on power dressing for the fashion conscious career woman. According to the Wall Street Journal, today's corporate fashionista is no shrinking violet. She chooses outfits that are infused with color, unapologetically feminine, bold and understated and, of course, decidedly sexy. How does one achieve this look? Don't shy away from mixing textures, embrace accents like pleats and bows, reconsider embroidery and lace, incorporate the new neutrals, and, really, does your suit have to match?

"Borrow a little from the boys, and a lot from the girls"

But, seriously, even with powerful women like Michelle Obama, Queen Rania and Olivia Pope leading the charge, can we mere mortals get away with being fashion forward in conservative corporate culture? Obvi, the lawyer in me is screaming "it depends". That's because it does! The old refrain: "dress for the job you want" is still applicable here. If powerful women in your organization openly embrace fashion, then it's much easier to tread in the path that they've already blazed, easier still if you work in an industry in which looking fab is part of the job description, but if you work with the good 'ol boys, the risk averse lawyer in me is cautioning you not to start bucking any trends. See below for elements of a stylish and boardroom appropriate ensemble.

 Earrings: Lizzie Fortunato Left Bank earrings from Moda Operandi, $270; Purse: Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel, $875; Peplum Jacket: Alexander Mqueen, $2, 815; Shoes: Sergio Rossi black suede sandals with gold frill, $447; Baroque freshwater cultured pearls, $180.

There are ways to strike a balance, and I'd like to think that I do so. Even though the words from an ex still haunt me: "You look great, but that's too much for a law firm", and this from my main gay: "I'm worried that your outfits are too fashion-y for work". So, in truth, I save fab outfits for the weekends or after work, but I do get it in where I can during the work week: bright nail polish (and long-ish nails), great shoes (in brown, black or gray), bold bags (even in bold colors) and feminine shells (always silk or satin, sometimes with lace and bows) buried under a navy, gray or black suit and topped off with double strand pearls. That usually does the trick, or so I hope . . .

Click the label below for vintage Style Trends posts!

MANOLO BLAHNIK SAMPLE SALE

Warwick Hotel

65 West 54th Street

Thursday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

It's that time of year again! NYC's biannual Manolo Blahnik sample sale kicks off this Thursday, May 3rd through Friday, May 4th at the storied Warwick Hotel. Rumor has it that André Leon Talley will be on hand to dole out advice. As a veteran of this sale, I can say that it's well worth the wait. Rows upon rows of Manolos starting at $100. Who cares if they're last season's wares? Good taste never goes out of style! I will not be able to make this year's sale, but please let me know how it is!

THAKOON + NARS

Inspired by the vibrant colors found in Indian Spice Markets, each shade is named after a spice or medicinal plant.

Women's wear designer Thakoon Panichgul is collaborating with Francois Nars to bring to life nail varnish in colors inspired by Thakoon's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection. The limited edition six-color collection includes shades with exotic names such Lal Mirchi, Anardana, Ratin Jot, Amchoor, Kutki and Koliary and will become available online on May 1st at narscosmetics.com. Lal Mirchi, a bright orangey red, on the other hand, will be sold exclusively at NARS' Bleecker Street Boutique. The high-gloss, chip-resistant, formaldehyde-free polish are $18 a pop!

OBJET D' ART: KANYE WEST + GUISEPPE ZANOTTI

"Reebok, baby, you need to try some new things; have you ever had shoes without shoe strings? What's that, Ye? Baby, these heels. . ." - Kanye, We Run this Town. "What's Gucci my $*#!? What's Louis my killa'? What's drugs my dealer? What's that jacket Margiela?" - Kanye, $*#!s in Paris

Kanye knows fashion, no question. His love of fashion and design is evident in his music, musings on his blog and other extramusical pursuits. Even his romantic partners have a keen facility for fashion.* But, Kanye's aptitude for fashion is most apparent in his personal styling. His sartorial style is bold and brash and very much in keeping with his personality. His many varied ensembles suggest a serious understanding of tailoring, fit, colors and textures. The calf leather sandals above, replete with embroidered pearls, evinces Guiseppe Zanotti's expert craftmanship and Kanye's flair for the dramatic. The pair also highlight an intuition for that which is current, for what is fashionable now; these sandals are right on time! The beadwork is reminiscent of South African Zulu artistry and of jewelery worn by Kenya's Masai. The African inspired beading will complement the bold color palettes and Africa inspired collections of Spring 2012. These sandals made their debut during Kanye's Spring/Summer 2012 Presentation and are now available at French retailer Colette for €4,420, approximately $5,800. A second pair of heels designed by the duo is also available at Colette. The black leather and velvet sandal costs €705 or approximately $930. Click on the label below for vintage Objet d' Arts posts!

* Ex-fiance Alexis Phifer is a designer (click here to see my coverage of her showing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week) and former Kanye paramour Amber Rose is a spectacular study in contrasting high fashion and sporty activewear.

FASHION WEEK: PUCCI FALL 2012

Pucci's Fall 2012 collection is all encompassing with a diverse array of textures, colors and trends. The line features rich leathers, decadent furs, sumptuous silks, intricate beadwork, elaborate embroidery, trousers and tuxedo jackets, sheers and strategically placed slits--in a palette of pastels, deep purples, brilliant white and luminous black.

The utterly modern collection evokes both the relaxed sexuality and glamour of the disco era and the body consciousness of the '80s. It straddles the gender divide, juxtaposing manly coats with slinky dresses and rendering a tuxedo in gold.

Models alternated between conservative working girls to punk rock princesses; with some ensembles exhibiting a bit of bohemian luxe for good measure.

While the collection is a bold step towards uncharted territory, it remains rooted in the familiar Pucci aesthetic. Peter Dundas paid homage to the house's history by referencing Pucci's signature palazzo pyjamas and swirling patterns throughout the collection.

Click "read more" below to see additional pictures of Pucci's Fall 2012 collection. Click on the labels below for vintage Fashion Week and Fashion Shows Posts!

DRESS FOR LESS: EMERALD GREEN TEARDROP EARRING

Aspire

Aspire to Bulgari's $3 million Colombian pear shaped emerald and diamond earrings! As previously discussed here, the finest emeralds are from Colombia. These were worn by Julianne Moore during the 2010 Golden Globes Awards and featured in Bulgari's Spring Summer 2010 ad. These beauties weigh in at 115 carats and were first shown at Bulgari's retrospective at Rome's Palazzo delle Esposizioni.

Admire

Admire Hassan Bounkit's green onyx drop earrings, available at Charm & Chain for $385.00. Bounkit's handcrafted, 24kt gold-plated, green onyx versions are made to order.

Acquire

Acquire Kenneth Jay Lane's teardrop faux emerald earrings, seen often on Kyle Richards, for $132 here. These stunners are silver-plated, made of Swarovski crystal and are available in posts or clip-ons. It's not lost on us that Charm and Chaim offers this very same earring for $15 more at $150 and clip-on versions are available for $99 at endless.com.

Click on the label below for vintage Dress for Less posts!

FASHION WEEK: SACHIN + BABI FALL 2012

Although just barely two years old and making its debut in Mercedes Benz Fashion week only yesterday, Sachin +Babi, the eponymous label of husband and wife duo Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia has already made quite the impression on the fashion elite.

According to Women's Wear Daily, yesterday Sachin +Babi "made a name for themselves by bringing a global aesthetic to the contemporary market".

While Sachin + Babi ready-to-wear is in its infancy, albeit a precocious one, Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia have been in the fashion industry for more than a decade.

The Bombay and New Delhi natives who are the children of artisans, drapers and designers met in New York City while attending FIT and are the creators of the Ankasa home brand. In addition, they're "responsible for much of the couture hand embroideries and unique textiles utilized by some of the industry's most esteemed fashion houses." (Read: Oscar de la Renta and Valentino)

I came to know the Sachin + Babi brand because one of my favorite pieces of clothing is from the label's early collections. My gray peplum jacket is to die for. And, while I'd like to take some credit and think that I have some intuition for these things, I have to acknowledge that Sachin + Babi are about to blow whether I realize that or not.

Their style is best described as classic-meets-contemporary, but they describe it as eclectic and elan. I love it because it's both super feminine and rock and roll.

Click here to see picture of Sachin + Babi's Lincoln Center debut and click on the label below for vintage Fashion Week posts!

AD FAB:TIBI SPRING 2012 + JULIA SARR-JAMOIS

"For Spring 2012, Tibi's Amy Smilovic collaborated with two of her favorite muses for the Spring campaign. Swedish blogger Elin Kling took the lead with Amy on styling a runway show and the current advertising campaign featuring Wonderland UK Editor Julia Sarr-Jamois."

Tibi's Spring 2012 ad campaign is not a happy accident, but the result of a deliberate effort by the brand's founder, Amy Smilovic, to unite complementary aspects of fashion's new guard: new media. With styling by beyond-fashionable blogger Elin Kling--who has already designed a collection with H&M (launching February 3rd), and modeling by Julia Sarr-Jamois--the wunderkid editor of Wonderland UK, the campaign is a wonderful synthesis of fashion and new media.

"I chose Julia Sarr-Jamois for our Spring 12 campaign because I'm drawn to confident women with a strong sense of their own style. I think Julia embodies that and represents what I try and bring to the line each season." - Amy Smilovic

Former model Julia Sarr-Jamois is half French, half Senegalese, known for her good looks and regarded for her fashion sensibility. She "freely mixes Alaïa and American Apparel, Margiela with her favorite Marks & Spencer cashmere jumper, either towering stilettos or a pair of Churches brogues, 'the more battered the better'."

Click "read more" below for more pictures of Julia Sarr-Jamois for Tibi Spring 2011! Click on the label below for vintage Ad Fab posts!

VOGUE'S FIRST READER

"A carefully curated collection of stories first published in the iconic pages of Vogue"

This veritable treasure includes literary works by over 70 great writers including Ernest Hemingway and Cecil Beaton. The 557 page hardcover reader was first published in 1944 (copyright, 1942) by Halcyon House and was available at net-a-porter for $350, but is currently sold out. Get yours at Amazon for a fraction of the price! Click here to be directed to net-a-porter's collection of Assouline books on fashion and art.

JASON WU + TARGET

Left to Right: I- Blouse, $35; Pleated Skirt, $30; Bag, $40; II- Pleated Dress, $40; Tote, $50; III-Top, $27; Skirt, $30; Lace Clutch, $30

Sunday February 5th will be a big day for football and fashion fans alike. On this day, not only will Anna Wintour appear on CBS' 60 Minutes, but Jason Wu's 53-piece capsule collection becomes available at most Target Stores and on Target.com. Look for pleated skirts, Peter Pan collars, nautical dresses, printed scarves and handbags with each item priced below $60.

Jason Wu For Target Navy Poplin Dress, $39.99, available at Target on February 5

According to Mr. Wu, this collection was inspired by "French New Wave films, actresses like Jean Seberg and Anna Karina . . . that nonchalant chic, that effortless style, mixed with American sportswear."Shop the collection here and click here to see the entire line.

AD FAB: LINEAR THINKING

Karmen Pedaru and Kate King bring Chloé's Spring 2012 line to life!

It's all in the lines. Look for angular, geometric prints (and lots of color, natch) this Spring. Horizontal, vertical, oblique or straight, lines are perfect for adding dimension. Chloé executes beautifully: lines upon lines in standout color renders otherwise soft and billowous forms into architectural triumphs. Chloé's 2012 ad campaign was shot by photographer Glen Luchford under artistic director Clare Waight Keller.