short stuff

I saw the Adam Emma twill pleated shorts at Dress this weekend. Unfortunately, they only had them in a 4 and these babies run BIG. With shorts all over the runway last week ( is this Alexis Mabille's version of shorts, I can't tell but I love it), I had them on my mind. I am trying to figure out the best way to work this trend into my spring/summer plan-- given my height (5'2) this could be a difficult look. I love the pleating of the Adam shorts and think that I could wear them in early spring with sheer stockings and wedge booties. I obviously have very fond memories of the coolot trend from middle school.

I have started my spring planning-- expect posts to come on the spring transition strategy. This weekend I made my first real spring purchase and it's just wonderful...you will see it soon!

please just wrap me in valentino

chanel

I will let other far more knowledgeable critique the shows. What I like is the pastels are not ethereal. There is a structure and weight to them which I appreciate.

equestrian chic is the new look?

Pictures from today's Dior 2010 spring show. The colors--outrageous-- TG it is not all nudes and pastels. Galliano was inspired by the upcoming American Woman show at the Costume Institute. Apparently everyone is having an American moment of some sort.

Thinking of the Charles James dresses designed for Millicent Rogers, some of which will likely be included in the upcoming show (her collection is now moved to the Costume Institute) has me planning a spring trip to NYC.

keeping up with the drapers

Please excuse the delayed NYE post-- there have been some technical difficulties of late but we are working through them! Yes, I am aware this closely resembles scrapbooking. I couldn't help myself.

When I found out my favorite bar--Trina’s Starlite Lounge--was hosting a private NYE party with a Mad Men theme I almost passed out with excitement. My mind immediately raced to the perfect black cocktail dress I bought two years ago at the Velvet Fly (north end vintage and vintage inspired shop with two lovely owners). Then I remembered the faux stole I had to have which Sarah bought me a few years back. And of course I thought of the lovely Betty. Because in the whole working girl v. lady who lunches or just drinks wine during the day in the dark-- I think I may work better as the later. MJP, who usually never wants to dress up got in on the act with a skinny tie that has since made a subsequent appearance. Erin and Michelle chose the working girl day (Michelle) to night (Erin) style-- it was very memorable combination. Lauren, of course, was Jackie.

I may be the last one to catch the mad men fever but 3 seasons in the wonderfully gifted Janie Bryant (costume designer) continues to inspire a throwback early 1960s New York style. Walking into Brooks Brothers on Newbury in search of the skinny tie I felt transported back in time. Clearly many designers (most notably Michael Kors fall 2008) and more recently retail stores (Anthropologie and Banana Republic) still have the fever.

I think some of my favorite looks came at the end of the second season in the California episodes. You get a real sense for the amazing glamour of early 19060s resort fashion. Sadly, my NYE celebration lacked resort wear. Perhaps I should host a pool party this summer...Jersey dresses and two pieces would be mandatory.

the last cruise...

Sweet stores like mine are making their Spring time transitions and I am feeling a little colorful. I am happy to see all those last season plum bags taking a mark. My 2010 mornings now begin by unwrapping large boxes from my closet lovers. It's like Christmas all over again...except it's Cruise which is just better.

1st box. Choo's new color palette of Turquoise and Nude in the Ramona/Riki. I run to the mirror and swing this tropical color and against my all black dress it's a punch of warm weather on the way North.

2nd box. Valentino... no words in the English dictionary can describe the amazing "Fleurs Couture" Tote. This piece of art makes you stop in your booties and seriously contemplate how much you can give up to wear this. At least it does that for me.

3rd box. Marc Jacob's shades and new silhouettes are what I can't stop dreaming about. A personal fave the "Rio" Snakeskin Embossed in beige. I need it.

As for the rest of you who are not opening your pretty bags until March or April. A word from the lady who knows the best of the best: These are the dark days of winter but there is hope in sight because through our shiny doors are the new beauties and obsessions for Spring.

Feast your eyes on these.

working it out

I think I may be the bag lady-- and not in a good way.

I like to go to the gym in the morning and basically this means bringing my outfit plus shoes, workout clothes and winter boots with me-- all of this on public transportation at 6 AM. Really. Not pretty. I end up with my Botkier Sasha Large Nylon Duffle and the ubiquitous Longchamp-- looking not my best. I know I can do this better, smarter and possibly cause less annoyance to my fellow T travelers. I feel somewhat strongly about nylon in the winter for a gym bag. Work bag is another story. I would also like something with a shoulder strap-- actually I want everything to have a shoulder strap right now. On a side note-- I got a few spring look books and I am loving the whole mini skirt and/or shorts with some hot tights topped with a lovely leather bag which can be worn cross body. That is my spring game plan.

Anyway, I was looking online and came across this LeSportsac Leigh Satchel. It seems to be big enough, has the shoulder strap and even a bit of sleekness. An improvement.

be italian

First, I loved it. Every corset, every shimmy, every over-acted italian sequence involving the word "mamma"-- the whole damn thing. Others felt differently. I never saw Fellini's 8 1/2 (which is the movie the musical Nine is adapted from) but I absolutely must now.

The costume designer Colleen Atwood (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) captured the early 1960s glamour of Italy in every scene. The suits worn in Kate Hudson's number, the sheaths worn by Marion Cotillard, the gorgeous lingerie...it was all as my Italian mother would say "passionate". I would call the costumes sensationally glamorous-- the sort of dresses designed only for tragedy or redemption, which of course is very Italian.

I am most impressed with Kidman's mink (Dennis Basso) which if I ever wear fur is exactly what I want. This coat was made for Kidman-- she should consider wearing it every day, all day. The other is a red sheath dress number worn by Penélope Cruz at the train station. It gives new meaning to phrase "travel style". In reading up a bit on Atwood and Nine, I was interested to find she used vintage textiles from her own archive to create the dress.

The lingerie was amazing-- and of the period complete with girdles and corsets. I am thinking these should make a comeback. I am also thinking I should seriously invest in lingerie and possibly fur. Or at the very least dress like a mistress when travelling.

½

heads will roll

Quick update. Two fabulous sales start today so it you saved your holiday cash, spend it here:

LouisBoston Moving Sale, 234 Berkeley Street
Bye, bye Louis on Berkeley Street and hello Louis on Fan Pier!
Louis is cleaning house and getting ready for the big move-- starting today 50% off women's and men's clothing, shoes, sportswear and accessories.

Stil, Annual Sale, The Mall at Chestnut Hill
Fall/winter collection of clothes and shoes are now 30-50% off!