What a Tulle!

When I was younger I joined Ballet. Not because I wanted to dance, but because I wanted to wear a tutu. I should have known then that clothes would dictate the rest of my life.

I never got into Ballet; I wasn't even a good dancer. It was my social hour. Just an excuse to talk to the many girls in the lesson, distracting everyone from the instructor. Most of my Ballet days were spent getting lectured, then being forced to sit facing the mirror as "punishment." Ha. If only she knew it was more time for me to spend admiring my tutu.

Eventually I gave up Ballet when I realized I didn't need an excuse to wear my tutu. So wear it I did. To school, to church, to friend's houses... to the dentist. Eventually the tutu was ripped and tattered beyond repair, and laid to rest where all retired clothes go (im not really sure where that is considering i cant part with anything clothing wise).

You can imagine my excitement (and nostalgia) now that tulle is making a comeback. It has been showing up everywhere... including Fashion Week 2010!

{Christian Siriano, as seen on Friday at New York Fashion Week}

{J Mendel, price upon request, (800) J-Mendel for stores} (In LURVE with this piece)

{Valentino, $795, neimanmarcus.com}

{LaROK "Punk Party" Skirt, $218, shopbop.com}

Most of the styles have a modern twist to a classic fabric. The pieces can be dressed up or down. I'm not saying you should wear this to the office (I'm not saying don't either FYI) as most of the pieces have a more special occasion/night out feel.

I will definitely be adding a few of these selections to my wardrobe. I also am creating something for myself out of this enjoyable fabric which I am hopeful about (pictures/details to come). I ordered the LaROK skirt last week and I'll keep you posted on how it looks...and the memories it brings back.

xo L

The Pink Sheep of the Family

It's undeniable how brilliant (Lee) Alexander McQueen truly was, which is why his death has left a monumental hole poked through a world-wide fashion heart.

Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue, said McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers. "His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs...he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology, and performance...he was a modern-day genius who's Gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

I put together a well deserved photo tribute, capturing only a handful of his many stunning pieces.

McQueen was a four-time winner of the British designer of the year award as well as the international designer of the year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 2003. The runway show for his McQ by Alexander McQueen line, scheduled for tonight in New York, was canceled.

xo L

Second-hand Treasure

Having a major daily love affair with fashion (when I say love affair... I mean literally sleeping with my clothes) has expanded my closet in ways I never dreamed of. My collection can now be found in the drawers of my night table, under my bed, in my bed, in my car... taking over closets that aren't mine...

Living at home while convenient, has become uncomfortably tight. Which, as of late, has me browsing new options. I often wonder how my new place will look; I imagine my fashion books sprawled out on the mahogany coffee table... fresh flowers in eclectic vases aligning the granite kitchen counter...beautiful chic furnishings - get the picture?

Storage and closet space for me will be the deal maker or breaker. No walk in - no thank you. But where to find this dream place (and how to afford it!) is the big question.

I have no doubt that I will find it, love it, and make it my own. I have a taste for antiques, so the furnishings I inherited from my late grandmother will help get me started and give my place a history. One piece of history that I have recently fallen in love with are antique cocktail trays. Not just any cocktail tray, spefically - ones made by Hermes or Chanel.

They are hand-painted, old, and gorgeous. Hunting one down has proven to be an obsession; and due to my persistance I recently got a hold of someone who does have one of these beauties for sale!! Don't tell him, but he pretty much can name the price and I will bite. The trays also come with stands (original if you're lucky) so they can double as a chic side table as well.

I won't disclose any more information as to where I have been looking, I don't want any competition! But too cute not to share.

xo L

WHITE HOT

Designer spring 2010 creations are out and on pre-order, reminding the fashionable that a new season is (slowly) approaching. And I'm getting ready to start introducing white back into my wardrobe. As the fashion etiquette rules go, white bottoms and footwear can ONLY grace everyday life from Memorial Day through Labor day. But for social rebels such as myself, the first hint of heat is a good enough excuse.

Wearing white denim almost always requires pairing with a bold, statement-making top (and nude underwear!!) think patterns and bright colors. I have YET to see a white outfit done that makes me take a second look ... until now, a la Ashley Tisdale.

The Tiz looks stunning in an (get this) ALL white outfit. Usually wearing all white is a NO-NO. One tends to look: 1. washed out, 2. mistaken for a P Diddy white party reject, 3. missing from your bridal shower, 4. on lunch break from the lab at your job as a scientist.

Miraculously, Ashley avoided looking like any of the horrors mentioned above, and pulled off the best I have seen for an all white ensemble. She got it spot-on by adding a hint of color with a different take on bold pieces - the bronze beads and snake pattern heels. LOVELOVE the way the shoes are the "pop" piece to the outfit, versus just a traditional brightly colored or patterned top.

Personally, I would change out the bronze beads for a much more dramatic necklace and earrings similar in color and style, considering snake print goes with practically anything.

But props Tiz, great outfit and inspiration, and I'm glad you went back to being a blonde.


xo L
Adriano Goldschmied is my new favorite for premium denim http://www.agdenim.com/

Borrowing from the Boys

Nothing is fashion is new anymore; the idea of menswear for women originated on the runway in the 1960s when Yves Saint Laurent debuted "Le Smoking" pantsuit. Instant.Fashion.Staple. Lately I have seen the trend reemerging and was eager to hop on the "boyfriend" fashion wagon.

There are two ways you can effectively pull of this style: 1. raid the man in your life's closet or 2. pick up a boy inspired piece made for women. I am lucky to be able to get a little of both.

To avoid appearing too androgynous (or being mistaken for a cross dresser) be sure to balance the menswear pieces with something feminine: a tuxedo jacket over an evening gown, or boyfriend jeans with a soft camisole top.





That leaves the burning question... What about completing the look? Wearing an over sized jacket may be OK... shuffling along in an over sized shoe is not. The language of masculine shoes can be confusing (and somewhat boring!!). Let me calm your fears and introduce you to my favorite style of unisex shoes: Brogues.

Brogues traditionally are laced, made from heavy leather, and have some soft of toe-cap decoration (think traveling salesman). As of late, these Oxford style shoes are everywhere; from the runway, to the red carpet, to walking past you at the grocery store (guilty!). Brogues are newly updated with styles that scream YUM instead of YAWN. But this can be a tricky trend.


That being said, here are two simple celebrity inspired outfits mixing menswear pieces with a feminine touch.


On Sienna Miller: I felt that this outfit was a perfect example of pairing Brogues with a flirty and feminine piece (skirt). Her handbag also makes a bold statement against an otherwise very safe color scheme.


On Megan Fox: I have a very love hate relationship with Megan Fox. Mostly hate. But due to the fact that this outfit is both sexy and comfortable it had to be featured. I love how the boyfriend jeans are slung low on her hips and cuffed at the bottom. Cuffing the pantlegs not only allows her to show off her wedges, but also her ankles, which give a more feminine appeal. Pairing with a low cut tank top takes it to a sexier level.

After all ... boys will be boys, but occasionally girls may want to be one of the guys too.

xo L

Featured Pictures:
YSL "Le Smoking" tuxedo suit 1966
Christian Louboutin "Freddy" Studded Lace Ups $995 www.christianlouboutin.com

What's In A Name?

You’re nobody, it seems, unless you can be worn. Actresses, rappers, pop singers, athletes … just a few of the many that have lent their names to handbags, shoes, apparel, fragrances, hair extensions, accessories, condoms … yes condoms. If you’re not aware, specifically I’m referring to the “Magic Stick” Lifestyles brand a la 50 Cent. Is there anything that would indicate to anyone that 50 Cent is a reliable source for birth control?

Anyway, it takes more than a well known name to sell to the hardened New Yorker (Lindsay Lohan leggings anyone?? I think not) it actually takes talent and originality to catch any kind of appeal. This is not the left coast. For example, Nicole Richie recently did a jewelry line for Bebe. I like Nicole Richie, but am I really going to pay $35 more for a metal ring, solely because it was “designed” by her and bears her daughters name on it? I think we know the answer. It may seem easy, being that clothes and accessories are sold everywhere. One may see Ralph Lauren, but not truly understand how Ralph Lauren worked over 30 years to build up that business.

An exception is Elizabeth and James, a line of high-end clothing designed by MaryKate and Ashley Olsen and sold at Neiman Marcus and Saks. If you know me I am not one to give credit unless it is due, in fact the Olsen twins actually freak me out a little bit. Admit it, after Full House they became kind of creepy. But after a quick browse in Neiman, I found myself interested in the “Jessica” dress before I knew who or what the label was. The Elizabeth and James style is contemporary; very uptown and downtown, with both extremes of masculine and feminine pieces. I think the part that really impresses me is that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have knowledge in every aspect of the design process, from fabric to pricing. Not to mention they actually wear their pieces in their everyday lives; not just for press coverage/marketing. Imagine that.

So props to you MK & Ash. I plan to own a piece of Elizabeth and James… as soon as I get approved for that AMEX. If you shop at Neiman you know what I’m talking about.

xo L

Dress: Elizabeth and James "Jessica" Dress $365 www.shopbop.com