Boyfriend Jeans

The Dylan Cropped Boyfriend Jean by Citizens of Humanity will definitely be my next fav purchase. I spotted them on a friend of mine in class today and went bananas. They don't have any logo on the pockets (something I've been searching for!) and are a soft denim with a worn-in appeal. I'm imagining them being worn during a picnic in the park or at some other springtime, outdoor activity. For $220, this wear-every-day jean is definitely worth the investment!

East, West, Etro

Veronica Etro's Fall 2009 collection wasn't necessarily my favorite. But I do give her credit for mastering an embrace of tribal patterns without being overdone. Too many designers will go crazy with patters, crazy with layers, crazy with cuts — all in one show. The human eye can only digest three colors at once, so why overload with a hodge-podge of patterns. Etro was a happy medium, a true love song to culturalism and a combination of east and west.

Prada: Depression Chic

In New York we saw designers struggle with the looming recession. Some went wacko with patterns, others went sleek and modern with detailed design. There was no outright acknowledgment of the recession, rather subtle hints and undertones were made.

Miuccia Prada's Fall 2009 collection basically called out the elephant in the room. Are we heading towards a global a recession? Yes. Is a majority of our daily news depressing? Yes. Would some call this a modern-day depression? Definitely.

Prada was perfectly blatant but didn't leave behind the fashion musts: innovative design concepts, dramatic showmanship and beautifully wearable clothes.

Oh Milano

Just a heads up...Milan Fashion Week put New York Fashion Week to shame. Did I really expect anything different? Not really. But let's be honest, the designers showing in Milan are an all-star cast and took the Fashion Week trophy right out of New York's feeble, recession-struck fingers.

Prepare yourself for the fashion orgasm that is Milan Fashion Week, Fall 2009.

Can't Wait: "The September Issue"

I'm no movie buff but would have given anything for access to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2009.
Why? "The September Issue." R.J. Cutler's all-access documentary about the 2007 September issue of Vogue.

(Yes, I have that issue stacked on my bedroom floor, along with all issues from 2005, 2006 and 2007. If you go to my parents' house I have quite an extensive Vogue collection dating back to the late '90s. Obsession.)

I haven't heard of a theater release date, but WWD speculates it will be aired on A&E in the near future.

Stay tuned...

What Recession?

    

  

   

I'd call this a thank you note to Oscar de la Renta...

Fashion week so far was either extreme minimalism or a mess of crazy prints, layers, belts, floppy hats (Diane von Furstenberg). There has been an overall feeling of disconnect on the runways. 

Thus, I was happy to see Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2009 collection. My heart rate literally went up when I saw the images. He was one of the few designers to show full-fledged gowns in all their glam and glory. So thank you Oscar, this is what Fashion Week is all about. 

Jewelry Alert: Jarma

We're all finding our own ways of becoming a recessionista...and I've definitely found mine.

Holly Olmstead, a personal stylist for J. Crew, has launched her own vintage jewelry and accessories line: Jarma

The Lowdown: When Olmstead's grandmother passed away she inherited priceless, costume jewelry. Starting by making an oversized strand of coral her own, Olmstead created a business. She now frequents antique stores, estate sales and consignment stores and uses her impeccable eye to spot and buy jewelry and accessories. 

Why I love it: Let's just say the first piece she showed me was a vintage Givenchy necklace — an amber tear shaped pendant hanging on a subtle gold chain. For around $125, it's a definite steal.

The Best Part: She works one-on-one with her clients and helps the not-so-fashion-forward ones learn how to wear and embrace vintage fashion. Each price tag includes a helpful hint on how to "Make Jarma Your Own."

Click to get accessorizing!

P.S. Rumor has it she'll be adding pictures of her pieces — Jewelry, Scarves, Handbags and more! — sometime in March.