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. 

Must Have: Archipelago Botanicals

For those of us who are very smell sensitive and drool over anything remotely connected to aromatherapy, Archipelago Botanicals is the perfect find. 

I recently bought the Oat Milk Bath Salts ($20) and went to tub-time heaven. I soaked for 45 minutes and could feel toxins leaving my body — all my stress evaporated with the bath steam. I couldn't believe how soft it made my skin. 

Not only is the product worthy of purchase but the packaging is classic, elegant and a bit shabby chic. It'll be the perfect addition to the array of candles, scrubs and soaks that you know are sitting on the edge of your bath right now. 

Tip: The Green Fig candles and diffusers are also a must-have. 

Order online for happy soaking! Your senses will thank you.

Victoria Beckham Fall 2009

I think pictures can say a thousand words, and in the case of Victoria Beckham's Fall 2009 collection, I could sing a thousand words of praise, admiration and obsession.

In her second, self-titled collection (she debuted last season) Beckham proves that her eye for style is alive and well. Her pieces are strong but subtle, expensive without looking excessive and executed flawlessly. Not only that, her own vision of design, I think, can stand strong with New York Fashion's other heavy hitters.

Sure you have to have a Posh-esque bod to pull off some of her looks ... but I wouldn't be surprised if we catch some of her gowns on a red carpet or two.

I loved her when I was 13 years old (biggest Spice Girl fan ever!) — And I'm glad I can love her again for her fashion sense.

Tales From A Recession

I was fearful for Fall 2009 Fashion Week. Bad news is all around: Recession, Recession, Recession!

But while some designers are running with it and focusing on lasting quality and luxury — Thanks Donna Karan, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera (duh!) — others are going a little nuts.

Carolina Herrera ... Donna Karan

Never would I want to pair Diane von Furstenberg and Betsey Johnson in the same category...but the truth hurts. I praise her highness von Furstenberg as the Fashion Goddess she is, but Fall 2009 missed the boat. It was a haphazard mess, too many patterns and too much going on. Common, we have enough craziness in the world around us. Maybe it was just the styling for the show, but I wasn't impressed, nor did I see any pieces worth picking up. Should be interesting to see what Neimans and Saks puts on their racks.

Betsey Johnson...Diane von Furstenberg

Not Just Polos

When I think Lacoste I think polo shirts and a color palette that would make everyone in Candy Land go ga-ga. Not this time friends. It was all mutes and shape for Fall 2009 — something to keep us bundled up during this recession. Based on good design and flawless linear quality this collections screams "Buy me! I'll last forever." Timeless.

Som, Som, Som

I could not be more excited about Peter Som's Fall 2009 collection. With only a handful of looks, Som was able to pull off a forward-thinking concept that is still perfectly wearable. Walk strong Peter Som!
Loved the entire collection...very Marni...but here are just a few of my favs.

Sweet Resolutions

1. Blog Daily.

2. Eat Healthy.

3. Live Simply.

With Fashion Week upon us, it's high time I get back to blogging. Spring is coming — and on certain Dallas days, like today, it's here — so stay tuned ...