Classical Black
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Wolford Dress, Mary Frances Clutch, Strategia Pump, (similar here), Robin Terman Chokers, Chanel Bracelet, Celine Sunglasses.
Be Mine
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Roberto Cavalli Dress, St. John Bracelet, Gianvito Rossi Pumps (available at Savannah Santa Monica), Mulberry Clutch, Celine Sunglasses, Robin Terman necklace (diamond bar) and earrings, Heart necklace; family heirloom
For me, a great dress comes with a great story; and so it goes for this one by Roberto Cavalli. I first came upon this dress when I discovered it in a forest green color at The Scoop Brentwood store back in December. A woman was returning it, and rather than just stand there in silence, I told her that it was really pretty. She told me that she was buying it to wear to a wedding but thought that the place and time of year (San Francisco in December), seemed a tad too cold and wintry for this lightweight little dress, so she was returning it. Unable to resist the urge, I asked her if, since she was returning it, I try it on. She told me to go ahead since she was definitely not taking it. When I emerged from the dressing room, it was love at first sight. Comfy and pretty were what it had going for it, and I was definitely purchasing this dress, especially since it was marked down by 40%. What I didn’t realize is that the more I raved about it, the more the woman who was returning it softened towards the dress. Inevitably, she changed her mind. I was quietly crushed, and with a smile, I reluctantly changed back into my clothes and handed it over to the original buyer. The sales people assured me that they would order me one immediately and not to worry. I drove off feeling like all was well in the world of shopping; only moments later, I received a call from Scoop telling me that the dress was sold out in my size. I scolded myself for having opened my mouth in the first place. Had I simply stood there, lips sealed at the time of the dress’s return, it would be in my car on its way to MY closet.
Lucky for me, this story has a happy ending. While sifting through racks and racks of 75% off dresses at Saks, I came upon the same dress in red…more my color, and in my size. I took this as a sign from above (Jeff probably has a perplexed expression or is rolling his eyes as he reads this), and bought it. The feeling of vindication championed my emotions and I knew just when I would be wearing this dress. This would be my Valentines Day dress, because like my Valentine, Jeff, this dress was also “meant to be!”
Venia: Fashion's Next Big Hit
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A few months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a young couple who are designers of the clothing line Venia, which I later learned is ancient Latin for the word Grace. She thought that I would find the clothing interesting, beautiful and altogether fabulous. The couple, themselves young and beautiful, were utterly charming, gracious and enthusiastic. The woman was wearing one of the dresses she created for the line, a gorgeous silk print flowy dress. My friend thought that if I liked the line, (which they showed me online), I might blog about it. I was genuinely intrigued by what I saw.
VENIA Dress. Sarah Pacini Belt, Necklace, Bracelet, and Ring. Calleen Cordero Sandals. Zadig and Voltaire Clutch.
We set up a time for me to come by their studio and interview them. This would also serve as an opportunity to view the clothes for their fall 2015 line in person. My assistant, Lauren, and I, set off for hip and happening downtown Los Angeles.
Their living quarters, which double as their design studio, are modern and sleek, with a comfortable edginess, much like their clothes. One of the things I loved, was their “Inspiration Board,” surrounded by twine and wood, and filled with fabrics and sketches.
The couple are 22 and 24 years old. They are intelligent and deep thinkers, having designed the line with a purposeful story and contemporary theme. Their youth, drive and ambition coupled with their intelligence and talent, are the perfect recipe for what I am calling “the next big thing to arrive on the fashion scene. “ After trying on the clothes, I was convinced of it. Like Jason Wu, and others who came before him, I am certain that these two designers will find their way to the top of the fashion industry’s A list.
VENIA Coat and Blouse. Theory Pants. Jimmy Choo Heels. Céline Handbag. Oliver Peoples Shades.
They met at FIDM, and describe each other as polar opposites. He describes himself as technical; he was planning to embark on a career in architecture. She describes herself as conceptual; math phobic, yet drawn to things embodied by technology, such as auto design. On their first date, while watching the movie “How To Train Your Dragon,” in the comfort of her living room, they found themselves spontaneously and symbiotically sketching jackets inspired by the film’s time period. After examining each other’s drawings, they realized that they had much more in common than they originally thought, and decided to team up, (in more ways than one), and attempt to create a collection of women’s ready to wear.
All manufactured in the USA, the pieces are edgy and cozy. Venia uses luxurious Italian leather and the softest of cottons. Once you slip into their perfectly designed black T, you will not want to remove the soft fabric from your body. These are clothes that would find themselves in high-end luxury boutiques or the designer floors of Bergdorf’s, Neimans, Saks and Barneys.
VENIA Jacket and T-Shirt. CAbi Faux Leather Leggings. Aquazzura Shoes. Gemma Redux Necklace. Zadig and Voltaire Clutch. Irit Design Earrings.
I couldn’t wait to model their sample collection! Robert and I hit the streets of Melrose, in the heart of L.A.’s design neighborhood to find the perfect backdrop for these fabulous pieces.
VENIA Top and Skirt. Jimmy Choo Boots. Sarah Pacini Necklace and Bracelets. Céline Handbag.
To purchase special orders visit the VENIA website.
