Sale-ing Away

Sandro Dress on SALE here, Jimmy Choo Sandals, Gucci Purse, Robin Terman Beaded Bracelets, Hipanema Earrings.

In case you haven’t been paying attention, my latest fashion posts have been filled with summer dresses. That is because I am a sale shopper, and as soon as the 60% off or "store closing" notices appear in my inbox, I hit the stores. From Missoni to Sandro, I picked up a few gems that I have been wearing everyday. I also picked up these Jimmy Choo platform sandals (the platform decreases the pitch of the shoe significantly so that you can add height and remain comfortable!). This one, by Sandro, is wonderful for several reasons, the first of which is the material. Knits always prove to be wonderful assets, since they pack perfectly. I roll all of my clothes into a carry on bag, whether or not I am traveling for 2 days or 2 weeks. I have got this down to a science. This dress came with me to Paris and New York, simply because it emerges from the suitcase in exactly the same condition as it entered. Fall is the perfect time to pick up a few knits, and you don’t need to spend a ton of money. There will be Labor Day sales in September and Friends and Family sales start in October. I will keep you posted on all of them! 

Black Balmain

Balmain Dress, Jimmy Choo Boots, Saks Fifth Ave Leather Coat, Tom Ford Clutch, Missoni Necklace, Celine Sunglasses. 

 I am always cold. I get chilled even here in Los Angeles, which is a bit odd since I grew up in one of the coldest places in North America, Winnipeg. That is why, when I saw this long sleeved black dress on sale at Saks, I immediately grabbed it and headed directly for the dressing room. While inside the room, I said a little prayer in hopes that it would fit…and it did. Not only was this dress warm and cozy, but it was by Balmain, (a very high end and chic French design house), and its price was reduced by 75%! Yay…..win, win and win!

  One thing that we can get away with here in Los Angeles, is wearing a dress or skirt bare legged with a boot. This is something that I would never dream of doing on the east coast or Canada, but there is something chic and relaxed, and very LA about doing it.

  My tried and true black leather coat, with the fur trim is my favorite thing to wear over a dress. It adds just the right amount of warmth for Los Angeles during the winter or colder climates during the spring or fall.

Red Borders

Alexander McQueen Co-ord (Spring 2015), Jimmy Choo Pumps (available at Scoop NYC Brentwood), Lanvin Necklace, Christian Dior Earrings, Parker Ochs Clutch.

  When Alexander McQueen passed away suddenly and tragically in 2010, the fashion world lost an icon. His designs were bold, daring and easily identifiable. Whether flowy or structured, his clothes shouted themselves from the rooftops. I happened to own two of his pieces; one, a chartreuse chiffon tunic that I purchased in 2004, and the other, a black suit with gold zippers. Sadly, I sold the suit before Mr. McQueen’s untimely death, but the chartreuse tunic is a permanent member of my closet!

  In 2010, Sarah Burton took over as creative director of the fashion house, and I am in love with her designs. This co-ord, (short for "coordinate" in the fashion dictionary), is a perfect example of how she combines the boldness of McQueen with her own whimsy. I have worn this outfit to dinner, and a party, as well as lunch. I love the color red; it is one of my favorites, and the way that it borders both the top and the pants completes the fanciful effect. I have even separated the two pieces and worn the pants with a black sweater and the top over a pair of jeans. If you think outside the box, you will get a lot more wear out of an outfit and therefore more bang for your buck.

A Classic Twist

Worth New York Dress, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Calfun (Buenos Aires) Handbag, Zina Necklace, Chloe Ring (available at Scoop NYC), Hamilton Watch, Vintage YSL Cuff, Celine Sunglasses. 

What is it about a man’s shirt? Why is this masculine item so suddenly sexy and feminine? Without going into a host of symbolic and esoteric explanations, suffice to say that this woman loves the look of this dress,  which is a definite take on a man’s tailored dress shirt. The whimsy that lies in the design of this dress, by none other than Worth New York, is the center twist. It is as if you are twisting the oversize of it in a feminine way to create shape at the waist. It is lightweight, while offering just the right amount of coverage and perfect to wear right now. In the winter, I will add boots and a heavier jacket to ensure that this remains a true fall/winter wardrobe staple in my closet.  Thank you Worth, you have done it again!

  Now let’s talk about my handbag. It was one of the purchases I made in Buenos Aires this past summer. In case you didn’t know, Argentina is known for its leather goods, and they are about 1/3 of the price that their competitors are in Europe and North America. The combination of great quality is outstanding price, makes for perfect shopping weather conditions! 

Venia: Fashion's Next Big Hit

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.