kk is the new black

A week or so ago I spotted this new version of the much coveted high top sneaker by Isabel Marant on the La Garconne website. I was instantly obsessed in that totally irrational fashion way, and was about to order them when I noticed the fine red print stating the expected arrival date was February 15th. In other words I couldn’t pull the trigger just yet. So I obsessively checked the website daily to monitor their status. Given I already own the black version of this sneaker from last season, I attempted to rationalize why I didn’t need another pair—even one I lusted for this much. But then the devil (who in my case wears Marant, not Prada) took a strong position on my other shoulder and reminded me that this multi-colored version was a totally different shoe. Plus, I wear my black ones so religiously they are naturally staritng to get a little worn around the edges. And on that note, isn’t the fact that I wear  them so much a reason to splurge, err, invest wisely, in another pair? Tough call, but at least I had close to a month to decide. Or so I thought.

The other morning I returned from my spin class—where as it happens, I spotted a chic women wearing a pair of the Marant sneakers in last seasons’ lust worthy red white and blue combination—to find an email from La Garconne announcing that the new collection of Isabel Marant shoes were  available for pre-order. My just rested heart rate raced back up as I clicked the link. I would purchase now and ask questions later. Unbelievably, they had already sold out. It was 11:04 AM, and the the email landed in my in box at 10:56. I was totally crushed in that irrational fashion way and kicked myself for stopping for coffee on the way home. But it didn’t take me long to regroup and realize there is an Isabel Marant store close to me. Surely they will have the sneaker and surely they will have more stock. I made the call to the store (with yet another rush of adrenaline) and was informed by the lovely shop girl—who no doubt has a pair with her name on them— that the store had not received their shipment of the Willow sneaker, but she would add me to the wait list. I may have lost the battle but I hadn’t lost the war. Yet. But then is another sneaker that everyone is scrambling to get their hands on, something I really want?  Only time, and my place on the wait list will tell.

Mexico may be a alive with color—from the deep blue sea to brightly painted buildings to the boldly hued local blankets, baubles and beach bags—but the latest addition to my Clare Vivier collection fits right in. This animal printed leather flat clutch with a neon pink zipper has been my go-to bag since touching down in Sayulita nine days ago. We take off for LA—where all of Clare’s chic carryalls are made—tomorrow, and eventually back to NYC, but I won’t be letting go of this luxe leather sac anytime soon.

Winter has barely hit her stride—actually it officially begins today—but the 2012 pre-Fall shows are already in full swing.  We all know that fashion is always a few steps ahead but it still never ceases to take me by surprise, at least for a moment. As I was perusing the designers’ offerings, I was struck by one show in particular: Theyskens’ Theory. Once again the Belgian Boy wonder has created a covetable collection of clothes for cool girls. And this one look in particular had me lusting in my boots. (Well, technically my flip flops as I am in Mexico at the moment.) This street chic look of a perfect black blazer, T-shirt, and leather pants is an absolute must-have for me. (And if only I could buy that model’s laid-back cool.) Of course, I already own two pair of leather pants, numerous black T-shirts and, even a Theyskens’ Theory black jacket from Spring 2011. But next to this, they just don’t cut it— except maybe for the jacket. Which means either fashion—and specifically Olivier Theyskens—is doing its job by creating an on-going desire for the new, even when it’s similar to the old we already own, or I’m just easily seduced. Most likely, it’s a little of both.

The other day I popped by the Wink offices cum studio because they were shooting the Spring 2012 collection—which is filled with super cute pieces—as well as a few new pics for the blog, which, yours truly pens daily.  I decided to take a few snaps myself and thought I would share them.

THIS PLUS….

THIS….

EQUALS THIS.

But I still don’t have the pants.

I am all about giving credit where credit is due—after all, I am a stand up kind of girl. But I have, on occasion, been guilty of staking claim—in my own mind—for setting a trend. Such was the case recently when I was in Paris. It was there that I debuted a new gray knit hat with neon pink accents by Mischa Lampert and a neon pink leather belt given to me by my friend, the uber cool and chic handbag designer Clare Vivier. Seems I was so seduced by this shock of color—which we all know has been in and out of fashion for years—I somehow believed I was solely responsible for the next neon revival. Of course, everyone also knows by now that these high wattage hues have been on the rise since last Spring, and have shown up on all sorts of accessories from shoes, to bags, to scarves to bling. And this reality check was brought home—uh, literally—when I returned to New York to find my friend, the owner of the chic New York City boutiques Wink, sporting an electric neon pink bag by The Cambridge Satchel Company—they had just arrived at her stores. Still riding my pretty in neon pink in Paris high, I was immediately obsessed with this classic school girl sac in a full wattage flourescent leather. And clearly my infatuation was palatable, as a few days later she hand delivered one to me.

The other night I went to a shopping party at the chic and fabulous kid’s store Yoya. Despite the rain, the shop was filled with some of downtown New York’s hottest mamas who were sipping wine while perusing (and purchasing) the goodies for both young and old. These bubble wrap bears were not for sale.

But this fabulous bag by Lorenza Gandaglia was.

The lovely Christina, the owner of Yoya, and Emanuele Della Valle, the founder of ElizabethStreet.com, “an international collective of chic moms wo know that life is best lived with style” (hell, yes!). Check it out.

Christina’s covet-worthy Pierre Hardy peep toe pump. Treats for the feet…

…and some sweets.

One of the scarves-made in Ethiopia and packaged so prettily-from Sorelle-Firenze, They’re super luxe and gorgeous.

The pom pom bag in action.

And another fabulous bag spotted that night. Yes, it’s a plastic sac with a chain handle—aptly named the Bodega Bag— designed by Aria McManus, the creative director at ElizabethStreet.com. She also designed the bubble wrap bears.

Calling all moms who live in and around NYC. Tonight my chic friend Christina is co-hosting a soiree at her equally chic children’s store, YOYA from 6 to 9. There will be wine, pampering and 15% off of all her covet-worthy kids stuff. Slip on your Wellies and come on by, it’s totally worth the trek, even in the rain.

Like my friend Clare Vivier, I too am beyond excited about the upcoming collaboration between H+M and Marni. I am always obsessed with Consuelo Castiglioni’s collections year after year,  particularly her accessories. And the other day when I was at my daughter’s school I saw these fantastic necklaces created by some of the students in their wood shop class. No one can walk by without doing a double take—even if it’s not  their child’s work, which for me is the case. And while I was marveling at these masterpieces, I heard one women say, “They remind me of something Marni would do.”

A high compliment indeed, and not so far off.

(photo: tellmewherethisis.com)

How’s this for an ironic twist? Here I am in Paris, where among other things I plan to visit the Isabel Marant store—the very one that started my obsession back in 2009. And while I am going to see the collection of covet-worthy clothing, I have to admit, I had a fantasy that Ms. Marant herself would just happen to be in the store the day I visit. Turns out she’s not even in Paris, but in Los Angeles. And it just so happens my good friend Clare Vivier spotted and spoke to her in a cafe there. C’est la Vie. 

from see vivier.com

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Isabel - en vrai

In a classic case of chic minds thinking alike, I was set to kick off the weekend with a post about this very subject. Well, same subject, different boot. I was happy to see that Clare, a bellwether of fashion for sure—I’ve followed in her footsteps more than once by purchasing the exact shoes I saw her wearing—had done the work for me.

These are my Marannabe boots, which do not take inspiration from the Dicker but from the Cleane, this season’s unattainable Isabel shoe—at least unattainable for me as they were sold out in my size and, yes, had less friendly digits on the price tag. I am happy with my Marannabes and often get asked if they are the real deal. Especially when I’m otherwise dressed head to ankle in authentic Isabel. Which is often.

from Clare Vivier:

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Marannabes™

The other day I received an unexpected package. While I have been guilty of late night wine induced click and sends at some of my favorite shopping sites, I always shamefully knew what was coming when the UPS man rang my bell. But an unexpected package delivery  was something I hadn’t experienced in a criminally long amount of time—after all, a girl could use a good surprise more than once in a blue moon. My curiosity was full throttle as I called the elevator up and when the door opened I saw a small box with a return label of an unknown address in Los Angeles. It turns out it was a gift from my good friend Greta. And, it turned out that good things do come in small packages. 

Greta had recently traveled to Machu Picchu and had picked up some local treasures for me and my daughter. My daughter’s goods included an indigenous doll key chain and a cloth bracelet adorned with hearts—dream gifts for an eight year old. My present was this colorful sac embellished with sequins and a beaded strap. It looks like something you might find under a glass case at a cool downtown boutique or a covet worthy piece from a resort 2012 collection. I am saving it for our tropical Christmas holiday as it will be the perfect companion to chic bikinis, slip dresses, and cover ups. Until then it will hang in my closet where I can get an instant pick me up whenever I walk in. Because every time I look at it this gem of a bag it puts a smile on my face. Proving once again that little things can make big days. Especially those little things you didn’t see coming.

A couple of weeks ago I went  to the Rebecca Taylor showroom for a re-see of the Spring 2012 collection. I do have a soft spot for the line and its urban girlie gestalt—not to mention the fact that leopard is a recurring theme in the collection—and am always lusting for something each season. But this time was different. Seems Ms. Taylor has been seduced a little more by the dark side and has created some covet-worthy pieces that while still flirty, have a definite edge. There was a black leather and silk bustier top (and a frock of a similar design), a stunning midi dress featuring sexy suede eyelet, and tuxedo pants and shorts with shimmering sequins lining the sides. And while these were all worthy of a heady style swoon, what really got me haute was this snake print leather bomber jacket.

Everything seemed perfect about this cropped cover up from the subtle snake print in a muted gray and cream to the knitted ribbed trim at the cuffs and hem. I couldn’t resist slipping it on, and was indulged by the lovely Antonella, Rebecca’s PR Director. It truly  fit like a glove and seemed to be the jacket that I was meant to own. But the best part about this little piece of lust-worthy luxury with the right amount of rock-n-roll edge, was the price. Astonishingly it comes in under $1000. And so, as I reluctantly shed this second skin and carefully hung it back on the rack amongst the rest of the collection, I made a mental note of the ship date so I could to hightail it to the Meatpacking boutique as soon as it hits the floor.  But for now, this picture will have to be worth a thousand wears.