Balmain - Runway Review

What can I say except I was a child of the 80s and although I didn't live it out to my full potential back in the day, I did and still do have a fondness for acid wash jeans, off the shoulder tops, bandage dresses, jewel colors and all things sparkly. And although some things are best left in the past, Christophe Decarnin brought back the best of the 80s without looking like history repeating itself.


Most notably seen was the revival of Michael Jackson Military Jacket with dazzling crystallized frogging paired with skinny light wash torn acid wash jeans and paired with metal/crystal heavy sandals.

The shoulder is back, but this time more deliberate looking with a well tailored fitted sleeve and a gentle but prominent shoulder curve that points out and away from the body.


Sequins, studs and crystal returns. This season the runways have been full of not so subtle sparkle. I particularly like the use to make linear and curvelinear patterns across the body. Note the skirt lengths, even the high waisted look is hemmed short short short!!!


Bandage dresses in Hot Jewel colors like fuschia, purple and teal offset the heavy use of black, white and pale wash denim. Unlike Herve Leger, these bandage dresses are less structured and deliberate, but more organic and mummy like. Especially in the pink mini dress above. The crystal web accents in combination with the bandage wrap, almost look like you got caught in a web of a luxurious spider and she's wrapping you up snugly in silk.

Balmain showed the world what 80s done right should look like. Rock and Roll Sexy Glam, without the washed up 80s rock/pop star

*images courtesy of newyorkmag.com

Pollini - Runway Review

Ever since I discovered my personal style beat, I've ventured more and more into wearing color with less and less black in my wardrobe. In fact, I think that I own more colorful shoes than black shoes. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed the fun fashion element of Johnathan Saunders premiere effort for Pollini.


Dots and layers of color in the form of 50's silhouette skirts and skating skirts. Prints that remind me of ice cream and candy but without ever being too sweet due to sophisticated color choices.



Even though there was a lot of black, white and gray used Saunders kept things playful and light for this collection. The tailored wool suits, jackets and shifts for day were never boring. I loved the graphic nature of this segment of the collection.




The Shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood look very traditional and modern at the same time. Some of the general detailing and tassels are reminiscent of spectators and loafers but the color choices and heels/hardware definitely very new looking.

The hats, like the shoes and look both from the future and the past. They transform the models into flight attendants on a journey through time.


It wouldn't be a Johnathan Saunders collection without his signature use of color blocking.


The full flounce dresses are artfully draped without looking at all overwhelming or sloppy. Things are looking up for Pollini. Youthful, fresh, polished and very wearable. I guess time will only tell how successful Pollini will be commercially. But I have my eye on this collection as one to watch.

*photos via Style.com & NewYorkMag.com

Foot Petals for Those Killer Heels

I do not believe "beauty is pain, pain is beauty", and yes, I wear heels and wedges. In fact, I love them! Heels and wedges without pain? Enter Foot Petals. I put them in almost all of my shoes. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so they're pretty inconspicuous.

I prefer Foot Petals, which are made of Poron form, over gel pads for shoes that I wear without socks because they won't stick to your feet and the material "breathes" a little better. They're also lighter and absorb shock better.


The Tip Toes are great for padding the ball of your feet and keeping them from sliding. They won't change your life, but they will give you a few extra hours in your heels. In a few shoes, I've had to add some extra glue since the shoe surface was too smooth, but for the most part, it's a simple peel, stick, and go.

Heavenly Heelz are another personal favorite. If you've ever had a pair of shoes rub up on the back of your foot or slip off your heels, these are the perfect fix it! Careful when putting them in shoes with porous leather or suede because they will stick forever, so line them up before pressing down.

Foot Petals retail for $6.95 a pair or $18.95 for a triple pack, but the pink Tip Toes and Heavenly Heelz are on sale for $4.95 a pair at footpetals.com. You might also want to check out a local discount department store like Lohemman's or Century 21, which will usually sell a triple pack for $12.

Get a pair and rock them heels!

Now Wearing...

Dress - It was my mom's in the 70's...one of the few jems I've inherited
Shoes - Rafe New York
Bag - Rafe New York
Headband - H&M
Tri-color Necklace - Vintage
Nails - Opi Louvre Me Louvre Me Not

Sample Sales & Bargains

Who: 10/10 Optics
What: The last day of the sale. An additional 50% off already-reduced eyewear from Lafont, Vera Wang, and Theo
When: 9/30, 10am-7pm
Where: 50 Madison Ave., at 26th St. (212-366-1010)

Who: Soundgirl Sample Sale
What:Sister's Liz Jebara (Soundgirl and re:sound designer) and Patty Kerigan (Lovely People shoe's designer), have teamed together and pulled samples and stock of their collections
When: 10/6-10/8
Where: Soundgirl Showroom, 1385 Broadway, 5th fl., NYC

Who: Escada Sample Sale
What: Escada Collection, Escada Sport, and Escada accessories at up to 85% off
When: 10/2-10/5, Thurs-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Where: The Altman Building, 135 W. 18th Street, Ground Floor

*Reminder...although I think their jewelry is on the pricey side:
What: Slane & Slane Jewellery
Why: 50-60% Off
When: Septemeber 30-October 2
Where: The Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St., The Oxford Suite (2nd floor)

Now Wearing...

Color block shirt - Go International, Target Private Collection
Acid wash jeans - Criminal Damage UK
Multi-strand necklace - vintage
Bag - Gryson for Target

Now Wearing...

Dress - Vintage "The Lilly" by Lilly Pulitzer
Bag - Rafe New York
Wedge Shoes - Abaete for Payless
Umbrella - Gift from Japan

The Kills, A True Rock Band

Artist: The Kills
Recommended If You Like: The Raveonettes, The Raconteurs, The Breeders

In 2004, The Kills recorded Now Wow. When I heard the album, I was a fan instantly. I was drawn to the fact that a lo-fi record from a band with just two members could sound so intense. The sound was raw, dark, and dirty.

Now over three years, The Kills have returned with Midnight Boom, an album that really captures their growth as musicians. Their sound is just as dark and grungy, but their song writing has evolved greatly. With their recent album, they ventured into new territory, playing with variety styles and tempos.

If you ever get the opportunity to see them live, do it. They put so much energy into their performance, and during some songs, they'll sing into one mic with such passion or sometimes even anger. The Kills have five more US tour dates before they head back to Europe - two of which are sold out shows in New York on Friday and Saturday. If you really want tickets and are willing to pay a little extra, you might be able to snag one from a scalper outside the night of the show. Though please note, I do not like to support scalpers; I am simply providing some info to those who may be interested.

Now Wearing...

Jacket - Merona from Target
Scarf - H&M
Jeans - James Jeans
Shoes - Palladium
Bag - Gryson for Target
Umbrella - Sucre
Headband - Goody

Vena Cava After Party

This post is long overdue...the Events of September 7, 2008 below:

Arrived at the scene a bit early and was taking in the impressive scene. First thing I noticed after I climbed up the stairs to get to the roof is the Grassy Hill, complete with real grass, lighted plastic seats and platform on top. It’s truly impressive, yet no one is sitting here. As I continue to walk I notice a Stage on my left with giant screens playing random scenes from the past, there is a bar to the far left with a real lemon tree in the middle and bowls of fresh citrus fruit ready to go. To the right by there is a lounge area with white cushioned benches while above there is a rectangular cluster of lights flashing in patterns. There is a great view of the old New Yorker sign behind the hill.


After a couple drinks people have started to trickle in and near the bar surrounded by a group of girls I spy a print that I know is straight off the runway of Vena Cava and killer shoes. I ask my companions how could she have something straight off the runway and that is when it suddenly dawns on me that one of the designers herself in the flesh. Sophie Buhai wearing black pants, silk ethnic print blouse and studded black heels, looking youthful and fresh surrounded by people congratulating her on her collection. Feeling a little intimidated I clumsily try to sneak a picture that needless to say didn’t turn out very well. It's funny, I am not afraid of celebrities, but designers make a girl feel weak in the knees!



Later on as the evening progresses I find myself sitting on top of the platform on the hill and people climb up to meet us because they say that we looked like we were fun. A couple of guys join us and in conversation I discover one is a jewelry designer.

Guy 1 – I work at Tailor in Soho
Me – Cool I love to eat! What does your brother do?
Guy 1 – Oh he’s a jewelry designer
Me – What kind of jewelry do you do?
Guy 2 – Sort of like what you are wearing, only nicer
Me – Oh yeah? So what line is that?
Guy 2 (Justin Giunta) – I design a line called Subversive
Me - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Really?
Friend (simultaneously) – I LOVE SUBVERSIVE!!! I LOVE YOUR STUFF!
Me – Yeah! I think it’s great I love admiring your stuff in Barney’s but I can only afford your line from Target
Justin Giunta – Well Target is great!
Guy 1 – Don’t worry all my friends could only afford his collection from Target too!

Later on I learn that Justin did the Jewelry for the DKNY show this season and in addition to being a great jewelry designer he’s super nice too! Not only did he say, I’ll see you guys downstairs to me and my friends, he actually meant it and was waiting for us downstairs to see which direction we were headed. I had to say I thought they were fabulous and took a picture with the 2 brothers.

Justin saved us from walking from 2 Avenues in heels as he grabbed a cab and offered us a ride (on him) towards 6th Ave where he was going. As he left the cab Justin said to me, "I hope that you get a really good job one so that you can afford to buy all my stuff". As an afterthought I should have replied, "I hope I become a really big designer one day so you could do the jewelry for my show". His brother later walked my friend and I to the train and made sure that we got home safe. Those Giunta Boys are so sweet!


BTW something else really exciting thing happened. I was in Daily Candy seen at this event. Can you tell? I know the pics are really small, but it's kind of fun anyways!

Now Wearing...

Long Cardigan - H&M
Mesh Embroidered Dress - Zara
Tank Top - No Name, Street Market in Korea
Shiny Leggings - Xhilaration, Target
Octagonal Heel Shoes - Stella McCartney
Patent Purse - Gryson for Target
Necklace - Dominique Cohen for Target
Umbrella - Marc Jacobs Special Item ($16)

iWant Bliss Lau Jewelry

Pictured styles: Diamond Dress, Diamond Top, and Tuxedo

A fan of hardware, I have been lusting over Bliss Lau's body jewelry for seasons. From the way the pieces drape to the overall design, it's absolutely stunning. I love that the body jewelry is feminine without being soft or girly. There have been imitators, but Bliss Lau is the original innovator of this style of outerwear jewelry.

Pieces range from $200-$700. For more information, please visit blisslau.com and support the young designer!