Trends: To Braid or Not to Braid

Alexander Wang SS 2010, Miu Miu SS 2010, Oscar de la Renta SS 2010

If you've been bored with your hair lately and not sure what to do, perhaps you've considered the high bun. Another low maintenance option for a bad hair day that might be to throw it into a braid. Braids have been creeping on the heads of celebs & socials alike but The Spring 2010 runways have yielded new variations and guaranteeing braids to be the next big trend in hairstyling. Perhaps the ones that stuck in my head the most were the low loose braids at both Alexander Wang and Miu Miu. It has a very casual messy feel as if it's slowly unraveling off your head. If you want a more polished look though, perhaps you can consider the Grecian/Milk Maid stylings of Oscar de la Renta, made more interesting and textural by the addition of fabric strips interwoven in the hair. I haven't tried rocking this look yet...would you wear braids? If so which look do you like?

More Sales This Week: NYC

Who: David Yurman Friends & Family Sale
What: Jewelry, timepieces and eyewear for women and men are on sale at 30 to 70% off. An additional 20% off specially priced merchandise. American Express, Visa, Mastercard and cash accepted. All sales final.
When: October 15-18, 2009. Thurs-Sat 10am-7pm Sun 11am-5pm
Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18 Street(6th-7th Ave) Ground Floor

Who: Prada & Miu Miu Sample Sale
What: RTW, handbags, shoes, and wallets way below store prices.
When: Tomorrow Oct 17 through Oct 23. Sat & Sun, 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm
Where: 609 W 51st St, b/n 11th & 12th Aves Credit cards only.

Who: Escada Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off at the ESCADA three day Sample Sale. Included in the sale are jackets, pants, cocktail dresses, gowns, shoes and handbags from the latest collections.
When: October 16-18, 2009. Fri 10am-8pm Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 W 19th St (b/n6-7 Avenues) Ground Floor
Escada Sale Hotline: 212.852.5446

Who: Loden Dager
What: $50 vests, $100 trousers, $150 blazers and cashmere sweaters, and $200 jackets
When: Now through Friday October 16. Noon-8pm
Where: Loden Dager Studio, 147 West 29th St b/n 6th and 7th Aves, 5th floor (212-502-1824)

Trends: Embellished Tights, The New Legging

Zac Posen Fall 2009, Cynthia Rowley Fall 2009

One of my fave things in the world is sparkle, so this Fall are you ready for the new shine. It's a much more refined and fresher alternative to liquid leggings. From Cynthia Rowley to Doo.Ri these embellished tights are taking center stage. To note, all options are sheer on lace or fishnet base. I love them all but they are pricey... I believe the Cynthia Rowley's are $250! So perhaps it's time to get started on a DIY...

Doo.Ri Fall 2009, Miu Miu Fall 2009

iWant Miu Miu Paillette Pump

I love sparkle and shine just about more than anyone else I know. Looking at chandeliers, disco balls and snowflakes make me happy.

So when I saw these Miu Miu Pailette Pumps, you can imagine what I thought! I love the subtle variation of color, the slightly rounded toe and best of all the variegated sizes of sequins that wrap the entire shoe, including all the way around the heel. The different sizes and slight overlap add textural interest as well sparkle. At $690 these shoes will remain a definite iWant, unless I encounter a super sale!

Miu Miu isn't the only one with a Paillette Pump, Marc by Marc Jacobs also has a version in stores now at $445, but the sequins are sewn flat and don't cover the heel and the pumps are all one color. They also feature a slightly chunkier heel that takes away from the glam factor. They are cute but not nearly as lust worthy.