Peace, Love and Anna Sui

There is no doubt in my mind, that the Anna Sui Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection, will take you on a creative journey that is unparalleled in the world of fashion.  Somewhere in between her imaginative patterns, rich prints, flamboyant colors, and intrinsic embroidery, I was captivated. Her devotion to detail is apparent in every way, with each piece inherently unique. She truly outdid herself this year. This entire collection blew me away in more ways than one.

Anna Sui, who is originally known to mix dark Victorian, dolly girl, rock 'n' roll styles, while maintaing the balance between classic vintage charm and pop-culture gloss.  Infamous for her signature magnetic colors and eclectic energy, The New York Times magazine named her a designer who “never panders". Whether Anna's inspiration is Victorian cowboys, Warhol superstars, Astrological fantasies, or Spanish textiles,  her depth of cultural knowledge is evident. 

Anna Sui is right up there with cult classics like Marc Jacobs for me. Rarely would I ever say I'd do a clean sweep of an entire collection from any designer (even the brilliant and talented Marc Jacobs) but this collection was exceptionally remarkable. The boundless energy and creative ingenuity of her runway presentations will forever make her shows a highlight at New York Fashion Week. Her inspiring collection is available online at  NET-A-PORTER, Shopbop, Nordstrom, and select Anna Sui boutiques worldwide. And following her own inspiration, Anna  will continue to inspire. I know she has deeply inspired me. 

Making a Statement

Make a statement this spring with this Marni inspired necklace By Malene Birger. The statement necklace is all over the runway this season, replacing the function of an accessory with the foundation for an outfit. Think of the statement necklace as a piece that will bring your outfit to life. Instead of adding accessories to make an outfit, the statement piece is your outfit. The whole concept is a hell of a lot easier if you ask me, which is precisely what makes this trend so fabulous. Whether you want to reinvent a simple black dress, or jeans and a tee, the statement accessory will work to turn heads, and give any basic look the appropriate edge it is missing. Available at NET-A-PORTER.com.

All the Rage: Alexander Wang

It looks like Alexander Wang's 2009 spring shoe collection, featuring the "peep-toe bootie" is all the rage this season. Wang, a former San Francisco native, has been known to incorporate his experiences and background into his collections. With this being said, it is apparent the inspiration for his current collection mirrors all the elements of street fashion. 

Af first glance, his designs reflect a fairly imperfect correspondence of ideas. However, Wang is able to transform the function of "the boot" into an alluring fashion-forward trend. The idea is basically brilliant. A peep-toe bootie that serves as a transition into spring.  As for trend wise I am totally on board. The only problem is, I have yet to been able to locate them. I originally spotted them in the Barneys  New York  spring 2009 catalogue, but when I went to check them out, they were no where to be found. 

Conclusions: Is it love? Yes. Fashion forward? Absolutely. Practical? Inconclusive. Therefore, mission Alexander Wang chain peep-toe bootie is to be continued...

Bohemian Glamour

"The idea of combining antique, eclectic looks with modern twists is unique to the label," says Matthew."I call that my creative signature."

Matthew Campbell Laurenza is an American born jewelry designer who debuted his Moroccan inspired jewelry line "M.C.L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza" sometime during the summer of 2007. His inspiration comes from his worldwide travels, and a signature to blend sterling silver, red, white, and turquoise enamel, while incorporating vibrant colored gemstones into intricate designs. The collection includes, glowing gemstone earrings, stunning lively necklaces, sparkling bold oversized rings, and glittering bangle bracelets in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors. While using a rich blend of dazzling colors, with high- quality precious and semi- precious gems, he creates each piece to be unique and more eccentric than the next.

As a lover of jewelry, gemstones, and most specifically statement pieces, it was not difficult to fall hard for his exquisite designs. I was delighted after I spotted his collection at Bergdorf Goodman sometime this December. I immediately connected to each of the ornate stylings. After speaking with the woman at the counter, she enlightened me that I'm not the only one who is experiencing a love affair for this line. The luxe department store has not been able to keep this collection in stock, having been repeatedly reordered 6 times from August to December 2008. The M.C.L collection is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman and their sister store, Neiman Marcus nationwide. As well as other select retailers around the world. While most of his rings start at $270, prices can range from $1,570 to $2,900.

Candela NYC

Studded gladiators, where can I sign up?  In recent collections women find the Latino inspired collection to  be sophisticated, romantic, and subtly sexy. Although the looks have evolved, the natural attraction and free- spirit attitude of Candela has remained constant. Featured in fashion magazines like Lucky and InStyle, and worn by celebrities like Kate Hudson, and Lindsay Lohan, Candela is one line to watch for it's continual refinement of innovative style. Well, that was enough convincing for me. I will take the  Candela Jazz Studded Sandal in every color please! 

Bring on the Glam Rock

When it comes to keeping time, one might say I am a tad obsessed. My infatuation with watches started sometime in high school and has worsened deeply with age. I am endlessly on the lookout for unique and innovative styles, and the bigger the better. Recently I have been pining over the Glam Rock “Miami” Chronograph, which should come as no surprise. I go through watches like most people go through groceries.

The Glam Rock collections are inspired by the vivacious Miami lifestyle, and they are sold in major department stores, like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf’s, and  select jewelry stores nationwide. They feature a solid 18-karat rose-gold case cover, with materials such as sterling silver and titanium. The collections combine function and elegance, while having the luxury to match the alligator, python, lizard or leather inter-changeable straps to your individual personality. Trendy? Absolutely, but oh so desirable.

For those of you who are not currently in the market for yet another "trendy" timepiece, perhaps you'd be interested in something more traditional. When it comes to wearing watches, the options remain endless. Investment classics like Rolex, Chopard, Cartier, Bvlgari, Franck Muller, Panerai, Britling, and Patek Phillippe will forever be in style. However, if these traditional luxury names are not in your price range, I can offer you a few alternatives that may acquire the look you lust without breaking the bank. If you’re anything like me, often fantasizing about one day owing a gold Rolex Daytona, then the MICHAEL by  Micheal KORS gold Oversized Chronograph is the perfect substitute. To obtain the classic stainless style of Cartier, the Burberry Check Bracelet watch makes a lasting impression, at a fantastic price. On the other hand, if your style reveals a sportier side, Toy Watch makes a stunning gold chronograph that is both sporty and sophisticated.

Introducing the OUTNET.com

Good news, the high- end retail designer site, NET-A-PORTER just recently launched their online outlet store theOutnet. In January, Natalie Massenet the founder and CEO of NET-A-PORTER assured buyers that a designer outlet would be launched sometime mid-spring. Well, she sure knows how to keep a promise. The newborn site is complete with 50-70% off merchandise, featuring designers like Philip Lim, DVF, Marni, Rick Owens, Cavalli, Jill Stuart, Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, and Matthew Williamson(just to name a few). If you are currently a religious follower of the popular discount membership sites like Gilt Groupe, Hautelook, or Rue La La, I promise you won't be disappointed. And get this, there is no membership necessary!

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life

As a photography fan, I have always admired the work of the pivotal pop culture facet, Annie Leibovitz.  Leibovitz is a well renowned portrait photographer, famous for her ability to connect with her subjects. Originally from Waterbury, Connecticut, she attended the San Francisco Art Institute, where her interest in photography flourished. Not short after, she began working for "Rolling Stone" magazine, where she became the chief photographer in 1973. As one of the original photographers for Rolling Stone, Leibovitz created some of the most enduring, and iconic images of all time.  After 10 years, and 142 magazine covers, she left Rolling Stone to work as a featured portrait photographer for “Vanity Fair” in 1983. Leibovitz's radiant images are primarily composed of portraits of royalty, high- profile celebrities, and world leaders.

 

I recently had the luxury viewing her exhibition at San Francisco's De Young Museum. Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life (1990–2005) was nothing short of inspiring. Her show comprises over 200 photographs, each one more stimulating than the next. While her photos feature many public figures, Nicole Kidman, and Brad Pitt; and her famous 1991 representation of then-pregnant actress Demi Moore. Her layout in Vanity Fair was one of the most recognizable of its time. Leibovitz passionately blended this intimate moment with her own life, and it shows in her work. 

Her show also incorporated her assignment work, which included reportage from the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s, the election of Hillary Clinton to the U.S. Senate, and the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. At the heart of the exhibition, she included her personal photography documents, and scenes from her life including the birth and childhood of her three daughters, vacations, reunions, and her parents and extended family. The black-and-white family images, echo with emotion and tranquility of the non-celebrity, are a refreshing counterpoint to the common fluency of her magazine photos.

Her show was a truly inspiring expose. She is in fact gifted in her consistency to capture real intimacy regardless of the subject matter. Each photo told a story that was signified with much love, and inspiration. If you are familiar with Leibovitz’s work, you will not be expecting any tastelessly rendered paparazzi blowups. Her exhibition represents her life, her talent, and her passion for the lens.  It is not to be missed. If you live in the San Francisco area, you can catch her show up until May 25, 2009 at the De Young Museum.  

For the love of Chanel

While some girls daydream about love, I daydream about Chanel. I was in the market for my first pair of Chanel flats two years ago, when I discovered the classic two-toned patent leather ballerina flat. As soon as I slipped into the black patent ivory cap-toe flat, it was love. Apart from the alluring style, this shoe stands out from it's idyllic comfort alone. The gathered style makes slipping into this shoe as enjoyable as putting on your favorite pair of slippers. I loved them so much I purchased a second pair in silver and black, and I still cannot decide which ones I love more. Aside from being timeless, magnificent looking, and comfortable, they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you are dressing up jeans and a tee, or dressing down a dress or skirt, they automatically add spice to your wardrobe. So if you are one of the many women who believe that sexy can only be acquired  by wearing 5-inch Louboutins, think again. 

If you are thinking about splurging on a pair of Chanel flats, there are a few things to remember. These flats are definitely deemed to be an investment piece. Priced at a whopping $675 a pair, it is important to invest wisely.  While they do come in a wide array of tempting patterns and bold colors, try to steer yourself away. Sticking with the classics like black, white, navy, nude, and metallic, will ensure they will stay forever in style. Before I bought the silver flats, I was contemplating getting them in neon pink, and now I am so grateful that I didn't. 

If your heart is aching for this shoe, but not for the price tag, Bloch ballerina flats are similar in style for a fraction of the cost. Bloch is an Australian based company that started out by creating stylish ballet shoes for ballerinas before they moved mainstream. They come in a variety of dazzling colors, and are designed with the same two- toned patent style as Chanel. While I do not own a pair, the online reviews say they're just as comfortable as the real thing!  

The straight girl crush

The straight girl crush refers to that ardent infatuation that one woman develops for another woman who may seem impossibly sophisticated, gifted, beautiful or accomplished. It is not sexual by nature, it is just an adoration from one woman to the another. This being said, it should come as no surprise that I am smitten with the enchanting 22- year old, Charlotte Casiraghi. Also known as Princess Charlotte of Monaco, the natural born beauty reflects all the style, and sophistication of a princess, and the down- to- earth charm of the average girl.  Last summer I had the pleasure of meeting the princess, while I was vacationing with my family in Capri, Italy, and I must say for me it was love at first sight. 

What? There is a recession? Well, I refuse to participate.

So,  we are in a recession. This is no news to most Americans, but for those of you who have been pleasantly living in denial, it is officially time to wake up. It is easy to believe that your lifestyle will not be affected by the recession if it has not been already, but smartening up economically has never hurt anyone before. 

There are so many things we can be doing to save money and live a more frugal lifestyle. Before I got to college, my spending habits were nothing short of reckless. College life is like being desperately poor all the time. Granted I have never been poor before, but for me living on a college budget is much like experiencing an economic hardship of some kind. Below are a few ideas I have resorted to, in attempt to make some quick cash, and to help save what I have.

1. Clean out your closet. Look for old clothes, shoes, and accessories. If you have not worn something in a year or more, try selling it on eBay. I know, this is much easier said then done. The pictures and descriptions can be very time consuming, but in the end it could be worth it. Especially if you have a lot of high- end designer pieces.  If eBay is not the route you want to go,  you can try taking your things to a local consignment store. You might not get as much money as you would have liked, but like I said desperate times call for desperate measures. 

2. Sell old DVDs, CDs, books and expensive Textbooks on Amazon.

3. Start buying all your produce at a local farmers market, you would be surprised how much money you could save from your typical grocery store. 

4. Give blood. You can make a quick $40 and help someone that really needs it. 

5. Stop eating out. This will not only help your wallet, but your waistline as well. 

6. Look for old things around your house or apartment, like art, lamps, decorative accessories and sell them on craigslist. You would not even believe some of the junk that people buy. 

7. Only use the ATM once or twice a week. $3 ATM fees here and there adds up quickly.

And who said you cannot continue to be stylish in a recession? That is nonsense. Recessionista is a new term that emerged for "recession chic". It is a person who knows designer fashions and trends, but cannot or will not spend the money due to the economic decline. A recessionista does not have to be a depressionista. They are certainly not going to let the economy stand in the way of being fashionable; simply make smarter choices.  A year from now, this term would have be comparable to cheap or frugal, but today it is none other then smart and desirable.