HBD to ATK...

Happy Birthday to my sister, the one and only ATK!

Then

Now

images courtesy of pinterest and the ejt

Marant...

"Key words for me are always discretion, style, and attitude. " -- Isabel Marant

The Isabel Marant 'Dicker' ankle boot lives up to that mantra.  Now a staple in Marant's collection, they are the ultimate day to night 'it' boot.  They made their way back to the Net-A-Porter website this week; snag them while you can!  

The boot

Stella meet Isabel

Diane Kruger

Kate Bosworth

images courtesy of net-a-porter, the marant philes, and pinterest

Midnight shopping...

Valentino embellished lace loafers.

To purchase visit net-a-porter.com

image courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Dezso...

Last week I was introduced to the lovely Sara Beltran, the genius behind jewelry line Dezso.  Her collection is an excellent mix of whimsy and classic, neon tassels and thin gold bangles.  Most recently she has incorporated a line of canvas clutches to her line.  Dezso is a piece of summer that you can wear year round.

Polki cuffs

Tulum Flamingo Sky clutch

Petit Shark Tooth Tassel necklace

images courtesy of dezsosara.com 

NYC...

Some snapshots from NYC that make me happy.

table reservation at the Ace Hotel

roof of the Empire Hotel

birthday cake from Magnolia Bakery

Central Park Boathouse

Images from the EJT

Classics... Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

In 2008, Louis Vuitton introduced a handbag collaboration with long time Marc Jacobs muse, Sofia Coppola.  Inspired by her visit to the original Vuitton home in Asnieres, France, Coppola set out to create the 'perfect handbag that doesn't exist', chic, discreet, roomy, and lightweight.  Fait accompli!  Today, owners of the exclusive Louis Vuitton SC collection, are considered to be fashion elite - a fashion cult if you will. 

Coppola

Miranda Kerr

Kirsten Dunst

Kate Moss

Sienna Miller

Images of Moss & Miller courtesy of nymag.com, Images 6 & 7 courtesy of jakandjil.com, rest unknown

Do not be afraid...

Understandably, the allure of Kate Middleton is that of a fairytale.  A common girl marries a Prince.  She wowed us all with her Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton wedding confection, and subsequent appearances in Erdem and McQueen.  But this Stella McCartney shift dress, worn recently to celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games, is just a shame.  Of all of the options in Ms. McCartney's stellar spring collection, how was this ill fitting frock deemed appropriate for the princess?   

Applause on the new Pradas, these are a sublime improvement over the L.K. Bennet nude heels that are so often worn.  But, satin? Patent leather may have been a better option here.  Lastly, the necklace, was this an after-thought?  It resembles something grandmothers wear to hang their glasses from.  

Do not be afraid to look good!  Channel the ring on your left finger, embrace your youth and take risks.  Leave the matron look to the Queen.  London is a mecca for emerging designers right now - Antonio Berrardi, Peter Piloto, Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, etc.  Be interesting, take advantage of your surroundings, leave your mark!

Image of Kate courtesy of eon line.com, Image of Diana by Mario Testino for Vanity Fair

Leather... part II...

Leather on the street, to further prove the point!

Yeezy in leather skirt and pants by Givenchy

Model off duty

Alexa Chung

Balenciaga new biker jacket

Images courtesy of jakandjil.com

Leather...

Fall merchandise will be arriving in stores in the coming weeks.  While we are all sweating from even the thought of going outside, highly air conditioned department stores and boutiques will be filling their space with leather, fur, and cashmere.  One of the most prominent trends from the Fall runways is leather, in particular, black leather.  While, not a new phenomenon, black leather jackets have certainly stood the test of time (Steve MccQueen, Debbie Harry, Cat-woman), this season the trend evolves beyond the jacket, to include skirts, dresses, tops and tees.  Gone are the days of this expensive animal skin being synonymous with Harley-Davidsons and Goth.  Today, leather is molded into feminine silhouettes - pencil skirts, coats nipped in at the waist, touched blouses, this list continues.    

Lanvin

Valentino

Celine

Celine

Images courtesy of style.com

Envelope envy...

Celine's fall show was an homage to the envelope clutch.  Super soft italian leather crafted to create a thin carry all for only the chicest accessories.  

images courtesy of style.com

Superga x The Row...

For Fall, the Row has teamed up with the eponymous Italian shoe brand, Superga, to create cashmere sneakers.  Available in charcoal and navy, these are the perfect complement to last years Toms collaboration.  

Available at Barneys

Suggested pairings:

Carven twisted knit color block sweater

10 Crosby button front flounce skirt

Givenchy mini pandora messenger

Images courtesy of barneys.com