Dec 8 2009
Dear Ether,
I haven’t had time to do a proper Wish List in forever! Yes, I have been perusing the Web drooling at collections knowing that by the time I’ll be able to afford these gorgeous clothes, I’ll be too old for them. And that was what I always adored about my Wish List. That I could shop and put together an ensemble as if I were ready to slam down that credit card after making my selection.
So, eyebrows knit, concentration at the highest level, I hit the Matthew Williamson website and was blown away by the easy to use and fun virtual closet that lay before me. Many times I visit high-end designer sites and they are embedded with so many bells and whistles. Too much Flash and crazy music. You can’t even figure out how to navigate the bloody thing and you give up before you even get to see what they have on offer. I also love that you can copy and paste images allowing you to make a visual tick-list for later consideration. So many designers have posted their pictures with such high security that you can’t pull pieces that you might want to save on your desktop or share with your friends and ask for advice. The only crummy thing that Maestro Williamson has done is not posted the prices. Dun, dun, dun! We know what that means. That the goods are so damned pricey they are afraid to show you what they cost for fear of you collapsing right in front of your screen. They offer you a NYC phone number to call for advice about any frock, but I hate this feature. I want to have the privacy of working online and cutting out dealing with a pushy sales person. Bad move Matthew!
Anyway, I wanted to go for something sexy, badass, uber luxe and probably worth a zillion dollars because–fuck—the prices weren’t there so I figured why shouldn’t we live in fantasy land this once? Matthew Williamson kits out all the cool kids from Sienna Miller to Kate Moss. This Brit, believe it or not, actually started with some of his first goodies in Marks & Spencer’s in their “Autograph” range……whoa! Williamson, has actually stayed quite close to his department store grass roots having been part of Designer’s At Debenhams in the UK since 2002 under the name “Butterfly” (his famous insignia) and more recently, by partnering up with a one-off collection with H&M. In 2006, Williamson took over as Creative Director at Pucci (not surprising as he is known for his brilliant patterns and color palettes, just as Emilio Pucci was). And, he has a lovely line of fragrance and candles that he launched in 2005. Not surprising, this 38 year old is a graduate from Central St. Martin’s in London and has now become one of the staple names on the runways today.
So, picture this. You are out in London. It is cold, but man have you got the MOST amazing shoes you want to show off and anyway, when you get inside, it’ll be warm. So sporting a short dress (again, don’t worry, you have a “pimp” coat covering you) you are almost ready to go. While applying your make-up, you’ve lit a lovely scented candle to get you in a sexy, chilled out mood. You’ve grabbed your blingalicious, but beyond jealousy-enducing bag, just as you’ve heard the taxi honk its horn. Damn, you look HOT! Let’s GO!

Yep. This hugs you in ALL the right places. The pattern is beyond cool with a futuristic/Asian inspired feel. The hand-beading at the chest allows you to forget about the need for jewelery as it's built in! The tulip shaped skirt and the polo neck make the dress architectural in cut (which is on trend). The black band around the waist looks like a belt giving the appearance of a petite ribcage and the sleeves are fitted to elongate the arms. The length is perfectly cut to show off the right amount of leg and the right amount of heel! Lace Jersey Polo Neck Dress-Black Multi, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

Yeah. These aren't your ordinary black court shoe. From the platform, to the wings on the side to the hot-pink piping---these are killer heels. Again, these are slightly architectural in design which match the quirkiness of the dress and the heel height will make your legs soar! Nappa Patent Court Shoe-Black www.matthewwillamson.com (price upon request)

These are from the runway....but I thought I'd give you another alternative to the basic black if you really wanted to go wild! I think the blue snakeskin might actually work with the patterns in the dress and certainly the color scheme. These shoes are NOT for the shy violet--though neither is this ensemble. I like that these shoe-boots are a bit more punk-funk and make the dress slightly more daring. Call me crazy! But hey, it's always YOUR choice. Runway Shoe-Boots, No Price or Name.

I'd kill for this bag. Kill! It's sexy, elegant, trendy, youthful, seductive.....it is THE perfect evening bag. I love the shimmering colors and the scales on the shell. The chain in the gunmetal looks very evening---and chains as straps again are on trend. This will go magically with the colors of the dress. LOVE THIS! Hard Evening Acid Python Oval Bag-Blue, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

I promised you a ridiculously opulent jacket--well here it is! A fox fur coat fashioned to look like mink, is going to keep you warm and trendy. Typical of Williamson, there are panels of bespoke brocade near the lapels in orange and gold. Curvy, with loads of volume and class, as much as you are going to want to reveal your dead-hot dress---this is going to be a pity to take off. Fox Brocade Coat-Mink, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)

And finally, just to get you going before the night begins and calm you down after it ends, here is one cool candle from Matthew's extensive collection. With loads of colors and scents, you'll find the one perfect for your groove for the night. I just chose this one because I thought the color looked nice and the name "Dusk" seemed appropriate
Matthew Williamson Scented Candles, www.matthewwilliamson.com (price upon request)
3 comments | tags: architectural, asian, bag, beading, black, Blog, blue, brocade, butterfly, candle, Central St. Martin's, chain strap, Coat, court shoe, Designers At Debenhams, Dress, England, entertainment, expensive, Fashion, fox fur, Fragrance, fur, H&M, Heel, jersey, kate moss, leather, lifestyle, Matthew Williamson, men, mink, Online Shopping, pink, polo neck, price, Pucci, python, scales, scented, sexy, shimmer, shop, Sienna Miller, silk, snakeskin, style, styling, tulip skirt, website, Women | posted in Dress, Fashion, Handbag, Matthew Williamson, Shopping, Uncategorized, Wish List, shoes
Nov 2 2009
Dear Ethers,
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (arms stretching behind my back). The Wish List is back! What tremendous joy I had shopping again, choosing dream pieces without having to lay down my credit card. Though one day I would like to place an order on some of the glorious goodies I’ve chosen, it’s always fun to fantasize and see something come together from a collection that you’ve chopped and changed. I mean, of course I imagine myself with a Kate Moss frame when I select such pieces so I also imagine that they would look stellar on me. But sadly, this girl whose stature of 5′6 and with a bust larger than a 32A would not look catwalk cool. But that’s what’s so fun about Monday’s. You can dream!
Today is all about navy blue bliss. I don’t think this lovely shade gets enough credit and I really love wearing it. It looks surprisingly good with denim, excellent with white, brilliant with black (just kidding…wanted to see if you were paying attention) and is just a classy, classic color. I also think it’s a great transitional hue both seasonally and day to night. Navy can be worn both in the summer and the winter and for work and drinks.
I chose Paul & Joe Sister this week because I really like the playful French fun that they have in their collection this season. It’s kind of Topshop meets rockstar. Love it! For a diffusion line it isn’t THAT expensive, though I wouldn’t call it cheap—but compared to something like Miu Miu it’s a steal (I mean, they sell it in Urban Outfitters!). I also thought it would be fun to integrate beauty into this Wish List because Paul & Joe have such a comprehensive line.
I have mixed feelings about their make-up line. The packaging is gorgeous. I think the palettes and the colors for shadows and foundations have tremendous variety. However, I think it is way too expensive for a brand that isn’t established. It’s tricky. You can’t really start off cheaper and then hike up prices. But a lot of folks haven’t heard of Paul & Joe and therefore wouldn’t pay 30 bucks for a lipstick when blingalicious Chanel is right around the corner with competitive prices. Truthfully, at the end of the day, the double C’s are gonna win out. I know the line does well in Europe, but I think it is really struggling in the United States. The packaging is targeted for a younger audience, but again, the price tag is for an older audience. Anyway, in case it’s new too you, I thought I’d introduce you to it.
So here’s our girl. She’s going out in L.A. during the day but it’s going to transition to a nighttime hang out too. She’s got her lightweight dress because it’s sill hot during the day, but she’s brought a long, cozy cardigan when it gets chilly during the evening (hey, chivalry is dead—you can’t rely on gentlemen to offer you their coats anymore!). Her boots are perfect for walking around in because of the extra gooey, padded platform and if she wants she can stick a pair of tights in her bag if her gams get cold. She’s brought along some perfume just in case she wants to freshen up, and she’s done up her eyes in this lovely palette that matches the colors of the pattern on her dress perfectly. This is not a party evening, just a laid back time with friends where she wants to look hip and chic but also be comfortable. So, welcome back to the Wish List and enjoy our navy nymph.

Meow! This cat print silk dress with a ruffle detail is cute and sexy at the same time. I love how it's got a baggy top that makes it slouchy and casual, but also that dainty skirt which is attached that is short and flirty allowing you to show off those legs. Great for a hot summer day. Or, throw on some tights and voila, you've got your evening look. The sleeves end mid-arm so great for the hip bangle look and again, because this shows so much leg, wait until you see this paired with the rad ankle boots our chica is sporting. Horlane Silk Print Dress, $200, paul&joe.com

How lovely is this cardigan? It looks handmade by someone you love...awww! I think it's the perfect color. An added bonus? It's the same length as the dress, so you'll be totally toasty when night falls! This is a great piece to own because it's a classic. It'll never date because it already has a vintage feel. You could probably wear this as a sweater dress---just add some leggings and some cute boots and you're ready to go. Navy Deneuve Cardigan, $321.75, paul&joe.com

I am in LOVE! These may not look that different from all the black ankle boots out there...but look closely. That sole is what makes these babies ACE! They are going to be so comfy, the ball of your foot is going to thank you. Finally you can be stylish without being in agony. The heel height is sexy, the padded leather looks like badass motorcycle jacket texture. These, paired with the sweetness of the sweet dress above---dead on! Imagine these with tights or bare legs--you are gonna be working it. These are THE black ankle boots of the season. Venus Quilted Booties With Crepe Sole, $634, paul&joe.com

Really cute packaging right? Kinda shabby chic, meets Victorian lady. These colors are the perfect duo to match your dress pattern. The blue is perfect for your lids and the silver is fab for the inner parts of the eye to make them shimmer and catch the light. For more of their endless beauty products look at their ample supply on the website. However, I'm going to recommend a better URL that has, oddly enough, a more comprehensive outlet for their products. Limited Edition Color Powder-The Wild One, $24, www.beautyhabit.com

Truthfully, I chose this fragrance because of the color of the bottle--hey, I'm not gonna lie to you. And honestly, that's what happens a lot in consumer magazines. Products are chosen for their looks and not always for their quality. However, I own this fragrance and it is sweet--literally. Would I run out and buy it? No, but it was given to me for free and sometimes in the summer when I want to smell sweet and fun I'll spritz it on. The Web says it is a sexy, oriental and musky scent. I don't know if I'd agree. The notes are as follow: Top notes: Bergamot/Coriander/Cumin/Ylang-Ylang, Heart notes: Jasmine/Rose/Magnolia/ Heliotrope, Base notes: Oak/Moss/Patchouli/Sandalwood/Myrrh/Labdanum/ Vanilla/Musk. Paul & Joe Bleu EDT, $65 50ml, www.beautyhabit.com
7 comments | tags: ankle booties, base, Beauty, Blog, booties, Cat, Cat Pattern, Color, comprehensive, crepe, Deneuve Cardigan, detail, diffusion, Dress, entertainment, Europe, eyeshadow, Fashion, Fragrance, fragrance notes, french, heart, Horlane dress, leather, lifestyle, makeup, men, Navy, navy blue, palette, Paul & Joe, Paul & Joe Bleu, Paul & Joe Sister, perfume, Review, Ruffle, Season, silk, silver, sole, style, top, transitional, United States, Venus Quilted Booties, Wish List, Women | posted in Beauty, Dress, Fashion, Paul & Joe Sister, Uncategorized, Wish List, shoes
Oct 20 2009
Dear Ethers,
Thank goodness I can actually post today. Usually my “Wish List” is posted as a happy Monday greeting for all of you fashionistas out there who are hating the fact that it is a whole new week and my page might act as a slight distraction from your snooze-fest of a job. But, I guess Tuesday sucks as much as Monday, so let’s hope my dreamy delights will keep your eyes from slamming shut in front of your computer for at least 5 minutes while you check out this week’s garb.
When I worked on the lovely, yet unaffordable Old Bond Street, I used to peruse the shops right before the boutiques would open always armed with a hot Starbucks in hand (boy Starbucks has been there for every important moment of my life except my Bat Mitzvah!). The street cleaners washed down the pavement, the window cleaners used their squeegees to make the windows glisten and I would dream of one day being able to afford to stroll in to one of these glittering havens and buy…..a 300 pound key chain. I remember when the whole Alexander McQueen skull-scarf rage was en-fuego and the shop girls would tell me people we’re trying to bribe them to get them ahead of the queue on the waiting list! Now you see copies everywhere—but when that scarf was hot—man was it untouchable.
I’ve always been very 50/50 about Squire McQueen. His stuff has either been so avant garde that it is just too nuts and unwearable or so imaginative that you wish you had the 5 grand to buy the dress and be stared at when you stole the room. I like that he is all about the badass woman. That’s why I’ve called this “Wish List” the “Futuristic Dominatrix” because I think he empowers the female form with cuts that are really severe and strong, but also so out of this world that you might imagine it to be something from 3009 not 2009. I love his studding, I love his sharp shoulders and even though his skulls are now a bit passe, if you’ve got the real deal, you still feel kinda smug that you have an original McQueen skull piece.
I also like that he is pure London. He is from the East End of London and his dad was a cabbie. He was an apprentice on Savile Row (it breaks my heart that will be a dead tradition one day) and was a product of Central Saint Martins–where else, right? His runway shows are famous (remember the human chess game catwalk?) and he was head of Givenchy for 5 years and then broke free to become who he is today. He has perfumes, had a special line made with MAC cosmetics and launched online in 2008 allowing people like us to buy his ready-to-wear with a click of a button.
So, may I present my choice of what I think encapsulates Alexander? I might have chosen other things for myself on his site—but I thought, if I could pick a comprehensive outfit that fit his attitude….well, this would be it. Hail to the McQueen!

Our first up to bat in the beautiful beatings from our lovely dominatrix! I actually thought this looked very Westwood when I first saw it, but then I could see in the shoulders and the corseting around the hips and knew that this had our gents staple all over it. I love how it's a gunmetal silver. Imagine walking into a dimly lit-room and the fabric glowing. Or, even a brightly lit room making it come alive and sparkle. Metallics seem to have never wavered from being in style each season and I think this is one killer dress that has demure potential, but that we are going to adorn with badass accessories--well, everything but the whip! Silver Lame Drape Front Dress, $1,515, alexandermcqueen.com

Have you read "The Story of O?" I don't know, this reminds me of something they'd have in that house! It's got leather, spikes, hoops and chains. I think buckled around the dress would be so unconventional and unexpected that people would be shocked and then smirk with delight. It's also going to begin the leading theme with our accessories. Pyramid Chain Belt, $2,175, alexandermcqueen.com

This is such a killer bag--no literally. I'd hate to back-up into somebody who had this on the tube--those things look sharp! But I like how it looks ready for street battle and you can throw anything in it. It goes perfectly with the belt above and the silver metallic dress compliments it well because of the textures of the two pieces. Studded Faithful Tote, $3,995, alexandermcqueen.com

I had to throw a skull scarf in there. This one is cool because the skulls are covered by a dogtooth/houndstooth pattern. The colors mesh with the scheme we are looking for and I thought tied around the handles of the bag, this could look really groovy. I think it's a different take on the slightly overdone staple and you could even use it in your hair as a wrap if you really wanted to go all out and futuristic. Silk Dogtooth Skull Scarf, $315, alexandermcqueen.com

I adore fingerless gloves. They seem so biker babe and hardcore. They also show off a lovely red manicure beautifully! Great for smoking a cig, but keeping the rest of the hand cozy and the leather works well with the theme. Oh, and it is also easier to wield a whip with fingerless gloves, don't you think
Black Motorcycle Glove, $470, alexandermcqueen.com

And finally, the shoes. Don't tell me these don't look like something Madonna has stashed away in her wardrobe for special occasions! Do I even need to explain? The leather, the heel-height, the studs, the buckles---wear these with tights and that dress and imagine all the accessories together. Throw on a red lip, a sexy perfume---you are unstoppable. Studded Buckle Bootie, $1,395, alexandermcqueen.com
5 comments | tags: Alexander McQueen, ankle boot, avant-garde, badass, Belt, Blog, central saint martins, chain belt, designer, dominatrix, Dress, entertainment, Fashion, fingerless gloves, futuristic, Givenchy, Gloves, gunmetal, hardcore, lame, leather, lifestyle, London, man, metallic, motorcycle glove, old bond street, Online Shopping, savile row, Scarf, shoeboot, silk, silver, skull, studded, studded faithful tote, style, Wish List, woman | posted in Alexander McQueen, Belt, Boots, Dress, Fashion, Gloves, Handbag, Scarf, Shopping, Uncategorized, Wish List
Sep 21 2009
Dear Ethers,
I’ve been looking at my past “Wish Lists” and they have seemed very “adult.” Very “grown-up.” Now, I have nothing against this—in fact, I think there is nothing classier than a woman who is wearing something understated, well-cut, elegant with just a slight tweak of trend to her outfit. But, being on the cusp of (cough, cough) 30, I want to embrace the joy of reckless youth and funky dressing. And I DO indeed mix it up. I don’t have a particular style that you could connect me to. I could buy a smart pair of clean, black trousers from Joseph and then order something from Net-a-Porter and buy something outlandishly fabulous. I think life would be boring if you didn’t put your clothes in a funky blender.
Now, many of you will think this Monday’s choice is a little bonkers. But, I figured if I am going to go for it, MAN am I going to go for it! I chose Sonia Rykiel because she is so French and so fun. English Gent’s mother bought me a sweater from Madame Rykiel that is so beautiful. It’s taupe with multi-colored cherries all over it. I get compliments every single time I wear it. What’s ideal about her collection is she has a diffusion line for the younger crowd and a higher-end line for the more sophisticated bunch. But what’s great is that both collections mix and match beautifully, and I’ve done that with my “Wish List.” Just keep in mind, Rykiel is MEANT to be a bit off the beaten path. I’m not crazy here—she is known for her abstract colors and wild ways. But that is what makes her so unique! Now remember, a “Wish List” has to be all from one designer top-to-toe, so you are getting 100% Sonia!
So here’s the back story on our girl. She’s a trendy-chick who is studying in France for the year and really wants to embrace everything she can about the country. She’s REALLY into fashion and she knows that she looks totally tongue and cheek in this get-up but loves the attention. It’s a bit of old world Paris style that’s been given some LSD and brought to 2009. She’s got a great figure so even though this might look a little out there, it’s “catwalk crazy” to the folks who notice her and they might applaud the endeavour. She’s keeping slightly toasty because the season is changing, but no need for a heavy coat or stockings yet. She loves art, Karl Lagerfeld (but of course, he’s a “LEGEND DARLING”), crepes, black coffee and men with nicotine stained fingers and wing-tipped shoes. She’s bloody wealthy, but shhhhhh, you mustn’t tell anyone, for she must be part of the starving artists to get in with the salon sitting groups and must secretly sneak into Colette to get her fashions. She’s always got a camera with her snapping away the sites and a great group of friends whom she rides the Metro with and speaks scatty French to. She loves to have a smoke on the top of the Musee de Orsay and her dream is to fall in love with a man who looks like Cary Grant, but can dance like Justin Timberlake. Shall we meet our belle femme?
PS: This is dedicated to a follower of mine named Julie who is French Canadian and who I thought of right away when I began to think of this post. To you Julie, une source d’inspiration! xoxoxoxox
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365

This cheeky and fun sweater is fab because of the French word play (come here darling, pull over)--but it is also describing what the actually piece is--a pull-over! I think it would fit our girl snugly, be very cool and she would make a lot of her French citizens laugh. I also think it looks kinda retro with the lettering--almost as if her granny sewed the words on for her! Wool Intarsia Sweater, 550 pounds, soniarykiel.com

I love that this has an artists look to it. There is an illusion of a belt there, but it is merely just part of the fabric. Slung low on the hips with the sweater, I think it is all Tres Artistic! And again, playing with different mediums in cloth is really fun. You'll see how the pink will be key with the other elements of the outfit in the next few choices. Trompe L'Oeil Belt Skirt, 198 pounds, soniarykiel.com

How fun are these! They are the perfect pop of color, they match the top and the pink in the skirt perfectly and they show off the legs beautifully in a wild and funky way. I think this is such a great alternative to tights because you are not corseted around the waist and they are not as heavy and stuffy. If you think these are bonkers, wait till you see what's coming up! Isn't our belle incroyable? Multi Striped Socks, 25 pounds, soniarykiel.com

Aren't these so old world French? They are the perfect shoe to wear with the socks and the skirt. This is a girl who is running about town. She is in no mood to be dealing with heels and besides, these are very "I'm an artist!" The vintage feel goes with the sweater and the whole idea of French culture. This style shoe is globally very hip right now so this can be worn with shorts, linen trousers, a skirt. They are just a good, comfy purchase. Derby Moccasin Flat, Originally 207 pounds Now 100 pounds, soniarykiel.com

Oh yes! You knew it was coming! A beret of course! But in hot pink--never! And now you know why the belt on the skirt and the stripes in the socks make sense! This is such a cute play on the classic and she can wear it with her tresses long and flowing or in a side bun with a dollop of gloss and some cat eyes and mascara and she'll look gorgeous. LOVE IT! Beret, 35 pounds, soniarykiel.com

And as a final little accessory, this is a lovely little ribbon pin that she can put in her beret....but I was thinking what would be cooler is if she held her bun up with bobby pins and then attached the ribbon to it using the bobby pins to keep it in place. Look, it may be too much, but ribbons are SO on trend right now and this girl is going for it, so I say tack it on! Little Ribbon Pin, 80 pounds, soniarykiel.com
PS: If you enjoyed this “Wish List” please visit my sidebar under Wish List for other brands and see the fab stories and colorful creations I’ve come up with. I’m a magazine writer so the posts are like fun editorial pages. Also check out “Fashion Fridays” on the side bar if the Wish List still hasn’t fed your fashionista fancy. It’s a lot of fun too. Happy Monday 
10 comments | tags: adult, attach, attention, Belt, beret, black, bonkers, classy, Colette, Collection, crazy, diffusion, dressing, elegant, Fashion, flat, french, funky, grown up, hot pink, illusion, Joie De Vivre, Julie, leather, lettering, lifestyle, mediums, men, moccasin, multi-color, outfit, Paris, pin, pink, pull over, reckless, ribbon, shoe, socks, Sonia Rykiel, sophisticated, stripes, style, sweater, Trend, Trompe L'Oeil, understated, unique, well-cut, white, Wish List, woman, Women, Wool, younger, youth | posted in Belt, Fashion, France, Hat, Jewellery, Skirt, Sonia Rykiel, Tights, Uncategorized, Wish List, shoes, teaspoons, top
Sep 14 2009
Dear Ethers,
When you think of Oscar de la Renta you think huge ball gowns, wedding dresses, the Emmys, the, well, Oscars. You think movie stars and royalty. You even might think of the more mature, fashionable crew. Indeed, his clothes have been worn by Hillary Clinton and Barbara Walters. He even launched a plus-sized collection called “Oscar” in 1999 (nothing wrong with that–just pointing out that he’s targeting an older audience or an audience that can’t wear tight, body skimming looks). He’s always been known specifically for his evening wear and his high-end couture that’s so expensive, even the rich shudder at the price tag.
But wait. Doesn’t Sarah Jessica Parker get kitted out in his goodies all the time? And the lovely Amy Adams? Even Beyonce! Has Oscar finally made the transition to the hipper, younger generation with his fashions? Can we say good-bye to over the top velvet and ball-gown’s and hello to the slinky and structured LBD’s? Let’s learn a little bit about the man himself before we figure out what’s going on with his label, shall we?
Maestro de la Renta (born Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo) was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932 and at age 18 left for Spain where he was keen on painting but quickly turned his eye to fashion. He soon snagged an internship with Balenciaga himself and then left later to become a couture assistant for Lanvin in Paris (pretty impressive resume, eh?) In 1963 he worked for Elizabeth Arden designing custom clothing, shoes, accessories and clothing. Finally, he stormed the fashion world in 1965 when he launched his own label.
He has won the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2000 and 2007 and in 1990 was given a CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award. From 1993-2002 de la Renta designed the haute couture collection for Balmain.
At 77, the designer is still cooking with gas, but I think he has realized that younger women want a taste of his style too. So I am going to take you away from the 80’s Nancy Regan de la Renta and bring you to the sleek catwalks of now, where the silhouette is shown off, metallics are shimmering down the runway and accessories are architectural and modern. This, ladies, is why Oscar is making Patricia Field still dress SJP in the goods for the “Sex and the City” films. 20 or 40—it doesn’t matter. If you’ve got the figure and the confidence to pull this off, you are a de la Renta girl.

This is not a dress for shy violet. If you saw this on a model, you'd see it was a body-hugging, leg showing, bust enhancing dress that is made of a metallic fabric so you are going to stand out. You can't hide in this--and if you're buying it, you shouldn't want to. Imagine this with a tan, tousled hair, bronzer, a metallic eye-pigment, heavy mascara and a buttery-gloss. C'mon, tell me you wouldn't feel sexy? I hate to be a size-hater, but you can't be a larger woman and get away with this. This is supposed to be snug and show off the body in a good way. No lumps or bumps. There are plenty of other dresses if your figure isn't flawless. Hey, this is the new de la Renta--he isn't hiding anything, for anyone, anymore. Metallic Knitted Tunic Dress, $1,690, oscardelarenta.com

So, you are wrapped up in the dress already, why not wrap your feet in some glam too? These bandage sandals work perfectly with the metallic fabric in the dress and add to the youthful and hip nature of the styling. The platform is going to make the heel height (4.5"!!!) okay because it will add cushioning and the bandaging is going to feel like a sandal---ahhh your feet will breathe not swell when you dance! So, you've got the slinky dress, the modern heels that are going to make your legs look like gazelles--NO ONE will believe this is all by Oscar de la Renta. I think Babs Bush is gonna have a heart attack if she sees you in this! Leather Bandage Sandals, $675, oscarddelarenta.com

I love this leather cuff because it plays with the architecture of jewellery which is really in fashion right now (you'll also see that with the earrings to follow). I think it goes great with the badass bandages on the heels and also ties in the black with the dress and shoes. Wear black nail varnish with this for an extra vampy effect. I think it will bring out the darkside and accentuate the shimmer in the dress and your tan. Don't you just love a statement piece? Leather Cuff, $290, oscardelarenta.com

Of course these go perfectly with the gold metallic and the banding of the dress (notice the rims in the earrings). But, as noted before with the cuff, architectural designed jewellery is really on-trend right now. The curvature, almost like winding staircases, is very modern and sleek. It also looks very top to toe with the shoes. Gold-Tone Loop Earrings, $335, oscardelarenta.com
I think the change is clear. To me this looks more like a Missoni than a de la Renta creation. Is this a good thing? Of course there were many other items to choose from than what I decided upon (and I think it’s the dress that gives it the Missoni vibe). But, I do think it is good to start looking more youthful and modern and less over the top and couture focused. Obviously he has an eye for ready-to-wear and I think he’s doing a great job at capturing what women want now. Hey, if it’s not your thing and you still like the old Oscar, he still exists, but it is nice to know that there is something on the rack for me as well.
7 comments | tags: academy awards, amy adams, architectural, balenciaga, ball gown, Balmain, bandage, barbara walters, beyonce, black, Blog, Bracelet, catwalk, Celeb Fashion, CFDA, couture, Cuff, dominican republic, earrings, elizabeth arden, Emmy, evening wear, Fashion, fashion style, generation, gold, Hillary Clinton, knotted, label, lanvin, LBD, leather, lifestyle, mature, metallic, metallics, modern, movie star, older, oscar de la renta, Paris, platform, plus-sized, price, royalty, runway, sandals, sarah jessica parker, shimmer, silhouette, sjp, sleek, spain, structured, tunic, Wish List, younger | posted in Celeb Fashion, Clothes, Dress, Fashion, Jewellery, Uncategorized, oscar de la renta, shoes