I don't think I've had as much fun as THESE guys. But, I've had my fair share of going out this week and I just wanted to give you an update on what I've been up to. It's rather positive---rare from this old gal. Enjoy it while it lasts........

Dear Ethers,

La-dee-da.  I’ve been going out in this town called Holly-weird and meeting some very unusual people at some very unusual venues.  It’s really odd what I’ve been up to lately, and my life has seemed like a blur this past week.

So, here is my giant and glam update.

As mentioned, I went to this party thrown by shoe gal.  It was an Indian themed night and she hired local women who are brilliant chefs from India to cook massive amounts of the most amazing curries, meats, lentils (I could go on) that you could imagine.  My only complaint: no chuntey (what’s wrong with this country!).  Her house is a lovely home just off Rodeo Drive and is an Art Deco/Spanish style beauty from the 1920’a that is in impeccable condition and decorated with impeccable taste.  To add true Indian flavor to the night, she had a few members of the cast of Slumdog Millionaire (no, sadly not Frieda Pinto or Dev Patel) and gave beautiful embroidered pashminas as presents for coming.  I think the highlight for her was seeing Kiefer Sutherland in her home (she’s a huge 24 fan).  She sheepishly got the photographer to snap myself and another one of her friends with him (cringe-worthy—especially after seeing the picture).  He was actually really lovely.  But the weirdest person to show up was this bonkers Arab prince who brought an escort (no, like a 1-900-babe escort) and his bodyguards and I swear to god he was nuts and high on something and it wasn’t Allah.

The next night our new royal friend invited us out to a jazz bar he shut down for the evening, treated us to an amazing show of music and dancing and the most delicious food ever (the bill evidently came to $5,000 for 9 people, a very sneaky guest told us).  The champagne and conversation flowed and he, again, was bonkers.  From the shirt open to his midriff with chest hair bursting out and a gold medallion sitting on top of its puffs, to his toupee dancing as much as he did that night—it was certainly errrm, different.  He’s staying in a cabana in the Beverly Hills Hotel (it is to die for) and the room costs $4,500 A NIGHT!  And he is staying for 6 months!!!!!!!!!  I’ll just let you ponder all the nice things you could do with the money like I did when I first heard the numbers.

Then, last night, I had the most AMAZING evening.  I was invited to an exclusive Chanel dinner honoring their fine jewelry collection.  A very small number of us sat at a pre-set dinner on top of the boutique in Beverly Hills where the chef from Lucques made us a 5-course meal with wines to match each dish.  The room was dimly lit with Chanel votives scented with No. 5 and their signature white camellias.  When I went out for a cigarette, the balcony had amazing couches and the view of the city was sparkling.  The backdrop of the building was of dozens of double C’s lit in white.  Marvelous.  The best part was when the models, all donning Chanel, came out wearing the jewels.  All of us got to wear them and I sat with a 2 million dollar diamond collar around my neck (the center stone was 8 carats!).  I was so nervous that they thought I was going to do a runner that I kept looking at security reassuringly.  They gave us as a parting favor a rare bottle of Chanel Beige EDT which costs $200 (that’s $100 a ml!).

So all in all it’s been an adventurous week.  However, I feel guilty that English gent couldn’t join me for the festivities.  Shoe gal is really big on it being all girls when she invites people…….so he wasn’t invited to the party nor the jazz club.  Her attitude is, if she doesn’t bring her man, she doesn’t want you bringing yours either.  I like it in a way, because it allows me to mingle with potential new friends.  And in fact, I have made one or two new possible friendships out of these nights out.  I think if English gent HAD been there, I might have been attached to him too much and may not have been as gregarious and keen to talk.  It’s really nice having girlfriends and I like shoe gal’s philosophy.  But there is guilt that he is left home a lot. We are going out to dinner this evening and I hope that we will get a chance to catch up then.  But, the truth is when we are at home together, we don’t really do much.  So I feel when I DO get the opportunity to go out, I should take it.  Why sit home twirling my fingers when I could be out living life?

Besides that, I’ve got the normal worries about work.  My company that I freelance for just lost 500 employees which, as I mentioned before, trickles down to me.  Work will be scarce.  I really am so desperate to get on that oh-so-coveted ladder and have terrible anxiety everyday about it.  I want out of this house and freedom.    I want to have independence.  I want to know if I am building a nest here or not.  These are all very worrisome questions.

I hope you are all well.  I love talking to you guys.  It’s so nice to have a chat and be able to open up.  If you ever have any questions or if you ever want to open up yourself, e-mail me.  I love getting e-mails and you know I’m a comment fiend.  I can’t believe tomorrow is Fashion Friday!  Seriously, I feel like it was yesterday that I was snapping my leggings and star top from my last post.  UGH, I am so fat, what am I going to bloody wear for you people.  Good thing you can’t see back shots.  That way if nothing zips, I’ll be okay to still photograph myself in it.

Until my closet seeks your eyes out tomorrow.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

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

Dear Ethers,

As you all know, I’m a lover of all things vintage.  I treasure finding a one-off piece that no one has and that was worn by someone before I was even born.  And I love the feeling when your heart starts to race when you see a designer label in a great style, in your size, that is actually affordable.  That’s the ultimate triumph in vintage shopping.  The best I’ve ever done is a YSL Rive Gauche black velvet jacket–but it looks almost like  a cape that an aunt gave me when I was only about 12. It sat rotting in my closet for about 10 years and when I was going through stuff after coming home from college, I discovered this masterpiece!  Really heart stopping.  Unfortunately, vintage shops, due to eBay and other outlets know brands—so it is rare to find a deal any more.  But when you do discover a gem……..heaven.  One lady who can appreciate this is Sharon Rose.  Check out her website and drool over her fashion designer finds! 

I decided to pay homage to the king of vintage, Maestro Halston.  I mean, could Studio 54 have BEEN without his amazing dresses and slinky fabrics hugging the girls dancing and probably snorting coke in the bathrooms?  I can just see the tall blondes sashaying into the disco’s in his designs, heavy make-up, red lips, and just looking like goddesses.  To me, Halston WAS the 70’s and if you are lucky enough to find a vintage piece, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg.  

He has a lovely collection out today but what’s great is it still pays homage to his time in his heyday.  The column dresses with the layers, the one-shoulder Roman-goddess gowns, the well-cut shirt dress.  Everything of his is a modern version of what he’s always done.  I love when fashion houses stay true to their roots.  You can still, today, see a Halston from a million miles away, even if it’s from a 201o collection.  

I went with a really classic Halston evening gown in a lovely color–a canary yellow.  I love the tiers.  I just think this is so now, but yet so 70’s.  How can it be?  But it is elegant, classic and just so fantastically retro.  It looks like it would elongate and be light as a feather.  Perfection.  To jazz things up a bit, I went with a really electric blue color to compliment the yellow.  It just felt right.  It felt punk 2009 meets LSD 1970’s.  

I hope you like this Wish List as much as I do.  I didn’t want to add a necklace for this dress.  I see this with hair slicked back in a low bun or a very high ponytail and just showing off those collarbones.  The only bit of bauble is a bad-ass rocker cuff that I thought was really rocker-chick fun.  You know those 54 girls–they liked their dancing, booze and their Jagger.

FYI: Mr. Roy “Halston” Frowisck (who sadly died in 1990) was specifically known for his dresses being worn to discotheques. Born in Iowa, he began his career as a window dresser.  He worked mainly with hats and his big break was when the Chicago Daily News ran a brief story on his fab hats.  In 1957 he opened his own shop (seems very Coco Chanel, eh?) and then moved to NYC working for famous milliner Lilly Dache.  He then was let loose to become head milliner of Bergdorf’s and his big claim to fame was designing the famous pillbox hat for Ms. Jackie Kennedy that she wore to her husband’s presidential inauguration.  He became part of a hip crowd of jet setters and  Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Anjelica Huston, Lauren Bacall, Babe Paley, and Elizabeth Taylor all wore his goodies. His perfume (bottle designed by Elsa Peretti) became the second biggest perfume of all time.  A great man with an interesting life, he died of AIDS in 1990.  But his name lives on and I am pleased to show you that his lovely clothes still, 3o years later, have remained in the limelight.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

This stunning, canary yellow, strapless silk-gown epitomizes the Halston of today and yesterday. People might ask you where you got that AMAZING vintage piece, but they also might ask where that couture dress came from. It is timeless. I love the color. I think on light skin it will look ethereal and on dark skin, it will bring out your color beautifully. The dress is simple. It is meant to act as a column--like Greek goddess gown. You are meant to make an entrance, be handed a glass of champagne, put it down and then dance. I think this is jaw-dropping and elegant. The back has a slight cut out, which is very sexy, but is layered with tiers so nothing too revealing. I think this dress would be bland and boring in black or white. Yellow is the perfect match. Strapless Silk Gown, $3,814, halston.com

I love colors and how designers are embracing pops of palettes in their designs. No more matchy-matchy anymore. I think the yellow and the blue make a stunning combination. I like the texture of the snake-skin. It modernizes the outfit and brings the whimsy from the light silk and layering to a more rock-star badass 54 girl making her entrance. With a 4.5" heel, the column dress is going to make you look sky-high which will look amazing and you'll feel like one of Warhol's muses entering The Factory! I think these are all rock n' roll and are a really fun surprise because they aren't expected with the outfit. Penn Snakeskin Sandals, $995, halston.com

I love this bag because it's slouchy, and suede. It looks the part of being 70's and is a total clutch with a removal strap so you can make it casual or dressy. Again, ties in with the shoes and the bright colors of the yellow and the bright blue. Totally unexpected which is what you want with a statement outfit. And hey, the 70's was all about experimenting, right? It's also roomy, so you can stash anything you need in here. Not just a lipstick and a cell phone. The strap will be useful if you start dancing. Just wrap it around your wrist and you are set to boogie! Henry Small Suede Clutch, $1,395, halston.com

All rock and roll babes have cuffs with metal right? Well, yours just happens to be a HALSTON dahhhling! I like this because it's your first introduction to the pop of color blue and it also shows those who see you that your not just some lovely yellow flower walking into the room, but a chic killer in your 70's homage to the king of disco. I think it will lengthen the arm and go nicely with the bag. And if your shoes peep out, it will all tie nicely together. Hey, and if a guy you don't like tries to hit on you, it works handily as a gauntlet!! Stud Embellished Cuff, $995, halston.com

Halston have always been famous for their fragrances. The packaging for 2009 has been revamped by the famous Elsa Peretti (known for her beautiful Tiffany's jewels). To quote the designer of the fragrance, Carlos Benaïm, he says the fragrance is a "floriental woody, and has top notes of Sicilian bergamot, marigold and black currant; a heart of precious roses, orris, jasmine petals, rose absolute and rose essence, and a drydown of patchouli, sandalwood and deep amber." So, grab yourself a bottle, even just to have sitting on your bureau. Stunning!

PS: If you dig my Wish List’s then just click over to your right and hit the side-bar under “Wish Lists.”  You’ll find everything from Net-a-Porter to Sonia Rykiel (great timing too because she just announced her collaboration with H&M).  It’s always such fun!  And if you really LOVE fashion, check out Fashion Fridays on the sidebar too.  It’s a bit bonkers, but a really fun weekly staple from my wardrobe that I make a story up about the look and show the clothes and allow you to visualize the whole sha-bang from the picture I’ve painted.  Again, lot’s of fun for you fashion lovers.

xoxoxo