And it wasn't because we didn't pay our electric bill........

Dear Ether, 

August 2003.  New York City.  I’m living in Manhattan with the Big Apple Beauty until yet another one of my visas is approved for England.  It is SWELTERING outside.  And in the East Coast of the United States in August that usually also means humidity—like the bloody AMAZON!  It’s like an unremitting furnace.  Big Apple Beauty, thank goodness, had air-conditioning in good ol’ #1403. 

We had made plans that day to go to the Lower East side (we lived on the Upper East side—-the total opposite end of the city) to go and get a delicious deli lunch, visit the famous pickle lady who sells the best sours out of a barrel on the street (you could die from palette joy!).  We also wanted to check out some of the groovy shops and funky new cafes that had been opening up down there.  Both of us had been complaining that we were SO lazy and unmotivated.  That we always made plans and never stuck to them.  We had made this date over a week a go, and rain or shine (and what shine it was) we were going to schlep down there and keep to our schedule.  I wore a nice vest-top, skirt and refined flip-flops with a heel and she wore trousers and a T-shirt and sneakers.  We were set to go.  The second we stepped out, we were soaked.  I mean, thank GOD for deodorant.  But we marched to that Subway station, and dammit, we made it. 

We poked our head into some cute boutiques and then got completely waylaid by this famous bra shop.  The shop, owned by an Orthodox Jewish couple, was known for brand name underwires for bargain prices.  AND, the wife could take one look at your boobs and tell you what bra size you should be wearing and type you needed.  Basically, a really ghetto Rigby & Pellar.  The store was a total dive, had no air-con and Big Apple Beauty and I were sweating while a stranger fondled our breasts.  It was…..errr…..charming to say the least.  But hey, anything for a deal, right? 

Pleased with out new over the should boulder holders, we walked out onto the street and noticed proprietors of shops standing outside of their properties and people rushing to grab taxis.  It looked like Armageddon.  We went up to a shopkeeper and asked what was going on and he told us that the whole city had lost power.  Too many people had overused air-conditioning and busted the system.  Shit.  Okay.  That meant it was going to be sweltering in the apartment, and we didn’t have a fan, but it’d get fixed soon enough.  All we had to do was hop on a bus and get home.  OH.  RIGHT.  The city was in a deadlock.  The streets were filled with people walking and no cars or buses could pass.  The Subways were dead because of loss of electricity.  You have to remember we were at least a 2-hour walk away in bad shoes, horrible heat and in with a mass of other desperate people.  The worst part was that convenient store owners who had cold water hiked up prices to $5 a bottle.  People were fainting on the sidewalk.  It was hideous.  Big Apple Beauty, no youngster, often felt lightheaded.  We’d hop on a bus—packed to the limit—just to have a break and some air-conditioning.  The bus, of course, wasn’t moving. 

I’d say we left the Lower East side at around 4pm and didn’t get to the Upper East side until at least 7pm.  At that point our feet were bloody and blistered.  Big Apple Beauty couldn’t take her shoes off because they had swollen so badly.  To make things worse, we were really badly dehydrated.  You have to remember, we NEVER ventured that far EVER.  Of all the luck.  The day we get motivated, and look at our reward! It was really eerie seeing the city, one so famous for its skyline, pitch black.  The heat did not cease, so we sat by the East River to try and get some of the breeze.  All you saw were candles flickering all around.  It looked like it must have done during the 19^th century. 

Of course none of the lifts worked in her building, and she lived on the 14^th floor, so we had to walk with a doorman and a torch up steep steps in a narrow corridor which was a heat trap.  By the time we reached the apartment we both were so sick.  The water had been turned off, so no showers to get rid of the sweat and using the toilet was dangerous!  We only opened the fridge when necessary and we sat listening to a radio dripping wet in her stuffy apartment looking out of the window seeing a million other people with candlelit flats doing the same thing.  Eventually the power came back to certain areas, but not until very late in the evening.  There were many people (elderly mainly) who had perished.  It was the worst blackout since 1977—and even then it wasn’t as bad as in 2003. 

I don’t wear that bra anymore.  But when I did wear it, man, it was like a badge of honor.  I earned that sucker.  Big Apple Beauty and I swear, no matter how tempting the pickles are or the lingerie bargains may be, we can’t imagine going down to the Lower East side again.  That place was literally hell…actually…probably hotter than. 

Dedicatedly yours, 

—One of 365

Not the bra I got from the joint in the Lower East side.....but this million dollar baby made of diamonds is how I think of it when I look back on how much it cost me to get it!

Dear Ethers,

I can’t believe that I missed a week of my beloved “Fashion Fridays!”  I must admit, when the end of the week comes, I do get quite nervous about what ensemble I will pick from the disaster zone that is my room. But when it all comes together on the page, it’s always a bit off fun to share a frock with friends.  

This week is very simple.  I thought I’d ease back into things with something very orignal that stands on its own without any baubles or accessories that you can just appreciate for being unique.  I found this dress at a very small boutique on Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles (a main drag in L.A. with lots of hip restaurants and shops etc…) and sadly can’t recall its name!  I know if I pass it again, I will pop back in for some more juicy goods (though the place is super overpriced).  The shop is a vintage store but everything they sell is in pristine condition.  But, they really hike their prices up in a nutty way.  I looked at a cute top that should have MAX been $50 and it was $150!!!  It has things that would make you drool, but the prices, alas, are too cruel………except for this one little rack in the corner. Now, Ethers you should know me by now.  Am I not the queen bee of bargaining and finding a sale even when not advertised!?!  Indeed!  So, the deal with this rack is that anything that’s been sitting in the store for over 6 months that hasn’t sold, they mark down like mad.  I liked a lot of things, but either the sizes were off, or they were still very expensive because they started off with high ticket tags–and really, you can only mark something down so much.  But then……I found MY dress!  It was the type of thing that I knew no one would like.  The colors were kinda weird and the shape was odd.  It was heavily pleated.  But it looked so much like an Issey Miyake Pleats Please piece and I really was curious how it would look on.  And it had originally been $200 and was now $20.  Oh, and I loved that the label said made in London  As soon as I slipped it on, I fell in love.  I think the women in the store were shocked and thought I was bonkers, but were happy to be rid of it and I walked away a happy camper.  I think it looks designer, cutting-edge and it must have looked futuristic when it was designed all those years ago.  You can dress it up or wear it casually.  It’s definitely a lighter-weather dress, but living in L.A.–I think I can get away with it for a few extra months out of the year.  

As for the shoes.  Bought at my favorite palace o’prices, Loehmann’s.  I love how they are a unique putty color with a semi-gladiator wedge that remind me so much of what women wore in old Italian films.  I can just see a lovely bella walking with a basket, a full skirt and these shoes on a cobbled street where a outdoor market is being held and she’s perusing the goods.  They are comfy and they match the dress well.  They were a bargain….$30!  So, this whole ensemble cost $50!!  Not too shabby.  This is why I love hunting for deals and one-off’s.  You look original and you save a bundle.  So, let’s welcome back “Fashion Fridays!” and I will try not to miss another week…….well, until another catastrophe hits…….oy vay!

I think the color combo is so unique, the pleating is original and the cut (especially at the chest) is like nothing I've seen before. I think it's very fun, and something I could see a groovy 70's chica wearing to stand out from the boring crowd and making a little fashion statement to the world--especially in Blighty! I look tres curvy in this ensemble, no? Well, this might be my new sex-bomb outfit! As mentioned, I can't remember the name of the shop. But it was made in England, bought in L.A. and I spent a bargain price of $20 for it!

These have been great summer shoes. They are a versatile shade so they look lovely with browns and whites and they happen to match this dress perfectly! I like the semi-gladiator aspect to them, but that they don't look like the typical, boring sandals everyone else can get. The wedge gives a nice height and they are super comfy. I also love the ties. These just remind me of Rome or somewhere hot and European. As mentioned, these were purchased from the palace of prices, Loehmann's for $30 in Los Angeles

Awww, isn't it lovely? Nutty to charge $200 smackaroos for it, but I'm sure glad that I scored it and that it was dangling on the "nobody wants me rack." Guys, that is often the BEST place to find the awesome deals. It's in perfect condition, it stretches to your body so if you eat a heavy lunch...well, you get my drift. I think it is a classic and the pleating is brilliant. I'm ashamed I can't remember the name of the shop it is from, but if I do, I will update the post.

Dear Ethers,

I’m going to try and shake off the past week and start fresh today.  Thank you for all of your support and I am going to consider Monday a new day.  This weekend has been a miserable one and I am hoping that this week is the beginning of a whole new me.  

The “Wish List” is about having fun and playing around on the web with fashion.  I’ve decided to do something completely wacky.  I wouldn’t necessarily consider this outfit a “Wish List” tick sheet BUT I had a hell of a lot of fun playing with a Fall color and really fun cuts and lines that are so prevalent in fashion today.  And who better to do that with than Jil Sander?  Always known for avant garde tailoring and modernistic styles, this is one designer that has made clothing always look decades ahead of its time.  I decided to play with the idea of one color.  I do NOT believe in wearing mono-colors (I think that was very “our parents generation”–matchy-matchy, you know?)—however, this was just too much fun too resist.  I love how it all falls together for the, well, Fall, and out of all of the selections, the structures and lines on these choices were just so extraordinarily laid out.  They were cut with such precision, I just had to pay homage to the genius of the designer through her architectural thought process and color coordination that just made everything pop.

So enjoy this color bonanza and make this week’s “Wish List” your new “Orange Crush.”  It’s very short this time around, but extremely sweet.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

The front of this dress is an absolute architectural masterpiece. The way it sits on the body, the way each piece of fabric is stiff to add curves where there aren't--pure genius. The folds and the flaps and the 3-dimensional wraps. This is the kind of dress that wouldn't look good but in this vibrant pucker of orange. Sculptured Wool Crepe Dress, $2,245, jilsander.com

Normally I don't do back-shots, but again, the masterful draping---it would be criminal only to show this dress from the front. Not only do you make a helluva an entrance, but damn, do you make a smokin' exit too!

How did someone even come up with the construction of these? They look like they should be on display at the Tate!! Look, I'm not saying they'd be easy to walk in, or your feet would feel good in them, but seriously, just close your eyes and picture that dress with these shoes. Yeah, your legs would be sky-high, the symmetry would be knock-out and people would think you were some kind of real-life art instillation. Oh, if only Edie Sedgwick were alive today! Wrap Tangerine Sandals, $895, jilsander.com

Yep, I told you it was a whole lot of orange---but fresh squeezed it is! You are not looking stale in this outfit and this patent clutch makes you look sleek as ever. Again, it's all about lines and this bag, with its stitching, off-placement of its opening and jelly-bean shape is perfect for this ensemble. Polished Leather Clutch, $590, jilsander.com

And for our finale, how much groovier can you get than a citrine earring that is like a stick-pin through your ear? Never traditional, Sander makes the lines exceptional again by placing the earring in a horizontal manner through the lobe rather than the normal dangle or stud. It goes brilliantly with the lines and I love how it hits the cheekbone. A perfect finale for our "sweet" outfit. Runway Earring, Price Unknown, Image Snagged Off Of Runway

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.

Dear Ether,

The “Wish List” is meant to show the many varieties fashion has to offer from the many wonderful online shopping sites on the Web.  My goal is to try and feature the big guys online and throw in a few of the smaller lads just so I can style some really cool outfits that are occasion appropriate.  I was eager to check out the Ralph Lauren site.  I don’t know if any of you have been to his store on Madison Avenue in New York, but it is in a stunning old mansion and you feel like you’ve walked into shoppers paradise.  Warm wood panels and lush ferns greet you with oversized urns filled with lily’s, orchids and amaryllis.  It is how the rich must have shopped before 1929–before taxes–before the second World War.  It blows you away.  To me, Ralph Lauren (FYI: his real last name is Lifshitz and he is a lovely Jewish man who began his career selling ties!) is the epitome of New York style.  His look is sleek, it is the Hamptons it IS the Polo fields.  What I love about Ralph Lauren today is that you can still count on his label being recognizable, but being modern and updated.  He moves with the times but never strays from his staple looks and designs.  You know you can always get a polo shirt with his famous insignia, but it will always be a modern cut, fit and color for the season.

When I visited his site I was blown away by how many things I wanted.  For me, Ralph Lauren was always a label I aspired to for when I got a little older and couldn’t wear diffusion lines anymore.  But I saw unique takes on the ruffled blouse, the pussy bow blouse, wonderful balloon sleeves, sleek trousers you would kill for and amazing suede and leather designs that were of the highest quality.  His bags were amazing, but only if you had a cool $16,000 (yep, the extra zero is in there for a reason) to drop.  The weakest part of the site, I would say, were his shoes and his accessories/jewellery.  I’m sure in-store there was more, but I wasn’t thrilled with the selection.  I felt they could have offered the customer more to go with their outfits.  I could’ve gone a bit funky with Mr. Lauren, but decided to keep it as it should be: classic.  I wanted my “Wish List” from Ralph Lauren to be aspirational, elegant, timeless, classic, and just simple.  A lot of the other “Wish Lists” will have styles that will come and go.  But what I have chosen you can pull out 20 years later and still wear and even pass on to your daughter.  I chose things with cuts and fabrics that mattered so even though they may not look bright and shiny, it’s all in the way it falls and hangs and feels.  I think that embodies Ralph Lauren.  

With that in mind, this outfit is all about you going to a Black-Tie event.  You need a gown that’s going to be striking because it is clean, and shows YOU off, and not the other way around.  The attention is drawn to the silhouette through the cut of the gown, the soft-hugging fabric and the chain detail drawing attention to your back (a very sensual part of the body, I might add).  Being floor length with high-heels, you look long and lean.  Because of the open back detail I’d wear the hair up to show off as much of your body as possible (neck included).  A nicely made up face with a touch of luminizing cream in your foundation (keep it natural and light) a gentle touch of pink to the apples of your cheeks, a strong red lip, a base color eyeshadow (as in a taupe or pale cream) with liner in a small cat-eye and heavy on the mascara.  Make sure your brows are tidy, and even add brow gel to keep them in place.  A nice touch would be square nails, short, in a matching red varnish.  Same with the toes.  

You know, we still look at that picture of Audrey Hepburn from “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” and envy her look.  She made us love the LBD.  This “Wish List” look will have the same effect.  All the women at the gala wearing the trends of the season will give their dresses away or look back and will be able to pin-point exactly the season the outfit was from.  Not you.  You’ll be as classic as Ms. Hepburn.  Let’s roll out the red carpet!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Whenever you walk into a room feeling beautiful, you feel like all eyes are on you. That's not just hubris, it's usually true. And in this dress, your hunch will be probably be right again. This cashmere, floor-length dress will show off all of the curves of your body. The boat-neck front looks clean, simple and elegant giving your body the chance to show-off its killer silhouette, but when you turn around and reveal the plunging v-back with multi-tiered chain adornments, well, that's the big reveal. The muscles in your back will get their chance to expose themselves and the chains act as jewellery where you couldn't have any on the front. Tell me this isn't a classic? You'll feel good because the fabric is amazing, you'll look gorgeous because of the cut and you know you're the class act at a classy affair. Not bad. Not bad at all. Cashmere Chain-Back Gown, $1898, ralphlauren.com

Though the heel won't really show, if you do end up revealing your tootsies you want the world to know you're working it top to toe. These suede and Swarovski crystal embellished sandals are straight from the runway collection so if they are good enough to work it on a catwalk they are good enough to work it for your Black Tie affair. The crystals will go nicely with the earrings I will show you in the next shot and the wrapping around of the suede is a play on the dripping chain on the back of the dress. The heel height is also great (4"), because the taller you are, the longer and leaner you look in that gown. Brea Suede Crystal Sandal, $795, ralphlauren.com

I was surprised that Maestro Lauren didn't have a fine jewellery section. Maybe it's not featured online. I HATE that I'm promoting CZ's but the look goes with the classic and timelessness of the whole outfit so I am going to settle (but let's pretend they are real diamonds, okay?). A diamond stud is something that you aspire to. It's like a coming of age gift. You can wear them day to night and they will always match any outfit. These studs will go with the simplicity of the dress. We don't want anything hanging--it would compete with the chains in the back. We just want a touch of glimmer every so often when you catch the light you shine. Large Cubic Zirconia Stud, $45, ralphlauren.com

With lush Swarovski crystals, a satin finish, African crocodile trim and a classic Art-Deco clasp this is the perfect clutch to go with your outfit. I love that it is also lined in a bright purple! Again, it's the quality of the materials and the classic shape, design and ability to use over and over again. Perfection. Satin, Crystal & Croco Clutch, $1,995, ralphlauren.com

And of course you need that finishing touch when you are just about to step out the door. It's a sexy scent for evening and the bottle and packaging even go with your outfit so if you were to take it with you, it would look like a great accessory! Notorious is a sparkling spiced scent with notes of deep black currant, chocolate and patchouli musk. Spritz on pulse points. Ooo la la. Notorious 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum, $65, ralphlauren.com