Bienvenue à Paris!

As you all know, Paris Fashion Week has begun in all its glorious beautifulness. Ahhhh....glamour, couture! My top five looks from Balmain:

Photos [Style.com]

Christophe Decarnin, how do I love thee...let me count the ways. I completely adore his dresses, so perfect are they to go out and be fabulous with yourself and friends. The first two I chose for their vibrant colors, shape and cut. I'm also in love with the studded sandals they're wearing. The little black number is feminine yet edgy which I'm really into right now. That awesome white dress is just amazing, as were the other similar dresses to this one in various bright hues, which I equally admire. The cascading ruffled skirt is fantastic! This last look, I'm not super thrilled with the distressed, holed up skinnies, but that jacket rocks.

K, sorry to be so short but heading out soon. Few errands to run after work and then GG is on tonight! Don't miss it! This week's episode revolves around Fashion Week and features Abigail Lorick's stylings. Yay!

-B

TGIF...

Yay! Just about off for le weekend! Here's something pretty for you to look at while I'm away and internetless...


Amaaazzzzing photos shot by Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue. Check out more fabulousness via Jezebel.

Have a lovely weekend and don't forget to watch the debate tonight at 8 p.m. (CDT)!

-B

Fashion Inspiration: Clueless

Like me, I'm sure many other girls were absolutely giddy when Clueless came out back in the day and revealed a whole world of fashion. Cher and Dionne were the epitome of cool and trendy and definitely knew their designer labels and all the best stores for shopping. Perhaps the exaggerated stylings of the Clueless crew were back then what the exaggerated stylings of films such as The Devil Wears Prada and the upcoming Confessions of a Shopaholic are for today's teen girls (and, yes, still me even though I'm past my teen years).

I digress...my point is that films like these are great influencers on fashion and what becomes "stylish" and "trendy." Case in point:

Photos: Beckerman Jacket [Shopbop], Cher [Google]

This morning after reading that with the checkout code SHOPBOPSECRET you can get 20% off regular priced jackets and sweaters, I decided to browse a bit to see what I could see. What I discovered was the above Charlotte Plaid Tux Jacket by Beckerman. It bears a striking resemblance to the yellow plaid jacket and skirt ensemble that Cher wore early on in Clueless, no? Yes, the cut is obviously different and the plaid stripes are more defined, but I think it's pretty clear that the influence of these fashiony films remains quite strong.

What do you think? Into the yellow plaid look à la Cher? Hmm, I wonder if there's a matching skirt for that? Hahaha....

-B

Things I Learned Today...

-Models were falling all over the Prada runway in Milan due to some extremely high heels. I don't blame them... [NY Mag]

-Mary-Kate and Ashley are collaborating with Steve Madden to do a shoe collection for their Elizabeth & James line. [FashionIndie]

-All the cool kids hang out here and here and here.

-Drew Barrymore made out with Chuck Bass! Hahaha. [Gawker]

-Posh and Becks will be at the Macy's in Herald Square THIS FRIDAY at 5pm to meet purchasers of their Signature Set. [Macy's]

So much information, so little time to write it all down!

-B

The Three R's

That's right. We all know them. Reduce, reuse, recycle. No, I've not suddenly taken off on a "green" frenzy, not that that would be a bad thing (no worries, I do recycle).

However, I now refer to the magazine industry. As I said in my previous post, I did stop into B&N to pick up some mags to play some catch up. What did I see? A very familiar In Style cover. I noticed it right away because In Style is one of my frequent magazine buys, not to mention I thought it seemed a bit too "springy" for an October issue.

How strange, I thought, that they would be using that again! Of course upon closer inspection I realized that this was the October issue for the UK. I did a little checking (and will confirm when I get home, since I'm certain I still have the US issue) and I believe this was the May cover for the US.

Hmm...so this got me thinking, about how often do magazines recycle their cover images? Is this common practice? We all know they love to Photoshop, and I've certainly read about images being Photoshopped to look like they're in a certain location or wearing something that they never wore, even on covers.

For some reason I'm inclined to believe that this is more commonly done on covers for their off-shoots such as the UK, Paris, Australia, etc. and not as much on US covers. Then again, they could probably just as easily shoot a cover for a UK edition and then later recycle it for the US a few months later, and would I really know? Most likely I only noticed this because I bought my mags from B&N this time, which usually carries the European issues as well as the US. It just seems a bit unfortunate, because if European issues can be purchased here, then US issues (and I know because I bought them in Paris) can be purchased over there. And really, if you're going to recycle a past cover image, at least make it appropriate to that month...

-B

L'Appartement

Apparently everyone and their brother is currently trying get themselves some internet because the earliest appointment we could schedule with Time Warner isn't until October 2nd! Ughh, so it will still be a while longer before I'm actually able to upload any of my own photos.

Photo [Flickr]

Ah yes, wishing and hoping that was my apartment...I'm loving browsing Apartment Therapy now to get decorating ideas, particularly the house tours which are so much fun! I'm totally planning on creating my own framed photo collage wall kind of like the above, and I think I'll also throw in a decorative mirror.

Any ideas on where to get some home furnishings, etc. on the cheap? Thrift stores, antique stores, flea markets, yes, but I wonder if there are ever any sample sales on home items such as bedding?

Eek, sorry, I know this doesn't really have anything to do with fashion but it's a big focus for me right now. Anyhow, after work I plan to pick up some of my fashion mags, which I need to catch up on, as well as some decorating mags.

In the meantime I'm thinking about taking a night class on fashion writing. For fun or maybe it will turn into something more, we'll see...have to check on the funds first. And DON'T forget (as if anyone could), GG is on tonight! So thrilling...AND Grey's premier's Thursday! Yay for the return of Fall TV.

-B

Style Icon: Jean Seberg

Since we're coming upon the weekend I thought I'd leave everyone with a little "fashion inspiration." I love the Godard film, À Bout de Souffle (Breathless). If you haven't seen it then I highly recommending you check it out, particularly if you're interested in French New Wave. I was thinking about style earlier today and for whatever reason Jean Seberg, one of the film's stars, flashed across my mind. She had a great tomboy-ish and yet feminine look. Simple, clean lines but not harsh and never looked like she tried to overthink her style.

"Si tu n'aimes pas la mer...si tu n'aimes pas les montaignes...si tu n'aimes pas la ville...vas-tu faire foutre!"

Ahhh...pardon my French si tu comprends...

Happy Friday mes amis!

-B

Faux...Pas?

So I hate to get trend happy, but lately I've become obsessed with finding a pair of faux leather leggings. I know, I know...at first I didn't think I even liked them but my fashion sense seems to have done a complete 180 on me and now I'm loving this look.

Which one of these is not like the other?

Now I find them cool, sleek and just a bit edgy AND I have about a million ideas in my head as to what I could be wearing with them! Ahhhh, hotness. Perfect to wear out and about to partayyy! Hahaha. The pair on the left are the "Motorcycle Pants" by The Row at Barneys, the pair on the right are by Alice + Olivia at Shopbop. Unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for splurging on $1,700 leather pants, so I'll most likely be going for super cheap versions from Macy's and Forever 21. Besides, who knows how long these will be considered "in style" so why waste more money than is necessary in these times of economic hardship, right?

Thoughts?

-B

Fashion Photography: Mikael Jansson

Soooo sorry I've been behind on posting my fashion photography finds but things have been a little hectic around here. Anywho, while searching for some fashion inspiration and cool photography I came across Mikael Jansson's work. You'd probably recognize a lot of it actually because he's done the photography for some big name designer ad campaigns.

He was born in Sweden and I believe currently resides there.






I love the layers and textures in his photographs. He's able to create depth and interest through his unique style. For more info and to see more of his work visit: http://mikael.carbonmade.com/about/.

-B

Maghound

Yes! While I was thrilled when I discovered Mygazines, let's be honest, with all of the possible lawsuits that can be thrown its way, I'm not sure how reliable a source it will continue to be.

However, Gawker tipped me off to Maghound, which basically works like Netflix for magazines. Brilliant! And really, why wasn't anyone doing this before? I'm totally signing up, because getting 3 titles for just $5 a month is so worth it and a I need all the extra $$$ I can get for fab clothes!

-B

And the Parties Keep On Coming...

On my way home last night noticed a little something going on at Nespresso in collaboration with Vanity Fair. White tent-like covers surrounded the front of the coffee shop and a security guy out front, along with a Vanity Fair Jaguar parked outside. Couldn't tell if anyone interesting was inside...too bad, would have liked to spot Graydon Carter or his assistant and beg for a res at the Waverly.

-B

Update: As I've been reading this morning via sites like Jezebel, it seems this was probably part of Vanity Fair's "Campaign New York"...whatever that means.

Celeb Style: Mila Kunis

I absolutely love this Stella McCartney dress that Mila Kunis wore to VH1 Rocks over the weekend. Fabulously glittery, she looks great in it and I love the button detailing at the sleeves. Kind of reminds me of a 3.1 Philip Lim number I'm currently eyeing at a thrift store...minus the sequins. Instead it has some sparkle to it from shiny gold threading and it too has some button detailing at one sleeve. So far I haven't wanted to pay the $85 they're asking for it, which still seems like a lot for a used article of clothing, designer or not. Soo, I'm waiting to see if it will get marked down.

-B



Photo [JustJared]

Weekend Review: Lovely Beatrice

Well kids, the all-important Fashion Week is finally over but that didn't stop anyone from getting their party on over the weekend. Go out with a bang, right?

Soo, how was my weekend? Despite some rainy days I head to SoHo for dinner at The Mercer Kitchen (ricotta cheesecake=delish!) with a few friends and then went off to The Beatrice Inn for drinks/dancing the night away.

Spotted: MK Olsen hanging out in the DJ booth upstairs the whole time she was there. Also making out occasionally with some guy I didn't recognize. Still looking quite good which I was happy to see since she'd been doing so well all Fashion Week-long. Hair looked fab and she wore a hippie-ish headband/tie and some kind of black top/dress...couldn't really tell since she was in the booth.

Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner. She is gorgeous and skinnier than I thought she'd be; he is quite young looking.

Jessica Stam (?) I'm quite sure it was her, couldn't quite tell what she was wearing but it appeared to be a dress in a red/orangey colored print or something.

Other than that I'm still craigslisting and thrifting for various apartment items and such. I now have two chairs, one of which I'm going to sell. Must find a ladder and decide on paint! That will be this weekend's project. Also, finding a TV and getting internet!

-B

How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways...

Photos: Zac Posen Spring '09 [Style.com]

It would be appropriate for me to go ahead and just post every single piece of clothing from Zac Posen's show, because I absolutely LOVED THEM ALL. I did try to sort through photos choosing my favorites, which was incredibly difficult and I could not limit my selection to just five.

This collection was definitely a departure from what we've seen in the past, but it totally worked in his favor. The colors are great, the prints are fun and overall this collection feels a bit edgier than usual for Zac.

Since I'm still in a dress-loving phase, many of my favorite looks were dresses or top/skirt combos. He did have a great tuxedo-inspired pant outfit that I adored, but sadly did not include in this selection. Ah, so beautiful.

Zac, if you happen to read this, I would be totally okay if you wanted me to wear your designs exclusively. Free advertising, right? I know, I'm so thoughtful, sometimes I just can't help myself...

This weekend, as usual, will probably be short on posts as I am still internetless at my new appart. So kids, have a good weekend and fantastic end to Fashion Week! Maybe I'll catch you at the Bea...?

-B

Jeff Koons Versailles

Since I adore anything that has to do with France and Frenchness, I LOVE that, similar to his exhibition on the rooftop of the Met, Jeff Koons also has an exhibit going on at Versailles!

Very cool, I so wish I could hop on a plane and go see it in person! More info (and photo cred) via Cool Hunting.

-B

Changing Faces

I've really been enjoying The Moment's fun little feature "Model-morphosis" by photographer Greg Kessler. He captures various models at different moments throughout the shows during Fashion Week and the different looks like designers, make-up artists and hair stylists create for them. Pictured here is Agnete Hegelund, and previously Karlie Kloss and Abbey Lee.

-B

Shopaholic? Me? Nooo...

Well, maybe...but I'm really referring to CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC!!!! Yes! Seriously can't wait for this movie, plus, how adorable is Isla Fisher? So fabulous!

Check out the trailer via Cinematical.

Photo [Crazy Little Thing Called Love]

And yes, I know I've been terrible still with posting. But feel bad for me won't you? Just a little? I have no internet AND no TV, so I've now missed 90210, the premier of The Rachel Zoe Project and most importantly, The Best Show EVER, Gossip Girl! This is killing me...

-B

Fashion Week Top Five: Alexander Wang

Photos: Alexander Wang Spring '09 [Style.com]

Okay, so actually this one is my top six and seriously could have been more because I LOVE ALEXANDER WANG. Dark, edgy, fabulous drapery and blazers. Give them to me please! I'm in love with the first look I chose because as you may know, I love blazers and jackets and I love shades of blue and that pale aqua is a beautiful spring color. The sheer detail (which has been shown a lot on the runways thus far) of the look is fantastic with the detailing that's been added. Tuxedo jacket! Need I say more? The pale purple wrap style dress is amazing and fabulous and I WANT IT NOW! The print and the draping detail of the last two are great as well. Ughh, sample soon please? Thanks.

-B

Fashion Week Top Five: Tuleh

Photos: Tuleh Spring '09 [Style.com]

I have to admit, I was a little iffy about Tuleh's Spring '09 collection at first, but after viewing it in its entirety it was clear that each look just kept getting better and better. I'm really loving the mix-matched look of the various prints and patterns of the fabric. The five I chose have varying degrees of edginess and femininity. I'm loving this collection!

-B

What's That You Say?

Photos: Jonathan Saunders Spring '09 [FashionIndie]

Ughh, apologies for being SO terribly behind on my posts. However, I do have a good...or at the very least, reasonable, excuse. Since I moved (yay!) into my new apartment on Saturday and do not yet have internet it's been a bit difficult to get online, not to mention the madness of the move alone. I'm hitting up Craigslist constantly to scope out new, cool and best of all, cheap finds. Will hopefully be painting this weekend.

Of course I haven't forgotten about the all important NY FASHION WEEK! Since I've been quite busy I have not had too much time to do much snooping around the tents, but I'll be sure to head over sometime this week to see what I can. In the meantime, I'll try to post reviews/top looks as often as possible.

-B

It's Official...

FASHION WEEK IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Ah, the thrill of it all. Perhaps I shall see if I can get into some parties...OR get into the tents! Ha! Well anyhow, let's start off with my favorite looks from the Trovata show:

Photos [Style.com]

The Spring '09 collection consisted of muted tones of mainly white, blue, gray and black. I love the lightness of the first look with a cool woven rope-like belt. Apparently I have a thing for jackets since my next four favorites ALL have one. But I do love blazers and jackety type pieces. So versatile! The second look is fun because it's very tuxedo-like, although it reminds me a bit of SJP's "real people" runway look on SATC with her jeweled panties. Also, skinny belts are so in right now. While I love over-sized blazers right now, I also really love the more cropped version in the third outfit. So great with the dress. The black and white checkered patten is awesome. The little white jacket is fabulous, I love the cut, how it folds in the front and the double-breasted buttons. Finally, the dress is just fun and light and I like it because I'm really into mini dresses too.

Although these are some of my favorites, I had a hard time choosing because I really loved them all. Very wearable, I could actually see myself in all of them! Ughh, I want too many things...

Can't wait for more!

-B

We're Not in Kansas Anymore...

I'm a little behind posting on some of Fall televisions recent premieres...I know, I know, and I was SO excited for Gossip Girl! I did watch, just been terribly busy. GG got off to kind of a slow, catch-up start, but hey, it was summer, right? As usual, the fashion was fab (loved B's Marc by MJ dress for the White Party!).

Anyway, what I really want to discuss is the CW's latest venture, the new 90210. From my various blog readings, I gather that most were underwhelmed, as was I.

On a personal level, the premise was sort of amusing, having a Kansas family move to Beverly Hills so that Dad can move into his mother's mansion to take care of her and take over as principal of the high school. See, I am actually from Kansas. I can't tell you how many times I've heard Wizard of Oz/Dorothy jokes/comments since moving to NY.

Character rants: First of all, not that I have anything against her, but what is Becky from Full House doing here? I'm just not sure about that. And did anyone else notice how much of a twig Shenae Grimes (who plays Annie, pictured) has become since her Degrassi days? Girl has seriously slimmed down.

The popular girl, Naomi, who likes to float about in tons of Chanel was not my favorite. Also, she and her coke-addicted-friend-who's-name-I-can't-remember-and-am-too-lazy-to-look-up are have terrible fashion sense...well, actually to be fair, it isn't just those two. They ALL have terrible fashion sense. Can we say boring? Uninspired?

To give them a little credit, while not fashionable like GG, perhaps this is an accurate portrayal of Beverly Hills high school students? One of my freshman year roommates was from Beverly Hills (she actually went to the high school where Clueless was filmed) and her daily uniform usually consisted of jeans, a tank and flip-flops almost year-round. So, maybe they weren't too far off. Of course, that is not what we, the audience, want to see. We need dramatic colors, trend-setting accessories and Chuck Bass-esque Cali style. How about a little creativity in the fashion department? Surely Californians are more fashionable than these kids appear to be. If you need help, I'd be willing to come on as a stylist.

Well, at least we have a little eye candy in the form of Ethan. He's your typical sports star (lacrosse) popular guy. Although he kind of looked either stoned or tired throughout much of the first two episodes, he is nice to look at.

While the premiere didn't thrill me, I think it's too soon to completely write it off. I'll be watching next week to see if things get more interesting. Maybe some of the olds (Jennie, Shannen) will see some more action in the future.

-B
Photos [IMDB]

Glamorous

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, I love all things French. Even before I spent any time in France, I loved it and I've studied the language since high school. Therefore, I am also fond of French films and celebrities (Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Tautou, etc.), so I was thrilled to see these photos (courtesy Fashion Indie) of Vanessa Paradis and her beau, Johnny Depp in a photo spread for French Glamour.


I absolutely adore these two. Such a fantastically beautiful couple, and yet they don't draw so much attention to themselves as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie do.


I love J and V both individually, and as a couple. Alluring and mysterious. She is typically French, chic and effortless. He is simply amazing. He usually looks as though he hasn't put too much thought into he's wearing, and yet he always looks extremely cool with his fedora and some form of glasses.


*Sigh* Do you think there's any chance Vanessa would want to trade places?

-B

Gotta Love It...

Well, since everything seems to be branded with a designer label, it should come as no surprise that us girls finally have fashionable condoms.

That's right ladies. Via The Cut, designer Yigal Azrouël has teamed up with Proper Attire condoms. You can stock up starting this Friday at Azrouël stores.

It's always great to see designers being proactive about causes and issues that they care about.

Get 'em while they're hot!

-B

Style In Focus: Natalie Portman

I really just have to disagree with those who have expressed distaste of Natalie Portman's latest red carpet attire from Rodarte:


I happen to think she looks great and this look is very in keeping with many of Fall '08's trends, namely lace and layering. The dress is interesting and she looks gorgeous in it. Personally, I love Natalie Portman's style. She's been especially well-dressed these last several months on the red carpet and I've seen her on the streets of NY and in other locations in paparazzo photos, and when not on the red carpet, I love that she just seems so normal. I mean, come on, the girl is adorable! No, I don't think she's ready to be a fashion critic anytime soon (her judgment on Project Runway anyone?) but I don't think she's trying to be either.

P.S. I hope you all watched Gossip Girl last night!

-B

Apartmenting

I know, I know...I've gone missing again. Terribly sorry for my lack of posting this weekend, but having Friday and today off from work, I felt the need to take full advantage of my sudden freedom.

Also, I've been super busy, running around the city looking for furniture and other assorted home items because I FOUND AN APARTMENT!!!!! Finally! I cannot begin to explain the nervousness/relief/excitement that I've been feeling. I have so many decorating ideas running through my mind now that my fashion thoughts have semi been put on the back burner. Hehe, ok so maybe not entirely since the only purchase I managed today was a dress from Anthropologie. I'll post a picture of it later (couldn't find one on the website), but it's a nice green, collared button-up.

Anyhow, with apartment decorating thoughts, I've been out and about looking at furniture (I found a couch!), but what I'm really having trouble with is an area run. Who knew they were so expensive? Ah well, what can you do...originally I liked this one:

Photo [Real Simple]

Of course, it's only $6,000. Ha! So, I've been searching and searching for cheap alternatives, but when you get up to a size 5' x 8' area rug, it can get quite costly. I think I've narrowed it down to these:

What do you think? I need help making a decision!

Have a fabulous end to your Labor Day vacay!

P.S. DON'T forget: The best show ever, Gossip Girl, premieres tonight at 8 (EST)! Also, the all-important NY Fashion Week is coming up (yay!) and GG will be incorporating this into upcoming episodes. Cannot wait!

-B