Yelle!

Going to see her ---->
ce soir at Webster Hall!

Ciao,

B

XOXO, Gossip Girl Recap

Hell hath no fury like a Blair Waldorf scorned...yeah, I'm pretty sure that's probably been used. So what? Gosh, I'm so glad to see that Blair was actually putting up a fight tonight. Last episode she almost seemed to just rollover in disbelief with no plan for revenge.

Spoiler Alert! Since I choose not to censor myself, fair warning that if you read on, details about tonight's episode will be given away.

So the GG crew headed up to visit Yale and the usual drama followed right along. I'll try to keep my summary short and sweet. Even though S wanted to go to Brown, she decided to prove to B that she was a smart little lady and so she wound up with the rest of the Yaley prepsters. Blah blah blah, this eventually led to an all-out cat fight between and S and B.

After calling it a draw they realized they simply couldn't part ways and they'd of course get together, rationalizing as many a teenager does that their fighting is all due to building insecurities of being separated once they leave for college.

Meanwhile, Dan the Man is told his Yale app gets an I for incomplete and has to come up with another stellar recommendation for his witty words on paper. His plans are almost foiled when The Skulls (due to Mr. Bass' craftiness) mistake him for Nate, whom they're none too pleased with for losing their precious trust funds because of the Cappie.

Mr. Bass thinks he's saving young Nathaniel's ass from the scary Skulls, but sadly for him, Nathaniel decides it's just so uncool of him to treat poor Danny Boy that way and runs back to St. Jude's now finding Dan to be A-okay.

Crazy father figure Rufus, after spending the day with Little J slaving away at Eleanor's, decides she can totally drop out at 15 and be home schooled by V, herself just now applying to college (shout out to NYU! hahaha).

I think that about covers the basics. So, critique. First, anyone else starting to wondering where Little Eric-a went? The boy has been missing for sometime now it seems. Perhaps he'll become Little J's design sidekick/backer for a fashion line. Nothing exciting for the adults this week seeing as Rufus hung out with his daughter and Lily, well, sort of just hung out with herself and Bart was nowhere to be seen, so I assume away on business as usual.

And of course, the fashion. I have to say it was rather uninspired tonight. I mean, I suppose the Herve Leger bandage dresses have been making a steady comeback on red carpets, but I'm kind of over it. They just aren't very attractive on most. She did have a cute striped blazer but the crescent on it seemd a little too Juicy for me. Blair wore her usual headbands which I like, and the plaid outfit at the end was sort of fun, but other than that, thought the fashion tonight was a snooze fest all around. I expect better next time! Ah, but I just love the show soooo much, so I'll forgive them this time.

Edit: Above, in reference to the Herve Leger bandage dresses, I should have specified "inspired" dresses, as the dress that Serena wore was not actually Herve Leger.

xoxo,

B

Photos [cwtv.com]

Charmed, I'm Sure...

Oh, Chanel. I must say I'm completely in love with the Spring '09 collection shown during Paris Fashion Week. I know, I'm a little behind in posting this so I'll keep it short, but I just can't help myself. It's so completely fabulous. However, instead of my top five picks I'd just like to note an observation. Designers often take inspiration from all sorts of things, creating the theme of a new collection around them. As I've mentioned before, film costumes are just one example of drawing on a certain look and incorporating aspects of it into designs. What we see worn in films also, as I mentioned before as well, has an impact on what we buy and wear.

Photos [Style.com]

When I first looked over the Spring '09 Chanel collection, I instantly loved it. I was particularly attracted to the beautiful dresses near the end of the show, some of which are pictured above. I was also struck by how familiar they seemed. I don't know where Karl drew his inspiration from for this collection, but does anyone else think these dresses seem a bit "Audrey Hepburn-esque?" My Fair Lady? Anyone?


It isn't merely that I think they look like something she would wear. To me, they seem almost reinterpreted, and more modern versions of dresses she wore in some of her films. It's all in the details, colors and cuts. I'm kind of loving the idea actually. So, if in fact that was the goal for this collection, I'd say it was achieved and I'd rock any one of those dresses.

Goodnight!

-B

Fashion Photography: Get Me Demarchelier!

Patrick Demarchelier has had years of fashion photography experience and is most certainly recognized as one of the best in the business. (You may recall Miranda's, eh hem, Meryll Streep's, screaming to "Get Patrick on the phone!") He deserves the praise because his photographs are fantastic and beautiful.

I happen to love black and white photographs. Even without color, this photo peaks interest through his creativity.

Again, the black and white. The movement gives the photo life and the lighting creates really great angles and lines.

Haha, well now, that's just awesome.

I'm particularly interested in, even with my own photos, choosing unusual angles and viewpoints, so I love how you can still see part of a person "behind the scenes" and some equipment.

Slightly morbid? Perhaps, but the red is incredible. It really pops with the dark background of the grass and the pale skin. Reminds of the Black Dahlia...or maybe the Joker?

So pretty...and I heart butterflies.

I love the muted, almost faded look of this photograph. Great light.

Again muted, grayish tones but it totally works and creates a fabulous image. The motion here is great as well.

The neutral background almost blends with the hair and skin tone, and although the colors are toned down it gives this photo a unique look.

I like that you can see a little light shining through behind her. It creates a soft image and helps the white top and hat stand out from the light background.

I like the shape of the body here and the movement, which really helps to show off the dress and the swinging sleeves.

For more check out Demarchelier.net.

-B

Lovely Lanvin

Sorry I've been so absent these past few days...hmm, yeah, most of this week/weekend I guess. Internet troubles and have been feeling a bit under the weather and greatly in need of rest but so much to do. My Mom is visiting this weekend! Yay! I'm excited but also wish I was feeling better so I'd enjoy things more and could get more accomplished, i.e. laundry, cleaning...

Anyway, as Paris FW has come to a close, I give you my top picks from Lanvin.

Photos [Style.com]

Ah yes, the always amazing Alber. How do you do it M. Elbaz? Simply flawless...A subdued palette with a lot of black and charcoal tones, and a print and a pop of color thrown in every now and then. The cuts on all of these are fantastic, the draping, the wrapping...so beautiful. On-trend with some one-shoulder styles that I love, and that absolutely stunning emerald green creation...c'est magnifique! Oh Alber, je t'aime. Send some love (and your fab clothes) my way soon?


Xoxo,

-B

Fashion Week Top Five: Nobody Does It Better...

That's Karl I speak of, not Carly (bonus points if you get that). Oh ok, I suppose I can't leave out John, Stella and some of my other favs. Ah yes, Paris brings out the best. Sorry posting has been so terrible, I THOUGHT I would have internet last night as it was supposed to be set up, sadly it STILL would not work. Boo. Anyway, my top five picks from some of the latest Paris runways:

Photos [Style.com]

Oh Karl, what can I say? Everything you do turns to sold? (Also, bonus points if you get that...haha, oh movies on tv). I'm loving the cleanness of the black and white, it's so you Mr. Lagerfeld and très chic. The high waisted pants and skirts are fabulous. Belts, bold and beautiful! With just a hint of print and a splash of color. Well done!

Photos [Style.com]

Loved Stella! So many beautiful choices. The simple, pale color palette felt so light. The oversized blazer/jackets are fantastic, such beautiful lines and cuts on everything. The sheerness of some of the these pieces is perfection and those sequins are so pretty and glittery I think I need garments made just of them draped all over me. And of course, can't go wrong with a LBD and this one is just lovely.

Photos [Style.com]

I'm not sure this will be considered a particular favorite Dior collection of mine, considering Galliano's past collections. However, I like the cinched waists and the sheer panels, which is very in-keeping with a seemingly new favorite trend for Spring '09. Lots of pretty little dresses and skirts and some fab jackets.

Photos [Style.com]

Oh so classy. Stefano Pilato's Spring '09 collection for Yves Saint Laurent seemed to me to be a tribute to Yves and very much aligned with the YSL look. I loved the addition of the sequined dresses at the end which added a touch of color and brilliance. Again, bits of sheer throughout the show in blouses are on trend. And again, keeping a cinched waist with belts and a high-waisted cut. What exactly are those shoes made out of? Very curious...

That's all kids! Have a fantastic weekend and hopefully I'll be able to fix l'internet when I get home ce soir.

-B

Kate Winslet, Designer?

Photos: Kate Winslet, Vivienne Westwood

Not exactly, although with the proliferation of actress turned designers it probably wouldn't come as a surprise. Instead, Ms. Winslet will delve into the world of design, portraying the life of Vivienne Westwood in an upcoming film. While it sounds like details aren't certain, I'm hoping this project is definitely going into production. I think Kate is a great actress and could be really great in this role. More over at FashionIndie.

Exciting! I just love seeing fashion come to life on film. Could this be a film trend I see? There have/are already two or three Coco Chanel films in production or perhaps already finished by now. Will others follow? I'm thinking a film on the life of Yves Saint Laurent could be a definite possibility, and one day perhaps Karl? Hmm, who else would have a great life story on film?

-B