Fashion Blog » 2007 » July

I really, really thought that the metallic thing had run its course, but as I scan the new arrivals on all the shopping sites, things are still shimmerin’ and shinin’, sometimes in the form of lamé or sequins. Yup, metallic is apparently here to stay for fall, and while shoes are still a hot medium for this trend, jackets, tops and tunics are also getting glitzed.

The main difference between summer and fall metallics? Texture is key–smooth is so passé.

L to R: Peter Som top $920, Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet slipper $325, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent heels $390, Just Cavalli handbag $640,

L to R: LaRok tunic $198, J.Crew maryjanes $250, Mint dress $418, Robert Rodriguez cropped jacket $429,

French Connection tank $128,

Vanity Fair’s September issue is all about fashion, and it includes their 68th annual Best Dressed List voted on by “fashion conscious judges from around the world.” In this issue, the anointed few who are deemed fashionably relevant will tell us what they like, what they’re buying, and who they’re inspired by.

I can get behind choices like Sofia Coppola, Lenny Kravitz, Margherita Missoni, Katherine Ross and George Clooney, but I’m violently opposed to the inclusion of Victoria and David Beckham. I mean, the Mr. and his clothes are alright, but Posh? I’m not saying she never looks good, but she mostly insists on ensembles like this:

No, I can’t abide by that.

The trapeze shape was probably the biggest trend of the year, and from what I’ve see in all the fall previews, the craze won’t be dwindling anytime soon. Good, I say, since this Trovata Starboard Poncho is worth scoring while it’s on sale (Old Price= $267, New Price= $133).

Thanks to those oversized, brown buttons, I find this cotton poncho absolutely adorable. And this piece will flatter many since it has that rather structured bell shape in the front. I like the way they have it here, paired with skinny jeans– I like to imagine that there are some ballet slippers down below or perhaps some gladiator sandals.

This is a pretty swinging look for lazy August nights by the beach.

Kate Spade and her husband, Andy,  are leaving Kate Spade, the label, behind.  After 14 years, the couple has decided to say goodbye to the brand, which was purchased by Liz Claiborne Inc. less than a year ago for $124 million dollars, in favor of travel and family time.

Must be nice.

See Kate Spade Handbags here. 

These new Nina Ricci pumps ($950) feature sumptuous grey suede, a ladylike mary jane strap, a sweet platform and clear heels?! If you’ve ever seen Chris’ Rock’s bit about on the subject, then you know what sort of associations I make when I can see through a heel.

Could it be that we’re about to enter a clear heel stage in fashion?  Are we ready for that?  I hope not.  I pray this is just a glitch–a moment of temporary insanity.

I think this shoe would fare better with a wooden heel. That would be cute. In fact, I’m kind of offended that such a beautiful shoe would be degraded in this way.

But maybe I’m must a puritanical prude.

It’s already going to be August! Can you believe it?  Soon it’ll be fall, and that summer to autumn transition–with all it’s fashion dilemmas and concerns– will be at hand. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to navigate the change in season, at least fashionably speaking.  I’m always eager to ditch the flip flops around September, but in LA it’s still hot, hot, hot. That’s where I think these Frye Emma Peeptoe flats will come in handy.

The colors blend in well with the fall palette, and while the woven design is airy and light, this shoe doesn’t scream summer sandal.  I love the overlapping leather in the front and the teeny bit of height that this Frye flat offers–I like a little room between my foot and the scalding September cement.

And of course, the price is the best.  They’re only $59.95 at Bloomingdales, while everyone else is trying to get us to pay $119.  I choose Bloomies this time.

Tonight I’m going out to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I’m wearing a flattering Dolman sleeve black knit dress that I bought on sale at Banana Republic (I’d show you, but it’s not on their site anymore), some cute and 40s-inspired black wedges I’ve had forever, and a woven mustard-colored belt to top it all off and add color. The only thing I forgot, until now when it’s too late to do anything about it, is a purse. I know, what was I thinking? Sigh, I’ve been busy–this whole week is a blur.

So, since the damage is done, and I’m going to have to ask some poor friend to hold my essentials all night, I thought I’d do a woulda, coulda, shoulda post. Here are the fabulous clutches that should be completing my outfit tonight (because this is a fantasy, I might get a little extravagant. Cheers!):

I could go for contrast with a white bag (look at the detail on the lock) 

Franchi Mia Kiss Lock, $158

I could play it safe and sophisticated with a black bag:

Goldenbleu Katie Woven, $358

This grey would really look great with the mustard belt:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Clutch, $248

Don’t you feel ritzy when you see “Made in France” on that little tag on your designer goods? Don’t you feel like you’re getting a superior product made on incredibly tasteful European soil? Well, according to Dana Thomas in her upcoming expose on the practices of high-end goods entitled Deluxe: How Luxury Lost It’s Luster, it just ain’t so.

Yes, my friends, just like the mass-produced fashions sold at Mervyns and Sears, many of the luxury items we’re buying or longing to buy are made in Chinese factories in order to cut costs and maximize profits for fashion houses like Burberry. In order to bypass the whole “Made in China” tag, these companies do sneaky things like attaching an Italian-made handle to a bag manufactured in, say, Duanguang.

The reason for all this is that the once small, family-owned and operated labels (think: Prada and Gucci) are now the property of global conglomerates whose main concern is the bottom line rather than prestige and quality. Of course, this is all very ironic since the reason we want the designer fare is the prestige and quality the shareholders eschew. Ay! Is nothing sacred?

That’s not to say that luxury goods aren’t still better quality than what you find a WalMart, but it’s hard to say how much better and for how much longer. The cynic–or the realist–in me knows that the quality will continue to spiral downward until everyone’s going gaga over the new Louis Vuitton line for KMart.

Source and Source.

Gorbachev Made Me Buy It- The New York Times

LBD’s for Girls with Curves– Shopaholics Anonymous

***Could Wal Mart Flip Flops Cause Chemical Burns- Shoewawa

What to Buy Fall 2007: Falling for Plaid - The Budget Fashionista

Julia Stiles and Matt Damon Get Fugged- Go Fug Yourself

These TOMS ($38) aren’t on sale, but they still get the prestigious title of “Deal of the Day” because when you buy them, you’re actually buying two pairs. But you just get to keep one. The other goes to a child in need, who can’t afford shoes.

It’s a great cause, of course, but designer Blake Mycoskie has aimed to create a shoe with lasting appeal, which is why TOMS come in lots of fun, punchy colors. And the recycled-rubber soles also sturdy as heck. Celebs like Keira Knightly and Sienna Miller can’t get enough of them.

TOMS Shoes, $38 at Tobi

Watch the video below to see TOMS’ “Shoe Drop” in Argentina, where 10,000 kids received a pair of these sturdy shoes:

YouTube - Watch