The Old & The Beautiful:Vintage Vixen

While browsing the web for inspiration for my next "Old & Beautiful" post, I came across the Vintage Vixen site and decided to see if the site lived up to its fabulous name. It does. Vintage vixen is full of beautiful pieces from yesteryear that are beautiful to wear and relevant to fashion today. There are so many categories to choose from such as Womens, Mens, Childrens, Maternity and Jewelry. View a few of the gems that I chose from the site. When your done head over to http://www.vintagevixen.com/ to find a few treasures of your own.

 

Ecru pucker stitched 1940's swing cape - Size 4 - Condition: Excellent - $65.00

        1950's Black Ballerina Cocktail Dress/detachable lace jacket - Size 1/2 - Condition: Excellent - $95.00

1970's Gold Lame Skirt - Size 4/5 - Condition: Excellent - $75.00

       1970's Peach Chiffon Estevez Strapless Evening Gown - Size 8/9 - Condition : Good - $145.00

LUCKY FABB Experience: September 7th, 2011

As someone who has been a loyal subscriber to Lucky mag from the moment it debuted it was a great experience to see some of the people that make the magazine what it is in person. My experience at the conference was what I expected x10. Of course there was the initial anxiety of finding something to wear and making sure I packed a complete "just in case kit". Even though I managed to  pack everything I needed there was one thing that I could not prevent; the rain and the wind blew into town with a vengeance. My hair was no match for it, but I still managed to get a few glam photos in in spite of my hair debacle. While every panel was a great one, I have to admit that I was most excited to see Diane Von Fursteberg and Rachel Roy,  as they are both two women whose clothing I wear and business standards I admire. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you the love I  have for the DVF brand. Whenever someone asks for outfit recommendations or dress options DVF is one of the first designers I recommend. Rachel Roy has become one of my favorite designers over the past 4 years because she truly knows how to dress women at every price point. There are pieces in her Rachel Roy New York collection that can be combined with the Rachel Rachel Roy line. Each woman shared their keys to owning a business while balancing a complete life. I also really enjoyed speaker Scott Galloway, NYU Professor of Marketing, Founder of  L2. I almost wanted to ask him when his next course would be taught. Galloway had lots of great tips to offer and ways to network and build relationships.

DVF

- Know the kind of woman you want to be - "I knew the kind of woman I wanted to be....a woman who has her own..her own company..and can pay her own bills...."

-"Establish a dialogue with your consumers", she uses her collections to "Speak through fashion".

- "Every woman should have children".

Rachel Roy

-"Pick a passion and stick to it".

-"Pursue a great quality of life" not money and things.

-Always surround yourself with kind people, especially those you have to work with.

What I wore: Antik Batik Zanon Cardigan $520.00, Jcrew No.2 pencil skirt in double serge wool $120.00, Topshop gold belt $80.00,  Pedro Garcia Snakeskin Pumps

Gem Drop No. 3

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things".

                                              Albert Einstein, German Physicist  March 1879 - April 1955

On Trend: Backpacks

As school begins again one of the things on many parents list's are backpacks. This year they can also pick one up for themselves as backpacks seem to be making a comeback this season. No not the kind decorated with Dora the Explorer, apples, glitter or cars, but grown up versions. I have to admit I have never been a fan of these two strap carriers, even when they were hot in the 90's. The structure and chic designs of the backpacks hitting the scene this season have me reconsidering. Take a look at some of my favorites below.

ITEMS: Black And Tan Back Pack $52 - missselfridge.com,Jeffrey Campbell Rizzler In Navajo $268, Alexander Wang Marti leather backpack $850, Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Backpack $458, The Row Alligator Bag Price Upon Request, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson Harness North/South Tote $472.00, Botkier 'Misha' Frame Flap Backpack $635 - nordstrom.com, Pierre Hardy Leopard-print suede backpack $1,650, Badgley Mischka Cherise Metallic Backpack $498 couture.zappos.com

Screen Gem: Pam Grier

Who: Pam Grier

In: Foxy Brown (1974)

Why: Grier’s character Foxy Brown is a no nonsense ass kicking no name taking chic that looks super bad while fighting crime. The plot, while similar to other flicks Grier has starred in during this time period (such as Coffy (1973), in which Grier goes undercover seeking revenge for a loved one), keeps you entertained. As you watch her use her street smarts and know how to get closer to the “Man”, in this case the Woman, you cannot help but notice her costumes. Even her adversary’s, affectionately referred to as “Ms. Katherine” by her goons, wears are to die for. As I watched the film I made mental notes of certain looks to try and pieces to get. So far I need a fedora, a midi dress, a sleek black leather jacket, a gold belt, a medallion…….the list goes on.

A beautiful head wrap paired with simple gold hoops and a Saturday night special.

To top it all off,  a face to die for.

I love it.

How chic and simple are these navy blue pants paired with a gold belt.

Look at the necklace. This piece has so many endless possibilities, a fitted white tee, cashmere sweater

with fitted blue jeans or a beautiful dress.

GET INSPIRED

ITEMS: Helmut Lang Analog leather jacket $1,355.00, Sofia Rae Silk Midi Dress $285.00 - whistles.co.uk, Dolce & Gabbana star printed blouse $1,105.00, Acne Colbalt Blue Lempicka Split Wide Leg Trousers $355.00 - liberty.co.uk, Charlotte olympia shoes BLACK $1,030.00,  Rhinestone Owl Ring $20.00 - missselfridge.com, Club Manhattan Hoops Spikey Gold $26.00 - welikefashion.com, XXl Enamel Owl Necklace $23.00 - missselfridge.com, Eugenia Kim Lauren rabbit-felt fedora $385 .00, Diane von Furstenberg Stanhope printed wool-blend scarf  $275.00

All  film content courtesy of MGM Entertainment (1974)

Shoe Talk: Charlotte Olympia Paloma Platform

Info:Balmain Stripe Jacket Swarovski, $30, 930, Charlotte Olympia Paloma Platform Pumps $749.00, Grey Oversize Roll Sleeve Tee $30, Citrine by the Stones Red and Goldtone Pom Pom Earrings Citrine $250 - maxandchloe.com.

The Love List: Just These 4 Things

  - Chanel No. 19 got a 21st Century update to commemorate the fashion icon's August 19th, 1883

    birth date.

-As the launch of the Italian Luxury brand Missoni for Target collection nears more and more of the collection's merchandise is available for a preview on the web. With over 400 items in this collection I'm seeing stripes, zigzags, and flowers in my bathroom, living room, closet, kitchen... I think we get the point right? There is something for just about every part of your life in this collection. If you are like me and love first dibs shop the collection early at the Missoni for Target pop-up store on September 8th during FNO (Fashion's Night Out). The shop will open up at 6pm and will be located at 1095 Sixth Avenue.

 -It's getting closer. The launch of the Versace for H&M collection, which I am sure we all know

  about by now will be in stores soon. I know, not until November 17th, but I'm counting down just 

  like a lot of you are. Just in case it slipped off your radar for a few weeks here is a little 

  something to remind you. The  "Iconic Collection" will consist of menswear, womenswear and

  homeware. The Greek key trimmed skirt is a gem.

 

- Shoes anyone? Check out the Belle by Sigerson Morrison collection for Madewell. The first shoe

  available for sale appears to have been a simply chic flat with a v shaped toe that comes in suede
  and pony hair. The collection will trickle out slowly throughout the month of August. The pony 
  hair flats are just about sold out, but there are a few options in the suede flat of the same style.

Suede flats $198.00

Pony hair flats $235.00

Velcro Booties $350.00 

Photos by Madewell.com

Gem Drop: No. 2

"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere."

                                                             Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)

Fall's Fabulous Five: 2011 Outerwear Trends




 

 

Luxe Box: Balmain studded jacket, $9,380

Alexander Wang long jacket, $6,500 

Temperley London shearling coat, $3,210

Burberry Prorsum orange wool coat, $2, 495

SUNO New York leopard print coat, $895

Chic Box: Parajumpers coat, $2,010

MiH vintage coat, $1,188

Sara Berman studded biker jacket, $789Fur jacket, $698

J crew coat $350

Velvet Tivonia Leo Fake fur jacket with belt, €298

Look: Bangles by Lulu Frost for J. Crew

The caption above these candy colored beauties read, "Colorful Art Deco bracelets for a modern-day Daisy Buchanan". I could certainly see the lead heroine of Fitzgeralds' The Great Gatsby, donning a pair of these. I want the black one on the bottom and the green one second from the top blue bracelet. Visit J.Crew.com to purchase.

Photo by J.Crew



A Doll's Life: Charmed, Graceful & Iconic

Mattel is releasing three collectible Grace Kelly dolls inspired by different fashionable moments in the Princess' life. These include the  "To Catch a Thief" Barbie, draped in a sky blue gown complete with accessories, "The Bride Doll", donning an exact copy of the Princess' wedding gown worn during her wedding ceremony to Prince Rainier III in 1956, and the "Romance Doll", slated for an October release, wearing a beautifully insane classic dress and headpiece. I have to say the Romance Barbie is my favorite already.  





 Here are some more of my favorites from the Barbie Pink Collectors Series.

Barbie Collector Pink Label - 1980's African American Barbie.  Isn't she lovely?

Barbie Collector Pink Label - Barbie Loves Elvis Doll

Barbie Collector Pink Label  - Vincent van Gogh Starry Night inspired Barbie

Grace Kelly Barbie Doll Photo Courtesy WWD

All Barbie Collector Pink Label Photos by Barnes & Noble.

1980's Barbie: $39.99 - Barnes & Noble

Barbie loves Elvis Doll $ 34.95 - Barnes & Noble

Barbie Vincent van Gogh Inspired Doll $34.95 - Barnes & Noble

Fabo Callobo: Barneys NY & Lady Gaga

Dreaming of a dark Christmas? Maybe not all of us are, but you can bet all the little monsters in the world will be. Something tells me that the Lady Gaga and Barneys NY holiday season collaboration will be major. The holiday campaign will consist of a window display at the Madison Ave. store as well as an entire fifth floor dedicated to a "Gaga's Workshop" theme. While some have stated that Gaga would be better suited for a Halloween themed campaign, Barneys' Chief Executive Officer Mark Lee believes that Gaga is perfect for this campaign. He states, "Holiday is about joy, sharing and inclusiveness, and to me, Gaga really represents all of that". There will also be limited edition gifts designed around the holiday theme, which will consist of accessories, cosmetics, candles, toys and apparel. The idea that this collaboration will present the opportunity for Barneys to introduces itself to a whole new generation is not one that has been overlooked, Lee states, " There are a lot of things for fans of all ages, for kids and kids at heart. I think our existing and new customers will find fun things to share and give as gifts in a lighthearted and not so serious way".  In true holiday fashion, a large percentage of the proceeds from the limited edition merchandise will be gifted to a charity of Gaga's choice. The workshop is slated to open mid-November and end Jan 2, 2012.

Artwork by Barneys NY

Article sources: WWD.com & Barneys NY

The Old & The Beautiful: Rusty Zipper

I'm not sure why, but I have a love for most things yesteryear. This includes fashion, 70's, 80's and 90's sitcoms and books.  Check out some of my favorite picks from the Rusty Zipper, a website dedicated to men and womens vintage fashion. For more information on the pieces shown below, or for a few fab finds of your own, visit, www.rustyzipper.com.

Womens Totally 80s Shirt by Llyod Williams - $22.00 - Good Condition



Womens Totally 80s Cocktail Shirt - $40.00 - Small





1960s Womens - Ivory  Necklace & Earrings - $32.00





Womens 80s Style Blouse $21.00 - Good Condition



All Photos Courtesty The RustyZipper.com

GEM DROP NO. 1

"I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."

                                                     Phenomenal Woman - Maya Angelou

SHOE TALK: Miu Miu Glitter & Suede Peep Toe Booties

Lanvin jersey top, $2,745.00 Jitrois stretch skirt, $1,680.00 Miu Miu suede ankle booties, $890.00

LOOK: VOGUE MAGAZINE'S FASHION'S NIGHT OUT TEES

In Order As They Appear Above: Lanvin $450.00, Dolce & Gabbana $200.00 & Swarovski Elements for H. Bendel $25.00.

Photo by Vogue.com