a pre-vacation getaway

Sorry for the late posting, but I was out of the house very early this morning, and spent a long day working downtown before I headed to Santa Monica, where I'm covering the luxurious Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows and their new Exhale Spa for my column in Affluent Magazine.




I'm always in LA a few days a week for work, but rarely stay over because it's so much quicker to drive home if I miss rush hour. So tonight was a fun treat because I was able to meet up with friends and share the lovely bottle of wine and platter of fruit and cheese that was left in the room for me, go to dinner and see the Parson's Graduate art show without feeling like I needed to rush off.




I have to say, I'm feeling very spoiled at the moment--I was given a two-story bungalow that's exquisite--downstairs is a bedroom with an adjoining large patio and luxurious bath; upstairs is a beautiful sitting room, dining room, another state-of-the-art bathroom, complete with my very own sauna(!), plus two very large upstairs patios with beautiful ocean views and huge flat screens on each floor. The decor is low-key and tasteful. It's like having a lovely townhouse right across the street from the ocean. I would love to have one in Santa Monica just like it!




I wasn't planning for it to happen this way, but it feels like vacation has kicked off a little early, since tomorrow I'm scheduled to try Exhale's Core Fusion class and then have a poolside pedicure and lunch. Please don't hate me, I had a very hard week, I can assure you! One day very soon I'm hoping I can show you some of the things I've been slaving over lately.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! I'll be taking off for Jamaica on Monday but am hoping to check in before I leave and hopefully once or twice while I'm on vacation. More soon!

how often can you wear a 9 carat diamond on your forehead?

At least once a year, that is if you're Ivanka Trump.


Ivanka Trump, in J. Mendel, accompanied by Gilles Mendel.

The Costume Institute held its annual gala at the Met on Monday. Understandably, many New Yorkers feel it's more important than the Oscars in terms of red carpet fashions. The Costume Institute Gala is certainly more elegant, but it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges. Hollywood has its own thing going with the weather, the film industry, and pure star power, while the Costume Institute Gala is more about high profile socialites and designers and who they're escorting. For a total fashion-head like myself, both are exciting in their own way.


Kate Mara in Zac Posen with the designer.

You might notice that most of the celebs at the Costume Institute Gala are impeccably dressed, as they're attending with the designer that they're wearing, and not much is said, no matter how outrageous, about the way the designers are decked out. So here is a bit of eye candy from the evening, enjoy! Oh yeah, and the theme was "Super Heroes".



Karolina Kurkova in Vera Wang with the designer.

Does it get more glam than super models wearing Vera Wang, posing with Vera Wang? The answer is yes. See below.



George Clooney and Julie Roberts, both in Armani, with the designer.



Dita Von Teese in Marchesa with Christian Louboutin.



Love this Christian Lacroix gown Jacquetta Wheeler is wearing.



Charlotte Gainsbourg in Balenciaga with Nicolas Ghesquiere.



Amanda Peet in Derek Lam with the designer.



Tory Burch in Proenza Schooler.



Rosamond Pike in Rouland Mouret with the designer.



Claire Danes in Narciso Rodriguez with the designer.



Margherita Missoni poses with Vogue's fab Candy Pratts Price.



Joy Bryant in Pucci with Matthew Williamson.



Jennifer Lopez in Alberta Ferretti.



Jack White and Karen Elson, both in Marc Jacobs.



Claudia Schiffer in Valentino Haute Couture with the designer.



Chanel Iman in 3.1 Philip Lim with the designer.



Christina Ricci looking great in Givenchy Haute Couture.



Iman and David Bowie both wearing Dolce and Gabbana.



Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller.



Karl Lagerfeld.



Naomi Watts had my favorite "Super Hero" look of the evening.


Before I sign off, I want to say thank you to Coutorture, who picked my accessories roundup from Monday as a Must Read. It's always an honor to be included in these--thanks guys!

more on fall 08

I've been so consumed with my new designs scheduled to launch for Spring and Summer 09 that I hadn't really taken an in-depth look at what's coming for Fall 08. But once I get obsessed with boiling down the essential trends of the season, it's hard to tear myself away...so I'm back today with more, but this is pretty much to wrap things up (at least I'm hoping).



Top left to right: Burberry and Stella McCartney; bottom row: Christian Lacroix.

The biggest word being used to describe fall 08 is "restraint", which is a little anti-climatic, but given the overall world Zeitgeist, I guess it's where we're at. It doesn't mean things can't be gorgeous, they just need to be restrained. Except when it comes to accessories (see above).


Balenciaga and Givenchy

Moving on, here are two of the big (maybe biggest) fall editorial looks. From the much buzzed about Balenciaga show, the major news was the structured little black dress. Every where else it was about black skinny pants + jackets, and this collided with Riccardo Tisci's goth leanings at Givenchy for perfect success. While I can't see wearing a structured lbd anywhere in Los Angeles, I'm crazy about the skinny pants because the other alternatives are horrible 80s peg-legs and MC Hammer funky throw-backs.

Despite all the talk about "restraint", there were tons of wild and witchy outfits to be had. So after going through the good, bad, and disappointing, here are the ones I would like to see hanging in my own closet:



Givenchy

This frock is my favorite take on the lace trend



Maria Cornejo for Zero

Chilean designer Maria Cornejo always does her own thing and I like what she's doing with coats.



Jason Wu

Jason Wu has my vote for prettiest lbd--I could actually see wearing this.



Proenza Schouler

So creamy and beautiful--even if I had to make up a special occasion to wear this, I would.



Alberta Ferretti

To me, this is just a knock-out dress. Everytime I see her stuff, I think Alberta Ferretti never gets the attention she deserves. Same with the purple one below. How pretty is this?


Alberta Ferretti


Behnaz Sarapour

Wow, Behnaz Sarapour got sort of panned this year for "not being Holly Golightly enough" but I think this coat is very Holly G and in the panne velvet it looks scrumptious and really fun to wear.


Lanvin

If I were going to wear a structured lbd, this would be it. Bear with me because now I'm going to be a little redundant. I would like every single piece from Alber Elbaz's latest collection for Lanvin, especially the following:



Lanvin

Love this coat. Lots of designers play around with ribbon but Elbaz's pieces all work.



Lanvin

More ribbon and I can't say enough about the cut of this skirt. Finally something not pencil thin or that flouncy frumpy style that makes women look 10 pounds heavier than they really are. It's so simple really, a top and a skirt, but the way Elbaz drapes pieces is my favorite thing about his work--it looks almost casual, the way it hangs-- that it might have been washed a time or two--so comfortable yet chic.



Lanvin

If I could have one black jacket for fall, this would be it.



Lanvin

Another beautiful skirt and top.



Lanvin

My favorite version yet of the black skinny pants + jacket.

I know it's a little early, and most of this editorial won't be hitting the news stands for a few more months, but I think it's always fun to start thinking about the season early so you know what pieces you absolutely need to have and which ones you can pass on. Just a thought. I promise to return to the present and sunny world of spring and summer very shortly!

it's all in the details

I thought you might enjoy taking a look at some details from the Fall 08 collections in all their glory--notice all the nude and the black with some gray and dusty pink thrown in. Loving the many sumptuous surprises.


Lace from Prada


Two-toned legs from Chanel


Feathers at Burberry


Modern meets mural at Balenciaga


Ornate Indian embroidery work at Alexander McQueen


Jacket detail at Burberry


Anna Sui


Prada


Prada


And more Prada


Marc Jacobs messenger bag


Sportswear theme at Miu Miu


80s throwbacks at Marc by Marc Jacobs


Simplified bags at Louis Vuitton


Panne detailing at Jean Paul Gaultier


Signature chic at Chanel

summer fashion musings

Converse by John Varvatos shorts

Is it just me? J.Crew used to be the perfect place to grab summer add-ons. Last year I got some great shorts, flip-flops, and tees before I took off for Hawaii and I was ever so content. But this year I find myself looking for something different. I'm liking Converse by John Varvatos a lot. It's athletic with a little rock and roll edge. If you haven't yet seen the fall collection, it just debuted a few weeks ago and you can check it out here.


Boyfriend blazer by Phi

I'm going to Jamaica in a week and it's weird because usually I jump at any excuse to get new clothes, but lately I haven't seen anything that really moves me. For example, "boyfriend blazers", the big right-now-must-have...the answer is no.


The Coachella look anyone? Blek. Gladiator sandals? Double blek.

If I wanted to be cool I could dress like I was heading to Coachella (or just get a lot of outfits at Urban Outfitter), but honestly I dressed like (a version of) this in grad school and can't go back.



Hmmm. If I hadn't sworn off wearing heels (at least for summer) I would want this pair of over the top and impractical platforms by Cynthia Vincent.



After a bit of looking around, I found this Robert Rodriguez razor back ruffle tank (available at intermix) which I love and also these pieces (below) by Nanette Lepore.





So much for a summer shopping spree. Hopefully I'll have more on summer shoes and sandals to report soon!

reflections on the weekend

I think Iman is one of the coolest women in the world--in a world of trends, she describes herself as remaining a classic. I just love her, so I thought I'd end the week by sending you over to check out a great little interview with her that just posted over at Iqons.



Wishing you a great weekend--hoping you get out for some fun in the sun. If you do, you might want to think about wearing the photosenstive "I Will Reflect" wristband. They change color from white to purple when exposed to harmful UVA rays and serve as a reminder to cover up and be sun smart. May is Melanoma Awareness Month--one American dies of melanoma almost every hour, but early detection raises the five-year survival rate to 99 percent.

The wristbands can be purchased for $4.99 each at SpaFinder.com, or $2.00 each with orders of thirty or more. Proceeds go towards melanoma research and programs to raise awareness of this deadly but largely preventable disease.

Meet you back here on Monday...

japan-mania

Who doesn't need a pink elephant in their room?

It's that time of the year where I always wish I had tons of little gifts on hand for Mother's Day, graduations, birthdays, bridal parties, baby showers, etc. Luckily I came across Destination Japan at the MoMA store. MoMA is on to Japan coolness and is presenting 60 lifestyle products by emerging Japanese designers. Check it out soon if you're interested because some of the products are MoMA exclusive and available for just a limited time. Here are some things that caught my eye from their selection:


Duckbill soy sauce dispenser


Chat plates: designed to resemble conversation bubbles from manga


Squid USB memory stick


Alphabet stamps and pad--perfect for kids and people like me


Eye Love I pin by Takashi Murakami

Check out more goodies at www.MoMAstore.org

crime and pleasure

In a couple of weeks I'll be heading to Jamaica, the first real getaway I've had in over a year. Already my mind keeps turning to time on the beach with a great book. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't think I've read a book (one with lots of words, anyway) cover-to-cover since I was in Maui last year.



Despite the fact that I haven't really finished any books recently, I still feel compelled to pick something up every time I stop by Laguna Beach Books--it has a glossier but similar feel to Small World Books in Venice, my other favorite bookstore that I can't resist...hence the growing pile by my bed. I nabbed Out last time I poked my head in there because it had a rave review from one of the book store people and truth be told, I love gritty crime stories and movies. This is Natsuo Karino's first novel published in English, but she's one of Japan's most successful mystery writers and won Japan's Grand Prix for Crime Fiction. All I know is it's supposed to be a good thriller, so I can't wait to dig in.



Suddenly out of the blue (maybe because I just devoured Alabama Stitch Book this weekend) I'm feeling reading ambitious and am also thinking about picking up Richard Price's Lush Life. Price's Clockers is one of my all-time favorite reads in this genre. Any one have some great can't- tear-yourself-away reading recs? (Please, nothing too intellectual--it's vacation!) Please feel free to comment or email me. Thanks!

art + life

A Mediterranean Bel Air residence from yesterday's Art and Architecture Tour; Inside: Jim Dine paintings from the Robe series.

Yesterday I attended the Art Museum Council's 51st annual Art and Architecture Tour and toured five estates featuring some of Los Angeles's finest homes and private art collections. I'm so glad I went! It turned out there were some modern collections that really appealed to me.

The first home I toured felt like a dream. High up in the hills of Beverly Hills, the view was breathtaking and the house was filled to the brim with cutting edge art--almost all of it created in the last ten years--sculptures, paintings, installations, and I loved every detail down to the gold-leafed Irish Times in the bedroom. I was in shock almost, that someone would be so bold with their collecting, and then filled with a kind of delight as I experienced first-hand the concept of living with it--as the sun streamed in through the bathroom and kitchen and I walked through a world where the edgy coexisted with the mundane aspects of daily life--it was surreal in a good way.

I wish I had photos from these homes but no cameras were allowed. The last home on the tour was nestled on a street in Pacific Palisades. It was hot and nearing the end of the day, but I'd heard such amazing things about it that I couldn't pass it up. All I can say is that it housed an incredibly hip, carefully chosen art collection. To me, they were astoundingly perfect choices, if there is such a thing. Every piece was a gem from top artists and somehow fit perfectly into the surroundings. I'm not going to name them all, but just say that I loved the pieces by Yoshitomo Nara, the Murakamis, the two Robert Longos, even the Andy Warhols were top notch choices that I liked better than many I've seen through the years in major museum collections, especially the artist's edition pink and blue astronaut. Most impressively there were some great pieces by Vic Muniz--I was taken with one of the the ones in the dining room--an iconic photo of Jackson Pollock covered in caramel and chocolate and then photographed again and blown up.

After viewing these stunning collections I feel a bit self-conscious talking about the things that I collect, but I wanted to show you this piece that made it's way to my dining table yesterday.



LACMA's Art Musuem Council created a Special Projects boutique specifically for this event that offered a few select artist's work. I ended up picking up this piece by Kevin Xiem Nguyen. He has an upcoming show at MOCA and something about this yellow glaze combined with his story, caught my attention. I have a soft spot for artists who have gone through personal suffering and come out of it to create life-affirming work. Kevin will be stopping by tys soon for an interview, so I'll wait and let him talk about it in greater detail.

Before I sign off, I can't urge you enough to check out similar tours in your own town or city. There's something really wonderful about viewing art in a home instead of a museum or gallery.

what's hot, cold, sweet, spicy and cool?

Sorry everyone for missing the last couple of days--it's been jam-packed with work and today, some play. Thought I would share a little of what's been going on:




It was blazing hot when I arrived around 11 this morning at LACMA and this structure was already melting quickly. It's the first of a series of reinventions of Fluids, one of Allan Kaprow's Happenings, first realized in 1967 when teams of volunteers built rectangular ice structures throughout Los Angeles.



Fluids 1967

During the weekend LACMA, MOCA, and The Getty Foundation will coordinate the recreation of Fluids at about twenty sites across Los Angeles. Each enclosure of ice blocks (about 30'x10'x8') is built and left to melt.




Tomorrow, Overflow by the L.A. Art Girls will reinterpret the original score at The Getty.




My lunch was canceled, so I headed over to Little Next Door for an iced coffee--it's the annex cafe to my long-time favorite restaurant in L.A., the Little Door. I had about an hour to poke into some of the shops on Third street and was really smitten with Em and Co--they carry a great mix of designers, from heavy-hitters like Vivienne Westwood, a good smattering of European designers, to lots of newer local L.A. designers.




I couldn't leave without my favorite sandwich (chicken tarragon) at the newly expanded Joan's on Third. Then I headed over to Beverly Hills for a little hair color therapy from Nelson at Nelson J. Salon. After even more coffee and sugar with some friends, I swung by Fred Segal for Natalie Chanin's trunk show and book signing.


Her new book, Alabama Stitch Book, is beautiful and I can't wait to read it at a leisurely pace. It was also wonderful to check out Natalie's newest designs, which are beyond exquisite!



I fell in love with the hand embroidered rose embellishments (above) on one of of her dresses. (Apparently I went straight to her most expensive design. Sigh.) They are all works of art--and I don't use the term 'art' when it comes to fashion very often. Seriously, I've never seen any garments like hers--they're couture with insane amounts of fancy and non-fancy hand-stitching, beading, etc. on soft thick organic cotton. You feel like you can't stop touching them, which isn't a usual reaction to couture pieces.




Tomorrow Natalie will be offering a Half-Day Sewing Workshop at Fred Segal Flair in Santa Monica, so for those of you who live in town and want to learn some first-hand stitching techniques, definitely stop by. If you'd like to buy her book (I highly recommend!) you can order it from her website: alabamchanin.com.



Natalie Chanin and me (you can't see it, but I'm clutching my new book)

I am such a fan of her work, it just gets better all the time! There was a big party happening at Fred Segal simultaneously--it was full of some spicy L.A. attitude at it's best: think Rolls Royces, tan men, and overly-enhanced ladies...I think I've been out of town a smidgen too long because I found myself actually kind of glad to be in the mix of it all again.




On the way home I stopped in at the "Long Live Love" show at the The Surf Gallery, an opening for Andy Davis, Alex Knost, and Tyler Warren. I've been following their work and it was cool that they all showed up. It looked like people were having a good time, but I was ready to head home and recline on the sofa in front of a nice fire, which is where I am right now...home sweet home, phew!

I'm really looking forward to covering the annual Art and Architecture Tour this weekend for tys, so please check back soon for more on that. Hope all of you are having a great weekend!