Fashion and the Steal

Gucci's Museo (Museum) Opening

An announcement for the Gucci museum opening in Florence

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Buyer Beware: I Must Recant a Recommendation

I don't like to feature negative posts. Unfortunately this designer is unreliable. I had to resort to filing a claim to receive a response (shipping info) on an item I ordered over a month ago, and what arrived today was not what was pictured.

It was the second time I received something different from what was pictured (both items were ordered on the same day).

I have bought multiple pieces of jewelry from Jody McGill, of 1ofmykind.com, and have featured her work. I love to support emerging designers. I don't support unprofessionalism.

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Runway Looks from Dolce & Gabbana and Versace

Two names everyone knows. Signature styles for Spring/Summer 2012.

Dolce & Gabbana
Signature use of lace on top of lace, vintage Italian floral and the combo.

Versace
Pastels, whites and BLING ... on the clothes, cocktail rings, cuffs and bags.

Temperley Does It Again

Her show never disappoints. Yet again, there are beautiful, couture-level pieces, giving Posen, Rucci, Marchesa, etc. a run for their (or our) money.

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This Designer Touched Me

When I saw the first look, my mouth fell open in a sigh of "oooh". The draping was so beautiful and sophisticated. The fabric was a rich silk my hand itched to touch. That combined with the edgy touches that soon followed spoke to me. I am hooked. I will definitely follow this designer.

Footage from the BFC - Lodon Fashion Week

Update: Added three more videos - Here's the latest London Fashion Week updates (using my press access):

Would You Wear This?

I've been looking at this piece occasionally for a few months. I love the front but feel the back is just a little too much. What do you think?

Kenzo cape

Would you wear this cape?

Also, here are some of the latest pieces that have caught my attention:

Bally ballet flats

Lanvin dress

Jan Michaels ring & a handful of my bracelets

Ports 1961 top

Missoni cape

Vicini Tapeet ballet flats

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The Thrill of Getting Show Invites

I can still remember my first invite to a fashion show. It was for the Paris show of Ont Front; a menswear label that combines beautiful old-world, Bespoke, Savile Row-style tailoring with funky, modern touches. The show was sponsored by Gaspard Yurkievich.

I was sooo excited. Not because I felt fabulous or was a diva (I subscribe to the school of thought that true fabulousness comes from what appears to be a rare gift these days ... class & treating others with respect), but because I love beautiful things and really love seeing creativity.

Gifted creativity touches me. When it does, my eyes pop and I just think, "How does he/she/they come up with that? I'm witnessing a true gift."

I have this same reaction with beautiful art, furniture, music, and dance. I am an appreciator ... I am energized by experiencing art.

I still get excited with each invite/evite I receive. This season stared with one from Pringle to an event at Central Saint Martin's and has included Melbourne Fashion Week, Washington, DC's Latin Fashion Week.

My first Milan evite of this season came from Gucci (they always seem to be scheduled first). Below is the what they also sent me to share with you:

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Dsquared's Twitter Song

The dynamic duo launched a "special" campaign to up their Twitter followers. Check out this cute video.

Their video actually generated a reply. Go figure.

The Top That Intrigued Me

This top caught my eye. The sophisticated feminine touches appealed to me. It sparked instant visions of several outfit options.

I instantly saw it with the bottom pushed up a little and paired with a simple, pin-striped pencil skirt that has a mid-calf length ... The best length to highlight/create the illusion of curvy legs. I would finish off the sexy preppy look with pointed-toe flats.

My next vision was of it worn with a slim pant and peep-toe booties.

The third look was of the top with full-leg trouser pants and a pointed pump. It could be worn simply this way or topped off with a feminine blazer, sweater or a cropped jean jacket for fun and to further emphasize the curve at the hips.

I also saw it as a wear-friendly alternative to this Vera Wang bustier I've been eyeing.

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Recent Buys I Totally Love

The web has been my love and enemy. My budgets are often blown to pieces thanks to shopping online. The selection of styles is several times that of the selection in a store. I tend to be drawn to the details that make an item unique.

The ease of indulging my preferences is dangerous. Here are my latest purchases that I reach for often ... You will notice I have a thing for cuffs. I have a good deal of them and blame Wonder Woman.

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Anticipating New York Fashion Week

FNO has started or is about to start soon. It's exciting but reminds of the pep rally the night before the big homecoming game ... Fashion Weeks.

Although a few shows actually started today, tomorrow New York City will be in it's most vibrant time for me.

Whose shows am I looking forward to seeing?

Doo.ri, Donna Karan and Yigal Azrouel. Their draping techniques are beautiful.

I expect stunning elegance from J. Mendel, Michel Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci (one of my favs), Monique Lhuillier, Zang Toi, Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka and Calvin Klein.

And I look forward to being pleasantly surprised by Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Tam, Luca Luca, Narciso Rodriguez, Yeohlee and Carlos Miele.

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