david's got me yearning again...

I have eternal love for David Yurman's campaigns. Enough said.

gimmie more, monsieur DIOR

It's pretty much an established fact that John Galliano is genius. The man delivers almost every time, and the Christian Dior spring/summer 2009 haute couture show was no exception. Inspired by the hues and rich embroidery from 14th/15th century Dutch paintings, Galliano put on a show that even left Wintour drooling. The stained glass windows in the backdrop were an obvious homage to the dutch masters, reminiscent of the light coming through the window in a Vermeer. By recreating the New Look, which was initially designed in a similar failing economy, post WWII times, Galliano reminded fans that despite the ever present news that the entire world is going bankrupt, the house of Dior will continue to impress. Going dutch never looked this good.

Vodka martini, with plenty of ice, if you can spare it

Since my recent move to Northern Virgina I've learned many things about this sad, sad place. First, and foremost, there doesn't seem to be a single snow plow in the entire state, which has turned out to be a blessing. The half inch of snow covering the ground this morning has caused a state of panic; almost every school in the area has been canceled for about the next three weeks, and my french professor called me, sounding terrified, warning me not to come to class, the roads are just too dangerous. Unfortunately, I was already dressed and on the road. What's a girl to do with just half an inch of snow and not a ski slope in sight? Answer: BOND MARATHON. These movies always top the charts for me. With 4,000 dollar Brioni suits and Tom Ford tuxedos, tricked-out Aston Martins, and incredibly suave criminals, I ask, will any other movie series ever top this? And don't even think about saying Twilight. Who's your favorite bond? I always get stuck between Brosnan and Craig, but I'll let you decide.
Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig.

The Buckle is Back

Over the past few seasons, adorning one's feet with spectacular thousand dollar shoes has become the norm, with heels under four inches are commonly regarded as child's play. This trend has obvious major advantages, as four plus inches on one's body frame is always beneficial. With the rise of shoes that should make most people question any looming recession, I think it's time to pay a little homage to the creator of it all, Roger Vivier. Without Vivier, the stiletto in question would not exist, as he created the shoe style in 1952. Named after an Italian knife used by assassins, Vivier is a much under-celebrated genius, whose brand has seemingly dropped off the radar. I was first turned onto Vivier with his dazzling pink ostrich feather sandals a few years back, which I desperately wanted for prom (my mom refused). Since then, Viver seems to have been surpassed by more well-known shoe brands, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. After Vivier's passing in 1988, Bruno Frisoni took over the brand in 2002, with a less than sensational amount of success. Recently, Ines de la Fressange, international face of France and muse extraordinaire signed on to help reinvent the iconic house. "Brands like Vivier are pillars- they are monuments of fashion; they are names we don't forget", Ines told Interview Magazine in December. Vivier's brand and his iconic buckle shoe are certainly on the rise again, after creating dramatic shoes such as the Rose 'n Roll a few seasons back, and geometric masterpieces like Babeth this winter. Best of luck to Vivier and company!

OOOh and check out their website-its amazing.

All the President's Women

Around eleven o'clock this morning, the world will let out a collective sigh of relief at the inauguration of President Obama. The eight year monstrosity that was Bush's administration will finally come to a close, and an era of change and prosperity will hopefully begin. But let's leave politics to the politicians. Instead, my focus is on the stylish first lady, and her mysterious "inauguration gown". Comparisons are being thrown around- could Michelle O be the new Jackie O? Mrs. Obama has been keeping it fresh by sporting labels such as Thakoon, Azzedine Alaia, and Maria Pinto, as well as mass merchandising labels Gap and J.Crew. Her influence spreads further than you might think. After mentioning on THE VIEW that she was wearing a dress from White House/Black Market, the store virtually sold out of the dress in days. Will history crown Mme. Obama as one of the fashion greats? As far as I'm concerned, Obama's only living competition of the presidential variety is Madame Sarkozy, whose effortless and chic style has been stealing fashion hearts everywhere. A true style icon. Can Ms. Michelle keep up? And what on earth will she wear to the inauguration? Still musing....

a rose by any other name would smell as sweet? i don't think so...

What is it about Chanel? I openly admit to a long love affair with the illustrious fashion house. While the other kids in sixth grade chose John Adams and George Washington as their heroes, I chose Ms. Chanel herself, for giving women the freedom to dress as they wish, while maintaining elegance, and uncanny amount of j'en sais quois. The name evokes a film-noir nostalgia, reminiscent of a time when sweatpants with uggs and college sweatshirts was non-existent. Is it possible to miss a time when you did not exist? I think so. Anyway, the Chanel Paris-Mosocu show has been on my mind for quite some time. Lagerfeld created the first of a few silent films about Madame Chanel, saying "films these days have too much talking", and played it apres the show. His Russian inspired show, held at the Raleigh theater in Paris, was full of fur, fantastic headdresses, and men in leather. It was love at first sight for me. Thoughts?