Eye-4-Style

Thank goodness Spring is around the corner and our spirits are lifted with promise of sunshine, birds singing, flowers growing, and …clothing to elevate our mood!  In Chicago these last few days and color is everywhere! While neutrals have their place and there is plenty of that out there, it was like a breath of fresh air to see the beautiful colors in the stores. More on this to come ….

What a great dress this is! Luncheon, daytime wedding. Brightens the face with gorgeous color.

Trina Turk ‘Etiquette’ Dress

Easy, fun, comfortable. You could wear this just about anywhere with changing up accessories.

Nanette Lepore ‘Watercolor’ Dress

This is a flattering style. Ruching is our friend!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Matte Jersey Dress

Love the jacket and top with pop of color skirt!

Classiques Entier® ‘Cool Chintz’ Jacket, Silk Chiffon Blouse & ‘Silk Sheen’ Skirt

Phillip Lim understands women. “Walking the razor’s edge between the old Bowery and the new Park Avenue, Phillip Lim creates a versatile, modern wardrobe for fall. He envisions a woman who is confident in her contrasts, ready for business, but always up for fun.”

At the preview party Thursday night, between the glitz, music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and undeniable energy and excitement, it was apparent Phillip’s clothing touches a wide range of women who appreciate beautiful fabrics and exciting design.  The models were young, 6 feet and thin, but the attendees didn’t fit any particular profile of consumer. The customers were being fitted for his Fall line and putting in their orders. A follower of Phillip, Nancy Machonkin, is no bigger than a minute and his clothing compliments her age and body type. Many of the women present agreed: He brings flair to their wardrobe!

Next blog will be on  some pieces in the collection that I thought were outstanding.

March Fashion 2010

Think About … Newsworthy Nature

Ah! The catalog in the mail. You spot it; the anticipation of looking through the newest and greatest out there. Nothing replaces perusing a fine catalog in print; the heaviness of the page; the detail to showing clothing and accessories at their best. Peruse in your bed, library, patio, pool.  Just as I appreciate reading a book and flipping the pages; going to the library (the Dewey Decimal System-genius!), the catalog is a pleasure we shoppers really appreciate. Here’s my top five favorites from the Saks Fifth Avenue catalog March Fashion 2010.

  Diane von Furstenberg

Moschino

Rock & Republic

Teri Jon

Gucci

Statement shirts

Cool dresses and statement shirts

Bought the dress on the right. Great color.

It’s wonderful the great designers are revealing their talent to major retailers like Target. Jean Paul Gaultier introduced a line last weekend. I had to check it out. There are lines that cross several decades and then there are lines that are definitely targeted to a select market. Jean Paul has a market. It is too young for the “moms” but is great for the “daughters.” I bought a dress; cute and thought it would work. The arms were too small and the waist, hips too big. Bust fit well. I was surprised (to be frank) at how it fit. Usually, older women are weight-lifting and the arms need to accommodate athletic (ok yes, and maybe mommy arms!) and the bust fit well but waist and hips were out of sync.  Maybe I’m expecting too much but the Converse line at Target is great for the younger (older) gals. JPG, while intriguing, is for the younger generation. Great clothes for young gals!

What can I say? I’m at a NARS event; major players doing their craft, but out of the corner of my eye I’m looking to the left to the shoe department at Saks Fifth Avenue at Waterside Shops, Naples, Florida. I have all I can do to contain myself as I eye up the beauties just waiting to be appreciated. So one of my NARS gals, Brandi Perkins, senses my wondering eye to the shoe gallery. “Oh, do you have those in a size 7?” I inquire as I totally go from makeup to the several pair of shoes so beautifully displayed and waiting for the appreciative buyer. OKAY – so the Gucci’s are OUTRAGEOUS!  I’m telling you; the heel is part patent and suede and so delicious in presentation. Look at the detail-realize the comfort-it is a sure HIT! YES give me a pair of those. Then the Jimmy Choo’s:  lower heel and sexy pointed with open design reveal. HELLO! Very sexy. Girls, I’m telling you; when you see the shoes you love, buy them! They aren’t necessarily available everywhere and at every store in every size.  If they DO IT for you, get them. They won’t be there tomorrow.

Here’s my post from February 19th! I’m going to Target next few days to see the new line. I also have a 10% off coupon from Target VISA. Lucky me! I’ll report back!

Mark your calendars!

Legendary Parisian Designer Meets American Pop Culture at Prices that Rock. Only at Target

Jean Paul Gaultier March 7, 2010!  Knowing how Target operates, there will be apparel that will appeal to a large audience. Moms will be going through the racks with their daughters! This will be a great addition to Target’s mix. They know how to do it!

Click on the Link and turn up the sound. Rock on!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/P5b.jhtml?itemId=cat21080733&parentId=cat000003&masterId=cat000001

For you gals who like Diane von Furstenberg, click on the above link to see her new designs for spring/summer! I love the prints she’s going with. For cool days and nights, add a neutral jacket, shawl or cardigan (which you already have in your closet) and you’ve updated your wardrobe!

I’m a dress gal. Put on a dress or skirt; jewelry; heels or flats and I’m ready to go. A dress is the perfect canvas to show off a dynamite pair of shoes or cool bag. Necklace or cuff.

I’m excited by Ralph’s Spring Line. I received a mailing from Macy’s and had to check out the website. Here’s a few of my favorite picks. These are so versatile and go from day to night. Click on the hyperlinks for more info.

I’m heading over to Macy’s today! Love-love-love what’s goin’ on here!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress,

Rosita Three-Quarter Sleeve Shirtdress

$144.00

NEW!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress,

Felton Matte Jersey Shirtdress

$144.00

NEW!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress,

Sleeveless Arnez Snap Trim Sheath

$134.00

How do you feel when you tour a showcase house for breast cancer or the local symphony, or go to the car show; art museum. You’re there to enjoy the beauty of what’s presented without the  thought of actually buying what you see. This is how I feel when I look at the designer collections. I’m not in the market to purchase what’s being shown but I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. The designs and fabrics are beautiful and to me, it is artwork. Don’t be afraid to look and touch if you have the chance. You may find something something similar that fits your budget. At least while looking at the beautiful creations, it gives you the opportunity to form an opinion of what would work for you; what you like. Enjoy the beauty!

JASON WU

Belted Feather Dress

Cushnie et Ochs

Crepe and Lace One-Shoulder Gown

Armani Collezioni

Herringbone Jacket

Fashion Jeans

Oscar de la Renta           Emilio Pucci

Ruffled-Lapel Dress         Foresta Icon Dress

Milly

Link-Design Cuff Bracelet