Fashion Superhero: Carrie Bradshaw

I love this limited edition chain-mail/Liberty print top by Balenciaga. What a statement!




This look reminds me of Diana Vreeland's legendary eccentric style. Here, Carrie is wearing a Prada sweater as a headwrap! Seems like something my college roommate would've done...





Carrie always made mix-matched prints work together--starfish and flowers!






The draping on this dress is gorgeous. This is the dress where she runs into Big unexpectedly on the boat party. And, this, girlies, is how you want to look when you run into the man that broke your heart: f*cking fabulous.





Channeling Jackie O., in vintage Halston and oversized sunnies, when she was dating "The Politician."

Stunning. Remember when chandelier earrings were all the rage?

(Only wear mid-driff baring tops if you have a mid-driff that's worthy.)

SJP had to wear this bubble dress to conceal her pregnancy during this season of shooting. It's perfect for Carrie--especially accessorized with the wrist corsage.

An unexpectedly playful updo offsets classic elegance.

If only I can find a vintage silk floral opera coat like this...! J'adore the Biba platforms!

The fringe and embroidered details make this Dolce & Gabbana dress a true showpiece. She still looks fabulous with a bare face and simple ponytail.

Ah, the signature vintage mink...

Wish I could pull off this look.

I should try the lacy-bra-peeking-out-of-the-dress thing sometime.

Fabulous Oscar de la Renta dress.

Beautifully composed for her last night with Big before he moves to Napa Valley: sexy, sultry, and unforgettable.

I've always loved this gown!!!

Everything--and I mean everything--about this outfit works.

Model Off-Duty: Claudia Schiffer

I really admire Claudia Schiffer's daytime looks for dropping off her children at school and running around London. Casual yet polished!

Cool Color Combos: Lanvin Spring 2009

Alber Elbaz's yummy color palette for the Spring 2009 collection serves as a good source of inspiration for those days when you want to move beyond the predictable formula of "color + neutral (beige/black/white/grey)."

Pose Like a Pro: Giovanna Battaglia, Fashion Editor, L'UOMO VOGUE

(The Sartorialist.com - May 17, 2007)

This is one of the best poses ever. Makes your legs look really long. Just make sure to keep your posture straight, yet naturally relaxed. Shoulders back and down. The only minus I have with Giovanna in this photo is that her eyes look dead. As Tyra says: "Smile with your eyes." I'm not a huge fan of Tyra Banks, but that tip is actually a very good one for photo-ops.

Blast from the Past: Christopher Kane Spring 2007

Another favorite from 2007... Christopher Kane's debut collection. Sigh. Can't he just keep making these ones forever??? These divine dresses are now considered "collectible"...And for good reason too! The silhouettes and color palettes still look so fresh and unique!

(Word on the street is that Donatella Versace is handing over the reins of VERSUS to Christopher Kane. He and his sister Tammy have already launched a capsule collection of accessories and shoes for the newly revived label.)

The Hunt for the PRADA Spring 2007 Skirt

(VOGUE - "White Russian" - March 2007)




(TheSartorialist.com - March 24, 2007)



I'm still on the hunt for this Prada skirt from the Spring 2007 collection! (By George, I will find you if I have to scour every consignment shop and listing on eBay until the world stops spinning!!!)

I remember when this look first debuted on the runway. I had two thoughts: (1) it's shockingly short, and (2) the entire collection was primarily done in Duchesse satin--quite impractical for a Spring/Summer collection, no?

I didn't think that such an abbreviated length could translate into reality. Then I saw how Anna Della Russo (editor at large for Vogue Nippon) paired it with black stockings. And I couldn't imagine such a luxurious fabric in a casual context until I saw how it was styled on Natalia Vodianova with an oversized classic white shirt.... Thus proving that this hot little number is indeed a wearable and versatile piece.

(Seems like I'm in a very Prada moment tonight!)

Fleeting Beauty: PRADA's Spring 2009 Ad Campaign

Gorgeously shot by Steven Meisel, this ad campaign showcases a ravaged elegance that only the genius of Miuccia Prada can successfully conjure. The models look incredibly weightless, yet radiate with the grace of goddesses.

Polished chignons, dangling pearl earrings, flushed cheeks, and glowing skin!.... These tenants of femininity, matched with permanently wrinkled garments, create a dichotomy that's utterly glamorous.

HBO's fictionalized version of Grey Gardens has the tagline: "True glamour never fades." To me, Prada's Spring 2009 collection is like Little Edie: something vibrant and inspired that still retains that final thread; that flickering light, that connects it to a concept of beauty that's beyond its own realization.

See and Be Seen: La Societe (Paris)

I just read about La Societe in the latest issue of VOGUE. Beautifully designed by the talented Christian Liaigre, this chic restaurant is located in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres and owned by Jean-Louis Costes (one of the Costes brothers) and Alex Denis (who also owns the fashionable hot spot L'Avenue).

I'm a huge fan of Liaigre's aesthetic. My friend Didit's apartment in Paris is completely designed by Liaigre, including custom-made sofas and bookcases. I had the pleasure of staying a week in his home and can attest that it is truly a comfortable and beautiful space. The signature look is that of high modern lines mixed with a Deco sensibility--there's an aura of restrained luxury and genuine quality.

While the reviews of the food is predictable for such trendy places (overpriced and repetitive), I'd still want to soak in the scene! A flute of champagne at the white marble bar while partaking in the live jazz performances--sounds like a nice evening to me. This place has already garnered a reputation for being a magnet for the fashionable set. What better place is there to have an excuse to flex your style muscles?

A Look I Like: Parisian Cool

(TheSartorialist.com - January 27, 2009)

Messy top-knot, masculine wrap coat, black tights, Lady Dior Cannage bag, and cigarette in hand--there's such an understated sexiness about this look! So film noir.

I used to think the Lady Dior Cannage bag looked too mature, but this photo changed my mind. I want one now! I also can't wait until my hair gets long enough to twist into a messy knot.

A Look I Like: Milan Does Basics

(TheSartorialist.com - March 07, 2009)

This look was shot in Milan. Sometimes you don't need to wear intricate, show-stopping pieces to command attention. The sharp combination of tailored white shirt, cardigan, blazer and jeans is elevated by a bright bag and sexy heels. Low-key and cool. Good to keep in mind for future travel.

Guess it doesn't hurt that the bag is the Stephen Sprouse one for Louis Vuitton.

A Look I Like: Eclectic Accents

(TheSartorialist.com - March 17, 2009)

I find myself drawn to the eccentric touches in this look: satin turban, antique starburst earrings, turquoise python clutch. I'm not sure how this would play out in real life, but against the basic palette of camel, white, and black, it certainly illustrates "classic with a twist."

I loved when Prada showed this satin turban on the s/s 2007 runway show. It looked exotic and bold. Vanessa Traina and Rachel Roy have been photographed looking very stylish while sporting this headpiece, but I'm not one to assume that I can pull it off myself.

Mainly this photo reminds me of what a statement accessories can make... And that a rich burgundy and bright turquoise look quite striking together!

A Look I Like: Stroll Through Jardin des Tuileries

(TheSartorialist.com - April 08, 2009)

I really adore this look. All of the foundations of a chic wardrobe are found here: aviator sunglasses, versatile scarf, fur jacket, striped tee, slouchy trousers, Mary Janes, men's watch, simple bangle, and petite crossbody bag. Together, they form a look that is at once sporty, luxurious, girly, masculine, on-trend, and classic. I love everything about this ensemble, right down to the red nail polish.

From the looks of the comments on this photo, the shoes and pants were points of contention--some loved; some hated. The mix, to me, works effortlessly together. Sometimes the most challenging looks to put together are the casual ones.

*Must add silver/grey astrakhan jacket to my wishlist.