Scarves with a Twist: Ikou Tschuss and Prova

I love scarves with a twist. They make such a wonderful and quirky accent to any outfit. Two years ago when I was in Paris for Fashion Week, I noticed that the Frenchies wear scarves almost all the time--almost with anything! I bought a scarf by Ikou Tschuss, a Swiss label carried at Colette. It looks almost the same as the one in the photo above, except in red: luxurious double-washed silk with thick, hand-crocheted wool trimming. (The one I have is also more generously sized.) I've received so many compliments from strangers on that scarf that I wear it to cocktail parties as an ice-breaker ;)





A few weeks ago, I saw these Prova scarves draped around the necks of the mannequins in the Barneys' window and finally popped into check them out. The combination of the prints with the beaded fringe makes such a statement--and so does the price: $395! Yowza. I'll have to keep dreaming.

French Terry Chic from J. Crew?

Every so often, I'll take a gander at JCrew.com to see what's up. Call me crazy, but I find this top really cute. It just looks like something easy to throw on top of a pair of nice jeans, yet also a little chicer than just wearing a plain ol' sweatshirt. The price is also not terribly bad: $55. Thoughts?

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/knitstees/PRDOVR~17591/17591.jsp

Lust & Must: Black Leather Pants

(Allure - August 2009 - pg. 80)

I've been noticing the trend of leather skirts and pants for this fall. I think I'd like to rock a pair of leather pants! Most of the ones I've come across start at $595, but Allure found this pair by Blank for only $158, which is not so bad--considering that most plain denim jeans start at that price point! I think these could look very chic and classic with a cashmere turtleneck, or paired with a T by Alexander Wang tee for an edgier look.

I tried to stake them out on shopbop.com but they don't seem to be listed yet. I'll be on the lookout, for sure!

How Would You Wear This: Thakoon Fall 2006 Burgundy Paint Print Silk Top

I was flipping through an old US Vogue from May 2006 and came across the exact outfit, seen in the above runway pic, in an editorial titled "Short Stories" shot by photographer David Sims. (In the shoot, model Caroline Trentini is wearing it with flat silver Balenciaga sandals.)

I have the same top in my wardrobe and I've only worn it once: paired with a full, short Marni skirt in a heavy, wine-colored silk. I do adore this top, though. The print really looks as if Thakoon Panichgul himself took a paintbrush saturated with wet, scarlet paint and applied it onto the silk in broad strokes.

Maybe I will try wearing it with a black structured silk Prada skirt that is short and full with wide pleats + black opaque tights + YSL Tribute Too pumps. Any other ideas out there? I could use some fresh perspective on this one!

Lookbook Lust-After: Opening Ceremony Fall 2009

I came across a posting on Refinery29.com about Opening Ceremony's Fall 2009 lookbook (http://pipeline.refinery29.com/lookbook/first_look_opening_ceremonys_f.php) and couldn't help but share a few of my favorite looks!




The boots on the left are a MUST-HAVE! Yes, they're a bit derivative of the Margiela sandal boots that Sea of Shoes has, but I love them nonetheless. (A sad anecdote: I once came across the Margiela sandal boots in black leather on eBay in my size, but missed the auction because of an overseas trip, and they sold for just under $500!)

The sweater on the right looks really unique and cozy. I like the idea of knit shorts, but I don't think I could pull them off.




I like the ruffle dress on the left. It looks like something that one could easily slip into for a festive dinner downtown--without looking too fussy or done-up.

eBay Steal: YSL Croc-Embossed Hooded Dress from Fall 2007

New York has only recently started to get some true summer weather, but I've already got the fall season on my mind. I found this amazing YSL dress on eBay and snagged it for an unbelievable price--I probably shouldn't have, but it was the price equivalent of a TopShop dress. It always gets me when the item up for auction is a runway piece! This one is from the Fall 2007 collection.

I love the sophisticated color and luxurious crocodile pattern, but also it looks like a fully functional dress: 3/4-length sleeves, two pockets, and a hood! Something comfortable and stylish to wear when there's a chill in the air. (I can imagine wearing this with my flat, knee-length Balenciaga leather boots or with the YSL Tribute Too pumps.)

Sample Sale Alert: Alexander Wang Spring 2009

I just received an email with the Alexander Wang sample sale schedule for the Spring 2009 collection, which starts next Thursday. So, of course, like any other experienced fashion lover, I studied the entire collection and made some picks--all dependent on availability and actual fit. (Sometimes the garments look completely different on.)



This is a very sexy leather dress without looking too S&M. The cap-sleeves and twisted ruched knot detail add a feminine touch. I think it could be a versatile number.




I feel like I need to update my selection of pants with a new silhouette. These look very elegant and clean, without too many bells and whistles... Although, it could get tricky and make me look like I have huge thighs and hips.




I think I would wear this top A LOT. It looks very Rick Owens.





I think the asymmetrical sleeves and peekaboo skin makes this dress very interesting. The color is also refreshing and modern.





This looks like a nice breezy top to throw on with jeans.

I think this dress is super chic, but I hope the slit in the skirt doesn't go all the way up to the crotch like that.

Everyone needs a LWD (Little White Dress) for summer nights!

An embellished blazer can elevate any outfit. I just hope it doesn't look too masculine on me.

I just adore this dress! The graduated hemline reminds me of what Olivier Theskyens did for his Nina Ricci collection.

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Welp, my fingers are crossed! Hope I can score at least one of my picks!