Balenciaga

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

Sharp silhouettes and perfectly sculpted dresses are what Nicolas Ghesquière had in mind for this season. The collection was a glimpse into the future with sharp edged cuts, and the use of rubber, plastic, and patent leather fabrics. I was a bit upset not to see Ghesquière's handbags on the runway though...so I immediately went to the Balenciaga website to check out the latest accessories.

Weekend

On our way out.... Neal's brother was in town on Saturday night so we took him around to a few local pubs.

I even read magazines in pubs... And I found this beautiful dress in it. Im wearing a necklace that my dear friend Jill gave me for Christmas and Neal's tiffany's silver bracelet that I bought him a few years back.

A group shot :)

CHANEL

The Moment we've all been waiting for...

Chanel was the highlight of Paris Fashion Week by far. Karl Lagerfeld out did himself yet again by putting on a unique show. Not only did the models walk the runway, but they stood on a large carousel in the center of the room with statues of Chanel's signature pieces: A large bottle of Chanel no5, pearls, and a quilted bag amongst other items.

The next thing I am going to buy are those opaque-sheer tights and a pair of Mary Janes. I probably spent 40 minutes looking at this collection online because the clothes are so beautiful and classic Chanel. I also will post more pictures of the collection because there is much more to see..... <3

Valentino's new leading lady

Last season was Valentino's final collection after 45 years and he has now passed his crown on to former Gucci creative director Alessandra Facchinetti. After Valentino's final show which seemed to many like the end of an era, the pressure was on for Alessandra as she had big shoes to fill. Fashion critics were uneasy about this young designer taking Valentino's place, but I thought differently. She did very well at Gucci and there was no doubt in my mind that if she could master Gucci, she could branch out and attempt Valentino. The collection she created was typically Valentino, fresh and beautiful. Before the show, she told the media that she has never been so nervous before to show a collection. At least now she can sit back and relax because the fashion world has just accepted her with open arms after this remarkable show.

Click here for the Wall Street Journal review of the show

Hats off to Dior

Things to know about Dior A/W 08-09

1. Sixties America Theme

2. Big Hats

3. Big Hair

4. Bold Color
5. Big Attitude

6. Matching all accessories is a must

These are a few of my NEW favorite things...

Mickey is back...at topshop

All products from Nougat London

Tie Front Dress from Topshop

Susannah Hunter Coin Purse

Multi Chain Necklace by Muse available at My Wardrobe

Lights-Camera-Action

Spring into Winter

When I clicked to view Roberto Cavalli's A/W 08-09 collection I thought I accidently chose his S/S 08 collection. It just happens that he decided to continue his feminine fifties dresses into the winter. It did surprise me though to see white floral dresses in this collection, but at least he added the occasional grey and black pair of trousers. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to wear spring-like dresses during the autumn and winter, I very much enjoy wearing chunky sweaters and long coats. I do on the other hand like the third black dress above, I wouldn't mind wearing it on a fancy evening out ~

Marcio Madeira/VOGUE.COM

It's Lonely at the Top

Of the Plaza Hotel ....

Part of the Plaza Hotel in NYC has recently been converted into luxury apartments with nearly 100 out of 181 units sold already. This New York Times article interviews a woman who is a full time resident in the building, but she has yet to meet any of her neighbors. About half of the people who own apartments in the building actually live there full time and the rest use it on weekends or as a second home. I don't know about you, but if my neighbors weren't around half the time I was in my $5.8 million home I would be jumping for joy, not feeling lonely.

Halloween At Luella

Luella A/W 08-09

Lily Allen and Kimberley Stewart backstage at Luella

Erin O'Connor

All images: Vogue.co.uk

Valentine's Day Sushi Date

Valentine's Day breakfast: Eggs in the middle (heart shaped of course)

All the trendy restaurants in the area had been booked up for months just for Valentine's Day. So we ended up going to our favorite sushi restaurant, which ended up being a great idea. Here Neal is helping me put on my 'B' diamond necklace that was given to me by my twin brother for Christmas.

Topshop T-Shirt Dress

Out on our date at Feng Sushi

Some good advice...

White Roses

Finally the package arrived! And by the way, it was nearly my size. It was definitely worth the wait, two dozen white roses and a bottle of champagne. Neal knows the way to my heart is through white or pink roses not red :) Aren't they beautiful?!

Lookbook: Aquascutum A/W 08-09

Style is never out of fashion

The British weather is famed for its inclemency and unpredictability. Aquascutum invented the first waterproof cloth in 1853 and created the raincoat to protect english gentlemen and ladies from the elements and preserve their stylish appearance.
~ Aquascutum

Aquascutum's A/W runway collection is a tribute to their heritage with a variety of glamourous coats. Who else would be able to create more luxurious raincoats than the masters themselves?

More Fantastic Feedback

I would like to sincerely thank every one of you who have been leaving such nice comments on the blog and via email. It means a lot to me to know that people are happy with it and keep coming back to visit. So please, keep making comments and if you have anything specific you would like me to write about then feel free to let me know! Here is a taste of the feedback I have been receiving:

Amazing blog, I love fashion and I will share it with all my friends. Thanks – Taisa

Anyone who writes a blog about fashion (shoes especially) is a winner in my book! – Charlene

What can I say...luv this site..I also saved it as one of my favorites..you should be or will be doing very well..images are sharp and crisp..very well done..good luck – Garry

Beautiful site and a wonderful read for anyone interested in modern fashion. Your visuals are outstanding and your non-fashion advertisements are fresh and original. Excellent job! – Carrie

This will be fun to come back to check out the latest fashions. I like simple and that's just the way you have it. Good experience –Rick

I love this site - very chic and I am an Audrey Hepburn fan of old. I love the idea of hand- painted dresses. As an artist i am going to try that myself. Thanks for the inspiration. good luck. - Viv

Audrey Canvas

I've been meaning to put these pictures up for weeks! These Audrey Hepburn canvas' were part of my Christmas gift this year. I absolutely love them and I had been wanting one for a while. Now...I have three!

Pretty In Paint

Basso & Brooke

Jackson Pollock meets D&G, Basso & Brooke, and Chloe. Designers are painting their frocks whether they are actually hand painting the clothes or using paint printed fabrics, this modern art is everywhere on the runway this spring.

Dolce & Gabbana even hired young artists to come into their studio to paint all sorts of fabrics from cotton to silk. The designers then created beautiful and arty garments out of them.

Basso & Brooke created silk dresses that look like a graffiti artist got hold of them.

Brush stroked silhouettes are by no means a new trend. They were very popular in the 1980s into the early 90s. Even Alexander McQueen got his spray can out for a collection in 1999.

I don't know about you, but I would love to own one of these dresses, especially from Basso & Brooke.

Extra tidbit: Dolce & Gabbana will be producing a limited amount of their painted dresses and rumor has it they cost between $20,000 - $40,000.

Chloe

all photos: vogue uk

Made me smile

A photo from this past weekend

Backstage: Badgley Mischka A/W 08-09

Greg Kessler/VOGUE.COM

I like to look at backstage pictures from runway shows because I get to see what the models are like before they put their 'game face' on. The photos are exciting because you get a behind the scenes look at something not too many people get to experience. These are from Badgley Mischka during New York Fashion Week.

Why does it matter where fashion designers show their collections?

Have you ever wondered why Matthew Williamson presents his collections in New York, Christopher Kane in London, and Stella McCartney in Paris?

Each city means something different for designers...

London - Get noticed
New York - Get financial backer
Milan - Get a manufacturer
Paris - Relax, you've made it

This is a great article for those of you who are interested and you can read it here!

Goodbye NY, Hello London!

A picture I took this weekend

With New York fashion week over with, it's London's turn. From the 10th-15th it is London Fashion Week. I will post new pictures as they arrive from the runway shows! For now, you can look at the schedule to see what is coming up!