Neon and Rhinestones

Confession: I love the O. twins. Like, really love them. They totally take up two spots on my same-sex celebrity crush list. As a child of the late 80s and early 90s, i was first introduced to them in the Tanner household on ABC’s TGIF lineup. But I didn’t take particular notice of them until they were tweens making all those silly straight-to-VHS movies (of which I saw many). That’s when their style started to show.

From their other-wordly looks (those eyes!) to their perfect m.o.d. (read: model off duty) hair to their truly cutting edge style choices, they should be on everyone’s style inspiration mood board. Season after season, I would gladly wear any piece from their Elizabeth and James and The Row collections. Here, a few of my favorite O. twin moments:

Front row at Fashion Week, in all black, rocking that m.o.d. hair.

Who else can get away with rocking lace ears any day other than Halloween? The O. twins, that’s who.

Love that MK went platinum and rocked a deep red lip. And the way her jeans fit over her shoes is maj.

Possibly my fave of all time, it’s quintessential Mary-Kate and Ashley. Plain tees, cutoffs and tall shoes. Perfection. I wish I looked that good in my cutoffs.

I love design. I live and die by fashion. When the two collide in innovative ways, my heart goes pitter-patter. Literally. My pulse actually quickens and I’m taken over by giddiness.

Well…when I was perusing fabsugar.com (my version of the NY Times) this a.m., an interesting post led me to Need Supply Co. I spotted some major shoes on one of the models in their shopping gallery, which led me to google shoe brand Heavy Machine.

Well…from the title of this post, you can only imagine what ensued…

Make no mistake. These shoes…they are art, dear friends.

I used to think studs were for skater types. Then they went mainstream a few seasons ago, and since then I’ve racked up countless studded bracelets and an undying love of Burberry Prorsum’s studded moto jackets and trench coats from the S/S 11 collection.

And then Miss Spears (a personal favorite of mine) wore the black leather moto version in her Til the World Ends video. Like her or not, you’ve got to admit girlfriend looks good.

My love of studs has now headed further south, to the feet. I absolutely DIE for these studded velvet Louboutin loafers. Talk about pure luxury with an edge. I’d rock these so hard with a white v-neck tee and jeans or leggings.

But then I saw them in leather with black studs. Ahh…the love affair continues…

Thus, I was determined to find a fierce pair of loafers at a more copywriter’s-salary-friendly price point. Enter the Steven by Steve Madden Madee:

I luuuurve these shoes. In fact, I’m wearing them right now. No, they’re not studded, but they have equal impact. And I think Mr. Louboutin would approve.

I do this weird thing where I like to look at things online that I already own (don’t ask), and today when I went to SteveMadden.com to look at these beauties, I stopped short when I spotted the Melter, Madee’s studded cousin:

I think the gold studs are even more luxe-looking than silver, no? But then…

They. Also. Come. With. Black. Studs.

Holy magoly, the mother ship is calling me home.

I can’t quite decide which version I should get…probably the pair with the gold studs. I’ve decided they make more of an impact.

But then lo-and-behold what did I discover upon further research? The Giacomorelli leopard-and-studded flat from A/W 10. How had I not heard of this designer before?! They’re $630, which is not even remotely in-budget, but a considerable deal when compared to the $1,400 price tag the Loubs carry.

The best of both worlds? I think so.

A while back, I mentioned that some of Daphne Guinness’ personal couture collection would be on display in the windows of the Madison Ave. location of Barneys New York in NYC. The display is in conjunction with the Met Ball and the Alexander McQueen exhibit Savage Beauty at the Met.

Well, as luck would have it, I had a chance to pop by said windows on my recent trip to NYC:

I’m willing to bet Dorothy never dreamed of ruby slippers quite like these.

More in-sane shoes.

They still had the window set up behind which Ms. Guinness dressed for the Met Ball:

As you know, I’m a may-jor fan of Rachel Zoe, and one of my favorite RZ moments is from the season 2 episode in which she requested a pink Chanel haute couture gown for Cameron Diaz to wear to the 2009 Golden Globes. Here’s the runway version:

If I didn’t think people would laugh and point, I’d rock a black frame around my face, 100%. Not even kidding. Welcome to my fantasy world, people.

Anywho, Miss Zoe asked Karl Lagerfeld himself to alter the original runway gown. A may-jor risk. She wanted the sleeve removed because—and I quote—“the American public won’t get it.” And she was right. Pam in Nebraska would never go for a dress with a single short sleeve. But, that’s why it’s called haute couture, people.

Anywho, the dress was altered flawlessly and was a smash hit at the 09 Globes:

But what did I stumble across the other day? A fabulous dress by Carven on Net-A-Porter for $930 that is shockingly similar to the look Cameron rocked in pink. Granted, this is still not a cheap dress, but I would imagine it’s considerably less than what a Chanel haute couture original must cost. Yikes. All together now: Yikes.

Everyone has those aspirational items that, if ever attained, will say to the world “I’ve made it.” My list of such items includes a classic Chanel 2.55 among other things. Noteably, I have always considered a luxe knit piece from Italian fashion house Missoni to be along those same lines. That ubiquitous zigzag pattern just says so much.

Well, as luck should have it (since I am not yet a self-made gajillionaire)…

Missoni is slated as the next designer collaboration with Target! Yes! It’s true! Scheduled to hit stores on September 13, the biggest designer collaboration yet will consist of 400—yes, 400!—pieces, including apparel for men, women and kids, plus bedding and housewares. This is going to be major, people. I’m talking glazed-over-look-in-the-eyes-blindly-grabbing-merchandise major.

I cannot WAIT to see how Missoni interprets its signature luxe zigzag knits for the masses. Love this collection from Fall ‘09. Very nomad-chic.

One of my favorite Missoni moments is Rachel Zoe’s bed from season 1 of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. See the Missoni throw pillows in the back there? Love.

Rachel Zoe x Missoni = MiZOEni

The 2011 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala (a.k.a. the Met Ball) was last night. Known as the “Oscars of the fashion industry,” celebs, models and designers break out their finest couture for the annual occasion. There were some serious misses last night (in my opinion), but instead of belaboring those unfortunate points (I’ll leave that to Joan Rivers), I’ve chosen to give you my faves of the night, in no particular order:

Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen

Last night’s gala was dedicated to the late Alexander McQueen, thus many attendees opted to wear his designs. I’m pretty much obsessed with the construction of this feathered stunner. In fact, Miss Guinness dressed for the Met Ball in the Barneys window on Madison Avenue—check it out here.

Christina Ricci in Zac Posen

Drama with a capital “D”! Romantic-gothic-badassness at its finest. I just wish the hair had been completely pulled back, sans the in-between-lengths bangs.

Liv Tyler in Givenchy

Simply put, I love this dress. It’s got beautiful detail work, and the ombre effect keeps it from skewing too bridal. Perfection. (And I really hope my fave stylist Rachel Zoe is behind this look!)

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen

All hail SJP! She really can do no wrong, and last night was no exception. It’s elegant, age-appropriate and stunning. Extra points for the flawless hair.

Madonna in Stella McCartney

At first glance, I literally thought this was Kate Hudson, which is a serious compliment to the Material Girl. But then I remembered Kate Hudson is about 8 months pregnant, so this clearly could not be her. I adore the ice blue color and the retro cut, and the fit is impeccable.

Ginnifer Goodwin in a Topshop dress

I really chose this look for its outstanding accessories. Yes, the dress is good, but I think the hair and eye makeup is just a little too…”too.” I would have much-preferred a deep side part with the hair slicked back and regular (read: not dayglo) eye makeup. But! I’m dying over the necklace and shoes. I’m not sure who they’re by just yet…I’ll keep you posted.

And finally…

Anna Dello Russo in an Alexander McQueen suit

Late Breaking News: Lady Gaga jumped out of Anna Dello Russo’s headpiece during dinner! Sorry—I just couldn’t resist. Maybe there is a little Joan Rivers in me after all…

Once upon a time, I was 10 years old. It was circa 1995—the year the glorious film Clueless was released, starring Alicia Silverstone and a handful of other actors we’d never hear from again.

While so many things make this movie a ’90s classic (ie: the fantastic vernacular), it’s Silverstone’s (a.k.a Cher’s) style that really makes the film. Enter the plaid-pleated-mini-and-knee-socks era. Oh what a joy it was…

Totally cutting edge. But beyond the fashion in the movie, it’s Cher’s state-of-the-art 100% mechanized closet that leapt off the screen and into the hearts of teenage girls everywhere:

With just the click of a button, Cher could create her daily outfit on her avatar, and the computer screen would return a result of “Match” or a flashing red “Mis-Match.” Matching: what a quaint notion.

Yes the automated closet that went round and round like a dry cleaner’s rack was the ultimate dream closet for any female adolescent of the ’90s.

Let’s fast-forward 10+ years.

I no longer aspire to have Cher Horowitz’s automated closet, but instead an entire bedroom of my imaginary penthouse that will be 100% dedicated to my (dare I say) beyond fabulous wardrobe, the star of which will be the shoes. Natch.

Exhibit A: Khloe Karsahian’s shoe closet, as featured in a collaboration between The Coveteur and Elle.com.

Exhibit B: The closet of the incomparable Christina Aguilera, as featured in a 2009 InStyle spread. From the paint color to the leopard carpet to the eye patch-wearing dress form that seems oddly right, it’s pure perfection. I can’t imagine not having a good time in this closet. Of course I’d probably lose the kid in the diaper.

Kinda like porn, huh? I know. You’re welcome.

Any fashionista worth her salt has watched her share of Sex & the City. Over the years, those involved with the show have said that NYC is the “fifth star” of the show. Well if that’s the case, the fashion is the sixth star. Just sayin’. Carrie’s looks throughout the show’s six seasons have greatly influenced my own style, and I thought I’d recount my top 10 looks:

No. 10

This blush-colored floral number is perfection. Feminine and sexy, it later ends up in a lake in Central Park after Carrie and Big fall in together.

No. 9

This look is classic Carrie, from the simple, sexy dress to the aviators and her signature “Carrie” necklace.

No. 8

In this episode, Carrie is “searching for the perfect $400 shoes to go with her perfect $4 dress.” I actually believe her because the dress looks like it could’ve been picked up in a thrift store, and this outfit looks as current today as it did when the episode aired.

No. 7

Besides the amazing texture, my favorite thing about this Roberto Cavalli top is that Carrie keeps it following a blowout fight with Aidan over their shared space, which resulted in Carrie attempting to clean out her closet.

No. 6

Risk-taking with a capital R, complete with horizontal stripes, bare abs and Gucci’s updated fanny pack.

No. 5

Beyond obsessed with this fur coat. Paired with a mini and mid-calf boots, this outfit is Carrie perfection.

No. 4

I couldn’t not include the iconic oversize flower pin. Genius. Not to mention that fierce Dior saddlebag…

No. 3

This newsprint dress by Dior was such a hit, it was brought back for the SATC 2 movie (right). Major.

No. 2

This look makes the list for the different-colored shoes. Move over, Helena Bonham Carter. Carrie did it first. And it’s fierce.

No. 1

My #1 favorite look: Carrie’s Donna Karan dress in The Chicken Dance, season 2. Perfectly nude, without being vulgar. Ethereal. Flawless. I would wear this dress today.

In my opinion, performance art often tends to be a little…strange. But this May, the windows of the Madison Avenue location of Barneys New York will come alive as Daphne Guinness uses the windows as her dressing room before the Met gala—you know, the annual Met ball where the who’s-who of fashion get all dolled up beyond belief in the finest of haute couture.Yes, Ms. Guinness will put it all on display as she herself gets ready for the evening’s festivities behind the famous glass.

Daphne’s performance will kick off a six-week Barneys window display of pieces from her own jaw-dropping collection of haute couture. The display coincides with the opening of the Met’s Alexander McQueen exhibit Savage Beauty. Guinness is lucky enough to have been a muse and close friend of McQueen.

I’m lucky enough to be traveling to NYC to see the McQueen exhibit at the Met, but I will unfortunately miss Ms. Guinness’ performance. I will, however, head to Barneys on Madison so check out her couture on display, so stay tuned for photos.

Above, Guinness attends McQueen’s memorial service in 2010, dressed to the nines in who else? Mr. McQueen.

I live for The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. It feeds my craving for fashion, Zoe-isms (read: Shut it down, ba-na-nas, O.O.C., etc.), celebrity style and a behind-the-scenes look at the styling world. It pretty much feeds my soul. I have all three seasons on my iPod for plane rides.

So you can imagine my heartache when I heard that Rachel’s longtime right-hand-man Brad Goreski was leaving the Zoe camp to start styling on his own. Luckily, it was not a Taylor situation—Brad left on friendly terms.

What’s more, Brad himself is getting his very own show on Bravo! Yes! Set to air later this year, It’s a Brad Brad World will chronicle sweet Brad’s foray into solo styling. I simply cannot wait. There are no words.

And one more thing—Brad has started his own blog, which is very happy-making. Bookmark it.

I fell hard for Valentino’s collection of studded heels. So feminine,yet tough. Very “Yes, I’m hot. Don’t f*ck with me.” There are several styles in the line, but today I want to focus on this kitten heel style, which retails for $895.

What did I spy when shopping at Nordstrom? Ivanka Trump’s new line of shoes, which includes these studded slingback kitten heels for just $130.

Next, up the Valentino rubber—yes, rubber—bow flip-flop, which retails for $295.

Check out the Steve Madden Jelato, which I purchased for $40. Note that you can’t buy this shoe online—it’s only sold in stores because, well…it’s such a blatant knockoff.

Last, but not least, we visit our old friend Jimmy Choo. Check out the Connor, a perfectly clean, polished summer style. I like it in leg-lengthening nude. It retails for $595.

However, I opted to pay only $69.99 for the Steve Madden Sheilaa.

Move over, Venti Starbucks cup. There’s a new beverage in town that’s gunning for the fashion crowd.

Come June, your daily Diet Coke is about to become a heckuva lot more fashionable. Karl Lagerfeld, the genius behind Chanel, Fendi and his own eponymous label is teaming up with American powerhouse Coca-Cola to design three limited-edition Diet Coke bottles.

An odd pairing, you think? Hardly. The beverage has a special place in the designer’s heart, as he famously shed 90 lbs. a few years back by following a diet of stewed vegetables and Diet Coke. It’s allegedly the only beverage he drinks. Each bottle will have Karl’s iconic ponytailed silhouette. Look for them sold separately or in a collector’s set. What’s next? A Chanel koozie? Drink up, buttercup.

I love a good designer collaboration. What’s not to like? You get to capture a designer’s aesthetic for far less than they usually charge, and the items typically become collector’s items (case in point: Target’s Go International designer collabs, from which 37 dresses have recently been re-released).

Enter: Matthew Williamson for Macy’s. Love. The diffusion line captures MW’s propensity for bold color and dramatic pattern. In particular, I’m craving the psychedelic leopard-print blouse. The 30-piece collection arrives in stores and online on April 13, so set those reminders now.

I’ve long been a fan of the designer, as I wore a dress to a college semi-formal inspired by a MW original I saw Halle Berry wear on the red carpet circa 2004. It was very cutting edge at the time. Trust me.

Of course, my favorite MW moment is from a season 2 episode of The Rachel Zoe Project, in which Rachel walks the red carpet for MW’s NYC store.

I love a good modern remake of a historical story—the 1998 version of Great Expectations starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet by Baz Luhrmann, starring Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes…the list goes on. But a favorite among favorites is Sofia Coppola’s 2006 remake of Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst. Simply put, it’s a visual feast of Parisian chic and girly fashion—satin and lace, silk and feathers, corsets and gravity-defying hair. Here, a few of my favorite stills from the film:

I especially love it when Kirsten’s character gets a little vixen-y in the film, trading in pink for black and her gown for thigh-highs and a well-placed fan:

To my delight, Wildfox Couture’s Spring ‘11 collection features a cheeky take on the queen:

It’s Marie Antoinette-meets-Palm Springs, dontcha think? I bet you totally want to fry an egg with a big feather in your hair now, huh? It’s ok. I do too.

And finally, I was skimming through one of my go-to blogs, Refinery29, this morning, when I came across this slideshow of Barbie Dolls who have been posed in rather macabre situations (think missing heads, fake blood, etc.), one of which is an “off with her head” moment a la Marie Antoinette:

Even headless, she’s one fierce queen.