I am leaving France today, very reluctantly of course, heading back to London for a few days where the weather is considerably cooler. It’s tough leaving all this (this is the view poolside at the Grand Hotel), but all good things must come to an end, right?
Fashion week is starting in New York, but I am a million miles away. I had lunch today at one of the prettiest spots on earth - La Chevre D’Or (the Golden Goat) in the hilltop village of Eze on the Cote D’Azur. Eze is a medieval town carved into the rocks, vertiginously suspended high above the sea. I don’t think its buildings and tiny alleyways and even some huge wooden doors have changed in the last 500 years.
La Chevre D’Or is both a restaurant and a hotel. It’s a climb to get there, but it is totally worth it - not just for the unparalleled views (see above - the peninsula in the distance is Cap Ferrat), but for the food and wine and very friendly service too. On one side, it has the Mediterranean and on the other, it boasts meticulously landscaped gardens populated with a zoo of bronze sculptures (see below).
I took this photo today in the harbor at Monaco. In a sea of huge yachts, a couple of them manage to stand out … by a lot - dozens of yards. They’re called “mega-yachts”, but at 250 feet in length, they ought to be called ships. The Lady Moura, second from the left, looks like a floating city.
I am writing about this because it was just announced that LVMH has acquired Royal van Lent, a Dutch designer and builder of mega-yachts for an undisclosed sum from Netherlands-based investment firm Egeria. In addition to Louis Vuitton, LVMH also owns Donna Karan, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs among others. This purchase, according to the company, will help strenghten LVMH’s foothold in all aspects of the luxury market - or should I say the super duper luxury market?
“This acquisition is an outstanding opportunity for LVMH to welcome to the group as prestigious a business as Royal van Lent, which is well-established in the ultra-luxury market,” commented Antonio Belloni, LVMH’s group managing director. “We are confident about its growth potential in the exclusive mega-yacht sector, a market with sustainable growth prospects.” I guess he didn’t get the memo about gloomy economic forecasts.
My husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary by staying at the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. It’s paradise. Pure and simple. New York has become a distant memory. Once again, I have to ask myself: Why do I live in New York? Oh yeah, because of something called … WORK! OK, that’s enough reality for today. It will intrude soon enough.
I am in the South of France right now and it’s been pretty bloody hard focusing on anything other than on doing as little as possible. This is a view of the Mediterranean from my hotel in Cap Ferrat. Cap Ferrat is on the Cote D’Azur, between Nice and Monaco. That’s all the thinking I can manage today. Going back to dozing off now …
English actress Helena bonham Carter was recently spotted in London wearing these funky-looking Mary Janes. It turns out they are made by a New Mexico-based footwear company called Z Coil. Its claim to fame is a heel made out of a 3-inch steel coil designed to act as a shock absorber. The shoes were developed by a runner who suffered injuries from the sport. Z Coil offers about 14 different custom-fitted styles ranging from sneakers to boots at a cost of $200-$300. Celebrity devotees also include Dustin Hoffman and Matt Damon.
Now, I know that Helena Bonham Carter has her own eccentric style - and thank goodness for that! She doesn’t look like every starlet out there and never will and probably, justifiably, revels in that. I admire her for having the guts to strut her individuality knowing that she will probably be photographed and commented upon (like I’m doing here). I just want to know though, why comfortable shoes usually end up to be well, ugly.
I was looking for a pair of shoes that I can do a lot of walking in during my trip and that were stylish and I could not really find anything satisfactory. I looked EVERYWHERE. I even ventured into Taryn Rose out of desperation and found the shoes to look AND feel cheap, but come with an expensive price tag. The average price was about $450 and I’m sorry, but I would much rather buy a pair of Manolos with that. I ended up settling on a pair of Stuart Weitzman black patent leather wedges. They have a thin rubber sole which is what I wanted and they can do double duty because they can be worn with pants or a skirt. They’re not awful, but I would never have bought them if I wasn’t in a rush. Note: it is not a good idea to do this sort of shopping on the morning of your departure.
I anyone knows of a brand that makes comfortable but cool shoes, let me know!
As I’m in London, I would like to do justice to a talented English-based designer you may not have heard of (yet). Mawi Keivom designs jewelry inspired by a childhood spent living all over the world. Her necklaces, bracelets and earrings have a vintage, one-of-a-kind feel, yet are eminently wearable and reasonably priced. I love this chain necklace. Made of gold-plated brass, the necklace has a weave detailing which contrasts nicely with the smooth metal. It is a chunky piece in keeping with the large accessories featured this fall/winter, but not so big as to become outdated come next year. It reminds me of a necklace my mother bought in the 1970s and I think it definitely has a timeless retro vibe. It’s an accessory that will liven up any outfit as it goes with everything.
I’ve arrived in London today and had to show you one of my favorite sights here - Tower Bridge. I’m so jet lagged as usual! If anyone has a good, sure-fire remedy for jet lag, let me know!
I am going on vacation today! I’ll be in London and the south of France for the next two weeks and just can’t wait to board my flight … actually, better yet, to have landed already. Until recently, I wasn’t planning on doing too much shopping on account of the ridiculously weak dollar, but the dollar has actually gathered some strength in the last couple of weeks, so I may have to revise my plan. All I know is that I will definitely stop by my favorite store in London, the Dover Street Market.
It’s always good to pack an extra bag, ‘cuz you just never know what you may pick up on your trips. (I love scouring antique and flea markets for pretty little tchochkies too which can get bulky.) For these occasions, what could be more functional, reasonably priced and decent looking than the sturdy ‘Le Pliage’ expandable tote by Longchamp? Not only can you fold it into your suitcase, but it’s great as a carry-on and weekend bag too. And, it’s only $235! I infinitely prefer this bag to, let’s say, a Louis Vuitton duffle, which I find tacky with all those logos everywhere. Still, as tacky as I find the LV bags are, they’re not nearly as cheesy as the weekender bags by Tory Burch. Yeesh!
This draped backless dress from Fendi is so chic. Made of silk crepe, it has a high halter neck, a low back and buttons running down the back of the skirt. It is demure and sexy at the same time. And, it’s on sale. This runway piece was originally
$1,950 and is now, $1,462. Plus, when you enter the promo code “summer” at checkout, you get another 20% off until August 31st. So, the dress is actually $1,169.60. That’s not bad for a unique little number that transcends the seasons. You will look cool and elegant whether you’re going out to dinner, sipping cocktails or attending any occasion requiring an LBD.
LoveMyBubbles.com urges you to “Go undercover with a license to ’shake what your mama gave you’ with our new Double-O Collection! The ‘OO-Brief’ provides maximum push-up effect with minimum booty coverage.” So, there you have it - the butt bra - for those of you who desire a little extra lift in the posterior area, but don’t want any extra padding. At $64, it’s not the cheapest push up garment around, but it’s also supposed to flatten your stomach (thereby eliminating the “muffin top”) and slim your thighs. Just when you think you’ve seen everything …
The gold and silver Kotur snakesin clutches I wrote about at the beginning of July are now discounted even more. They are now only $175. These are NOT embossed snakeskin, but the real thing! At this price, it’s totally worth buying both. They are not only extremely versatile, but will serve you well year-round. With these, you will always have the right clutch in your closet.
I love this chain bangle by Luc Kieffer. The idea of encasing a silver chain inside lucite is clever. I like the contrast: by itself, the chain is pliable, but in the lucite, it becomes rigid. It’s not an accessory you see everyday. And, better yet, it’s on sale. It was $275 and is now $192. How often can you get a great accessory, a real conversation piece, for less than $200? I ask you!
OK, I’m in love. Wish I had spotted this lava dress from London designer, Nathan Jenden, earlier so that I could have been wearing it all this time, damn it! Talk about a unique twist to the LBD! Who would have thought of adding that bright blood orange detail to the oversized cuffs? Uh, I guess Nathan Jenden did. Not only does he have his own eponymous line, but Nathan is also the creative director of Diane von Furstenberg, so he knows a thing or two about dresses.
This dress looks great coming and going not just because of the cuffs but because of the shallow and deep V-necks in the front and back respectively. Oh, and it’s on sale. Originally $1,188, it is now $891. Actually, it’s even less because it’s part of Net-A-Porter’s 20% off sale. So, it you enter the promo code “summer” at checkout, this transitional runway look can be had for $712.80.
I love this trompe l’oeil mannequin dress from Scandinavian design duo Aminaka Wilmont (Maki Animaka and Marcus Wilmont). Made of silk, this A-line semi-sheer dress has a mannequin digital print on the front and back.
It is just so cool and edgy, yet extremely wearable. And, better yet, it is on sale. It was $1,095 and is now down to $821.25. (Don’t ask me why it is $821.25 exactly. Maybe it has something to do with the exchange rates.) But wait, that’s not all! Until August 31, Net-A-Porter is offering an extra 20% off on selected items if you type the code “summer” at checkout. So, this dress, which is timeless in its own way, can be yours for only $657.
One of my most favorite labels is Pringle. A new designer (from Gucci, I believe) came on board last year and has really shaken things up at this Scottish house, known for more traditional ware. I like the label so much that most of my wardrobe from last fall is made up of Pringle. I especially like their coats and jackets. I have one of each and am planning on buying another coat this year - a black cape-like little number.
In any case, I love this cropped swing jacket of theirs. I think everything about it is great. The pleated waist and crochet trim are unexpected and eye-catching. The femininity of these details is balanced by the military-style epaulets. And, then there’s the color. This mustard color is a must-have for any wardrobe. Why? Because it goes with everything - black, brown, grey, purple, you name it! And, because it looks great in the fall AND in the spring. Lastly, there’s the price. The jacket is $595. That’s pretty damn good for something that’s sure to become a much-loved staple.
Just a quick update on Kiri, the love of my husband’s life: she’s been getting radiation and a vaccine and she’s responding well. She’s eating, drinking and filling her litterbox with great regularity and that makes me happy. Wouldn’t it be great if that was all that was expected of us once in a while too, post babyhood? Anyway, she’s as feisty, proud, and vain as ever and the doctors tell us we can expect to have her around for another year, maybe even a year and a half. Considering that she is an old girl - 16 years old! - that’s pretty good. We can’t ask for anything more.
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. The picture shows what you might suspect but may not want to admit to yourself. This is “mantyhose” or pantyhose for men. According to CNN, sales of mantyhose are booming and heterosexual men are getting into them too (no pun intended) for their added warmth, comfort and improved circulation. Yes, but do they come with a fly?
There’s even a website, e-MANcipate whose purpose is “to accelerate the acceptance of male pantyhose as a regular clothing item.” It features a glowing testimony from a truck driver extolling not just the virtues of mantyhose, but of leg shaving too. Hmm, wonder if he uses the Venus razor.
I don’t really know what more to add here. I just keep shaking my head. I mean, we have guyliner, skirts for men on the spring 2009 runways and now this. What’s next, a pregant man? Oh yeah, one just gave birth.
I know that I spoke about a white blouse only a few days ago, but as you can see I do have a love for them. That’s because they are so versatile and they tend to make any outfit look fresh and crisp, especially when the shirt has a twist to it. The one from Roberto Cavalli that I featured last week was not cheap, so I had to show you this ruffle collar blouse from Alexander McQueen’s less expensive line, McQ.
The collar is just so great. I love how in the back it’s a regular fold-over collar, but in the front, it morphs into luxurious ruffles. Also, the asymmetry of the ruffles gives the sexy elegance an edge. At only $205, this shirt is a no-brainer.
Karl Lagerfeld is launching his own line of handbags in Spring 2009. There are 42 styles in all including luggage and laptop totes and every single one apparently has the Karl seal of approval. The line will be available in high-end department stores and will retail for between $595-$3,000. I’m not sure if I like them or not even if they are “inspired by the designer’s passion for modern architecture and photography, and especially by his spirited lifestyle and iconic personality.” Whew! The jury’s out though. Suffice it to say that right now, I’m not in love.
But, I can see how the totes have an androgynous appeal so they would tap into the growing male market. I do like the “Idol” bag (top left) with the handle in the shape of Kaiser Karl’s own sunglasses.
