Kiss My Acne, Lanvin!

I'm experiencing a bit of writer's block so I decided to take it out on this blog. Sorry, guys!

Okay, so I spent some of my time this evening cruising the new, well-designed Lanvin Hearts Acne line, a collaboration between Lanvin's fabulous designer Alber Elbaz and Swedish denim label Acne. I adore every single piece in this small collection, and if I had copious amounts of cash, I would no doubt be spending it on this stuff. Right now, I'm all about the late '50s, early '60s pegged leg jeans and circle skirt looks that are done so well in this capsule.

However, I am not (that) crazy, nor will I be able to crack open that (non-existent) trust fund anytime soon. Therefore I cannot justify spending $570 on a pair of 5-pocket stunners, even if they do look terribly cute cuffed right above the ankle. (And look at those pussy bows! And the over-sized shirt dress! It's all so, well, me! Sigh.)

You might wonder why these pieces are so expensive. Well, there's only one reason, and it's not a reason most labels can get away with: Elbaz. Anything created by the Lanvin designer is so (presumably) highly-coveted, those behind the collaboration believe that fans will be willing to pay an added premium for this already ultra-premium denim. Whether they really are--especially in a recession--is another question.

As for me, I'm looking forward to Acne's Summer '09 sample sale.

I'll Admit It...I Sort Of Like GOOP

Around the age of 14, I went through a Gwyneth Paltrow phase. Essentially, I wanted to be her, or her then-best friend, Winona Ryder. I suppose they were sort of the refined, late-90s version of Paris and Nicole, this time with matching outfits and short, cropped hair. I loved their style: long flowing dresses matched with tomboy haircuts and blazers. Of course the boys on their arms--Ben and Matt before they were "Ben And Matt"--were also envied. For some time, I wore a fake diamond solitaire necklace, green cargo pants and grey, black and white t-shirts, which I believed all gave off an air of Gwyneth. I also watched several of her and Wynona's movies, most importantly, fashion-wise, Sliding Doors, Emma and Reality Bites (the latter still influences my style choices today).

But after Gwyneth moved to London, had some babies and got a stylist, I started to find her a bit offensive. She was no longer an icy cool girl, who happened to be famous, but a glossy A-lister with nothing better to do than show up in the Stars: They're Just Like Us! section of Us Weekly. Her two latest endeavors--a TV show with chef Mario Batali--and GOOP, a lifestyle Web site that offers readers tips on how to live like Gwynnie--are both pretty damn ridiculous. Spain: On The Road Again follows G with MB as well as some Spanish actress and New York Times food writer Mark Bittman. On GOOP, you can cull advice from Gwyneth's personal physicians, gain tips on how to put together your autumn wardrobe and even find out what museums the actress is planning on taking her kids to this season.

But I have to say, while I can't seem to let myself enjoy the television show, GOOP, on the other hand, is getting to me. Cause you know, when it comes down to it, Gwyneth still has that thing going on where she seamlessly blends the down to earth personality of an Upper West Side Jew with the unapproachable beauty of an Upper East Side Blond. The truth is, her doctors have interesting things to say, and I love her wardrobe picks! Fortunately, I don't want to be her anymore, but I want to be like her. Kind of.

(This image is of Gwyneth back in 1997, when I idolized her.)

Funny.

So, NY mag has this video of Ms. Wintour, the second most powerful fashion editor, running at the end of Derek Lam's show. I've never seen her do this, but maybe I haven't been to enough shows with her. Regardless, it's pretty hilarious. And right in front of her is one of my favorite fashion writers, Kate Betts of Time's Style and Design supplement. She seems to be walking, though.

Getting A Seat At A-List Shows

As a member of the business press, some designers deem me important, others certainly do not. Therefore I get invited to some excellent shows without requesting a seat. Others, on the other hand, I'd have to beg for if I wanted to go. (Hello, MJ!)

This year, I requested only one invite--Phillip Lim-- a show I've attended for four seasons now but have never officially been invited to. Every year, I'm stuck with a last-minute standing assignment. (For many, a "standing" assignment is the kiss of death, but I have been willing to suffer through those 15 minutes of rubbernecking to get a first-hand glimpse of Lim's new collection.)

The big guns came out for this one, including my idol Suzy Menkes, as well as the Voguettes and Nina Garcia and every single buyer on the earth, since his stuff does so well in retail. I am proud to announce I did get seated this year, and my spot wasn't too awful!

The clothes were pretty good (wouldn't the above dress suit me well?), but couldn't touch Narciso Rodriguez's collection, which really impressed. I think I might just email their pr girl about Fall 2009 seating right now...

Things I'm Loving

As I'm sure you are well aware, it's that time of year again: Fashion Week has come to New York! I'm lucky enough to be attending quite a few shows this time around, and working on some fun stories as well. But instead of harping on the fact that I was sitting one row away from Chace Crawford, Ashley Olsen and Jessica Szohr (Vanessa on GG) and Matthew Settle (Rufus), I want to discuss things I'm loving this fall, whether they have to do with fashion or not...

The Gap--I'm not sure Gap's new initiative will make them any money but I do know that I heart the clothes! I picked up the popover dress, $58, in black and white and am looking forward to another blouse that should be on sale soon.

Mad Men--Great show. Great cinematography. Amazing fashion. Amazing sets. And did I mention thought-out character development? This show has it all.

Jenni Kayne--The LA-based designer turned out a gorgeous Spring 09 collection that feature a sunny yellow silk blouse and pink, blue and yellow on white floral dress that were must-haves.

BOY--I have mentioned my love for BOY, Scott Sternberg's girly label, but this Spring I. Want. Everything. No, really. Everything. He captures my desired aesthetic so. freakin. well.

Exposed brick. Get over your disdain. It's pretty.

Eating lunch at Ikea. 

Brideshead Revisited (the book). I just love the English class system, don't you?

But enough about me. What are you excited about this fall?

Poncho? Please.

I'm stuck in the airport so I figure this would be a good time to lament on the "comeback" of the poncho. Every year, I feel as though the poncho is resurrected, with little response from consumers. Again, today, Style.com writes about the stylishness of the poncho.

Here's where I stand: Ponchos are ugly. It's not about the fact that they're shapeless, made from itchy/unflattering fabric and just overall cheesy. It's the fact that every year, someone tries to make them cool. Why is that? Who actually thinks these things are good-looking? Even if you're into the whole Southwestern look--you know, turquoise, fringe, what-have-you--the poncho just looks plain ol' silly.

Capes, on the other hand, I love. Maybe it's because they cut more of a clean line, or maybe it's because the girls who usually wear them are insanely stylish, and usually French. Regardless, if for some reason you're aching to buy a poncho this fall, remember that a short leather jacket will last forever. A flimsy draping of wool, however, will not.

Beauty Secret Alert: Penelope's Red

I've found it: the perfect red lipstick. No, really. It looks good on everyone.

Mac's Russian Red is too orange for many, while Chanel's Fire is pretty but a little too pink for some. The perfect red, in my opinion, is by none other than Revlon. My friend Marisa found it, and I must say she did us all a favor. Named after Revlon spokesmodel Penelope Cruz, the color looks good on fair skinned, dark-haired girls like me, pale red heads like Marisa, freckled gals like my friend Anna, and tanned, blond ladies like my Aunt Barb. Try it. You won't be sorry.