Haute Couture Fashion Week

The fall 2008 haute couture collections have commenced.

For the full schedule, visit modeaparis.com

Photo: Chrisitian Dior Haute Couture fall 2008 wireimage.com

Contest: The Ultimate Handbag Giveaway

The Bag Snob and Net-a-Porter.com have teamed up for an exclusive handbag giveaway too good to keep a secret. Readers of The Bag Snob can enter to win one of the two designer "it" bags on offer from Net-a-Porter.com. Enter for your chance to win either a Miu Miu Ruched Frame ($1,595) or the Fendi Doctor Bag ($1,680). I put my dibs on the uber chic (sold-out) Miu Miu. The best part of the contest is that it is open to residents worldwide. Thank you The Bag Snob and Net-a-Porter for this wonderful collaboration.

Click The Bag Snob Giveaway Page to enter.
Contest ends at 11:59P.M. EST on July 2nd.

Good Luck!

Photos: thebagsnob.com

Behind-the-Scenes: Gucci by Gucci Commercial

Want It: Gucci's Joy Boston Bag

I'm loving Gucci's new Joy Boston Bag (part of the fall 2008 collection). It is a great neutral bag that has just the right touch of novelty to make it that perfect non-boring everyday go anywhere bag. Check out what's in store for Gucci for fall 2008 at saks.com.

Photo: saks.com

The Bergdorf Goodman Marc Jacobs Interview

To add a bit of spice to its shopping pages, Bergdorf Goodman interviews Marc Jacobs on his fall 2008 collection and inspiration for Marc by Marc Jacobs. I think its a great feature to offer shoppers who are looking for that little bit of intimacy with a brand.

How would you describe your MARC by Marc Jacobs Fall collection?
The collection has an early 80's punk/club vibe. This season we were playing more with the idea of dress-up rather than a casual/street look.

Favorite trends for the season?
Bold and graphic shapes, patterns and volume. Your color palette? Black, grey, bright yellow, green, electric blue, and hot pinks.

The shoe for Fall?
Low heeled boots with zips and buckles - they make every look, look cool!

Describe the cuts of your coats and jackets?
The coats and jackets that feel freshest are roomy, larger shapes– from the oversized "boyfriend" type of jacket to the double-breasted, low armhole poncho-like cropped coat.

Evolution of your design philosophy?
As part of a group of designers, we are all as passionate about change in fashion as ever... we trust our whims, and maintain integrity in our approach to make stylish clothing for now!

What does modern means to you?
Interest and curiosity in and about all aspects of culture and life today.


To view the full interview and the fall 2008 collection, visit bergdorfgoodman.com

Quote: Marc Jacobs

"Always put yourself together in a way that sounds good to you!"

- Marc Jacobs as told to Bergorf Goodman when asked for tips on wearing his designs

News Flash: 3.1 Phillip Lim Opens Shop in L.A.

The real estate on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles is going, going, going fast. Every time you look it seems as though another boutique has opened. The street is no longer reigned by Kitson (even though there are now a total of 4 boutiques on the street) but by the new crop of entrants, such as Chanel and now 3.1 Phillip Lim. Lim opened up shop last Thursday on Robertson Blvd. The L.A. boutique marks his second retail venture, after his flagship on Mercer St. in New York.

News Flash: Missoni

Missoni will be traveling West in 2009 when it is slated to open its second US store in Los Angeles. Rubbing shoulders with its counterparts who have long been stationed on Rodeo Drive, Missoni will be opening on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and North Rodeo Drive.

Trend Focus: Short Shorts

The short short trend of the summer (carried over from the summer past) can be quite distasteful if not executed in the correct manner. I think, however, that Blake Lively has done a great job at tasteful. She cleverly mixes her 7 For All Mankind shorts with a fitted black blazer and a white underpinning, and tops off the look with the season's it (gladiator) sandals.

Photo: unknown source

Celebrity Summer Style

Eva Longoria
Lauren Conrad
Nicole Richie
Halle Berry

Photos: unknown source

Miss SJP Riding High

Sarah Jessica Parker is riding the high wave upon the release of the $55.7 million box office hit, Sex and the City. She looks phenomenal in her LBD and Christian Louboutins. She is definitely feeling the MTV vibe as she rocks this mini and booties... a huge feat for this 40+ mother. I think that Carrie will always live vicarously through SJP (or, perhaps, vice versa).

Photo: wireimage.com

Chanel Goes to Robertson

It seems a little unlikely to see a Chanel store on the infamous, hip, little L.A. strip but Robertson Blvd. has added its first high-end designer boutique to the mass of contemporary outposts. Though, the Chanel store looks a little too sterile for its location. Think the over cluttered flea-market-like Kitson boutique or the jammed Madison boutique, or Diavolinas...all have a personality and charm that rivals any mega brand luxury boutique. Chanel feels a little too corporate, almost like an odd ball amongst all the other retailers that offer the customer a different sort of shopping experience. I, however, love the oversized Chanel motifs that are sprinkled throughout the store. Also, the merchandise assortment has a younger, more hip feel to it. It's great to see that the brand is talking (and listening) to its younger customer. Chanel opening on Roberston is the beginning of a new era in fashion and retailing and we will start seeing a huge shift in retail strategy.

Photos: wireimage.com

SJP's Shinning Moment

Sarah Jessica Parker's moment to shine again has finally arrived. All eyes will be on "Miss Carrie Bradshaw" as the movie opens up worldwide this weekend. Sex and The City has returned for the final finale. The most anticipated movie premier (well at least within the fashionable flock) will either really disappoint or satisfy everyone's hopes for Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte.

Sex and The City: The Movie premiers May 30th.

Photo: wireimage.com

NYC Work Chic

This image taken by the Sartorialist epitomizes the typical New York City work uniform - a black dress, bare legs, heels, a large satchel and flowing locks. Captured on Madison Avenue, this woman is wearing the simplest of wardrobe choices but proves that sometimes the most basic, non-over-the-top, non-accessorized outfits work best. I think this woman looks very Work Chic, in charge and ready to take on the challenges of her day.

Photo: the sartorialist

Guess Who?

Michael Kors, backstage at one of his shows, circa 1984.

Photo: style.com

Item of the Week: Brian Atwood Clutch

Brian Atwood's Mattie Patent Clutch is a great summer staple.
$1,660. Available at saks.com

Taking Chances

Natalie Portman in her Givenchy Haute Couture at amfAR's 15th Cinema Against AIDS gala proves that the unsafe is actually more exciting and fun. Her couture dress is definitely an eye catcher. I love to see couture come to life off the runway.

Photo: wireimage.com

Style Spotlight: Madonna

Madonna looking radiant in Stella Mc Cartney at amfAR's 15th Cinema Against AIDS gala in Mougins, France.


Photo: style.com

New York Society Chic

The height of New York society chic was in full view outside the Metropolitan Opera House as the who's who of New York attended the American Ballet Theatre's annual spring gala officially kicking off the ABT's spring season. It's like NY Fashion Week in May!

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos Lauren Santo Domingo, Olivier Theyskens
Cristina Greeven Cuomo
Blaine Trump
Donald Trump, Melania Trump
Jack McCollough with Tory Burch and Lazaro Hernandez and Narciso Rodriguez Kelly Klein
Jennifer Creel
Brooklyn Decker
Zani Gugelmann, Carlos de Souza, Valesca Guerrand-Hermès
Marina Rust Connor
Fe Fendi
Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer Matt Lauer and Annette Roque Lauer

Photos: style.com

Style Spotlight: Jennifer Lopez

Great post-pregnancy dress choice. Love the shoes.

Photo:wireimage.com

Trend Alert: Going Green

Forget the black, burnt berry, white, hot pink, or neon purple polish, it seems that green nails is the latest color for your tips. Rihanna is always one to push the envelope when it comes to trends so I will let you decide if going green is for you. Perhaps the nails are a bit much but her lilac toned make-up looks quite amazing and a perfect combination for spring. I will definitely be printing this picture and taking it with me when I go shopping for new spring make-up.

Photo: wireimage.com