Zipper Trim: Worst of 2009

The good...

There’s an aesthetic behind the zipper as functional-decorative–utility, edgy, structural (think: the classic leather jacket, the exposed zipper dress).

The zipper as purely decorative trim? Not so much. In fact, it’s a contradiction to nature of the hemlines and ruffling it adorns. Instead of inviting the eye in a tactile sense–making you want to touch the material–it’s referential of the “don’t get caught in that” feeling (think: There’s Something About Mary).

The worst of Zipper Trim (chalk these up to “avoid”):

The bad...

And the ugly.

The unneccessary...

And the ridiculous.

Dripping with Alchemy

What could be more sculptural and transformative than the shoe? While fabrics play with the ephemeral and gauzy nature of feminine/masculine, it is the shoe that becomes an extension of the physical body–extrapolating the line of the tibia, tapering the punctuation of the heel, and lifting the body in Icarus-like ascent. It is the goddess that dares such a height (4, 5, 6 inches) and demands you yield to the mythology.

Some pieces are born out of their materials and construction, becoming something greater. More than simply beautiful things–this is the essence of alchemy.

Nicholas Kirkwood at LUISAVIAROMA.COM

Little Red Corvette

Chanel 09/10 Cruise turns to Louboutin and says: I’ll see your signature red sole and raise you a wrapped modular platform and heel. The results are a little less Barbie, far more wearable, and a touch 50s modernism.

modern, suitable.

I’ve recently immersed myself in studying suiting–looking for something fresh in concept.

A few current trends that I appreciate, incorporating texture (leather, tweed), color (mustard, purple), and creative detail (trim, bow, ruffle, constructed seaming, asymmetry):

Tahari Three-Piece Leather Jacket Set at Neiman Marcus

Nanette Lepore Jacket at Nordstrom

kate spade jacket, blouse and skirt at Nordstrom

Invest in this.

Estee Lauder Time Zone Anti-Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme

They say the best way to fight skin damage is prevention.  I purchased the new Time Zone Eye Creme this week, replacing my discontinued Future Perfect preventative eye creme and it really is all it’s cracked up to be.  The skin around the eye area is the some of the most sensitive skin on your body, and it does not replenish essential oils as well as the rest of your face does, and this is why it shows the first signs of damage and aging.  So invest, and take care of it!

Time Zone Eye Creme retails at $43.50, but will last for months if applied as suggested.  Also, take advantage of the free gift event at Macy’s right now and receive your choice of warm or cool color eyeshadow quad, two lipsticks, plus samples of Advanced Night Repair and Take It Away Total Makeup Remover.  (I will vouch that the warm color gift lipsticks–Fig and Hot Kiss–are outstanding and perfect for fall.)

FREE GIFT with any $29.50 Estée Lauder purchase, plus a Mascara Set & Free Shipping with any $55 Estee Lauder Purchase--At Macy's

My Anastasia

Chanel Fall/Winter 2009-2010

Perfect for fall: Boho Chic bundles up and becomes more formal with mixtures of Old World Russian and European traditions, embodying travel and a wealth that lies in cultural heritage.  Gone is the shining, metallic vision of the future–the cosmopolitan and the glamorous.  What’s relevant today has strayed away from consumption and focuses on family, history, and a connection to community that lies in people.

Chanel combines thick textures with rich detail (at times bordering ornate) and an emphasis on classic tailoring.   Guerlain proposes a fresh face chilled by the air and blushed like painted porcelain.

(Nods to NYLONMAG for the Guerlain feature.)

Guerlain "Russian Beauty" Collection

Things I love.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Lace-detailed leather gloves from Net-A-Porter