What Valentino Showed Us!

     It's that time again, the Spring 2013 Couture designs have been brought to life before our eyes this past week.  The week took flight with Armani Privé and came to a smooth landing when Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri of Valentino graced us with their, rather graceful, combined imaginations and their dreamy creations.  Couture designers and ateliers believe that the art and concept of "couture" is to be kept secret.  Hence, why the minimal couture industry is kept a mystery until the unveiling of the garments, during the exclusive fashion shows that are few and far between.  Let's focus on the round of applause show that Valentino presented us with.

     Following suit, mystery and secrecy seemed to be trending on this mystical runway.  Chiuri and her partner in design, Piccioli, got many ideas from eighteenth-century garden design books, paintings, gardens themselves and more wondrous things.  Features included lightly stamping bonded wool with a design, different laces that were re-embroidered, chiffon dahlias, ribbon work and many more unique effects.  

     All of these details and effects are extremely feminine and come together to create an antique fairytale l that is desired by all.  This soft collection has been taken back to the times where simplicity and lace ruled the world.  I aspire to be able to create replicas of art and gardens through clothing.  This is a gift that is hand selected by he Himself and bestowed on very few.  This was truly a stunning collection of pure craftsmanship.

Beauty is in the eye of the creator.

Ciao, 

Annie

The Top Trends of 2012!

     Happy New Year to everyone!  Now that we have officially entered 2013 we can put the ghosts of 2012 behind us and welcome the change and upcoming success.  A lot has happened in our little world this past year, especially when it comes to fashion.  Let's reminisce about our favorite and most popular trends of 2012.
     Pastels blew off the chart this past year.  They no longer stayed in their traditional Easter month, they traveled all the way into the cold and windy days of winter.  I am sure this will be something that will continue onto 2013.

      Gold was another 2012 trend that we all embraced at one point.  Many of us may have even ended 2012 with a gold bang! I know I was decked in gold glitter from head to toe and loved every minute of it.

     Statement pants!  This might have been my favorite trend of 2012.  Statement pants took off like wildfire.  Designers embraced them, street fashion embraced them and well, so did everyone who is anyone.  Simple on the top and eccentric on the bottom, doesn't get much better than that.

     As for the punks of 2012, well, we all kind of became a bit edgier, didn't we?  Spikes, studs and skulls entered in 2012 and became trendy quickly.  I feel like that look is dying down a little now but you always need those articles of clothing in your closet that add a little edge to your life.

     Why wear half a print when you can wear the whole thing from head-to-toe?  These top to bottom printed outfits stopped being strange and became chic in the year 2012.  So, thank you 2012 fashion changes.  Embrace it while you can because sooner or later we will be onto something new.

     And there you have it, some of the best trends during one of the most memorable fashion years.  I wish you all the best in the year 2013.

Happy New Year!

Ciao, 

Annie

The Winter Pastel Trend!

     Just when you thought that pale colors were supposed to be saved for the spring season there has been a slight change in plans.  Lilac, cornflower, mint and peach are all colors that we noticed on the autumn/winter runways.  And now it's time for them to come out with us and freeze in this weather.   There is absolutely no need to stick to black this winter, break out of your shell a bit.  
     I'm kinda digging this trend, to be honest.  I love that we can have a little Easter blast of color in the freezing peak of winter.  Peach cashmere sweaters worn with light blue corduroy pants, while it's snowing outside, perfect.  And how about a coat?  The stores are crawling with pastel cover-ups, so, take your pick!
     Accessories are even following this trend.  Splashing in a pale pink bag with a structured outfit makes for a great new-season alternative to the deep dark usual winter colors.  You don't even have to stick to the dark nail colors either.  Go on and pick out those great colors from London's Butter collection.  It's nice to add a little color this season, it will keep everyone smiling!

Peachy keen!

Ciao, 

Annie

UNICEF Snowflake Ball!

     Last night UNICEF held the Snowflake Ball, New York Cities most notable black-tie affairs, to honor those whose philanthropic commitments help save children's lives through out the world.  This is a great way to help raise money for children in need and many celebrities are proud participants of this group.  Since 2005, the debut of the Ball, this annual holiday occasion has raised over $16 million for the UNICEF program.  Holy s**t, that's fabulous!  As a reminder, a snowflake hangs high in the heart of New York City (57th & 5th) as a special symbol for the world's most needed children.  Below are images of celebrities who help make this foundation possible.  Not to mention, fabulously dressed, as well.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Louis Vuitton

Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana Custom

Katy Perry in Naeem Khan

  

Kelly Ripa 

Allison Williams in Naeem Khan

Kate Mara in Jason Wu

Bringing holiday cheer!

Ciao, 

Annie

Pajama-rama!

     Pajama-inspired clothing has been in style for a few seasons now.  Hell, why not wear your pajamas in public?  Well, pajama-like clothing.  It's comfortable, super cute and looks fabulous.  In fact, instead of wearing a stuffy stiff suit, this easy just-out-of-bed look seems to be the attire of choice.  Just look at the celebrities they are big adapters of the pajama trend.  Red carpets tend to be a common occurrence for these stars and every once in a while it must be nice to throw on the soft silky outfit and hit the carpet.  

     Whether you prefer the full look from head to toe or just the top and bottom singly, they are such easy styles to pull off.  These looks are far too stylish to be hidden between the sheets, the evening wear option sounds much more seductive to me.  Who would have thought we would be pushing for the elegant pajama pant and the dress down double breasted slouchy satin top?  It's happened, so go on out there and show off your PJ's.  But, please exchange your slippers for heels!

   

Snuggle up!

Ciao, 

Annie

A Little Collaboration!

     Ani Sui's Fall/Winter 2012 runway show reveled a two-piece collaboration that combines the legendary Coach Legacy silhouette with the classic Sui bohemian aesthetic.  These limited-edition bags are beyond exquisite with the one hand-crafted details of leather interwoven with contrast stitching and the other having an old Western feel with the whipstitching trim and burnt leather pattern.  It was an unusual collaboration to see Coach and Ani Sui being on different ends of the design spectrum.  But, Ani Sui said herself that the Coach Duffle was such an iconic part of the Coach brand and that she was honored to be able to put her own twist on such a classic design.  Personally, I think it is great when designers decided to do collaborations with one another.  It allows us to see how they put their ideas together and create such wonderful pieces of artwork.  There are so many ideas going on between designers and design houses, check one of them below!

Collaborate with style!

Ciao, 

Annie

SJP!

     The Sex and the City beauty Queen, Sarah Jessica Parker, is one of the worlds most noticed fashion icons.  If you are ever bored and have millions of hours of free time sign up for HBO GO and watch the entire season of Sex and the City.  Not only will you see the fashion change over the years, but you will see just how sassy and with it SJP really is.  The 46-year-old actress is more up-to-date and stylish than many of the young chipper actresses.  She's still got it!  Let's check out her best red carpet moments.  Hurricane Sandy won't be the only thing blowing you away this week, SJP will too!

     Train-tastic.  At the Sex and the City premiere in 2008 Parker wore this dazzling silver Nina Ricci gown.  This is such a strong color choice for a gown and the mesh gold accented belt was great way to soften it up a little.  This was a very high-end looking gown and the train added a very dramatic effect.  After all, the fashion in this film was a huge impact on the success of the movie so, it was important that Parker carried out the Bradshaw look.  Carrie Bradshaw has had a consistent fashion trend throughout all of the seasons and they wanted to maintain that image in the films as well.  This gown was a perfect Bradshaw fit.  

     How about this mellow yellow number for the Oscars in 2010?  Parker arrives with husband Matthew Broderick in this backless silk Chanel Couture gown and a little sparkle to beat.  The unusual high neck strap wrapping around to the back to create a little backpack effect was a sassy structural addition.  The little large jeweled accent at her butt is strange, but I suppose it is to draw some attention to her backside, great!

     

     At the Meta Gala in 2010 Parker wore this stunning Halston Heritage gown with a powerful matching head flower.  This flawless lightly pleated dress flows so nicely against her upper body and then blossoms out at the bottom.  I love how she adds the wavy affect by twisting the dress for the photographers, great touch.

     At the Sex and the City 2 London film premiere SJP really blew the hats off of everyone.  She arrived in a stunning Alexander McQueen black corseted gown with a dramatic bubble hem that trailed stiffly behind her.  But the truth is that everyone was looking at the extravagant sparkling net headwear from Philip Treacy.  I also liked the thick black armband touch that SJP wore in honor of the late Alexander McQueen.  This ensemble was just breathtaking and fit her body like a glove.

      Of course, like many actresses, I could keep on going with many wonderful numbers that Sarah Jessica Parker has worn throughout her days of acting, but I think this is a good place to stop.  It is amazing how Carrie Bradshaw has maintained such a look and Sarah Jessica Parker carries them all out so well.

What's your favorite SJP look?

Ciao,

Annie