ZIP IT!!!

This weekend I decided to avoid the monsoon that Eastern North Carolina was experiencing, and nestle myself inside the luxurious boutique, Beanie + Cecil. Having temporarily curbed my shopping habit in the midst of considering relocation, I simply had had enough. My recent restraint has helped me to develop a stronger selection process when it comes to the world of shopping. Strangely enough, buying one signature piece for the fall was enough to satisfy my urge to spend the green…and at Beanie my temptations are always heightened. My purchase? An ultra chic pair of LNA low-rise black leggings, adorning an exposed GOLDEN ZIPPER….and honestly they are to DIE for! (still a few pair left so grab 'em quick!)

If you haven’t noticed the recent trends with zippers, then quite frankly, you just aren’t paying attention. Stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe stated, “Alber Elbaz pioneered the whole exposed zipper thing at Lanvin.” And since I have no information that would dispute this claim, my hat goes off to Mr. Elbaz. He has begun an era in which the interlocking teeth are no longer just there for functionality; they now play a major role in the works of art being created by today’s designers. An exposed zipper in a contrasting hue on the back of a 3.1 Phillip Lim cocktail dress, or the bare metal teeth used as trimming to create a textured ruffle on a basic pair of Jeffrey Campbell flats (selling out nationwide) are two small ways in which zippers are making a fashion statement.

Great clothing is sexy in its own right, but when you pop on a little gold zipper….it helps add a little flirt. “It alludes a lot, the zipper,” adds Zoe. Hinting to what is beneath the clothing is simply one talent that the zipper naturally possesses. Who doesn’t want to look a little sexier? The zipper is a great way to tempt and seduce while still leaving a little to the imagination (the vital components of being sexy while still classy). So this fall, don’t worry with whether or not your zipper is up, just make sure your zipper is showing!

Ciao, Valentino

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a lesser known film with my ever respectful better half that would inspire even the least fashion conscious viewers; Valentino The Last Emperor the documentation of fashion giant Valentino’s swan song on the runway. When Valentino Garavani closed the doors on his fashion house (read: empire) an empty throne was left vacant atop couture mountain. This retirement is indeed the end of an era. The film left little doubt that he was the king of fashion, and his company a blueprint for success in any industry. This tenure at the top is due to Valentino’s managing partner and lover, Giancarlo Giametti, a dashing Italian businessman and fashion icon himself. Oozing the very essence of Italian “sprezzatura,” Giancarlo stole the show with his undying devotion to Valentino. For more than 45 years, Valentino has designed clothing for the most glamorous women of the past half century, most famously the elegant Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Throughout the film, the viewer becomes intensely intrigued by the amount of time that Valentino paid to every detail, on every strip of fabric, on every piece of clothing that left his doors. The amount of work that goes into each piece proves to the skeptics that high fashion is undoubtedly a work of art.

Not only does this film highlight the amazing accomplishments of Valentino in the world of fashion, but it also portrays an epic love story. Without the need to discuss their relationship, this film is able to depict the steadfast and loving relationship of Valentino with his business partner and companion of more than 50 years, the above mentioned Giancarlo Giammetti. The amount of pride that Giammetti exudes while discussing the amazing talent of his lover shows the passion behind their relationship, inevitably the catalyst behind remaining together for decades. Take note, gentlemen.

Anyone who is the least bit interested in fashion would love this film. In the film, Valentino states, “I love beauty. It is not my fault.” Indeed he does love beauty, and this love has gifted us with some of the most amazing works of art that the fashion industry has ever seen. Do yourself a favor and soak this one in with a bottle of red, doting fiance not required. (Sorry Hun)

Rebel Without A Pause

Leave it to Marc Jacobs to bring back the eighties. "I was thinking about the good old days in New York," Marc said after the show, "when getting dressed up was such a joy." Noting that he himself is not rebellious, he claims “I love the look of rebellion.” That look is evident in his Fall 2009 collection. From metallic leather and mohawks to sequins and neon shift dresses, Marc gives tribute to a time that was full of “individuals with energy.” Every girl needs to feel that energy, the sense of rebellion; the “I’m a bad girl” vibe (even if you’re idea of bad is taking home extra packets of Splenda from your local Starbucks). That energy gives you the self-confidence that is vital to succeed in the world of fashion. The concept of someone being able to “pull something off”, should be translated into, “that person exudes confidence in that outfit.” Marc’s clothing exemplifies self-confidence, and the ability to stand out in a crowd and be looked up to amongst her fashion conscious friends.

Granted my two summer internship under this fashion genius makes me somewhat biased, but Marc seems to deliver year after year on the runway. He has a way of making even the most difficult ensembles appear effortlessly chic. This Fall, remember the Marc Essentials: leather, graphic tights, hints of neon flair and sequins, and of course the “strong shoulder” seen throughout many of the top designers’ collections (the main elements of a proper super hero costume).

For the average person, Marc’s line is not exactly “affordable,” therefore you must use his collection as an avenue of inspiration. And of course, most of us would want to take these essential elements from his collection and tone them down for the “everyday world.” Combine a great solid shift dress with a funky pair of tights (Pictured: Urban Outfitters $14) or for a pinch of neon flair slide into this Alice + Olivia Dress (Pictured: Bloomingdale's $396) and pair it with a great leather jacket. Get inspired and stun the world with your innate ability to take the looks of the runway to the streets. Most importantly, find your inner confidence so that you will be noted as that person that can “pull something off.”