Another Reason to Hit the Gym

Dionne, Clueless Circa 1995

About this time of year, those whose gym time has been rather sporadic (try using it in a sentence, right Clueless fans?) start to increase their visits per week.  Swimsuit season is right around the corner and no one wants their first day beneath the sun to be a traumatic experience. Well this season, it isn't just the beach that has people knocking down the Y doors.  Bare midriffs are everywhere this spring.  Celebrities from Alexa Chung to Rihanna have already been seen rocking this Gwen Stefani Ab-worthy trend.  Luckily, it is just a couple inches that is meant to be revealed.  Just a peek.  If you can't quite rock the bare midriff look, pair your high-waisted pants or skirt with a cropped tee that just barely grazes the top of your waistband.

Although the thought of walking the streets of Manhattan, baring my middle makes me a little uneasy, I have to admit that I like the trend.  Fresh and new, and while a little more of your skin is exposed, if done correctly (and believe me- there is a wrong way) you achieve the sexy appeal without the slutty ambiance.  So ladies, here's to yet another reason to crank up that level on the elliptical and a few more sets of crunches to your daily routine.  

Jessica Szohr

Alexa Chung

Rihanna

Dear Michael, Volume I

Iosselliani Multi-Colored Fringed Necklace, Beanie + Cecil

Dear Michael,

Remember that little trip we took last summer?  You know, the one to Italy where we got married?  Well if you recall, there was a tiny but fabulous boutique right by the Palazzo Vecchio that I made you go in about five times.  I think each time you managed to scurry yourself across the cobblestones to that little sandwich hut that you claimed is still the best lunch spot you have ever been to.  However, with that being said, I kept returning to that spot to view and discuss a certain pair of metal fringed earrings, complete with tiny skulls.  I drooled over those earrings.  It was one of those pieces that I couldn't get out of my head.  But with a good ten European shopping days ahead of us, I opted to hold out, but still secretly wishing that these would magically appear on my ears, compliments of my new husband.  Sadly, this dream never became a reality.  

Upon returning to the states, we picked up and moved to NYC.  Being the shopping cap of the world, it was inevitable that these tinseled beauties would reappear.  You told me to get them, that I hadn't stopped thinking about them and I should just go ahead and buy them.  As sweet as this sounded, I think that it was more so based on me TALKING about them instead of thinking about them.  Perhaps a gag tactic?  Some sort of a trick no doubt.  I tried them on this time, but again, opted out due to the fact that I was job searching and perhaps these should just wait.  But let me just say that I was still secretly wanting them to appear in a bow-topped box.

Well, guess what?  You should have grabbed the earrings while you still had a chance.  Cause I still have Iosselliani on my mind, and now the stakes have gotten higher.  Love, I am craving this Multi-colored Stone Encrusted Metal Fringed Necklace.  Same designer.  More bells and whistles.  This perfectly constructed accessory is a work of art.  Gold, silver, black, and colors?  I can wear this with anything.  Tribal influences?  Don't worry hun.  In now and all over the runway for the fall.  Two seasons minimum.  Don't know where to get it?  Got it covered!  You know that fantastic boutique I worked in back on the NC coast?  Well Beanie + Cecil has picked up this line.  I've got them on speed dial, they already have my address, and the girls are ready to send it my way.  This line has followed us through the three major spots in our life.  It's like a little puppy that is following me home.  It is kinda like it is meant to be.  Don't you agree?

Love,

Hopelessly Devoted to Iosselliani

GAGA WALKS

Lady Gaga, Mugler Fall 2011

In one of the most anticipated shows of the season, Mugler's Fall 2011 collection didn't disappoint.  Complete with Rick Genest (Zombie Boy) and Lady Gaga walking some of the label's newest creations, this over-the-top cathedral staged show was outrageously fun.  The collection was filled with sleek silhouettes, but not the Jackie O type.  Sheer panels placed in the most unexpected places added the art and shock factor that we so often associate with the House of Mugler.  Courageous cutouts and insanely high heels, it is apparent why Gaga has become such an avid follower.  Feline references in the many of the looks, as well as in the mannerisms of the models, toward the latter part of the show added even more sex appeal.  One model nearly ate runway, but with a graceful hand placement beside her head, she recovered perfectly and blended well with the aura surrounding the show....madness and chaos.  

Mugler Fall 2011

At one point Gaga is seen leaning against one of the cathedral-like columns cigarette lit and creating a sultry ambiance for the models as they strutted through the elaborate stage.  It was her last look that has Gaga's ability to walk in sky-scraping platforms NOT in questions.  With at least a foot under the balls of her feet, Gaga closed the show like a pro.  Not sure that anyone but Gaga and perhaps Nicki Minaj would wear the final look's footwear, but it sure was entertaining to watch the blonde bombshell strut her stuff while sporting these space-age creations on her feet.

Rick Genest, Mugler Fall 2011

This collection and show was fantastically entertaining for starters, but the looks themselves were not second to the performance.  Although the looks weren't exactly for the everyday consumer, each piece was fun, fashion forward, and completely original.  The color palette was beautiful.  Every shade of neutral was represented and the pops of color were perfectly inserted.   A round of applause to the House of Mugler for a job well done, and good luck topping that performance next season.

Lady Gaga Final Look, Mugler Fall 2011

Mugler Fall 2011

Photos Stolen From Style.com

A Walk In Your Shoes-Lindsey Suggs

Lindsey Suggs. Age 27. Wilmington, NC. Film Crewmember/Freelance Stylist. Savoir-Flair

When Lindsey and I first met, we weren't exactly "friends at first sight." As she recalls, I was a huge bitch the night we met, summer before heading off to college.  I plead the fifth.  Regardless of our first encounter, Suggs (as we call her) and I became fantastic friends.  We were roommates twice, which really means you love someone as once can often times be one time too many.  

Creator of the blog, "Savoir-Flair," Suggs and I share a love for beauty and creativity found in the world of fashion.  Our shared obsession with leather shorts, resulted in fantastic purchases by way of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Helmut Lang.  We have that so-called, "bad influence" on each other when it comes to shopping... being able to thoroughly convince the other as to the vitality of the clothing or often times shoe in question.  Some of our most prized closet possessions can be accredited to the in-depth discussions that took place between me and this redhead bombshell. It is probably best for the bank that we are now separated by states.  Watch out NYC, when Suggs comes to visit, we may single-handedly revive the economy.  

Favorite Pair of Shoes?

"If I had to pick one favorite pair of shoes, it would have to be my coral Marc Jacobs slingback pumps that I got for my 20th birthday!  Definitely don't get to wear them enough though.  I plan to wear them with a new yellow gold, silk blouse from J. Crew with my boyfriend jeans this spring...as well as peach tops (yet to purchase) as to practice "the art of the clash."

Why?

"I've been trying to think about why I liked those shoes so much when I first saw them.  I think that they just seemed very unique to me and they were made by one of my most beloved designers at the time.  I didn't own any red shoes and just thought they would really expand my wardrobe.  They sure did expand it- into about seven more pairs of Marc Jacobs!"

How?

"I spotted this particular pair at Soho Shoes during a random shopping trip my sophomore year of college.  It just happened to be right around my birthday and my parents had been asking me what I wanted, though I had no clue yet. I fell in LOVE with that pair of shoes because of their unique color, classic silhouette, and the fact that they were MJ's.  Luckily, mom and dad caved and gave them to me before my birthday.  My chance meeting with the MJ beauties spawned not only my flurry of full-on Marc Jacobs obsession but also my part-time job at Soho Shoes for the next two years (where may more shoes were purchased)!"

Favorite Shoe Designer/Label?

"If I had to pick one designer, it would have to be Loeffler Randall.  Their uptown/downtown style is right up my alley and their shoes are so unique and stylish.  I've constantly fallen for multiple pairs, ranging from rose fold flats to brown boots.  Jessie Randall fearlessly designs and never bores me.  I do own a few pairs of Tory Burch as well, as her wedges and ballet flats tend to be practical for work or daytime events.  Of course, I wouldn't mind a Louboutin, Manolo, or Choo though..."

Most Important Factor When Purchasing A Pair of Shoes?

"The Most important factor when I buy a pair of shoes is how I feel when I put them on.  If they make me want to dance or stand up straighter, they're a good buy!  But to peak my interest, I look for the unique details that make the shoes unlike any other pair.  Interesting textures, such as suede or python, and bright colors or patterns might catch my eye at first.  Then I assess the type of heel and its height."

Runners-Up?

Yes!  I love my natural linen Loeffler Randall platforms.  They are so fun and funky and surprisingly very comfortable.  I wear them every chance I get.  I'm currently lusting after yet another summery LR pair- a nude, strappy, mesh extravaganza."

Dream Pair of Shoes?

"My dream pair of shoes would have to be Dorothy's ruby slippers.  "The Wizard of Oz" is my favorite movie after all.  I'll settle for a pair of ruby red Loubs though."

Shoes from the Past?

I wish I still had my favorite old pair of canvas wedges from Banana republic.  They were the perfect heel height and fit so well.  Sadly, my dog Penny ate them when she was a puppy...along with about 12 other pairs.  I have yet to find the perfect replacement.  Never ever want to wear Jellys again though.  Sick nasty."

Shoe Philosophy?

"I apply this philosophy to shoes and pants: When you find a great pair that you love and that fits you well, get it!  Finding the combination of fit and adoration isn't as easy as you might think.  A nice store's shoe stock will swap out very quickly and it's hard to find that perfect pair again.  I passed up a gorgeous leopard print pump over the summer and could have kicked myself with a pointy toe stiletto when I had a near flawless outfit save for the lack of that pump.  I scoured Wilmington for a suitable substitute but ultimately settled for a leopard print scarf and taupe bootie instead.  Key word: 'settled.'"

Photos Provided by Lindsey Suggs

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