When He Speaks, We Listen...

The concept of Karl Lagerfeld being lazy completely corrupts my entire view of the world. He claims to never be satisfied with himself and that he finds himself lazy, a humbling remark but one we would of course immediately declare inaccurate. He always feels that he could do better, a frustrating sentiment that all of us perfectionists feel. "Do what you want to do in the best of conditions," he states. While he is talking about creating a luxury piece of clothing, these seem like rather wise words for anyone to live by. Besides being able to sneak some peaks as to what is to come for Chanel, the wise words and views of Karl Lagerfeld are as always, utterly entrancing.

He's Not Dead...He's Just Drawn That Way

Saks

As of last Thursday, I was attacked by the angry mucus-infested (sorry) bug that seems to constantly rear its ugly head around the streets of Manhattan.  A cold I just couldn't shake.  I pumped myself full of Emergen-C and cancelled my partying plans in Brooklyn for Thursday and my movie date with a dear friend on Friday.  That should have been enough, right?  After all that, wouldn't the cold gods give me a break?  By Saturday morning, I felt a little relief.  My dear friend and her adorable mother were in town from North Carolina.  I was dying to see them.  We met at a flea market that my friend had been to on her last visit to NYC.  It was fantastic.  While I was glad to be out of the house, and even more glad that I was surrounded by a swarm of vintage designer pieces, I couldn't quite get into the shopping-swing-of-things.  I was in fantastic company and enjoyed every second of this visit, but as far as purchasing goes...let's just say my wallet caught a break.

The cold air numbed the toes of my companions and we headed to Soho to warm up and grab a bite to eat.  A glass of wine and a fabulous salad later, I felt like a new woman... credit card was ready for swiping!  We ventured into Scoop's Soho location.  Of course, like with the majority of local boutiques these days, there was the inviting sign that read "Take an ADDITIONAL 40% off."  I mean, who wouldn't take advantage?  Eyes widening at the slashed price tags, I concurred with my friend H as she kept saying, "I mean, its practically free."  We played and shopped, and I controlled myself with only purchasing a simple and massively on sale pair of Modern Vintage flat, black booties... kinda motorcycle, kinda Doc Marten-esque.  Perfect purchase for an everyday shoe that I so desperately needed. (well kinda)  Of course other sell items haunted me.  There was even one 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie bag that mocked my every move with its below a good sale price, but remained on the store's shelf.

As we were leaving, I spotted a bag that seemed so perfect for me that even my fellow shopping buddies said, "it is so you."  I took a mental note of its beauty and stored it for later, as the price tag did not allow this unemployed gal to snatch it up.  The name wasn't marked and I could feel that ugly cold starting to rear its head again.  I would find it online.  The designer: Marc Jacobs.  I was sure it would be something simple, like "Robert Danuta" or "The Stam," typical simplistic names often given to MJ's luxurious pieces of leather.  I wasn't prepared for what I found searching key terms like "Marc Jacobs neon handle bag" and "Marc Jacobs grey with yellow strap bag."  The name: "He's Not Dead, He's Just Breakdancing Winnie Bag."  Well, that's a mouth-full.  I read reviews of the bag, knocking the ridiculous (but pretty fabulous) long name.  Some called its look "obnoxious" or "confusing" in its creative design/color combination.  I couldn't disagree more. This bag was fun, flirty, had a little edge, yet still maintained the element of being able to go with practically anything.  Putty-colored suede AND patent leather was a rich but subtle color- perfect for transitioning from these cold months on into spring.   The classically shaped, MJHNDHJBW bag is topped off with gold chained handles with neon yellow woven between the links.  In addition to the shorter handles, there was a long strap enclosed for a cross-body or long shoulder look...a huge plus in my "drive for a hands free handbag" department.  I was in love with a purse, yet again.

So while the name, let me repeat "He's Not Dead, He's Just Breakdancing Winnie Bag" seems rather ridiculous to the typical onlooker, I find it completely suitable for the perfect eclectic creation of the fabulous MJ.  By the end of my online handbag research, I was bedridden yet again, but this time for the rest of the weekend...at least I had a new vision in my dreams.

Bringing Home The Birkin

Well, if you can't have the actual Birkin, how about the next best thing? The "Together Bag" by Thursday Friday isn't just your everyday tote. Ok, it is, but the screenprinted Birkin-esque image on the side gives it a little extra umph. I share the sentiment of Carrie Bradshaw and Samantha Jones. The Birkin isn't really my style, but it is a status symbol, and has been for years. And I definitely wouldn't mind the addition to my handbag collection.  But for now, I think I will settled for the canvas version.  This tote is fully-lined and complete with inside pockets, perfect for holding your special belongings safe while trotting off to the grocery store, gym, or whereever you find this accessory an appropriate companion. Personally, I find the concept fabulous. Taking something so out of reach for the average consumer, and making a satirical imitation that is easily available to the masses. Or so that is the concept. However, even the tote Birkin has a waiting list! Place your orders now, cause this hot little number isn't even shipping til March! At least you won't have to drop Lucy Liu's name to get your hands on one!

 Thursday Friday

Another Fab Collab

With the new creative head of the house of Mugler being none other than Nicola Formichetti, Gaga's stylist and costume designer, GZ was bound to have another edition of "Another Fab Collab" on their hands.  Formichetti's first menswear collection hit the runway in Paris yesterday to the beat of Gaga's remixed anthem.  The short film, directed by Mariano Vivanco and starring the "somewhat tattooed" model, Rick Genest (otherwise known as "the zombie boy") showcases a choreographed and dramatic reveal of the ambitious body art to the beat of Gaga's track. Vivanco even manages to combine Genest's seductive dance moves with short clips from yesterday's runway show...the result is rather breathtaking.  I have a feeling Gaga may have another remixed hit on her hands...undoubtedly to be heard in all of the city's hottest clubs by tonight.

Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!

Those of you who have known me since childhood may recall a certain "disco stage" that I went through in 8th grade.  A wannabe flower child, I often was seen in bright colored elephant ear bellbottoms and floral, polyester button downs.  My array of graphic designs across my sleeveless minis were a sight for sore eyes.  It was not my best... but that was because I wasn't doing it just right,seeing this self-proclaimed trend through the eyes of a 14 year old.

Well friends, it's baaaacccckkk! That's right ladies, the seventies are making a comeback and they aren't arriving quietly.  Everything from high-waisted flares and mini floral prints rocked the runways last September and we are loving every second of it.  Bright shades are to be seen everywhere, even making their way to the streets of the normally dark or muted palettes of Manhattan's bustling streets.  Platforms are on point for the upcoming warm weather as well, adding to the overall theme.  To keep your look updated, try mixing patterns and prints or throwing in a little of the tribal trend into your hippie-esque ensemble.  One thing is for sure, we better all the hitting the gym, as these pants leave little room for error.  If you are like me, having a large tendency to save everything marked "vintage" that ever graced your closet, this is the season for you....break out your inner-Marsha Brady and you are guaranteed to be right on track this Spring.

ADAM SS 2011

Chris Benz SS 2011

Elie Tahari SS 2011

Derek Lam SS11

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS11

My How The Camera Is Turned

So most of you by now have probably caught wind of the beautiful seven minute video featuring none other than fellow blogger, The Sartorialist...but for those of you who haven't, I encourage you to watch.  He explains the concept behind his continuous documentation of today's fashion through an array of exquisite photos on his blog, pointing out the weight that these photos will hold in years to come.  Secretly we hope to be spotted by the blogging sensation himself one day and end up on the widely received site. Perhaps more trips to the streets of the West Village (seen throughout the film) are in order...impeccably dressed of course!

Who Moi?!

Not sure if Emmanuelle Alt has been informed, but there seems to be a new gal within the walls of French Vogue. None other than the plus-sized, pink, beauty icon Miss Piggy has just been named a fashion editor at Vogue-Paris.  And with a resume like Piggy's, we think she deserves nothing less!  In the latest Muppet Movie, to be released next winter, Kermit has to solicit the help of his gang in order to save the Muppet Theatre from being torn down by an oil-hungry business woman.  However, many members of the colorful crew have moved on to pursue various careers....i.e. the new fashion editor position.  (Side note for my fellow Muppet-lovers: Fozie has formed a casino tribute band called the Moopets, Animal has been admitted to a clinic for anger management, and Gonzo has entered the world of plumbing) With friends like Amy Adams on board, we are sure that the cameos will be ones for the book, and we can't wait to see what Piggy's favorite labels are.  Chanel? Lanvin?  Marc Jacobs?  Undoubtedly Piggy is bound to be challenging the look of Vogue, making waves at the iconic publication with her choice slogan, "Less is never more. More is more."  Sounds good to me and the piece of pizza I just had for dinner!