I hate to say that I almost missed the Akris celebration at Bergdorf Goodman. I had my doubts, and as per usual I was tired. Fortunately, I had convinced Eileen of Miss Whoever You Are to join me at the event (every girl needs a wingwoman, right?).
After fawning over the Bergdorf Goodman spring catalog on a table by the elevator on the first floor, we entered the elevator. Directly to Eileen's left, stood Daphne Guinness, with her trademark black & white Cruella Deville hair, accessorized with a baby blue headband that perfectly mimicked the blue of her Birkin. After she exited the elevator (and I sent my OMFG tweet), we lost her in the crowd.
After making a loop through the party (and admiring the beautiful Akris clothing), we found her leaning up against a wall, chatting with her friends. Admittedly, Eileen and I stared like fan girls (and I even attempted to take a photo that inevitably turned out to be blurry). During this time, I made a few key observations that once digested, taught me key lessons.
The subtleties of her accessories were not lost on me. Hello - her headband matched her Birkin. I love how the baby blue pieces that seemed to be orbiting her outfit somehow brought it all together. True style is always in the details.
She was wearing heel-less shoes (which potentially were Nina Ricci) and walked effortlessly in them. As the evening went on, she was resting comfortably against the wall. Even the chicest and most accomplished ladies of style succumb to the discomforts of fashion.
Although she was wearing black lace gloves, Eileen and I witnessed Ms. Guinness enjoy hors d'oeuvres at least twice during our short stay at the event. Imagine that - beautiful people actually need to eat to survive - they just sustain with style.
Throughout the evening, Ms. Guinness was not burdened with her Birkin. Off to the side stood a woman whose duties consisted only of holding the baby blue treasure. As much as I love a beautiful detailed clutch, they aren't the most practical. Big bags aren't just for the commuter - sometimes a gal needs more than a breath mint and an AmEx to make it through an evening.
It was a pretty incredible experience to be in the presence of a fashion legend. Daphne Guinness is known as a "collector of couture" and has served as friend and muse to some of the most celebrated designers. Although we didn't have an opportunity to interact beyond an elevator ride, there is something about her that is magnetic, elegant and beyond poised.
If you had an opportunity to share space with your style icon, who and where would it be?
At the start of every major seasonal change (ie, Spring & Winter), you see the oddest mix of fashion on streets of New York. Some people will wear Uggs while it's 60 degrees out, while within the same block, you'll see a woman with bare legs and a miniskirt. The idea of layering and and appropriate footwear often feels lost. Admittedly, many of these seasonally confused individuals could be tourists who made bad packing decisions, however it's important to attempt to mirror the weather forecast with your day's projected events. Recently, my dear friend Dina of Eye4Style, put together a stunning and Spring appropriate outfit. Everything about her choice just felt RIGHT on a perfectly welcoming breezy, 70 degree day.
Admittedly, weather can change within what feels like an instant no matter where you are within the country, however it's important to have key pieces in your wardrobe that allow you to anticipate the weather's ever-changing state. As Dina demonstrated, a boyfriend blazer is a perfect piece to layer with a feminine scarf as the weather warms. A stunning trench is perfect for when the weather cools with a mix of rain (tomorrow's forecast).
Does your city experience seasonal confusion? What are your transition tips?
I've never been one to feel particularly inspired to mix prints - I'm more of a solids with a print accent kind of gal. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Target's Liberty of London pop-up store near Bryant Park (now closed due to demand). Liberty of London's prints, colors and overwhelming sense of whimsy took me in and entranced me. As I scoured the store for the prints that most spoke to me, I couldn't help but be attracted to so many different shapes and shades at once. Could I really pair a small pastel print with a large strategically-shaded floral? In the world of Liberty of London, it doesn't matter.
Mismatched plates? Delightful!
Asymmetrical pairings? Divine!
Browsing the Target website, you get a sense of the fantasy world the Liberty of London print designers live in. While most pieces are sold out online (yes, it's THAT serious), head into your local Target store to get your hands on the remaining pieces. You never know, you might find yourself falling head-over-heels with contrasting colors and mismatched prints this Spring!
For Fall 2010, Tibi designer Amy Smilovic played with balanced opposities, according to show notes, but I think the result was all about harmony. First, the hair: Each model had a glorious poof of long, luxurious, super curly locks floating atop her head that had a fun and flirtatious flower-child feel. Then, the color palette, a beautiful wearable mix of navy, mauve, black, burgundy, plus plenty of Tibi's trademark prints to keep things lively. The clothes were mostly separates, like ladylike bow-tied blouses pairs with tweed shorts, or cozy sweaters layered over high-waist trousers. Accessories were understated yet still managed to pack a punch, like a leather fanny pack, 5-inch platform slingback clogs, and colorful opaque tights. And let's not forget the charming cocktail dresses and sequin embellishments (another trend that isn't going anywhere soon). It was another successful, crowd-pleasing collection from a contemporary brand that doesn't take itself too seriously. I'll take one of everything, thank you very much.
Aaah, the final day of fashion week (and still so much coverage to share!). By the time this photo was taken, I was completely spent. I had worked a full day at my day job, ran back to the tents to cover Tommy Hilfiger backstage where I ran into MAC Senior Artists Romero, Victor and Keri who humored me by allowing me to livestream them working their magic at the final show at Bryant Park and back downtown to support Karen Robinovitz & Purple Lab's launch at HSN. Needless to say, I barely had the energy to lift my legs or pop a hip for a cheeky pose. I enjoyed each and every minute of it, and while I am still recovering, I am looking forward to September already.
(Photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman's Facebook page)
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