I have few fashion regrets overall- though of the few, two notably involve a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30. My very first designer bag purchase (in the classic Monogram, of course), I made the mistake first in the early 2000's - 2001, to be exact - of missing out on the Stephen Sprouse-designed graffiti styles released as part of a limited edition collection.
In all fairness, in 2001, I was a young college student, cocktailing in New York - and accordingly, that would have been a pretty hefty expenditure. But I've never forgotten the bag, and have often lamented that it's the bag that got away.
Until yesterday, that is, when while vintage shopping on the Lower East Side with Sarah, we stumbled upon the beauty above at Pilgrim -a perfectly preserved and authentic (of course!) Speedy 30 from the "original" Stephen Sprouse collection (you may remember that Marc Jacobs again riffed on these in 2008 with neon editions, boasting smaller graffiti). While I had been in the market for a vintage Chanel yesterday (oops), I knew that I'd forever regret passing up on the opportunity to snag this bag - particularly given how rarely it surfaces at online auction and how trepidacious I am about authenticity when buying designer online.
If you're in the market for pristine vintage, particularly Chanel, visit Pilgrim NYC at 70 Orchard Street (and if you're in the market for the same vintage Speedy 30, I did surface this one online at Yoogi's Closet for $1,195)
The Bag That Got Away (No Longer)
Reading Material: Five Links Worth Clicking
- All Lacquered Up has a first look at the new Fan Collection from Rescue Beauty Lounge and holy heaven, it's GORGEOUS.
- I'm not ashamed to admit that I read all 29 pages of #WHATSHOULDWECALLME, a genius Tumblr of all GIFs.
- Pulitzer Prize winning fashion critic Robin Givhan presents a compelling case (and loses her front row seat in the process): Is Chanel Designer Karl Lagerfeld Spread Too Thin?
- Irony at its finest: Louis Vuitton sends a cease and desist to the University of Pennsylvania Law School for trademark infringement.
- Women hate beards, it's science. Well, not this woman, so great, more bearded men for me.
OOTD: A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
'A Thin Line Between Love and Hate' means many things to many people, but to me, it MOST aptly describes the pants I'm wearing today. Namely, the new Diesel Skinny Ankle Length Zivy Jean in Spearmint. These jeans are pretty much the most MINT GREEN things you've ever seen in your life, and frankly, they make me feel a wee bit like a Jordan Almond gone bad or more appropriately...naughty (in the best way possible, of course.)
These jeans are not, OBVIOUSLY, for the faint of heart. Frankly, they come close to STOPPING TRAFFIC on the street, much like an adorable French Bulldog puppy will. In fact, as you'll see above, a handsome young gentlemen couldn't help but stop and photobomb my OOTD today - that's how striking he found my pants.
I have to say that outfit photos are an amazingly valuable exercise for anyone that loves fashion, as you'll sometimes be immediately be struck by elements of your look that you'd have changed, and in retrospect today, I likely would have chosen a lighter shoe. Thankfully, I've got the Kyte from Sole Society in my office, and did a quick switcheroo for fresh take.
Head to toe:
- Ray-Ban Wayfarers
- J. Crew Cardigan (no longer available, similar here)
- American Apparel Deep V-Neck Tee
- Balinese silk scarf
- Diesel Skinny Ankle Length Zivy Jean in Spearmint (gift)
- Lia Sophia Cuff (gift)
- Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 30
- Cynthia Vincent Mason Platform Buckle Wedge (available on Swirl TODAY!)
Believe This: Fakes Are Never in Fashion
Alan Marks (SVP, Global Communications, eBay Inc.), Frank Abagnale, Valerie Salembier (SVP, Global Communications, eBay Inc.), Susan Engel (Portero CEO), Thomas Onda (Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, Levi Strauss & Co.), Fred Felman (Mark Monitor), Photo credit: Kristen Somody Whalen.
It wasn't SO long ago that buying a designer handbag, apparel, shoes or fragrance required actual, you know, EFFORT. And by that, I'm talking walking yourself into a department store, specialty store or brand boutique to make your long-awaited purchase. But by the 1990s, the birth of ecommerce changed the landscape entirely and purchasing luxury goods – not to mention everything else imaginable in the free world – was just a few keystrokes and an Enter key away. And while that may be convenient for consumers and profitable for retailers, it's also profitable for a less savory element of society...namely counterfeiters and the selling of fakes proliferated online with remarkable speed. In fact, a recent study revealed that 80 percent of all fake goods sold were purchased online.
Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of attending the 7th annual Anticounterfeiting Summit, hosted by Harper’s Bazaar in partnership with eBay and Mark Monitor. This year’s theme, Counterfeiting 2.0: The Internet and it's Role in the Global Counterfeiting Epidemic, focused on the wide range of counterfeit products readily available at consumers’ fingertips, and how brands and consumers can avoid falling prey to the criminals who peddle them.
Experts on hand included Frank W. Abagnale, who delivered the keynote address to an audience of luxury goods executives, government officials and members of the international legal and business communities. Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on the subjects of counterfeiting, forgery, embezzlement, and document security and has been associated with the FBI for over 35 years but is best known for as the inspiration for the film and Broadway production of Catch Me If You Can.
Following the keynote, Valerie Salembier, SVP/Publisher of Harper’s Bazaar, moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion with Susan Engel, Chief Executive Officer of Portero, Alan Marks, Senior Vice President, Global Communications, eBay Inc. and Thomas M. Onda, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, Levi Strauss & Co.
The sale of counterfeit goods is a $600 billion a year illegal business affecting key components of the U.S. and global economy. It is responsible for the loss of 750,000 jobs and $250 billion in revenue to companies in the U.S. alone, and can be tied directly to child labor, drug trafficking and terrorism.
So, what can you do to support? Easy. Don't buy counterfeit merchandise - ever! And follow The Harper’s Bazaar Fakes Are Never In Fashion™ campaign online or on Twitter at @NeverFakes for up to minute updates on legislation and more.
What's your take on counterfeit merchandise? Do tell in the comments!
What's in HER Bag? Vera Sweeney of I'm Not Obsessed
If you love pop culture as I do, it's a given that you're an I'm Not Obsessed reader. In fact, you may INDEED be obsessed with I'm Not Obsessed (insert groan here.)
What you likely don't know is that founder Vera Sweeney is the ultimate entrepreneur - a working mother with a burgeoning online media empire, including the recent launch of Lady and the Blog, a fashion and beauty specific site for moms. Vera was gracious enough to open up her bag for eye4style readers. Read on to see what's she's toting in her Vuitton!
- Louis Vuitton Speedy - a gift from my hubby while I was hospitalized for two months baking my Liam
- Hayden Harnett wallet - a joint purchase I make with my friend Sylvia. We've been purchasing our wallets together since junior year of High School. It's a FACT - we will always have the same wallets. LOL!
- Tom Ford leather makeup bag - my next door neighbor Amy gave it to me last year.
- LAMB perfume
- Badgley Mischka 'Couture' Parfum Elixir (my absolute FAVORITE fragrance)
- Moroccan Oil - my hair is super dry and this product really works
- Droid phone - the love of my life
- Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara and Eye Fly Lash Extender - SERIOUS mascara. My eyelashes look amazing if I put these two together
- Elizabeth Arden High Shine Lip Gloss: Berrylicious - got it for free during my last facial and like it
- Elf lipstick in rosy tan- bought it during Cyber Monday last year and never looked back. GREAT lipstick cheap
- Elf eyeliner - same story. SO CHEAP. I love it.
I love that Vera's such a minimalist! How does your bag compare?
Rent the Runway, Reviewed
When Rent the Runway launched late last year, I was intrigued. Unlike Avelle (a bag rental service, formerly known as Bag, Borrow or Steal), renting special occasion dresses actually makes SENSE to me. While bags are investment purchases and I'll carry the right one for years (hey there, trusty Louis Vuitton Speedy 30!), I have to attend many events on a monthly basis and frankly, I don't want to be seen in the same special occasion dress over and over again. So, Rent the Runway seemed like a godsend.
Despite my enthusiasm, it took a few months for me to come back around to the site and actually place an order. Last week's Women In Need Gala, honoring Brendan Hoffman, CEO of Lord & Taylor & Cindi Leive, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Magazine, was the perfect occasion for a test drive as if ANYTHING warrants a new dress, it's a room full of rich men (and, uh, a worthy cause?)
Choosing a dress was relatively easy. Rent the Runway has a fantastic mix of young and established designers (think Robert Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, Tibi + more) and rental fees are affordable - from $50 to $250. While a few of my choices were unavailable for my chosen date and/or size (understandable, as I doubt if they're able to keep a deep stock), I WAS able to reserve a gorgeous goddess-y Yigal Azrouel frock ($100 rental fee), above.
And I was really looking forward to wearing it until about 2 days before the event, when Rent the Runway called me to communicate two issues with my order:
- My alternate size was out of stock
- The first choice size was in "less than pristine" condition
While I appreciated the call, I was admittedly non-plussed by the situation and they agreed to cancel the order and credit my card.
Imagine my surprise when a messenger delivery from Rent the Runway arrived just a few hours later.
Despite the effort (which deserves an A+!), the dress arrived in the wrong color and in questionable condition (the fabric is quite delicate and there were several visible pulls.) In addition, the "fit kit," a selling point of the Rent the Runway experience, was not included.
As I was in dire sartorial straits, I wore the Yigal dress anyway and it admittedly garnered a myriad of compliments, even one from Purple Lab creatrix Karen Robinovitz (also known as one of the most stylish women that I know.)
Aside from some flaws in the system and a less-than-stellar experience this go-around, Rent the Runway is a clever solution to that age-old problem, "But what will I wear?"
To become a member, leave a comment below with your email address enabled and I'll shoot you an invite!
Sip This: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
Today was my final day in London and I was determined to make the very most of it. So, I started off the day bright & early at Kensington Palace and then shopped at the quintessentially British Fortnum & Mason, where I snagged some fabulously luxe beauty goodies, including my fave Italian Nesti Dante soaps (they're nearly impossible to find in NYC) and some beautiful loose teas (one of the store's claims to fame.)
But the highlight of the afternoon was definitely an untraditional take on afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea (£35 per person) at The Berkeley, a luxe hotel in Knightsbridge. Served in the chic Caramel Room on fine-bone china by Paul Smith for Thomas Goode, this experience is a must for any fashion lover in London.
Inspired by the themes and colors of the Autumn/Winter 2009 runway season, today's service included sweets inspired by the designs by Christian Dior, Burberry, Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry, among others. I also enjoyed a generous assortment of savory bites and delightful Pear Caramel and Chocolate Mint Truffle teas.
Seeking inspiration for his beautiful (and delicious!) creations, the pastry chef at The Berkeley attends the shows, which means that the menu for Prêt-à-Portea changes every six months to coincide with the new fashion season (the A/W 09 menu kicked off just last week.)
Check out the gallery below to experience Prêt-à-Portea for yourself - and if you're in London anytime soon, I'd definitely recommend a visit to The Berkeley.
Classic Tea Sandwiches
This Season's Inspiration for Prêt-à-Portea
A Detailed Description of "Cakes & Fancies"
Savory skewers, taster spoons and canapés
An Assortment of Sweets
More Sweets...
In addition to the biscuits seen here, Emanuel Ungaro cassis and cranberry bavarois with Curacao jelly and high-heeled tuile (back) and Emilio de la Morena caramelized banana mousse with red currant jam and over-sized chocolate collar (front).
Roger Vivier & Burberry Biscuits
Roger Vivier chocolate ‘over-the-knee’ boot biscuit with signature buckle and heart and Burberry Prorsum classic trench coat biscuit with rich cinnamon flavours and caramel belt and buttons.
A Closer Look at the Second Tier of Sweets....
Louis Vuitton pale pink bunny ears on a base of chestnut and pomegranate mousse
Matthew Williamson joconde sponge cake dress filled with lychee cream and spun sugar ruffles
Christian Dior almond macaroon with layered texture and white chocolate and blueberry ganache
Bag of the Day: Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy
The first Spring bag that I've unearthed from the depths of my closet is my beloved Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 30. I must say, it feels pretty fresh to have this baby on my arm after carrying a darker shoulder bag for most of the winter.
What are you carrying these days?
For the Love of (Fashion) Multiples
With all this talk of Octomom, my mind has turned to multiples lately. Multiples of the fashion variety, of course.
I don't know about you but when I find an item that I love, I tend to stock up. This has some pluses and minuses. While it's good to have multiples of staple items, if you buy too many, you risk looking the same everyday (which anyone who has seen me in a cardigan and long camisole can attest to.)
Here's a list of the multiples in my wardrobe currently:
- 25 Hanky Panky Thongs
- 12 J.Crew Cardigans (different colors/prints/styles)
- 10 Honeydew Mesh Boyshorts
- 5 DVF Wrap Dresses (various prints)
- 4 pairs of Old Navy Diva Skinny Jeans
- 4 American Apparel Tri-Blend Deep V Tees
- 3 Pairs of Low Top Converse All Stars
- 3 Gap Ultimate Push Up Bras
- 2 J.Crew Eliza Camisoles
- 2 Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart Batwing Sleeve Sweatshirts
- 2 Louis Vuitton Speedy's (Used to be four but I recently sold a red Epi 25 and a Damier 25)
- 2 Pairs of Uggs
Trend Alert: Graffiti for Spring
The charms of graffiti can go high or low in fashion, as evidenced by the picks above. But one thing's for sure, it's back in a big way for Spring 2009. Will you be rocking any of these looks?
What Do You Think of the New Louis Vuitton Sprouse Collection?
- It's a little, er, bold. Not for me! (20 votes)
- I LOVE IT! I NEED ONE IN EVERY COLOR. (8 votes)
- I can see the appeal, but it won't work with my wardrobe. (13 votes)
- Is that Marc Jacobs? Damn, he looks good. (16 votes)
- Other. I'll tell you in the comments below. (2 votes)
Sarah Palin - Counterfeit Supporter?
Exhibit A? Piper Palin and her painfully faux Louis Vuitton.
What do you think about counterfeit merchandise? Would you buy a fake bag for your seven year old? Tell me in the comments.