Belle of the (Inaugural) Ball

America is just 2 weeks away from what may prove to be one of the biggest Inaugural Ball scenes in history. And while most I-ball excitement is centered around our President-elect and the kick-off to his administration's first 100 days in office, the second, and perhaps most feverish anticipation is about one thing, and one thing only:

WHAT IS MICHELLE OBAMA GOING TO WEAR TO THE INAUGURAL BALL!

I'd venture to guess that never in a million years did Barack Obama imagine that one of the landmark moments of his (and even our collective) lifetime would be defined by his wife's wardrobe choice! But it is, and the fashionistas in all of us are waiting with bated breath...and opinions galore!

I-ball gown enthusiasts have been pouring over desiginer's sketches of possible looks for Lady O's grand entrance. The stylings range from the marvelous, glamorous and chic(Herrera, Lagerfeld, Rodarte) to the bland, horrific, and absurd (Besty Johnson, Zac Posen, I'm talking to you...).

After much debate, and some waffling, the official KoS selection is this glorious Marchesa gown. It just does all the right things in all the right places and demands attention without bludgeoning the onlooker's retna by being garish. With its well-achieved balance of structure and flow, the result is obvious femininity with an overwhelming strength.

So Michelle, if you or your search engine cronies read this in time... WEAR THE MARCHESA... and call me! We have at least 4 years of shopping to do! And after the Dress-that-divided-a-nation on election night, I think another voice of reason in the malay would be beneficial!!! The IRS seems to always know how to find me...greedy little buggers.

The People's Republic of Freakin' Amazing Handbags

If you would have told me last month that my new favorite handbag was going to be for sale at Banana Republic, I would have laughed in your face. Hard.

Not that there's anything wrong with BR, I mean who doesn't love a good cashmere sweater set for under $200 bucks! But let's just say the upper echelon stylings of Gap, Inc. have never really spoken to me. Maybe a bracelet here, a super-bargain blouse there, but it's definitely not the first place I think of when I need my shopping fix. In fact, no phrase tends to curb my consumer fervor more quickly than hearing one of my friends coo, "Oh, lets check out what they have at 'Banana'!"

Hang me.

But this season, out of nowhere, a big heaping gob of style has apparently come and steamrolled the accessories design team for Banana Republic. Because they have, dare I say it,... some pretty fabulous stuff!

I'm not sold on their footwear, but by golly the handbags are great. I know this because, well... I bought one. (Don't tell Monica Botkier!) There are clutches, and chain-strap shoulder bags, but in particular, the Cambridge Pleated Tote in purple suede had my name all over it. The leather is stellar, and the details on the bag (braided handles, well-placed pockets, darling pleats) add a sense of luxury that even had my most stylish gay friends saying, "There is no way that came from 'Banana'!!!"

Which, of course, filled me with a great sense of accomplishment.

So kudos to you, Banana Republic! Your new bags have more than earned their place in my lust-worthy, must-have hall of fame. My money (well, my $260) is yours. If you have another great accessories season like this one, I may just be willing to pledge my allegiance.

Though I will never agree with your brand's moniker choice. Tropical fruits and governing systems just don't belong together. Not even if you do have really great cashmere.

Aqua Team Fashion Force

Aqua Team Fashion Force by austynellese




Nothing says 80's or early 90's quite like aqua! Thankfully, hindsight is 20/20, and this time around, the still watery hue runs deeper than side ponytails and stirrup pants! From oversized sunglasses to opulent jemstones, Aqua's renaissance has come...and not a decade too soon.

Click on the image above to check out these great styles and find out where you can get them now!

Fringe Benefits?

After watching more hours of RTW Spring 2009 runway shows than is clinically recommended, I think it's time for a second opinion diagnosis of one of the big Spring runway trends: the return of fringe.

It seemed to be everywhere--from the more rugged-looking fringe of William Rast and Hermés to the silky strands of Jil Sander and Alexander McQueen. Many of the looks were dramatic...others were fairly tragic, but their popularity among designers this season brings up a very important debate that divides humanity right down the middle. Because no matter how you try to find a gray area, there are two types of people in the world: people who love fringe, and people who don't.

Yours truly is a proud member of "Team Hem" on this one; because when you get right down to it, fringe always looks sort of costume-y. And whether you're a die-hard fan of the wild, wild west or perhaps just preparing your wardrobe to reflect the fashion era of the first great depression as we enter into the second one, there is no excuse for you to look like a cowboy or a flapper gal almost a decade into the 21st century.

No Excuse.

If you must wear fringe, you're less likely to become a cautionary tale if you stick to fringed accessories. A nice scarf, a fringed handbag, and a necklace or belt with a tassel are a few simple ways to capitalize on the hypnotically feminine movement and texture that fringe provides. But beware. it's easy to go overboard. I wouldn't was this to happen to any of you...

Retailers Remorse : Life After NY Fashion Week

'Twas the night after fashion week and all through the houses,
Not one item was thrilling, not even the blouses!
The buyers all sulked through the market with stares
In hopes that inspiration soon would be there!

Okay, maybe its not that bad, but according to WWD, retailers are suffering from a case of the blahs after what one boutique owner called a rather "phoned-in" showing at New York Fashion Week. With a few sited exceptions, like collections from Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, and Zero+Maria Cornejo, most of the buzz this fashion week seemed to be about the celebs attending shows, and not the showcased designs.

Perhaps buyers were looking to the runways for the one "IT" look or "Must-have" silhouette that would bring customers clamouring back into stores after retail's brutally slow summer. What they seem to have encountered instead was alot of beautiful things...that we've all seen before.

Call it lack of inspiration, or blame it on a struggling economy (the DOW closed almost 500 points down today!), but whatever the reason, the end result seems to be a spring 2009 RTW inventory selection stocked more out of necessity than unfaltering love for the collections.

Not everyone was dismal about the collections. Larger retailers with lots of buying power seemed to be okay with the safer approach to spring. The VP/ Fashion Director of Macy's called the looks "fashionable and realistic,"which could just be the diplomatic way to say bland...

But huzzah! The industry did not leave us completely without a vision for SP'09! The dress, in almost all of its iterations remains a strong piece, and the "grandfather sweater" so popular this fall gets reincarnated as the "boyfriend jacket" in the spring.

2008 may not have been a groundbreaking year for fashion, but on the whole, it was pretty solid. Would a repeat be horrible? Maybe...maybe not. They say, "the devil you know is better than the devil you don't." And in many cases, its true. I just don't want either devil going anywhere near stirrup pants!

Best Foot Forward (with EXCLUSIVE video footage!)

(This lovely little ditty was published in the Boston Globe on July 31st, 2008! Click here to see the abridged version.)


It makes perfect sense that the world’s largest footwear tradeshow is held in Las Vegas twice a year. Shoe collections and “Sin City” have quite a bit in common. Both are full of seduction and intrigue, and oth have an element of risk, with the possibility of a huge payoff.

With shoes, as it is with Vegas, the difference between mere survival and utter dominance, is preparation; and of course, an inside informant to help you beat the house. And though you may have fall items on your current shopping list, it’s never too early to plan your thaw-out ensembles.

Danny Ocean knew there was power in numbers, so here are five sure bets that will hit the jackpot for Spring ’09:

Hole-ier Than Thou: Perforation isn’t just for notebook paper; it’s stylish, too. “Texture is a big deal,” says Rory Mitchell of Asgi Shoes. “It adds another level of luxury. This shoe is high fashion with lots of texture and the luxury of being comfortable.”

Pump It Up: “I think we’re going to see a return to the classic pump, but in a whole new way,” admits Iesha McTeir from Boutique 9. She suggests trying the traditional style with a platform. “It’s a great update to a look women are familiar with.”

Look on the Bright Side: Dull can feel so last season, so don’t be shy. “Nothing says ‘spring’ better than color,” says Nicole Smith of Katheryn Amberleigh. “It’s the best time to have great standout shoe.”



Square Deal: If you’re ready to venture away from a rounded toe, this could be your chance to get edgy. “Stronger geometric shapes, like squares, are going to be very popular,” says Jennifer Staples of Velvet Angels, “especially on the toe and heel treatments. They add lots of drama”



Cut It Out: “Cut-outs are going to be huge, especially for spring/summer boots,” predicts Annette Tang from Michael Antonio. “It’s a strong trend, yet really fun and playful. Year round boots aren’t just for California girls anymore!”



A KoS Exclusive! Check out the trend report video...you deserve to know!

¡Te Extraño, mi fashionista!

Was the last post really on july 15! I can't believe its been that long! Please know that my absence has nothing to do with my lack of things to say, or the lack of things that need to be commented on!

Honestly, the pask couple weeks have been a blur, and the great wall that was built between my blog and I can be attributed to 4 things:

• 1) My birthday!!!! And I had friends in town, so I was running around playing hostess.
• 2) More preparations to move into my new place!
• 3) My trip to sunny Las Vegas to attend WSA (more on that very very soon!
• 4) No wi-fi in my apartment!

But, I'm back and a little more settled... and writing this from a cozy seat in my neighborhood Panera! (If only I could link into this network from home! The signal here is amazing!)

So if you've been checking in faithfully, please accept this lowly and sincere Mea Culpa. I'll try not to let it happen again anytime soon!!!

Kiss and make up?... I knew you'd understand!!!

More to Come....