Work It Out

We all know the deal.

2013 is inching closer and closer, inevitably creating the ominous, all too familiar feeling in people bent on the resolution of self-improvement at the onset of the impending new calendar year. 

Usually seen in the form of gym memberships, pledges to lose weight, tone up, eat healthier, eradicate vices, or what have you.

...Until January 2nd sets in, of course.

And if the above statement describes you, fret not. No shame!

Instead, I bring you a little gym-spiration, fashion style, featuring totally practical gym attire to help keep motivation as high as Lily Donaldson's heels (...well at the very least until the champagne stops flowing)

But on a serious note folks, where can I find this gym in which it's de rigeur to wear stilettos and YSL jumpsuits? Where, I say?

 Sign me up for a lifelong membership, please.

Thanks.

        images via V Magazine

Featuring: Lily Donaldson

Photographer: Sharif Hamza

Stylist: Tom Van Dorpe

Reindeer

images via Marie Claire, Vogue Korea, Huffington Post, Fashionising, US Vogue

Happy Holidays and safe travels to all you reindeer out there!

Daphne

images via tumblr: feelthecold/model-gifs/beedonaldson

Daphne Groeneveld, Supreme Management

Fab XV

Extremely jealous of all of those who were able to escape off to Miami for this past weekend's Art Basel festivities, I found myself drawn to brilliant, kaleidoscopic creations reminiscent of the tropic locale. Naturally, this brought me straight to the one and only Matthew Williamson.

Having recently feted 15 years of the Matthew Williamson brand, a name synonymous with colorful, exuberant jet-set ready frocks, a film was released by the designer in partnership with Swarovski.

The deliciously eerie and decadently imaginative short film, XV, was officially released last month featuring of bevy of Britain's favorite It-Girls: Poppy Delevingne, Sienna Miller, Andrea Riseborough and Valentine Fillol-Cordier, among others. All  of whom are decked out in Williamson's limited-edition designs featuring another iconic name...you guessed it, Swarovski. 

Enjoy XV below, directed by Tell No One

video via FashionTube

Black Out

Hat: H&M (similar) Turtleneck: American Apparel Skirt: Juicy Couture (similar) Belt: pilfered from the boyfriend, remastered by me  (similar)Tights: Hue Shoes: YSL Watch: Michael Kors Bracelets: John Hardy, Tiffany's Necklace (worm as bracelet): Tiffany's, DVF Brazilian Wish Bracelet 

Whenever I'm feeling a lack of outfit inspiration, I turn to my favorite dressing motto: 

When In Doubt, All Black It Out. 

It's the easiest formula for a chic, pulled-together outfit with minimal effort.
And let's face it - I love the color black. Anyone who knows me can certainly attest to that.

To keep the overall look from feeling a bit drab and depressing, look to mixing textures and shapes to break up the ensemble a bit.

Today, I did not one but two things I typically avoid, and I must say, I have officially broadened my sartorial horizons. First, I paired tights with (gasp) open-toed shoes. Something which I've seen pulled off wonderfully on some women...and horribly on others. I decided to give it a go with my patent YSL Tributes in an effort to a) mix textures, adding in a bit of shine to an otherwise matte look and b) try something new, and I was surprisingly pleased with the outcome. Plus, the all black with a hat instantly brought to mind Hedi Slimane's debut collection for Saint Laurent Paris so, how could I not have paired the shoes with the outfit?

Secondly, I did the almost unspeakable for me...I added a hat. I've always loved the look of hats in many styles on others, and secretly not-so secretly wished I could wear to the same effect. I've always thought there was something about the shape of my head and face that was just too tricky to master the art of wearing le chapeau.  

I now know I am, without a doubt, a convert.

Paris Does Paris

image via fashionmodeldirectory

Cover Shot Friday - the early edition (yes, I am aware it's Thursday!)

Traveling back 6 years to the height of the era of flash, cash, fast fame and overexposure.

 Paris Hilton on the cover of Vogue Paris November 2006, shot by Mario Testino.

Shop, Sip, Donate

If the plethora of sample sales, extended Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals and others forms of retail mania have yet to slow your shopping stamina, why not add a few more events to your calendar?

New York Designers Care

Tomorrow through Friday, Showroom New York will be hosting the pop-up sale event, New York Designers Care, in conjunction with FIT, Design Entrepreneurs NYC and NY Cares. Proceeds of all sales will go towards the NY Cares Sandy relief efforts, and a coat drive will also be featured during the event.

Carve out some space in your closets and hearts and donate to those in need, all while shopping for a cause...after all, you'll be needing to fill all that extra room with something, amiright?

Featured designers include Cala Ossidiana, Jacki Easlick, Vespertine, Sena, A.D.O., Study NY, and Kordal among others. 

UPDATE: Lafayette 148 has just been added to the roster of designers/labels - come stop by and say hi!

The sale starts at 11am both days, but be sure to try to make it down for the cocktail hour event Thursday from 6-8pm!

Showroom New York

262 W. 38th Street

Suite 506

Thursday 12/6: 11am - 8pm

Friday 12/7: 11am - 7pm

Support Project A.L.S. at EDIT New York

If you find yourself further uptown on Thursday evening, stop by EDIT New York between 6:30pm - 8:30pm to enjoy an evening of  cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in support of the efforts to help find a cure for A.L.S. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Be sure to RSVP to this event at vastonPR@editnewyork.com

Happy Shopping!

Casual Glam

Dress:daftbird Vest: vintage Belt: H&M (similar) Shoes: Zara (similar, similar)  Crocodile clutch: vintage (similar) Bracelets: John Hardy, Tiffany's, Necklace (worn as bracelet): Tiffany's, DVF Brazilian wish bracelet Necklace: Gucci 

It has taken a turn for the absolutely freezing outside, and though the obvious choice is to start bundling  layer upon layer when heading outdoors, I wanted to keep my look from turning into a  lumpy, bulky mishmash of an outfit on my Friday night. So naturally, I turned to this vest and belt to add a dose of glamour to the simple look, taking the casual maxi dress to the next level...without sacrificing warmth of course.

 (My coat and ample dosage of wine didn't hurt either!)

There was something wonderfully sleek about the line of the dress, and when paired with the luxe accessories it created a look I know will become a quick and easy go-to for me, when a casual outfit with just a touch of extra ooomph is in order. 

Petite Est Belle

Louis Vuitton teams up with street-style powerhouses Miroslava Duma, Hanneli Mustaparta and Elin Kling for the video short Small Is Beautiful, showing off a myriad of the oh-so portable and adorable LV minis...proof for any doubters that good things definitely can come in small packages.

Holiday gift seekers, take note: do not be shocked if this video rather mysteriously ends up in your inbox...

Nothing like a little wintery weather and beautiful handbags to get you in the gift-giving (or wishlist-making) spirit!

Louis Vuitton presents "Small is Beautiful!" from Louis Vuitton on Vimeo.

Party Time

images courtesy of HarpersBazaar

A raucous 2011 Harper's Bazaar (US) spread, shot at the always rollicking Standard Hotel, Highline  to get you in the mood for all your pre-Thanksgiving festivities!

Photographer: Alexi Lubomirski

Stylist: Brana Wolf

Models: Toni Garrn, Rose Smith, David Agbodji, Artur Kulkov 

Featuring: Sky Ferreira, Ian Mellencamp, Solange Knowles, Lykke Li, James Blake, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Leelee Sobieski, Caitlin Moe, Mia Moretti, Derek Blasberg, Santigold, Spank Rock, Rinko Kikuchi, Nikki Reed, Thomas McDonell, and Richard Phillips

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Clutch

Clutch: Lauren Merkin (similar), Christian Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm, Prada Eau de Parfum (travel size), MAC  Kohl Power Eye Pencil, Bodycology Body Cream in White Gardenia

I hit the road this past weekend forced determined to pack lightly...quite possibly for the very first time in my life, for the record. This was, admittedly, a product of time constraints more so than due to premeditated planning.

Successful? Very, I'm happy to report.

Surprisingly, these key items (along with a few others not pictured) carried me a long way and made it so incredibly easy to freshen up, and transition my look from day to night while out and about. And, dare I say, even inspired me to go easier on my luggage (and my back) for the future...at least for now, anyways!

Needless to say these items have now graduated to permanent-fixture status in any bag of mine, whether on-the-go or not.

Rodarte Retrospective

images via fashiongonerouge

 Grey Magazine raids the Rodarte archives for an editorial featured in their FW 2012 issue

Photographer: Nan Goldin

Stylist: Valentina Ilardi-Martin

Models: Carrie Ann Burton, Ondria Hardin and Dorte Limkilde