Acne is intoxicating….acne paper, Lanvin + Acne, Acne Collection

Best Behavior out of Denmark.

Love the pops of yellow and the irresistible scarves and onsie!

Okay, I haven’t mentioned this yet, but I love Betsey Johnson. Now before you get all crazy thinking that I love this dress, let me explain: I do love this dress, but only because it is so ridiculous, so exaggerated, so impractical, and above all so very, very Betsey.  

Betsey does politics

For me, Betsey Johnson was my first real foray into the designer world. I used to adore her floral-print dresses and wore them lovingly with my Doc Marten lace-up boots (can you tell I’m a child of the 80’s?). To me, there was nothing sexier than anything that Betsey came up with. It was the only place I would shop and I would save and save to buy myself something new.

Classic Betsey, circa 1982

To this day, I adore her. She has stayed true to who she is — kooky, outrageous and fun — and has still managed to remain relevant and successful, having recently celebrated 30 years in the business. Crazy as ever, who else could come up with such an outrageous dress option for our future first lady? And seriously, who else do you know who is doing cartwheels at the age of 66? ? While in the public eye, no less? I mean, come on. How can you not love Betsey?

Betsey’s cartwheel ( NY Fashion Week, 2008)

Here in the midwest where it refuses to stop dumping snow and freezing into sheet upon sheet of ice, I start daydreaming about being on a tropical vacation somewhere. Lounging by the pool in a fabulous bathing suit with a fabulous cover-up and a fruity cocktail in my hand (delivered by a charming and sexy young poolboy, of course). In these fantasies, my body is tan, slim and firm and I am usually sporting the chicest of sun hats, scarves and sunglasses. It’s always just a little bit Old Hollywood — think Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard. Imagine my pleasant surprise when, perusing a few collections for Resort 09, I notice that the Old Hollywood trend is back. The high-waisted bikini, the Marilyn Monroe cut one-piece, the scarves and hats and giant sunglasses! All I can say is, “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. Demille.”

Funky, retro perfection at Chanel

Impeccable Old Hollywood glam at Chanel

Michael Kors' classic, all-American style

my personal fave at Diane von Furstenberg

 

girl crush, Giovanna Battaglia

This is the first time I came across Giovanna Battaglia, fashion editor of L’uomo Vogue.  To me, Giovanna Battaglia practically IS the definition of style.  Her look is a perfect combination of sophistication and wit, which is oh so sexy.  What she does so successfully is wear what she loves in creative different ways.  Hands down, I find her to be the most interesting to watch.

 

 

puffer & boots

with gloves & heels

the high waisted pant worn casual & chic

still chic worn monochromatically

prada shoe in the spring/summer

prada shoe into the fall

all photos are from fellow Giovanna fans - allure allure, why fashion? , jak & jil

Okay, we all know how much I adore Alexander McQueen, so it is not surprising that I have been following the news regarding his diffusion line for Target very closely. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for pictures and, so far, can only find the 2 posted below. I’m getting excited, though, by the prospect of studs, mesh, and tattoo prints all for under 129.99!!!! If you don’t own any McQueen yet (which is understandable, given the price), get ready for your chance to add some to your wardrobe. You might even be able to afford more than one piece! Just be prepared to get in line after me ’cause I’ll be camping out. Seriously. I’ll keep you posted on the news as I hear it. 

McQueen for Target, inspired by the lead singer of The Duke Spirit