Today is March 31st. It is 5 days after what would have been my mother’s 76th birthday. She died unexpectedly just over a year ago. I am very sad and I miss her very much and today I am feeling very melancholy. She was just the most amazing woman — so kind and warm and loving and generous and fun and funny and full of life. I wish that I could give her a tribute. She deserves one. I don’t know what it would be, but I’d love to think that I could actually write a book. 

Anyway, I was sitting here surfing and going through folders of images and editorials I had collected and I came across Steven Meisel’s haunting and beautiful tribute to the late Yves Saint Laurent, Silent. And then I started thinking about Alexander McQueen. What a sad and tragic loss. It just makes it all the sadder because he took his own life.

Why do artists always have to be so tortured? And I mean that as an honest and sincere question. I suppose it’s because the most talented artists put all of themselves into their work. They bleed for their art. They are sensitive and emotional and delicate. I was an actress for a long time and to be really good at it, you have to completely strip away your outer layer and make yourself as vulnerable and open as possible. That’s some scary shit. And fashion is really no different. When you look at McQueen’s clothes, you can see him in it. He certainly left a legacy in the world of fashion that will live on for generations to come, I am sure.

So, since I have no tribute of my own, I will give you Steven Meisel’s. To Yves Saint Laurent, Lee Alexander McQueen, and Betsy Hansen, my Mom. 

from Italian Vogue, August 2008; images from slideshare.net.

I honestly have a physical reaction of the third degree when I come across great design.  And how nice to come across it in office supplies  Check out I Love Book and get a nice style rush while you’re jotting down your to-do’s.

images via I Love Book

This last trip to NYC was all about the girl power. From the lovely Mariana and Ana to the luminous Lauren Hutton (we saw her at The Smile and I told her she was beautiful — I’m such a dork!), it was all about the girls. Well, the one-and-only Sonia Rykiel was a big part of the girl power for Arlene’s 9-yr old daughter, Kit. 

I probably don’t need to tell you that the combination of pink and blue and red and leopard and stripes and hearts was like a paradise for Kit (and the chocolate muffins certainly didn’t hurt, especially after her disappointing breakfast at Starbuck’s). Our rep, Mina, took an instant liking to Kit and presented her with the most adorable pink, sparkly pen/key ring sort of thing (I’m ashamed to admit that Arlene and I were a little jealous — I’m not proud of it, but it was Sonia Rykiel!) Anyway, it appears that the trip was even more influential on Kit than we knew. A week later, on our 1st night back in New York, Arlene showed me this picture that Kit had drawn…

Okay, is it just me or is this totally inspired by Sonia Rykiel? I mean, Hello, they’re all wearing berets! Judge for yourself — here’s a peek at a few of the sweaters we saw at the showroom…

I find it fascinating to see how this came out, interpreted by Kit. I can’t wait to see what my very special Kittersons ends up doing with her life. She is clearly going to be a creative force to be reckoned with!

And lastly, when we returned from our 2nd trip to NYC, we found a package for Kit. In it was a beautiful Sonia by Sonia Rykiel silver flower necklace. And 2 pink sparkly pen/key rings Thanks, Mina. You’re the greatest!

Everyone loves Sonia, even my precious little puppy, Kuma…

Kuma, wearing Sonia for H & M :)

Aside from all the fantastic outerwear and pants for fall, fall market was also all about some awesome girl power!   We have met the most fantastic women on this trip!  The fun started the morning we left for NYC….we meet Ana & Mariana.  We first spotted each other in the security line at the airport, then at the same gate then, of course as fate would have it, on the plane.  They were seated directly in front of us!  That’s when Ana popped her head over her seat and introduced herself.  Enough with all the flirting and winking, right Ana is from Madrid and future showroom owner and Mariana is from Argentina and has an incredible handbag line, Mikai.  Mikai is the first line we bought for fall…right off Jet Blue!

awww....there they are, Ms Ana and Ms Mariana

I just had to pan back and get a full shot. How cute are they??

Below are a few shots of Mariana’s fabulous handbag line.  The leather and production is all out of Argentina.  Great everyday handbags that I would love to carry around well, everyday!

overnighter bag Look at that color!!

pompom bag. Love the size. LOVE the pompom.

small bandolera. Have you seen a cooler crossbody?? I don't think so!

Here we are after we ran into each other a SECOND time during our trip, right outside the Lyell store.

Alice in Wonderland fans will know I’m talking about the release of Tim Burton’s take on the classic Carroll story. A while back, I posted about Alice and was eagerly anticipating the unveiling of exclusive Alice designs for Printemps in Paris. Somehow, I completely forgot about it until I started thinking about who I could get to go to see the movie with me tonight. Surprise, surprise, they’ve been up for over 2 weeks now!!! In case you haven’t seen them, here’s a glimpse.

First, Alexander McQueen. {I have been struggling with what to say about his passing. I just adored him and what he brought to the world of fashion and am so, so sad that he is gone. The world of fashion won’t be the same without him.}

Chloe

Nicholas Kirkwood -- "This time, I figured, why not just pile as much as I can on top?”

Ann Demeulemeester

Maison Martin Margiela

images via focusonstyle.com and style.com

We saw so many amazing pants in NYC last week! For Fall 2010, it is all about the pants. Harem pants, soft pants, leggings, patchwork, panelling… When Arlene and I started this website, we were pretty adamant that we would sell only a tiny offering of pants (knowing that finding the perfect pair of jeans is one of the most tortuous undertakings that any woman can endure). Well this season we’re breaking all of our own rules! Just look at all the fabulous pants that made their way down the runway.

Leggings and panelling at Rag and Bone and Derek Lam…

and at Ohne Titel and The Row…

and from a couple of TwentyThirtyForty.net’s faves, Gar-de and Mason…

And lots and lots and lots of soft pants. My favorite — mmmmm, so cozy. 

Acne

Costello Tagliapietra, Max Mara, and The Row…

and some super soft and slouchy offerings from Loeffler Randall. We adored her seashell pocket pant from last Spring, so we’re totally jazzed about these!

and, of course, the lovely Rachel Comey (quickly becoming my very favorite pant designer)

We’re just barely entering the Spring season, there’s still snow on the ground here, and all I’m looking forward to is next fall! The world of fashion is soooo confusing, but bring on the pants!!

all runway images via Style.com

We are big Rachel Comey fans. To me she has that same quirky, lux, creative vibe that Ms Jane Mayle was so famous for.  I love the way she plays with her textures, colors and her irresistible prints!   Always current, always timeless.  We could not wait to see the collection first hand in her showroom.  The showroom was a treat in itself…very warm and special.

These are just two small shelves in her beautiful space...souvenirs, collections, books, pictures. Inspiration everywhere.

floor to ceiling bookshelves. LOVED the beamed ceiling.

great purple chaise tucked away off to the side :)

look at that awesome flap bag next to Spud!

my favorite were the huge windows with all the great plants lining the sills

Rachel has been doing clogs and versions of the clogs for many seasons

Rachel's beautiful collection

The fabulous Rachel Comey

Thank you Taisa!!  Thank you Rachel!

So sorry for the lag in posts, just needed to recharge and regroup  NYC was an incredible time to say the very least!  Fall looks really strong and everyone’s taking the basics to a new level. There’s so much to tell you all!   First off, much fun at LD Tuttle…..great shoe appointment topped off with some streetstyle.

LD Tuttle's famous platform wedges

Tiffany Tuttle also produced a great collection of rounded toes

You have to see this one up close...cool, right?

LD Tuttle shares her space w/some fantastic jewelry designers.

That choker is right up my alley

Outside LD Tuttle. Love those glasses (clear lucite) and those loafers, they look great on her.

One of the most important pieces in a wardrobe for me is outerwear.  Being in Chicago, outerwear comes in real handy 8 out of the 12 months a year.  Half the time my outfit is my outerwear!  Great to see such a variety…layered, color, color blocking, vests.  Lots & lots to choose from.  Here are a few stunners to look forward to this fall.

Images via style.com

from top to bottom:  Boy by Band of Outsiders, Chris Benz, Acne, Zero+Maria Cornejo, Boy by Band of Outsiders, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne

Since we were only able to hit 1 night of Fashion Week, we sadly missed The New Garde presentation, featuring talented and innovative up-and-comers, Gar-de. So bummed that we missed it, but at least we’ll get to see them in person next week. Here’s a sneak peek:

all images via WWD