2.22.2011

The Count of Monte Cristo [Alexander McQueen Men's Fall 2011]

The look at Alexander McQueen's latest fall menswear collection can be described as a "best of both worlds;" a merging of formal and not so formal elements. It's a concept that is hardly new to menswear collections, particularly at McQueen, and it's showing no signs of easing up. Broad lapeled coats were paired with tailored sweatpants, fur trimmed jackets with leather motocross pants, and track jackets under oversized collared overcoats. It's the kind of contrast or clashing that some would describe as fresh and modern, but at McQueen the fusion was virtually seamless and the look made perfect sense. It was almost intuitive; in fact, you could hardly imagine the garments paired in any other way. It was a perfect tightrope between chic and shabby. 


2.20.2011

Flashing Lights [Kanye West All of the Lights Music Video]

Hype Williams and Kanye West join forces once again for Kanye's latest video from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The video features guest spots from Rihanna and Kid Cudi but the track has vocals from Fergie, Alicia Keys, Bon Iver, and La Roux just to name a few. There's some nice art direction, but Rihanna's set-up in particular left me underwhelmed and the end was nearly seizure inducing. I have to say I'm a little disappointed with the video because I love the song, but it has some good moments. Thoughts?

2.15.2011

S&M [Platforms]

If chains and whips excite you then these are the perfect shoes for you. Whether you "make it clap" on a stripper pole, or "drop it like it's hot" on the dance floor, these shoes will give your look some sex appeal. Chunky platforms, lots of straps and high heels are a surefire recipe for creating a super sexy shoe. And by the looks of these, it's probably a recipe for all types of foot pain as well, "but pain is pleasure, and pressure bust pipes," right? Tip carefully.


Please Don't Feed the Models [Rachel Zoe Fall 2011]

Bravo reality star and celebrity stylist extraordinaire Rachel Zoe makes her fashion week debut with a surprisingly subdued and varied collection. From minis to maxis, she had the dresses covered, and the suiting was especially sleek, but the best looks were definitely the outerwear. I'm not sure why, but I was expecting something overtly luxurious. Instead there was a ton of subtlety. To put it in geographic terms, the collection felt much more New York than Los Angeles (Zoe's notorious stomping ground). There were hardly any prints, and the few places where Zoe did use embellishments, she employed them with exceptional restraint. The result is austere at its core, but a little soft around the edges and above all, extremely wearable, which is not the least bit surprising given the designer's day job.


2.14.2011

I Corinthians [India.Arie's Ready for Love]

One of the most honest songs ever written, India.Arie's Ready for Love is solidly on my Top 10 favorite songs list. It's a sincere yet hopeful reminder that love is always hard work, but it's certainly worth it.



Happy Valentine's Day from Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless!

2.06.2011

LBD [Rachel Gilbert]

Australian designer Rachel Gilbert is known for creating sexy standout evening dresses featuring suggestive cut outs and tons of sequins. For this edition of the LBD, she reworks a classic mini dress with an oversized ruffle detail and maze like back detail. The result is a signature sexy little black dress that's sure to be the life of the party. 


We Could Have Had It ALL [Vintage Cartier]

The sale is over, but I'm still dreaming about this piece from Gilt Groupe's vintage watch collection curated by Ben Clymer, founder of watch blog Hodinkee. The watch was no longer available by the time I peeped, but it set someone back a few grand. And with the signature  sapphire crown, gold bezel and exotic red snake skin band, I'm sure this classic Santos watch by Cartier is absolutely worth every penny.

Love All Over Me [Elie Saab Couture Spring 2011]

Elie Saab played to his strengths for his spring 2011 couture collection. He sent one gorgeous gown after another down the catwalk and even included a few dresses with shorter hemlines. While this is hardly new territory for the couturier, the clothes were "breathtaking." The silhouettes were classic and the embroideries were intuitive, but the collection was hardly matronly and almost never prude. A subtle sexy managed to come through all those delicate flower petals and pretty pinks, but it wasn't a complicated look; it was the kind of look that Hollywood starlets are likely to fight over come Oscar night, and that's hardly a novel idea for Mr. Saab. 


Let's Play Dress Up [Lanvin]

Bold accessories round out this cohesively chic look. Take direction from the toga like drape of this Lanvin dress and pair with byzantine inspired McQueen clutch and chunky organic looking jewelry in rich jewel tones that complement (but don't necessarily match) the plum color of the dress.


Dinner Date















You Had Me @ Hello [Versace]

Stand out (and up) in these 7 inch patent leather sandals by Versace. The pale color palette paired with this chunky platform and geometric design is the perfect mix of soft and hard for a bold spring/summer look. 

2.03.2011

LIVE Fast, Die YOUNG [Robot&Brucling]

Boston bred and New York City based design team Robot&Brucling have quickly made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Known for their "Rock-Chic" aesthetic, the duo is most notable for their growing collection of ultra luxe bow ties which come in a variety of fabrics from denim and leather to snake skin and even crocodile. Most pieces are lined in lambskin and feature an adjustable silk neck strap. My personal favorite is the black pony hair bow tie I donned for New Year's Eve, but their collection is vast enough to accommodate almost any occasion. Get into it!



Tahan
navy sea snake






Sabit
black in pony hair




Moab
chocolate crocodile with fur trim 



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Fistful of Tears [Alexander McQueen Resort 2011]

Sarah Burton is quickly becoming my favorite designer of the moment. She continues to wow consumers and critics alike with her effortless ability to showcase her own vision within and with respect to the illustrious McQueen legacy. For resort, Burton looked to strong shoulders, cinched waists, and sky high heels to create a surprisingly soft and very wearable collection, and it is precisely that combination of hard and soft that quintessentially characterizes the house of McQueen. 

2.02.2011

BLACK & YELLOW [EDDIE BORGO]

Jewelry designer Eddie Borgo is quickly becoming the go-to-guy for simple yet bold pieces. From bear trap rings to padlock necklaces, Borgo excels at making mundane, industrial objects into glamorous must have accessories. And before you start stressing about the price, his pieces are costume so they are more or less affordable. Now get into some pieces from his fall 2010 collection.

The Man Who Fell to Earth [Lanvin Menswear Fall 2011]

A long time pioneer in the luxury market, the team at Lanvin  craft a collection for a mysterious new man. Foregoing buttons and zippers for magnetized closures, there is a clearly modern thread in the collection. The tailoring was just close enough for comfort, described by the house as "tailoring used in a sportswear way." Wide brimmed fedoras finished off a look that teetered and tottered perfectly between casual and formal, so no matter the occasion, Lanvin has you covered (if you can afford it). Enjoy!


Up High, Up HIGHER! [ALEXANDER MCQUEEN]

Alexander McQueen is having a sale on the Fall 2010 collection on their website. I'd caution you not to get too excited and consider that "upto 60% off" of $5,000 is still a considerable sum. Nevertheless, if you have an extra thousand or two laying around cop a pair of embellished boots from the late Lee McQueen's iconic final collection. Available in ankle length and thigh high, the leather boots feature broad buckles and an ornately gilded platform and heel inspired by the work of 17th century sculptor Grinling Gibbons. Enjoy! 
Grinling Gibbons ankle boots
original price: $3,895
sale price: $1,554

Grinling Gibbons thigh high boots
original price: $4,995
sale price: $1,994


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