Fly Like A Bird [Lanvin]

The Element of Freedom turned out to be a surprisingly prophetic theme for me. So as the month draws to a close, I'm spreading my wings and taking flight surely towards greener pastures. ::Diddy voice:: Now, let's work!

Necklace by Lanvin


"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom."

The Art of Gentlemanliness [Burberry Prorsum Menswear Fall 2012]

Burberry's Christopher Bailey looked to old school charm for Fall's menswear collection. Double-breasted suits and coats were cut in heavy wools, tweed and corduroy. The collection bordered on austere, but Bailey was sure to infuse some fun. He spiced things up first with the tailoring, cutting pants and jackets for an especially snug silhouette. Next he added color to the mix with teal caps and striped scarves. Always a fan of adding something unexpected to the equation, the color blocked parkas and studded leather accessories were the icing on this already very tasty cake. 

LBD [Dolce & Gabbana]

Dolce & Gabbana is no stranger to the little black dress. This season the designers whip up a seductively simple strapless number in tulle and lace. Opt for bare wrists, a bold neck and patent pumps to complete the look.

Turn Up The Music [Lanvin Fall 2012]

Alber Elbaz is in a festive mood, and with good reason; this season marks his tenth year at the helm of the luxury colossus that is the house of Lanvin. And this house sure knows how to throw a party. Elbaz started things off strong, with a kaleidoscope of minimal, yet structured, knee-length dresses in rich jewel tones and bold brights. Then he offered a brief reprieve with separates in darker shades. A short, black velvet number modeled by Karlie Kloss was particularly easy. But in typical Lanvin fashion, Elbaz saved the best for last. The finale was literally an explosion of ruffles, lace, brocades, and vibrant furs. And let's not neglect the jewelry. Gaudy baubles danced on earlobes and necks shamelessly. And the jewels didn't end there. Those "jewel tones" from the opening reemerged as actual jewels heavily appliquéd on dresses. And just to be comprehensive, Elbaz complemented the look with bright colored pumps with soles covered in crystals. Decadence at it's absolute best!

I Know You Want Me [Oscar de la Renta]

Oscar de la Renta's foray into jewelry has been nothing short of perfection. The pieces are classic, yet fresh, often with art deco and artisanal details. Those features have proved outstanding resources for creating a collection of very unique statement jewelry. The comprehensive collection consists of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings all available in a variety of colors. Check out this sampling of earrings from the fall 2012 collection below.

MIX IT UP [ETRO]

Etro switches things up with a funky take on the classic men's cotton shirt. Mixing different gingham, stripe and check prints on collars and cuffs, designer Kean Etro creates a look that's equal parts sophisticated and playful.

Swim Good [Swimsuits]

From surreal, to vintage, and on to tribal, printed swimsuits have been a major trend this season. Check out some cool, original and flattering options from Rosamosario, Zimmerman and Mara Hoffman.

Can I Walk With You? [Giuseppe Zanotti]

Giuseppe Zanotti stikes again with this pair of crystal encrusted peep toe heel-less wedges. Tip carefully.

In Full BLOOM [Monique Lhuillier Resort 2013]

Monique Lhuillier turned to a retina-searing color palette for her latest resort collection. Bright yellows, oranges and pinks were worked into floral or paint splatter prints. Thankfully the shapes were simple in contrast to the overwhelming color story. The silhouette was cinched at the waist with full or slim skirts, short shorts, and cigarette pants. A crocodile embossed shift dress, pink one shoulder draped gown and orange appliquéd mullet dress were stand outs. The shoes, ironically, were not.  

LBD [Lanvin]

This month's little black dress comes courtesy of Lanvin. With a fitted bodice, sheer sleeves and raw edges, it is both youthful and modest. But the real beauty is in its simplicity. This silhouette is extremely forgiving and especially favors boxy figures. Finish the look with bold pumps and earrings.

Under the Sea [Alexander McQueen]

Alexander McQueen updates the label's signature box clutches for Spring 2012 with the season's underwater motif. With details ranging from crystal-embellished stingray, rusted gold fish scales and iridescent pearls, these bags could easily pass for lost treasure. I'm sure their price tags will reflect that sentiment as well.

Can't Get Enough [Louis Vuitton Men's Spring 2012]

Easy sophistication is at the very core of the Louis Vuitton brand, and new menswear designer Kim Jones is quickly learning the house codes. Sharp suits, printed short sets and tailored outerwear made for an especially luxurious, albeit wearable wardrobe. All this is to be expected from a house with an illustrious 150+ year legacy and annual revenues in the billions. But Jones didn't play it entirely safe; he mined his own illustrious history as a British child growing up in Kenya for references. The end result included a Masai-inspired update to Vuitton's iconic damier pattern in a bold red and blue plaid as well as a series of casual coats cut from crocodile. Let's call it leisurely luxury at its best. 

Don't Walk Away [Nicholas Kirkwood]

These black suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood are anything but basic. Standing at six inches tall, the shoe features Kirkwood's new signature slanted platform, but the real magic is in the ruffle trimmed heel. Enjoy.

Love Is Like The SEA [Alexander McQueen]

Sarah Burton takes to the open sea for Alexander McQueen's Spring 2012 collection. Strong shoulders and cinched waists with a delicate flourish at the hem was the dominant silhouette, but there were also some notable baby doll shapes and mullet gowns. Besides being utterly beautiful, what comes across loud and clear in this collection is the tediousness of Sarah Burton's obsessive process. From the iridescent , micro-pleated fabrics to the coral encrusted beading and the laser cut leather, the collection was executed with the utmost attention to the details.