Barney's Window Shopping...

***
3.1 Phillip Lim top, Bottega Veneta d'orsay skimmers...conservative, chic mom.

Maison Martin Margiela

***
The newest, and most anticipated, addition to my shoe family. I will promptly take them into my local shoe cobbler to affix a toppy sole that will hopefully prevent the leather-covered wedge from getting street-worn. The leather is flush to the ground, which creates that awesome illusion of a heel, but also makes for extra precautionary measures...I'll be so elated to have them I'll practically be floating anyway!
(Mona Moore Shoes, Venice CA...Thank You!!)

Bernhard Willhelm

***
Available at Maryam Nassir Zadeh, NY

Elizabeth Taylor

Celine

***
I want (celine.com for retailers)

Cate Blanchett

***
Always radiant, this time in Givenchy at 2011 Academy Awards.

Dieppa Restrepo

***
(Both pair found at gargyle.com)

Acne

***
Something elegantly primal is captured in this piece...modern lines with a vintage spirit. A girl can dream, right?
(acnestudios.com)

Dries Van Noten

***
Spring 2011 runway. The shoes...oh the shoes!

...More Barbara

***
I just couldn't narrow it
down, it's THAT good!
(Bui from barbarabui.fr)

Barbara Bui

***
(looks from Bui via barbarabui.fr)

Boyy

***
Other colors and awesome styles at boyybag.com. This one called "Slash" also comes in a beautiful gray and in real ssssskinsssss.
(faux python bag at twentythirtyforty.com)

You Go Girl!

***
Gretchen Jones kicking butt on Project Runway season 8. I'm loving the ride so far...keep up the great work!

Zero + Maria Cornejo

***
Just as I was feeling defeated by an afternoon at a lack-luster warehouse sale, I saw this little number barely holding on to it's hanger, like a castaway clinging to a life raft. I pulled it's obscure, lopsided figure from the rack and found, to my delight, a unique crisscrossing romper by Maria Cornejo. It may have been a size too big but hey, that's part of the 70% off package deal and sometimes you just have to compromise...thanks Maria!
(photo via lagarconne.com)

Mother Nature Does it Best

Thanks for sharing Alberto!

Zero + Maria Cornejo

***
(at lagarconne.com)

NY Times Style

***
There's nothing better, and sometimes harder to find, than a man in a sharp suit. Each one featured in this article is under $1,000 and styled in a youthful, approachable way....which makes wearing a suit less associated with monotony and stiff uniformity, and rather more so with respectability and an everyday confidence.
(Photos by Tom Ackerman, more details Here)

Cheap & Cheerful

***
(Also available in black at queenswardrobe.com)

Preen Line

***
(Available at Oak NY)

Proenza Schouler

***
These shoes give me all kinds of wonderful mixed emotions...The platform and silhouette is distinctly 70's disco-era, while the earthy color pallette and woven vamp is much more 60's folk. They have a masculinity and visual weight, yet feel whimsical, playful and artistic. Open at the toe and heel, but closed all the way around. Both soft and bold. Ahhh, I want to trot around Saint-Honoré and nibble on baguette while causing harlequin mischief in these shoes...yes, yes I do!
(available at Opening Ceremony)

Food For Thought

***
"Safe things are just the things that folks have been doing so long they have worn the edges off and there's nothing to the doing of them that leaves a man to say 'That was not done before and it cannot be done again'."

William Faulkner,
As I Lay Dying

3.1 Phillip Lim

***
These are the amazing shorts that pair with the tie-back top I posted a few days ago from Phillip Lim. I'm really liking his over-all collections these past few seasons...feminine, layered, textural and always a little wink-and-nod to eras past. These shorts immediately spoke to me and remained in my thoughts for days. Having said that, you can imagine how elated I was to find a pair of shockingly similar shorts at the Melrose Trading Post flea market for a mere $17! They are most likely the wayward lower half of a tappers' costume. Though not nearly as tailored as Mr.Lim's they are lined in silk, have all their sparkles in tact and cut long and relaxed...and did I mention they were $17. I see days with white t-shirts, relaxed blazers and ankle boots, and nights of sky-high heels, vintage furs and lots of tap dancing!
(3.1 Phillip Lim shorts at lagarconne.com, $595)

Subtle, But Fresh

***
I think this look would be the perfect antidote for my blah-blah-blahs...although subtle, it's fresh and confident. Right now, while there's still a little nip in the night air, it would be great with a slim jean, thick stocking and soft cashmere wrap....don't forget a little chunky gold too.
(Kai-aakmann blazer at Oak, Santoni heels at Confederacy, JF & Son woven bag)

The List: #3

***
#3: The Little Black Dress
They say the Devil's in the detail, but in this case I think it's in the basics: fit, fit, fit! Find something simple, understated and classic (pssst, you can always get it hemmed or tailored slightly if it isn't perfect off the rack). The LBD should be a simple, flattering piece that can be accessorized to function for your different moods and occasions. The whole point is to have a garment in your wardrobe that you know looks great on and can function for anything from a job interview, to a wedding (day or evening), a date, or even a funeral...Just because it's called the Little Black Dress doesn't mean it should leave little to the imagination, classy can be very sexy you know.
(Black Halo dress at revolveclothing.com)

Solange Azagury-Partridge

***
Would this be considered an inappropriate engagement ring?
(solangeazagurypartridge.com)

F/W 2010...but I forgot to keep notes...

***
I am a BAD BLOGGER, I don't recall who's collection this is from! But I love the airy, whimsy on the top half mixed with black suede thigh-candy down below...It's a wonderful juxtaposition that says 'I'm a winter nymph with a confident swagger.' What a great way to texture a look with femininity and capability. However, a white rabbit-fur cloche and matching mittens would take it to the next level. Bravo! Whoever you are...
(photos via style.com)

...Bows...Bows...Bows!

***
(Sequined shirt (back-view) 3.1 Phillip Lim, Opening Ceremony bow shoes both found at lagarconne.com)

Les Chiffoniers

***
(leschiffoniers.com)

Reed Krakoff FW 2010

***
(photos via style.com)

Marcello Mastroianni

***
Guido Anselmi, played by Marcello Mastroianni, is surrounded by beautiful women and needy movie producers that force him to retreat to his childhood fantasies in Federico Fellini's 8 1/2. Why he would want to escape 1963 Italy I may never understand...a time and place where style oozes from the cracks in the sidewalk, being leisurly is a patriotic duty and apparently smoking in a sauna is appropriate. Just check out his sunglasses: strong shape, clean lines, great proportion. They sure don't make 'em like they used to.

Alexander McQueen, Rest Peacefully

***
My condolences to the family and friends of Alexander McQueen. We have lost a courageous and creative mind, you've lost a loved one.

(photo from Fall 2008 RTW collection, via style.com)