Dries Van Noten

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

...More Barbara

Barbara Bui

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(looks from Bui via barbarabui.fr)

You Go Girl!

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

Zero + Maria Cornejo

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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

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(at lagarconne.com)

NY Times Style

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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

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(Also available in black at queenswardrobe.com)

Preen Line

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(Available at Oak NY)

Proenza Schouler

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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

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"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

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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

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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)

Solange Azagury-Partridge

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

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

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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!

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

Les Chiffoniers

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(leschiffoniers.com)

Reed Krakoff FW 2010

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(photos via style.com)

Marcello Mastroianni

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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

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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)

Shipley & Halmos

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(photo via style.com)

Preen SS10

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(photos via style.com)

Zero + Maria Cornejo, Jason Wu, Mulberry + Givenchy

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...and might I add that gobs of vintage gold jewelry would be over-the-top in the best way possible.
(Zero + Maria Cornejo top and Mulberry clutch at lagarconne.com, Jason Wu skirt at Brown's and Givenchy studded wedges at Maxfield, LA)

Wouters + Hendrix

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(available at lagarconne.com)

Zero + Maria Cornejo

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Ladies and gentlemen, she's done it again! Stunning dress.
(at lagarconne.com)

Maison Martin Margiela

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It's unclear whether or not Martin Margiela is even involved with his namesake label right now. After he reportedly quit/was let go, the job was offered to others without result (who really knows!). Regardless, the brand has been criticized recently for producing a watery SS10 collection...I'm not mentioning any names *coughstyledotcomcough*. So, in the spirit of positivity and support of a long-loved line I threw together some pieces from his/their website that are clean, fresh and have pop. Minimalism is underrated, so I wouldn't add anything more to this look except a sun kissed glow and a coy smile.
(lime peep toe, rings & MM6 white mesh top all at maisonmartinmargiela.com)

Yohji Yamamoto

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Also on sale at Impulse...but requires much more disposable income than I currently have. (totokaelo.com)

Whyred

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This is what I would buy from Impulse while they're having their spectacular fall/winter sale...a fantastic price for an elegant big-girl coat!
(at totokaelo.com)