Thank You LBJ

Sorry to drop off the grid for the last week. But I'm here. It's probably a good thing I was taking it easy so that I can use all my saved up energy on a serious Met Gala beat down today. Oh, my, gah' -- I have never seen such insults to high fashion and couture design. With the exception of maybe two or three favorites, I was generally offended, insulted and completely disappointed. Rachel Zoe and Karolina Kurkova should be hung. Beyonce should go back home and nurse that baby in the dark for the next year out of shame. SJP, don't even get me started girl, someone needs to take you back to your little house on the prairie and tie you to a tree. And Gwynnie, oh god, this was not Disney on Ice, and tuck your boob back in for the love. If it wasn't for Scarlett Jo, I'd feel all was lost. But thanks to her beauty and Dolce choice, there is hope. 

A Married Muse

I'm musing about Kate this weekend. She did it. Miss Moss is married. And I am sure the wedding was as beautiful as her and her iconic style. Can't wait to see more of her Galliono gown from the nuptials.

Long Live McQueen

Well done Sarah Burton. Well done house of McQueen. If I was marrying the next King, I'd wear you everyday of the week and my wedding day too. The Duchess of Cambridge looked regal and royal. Her gown -- refined with edge, simple with statement, current yet appropriate, and a beautiful tribute to Alexander McQueen runway taken to Westminster Abby.

Happy Easter Bunny

Eggs are dyed, baskets are by the door, and the Easter bunny's on his way. More importantly, ahemm, what's in your closet for tomorrow's big hunt? Hopefully something colorful, festive and fabulous like my two favorite looks from Peter Som's Spring 2011 Ready to Wear collection. Happy Easter Bunny!

In A Word

You know when you see something and it's instant, well, in a word, love? This is love. Thank you Pucci for my Saturday morning romance.

Purchasing Potential

I've never been much of a Nanette Lepore fan. Actually, I haven't been a fan at all and have never owned a piece of her clothing. I've found it too off the rack. But today my mind was opened and enlightened to the possibilities. After a business lunch in Maryland, some lovely numbers in the Lepore boutique window caught my eye. These three looks are some of my favs -- and dare I say, may qualify for purchasing potential. Plus some cutie bubble shorts I spied. Cu-tie.

Seeing Stars

Thanks for your hospitality Texas, thanks for the wild ride Austin, and thanks for all things digital SxSW. I'm heading home tomorrow from the lone star state -- seeing stars with this addition to my wardrobe from Dolce and Gabbana. So fun!

Birthday Best

Today is my early joint birthday celebration with my niece. If not on either of our special days, some time near them we partake in what has become a standing tradition. That of just us two leo gal pals having a Build a Bear date. I have Chichi monkey, Koalie koala, Martin the snow bear and another yellow bear in cowboy boots whose name escapes me. I am sure SMB would be able to recall his name and easily rattle off those of her collection as well. But this year we’re changing it up. And that’s because like with any trend or fad -- they come and go. And so, gone are Build a Bears. At least for this soon to be nine year old. So today we will be having our first ever Webkinz date. And this post is a special one because it’s my formal invitation to SMB for this very special tradition: SMB, you are cordially invited at 6pm for a Short Pump Webkinz outing. Followed by a GNO at your restaurant of choice. And topped off with birthday yummies and a girls only slumber party at your Nummie’s. (Nice rhyme if I do same so). Now of course, next to some QT with my girl, of most importance is attire. It would only be suitable that we dawn our Birthday best. Which could only mean pink, flirty, fun and feminine for me. And for you SMB, anything in green! (Chanel 09)

LC Shop-It Reco: Go up, up and away with your birthday balloons in this Chanel ad's look-alike party dress from Rebecca Taylor.

Buenos Baby

I'll be in Buenos Aires at the end of the month on Holiday. Yay Argentina! And yay to my sweet, sweet cousin for extending the invitation. I need to start reading my travel books on the country and BA area to brush up on the lay of the land. Not to mention brushing up on my Espanol. But what have I been doing instead? Planning my wardrobe but of course. This much I do know, it's Winter in South America this time of year, so I'll be taking long pants, long dresses and layers. And looky look what I found -- this macramé and multicolored DVF diddy. Easy, flowing, comfy, and with a sweater and scarf, perfect for the culture and climate. Can't wait to see you cous! Besos. (Patrick Demarchelier)

Black Out

Lordy lordy. Apparently I have been suffering from a mean ambien hangover today. And pizza can't even cure it. Popped one of those puppies last night, and wow, my brain is still flat on its back 24 hours later. Down right blacked out. That can happen in fashion too. Ever experienced it? You stare in the closet and your brain just goes blank. It's normal, don't worry. Sometimes your fashion sense just needs a rest. So when you go dark on what to wear, do exactly that, go dark. Black is amazingly great for so many reasons, and especially when you have no clue what to put on your body. Just black out. Which apparently is my state -- so I'll be back Monday. (Paolo Roversi)

LC Shop-It Reco: A basic cotton-jersey, loose fitting, nothingness black dress - like this one from Juicy. But what a fun idea to add a little spice with those Like a Virgin leggings. A-dorable!

Shake It Sista'

Last summer I made a tribute post to MJ. It involved a dress up, dance party homage to “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin”. I’m feeling another music inspired look. And ironically it too has ruffles. What is it about a good song, ruffles and me? I think it’s the flirty, flippy sass they create with a little shake shake shake. My song request today is Train’s “Hey Soul Sista'”. Anyone heard it? Makes me so happy. Total cheese. But it reminds me of how every man should feel about the one he loves. And what’s he not to love about a look just like this soul sista’s. Cue lyrics ... “I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight. The way you can cut a rug, watching you's the only drug I need. You're the only one I'm dreaming of you see. I can be myself now finally and in fact there's nothing I can't be. I want the world to see you be with me.” So go ahead, it’s Thursday, shake it sista’. (Patrick Demarchelier)

LC Shop-It Reco: Lots of Lanvin love in this recommend. Check out this white tiered silk dress and this pompom embellished belt to synch it in. You’ll have to unsynch your wallet to have it though. But the song's only $1.29.

Valentino Chi

Does anyone watch Dancing With the Stars? Big fan over here. But big confusion over last night’s Pretty Woman routine by Nicole Scherzinger. You know, the Pussy Cat who dances with Derek. She’s attractive, right? (So’s he by the way, meow). Well though her dancing may have attracted high scores from the judges, I could hardly watch because there was something so very unpretty woman about her. The hair, the make-up and the dress -- the matronly, dated, too much fabric, big-broad-back baring red dress. Ick. All of it scored zeros for me. Hair and make-up aside, the dress simply needed to be much sexier, more modern and actually pretty! Red is a difficult color in evening wear I admit; but Valentino is one designer who never, ever gets it wrong. He should come out of retirement just for red. He would have nailed Nicole’s costume. Instead, it threw me off my DWTS axis, and I was forced to immediately channel some Valentino chi with this beauty by the maker himself. (Valentino Fall 09)

LC Shop-It Reco: If this featured dress wasn’t two seasons past, I’d be in it. But I like this shorter stretch-jersey drape number too. Feels like it needs a cocktail and some Latin dance music. Derek?

Full Bloom

I’m back from the West Coast and Virginia is in full bloom. Rich, lush green grass, the heads of pink and purple flowers opening, birds singing from the trees and what’s that I also hear … the sounds of closets flying open as the great overhaul of all things Winter to all things Spring begins. Next Saturday is marked on my calendar for this very important undertaking. Gone will be boots, wool, and long sleeves making room for my warmer weather must haves. On the list -- wedge and bootie sandals, minis a many, some girly girl, barely there tones but also some bright and contrasting colorful prints, shorter shorts, a denim vest and maybe jumpsuit, something military, a statement necklace or two and feathers, sequins, ruffles, and fringe infused in all the right pieces. Recommends to come! (Paolo Roversi)

An aside about this photograph by Paolo Roversi. Paolo is a very famous Italian photographer known for his moody, beautiful black and white and cepea fashion snaps. I actually had the great fortune and honor of shooting with him in Paris several years ago. He did a few jobs for me for my Client at the time time, Vera Wang. There was something so magical and romantic to his work, his style, and his ability to capture feeling and emotion in every shot. Plus, trips to Paris weren’t too shabby either. Non?

Overloaded

Hi friends and fans. Apologies for no Thursday or Friday posts. I have been on the road for work since last weekend and am a bit overloaded. I come home this weekend though and will be back with you by Monday. Have a wonderful and happy weekend. I'm starting mine off at Lucky Strike in LA tonight. They have a dress code. Now that's my kind of bowling. X, LC. (Tim Weber)

Suitable For Sunday

With Easter just a hippiti-hop around the bin, you’ve probably started thinking about your festive frock. Well don’t overcomplicate matters; I think anything with color will be suitable for Sunday. Just like a pretty Easter egg. I’m feeling inspired by this old school Lanvin tiered, washed silk dress. Loving the richness and unique expression of the indigo hue. It’s making me want to dye eggs. Note to self -- buy a PAAS kit. (Vogue)

LC Shop-It Reco: Tracy Reese has some beautiful dresses in her Spring collection right now -- these two happen to fall in the blue family. The Indigo Patched Frock and the Blue Shadow Dots Draped Frock. Either will go perfectly with your Easter basket.