Angels on High

Hi lovelies. Sorry again for an unusual week of posts. I had to travel to Texas as you know. But I'm back; and with some serious Monday dish. Lady Gaga. Love her music, appreciate her self-expression, but, will never forgive her recent act of fashion sacrilege. Check it! Unless you live under a rock, you have heard the Alleluia chorus from angels on high that is -- an Hermes Birkin. A bag that averages $20,000, requires a waiting list to purchase, and is coveted by nearly all of mankind is never to be anything but worshipped. And what does Miss Gaga do to hers, she graffitis it. She takes a black marker and draws scribble on it like a child to a coloring book. Well like a child, she needs to be sent to her room. And I’m holding onto the key. Gaga, you’re done to me until further notice. (Hermes Runway)

LC Shop-It Reco: Because Birkins are beyond, they don’t even exist on Hermes’ site. As you know, it takes a call, visit, name dropping and still, a whole lot of patience to get one. Unless you want to go second hand on EBay. Mini sacrilege in my POV.

Need I Say More

The Sex And The City 2 count down is officially in full effect. Complete with SJP dawning the cover of May Vogue. I’m near salivating with excitement for endless pages of her fashion fabulousness. And let’s not even talk about what the movie trailer is doing to me. I’ve watched it, I kid not, probably 24 times since it debuted. I’m obsessed. Let’s face it -- hemroids would be better than this paralyzed state of anticipation and desperation by which I am SATC consumed. I need the fashion. I can’t breath. Until I get it, need I say more … (HBO)

LC Shop-It Reco: Can't get enough of this!

Head To Hoof

I'm headed to Texas this week for a speaking engagement in Amarillo. I've only been to the lone star state once before. One of my besties was an SMU graduate and some of us paid her a visit during our early career years. Needless to say, I'm not very Southwest friendly due to my limited exposure to the area. Therefore I am somewhat at a loss as to what to wear. And this is for sure a frustrating first for me. I always know what to wear (pout). But a city girl fashionista at an advertising conference in cattle country; I'm stumped. I feel I need to embrace my surroundings though -- I mean when will I ever be back to Texas and have an opportunity to look the part? So my initial thinking is the obvious route of something cowboy inspired. I have boots, but they're such a duh. So maybe rancher, but I don't think chaps would be appropriate. The neighboring states turquoise jewelry direction feels eh, not me. But what about this head to hoof Louis Vuitton equestrian chic vibe? Complete with a plumed up-do like a fancy horsey. I’m kinda’ serious. Ok, fine. Any and all suggestions would be very welcome. (Vogue February 10)

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)

The Miuccia Way

One of my super soft spots is Prada cosmetic cases. I have several. Each in a different color. Each a different style. And each a size to its own. That’s the Miuccia way. She says you should have an assortment of her nylon bags in your purse or on your make-up counter at any given time. I find it most delightful to open my handbag to be greeted by my fun, feminine collection. A blue for lipsticks and glosses, a black for tissues and perfume samples, an orange for my eyeglasses and a purple for touch up make-up. (Prada 09)

LC Shop-It Reco: Visit The Find to shop for the colors, styles and sizes that suit your sense of Miuccia.

Yipes Stripes

I love a good stripe. But before we cover what constitutes a correct stripe, let’s firmly establish the wrong kind. Such as the Tommy Hilfiger nautical, the Britches rugby, the Barnum and Bailey tent, the Heatherette jailbird and the Brooks Brother pin. All bad stripes. I made a mistake last Summer with a JCrew sailor looking number and vowed to always assess my horizontal purchases more closely going forward. The need to know is as follows – first, stay away from multiple colors, two is plenty. I have a thing for basic white with navy or grey. Though I purchased an orange on grey tank this past weekend so we’ll see how, if, that works out. Second, the stripe itself can be no more than a quarter inch. Yes, height is key. So pack a ruler because any bigger, and we’re in zebra territory and that too, is wrong. And third, no adornments such as pockets, buttons, or collars. The stripe itself is the embellishment. Oh and another acceptable variety, Fruit Stripes. The gum of course. Yipes stripes! (Vogue 06)

LC Shop-It Reco: Intermix has a plethora of options. Here’s one from A.L.C..

Bow Wow, Wow

As a child I grew up with Scotties. Two. Ruffie and Heather. Ruffie had a green collar and Heather had a red one. He was older and she was younger. They were not siblings, they were just buds. My sister and I used to have to walk them around the neighborhood as part of our chores. We’d usually do it after dinner and our cat Misty would join. I loved those dogs, but hated those walks. Had I known dog walking could be so glamorous, maybe I would have felt differently. But alas, I don’t think my sister or I ever looked this chic doing so. Could you imagine if we had? Bow wow, wow! (Steven Meisel)

LC Shop-It Reco: My Dad has been on the board for the Richmond SPCA for years. This organization has a huge place in all our hearts for its wonderful mission of finding little doggies and kitties new and happy homes. If you have a home, and like to take walks, visit the SPCA for your new walking companion.

The Fashion Bunny

One of my all time favorite books as a child was a beautiful Easter one brought out only at this time of year. The Country Bunny. This year I am passing along the tradition to my niece and nephew with their very own copies. I hope they’ll come to love the sweet story of Little Cottontail as much as I did and still do. Her tale is one of a dream of being one of the five great Easter Bunnies. But when she grows up and has twenty one little bunnies of her own, the dream seems unlikely to come true. Even though Grandfather Bunny searches for a replacement Easter Bunny, he decides that Cottontail is just right for the job, and gives her the most difficult journey of all – one that requires her to be wise, kind, swift, and very, very brave. You’ll have to read the book if you don’t know how the journey ends. But I’ll give you one hint, Little Cottontail is not only the Country Bunny, she is the Fashion Bunny too.

LC Shop-It Reco: Don't be left behind by the FB, have a happy Easter in these Jimmy Choo gold glitter sandals.

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.