Closet Crave: Louis Vuitton

Oh Marc, oh Marc, oh Marc! How do you do it? Have you truly been blessed by the fashion gods? Do you hands really turn everything you touch into gold? I believe so!

This closet crave comes from the F/W 2010 Louis Vuitton collection. The entire collection mirrors Christian Dior’s New Look. Full skirts, ladylike accents, fitted bodices—but this one piece was enough to make my mouth drop.

Yes it is a skirt. Yes it is a full skirt. But it is a leather full skirt. If you have sewn anything before, then you must understand that leather is not an easy fabric to manipulate. It’s heavy, thick and to the untrained hand, it can feel like and impossible task to manipulate it into the shape you want. In addition, the more fabric (any fabric) the harder it is to control. As my professor once put it: "More fabric, more frustration." There have been leather mini skirts and pencil skirts galore, but a leather full skirt, is something that I have not seen, nor executed so well.

My hats off to Marc Jacobs for his ability to turning a fabric feat into fabulous fashion.

The Stylist Handbook

The first of its kind, The Stylist Handbook offers insider information for both current and aspiring fashion stylist, wardrobe consultants and personal shoppers. The Editor In Chief, Devon Poer is a friend and colleague of mine. She has done and outstanding job of gathering inspiration and information for those of us working behind the scenes.

The premier issues features an interview with Cougar Town's actress Busy Phillips and an article, by your's truly, giving a brief history on some of fashion's most iconic design houses.

I invite you to check it out...I promise you won't be disappointed.

The Stylist Handbook

Beauty Buzz

Having a friend that works at Sephora means she comes home with more samples than she can throw and I get to stand there catching them all. Here are a few products that I'm obsessing over so much, that I actually went and bought the full deal.

Bliss Spa Triple Oxygen Energy Mask

Waking up with a hangover and my mouth tasting like poor choices doesn't stand a chance against this ultra-hydrating mask. Apply to damp skin, leave it on for a few minutes, rinse and no one will know the sins you commited the night before...not even your mom.

$52









Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in Metro Chic

Lying somewhere between mocha, lilac and mauve, this nail varnish is flattering on all skin tones. The opaque finish makes it oh so chic.
$9

Closet Crave: Christian Louboutin

The shoe gods must be pleased because Christian Louboutin just keeps designing shoes that makes my eyes all misty, like these Annees Folles pumps.

These 5.5 inch beauties are black satin with gold lattice details, 1 inch covered platform, and of course the signature red sole.

They're flashy, decadent and not for the faint at heart. If you have what it takes to pull these off, I would suggest paring with a black pencil skirt.

Shoes $1,095
Net-a-porter.com

Spring / Summer Trends

Even though it's still chilly out, it doesn't mean that you can't get a jump start on your spring trend shopping. After thumbing through runway footage and snapshots, I've narrowed down my top six "go to" trends. Check out the slide show above for visuals and read below for how to incorporate these trends into your preexisting wardrobe.


1. White dress mini dress - crisp, clean and ready for warm weather, the white mini dress is a going to be a staple this season. Spring and summertime bare legs call for the hem to stay just a few inches above the knee.

2. Sherbet - lying somewhere between pastel and bold brights, sherbet is making a scene. Yummy pinks, greens, oranges and blues are perfect for those who feel that pastels "wash" them out and neon is just too bold.

3. Metallic and Nudes - the metallic accents help update and brighten nudes for the warm season.

4. Sheer - this trend can easily go from classy to trashy. To prevent becoming a fashion "don't", pair sheet tops with lacy camisole. I wouldn't recommend this trend for the office unless pairing with a cardigan of blazer.

5. Black - as the dominate factor of my wardrobe, I'm secretly glad to see black making such a strong appearance on the spring runways this year. By keeping the material light , such as cotton and chiffon, you'll be sure to stay cool during the warm months.

6. Outline - appearing as if someone traced along the outer edge of silhouettes, this trends is fun and practical for any body type. Whether a dress, pants or blouse, this trend will help accentuate all the lovey curves you already have.

Spring Looks from Faith 21

Nothing lets you know that spring is here like sunshine, fresh flowers and fashion look books. Earlier this year, Faith 21, the plus size collection from powerhouse clothing retailer Forever 21, released their vision for 2010 hottest spring looks while keeping the youthful and flirty styles they are so known for.

This season's collection bursts with playful color, bold floral while incorporating classic patterns such as polka-dots and stripes. Where the typical soft, spring-time color palette is absent, Faith 21 makes up with a mix of classic, retro-inspired silhouettes, including cardigans, full skirts, sweetheart necklines and corseted tops. This seasons patterns include floral that are both feminine with strong abstract qualities that keep it fresh. In keeping with current trends, Faith 21 styles with the bold necklaces, figure hugging pencil skirts and the combination of contrasting patterns, such as rosette cardigans with striped tees, stripes with floral, and an old favorite: polka-dots with stripes.

Faith 21's 2010 Spring Collection is available now in select stores and online at Forver21.com.

Closet Crave: Valentino

I am going to make an absolute statement: None can design a handbag (or "arm art" as I like to call them) like Valentino. Come hither as we look at this immaculate handbag from Valentino's Spring 2010 Collection.

First lets start with the specs:
Name: Alice Glam Feathers Tote
Construct: Nude napa leather with tonal feathers, silver beading, gray crystals and silver hardware
Birthplace: Italy

If the sheer overwhelming awesomeness doesn't make you drool, then looking closer at the details will. Nude feathers, hand embroidered silver beading and of course crystals takes this bag from designer to down right decadent. Being made from Italian leather, means that it will get better and softer with time, but never lose its shape - the gift that keeps on giving. I wouldn't recommend this bag for daily use, but this show stopper is perfect for parties and any other place you can think of to make your friends envious.

At Neiman Marcus for the small investment fee of $4,990