New York Fashion Week: Spring 2014

New York Fashion Week: Spring 2014 by divadebbi 

I have been attending New York Fashion Week for well over twenty years now and I can honestly say, it's always a thrill. It's more hyped now then ever, with people instantly sharing views from inside and outside the tents on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and tweeting the good, the bad and the ugly on Twitter, in real time.

Some things however, remain constant.  The wonderful presence of Bill Cunningham and his inestimable eye for deciphering trends, long before they are main stream. The hush of excitement as the house lights go down and the first model takes their exit. The buzz of the celeb sightings, and the fun of seeing original styling a special few, who in one whoosh, can make all your slavish outfit planning seem dull and staid.

Two words:  Pure Joy...

xox,

DD

Get the Look: Hailee Steinfeld

Get the Look: Hailee Steinfeld by divadebbi 

I adore seeing the young actress Hailee Steinfeld looking like such an elegant young lady in this pretty Dolce and Gabanna dress. I also loved that she paired it with classically pretty Prada Mary Jane's, rather than the overtly clunky Brian Atwood "Maniac Pump" that the stars could not pry off their feet last season.

Kardashian's take heed...

xox,

DD

Kimberly McDonald

Kimberly McDonald by divadebbi featuring a diamond filigree ring

Congratulations to the amazing and talented Kimberly McDonald!!!  The First Lady chose to accessorize her ruby chiffon and velvet Jason Wu gown with Kimberly's jewels to the Inaugural Ball.

Kimberly McDonald is one of our top selling jewelry designers at Richards and Mitchells, as well as our West Coast Stores. I love her designs and frequently feature them in my Polyvore sets. Kimberly and her staff are always gracious and fun to work with and we look forward to their visits.

I am so very happy for her to be honored with this tremendous recognition. Good things to happen to good people!

xox,
DD

Gwen---No Doubt

Gwen---No Doubt by divadebbi featuring dolce gabbana

The marvelous and never aging Gwen Stefani is featured on the January 2013 cover of Vogue.  I adore her personal style, amazing talent and dedication to her family.  I have been a fan since the 90's, when she headlined for No Doubt.  She rocked then and rocks now.

Je adore!

xox,
DD

Penelope Cruz in W...and Polyvore

Bella! by divadebbi 

Penelope Cruz  graces the cover of W Magazine's September fashion issue. I think she is ravishingly gorgeous.

The photography in this issue is stunning, though I can see very little correlation to clothing and hence; fashion.

The current Editor, Stefano Tonchi, has a curious predilection for mice type.  I might not be able to spot my mother across an auditorium, but I do pride myself on being able to read the N.Y. Times sans reading glasses...This makes me crazy. One question.  WHY???  If Tonchi's goal is to wipe out an entire demographic, I think he is succeeding beyond his wildest hopes.

So, I no longer read W., because I can't... I just look at the pretty pictures.  As their 40th anniversary approaches, they showed some wonderful shots of the swans who frequently graced their pages, Jacqueline de Ribes, Jackie O., Pat Buckley, Nancy Kissinger, C.Z. Guest, Gloria Vanderbilt et al.

It made me miss the days of former editor Patrick McCarthy and founder John Fairchild's reign, when we saw plenty of fashion.  Every issue finished with 'Countess Louise J. Esterhazy' (aka J.F.) hilariously griping and skewering Society, always evening the score. (FYI: There is an enjoyable article about the always mischievous and brilliant Mr. Fairchild in September's Vanity Fair.)

Sans the corsage I'd wear either one!

Sans the corsage I'd wear either one! by divadebbi 

Every now and again, I have a flash back to some of the rather divine ensembles my Barbie had.  I was particularly enamored with  a strapless, self belted, dark emerald satin evening gown with a train and a tulle lining.  I also loved a cheetah knee length coat, with bracelet sleeves, long gloves and a matching hat.  The black croc luggage was also dreamy.

It dawned on me when I spotted this Barbie photo, that I would be quite happy to own that persimmon and ivory color blocked dress. I would skip the corsage though.

Sweet memories.

xox,
DD