Beauty Emergency! Oh and Michael Kors

DivaDebbi and Michael Kors at Richards
(lashes intact)

I've been a Personal Shopper for over 20 years.  Within that time I have experienced dozens of fashion emergencies;  broken zippers, sensors left on dresses, imploded seams, peek-a-boo linings... I've seen it all. A few weeks back, my husband literally sewed me into a gown that would have benefited greatly from two more hooks and eyes. My mistake? Not heeding my own sage advice to my clients--always try on an altered garment, well in advance of when you will be wearing it, not 15 minutes before you have to be out the door.

Late Thursday afternoon, I had my first beauty 911.  Michael Kors was coming to Richards to present his Fall 2016 Runway Collection to a small group of devoted clients. I considered this a special enough occasion to glam up with a half fringe of false lashes in the morning.  30 minutes before arriving, my eyelash strip was hanging by a lash...

The Met Gala 2015: DivaDebbi's Fashion Report Card

Some people may think the Academy Awards is fashion's most important night of the year--Not me. I'm in the camp that would vote for the the first Monday night in May, when Anna Wintour and her handpicked co-chairs host the annual Met Gala aka, The Party of the Year.

Wintour, who has been chairing this star studded event, in what is now her 20th year, has successfully turned it into both a haute couture carnival and a blockbuster fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, (now deservedly named in her honor.)

Rumor has it, that if you are lucky enough to make the cut of the some 700 or so beautiful and famous, you dare not not show. Those who decline are never asked back. This is one party I might swap a kidney to attend...

As always, guests are requested to dress in  the theme that reflects that year's exhibit.  This year, it is China: Through the Looking Glass which examines the influences of Chinese fashion on culture over the years.

I attend several parties in the course of the a year that ask guests to dress in theme.  I always do my best to at least do a nod of homage in my attire. To me it's just good manners and shows respect to my hosts. It takes a bit more effort, inevitably it adds to the fun and festivities. Of course, I'll  also being weighing in on who got it right and who took the "costume"  thing too much to heart...

It's going to be a long one, so for the sake of brevity, I will winnow it down to the Best and the Worst.  Is there regular old fugly??? Absolutely, (Jennifer Connelly, Keri Russell, Kristen Wiig).  Is there missed the mark, despite having a dozen stylists??? Yup, (Allison Williams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Alba.) Am I confused about the dresses that look like they should have been worn to a whole other event, like Elizabeth Banks turquoise cut-out Jersey Michael Kors???

Sure...but there are so many, that's a whole other blog. For now, I give you the Best and the Worst, with biggest props going towards those who managed to balance tasteful, with the Chinese inspired theme.

George and Amal Tie the Knot!!!

George and Amal Tie the Knot!!! by divadebbi 

How fab... It wasn't really that George Clooney was a confirmed bachelor, it's simply that he never met the right woman, until Amal Alamuddin.

They married after just 5 months of dating in Venice this past weekend and no one can deny they looked gloriously relaxed and happy.

I am simply mad for her style. Above, she stunned in wide legged Stella McCartney pants and black banded crop top with a matching wide brimmed black trimmed hat.

Divine!

In a high-low Alexander Mcqueen dress celebrating  at her bachelorette party

The happy couple

Amal in a post wedding couture Giambattista Valli
sculpted lace dress with red embroidered flowers
Charming!!!

How I loved that Amal chose and American designer for the honor of creating her dress.
Here at a final fitting with the venerable Oscar de la Renta

Amal is beautiful, brilliant and to my delight, a glamazon who has great personal style and wears clothes like a floating mannequin.  I'm going to enjoying watching her on the Red Carpet for years to come.

Well done George!!!

Oh, and you too Amal.  All the best...

xox,

DD

Spring Ahead...Finally!

Despite the continued cold temperature, my spirit is still blooming looking at all the fabulous, fresh fashion at Richards in Greenwich.  This month, I will celebrate my 14th anniversary as their Personal Shopper, working exclusively by appointment clients who prefer complete one-on-one attention. 

To all my lovely, loyal clients and friends who have been with me for nearly 20 years in Greenwich, I think you know, you mean the world to me, and I have enjoyed every moment of assisting you and your families with seasonal wardrobes and milestone occasions. 

Here's to many more...and of course, I always enjoy meeting new clients so if you have always thought you would like to work with a Personal Shopper or Stylist, call me! The beauty of having a relationship, is trust. It is my solemn mission to only sell you what fits you and your lifestyle and flatters you perfectly. (203-622-0551203-622-0551). Why would we do less?

Before each season everyone always asks me what are the major trends of the season? 
It's always amazing how key colors and ideas find their way into every important collection. Here is how Spring 2014 took shape:

Go Global 
Designers the world over created dresses and ready-to-wear with ethnic prints in rich, saturated hues:

Valentino

The Row

Peter Pilotto

Etro

Oxford Bound
The allure of cool crisp shirting, showed up in many designers collections in dresses, over slim pants and pencil skirts:

Brunello Cucinelli

Giorgio Armani

Valentino

Pop Art
Echos of Roy Lichenstein, Peter Beard, Frank Stella and Jean Miro could be found in designers collections.  Bright pops of color were woven onto knits and printed onto silks, with photo prints also popular:

Akris Punto

Alexander McQueen

Phillip Lim

Flower Power
Lush blooms were featured prominently adding a dreamy feminine glam to many collections reminiscent of exotic locations:

Giorgio Armani

Dolce and Gabbana

Stella McCartney coat

Ri Ri

Rhi Rhi by divadebbi featured in lauren conrad fashion

MSGM shirts top / Somedays Lovin shorts, $99 / Miss Selfridge high heel sandals / Michael Kors key chain ring, $455 / Dirty Librarian Chains 80s necklace / Brighton woven belt / Madewell vintage glasses / Pier 1 Imports flower arrangement

The Modern Midi

The Modern Midi by divadebbi featuring metallic sandals

Michael Kors cashmere knitwear / Michael Kors midi skirt / SPURR metallic sandals, $35 / Chloé beige purse, $1,530 / Chanel bracelet jewelry / Fendi buckle belt / Mauro Grifoni khaki belt / Le Métier de Beauté bronze makeup / Beauty product / Notebook A5 - Flycatcher

La Femme

La Femme by divadebbi featuring studded sandals

RED Valentino silk dress / B Brian Atwood studded sandals / Urban Expressions gold purse / Michael Kors post earrings / Mascara / Hampton Sun fragrance / Pier 1 Imports floral decor / Pier 1 Imports floral decor

Xmas Eve

Xmas Eve by divadebbi featuring floral decor

Marc Jacobs peter pan collar top, $2,385 / Michael Kors coat / Oscar de la Renta tan skirt, $740 / Diane Von Furstenberg open toe lace up booties / Salvatore Ferragamo taupe handbag / Burberry heart shaped jewelry / Burberry eyeshadow / Sia floral decor, $8.20 / Pier 1 Imports orchid arrangement / Color Wow Root Cover Up - Blonde, 3.1g

Not Just Black and White

Not Just Black and White by divadebbi featuring michael kors tops

Michael Kors top

Fall Prints: London Style

Fall Prints: London Style by divadebbi

Michael Kors turtle neck crop top / Pink skirt / BCBGeneration shoes / Stella Dot bracelet / Michael Kors beach sunglasses / Tom Ford lipstick

I was reading in the NY Times the other day, how Designers are now influenced by the streams Instagram photos they look at daily. No doubt, the incredible things women are photographed wearing on the streets of fashionable cities must pop some fashion kernels.

The woman in the photo, Harper's Bazaar's Joanna Hillman was photographed at London Fashion Week. Look at the way the way she paired this amazing, black and white spattered midi skirt, with a simple black turtleneck and wrapped ankle strap sandals. 
Throw in the red lips and your have sartorial splendor in 4 easy pieces.

In a word???  

Brill.

xo,
DD

Chic

Chic by divadebbi featuring steel jewelry

Michael Kors blouse / Vivienne Westwood Red Label plaid wool blazer / Givenchy elastic waistband pants / Tory Burch navy leather boots / Alexander McQueen handbag, $2,030 / Hermès steel jewelry / philosophy cosmetic / BULB blooming bulb

Leather Leggings: This Season's Must Have

Leather Leggings: This Season's Must Have by divadebbi 

Polyvore asked us to create sets based on leggings for a recent contest  To the dismay of pear shaped women everywhere, leggings are the most ubiquitous trend of the season.  (Sorry Girls, you will just have to sit this one one out).

Since Polyvore is essentially my fantasy closet, my sets are always based on my personal style.  The designers in this set are available at Richards in Greenwich,(my other fantasy closet), where I am their Personal Shopper. The temptations are endless...

I love these incredible burgundy leather leggings from The Row paired with one of Veronica Beard's, long shaped blazers with detachable cashmere tweed insets and this seasons other must have, the black ankle boot.

My Mediterranean blood runs hot, so I frequently wear sleeveless tanks under blazers and long cardigans, layered with long or chunky necklaces. I have always adored sleek clutches and have collected a stylish assortment over the years. This burgundy and black Michael Kors python clutch would look amazing with black, grey or navy.

Win or lose, a Girl can dream...Can't she???

xox,

DD

Effortless

Effortless by divadebbi featuring leather handbags

Acne button blouse / Veronica Beard zip jacket / Rag & Bone cropped jeans, $180 / Balenciaga riding boots / Michael Kors leather handbag, $380 / Cutler and Gross tortoise glasses, $445 / Pier One Artificial Dogwood Branch

Get the Look: Kate Hudson

Get the Look: Kate Hudson by divadebbi

The adorable Kate Hudson appeared on David Letterman the other night.  The black leather "jean" skirt she wore was from Michael Kors pre-fall collection. I've always had a soft spot for black paired with fuscia...I think its pretty, chic and seasonless.

I am starting to come around to the white pump revival, though I can't see myself ever wearing them...and it has nothing to do with the fact that my size 41 MB's would look like white fiberglass skis.

I remember when Sarah Jessica Parker, a loyal Manolo Blahnik aficionado, first wore classic white pumps last year, while everyone else was teetering in YSL Tributes.  It looked somewhat jarring to the eye at the time, but remarkably, the eye does adjust.  Do I like them???

The fashion jury is still out...How about you?

xox,

DD

Girls just want to have fun...and shop

Girls just want to have fun...and shop by divadebbi 

This charming and ladylike Michael Kors dress is available at Richards. We are blooming with gorgeous Spring merchandise and we have never looked better!

As Richards Personal Shopper, I invite you to call me for a wardrobe consultation or appointment.  My services are completely complimentary.  My delightful, loyal clients will tell you that I NEVER  speak with fork tongue. My only desire it for you to look and feel spectacular in your purchases...nothing less will do!

Please call or email me for assistance.  I frequently work with long distance clients via email photos.  I look forward to knowing you!

Richards of Greenwich (203) 622-0551. Debbio@mitchellstores.com

Happy Spring!  Wasn't it wonderful to have that extra hour of light?  My spirits are already lifted :)

xox,
DD

Class Acts

Class Acts by divadebbi featuring a long sleeve sweater

The Trousseau

The Trousseau by divadebbi 

One of the lovely things about Polyvore, is the warmth, camaraderie and sisterhood that evolves among the Fashionista's who enjoy putting these sets together.

We often dedicate them to each other, as gifts for support and friendship.  I created this set for my dear friend Lidia Solymosi.  Lidia lives in Canada and works in the health care field, but I'm sure she was a designer in another life.  Her exquisite sets have won her a staggering following of over 25,000 followers.

This June, a group of "Polypals" are gathering from places near and far in N.Y.C. for a few days. We will also have the opportunity to meet some of the staff from the Polyvore N.Y. office.  It's going to fabulous to put the names and faces together with the talent we have gotten to know so well.

Polyvore selects "members" to interview for The Official Polyvore Blog almost every month.  Lidia was recently chosen, which is an incredible honor.  Here is a link to some of her favorite sets and her interview.  I think she is a treasure!

http://blog.polyvore.com/2012/11/member-spotlight-lidia-solymosi.html
I hope you will too...

xox,
DD

Party Time: Promoted by Nars Cosmetics on Polyvore

Party Time! by divadebbi 

I frequently check in with my "Activity feed" on Polyvore.  It's so nice to hear from my Poly pals.  To be sure, if I am lucky enough to be chosen for a Top Set honor or a Promotion from a sponsored company like Nars, I will have a steady stream of sweet, congratulatory notes waiting for me...Such was the case this evening with the set above, which Nars promoted!

It's fitting in a way, because the inspiration behind creating this set was not the clothing or scenery. My starting point was with this gorgeous teal Nars Nail Polish, Superstar, from their limited edition Andy Warhol Collection.  Inspired by his favorite muse, Edie Sedgwick in the sixties, the      collection is fun and flirty and the packaging his wonderful.

Polyvore is such a brilliant social media platform.  Brands like Nars, that cleverly partner with them reap the benefits of tremendous exposure to their target audience every day. Nars chose to promote another one of my sets before, ( http://www.polyvore.com/know_you_are_leaving_me/set?id=61345171)

 To date it has received nearly 100,000 views and was "liked" by 1319 fashionistas.  Kudos to them for being the cosmetic brand of choice on Polyvore and my deep thanks for choosing to promote my sets.

For me, Polyvore is a perfect meld of mind, art, fashion and beauty and to be recognized is a great honor.

xox,
DD