Don't Insult My Bank Account Like That!

I love Alexander Wang, I really do.  But to take a pair of thermal pants and cut them into shorts and charge almost $200 for them hurts my feelings.  I mean, not only are these shorts utterly unwearable, they insult me as a shopper and fashion follower. I am therefore boycotting Alexander Wang's Resort 08 Collection and I encourage you to do the same.

Scary Expensive but, Amazingly Beautiful

I know I've been MIA as of late and who or what could bring me back quite like Christian Louboutin.  The gold mirrored wedge heel of these art deco inspired platforms shine like of the Chrysler building that inspired them.  But in these unstable economic times can anyone really justify spending close to $1,400 on a pair of shoes?  If you can, call me and teach me how or better yet, just pick up and extra pair for me... I'm a 7.

The Cotton Club Wedges are available on Net-a-Porter for $1,385.

When I Grow Up, I Want to Look Young!

There comes a time in every woman's life when a skin care graduation in needed.  It seems like just yesterday I was buying up every break out busting product on the market, but at my last facial I was told I don't have acne and I need to focusing my efforts on anti-aging!  Quite the shock to my late 20's system.  So what's a girl to do when everything she thought she knew about skin care become irrelevant?  Grow up already.   

For my more mature look at skin care I turned to product provider to the star Kate Somerville, whose age fighters are beloved by the likes of Molly Sims, Debra Messing and Calista Flockhart.  I knew I need something with a load of Vitamin C to fight the free radicals that are trying to damage my skin, but I also wanted something that was going to be oil free and help me stay break out free.  I was introduced to two perfect product that were just what the facialist order,  a face treatment serum called Total Vitamin Antioxidant V, and the Oil Free Moisturizer. The serum smells of lavender and chamomile and drops a load of vitamin C (technically called Vitagen Complex) on my skin.  The moisturizer won me over as soon as I saw the pump on the jar that would prevent dirty fingers for infecting my product.  I've been using both products for two weeks and I'm really starting to see results.  My skin is tighter, my (loathed) sun spots are lighter and my pores are looking smaller.   I'm now officially obsessed with Kate Somerville skin care and am adding a NYC outpost to her LA clinic to my Christmas wish list.

Seen on the Set: Lipstick Jungle

Last week instead of hanging out at the tents at Bryant Park I spent my fashion week on the set of Lipstick Jungle having fake conversations behind Kim Raver and Brooke Shields.  As an extra (or "background player" as they say in the biz) my job was to stand there, look pretty and make the scene look a little more alive.  Of course, I always had one eye in the beauty and fashion that was going on so that I could pass along some inside scoops to you!  The entire episode took place at the same party so there weren't any costume changes making my hottest spotting the Christian Louboutin Open Toe Passementerie Pump shown below in a very Moulin Rouge red.  However on the show Brooke was rocking them in a very royal blue which I couldn't find an image of anywhere meaning they won't be available for several months. 

As for beauty, one of my favorite tips that I picked up came in the form of those tiny Evian misting bottles I haven't seen since the 80's but am now addicted to.  Just a tiny mist sprayed onto the palm of your hand can be the ultimate smoother for your fly-aways and out of control tresses. Plus, there miniature size is perfect for travel or tossing in your handbag. 

I was also tickled to see my favorite Fekkai hairspray on set (are they reading The Tonnish?) as well as a number of hold sprays from Bumble and Bumble.  Since I have recently run out of my favorite stiff spritz I happily gave the B&B a test run and found it to be light weight while still being fiercely firm.

A big thank you to the cast and crew, who really couldn't have been nicer (no on set drama here, sorry) and to the other background players who kept me laughing during the long long hours.  

Christian Louboutin Open Toe Pumps $1,125 at Neiman Marcus

Bumble and Bumble Styling Spray $24 

 

Style.com Launches Editor Picks with Shop Now

I love getting inside editors brains.  To know what's on their wish list and what boots they can't live without this fall.  It's especially satisfying when they're the same boots I've been coveting for myself.  A nice little pat on my stylish back.

Style.com must understand this because they recently launched a new feature called "Shop Now" to their Trends and Shopping section.  Each month a Style.com editor will act as your personal shopper by selecting the choicest pieces from Style's retail partners, i.e. advertisers.  Yes, this is just a gratuitous thank you to those who spend big bucks on banners and pop ups for the site, but hey,  this is how the publishing world works my friends and I may not have found this fabulous Stella McCartney dress from Net-a-Porter.com otherwise.  Plus their clients are probably who you're shopping anyway.  I know I certainly wouldn't mind them hanging up ads on The Tonnish!

Shorts for Fall, Fall Short.

Some might say they're an alternative to skirts, another way to flash your gorgeous gams, but in the land of fall fashion I think they're an ill fit.  Shorts were all over the Fall 08 runways, from Alexander Wang's demolished denim to pintuck pleates from Philip Lim and Rag and Bone.  But adding shorts to your fall rotation posses a major problem.  Do you risk hypothermia and go bare or don a pair of tights and risk looking well, just plain silly?  The Jodpher shorts by Rag and Bone are especially troubling, combining two bad trends in one.  The questionable equestrian look we mentioned a few weeks ago and the slightly winterized shorts.  Good luck unloading those ShopBop, we'll see you on sale!  Which ironically, will take place when it's almost warm enough to wear shorts again!

A Dark Cloud Over the Fashion World: Mayle to Close Up Shop

Last week, designer Jane Mayle announced in WWD that she would be shutting down her decade old namesake line.  The Holiday/Resort Collection, in stores now, will be her final delivery and there will be no Spring 09  Collection. She sited accelerated market dates, promotional pressures as a few of the factors that lead her to make this decision. 

"It seems like a commercial cul-de-sac in a way that the customer gets tired before collections even hit stores," Mayle said. "How I came into this business was all about dreaming and building a wardrobe you would be seduced by. That mystery and remoteness ans insouciance have disappeared from fashion in order to accelerate the product. I feel I have just become another cog in that machinery."

Personally, I am crushed.  I am finally getting close to affording more than a piece a year from her collections and she leaves me!  After cleaning out the NoLita store yesterday, I have been furiously scouring online stores such as Shop Zoe, and La Garconne to scoop up all the product (much of which is on sale!) I can before the final store closing in February.  The lovely girl at the store yesterday assured me that there would be a MAJOR sample sale before the store shutters so get ready for that, but just be sure you stay away from my size!

Get a Little Ruffled.

It's like an epidemic. They're everywhere slowly creeping into department stores and boutiques all around you.  You may not notice them at first but they're there.  Ruffles.  I've had a major aversion to these little layers since the days when Laura Ashley ruled the roost, but I have to say in their latest incarnation these little frills have lost their froof and gained an edge.  Take exhibit A. for example, the wool ruffle skirt from 3.1 Philip Lim.  How they do it I'm not quite sure, but this skirt adds a dash of volume, a touch of high waist and simmers it all together with ruffles that won't leave a sour taste in your mouth.  It's just what the doctor ordered.

  

 

FIRST LOOK: Rock & Republic Wants to Make You Pretty

It's not often that a denim company branches out into something non-fabric related, but Rock & Republic likes to keep you on your toes.  Their new cosmetics line hits stores September 15th and bursts onto the scene with a Swarovski crystal covered bronzer sure be adored by the Hannah Montana set, yet priced out of reach at $225.   Priced more affordably and capturing my interest are the Mousse Blush ($28) that boasts a "air brush finish" and the Gel Eye Liner ($24) promising "extra long wear".  I have yet to give these products a road test to see if they're worth making space for in your make up drawer but, I've been assured the products are on their way.  Stay Tuned, my friends and keep your eye out for this new line that will be available at Neiman Marcus,  Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.

Grey Boots Make My Heart Go Beat Beat

If boots were made for walking then these grey wonders were made for stalking.  I love grey because it is as versatile as black, but adds a bit more depth to an all black ensemble.  Plus suede makes you remember how fun it is to embrace all the different textures Fall allows. Which makes me not as depressed about the end of my favorite steamy season. 

Paul and Joe T Strap Pumps. $764

Loeffler Randall. $575 at Saks.com

Miu Miu $575 at Net-a- Porter.com

Chloe Raised Leaf Boots $1,495 at Net-a-Porter.com