“I can see “clearly” now: Prada’s 2010 spring summer show features clear plastic heels, bags and shades,” writes social diarist The Daily Truffle. “This post is … about the re- occurring theme of plastic, vinyl, and crystal accessories. What caught my attention about the accessories of this collection, was the repetition and cohesiveness of the designs. The shoes, sunglasses, and purses all fit together beautifully.”

Prada, for Spring 2010

As The Daily Truffle points out, Prada is not to the only designer who brought clear plastic accessories to the Spring 2010 runway shows. Chanel and Michael Kors followed suit, though these are a far cry from the the inexpensive plastic “jelly” sandals that dominated beaches in the 80s (and experiences a resurgence a few years ago).

Michael Kors

“Michael Kors designed a sleek and architectural shoe collection for his Spring/Summer 2010 collection,” writes blogger Obsessed with Shoes. “They had a very polished and clean look in basic colors like black or white. Clear plastic was a key component in this collection, and while that can sometimes cheapen a look, that wasn’t the case for Michael Kors.”

Prada collection, images from InStyle.com

In the January issue of W Magazine, Prada’s clear (clearly expensive, that is) heels make a showing in the extensive Spring Fashion spread.

Christian Louboutin's Engin spikes

Even Christian Louboutin jumped on the bandwagon with a pair of peep-toe pumps. The soles are the ubiquitous Louboutin red; the toes are clear plastic with silver cone studs. “Don’t be jealous about the Christian Louboutin men’s spring/summer 2010 collection, the women’s collection is just as good if not better,” enthuses blogger Nitrolicious. (Though one commenter noted, “I just don’t dig the clear plastic on shoes; is it ever flattering? Sorry, not these Loubs for this kid.”)

During my daily browsing of the Zoe report (Rachel Zoe’s blog – www.rachelzoe.com) I came across the American Fashion Cookbook. This is a project from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The book has a mix of over 100 recipes accompanied with preparation, pointers, sketches and stories from the designers themselves. 

The editor Lisa Marsh asked designers to submit a recipe that was near and dear to their heart. Some designers asked chefs and restaurants to represent their favorite dish, while others shared their own family recipes. 

American Fashion Cookbook (US$29.70 + Shipping): 100 Designers' Best Recipes (Hardcover) - www.amazon.com

With recipes such as Michael Kor’s Grandma Bea’s pot roast, Donna Karan’s green juice and Zac Posen’s favourite butterscotch wafers I’m sure any fashionista’s mouth would be watering. Even the food-phobic variety! 

I can’t wait to get my copy and try these out. I’m sure the food would be amazing and the presentation spectacular.

Love Kirst xx

Michael Kor’s recent pre-Fall 2010 runway show featured models in furs of various dye colors. Originally serving a a source of clothing for hominoids including the Neanderthal, fur has become a stable in modern society.  However, the fashion of wearing fur is something that I have wrestled over for the past decade.

Before the turn of the 21st century and at my young age, I primarily associated fur with R&B artist “J-Lo”, with her seemingly excessive and over the top lifestyle.  Lopez’s heavy gold jewelry, white based outfits and heavy furs certainly did not suite my fancy, for instead I was a frequent flyer at the innocent yet over priced Limited Too.  Needless to say, the pop star was not an inspiration for anything on my Christmas list at the time.

Years later I began watching old films and realized that I had at come to link fur with a contemporary famous person, rather than the women who epitomized classic glamour.  Dripping in diamonds and oozing in gumption, actresses like Ingrid Bergman and Katharine Hepburn sported fur shawls, coats, and wraps.

My deep seeded bias of a mink coat as a R&B style has internally battled that of America’s mid century leading ladies.  The other day, while fighting the holiday crowds and feverishly skimming through the racks of Forever 21, a relatively affordable (faux) fur vest caught my eye. I whipped it out and held it in front of my beige lace top. Goodbye gaudy, hello chic!

Perhaps wanton promises of enticingly straight-banged contestants can distract steadfast fans of Project Runway from the awful display that was Season 6.  Sure, we all fell head-over-heels for the adorable Carol Hannah, but our dreams were dashed when that miserable wretch Meana Irina pulled that well-deserved title out from under her feet.  And while the statuesque Althea also piqued the likable radar, we all seemed to lose her as soon as she opened her mouth.  Sadly, Ms. Harper was in good company, as the first-all female finale boasted a disappointing lot of inarticulate maladroids.

Enter a new batch of fresh-faced designers a la Season 7 (complete with a jet-ride back to the true fashion district in the Big Apple) and now we’re listening to what you’re spewing, oh lousy Lifetime.  Perhaps it’ll take a season or two to smoothly transition into the golden age of Kara Saun and Chloe Dao, to the hallowed halls of the original Mood, to the days when Nina Garcia happily plugged Elle. But if we do have to suffer through one more season of L-Lo rasping through a nonsensical critique or a judge straight out of There’s Something About Mary, consider this viewership’s loyalty sew over.  At least this season, there will be no overly-earnest nausea-inducing Christopher (“This is my dream!”), but merely another batch of crazies and someone named “Ping.”

Season 7 premieres January 14th on Lifetime.

I love school-boy shorts as formal-wear!!!!!!!

style

eah
we

Grab this mega-chic black and white tweed coat at $199.

This peachy Chanel bangle makes a perfect gift, priced well at $99 (Retailed for $515). Currently only 1 bidder, 3 days left. Snipe it!

Alexis Bittar Quartz and Gold Ring. $46. 4 days left.

Crazy bargain. This chic BCBG pencil skirt, new with tags, is currently $1.29 with 16 hours left. Jump on it, this is a real eBay victory for the winner!

Lia Kes Silk Dress. Just $66.75 for this rare piece.

Christian Dior Ponyhair Handbag. A nice price at $120, ending soon.

This Diesel tweed, leather-trimmed coat retailed for nearly $900. Grab it at $198 before someone else does!

This romantic Rebecca Taylor cardigan is $87 with 1 day left.

Etro Gloves. A rare find in purple suede and brocade fabric, lined with wool. A bargain at $49, ending soon.

Chloe Boots. Currently priced nicely at $103, ending in 14 hours.

CC Skye Bangles. Currently $30 and $51 respectively.

This Michael Kors skirt is another attainably priced gift, currently just $30.99 with a day remaining.

This Manoush fringed dress is a rare, cool find. $248.

Take advantage of this bold Alice McCall dress at $157.50.

Balenciage Fringed Skirt. Was a hefty $1350. But it now at $225.

I am in LOVE with this Tibi dress, $149. Get it! It will be gone soon, I’m sure of it!

This Rachel Roy silk blouse retailed for $650. This is a garanteed bargain auction, currently $9.99 with 5 days left, no bidders yet. All original tags attached.

If you wear a size 4 skirt I recommend you get in on this auction: $1600 navy Akris Couture skirt, currently $9.99 with 5 days left. All the tags are attached, and the skirt is versatile.

I can’t pass up this seafoam green Walter dress. Currently $82 with 1 day left!

Style can be really stressful, especially for someone that is so obsessed with fashion that I can’t walk a street without being drawn in by some supernatural force to pretty much every store I see. No matter how full my closet is, there is always a new trend coming out that makes it feel incomplete (and keeps my wish list a mile long).

So anything that takes a little stress out of fashion, I’m all about it.

Which is why I am in love with the new Frannie boot by Michael Kors.

Why, you ask?

Well it’s leather, it’s chic, it has an adorable fold over top. And, oh yeah, did I mention it’s four trends in one?

That’s right. This boot has three zippers, which allow you to instantly transform your boot from above the knee, to below-the-knee, to mid-calf, to ankle booties. Tell me that’s not the most genius thing you’ve heard in a while.

I can wear them as-is over skinny jeans, fold down the cuff for a more conservative right-below-the-knee look, zip off the top layer for a mid-caf boot that will fit nicely under a boot cut pant (because how annoying is it to have that bulkiness that makes it look like you have gigantour calves?), and then zip off the top two layers for a trendy ankle bootie that looks adorable with a mini dress and opaque tights.

It’s so perfect it makes my head hurt!

These boots are the answer to my fashion stress. Owning these means an end to my drooling/crying when I pass a shoe store with a window display full of ankle boots and I’m stuck wearing my knee-highs. I can simply zip off the top and instantly be on trend once again!

Too bad genius comes with a very steep price tag. As in, a month’s rent. Here’s hoping Target or my pal Steve Madden will get on board and bring me a little Michael Kors knock-off that is both fashion and wallet friendly.

Today we’re doing something we’ve never done before here on Me & Marisa, and that is having a guest blogger. Today the post is coming from one of my extremely fashion savvy friends; Nicolas Bebout. Nicolas has aspirations to go to work at a New York City modeling agency, so it seems only fitting that he would be doing a post on his favorite models of the year. Hope you all had a great weekend! I’m afraid I’m down with the flu :/. Take it away Nicolas!
-Andrew J

Fresh Faces…Different Places: Les Femmes
Fashion may make the man, but a model is what creates the excitement…at least I think so anyways. I thought it would be a brilliant idea for Me and Marisa to have a couple posts about models that were outstanding this past season/year. So I pitched the idea to Andrew and here we are!
-Nicolas

Abbey Lee
Perhaps my favorite female model that is making a huge name for herself at the moment. Lee is making her mark on the runway, walking in shows this past season for the likes of Givenchy, Gucci, Phillip Lim, Zac Posen and Lanvin, just to name a few. She has also made her mark in editorials, major ad campaigns (Calvin Klein and Gucci fragrance), and even walked in the 2009 Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Watch out, this girl is on fire!!

Backstage, Fendi Spring 2010

Backstage, Lanvin Spring 2010

Phillip Lim Spring 2010

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2009

Italian Vogue editorial

Gucci fragrance and Calvin Klein advertising campaigns

 Abbey for MUSE

Anna Selezneva
A standout from when I saw her walk the Michael Kors Fall 2009 show, Anna Selezneva reminds me of younger Jessica Stam with her piercing eyes and ability to really take on whatever she is modeling. Selezneva had a great runway season for the Spring 2010 shows and is sure to be back for the Fall 2010 season.

Alexander Wang Spring 2010

Burberry Spring 2010

Hermès Spring 2010

Valentino Spring 2010

French Vogue editorial

Chinese Vogue

Maryna Linchuk
Maryna has created a great balance between editorial/covers and runway. She excelled in the Spring 2010 show season and creates a great presence when she is photographed.  

Christian Dior Spring 2010

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2010

Stella McCartney Spring 2010

Gucci Spring 2010

French Vogue editorial

Harper’s Bazaar editorial

Japanese Numéro cover

Toni Garrn
Toni had a great year, especially in print. While Garrn walked in shows like Bottega Veneta, Christian Dior, Fendi, and Chanel, her print work is what got my attention. Major advertising campaigns and covers propelled Toni to more than just a runway model and I can’t wait to see where she shows up next year.

Christian Dior Spring 2010Etro Fall 2009Dior Eyewear Fall 2009
Prada fragrance Fall 2009
Versace fragrance Fall 2009
Numéro cover November 2009
Tush cover Spring 2009

There’s no better city  for boots than San Francisco and it so happens shopping for the perfect pair is a lot like searching for the elusive Mr. Right  (wouldn’t life be a lot easier if men were lined up on a sale rack for heel-to-heel comparison?).

Too short. Too loud. Too off-color. Too difficult to care for. Too cheap. Too clingy in all the wrong places. Better suited for your best friend. Oh, and your mom hates the way they slouch and thinks you can do better.

And then, just when you’re feeling like you’re about to give up (though you never really give up, you just say you will), into your life walks the pair that makes you glad that you held out this long and proves that, no, you’re not too picky you just have excellent taste and know what you want, thank you very much.

You know it when you find it because they’re unusually comfortable and when the salesgirl tells you they’re designed to stay with you for a lifetime, your commitment issues don’t surface.

For me that warm feeling comes from Michael Kors’ Kincade boots in  buttery-soft suede.  Michael Kors boutiques are popping up all over the Bay Area and I’ve quickly fallen in love with all the pieces they carry. I scored these in an of-the-moment—but still classic—shade of grey that compliments any wardrobe, whether it’s boho or rock and roll. The design allows you to push them down for more of ankle bootie feel or yank them upward toward the knee. Rock them with skinny jeans in faded charcoal or with a short dress in a curve-hugging material to get noticed.

michael kors continues to create collections hosting clean lines & he injects nuances of red for his pre-fall collective. the collection also hosts fur & waist concious designs. hints of neon are also seen & the footwear that accompanies the collection brings kors closer to the future of design.

+ CNN shows off fashionable hijabs for the Islamic woman who wants to be fashionable now, not just in the afterlife.

+ LA Times Image lists 2010 holiday movies with great wardrobes.

+ Karl shows off in Shanghai.

+ Iconic fashion photos hit the auction block.

+ She’s come a long way from ditching Kiefer at the altar.  Lancome signs Julia Roberts.  Let the “Pretty Woman” references commence.

+Yes Virginia, there is a Michael Kors “Pre-Fall” 2010 Collection.

Michael Kors Charm Sunglasses – Black                 Item #135            Price $66
Retail Price $190

• Black plastic frames with tonal lenses
• “MK” logo charm detail at temple.
• Imported
• Case Included

Michael Kors Sun Valley Sunglasses – Dark Tortoise                 Item #134          Price $66
Retail Price $190

• Dark tortoise plastic frames with tonal lenses and detail
• Braided detail at temple
• Imported
• Case Included

Michael Kors Sun Valley Sunglasses – Black                     Item #133            Price $66
Retail Price $190

• Black plastic frames with purple lenses and tonal detail
• Braided detail at temple
• Imported
• Case Included

Christian Lacroix struggled to make the dresses for Safra’s wedding, but oh no, not me. He meant Marielle Safra, bloodline of the late banking Tycoon, Edmond Safra.

I love Christian Lacroix. But of course, I’ve never been privileged enough to own his clothes. Not even via eBay. But this French couturier’s collection is resplendent and jubilant. I thoroughly enjoyed reading those fairytale write-ups in Vogue, and gazed, wantonly, at fashion spreads filled with colour, bows and embellishments. For someone like me, his line represented what fashion was – a cloud of dreams. And I suppose Mr. Lacroix felt the same way. But when reality strikes, and those clouds hit pavement, it’s worse than being diagnosed with a terminal illness.  Which must be what Mr. Lacroix is feeling right now.

We all knew, as did he, Christian Lacroix’s house faced stifling financial woes, but welcome to fashion’s reality. However, not all fashion houses face this brutal fatality; some are able to turn profits well beyond belief. Look at Chanel,  Michael Kors and Comme des Garcons as legendary modern examples. But he was never one of the lucky ones. So when those potential financial backers fell through, and the house will be what was, it comes as a some sudden shock to the masses.

Sheikh Hassan Ben Ali al-Naimi, nephew to the ruler of United Arab Emirate state Ajman, supposedly expressed interest. Then Bernard Krief Consulting, a French investment group, also stepped in setting high hopes of victory. But the Sheikh and the firm pulled out last-minute because they couldn’t get funding in time. In my opinion – that’s hogshit. Truth is, when given the real low down, neither of them was the slightest bit convinced about the House of Lacroix’s ability to turn a long run, if ever, financial profit. But now, its employees – Mr. Lacroix included – are at the will of bull-talking cash cows for the sake of its own salvation.

Over the years he’s tried everything. During his peak in the`90s, he created countless diffusion lines, fragrances and accessories. But there is something about his line that obviously just isn’t resonating, and now all that will be left is a licensing right.
Could it have been that he was too French? Too artistic? Too couture? The only thing I can think of was that the line started to become exactly what it always was, caught up in itself.

You know, as gorgeous as his collections are, a lot of his references date back to a time when over-the-top was well and good then, but doesn’t hold much place in our lives now. Sure, fashion recycles, but Mr. Lacroix was trying to live a buried dream. The time when the supermodel and shoulder pad both reigned, together. And during those times, LVMH relished in the brand’s potential, but when they foresaw the impending stagnancy, which was inevitable, they passed the house off for cheap to The Falic Group.

Mr. Lacroix wants to blame his current owners for his fall from grace, but you see Monsieur Lacroix, the Falic brothers are not responsible for your shortcomings. They, like you, are dreamers, but they wanted the prestige of having a high-fashion brand in their portfolio while making money, an abundance of it. You on the other hand, are an artist; more concerned with creating beautiful clothes for a certain tier of beautiful people (like Marielle Safra). You did, yes you did, dismiss the fact that you are a business. Art and commerce can work, but it’s artists’ who have an instinctive business acumen that survive. But if only Mr. Lacroix, if only…

It is true. Christian Lacroix’s fashion house was closed off from the rest of us, only accessible to people who frolic in almost unlimited wealth and luxury. Yet it was us, the commoners, who probably could have helped him, at least just a little while longer. But I don’t think Mr. Lacroix does H&M.

For what it’s worth Mr. Lacroix, you will certainly be missed by the rest of us.

MK Fall 2010: Your updated little black dress.

A mini in dsiguise, i love the nude and black together.

Good girl gone bad, I can see Rihanna sporting this piece.

Old Hollywood glamour! Wonderful style.

I’ve been seeing this trend everywhere. A must have in your closet!

You know, I was thinking about the entire season 6 now that it’s over. Personally, I think that this season was the most boring from all six seasons. In addition to that, I think that some of the designers were sent home too early. The reason that I thought that this season was boring was because there wasn’t that much drama or interesting people on the show, especially when you compare it to previous seasons. For example, in season 1, there was the animosity towards Wendy Pepper. In season 2, there was Andrae’s breakdowns, and Santino’s insane personality. In season 3, there was too much drama to list. In season 4, there was Christian and him being fierce! In season 5, there was Kenley, who always talked back to the judges. But when it comes to season 6, the only things were when Johnny lied about his newspaper outfit, when Althea was bitching and moaning about how Logan stole her zipper collar idea, and when Irina accused Irina of doing the same thing with the jacket. Anyway, when it came to the talented designers who were sent home early, some of them I agree that they went home too early. I think that Ra’mon, Epperson, and Shirin were sent home too early. They all have made beautiful outfits until their respective eliminations. Although, I think that Shirin’s elimination was totally unfair. If it weren’t for the fact that Gordana had immunity for Shirin’s elimination episode, I would have had Gordana eliminated. I think that Shirin would have made it to the top three if she hadn’t been eliminated when she was. Anyway, I particularly care for this season.

i’ve always been a watch wearer–to the point where my wrist felt nakey without one–but never really a watch lover. in the last year or so, though, i’ve really started to take notice of the different metal, leather, plastic and fabric bands wrapped around many a wrists. labeled by most as an accessory, an afterthought even, i instead see them as a staple to complete my daily wardrobe. without them, i no longer just feel naked. i feel lost. and thus the reason for today’s rumination–or, rather, obsession–over these lovelies.

[i saw this weeks ago and haven't stopped going all goo-goo, ga-ga over it.]

mr jones watches :: cyclops :: $185

[i'm not entirely sure how i feel about potentially paying $200+ for a plastic watch, but there's an appeal here i can't quite deny.]

toy watch :: plasteramic :: approx $225

[oooh, shiny.]

rue la la :: tumi :: $275

[simple and vintage-like. i dig it.]

j crew :: timex military watch :: $150

[feminine lady meets rebellious teen. scrumptious.]

shopbop :: la mer motorcycle chain wrap :: $110

[white and ceramic. probably not a good combo for my tendency to spill and/or drop things, but whatevs. it's rad.]

shopbop :: michael kors ceramic :: $450

are you there, santa? it’s me, murphy.

Michael Kors

Fashion designer Michael Kors, a fashionman who has stamped his style all over the world. I was awakened to his styles when watching another episode of Gossip Girl, when Mrs Van Der Kamp, Kelly Rutherford, was wearing his clothes. This show is the ideal stage for his work, as he produces expensive styles.  His styles are so varied, from sportswear to comfort clothes, and his vintage styles are worn by celebrities the world over. He really made his mark when Michelle Obama chose to wear his clothing for her first lady portrait.