Dolce Vita

It officially starts...NOW!

My brain is logged off, my head already feels light, and I am certainly fired up for some b4k4 chat!

But first things first, I am starting my 12-day vacay by getting a much needed… um, much deserved facial spa. Amidst this 3-digit dry weather, my skin takes a lot of beating from different elements – sun, hot breeze, haboob…yup, it’s not only in Sahara desert, we have it here in Arizona too.

Anyway, if you are up for some R&R, check out Dolce Salon and Spa at The Borgata in Scottsdale and ask for Hadley, she is the best! Become a member and get pampered by their sweet deals. This advertising is unsolicited and unpaid! =)

Astonishing how I can be wide-awake on a Saturday morning, have time for a nice breakfast, make it early to my appointment and blog…if I can only muster the same for my early conference calls with my European colleagues.

For the meantime, in tranquil awaiting my little slice of heaven…

Drooling...

Can’t travel to fashion week events worldwide?

No worries! Just fly to New York and head straight to zip code 10022-SHOE, a.k.a. Saks Fifth Avenue shoe salon.

Saks' remarkable shoe selection is already to drool for, and now Saks tweets that they are adding another 10,000 square feet of space for potential new flavors the likes of Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu and Philip Lim amongst others. Ah...heaven for shoe connoisseurs.

The opening gala is targeted for September 2012. For now, savor their current well-heeled variety and browse saks.com for 55% off sale! Monday night therapy never hurts.

P.S. I love you...

Kudos fashion forward duo, Jack and Lazaro, for a successful decade of Proenza Schouler Brand and 2012 CFDA nominations for Womenswear and Accessories Designer of the Year. My PS favorites are...

PS11 Clutch in Colorblock Citron - Spring 2012 collection

PS11 Classic Python - Spring 2012 Collection

   

PS11 Classic in Tangerine - Fall 2011 Collection

 

PS1 Large Satchel in White

Horoscope

Oh, I so LIKE this M Missoni Horoscope canvas tote!  Double handled 8" drop featuring a Pisces graphic at the front and a logo graphic at the back, and   measuring 15"H x 17"L x 1.5"D, this can certainly bag my load.

How could I have missed this last summer when it only cost $20?  Now it sells for GBP 112.75  a piece, and that is already on sale =/

Check your horoscope, they come in different colors at Outnet.com.

Size 8 is the new size 4!

Are you one of those who think that they will someday sell their clothes or hand them down to their younger sister or wish that someday they’d fit in them again?

If you ask me, my answer is yes, yes, and yes. Shoes are no question, but yes, I am also guilty of hoarding clothes. My excuse is that I mostly buy versatile pieces that I can accessorize, mix and match regardless of the season.

Anyway, focusing on what I want to write about…

Have you noticed the size of your older pieces compared to your recent outfits? And I don’t mean your last season’s purchases. I am referring to your vintage wardrobe, even including your classic collections from the 80’s or 90’s…they run 4-6 sizes smaller than today’s clothing sizes!

Most women may be on denial, but today’s outfits are designed to satisfy buyers’ wishes to appear thin and feel better about themselves, a phenomenon called “vanity sizing.” I pulled out this floral-print fitted pencil mini skirt from The Limited that I’ve had since early 90’s. It is a size 8 and is snug on me. I am now 5 pounds heavier, and size 4 of the same brand fits me comfortably!

And by the way, high end-designers do just the reverse of vanity sizing in that their garments are sized smaller than average RTWs of the “same” size. So when you shop vintage or signature pieces to add to your collection, be prepared for shock and awe!

To Hat or Not To Hat

Oh no, it is not merely for bad hair days; not just for English weddings - which by the way you are not obligated to wear if you are not one of the principals; not only a must wear at the Derby - frankly I find most of them hideous!

Back in the old days, they were worn for protection from the elements especially to warm babies before hats were fashion adornment for formal gatherings defining ones social status and worn to get noticed.

During the wars, hats have taken aback until once again popularized in the 80’s by the Princess of Wales, Diana. Today, who doesn’t have a hat? Wearing it is no longer a differentiator of rank in society but an expression of art as part of daily accessories.

There are still the traditional vintage Victorian hats, minus the real dead birds of course. And then there are beanies for winter, fun Mardi Gras hats, sporty visors, the western style for that cowboy image, and the most popular…. caps with embellishments and logos that are worn backwards or sideways or sometimes inside out while upside down.

Dust your stylish straw fedoras for the summer or shop the easy on the pocket new selections at Charming CHARLIE.

Bitch Stole My Look!

…as Fashion Police Joan Rivers would say, or call it US Weekly magazine’s “Who Wore It Best?” but both Tara Hitchcock, Arizona’s former Channel 3 news anchor, and I agreed how comfortable this high waist accentuated, soft, wash and wear python print dress is. But that awful bohemian sling purse just does not belong, what was she thinking?!?

This is a flashback from last year’s Florence Crittenton’s “Dreams Come True – 8th Annual Teaming Up For Kids Charity Luncheon” at the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel. I miss visiting the Girls Ranch, a supporting foundation of Flo’s and a vital collaborative program serving young moms in need. Shout out to my very talented mentee, Lashawntay who has now moved back to Washington DC to be close to her family!

#47 – Smart Wear? Label Whore? Or Simply Baduy?

Salvatore Ferragamo Eyewear
BCBG Dress

Makers from Italy and China