A Callahan Catering gent tempts at Kate Spade

The house that Kate and Jack built held its annual breakfast sh-arty this morning. Snacks—which included miniaturized versions of pancakes, donuts, and other sweet-tooth favorites—were courtesy of Callahan Catering while the equally tempting shoes, bags, and assorted miscellany were inspired by the classic celluloid beauties including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. (Save the candy-color shearling totes; those are more in line with the style of today’s Sundance set.) In the well-curated Jack Spade corner sat sleek canvas briefcases, plaid wallets and paint-dipped totes for artsy guys and dolls.

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Donna Karan’s showroom

It’s Friday at long last. The arrival of the week’s final jour always puts me in a good mood, which is why I’ve decided that today will be all about the uplifting fashion moments I’ve come across recently. Call me corny, but I appreciate random flashes of fashion brilliance here and there—they help reiterate just how amazing this industry can be.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of this sentiment when I swung into Donna Karan’s showroom last week to see the designer’s resort and holiday collections. First off, the woman herself plays the roll of multi-talented muse for many a fashion follower, but what I admire is how her collections, advertisements, and overall aesthetic add a gloss to New York City’s glamorous reputation. The sleek separates for a working woman’s wardrobe, those fast-paced DKNY campaigns, and the moody black-and-white photography, are all served up against a backdrop of the city’s iconic sky-scrapers. Located on the west side of Manhattan, Karan’s showroom features the same dramatic perspective.

Donna Karan’s holiday collection

I wandered through her latest concoctions (in her signature black & gold) and couldn’t help but imagine them on long-legged gals trawling the urban jungle…

Models in Karan’s gowns

…and then a few minutes later real-live leggy girls modeling Karan’s evening gowns came trotting out.

A view of Karan’s showroom

Karan recently tried her hand at blogging on the Huffington Post. Much of her writing focused on UrbanZen, a health and wellness forum that she helped coordinate. Her blog entries are worth reading as there are many heartfelt, fascinating comments. As an aside, I have to say that her airy, well-appointed studio offered me a dose of urban zen too.

While her showroom has a calming effect, Karan’s shoes however, may set hearts aflutter. Such fantastic styles!

Icy whites!

Metallic grommets! (big for next season, fyi)

Sporty bondage styles!

Bold brights!

The shoes, when paired with her black and white separates make for a chic study in contrasts—in short, a classic Karan collection.

Technorati Tags: Donna Karan, DKNY, New York Fashion, Designer Shoes, Heels,

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Last night I scooted out of the office and fought hurricane-like rain so I could catch a sneak peek of Alice Temperley’s designs for Target. I passed the UK designer—known for her luxe knit dresses and decadent A-list parties—on her way out, but was too interested in seeing what she’d whipped up for the U.S. superstore to stop and chat. A short elevator ride later, I found her line which was, I am happy to report, a delight to behold. Full of twee little sweaters, filmy blouses, and knit dresses, the collection picked up on some of the key themes found in Temperley’s runway shows. And with 50+ affordable separates to choose from ($14.99-59.99 each, can you believe?), there’s something in her Target line to suit every shopper, including sorority sisters, 9-5 gals, and it-girls alike.

Now, I would love nothing more than to whet your appetite for these charming goodies, but alas, I’ve been sworn to secrecy—at least until early September, when the line is slated to hit stores. (Hence these doctored photos from last night’s appointment.) In the meantime, console yourself by checking out Target’s current designer (and equally covetable) collection by Patrick Robinson and stay tuned on Glamchic, as I fill in the photo blanks closer to the line’s launch. X S.C.

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Inside The News

I love the News. No, it’s not some hipster band you feel like you should have heard about already, nor is this my declaration of love for the smart-pants media swarm that is The New York Times, NPR, and BBC. (Although did you like how I name-dropped my favorites there?) The News I’m talking about is the New York-based fashion sales and P.R. powerhouse. In addition to boasting a super-efficient, savvy team and an incomparably cool client roster (Alexander Wang, Habitual, Cheap Monday, and Vena Cava to name a few), the spacious downtown office also happens to be one of my favorite places to visit. Mainly because I love that the “waiting area” is filled with an entertaining collection of snow globes, and that the jewelry samples are displayed in creative ways.

Another view from The News

The necklaces hanging on the wall above a grafittied bureau are especially inspiring for those wanting to incorporate a little avant-garde decoration into their own abodes. (Or offices: After my most recent trip to The News, I started pinning up the accessories I leave at the office in case of outfit emergencies. My new Nicole Romano necklace becomes an objet d’art once placed on an austere backdrop. Get your own at Active Endeavors.)

Nicole Romano Necklace

And speaking of art: Fashion factoid filers might be interested to know that this display idea borrows from the ultimate art world doyenne, the late, great Peggy Guggenheim. The mid-century icon used to pin her collection of shoulder-grazing earrings to the bedroom wall of her Venetian mansion (now a museum). Considering the rest of her walls were filled with Picassos and Yves Tanguys, I’d say her jewels were in good company—and rightly so. x S.C.

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Coach just upgraded to business class. Well, not exactly, but the leathergoods powerhouse did just expand their nascent ready-wear-collection to include cosmopolitan trenches, vintage-inspired fur coats, and cropped leather jackets for fall. And that’s on top of the label’s new perfume and ever-growing jewelry line. (No doubt Coach’s whimsical charm bracelet will go flying off the shelves come August.) As for you Coach classicists, never fear: The house whipped up many a tailored accessory for the upcoming season, including gold-button Mary Janes and toggle-clasp satchels. x S.C.

Images courtesy of Coach

Technorati Tags: Coach, Leather Jackets, Boots, Heels, Bags, Market Appointments, Glam, Accessories

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

As I mentioned (admittedly with some sense of longing) in an earlier post, you can count on the L.A. showrooms to provide interior design inspiration for the aspiring urban dweller. Well, back in New York, it’s hard to find a more inviting space than the Cole Haan offices. Not only does the house’s 18^th Street headquarters boast sweeping double-high ceilings, an spacious layout, and an enviable fashion library, but the offices also house a well-appointed viewing space for Cole Haan’s refined accessories.

When I swung by this week to check out the house’s fall line, I found coquettish tweed pumps perched atop a sleek black coffee table, a cognac-colored leather satchel nestled in a ’60s-era chaise, and woven leather flats (which hit stores in May by the way) laid out in neat rows on the top of a roll-top desk.

The label is so well known for their innovative leather good accessories—namely their comfy Nike Air technology heels which Oprah herself has endorsed—that it’s easy to forget that there’s an ever-growing ready-to-wear line. Winter sports lovers—and editor’s planning their après ski stories—should keep in mind Cole Haan’s knit hats, fur-trimmed jackets, and wool toggle-coats. I know I certainly will. x S.C.

Technorati Tags: Accessories, Cole Haan, Market Appointments, Fashion

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

At this morning’s Calvin Klein open house male and female models lounged on a pyramid of stairs clad in the fall CK line of velvet dresses, charcoal grey jackets, and the like.

Calvin Klein

The live model presentation always poses an interesting quandary to editors, buyers, and one would assume models alike: How does one take in the new designs without staring down the lithe young things that wear them? Engage or not engage with the models? How must it feel to have the well-shod sussing you out without the relief of the friendly runway barrier? And what about those sporting the latest under garments: Does one eye the goods (I’m talking about clothes here, so get your mind out of the gutter) or politely look away?

I opted for the latter, and trotted off to the wardrobe racks where there were more than a few white knit dresses (sure to be featured in magazines’ December/January “Winter White” trend stories) and luxe accessories positioned in picture-perfect displays.

Who needs a pro photographer, fancy photo shoot, and VIP stylist when the Calvin team is so creative?x S.C.

Technorati Tags: Glam, Market Appointments, Calvin Klein, Shoes, Bags, Dresses, Fall, Fashion

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

Calling all accessory connoisseurs: Here’s a sneak peek at pieces that will be inspiring many a fashion shoot, inexplicable addiction, and trip to Bergdorf come fall. The best part? There’s more where this comes from. Stay tuned! X S.C.

Alexander McQueen: Golden Spikes and Studded Wedges

Anna Sui: Love Beads and Alphabet City

Berardi: Stud-Muffin Tops and Oxford Booties

Marc Jacobs: Rock Stars

Zac Posen: Luxe Leathers

Technorati Tags: Glam, Market Appointments, Accessories, Fashion

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

I told you I had a lot to report back on. Anyhow, also located in the Cooper Building, is Movement Showroom. The team there has a rather ingenious way of displaying their lines (which include Development, Erika Davies, and Diabless, among others). Artfully hanging their latest separates by elongated hangers hooked to the ceiling, the showroom staff transforms their studio into an installation-like space.  

Movement Showroom

Meanwhile, Tricot showroom boasts a big open studio. In the far back corner there’s sweet nothings from Les Prairies de Paris. Best known in the states for their starkly beautiful leather flats and sandals (housed in a wonderful kitchen hutch at Tricot) the label’s ready-to-wear pieces are also worth taking note of.

 Les Prairies de Paris

For spring (which is available now in stores, while some earlier seasons can be scooped up on Yoox.  the house unveiled a number of adventurous, yet timely pieces. Take the striped jumpsuit. Slightly Stella McCartney, right? The same goes for their jersey harem pants. Surely you remember those waltzing down the runway not long ago (how could you forget the sight of I Dream of Jeannie-style threads?). For fall, it’s another ’60s moment with fuss-free dresses, skirts, and flats.

Les Prairies de Paris

Spring

Photographs by Corinne Malet

Fall

In one corner sat Myth Ritual, an L.A.-based line that’s just a few seasons old. Lady-like velvet dresses sashed at the waist and bib-front blouses were among the highlights.

Myth Ritual

Tucked in another corner was Webster’s latest separates, which also have a slightly retro feel. Again, I spot more cropped jackets and capes, this time in grey flannel—yet another trend to be on the look out for fall. x S.C.

Technorati Tags: Glam, L.A. Fashion Week, Market Appointments, Fashion

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook

 At long last, I’ve got all my look book picts and personal snaps loaded up. As L.A. market week heats up (ie, when all the editors and buyers descend on Tinseltown to get a sneak peek at and place their orders on designers’ latest offerings), here’s a quick look at the highlights from my recent tour through L.A.’s Cooper Building.   

First off, I visit my friend Carey at Belle. She is as lively and bright as her showroom space (decorated in black and pink hues, it’s both playful and sophisticated at once) and always has a number of up-and-coming designers. This season she debuts Nora Marcella, a newbie line from—get this—two Chicago-based 18 and 20-year old sisters, Nora and Marcella Volini. Simple ’60s-style dresses is the name of their game, and the girls put a focus details: A white a-line shift comes adorned with bright red buttons while a swiss-dot blouse looks all the sweeter when trimmed with baby-blue lace.

Nora Marcella

Another sister duo are behind the Vanessa Barrantes line. For fall, Vanessa and her sister Jacky tried their hand—quite successfully I might add—at smock dresses and darling scallop-collar dresses.

Vanessa Barrantes

Also at Belle is Dace, a line from Canadian designer, Dace Moore. Now in her second season of being sold in the U.S., Moore continues to perfect the girlish shapes her clients seek out: Jaunty bubble skirts, elongated cardigans, cropped coats, and the like

Dace

Photos by Shannon Mendes

Located just down the hallway, Riot Showroom also boasts an impressive collection of up-and-coming designers. Vanessa tours me through the new Boudoir by Diyasa line, which is chock full of whimsical jewelry, patterned cocktail frocks, and knit vests. (Think Marc by Marc meets Rebecca Taylor.)

Boudoir

Further down the racks sit Wayf’s latest pieces. Now in her second season, the 19-year old designer, Meredith Anne Fisher whipped up another batch of tempting shift dresses. (With their flattering A-line cuts in sophisticated silks, who wouldn’t want to wear them?)

Wayf

Next to Wayf was Harlow’s fall line. First making their name on fashion-focused novelty tees (“Save Rochas,” and a Kate Moss tee being the most popular) designers Megan George and Michelle Wenke expand into a full-fledged ready-to-wear line. The duo cannily crafted tent-dresses out of polo-shirt fabric (that’s cotton pique to you material girls) and gave the basic white tee a fresh spin by stitching a black, bustier-like piece on top. (Hmm. Check out my previous post of Kova & T. Seems this t-shirt corset combo is a burgeoning trend in the sportswear circle.)

Harlow 

Also on view was Jenny Jen, the label from Paris based designer Jenny Jarmoune. For fall, Jarmoune was all about pleated silk shirt-dresses, ribbon-sash skirts, and breezy shifts. Effortless elegance is clearly her M.O.—no surprise considering she formerly designed at Chloe. And for all you trend-spotters, check out her crested jacket. Remniscent of Balenciaga this season, no?

Jenny Jen 

Photos by Alexandre Vazart

Last but not least, I sussed out the latest pieces from UK cult label, Cassette. Among the many slim-fitting pants and edgy, body-conscious knits, Cassette’s crisp black cape—capes being one of the top trend items for fall—stood out to me. x S.C.

Cassette

Technorati Tags: Glam, L.A. Fashion Week,  New Designers, Dresses,  Fashion

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook