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Hi Mimi, it's me, 40, again. I've tried calling a few times and have sent several text messages and emails, none of which have been returned. I just wanted to remind you that I'll be visiting soon for an extended stay and hoped that if it wasn't too much of an inconvenience, you would be kind enough to accommodate a few of my hospitality needs.

1) I will need a super-expensive moisturizer to combat the frigid east coast weather. We both know that the days of Neutogena are far behind us and that I can only tolerate the richness of La Prairie or Le Mer. I do understand that at $500 a jar this is somewhat of an extravagance, but I really don't think you want to see my flaky, dry face in the morning - might scare the kids.
2) Please stock the pantry with Metamucil as I'm having some issues with my morning, well, you know...
3) If you could make sure to stock a drawer with a few Spanx for me, I might want to wear a sexy dress out to dinner one night and I can no longer hold my stomach in after a large meal.
4) Can you set up an appointment for me at that med-spa you were raving about? I forget the Dr.s name, but a round of botox and micro-dermabrasion might give me that "girlish glow" I've been missing for the last few years.
5) Could you please schedule all of our social outings as early in the evening as possible? I rarely stay up past 11pm these days.
6) Oh, and lastly, please remind Cooper that I looovvveeee babies so if you could possibly pop out 1 last rugrat right before my visit, I would be more than happy to baby-sit while I'm there.

Well, that's it. I hope I'm not being too nudgy, but you know what they say...The squeaky wheel gets the oil La Prairie.

The Rules

No, not THE Rules but these:
Don't mix silver and gold. Never wear navy with black. Never wear brown with black. Don't wear white jeans or white shoes before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
I've noticed over the past few years that some of my customers are very adamant that they NEVER, EVER stray from the afore mentioned statutes. One gal was so offended that I shrugged off her concern for the gold zipper on her clutch, which "did not go" with her silver jewelry, that she simply stormed out of the store never to be seen again (I never knew I commanded such power).
Personally, I have one fashion rule: Form should always follow function.
In other words :
Don't teeter around in your 110mm McQueen stilettos at your son's baseball game - you'll look like an ass.
Don't squeeze yourself into a size 8 when you are a size 10 - or even if you're a size 8. There is no uniform sizing in fashion and one designer's 8 could be another's 12. Whatever the case, you will end up looking 10 lbs. heavier and if you're wearing a divine Lanvin skirt, the muffin top hanging over the waistband will make your designer garment look like something you bought at Forever 21. FORM (the clothing), should follow FUNCTION (the shape of your body - all of it).
Don't wear a vagina-high skirt to work unless you work at Scores - no explanation neccessary.
You get my point.
Fashion SHOULD be about experimentation, taking risks, looking and feeling beautiful and my opinion is that the rules of yesteryear should probably be reassessed. Here are some (offensive) images that may make you change your mind if old habits die hard.



Great navy and black work outfit



The Le Bons looking gorgeous in navy and black.



Glamorous white in the winter




Corine in her all white ensemble - Mid-October




How to wear white jeans in the winter



Silver and Gold in perfect harmony

Ralph Lauren's lovely brown and black ensemble



Black and Brown with super cool brown brogues




Brown accessories add dimension to all black

                                             

Galliano Killing Me!

John Galliano has broken my heart. Christian Dior's Spring '11 Haute Couture collection is so breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful that I am at a loss for words - and THAT is a truly rare occurrence. It's so good it just hurts. Have a look for yourself - I dare you to disagree...



Photos: Yannis Vlamos



Go Rickie, Go!



Givenchy Spring '11 Haute Couture Show

Quick shout out to my homie Riccardo Tisci for making my Asian sisters relevant in the modelling world - it's about time!!!
Seriously, though, wouldn't it be great if diversity WASN'T such a huge issue and the sight of an Asian model amongst his/her Caucasian counterparts was an unremarkable occurrence?

Maximum Maxi

D&G Caftan    Photo: Courtesy of  net-a-porter

The maxi dress is here for yet another season. Hurray! What started off as a summertime, beach cover-up worn with flip flops has crossed the barrier and we've seen it transform into a 4 season staple for every fashion-minded gal. Yes, even now, in the freezing cold! Throw on your fleece lined leggings, maxi dress and leather jacket. Top it off with a mongolian lamb vest, cashmere socks and platform clogs and voila! Perfecto!




Lanvin  Photo: Courtesy of Lanvin






American Vintage Maxi   Photo: Courtesy of Revolve Clothing

Photo: Courtesy of The Sartorialist



Jil Sander  Photo: Courtesy of Jil Sander



ALC   Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop




Juicy Couture  Photo: Courtesy of net-a-porter




Ports 1961  Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop



Burberry  Photo: Courtesy of Burberry




Givenchy   Photo: Courtesy of Givenchy

 








 

Pre-Fall '11

Am I the only person in the retail industry that finds it completely ridiculous that I am buying Pre-Fall 2011 in January for a May ship date? Well, actually, perhaps it's not so crazy. One MIGHT get a chance to wear the items a few times before storing them away for 4 months. The east coast HAS been known to include several days in the 50's and 60's during the month of May. Not quite fur poncho weather, but definitely cool enough for a yummy cashmere sweater topped with a boucle coat.

With that said, I'm LOVING what I've seen from Lanvin (what a shock!), Donna Karan, Nina Ricci, Erdam, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney and many others.

Below are several looks from my wishlist:
Do you have a favorite?




Chanel

      Photo: Courtesy of Chanel




Carolina Herrera
Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera




Carolina Herrera
Photo: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera




Donna Karan
Photo: Courtesy of Donna Karan




Donna Karan
Photo: Courtesy of Donna Karan



Lanvin
Photo: Courtesy of Lanvin

Lanvin
Photo: Courtesy of Lanvin



Lanvin
Photo: Courtesy of Lanvin




Matthew Williamson
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Williamson



Nina Ricci
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Ricci



Nina Ricci
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Ricci




Nina Ricci
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Ricci




Proenza Schouler
Photo: Courtesy of Proenza Schouler



Rag and Bone
Photo: Courtesy of Rag and Bone



Rochas
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas




Sonia Rykiel
Photo: Courtesy of Sonia Rykiel



Thakoon
Photo: Courtesy of Thakoon



Thakoon
Photo: Courtesy of Thakoon




Rochas
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas




Erdem
Photo: Courtesy of Erdem




Erdem
Photo: Courtesy of Erdem




Celine
Photo: Courtesy of Celine




Stella McCartney
Photo: Courtesy of Stella McCartney




Stella McCartney
Photo: Courtesy of Stella McCartney