Francesco Scognamigli Spring Summer Collection 2010

What You Need to Know;

Born in 1975 in Pompeii, near Naples, Francesco Scognamiglio opened his first atelier when he was 23. Since then his career has been constantly on the rise thanks to his designs often characterised by a strange dichotomy between research, experimentation and avant-garde inspirations on one side and the traditional principles of the Neapolitan tailoring school on the other. This perennial dichotomy came back in Scognamiglio’s Spring/Summer 09 collection: perfectly tailored cropped jackets were paired with black plastic see-through trousers; there was an emphasis on sleeves, shoulders and shoulder-pads, often decorated with ethereal feathers; sculpted ruffles appeared on necklines, skirts and dresses, alternated to cascades of roses. Soft and light fabrics were juxtaposed to stiffer fabrics used to create more structured volumes and silhouettes. This bi-dimensionality allowed the outfits to acquire a new form as the fabrics created chiaroscuro effects and a tactile experience exalted by the body’s movement. Scognamiglio’s ivory silky suits and his signature organza blouses were impeccable, while his rigid coat dresses mirrored the personality of the muse the young designer had in mind when he designed this collection, a self-confident and warrior-like, though highly sensual and sexy, woman.

What You Need to See;

Embellished Incentives

Tonight I am convinced this has to be the coldest winter ever! Out shopping most of the day with friends, I am still frozen while at home, typing this with winter over coat and gloves. Winter coat because I'm still cold, gloves just because, you know....They Rock. So I began thinking if I didn't absolutely need to go outside until spring I could definitely handle staying in, but if I had to go I would need some parting gifts....

Givenchy white studded gloves

MiuMiu peach socks with gold sequins

Marc Jacobs black studded bag

Prada grey crackled leather studded tassle bag

Roger Viver black satin "Biria" platforms

Alberta Ferretti Valetto black beaded high heel shoe boot

Christian Louboutin blue and black crystal studded wedge heel

Chanel Tattoos....I am soooo with it

This isnt the first time that we've seen tat's on the runway, Jean Paul Gaultier, Catherine Maladrino and Rodarte all showed up inked, but never quite like this. Chanel's take on tattoo's are everything you would expect from the brand. Body transfers in floral designs, beads and bangles, gave it a soft yet edgy feel. Available in March at boutiques and concessions, these are the new IT accessory of 2010

H&M Destroys and Throws Out Perfectly Good Unworn Clothing Read more: H&M Destroys and Throws Out Perfectly Good Unworn Clothing -- The Cut NY Magazine

Have you ever wondered what happens to clothes that large chain retailers don't sell? Not boutiques like Oak or stores like Barneys or other designers that can send things to sample sales, but huge stores full of stuff that's too cheap to resell, like H&M or Wal-Mart. The New York Times reports that both H&M and Wal-Mart throw out unused clothing people don't buy. But they want to make sure that, after they throw stuff out, people can't wear or resell the clothes. So they destroy the items by cutting holes in them with machines. If they're dealing with a pair of shoes, they go to the trouble of cutting the insoles so you can't wear them. Puffy jackets are slashed across the body and the arms are cut off. The 34th Street H&M discards the destroyed but otherwise perfectly good merchandise in trash bags behind the building. Wal-Mart has a contractor that dumps their destroyed unworn clothes in a space on 35th Street. Poor people who need clothes are freezing all over the city, but rather than donate unused goods, these stores are destroying them and treating them like garbage.People who know about the loot go to scavenge for goods that aren't destroyed since whole, wearable items make it through sometimes. Wouldn't it be easier to simply donate the stuff so they don't have to bother with cutting everything? A New York Cares that holds an annual coat drive and would be happy to have H&M's unwanted goods is located just around the corner from its 34th Street location.

A spokesperson for Wal-Mart told the Times that the store normally donates unused items to charities, and needed to investigate the 35th Street situation. H&M did not respond to ten requests for comment from the Times yesterday. The store also throws out plastic hangers in perfectly good condition, which is ridiculous, because clothes may go out of style, but those certainly do not. The Times reports:

H & M, which is based in Sweden, has an executive in charge of corporate responsibility who leads the company’s sustainability efforts. On its Web site, H&M reports that to save paper, it has shrunk its shipping labels.

Maybe they donated $5 to save the polar bears last year, too.

The LV Rescue Club

Spring is on its way, which for me use to mean time for a new purse! Boy what a difference a recession makes, it wont be happening this upcoming season at least not the purse I dream about but, I digress. Sometimes, you have an item thats sentimental value out weighs any price. I've felt this way about my Louis Vuitton bag for some time now. Instructed by my mother not to come back outside with this purse, the reasons behind me keeping this worn classic accessory go beyond looks. In any attempt to bring it back to life, I came across a post on purse forum about the replacement of Louis Vuitton purse parts. Alas, someone in bag heaven was listening and in the business of making my wishes come true. Read on....

 "After searching for a Graffiti Speedy for two years, I was unable to find one in my price range in the condition I desired. So I looked into vachetta replacement and decided that was the way to revitalize a well loved bag. After finding him on eBay, I dropped him off at my boutique. Three weeks later, he was back and stunning. Here are the before and after pics."-Purse Forum Member

I will be dropping my speedy off, this weekend at my local LV store, and I will post before and after photos when the bag is reconstructed. I was told the process takes about three weeks, they will fix any Louis Vuiton purse, as long of course as it it authentic. And if you cannot drop off your handbag you can have it shipped to an LV store and they will take care of it. How awesome is that? #BEATBEINGBASIC

J.Lo 2.0

"Being an artist doesn't start because you're 21, and it doesn't end because you're 51," the diva said. "You are who you are until the day you die."-Jennifer Lopez

Love her or hate her one things for sure, Jennifer Lopez brings it each and every time. Newly gracing the cover of February's Latina Magazine, giving you glowing classic, nude, simplicity, and soft hair. Although she could have been wearing a paper bag and still looked gorgeous, I was quite intrigued by her embellished knee high socks, of all things. After some intense research I found they were by Miu Miu and were available in black or nude and retail for $435, ouch. This may be my first DIY of 2010!

Walk Walk Fashion Baby

When things don't go right, go left......to the left, to the left
If your New years resolution for 2010 was to walk out of someone's life, then I suggest you do so wearing these, spiked pumps designed by Louis Goldin for TopShop spring/summer 2010.  Not only will they protect your feet, from the looks of the hardware they will also protect your heart. Or at least keep undesirable people at a comfortable distance. While most shoes are made for walking, clearly these are not. These shoes are made for STOMPING.

Break Ups to Make Ups

                                                        
Makeup is one of my favorite things, seriously like in the world. While since first really learning to do my makeup and not looking like a circus clown, I've been a loyal MAC girl. There honestly wasn't a particular reason why I started there and stopped. Im not a label whore in a sense that I use or where things simply because of the brand or trend, I wear what I like and for years MAC has worked for me. Recently I've been branching out and for me the best way to branch out into different lines of makeup is to rummage through my friends makeup bags and ask lots of questions. Though what works for one may not work for another, I find new techniques by watching others apply their makeup. For example one of my very good friends, who is a few shades darker than me, uses a light color powder foundation by bare essentials as an eyeshadow both under and over her eyes, and it looks absolutely beautiful. BUT, when I tried the same trick I looked a raccoon and couldn't figure out why. While watching her actually apply her makeup I saw that after she applied the powder she then went over her entire ace with a press powder blending everything and leaving a hint of the color on and under her eyes. BINGO! Tried it and it was perfect!
 Anyway I digress. My general makeup look is very tanned with highlighting bronzer, nude lips, light eyeliner and tones of mascara. MAC will always be one of my favorite makeup brands but I've come across a new love of NARS and a soft spot for Stila, here are some of the newest products I have been using, which can all be purchased at Sephora allowing you to try before you buy. Most important, think outside the box and have fun!

Here's Nars, Sabrina lip treatment, Belle du Jour, and my current favorite Roman Holiday. I LOVE Roman Holiday, its sheer so I layer it with Illamasqua Lipstick in Fable to give it a more pink nude shade. This brand is only available at Sephora, and I appreciate the color as well as the exclusivity of that.

                                  

Heres Deep throat by Nars, I know Orgasm is a best seller and a favorite of many, but I find Deep Throat to be a warmer color for my skin tone and make my finishing look toasty.

                                      

This is a illuminating finishing powder set by Stila. Its GORGEOUS! Its a limited edition, gift set for a excellent price. I use both colors, the rose gold darker shade for contour and the light gold for highlight all over shimmer dusting. I came across this courtesy of Maury over at www.typepad.com/heightsoffashion. While scattering around her makeup bins I saw and tried this combination and fell in love. This product goes fast, I went to 3 Sephoras before finding it in Soho!

                          

I mentioned above that I load on mascara, one because my eyelashes are short and tangled and two because I like for eyes to be the focus, and well defined. I try a lot of different mascaras, and this has worked the absolute best for my eyelash situation. The brush was a nice size and I am happy with the amount of mascara on the brush as well as the big volumizing effect. Great results minimal effort.

            

                                                    

Life is like a Masquerade Ball

Ever since Eye's Wide Shut, I think attending a ultra chic masquerade party, has been lingering in the back of everyones mind. Though I wasn't able to find one in time for this years NYE, Gilt Groupe is featuring Art of Elysium Designer Masquerade sale on December 30, and so far it looks absolutely fantastic! Heres some background;

"Last October, Gilt enlisted 12 A-list designers — including Catherine Malandrino, Tory Burch, Peter Som and Behnaz Sarapfour — to create one-of-a-kind, Venetian-style masks for celebrities to don at a masquerade gala in Marfa, Texas. The event benefited the Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization that works with children battling serious medical conditions. Now, you have an exclusive chance to snap up these extraordinary designer creations; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art of Elysium."

Backstory

Founded in 1997, the Art of Elysium works with accomplished artists, musicians and actors, who volunteer their time to participate in creative workshops for children battling serious medical conditions. The organization has helped thousands of children learn everything from singing to painting to fashion design, and garnered a long list of celebrity supporters along the way.

Heres a preview of whats to come! If you're not a member of Gilt Groupe please enjoy the invitation below, this is one of the many sales, featured daily at sample prices!

Gilt Groupe Invite

Meat on the Menu, Meat Packing District Sales

If you've never been to New York, this is the perfect opportunity to get here and NOW! While the obvious would seem like post Christmas sales the best in this town, pre trumps post and leaves you with a little change to spare.While I myself have heard, old wise takes of Givenchy handbags retailing for $1600 being marked down to $500 before christmas. It was definately time for me to put on my hard hat and high heels and play myth busters, Here's some info from the good people over at M.A.C!

DVF: The fall season is discounted just 30%. Smart shoppers hit the sample sale where prices were 50% to 75% off.  boutique prices often go to 70% by season's end.

Alexander McQueen:  60% off However, even with the steep discount some items are way over budget. Take this bird-print funnel neck dress. It's still almost $2400 even after the discount. The dress was originally $5,975. The dress is a real piece of art but for those prices we prefer to save up for a Kandinsky. Not all items are thousands. A cable knit dress is $664 from $1670, a cowl neck dress is $659 from $1655 and statement platform shoes are $464 from $1165.

Stella McCartney: As we write, the fall/winter collection is 40% off but the discount goes to 50% on Monday. The discount includes bags and shoes. The additional markdown is happening right on time because there's still quite a bit of merchandise left.


Matthew Williamson: Everything is so much more colorful downtown but few designers are brighter than Matthew Williamson. Right now prefall is 60% off and the runway collection is 50% off. The discount could go to 80% after the New Year and that's when we will start charging it up.


Jeffery NYC: The discount went down to 40% on Thursday. Shoes are selling quickly. The "racks" are up and if you're a 7.5 don't even bother. There's nothing left. There is a healthy selection of 8s and the biggest variety of shoes is the 10s or a European 40. The clothing is hit or miss when it comes to sizes.