dear vain jane
Shameless self-indulgence + answers to life's most frivolous questionsGuest Editing, NYFW Edition
The lovely ladies of Retail Me Not asked yours truly and former assistant-turned-fashion-photog-extraordinate Ludget Delcy (aka Dapper Lou!) to capture le creme de la creme of the Fall/Winter 2012 shows. A few favorites from the catwalk and backstage..
“Fashion isn’t a necessity. It pulls at your heart. It’s a whim. You don’t need it, you want it.” - Marc Jacobs. VOGUE, January 2012
Shopping Spree
Well not really.
But how else would you describe an afternoon at Barney’s when one must accessorize 5 looks in 1 hour before Mr. Simon Doonan himself gives a presentation in front them?
Luckily, I’m exceptionally cool under pressure and had already memorized most of their inventory. (Homework is not just for college, kiddos).
The reward? Having the aforementioned Lord of Barney’s help you select wedding gifts for two very dear friends. #Winning.
Give the Gift of Kate
Every now and then, a gal just needs to play dress up. Luckily, VOGUE sent me to Kate Spade with an entire store, three models and truly talented team at my disposal to do just that. Here are the holiday looks we came up with… enjoy!! xxA
Sporty Spice
Prep isn’t really my thing, and neither are athletics. But you can’t deny that there’s something really special happening over at Lacoste these days. Ever since Felipe Oliveira Baptista stepped in, gone are the crocodiles ad boxy polos replaced with a rather sexy collection of dresses with slits up to there and nearly non existent hemlines. Suddenly, I find myself yearning to take up tennis.
French invasion, indeed. Voguette (and charming hostess!) Ann Caruso agrees. But then again, who can say no to macaroons, a jazz-inspired play list and little tennis skirts? Je ne sais pas.
Feeling Festive: Foodie Style
As aforementioned, yours truly like to eat. Especially in restaurants. Most especially in of-the-moment, impossible-to-get-a-reservation, Adam Platt-or-Mrs. Platt-endorsed restaurants. And since restauranteurs are ever so haute right now (sorry photogs and DJ’s), what’s a girl to do but spend her Thursday and Saturday evenings looking impossibly chic over a $20 bowl of cheesy macaroni? (Ok, sure. There’s probably truffles in there too.)
After excessive deliberation avec le entourage, here are our top picks for the most glamorous gluttony:
Best So-Cool-You-Haven’t-Heard-of-It-Yet-Spot: The Vault at Pfaff’s
Why: If it’s good enough for Whitman (it was), then it’s good enough for me (it is). Plus they print the menus on newspaper. Sold.
Eat This: Truffle Mac N’ Cheese. Dare you to eat just one.
Drink This: Smoking Revolver. Double Dare you to stand after just one.
Best All Around Shock and Awe(some) Gem: Hudson Clearwater
Why: Complete and Utter Sensory Overload. Attractive Staff? Check. Attentive Service? Check. Stunning, hidden locale? Check. Damn good cocktails? Check. Superbly simple food?…. Sorry, I was in food coma.
Eat This: Flank Steak over Polenta. You’ll melt in your chair before it melts in your mouth.
Drink This: Spicy Beet Thing. They’ll know what I’m talking about.
Best After the Art Gallery Scene: Saxon & Parole
Why: Smack dab in the middle of Bowery next to Fabiola Beracasa’s Hole Gallery, this joint is somewhere between hipster heaven and an artsy fartsy gold mine.
Eat This: S&P burger. Maple Bacon & Fried Egg. ‘Nuff said.
Drink This: Bowery Fizz. When in Rome..
Most Impressive Pub with a Fashion Following: Whitehall
Why: Vogue’s own Elettra Weidmann’s soon-to-be-hubby runs the place and Vanity Fair just had their Christmas party here… so good news for Yelp and bad news for your chances of scoring a table after 9:00pm.
Eat This: The special. Whatever it is, just order it. It’s so good that they usually run out. Or the burger, because two dozen of them will pass by and you’ll have major food envy.
Drink This: No. 8. They saved the best for last, kids.
Best Under the Radar Brunch: Oficina Latina
Why: The people watching is excellent and the food is even better. Plus, their bus boy always hits on me and who doesn’t like a little flattery with their flan?
Eat This: Combo de Carne. To absorb last night’s liquor.
Drink This: The margarita. It’s Nolita/Bowery which pretty much guarantees that even the classics are still ironic.
Playing Dress Up
I love make up.
I Love Annabel Tollman.
I LOVE Nanette Lepore.
Get those three things in a room (with VOGUE!), and you my friend, have a party. Thanks Revlon! xo
Winter White (a.k.a Fashion Gal Wonderland)
“‘Tis the season for white, cream and ivory,” Joie commanded and so I obey.
VOGUE was honored to host a holiday shindig in French mastermind’s Serge Azria (yes, of the BCBG/Max Azria clan) Upper East Side boutique.
You want white? I’ll give you white!
Check out out color coded candy bar (thanks Mary Giuliani!), which lent itself rather nicely to the already lovelier than lovely venue.
