And I'm Ready For Fall

From head to toe

Alexander McQueen is Dead

I'm not sure that I have anything especially novel to say; it's just weird.

Over the years, my level of interest in fashion has waxed and waned, but a McQueen show was always something to look forward to.

A McQueen was always undoubtedly a McQueen.

Honestly, this is quite hard to believe.

There'll never be another McQueen show. It's just incredibly depressing to know that that mind will not create another thing. God, that's depressing.

(I don't care what anyone says, I loved the fall 07 collection.)

Summer Wishes

Summer will be here in approximately five months. By then, hopefully I'll be 1) decently in shape, 2) en route to some relaxing locale, and 3) owner of this ridiculously adorable swimsuit.

Mantastic!

It's Milan Fashion Week, and while I usually don't care about the men's shows, I must applaud Gianfranco Ferré, Alexander McQueen, and Moschino for making menswear something I can actually covet.

Gianfranco Ferré

























Finally, a respectable funnel neck for dudes. Yes, fellas, I know you've been sitting at home, Vogue Hommes in one hand, shopping list in the other thinking, "I've finally found the perfect pant--slim-cut, slightly metallic, grazing my ever-so-perfect buttocks in just the right way, but where, damn you, are the funnel-necked coats?" Here, my manly men. Gianfranco has your backs.








Alexander McQueen















































Allow me to script a bit more internal dialogue for you, fellas.

"I've been working on my abs ever so diligently, but I don't quite have that Jesus-on-the-cross definition that I've been working for." It's fine, McQueen figured he'd give them to you in leather. THANK THE MAN!

Also, that plaid suit is amazing. I only wish that I can one day own such a thing.




Moschino

While there's nothing quite so boundary pushing about Moschino's offering for the fellas, these are some seriously well-tailored suits. I'd like to think that if Hercule Poirot were taller and younger (oh, and real), he'd wear these. I do love a man in a v-necked sweater or waist coat.

All I Want For Christmas

Needless to say, I'm a needy girl, meaning I need tons of shit in my closet to feel alright. Unfortunately, Ms. Atrack is on the broker side of things this Christmas, so supply is definitely not meeting demand. Let's pretend, though, that I actually had a mess of funds and could buy whatever I wished. Well, things would look a little something like ...

Moncler Georgia - This Moncler thing is becoming an addiction. For years, I shied away from the goose down coat for fear of reliving the school-aged days of the Triple Fat Goose and looking puffy. These, however, are gorgeous, well-fitting, and much too expensive. I need an Italian connection.

It's a bit cliche to like Prada, but seriously, the fall shoe collection is almost always some covetous pulchritude.

Chie Mihara Saigon Bow Boot - Chie Mihara is still my girl. Now that she's all popular and cavorting with the likes of Saks and Nordstrom, there'd be reason to believe she'd drop the ball. Not so. This boot is a beauty, and the line is still mad comfortable.

Mackage Nissa - Another favorite, Mackage, maker of all things stylish and warm redefining the puffer silhouette. Made for Canadian winters, this is perfect for a Chicago girl looking to avoid a case of the winter uglies. (Other Chicagoans, take note. Blue or black Sears parkas are not the move.)

Look From London Feather Tight - I love tights ... and feathers. This chick's shoes are a problem, but let's just focus on the tights.

Jeffrey Campbell Biz Bootie - It has been hell trying to find a short boot that isn't the run-of-the-mill cuffed or fold over stiletto look that's so popular nowadays. This is how it's done.

Gar-de Dolly Jacket - Animals are special in so many ways. They taste delicious, and they make wonderful things like metallic leathers with outrageously gorgeous details. Thank you, furry/leathery friends.

John Fluevog Helen - Fluevog has some of the most well-made and comfortable shoes around. If you ever find a sale on any pair, buy them. They're worth every penny.

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair Zip Glove - Last season, I fell in love with a pair of Burberry zippered, croc, opera length gloves and couldn't, of course, afford them. These somehow fill the empty space that was left by my penury.

Cinnamon Skirt (Modcloth) - The tulip skirt done correctly.

Cute Puffers

Yeah, I'm late. Mad people have covered the new ascendancy of the puffer as a fashion item, but here I am, in November, doing the same. Well, whatever. I'm a procrastinator, and only the other day did I realize that it's actually cold. So here I go, late as usual, looking for a warm coat.

Now, my good luck from last year in getting the puffer I wanted was nothing short of miraculous. I found the Clarisse by Moncler for a steal.

(I hate this pose.)

However, I found that the electric blue isn't quite an all-encompassing color, so I must find one
that is equally stunning, but not so bright. Thus ...






This tuxedo-styled puffer comes from Elizabeth & James. I like it. I mean, it's black, which is bad, but the style is interesting. That collar is a problem, though. Get it here. Just don't get it in my size; it's in the running.



This lovely, shiny, gray thing, is Moncler's Aliso, and I want it. There really is something to be said for a cinched waist and glossy fabric. Thing is, like all Monclers, this coat is a little out of my price range. Hopefully, the homie in Italy can fix that problem for me. Get it here.



Some of us are cheap (or broke) , and that's fine. Lory and Thaly, respectively, allow you to be both warm and guiltless. I suspect that I've shown these before, but Soia & Kyo's simply the savior for chicks on a budget.














Again, teetering dangerously on the edge of boring, but the collar saves it. Plus, it's reversible. For those who prefer the quilted look, there's the other side. Basic Boutique has it for you. By Add Down.









Another from Add Down. A basic bomber style with epaulets, side pockets, and a zip front. And it's in a glossy red. I love it. This company looks to be competing for Moncler customers who have some disposable income but can't quite make it rain. Get it at Saks.


I've never heard of Combobella, but the brand appears to available only on Yoox. I assume they're some value Italian brand. Either way, I'm liking this coat at this price. I am a sucker for stripes.

And the pièce de résistance, Nissa by Mackage. I still love this coat, and even though I 'm short and short-torsoed and would look awful in it, I still want it.

Fashion Week (So Far)

Let's get my disappointments out of the way:

United Bamboo, I wasn't excited and do not anticipate buying anything from the collection. The look was more sober and restrained, more adult. The large geometric proportion they usually play with was much more tame this time around. I'm good.

Proenza Schouler? Mostly no. There were some interesting looks, but the wildly-sculptured shoulders on their glamazon doesn't wok for my man shoulders.

Now on to the others.

Vena Cava did more of the same, but it was same plus. Plus a longer skirt. Plus a hint of modest glam. Plus draping. Same pretty, interesting pieces in nice patterns or rich solids. Some of the dresses were quite beautiful. Case in point, I need this dress:

Jonathan Saunders? Loved it.

Herchcovitch is kinda back for me. Last spring, I wasn't at all excited about what he had to offer. For this upcoming spring, he has still included the signature wild pattern, but it's contrasted with a militaristic/safari edge. Interesting ... not great, but there are some pieces I'm interested in owning.

Diane von Furstenberg's aesthetic was decidedly flower-child-dipped-in-tropical-waters with her aggressively bright floral patterns and flower accents. It was weird because the show was pretty urban in the beginning but got progressively softer. Then, it took a quick turn at safari, swam the pool, and eventually ended up at the club. No matter what, her muse is all about her accessories.

You know I have to give it up for my sis-TAH Tracy Reese. She did what she does, pretty pieces that a range of women feel comfortable wearing. Some looks were underwhelming for me, too unadventurous or slightly off, but I'm sure people will like it.

I LOVED the Preen show. Sophisticated but not boring. Translucent fabrics, ruffles, geometry ... it all worked for me. The press, apparently, disagrees, but they can suck it.