I Heart MJ

No, not Michael Jackson. The other MJ--Marc Jacobs, the ever so stylish and whimsical fashion designer.

I first read about him many years ago as one of the up-and-coming creatives behind Louis Vuitton, and then quickly fell in love (along with the rest of the world) with his classic stam bags when he branched out into his own line. And then he gave me a case of the blahs, where nothing he introduced was very interesting.

Until now.

This past season, his talent for validating the kid-at-heart shone through once again and is going strong through Fall 09 and Spring 10. Bloomie's carries all the above and more, and if only I had a reason (and the money) to buy on impulse, I would give MJ his fair share.

Above (left to right, top to bottom): "Mini Miss Marc" Umbrella, Doodle Print Tote, "Day Lily" Eyelet Dress, Elizabeth by Marc Jacobs Waterford  

Rainboots for Fall 09

I've always hated rain. As a kid, rain usually meant wet socks, since galoshes were not the "cool" thing back then.

In the last few years, rainboots have made a comeback. The above pair by Tokidoki would bring a smile to anyone's face, including mine! These Tokidoki Discoteca Rainup Mid Rainboots are available at tobi.com for $96.

For those with more animalistic inclinations, there is also the Leopard Rainup Mid Rainboots version. Bring on the raindrops!

My Steal: Fendi Purse $120

I found love in Bloomingdale's a few months ago.

I'm normally not a fan of Fendi (a little dreary for my taste)--but I loved the punchy modern color and delicate gold chain strap of this pink ombré jacquard zip case. Plus it had a price tag of $120. It was a steal, and I knew it. But could I justify it? I didn't need it, and it certainly didn't need me. I knew once I hung it back on its display case it would be gone.

But no one said love ever had to make sense. Plus this one had a return receipt.

So I bought it, and it sat in my closet for awhile. It begged to be introduced at parties, but I wasn't sure if it was going to work out.

And then finally, I took the plunge. I cut off the price tag (gasp), and the Fendi tag (gasp), and all my return rights disappeared. I took it to a wedding, asked my husband to hold it for me while I carried out my bridesmaid duties, and the first thing the groom said was, "Wow, nice bag!"

Evidently my husband always gets the credit in this household.

I took it out the second time this past week to go shopping, and the first thing the salesgirl said to me was, "OMG! I love that bag! I love the size and the color! It's so perfect!"

After a lengthy pause, she asked my bag if it needed help finding anything.

-JK

Want it? Bluefly still carries it for $236.

Deals, Deals, Deals: Melissa Joy Manning Sample Sale

If you're in the area, check it out! Melissa Joy Manning has amazing stuff.

SAUSALITO // SEPTEMBER 27
FACTORY AND STORE
400 GATE 5 ROAD, CA 94965
415 332 3732 X13


HEATH CERAMICS samples and one-of-a-kind pieces — www.heathceramics.com
MELISSA JOY MANNING handmade gold and silver jewelry — www.melissajoymanning.com
ERICA TANOV clothing with enduring beauty — www.ericatanov.com
LEMON TWIST unique clothing designed and sewn locally — www.lemontwist.net
WALLTER modern and inventive mobiles, wall decor and bedding — www.foldbedding.com
BE SWEET creative products with a conscience — www.besweetproducts.com
RECCHIUTI CONFECTIONS artisan chocolates — www.recchiuti.com
MODERN KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY modern family photography — www.modernkidsphoto.com

NY Fashion Week: Carolina Herrera

She does it again. I don't know how Carolina Herrera does it, but time after time she manages to create ladylike pieces that exude elegance and glamour, not stiffnecked office yawns. She knows how to reveal enough skin to maintain interest without raising eyebrows, and her pieces can be worn by ladies of all ages.

Was never a fan of the pantsuit craze, but this one excites me. The sweetheart neckline coupled with the cropped hem hints girliness, while the auburn color and lush fabric defends the notion of maturity. The metallic wraparound belt completes the look.

Love love love the design of this dress. You've got the asymmetry on top while keeping both shoulders covered, and I'm a big fan of mixing fabric textures that stay in the same color scheme. I think the dress would have looked a little sexier with silk instead of chiffon, but then again who am I to question CH's talent?

-JK

Book Club

I don't like to read. I actually don't like it with a passion. After about two pages, you can find me dozing off and dreaming that osmosis will take over. Until I came across this book:

 

(photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton Lover)

This book has it all: art, architecture, design, and photography.  Basically, it's a picture book with a lovely Damier pattern slipcover.  Perfect!  You know the saying "action speaks louder than words"?  Well in this case, pictures speak louder than words.

This, I covet...

- EYC

My Steal: Christian Louboutins $90

I'm obsessed with deals. Almost to a fault, really. When I first started dating my husband, he (like everyone else) would be impressed with my bargain hunting skills. $3 Banana Republic tops and $10 Gap jeans were nothing new to me. But now that we're four years down the road, my giddy honey-I-just-scored excitement is greeted with nonchalant boredom.

Case in point: Jeremy's in SF was having their bimonthly additional 50% off all sale shoes sale (by the way, Jeremy's is the secret no Bay Area fashionista wants to share). And I found these gold leather Ecupli peep toe slingback Loubs marked down to $90!!! That's right, $595 shoes (that are still $495 at bluefly.com) for a whopping $90. My heart was beating as I brought them to the register (surely there was a mistake) but nope, it was $90+tax.

When I showed them to my husband later that night, he merely shrugged.

"So?" he asked. "You always buy stuff at 85% off."