Category — Darlings

It’s no wonder I grew up loving fashion. Before I was even born, style was in the stars for me.  Just look at my chic Mom and Sis!  My adorable sister, Liz, could barely walk but she already knew the appeal of a pretty bangle on her tiny wrist.  Note my gorgeous Mom’s rockin’ striped cigarette pants and Jackie O hair. Right now I’m wondering, where ARE those cute pants??

Then look at these stylish coats! Maybe that was my first teensy glimpse of the fur that I’m still drawn to today (faux, of course). I wonder what my sassy Sis is thinking about in this picture? Perhaps that she can’t wait to dress up her baby sister in all sorts of pretty outfits…?

Then we had our complementary (similar-but-not-quite-matching) outfits. In this pic, I’m clearly in awe of my cool sister, probably studying her carefully in the hopes that I can be just like her someday…

In my free time – when I’m not writing, reading, or running – I’m trying to simplify my life. A recent project was to organize my photos. As many of you know, it can be daunting – but it’s oh-so-worth-it when you find rewards like these little gems I’ve shared today.

Next task: I may be able to purge some of those old copies of Vogue, W and Bazaar.  Thanks to my beloved Dad’s photography, I already have the best collection of archived fashion stored in our cherished family photos, as well as the happiest of memories.

An innovator both in the studio and on the catwalk, Alexander McQueen left his family, friends and fans much too early today at the young age of 41  - the same day he was slated to present his secondary line, McQ, as part of New York Fashion Week.  It’s a sad day in the fashion community and the beloved designer will be missed.

Who else but McQueen could send gorgeous flowy frocks down the runway paired with alien, 10 inch hooved stilettos?

Maybe that’s the point. His fashion sense and talent seemed other-worldly. He was one of the first designers to truly put the “show” in fashion show, inventing theatrical special effects and holograms to delight and excite his audience, including spray-painted models, “volcanic” runways, snowstorms, and butterflies.

The first time McQueen made an impression on me was in 2000. He had just shown his spring/summer 2000 collection in New York and there was a review of it on CNN’s “Style with Elsa Klensch”.

There was such a buzz because he had a small shallow pool constructed on the runway and the models literally splished and splashed right through it — all in their ultra-expensive shoes and clothing as they sashayed down the catwalk!

These days that probably doesn’t sound shocking at all - but that’s only because McQueen’s pioneering spirit helped pave the way, carving a blueprint for the creative and theatrical fashion shows we know today.

McQueen’s creativity and vision were equally matched by his talent and skill. He was an impeccable tailor, no surprise considering he cut his teeth as an apprentice on Savile Row. He succeeded John Galliano as head designer at Givenchy in 1996 and after 5 years left to start his Alexander McQueen and McQ lines. Alexander (“Lee” as his friends called him) was a trailblazer who created beautifully structured designs with fluid, flattering details.

He also had a flair for the whimsical. Quite possibly a contributor to the emergence of the dreaded muffin-top, the “bumster” was introduced in 1996. These pants showcased the wearer’s assets to new highs—or lows.  Then there was the scarf that launched a thousand copies. Remember when celebs like Nicole, Johnny and Kate were sporting those gauzy scarves with skull prints? Just another trend started by Alexander.

His influence is expansive and will live on in the hearts of those who loved and admired him. So the next time you appreciate a bold, beautiful design – or a show-stopping, sensational fashion show - think of the much-loved Lee McQueen.

This musing was inspired by my two lovely and fashionable friends, Mercedeh & Mojdeh. These girls put the Prrrrr in Persian!

If I had to choose one word to describe their style? Chic. They’ve also got that cool “je ne sais quoi” thing going on that only a select few fashionistas possess, like the iconic Kate Moss. Whether it’s a fabulous blazer, dress, blouse or scarf, a pair of killer heels or boots, or perfectly fitted jeans – it’s just so easy for these girls to look comfortably chic….or is it??

One of my favorite sayings is a Farsi phrase that Mercedeh taught me: Bokosho Khoshgelam Kon.  Translation: “It’s killing me, but I look beautiful”. I love this expression! It even sounds chic.  The first time it rolled off my tongue was at our friend Lara’s pool party a couple summers ago. I was so proud!

However, there is some debate that my perfect pronunciation was actually due to my consumption of some potent home-made margaritas. The popular theory is that these margaritas were SO powerful they literally had me speaking Farsi. But that is another story…

What girl hasn’t sacrificed comfort & safety for beauty & fashion at some point? Sure, we’ve come a long way from the corsets, foot binding, and rib removal (ick!) of the past, but we still remain a pretty dedicated bunch when it comes to suffering to look good.

Christian Louboutin was recently in town to autograph the crimson-soled stilettos of his DC fans. Even he admits that comfort is not his sole goal, saying “I would hate for someone to look at my shoe and say, ‘Oh my God! That looks so comfortable!’ That’s not what I want to project.”

If you can grin & bear the pain in the name of vain, more power to you! The key is to smile, bat those eyelashes, and never convey to the world that you (a) can’t breathe or (b) can no longer feel your feet. After all, not all of us can be as inherently chic as those fab Farsi-nistas.

As the youngest winner of Project Runway in its 4th season, Christian Siriano had me at “fierce”. My ferosh friend Dee and I had the privilege of meeting this incredibly talented designer and all-around amazing individual at the Corcoran Gallery of Art last night for an open discussion and book signing. I cannot wait to immerse myself in his new book Fierce Style: How To Be Your Most Fabulous Self. As if this isn’t enough of a draw, fashion rockstar Tim Gunn penned the Foreword.

Since the show, Christian and his Ferocia Coutura have kept busy showing at Fashion Week in New York City and designing lines for Puma, Payless, Bluefly and Victoria’s Secret Beauty. In his first book, he shares how to be “fierce” in fashion every day, avoid the tickety-tack, and create your own personal style and self-confident image.

I expected a bit of a diva, but was so pleasantly surprised to find that along with that feisty demeanor was an extremely genuine and down to earth person who was hilarious and charming. He spoke openly about his challenges as a designer on Project Runway – although what I remember most from that 4th season is the quality and craftsmanship of his flawless and gorg designs.

He took question after question from his sold-out audience and honestly and thoughtfully answered each one. He jokingly name-dropped about appearing on Oprah, gavotting with GaGa, hanging with Heidi, and texting with Tim (who is apparently miffed that Christian seated him next to a particularly chatty celeb who sabotaged his viewing of a recent fashion show).  Love-love-love that Tim Gunn! He also had piles of praise for the exceptionally on point Nina Garcia, Project Runway judge and fashion director of Marie Claire.

He diplomatically skirted a question about his thoughts on DC style, focusing more on the beauty and culture of the city rather than how stylish and fashionable the inhabitants are, then had us in stitches as he described how he was accosted by a sea of conservative power suits after getting off the train at Union Station. Conservative is the last word someone would use to describe Christian, who dressed up as The Little Mermaid for halloween this year.

After the Q & A, a fan frenzy ensued and he could not have been more gracious in the midst of all the chaos, even taking charge himself to efficiently organize the book signing. At the end I told him he was very kind with his diplomatic response to the DC style question – and ever the charmer, he said in that fabulous voice of his, “La-dy, of course that doesn’t include you!”

For those of you who didn’t have the pleasure of making Mr. Siriano’s acquaintance – don’t just sit there looking like a hot mess! Go get Your Most Fabulous Self a copy of The Most Fabulous Book by The Most Fabulous Designer.