Organic by John Patrick

I should start by saying that I am somewhat biased toward this designer. Besides my fashion show experience while studying abroad in Paris, Organic by John Patrick was the first real show I was able to assist. It was a presentation, which is a simpler version of runway (no catwalk, models just “present” the clothing by wearing them around the set, or however the designer choses). The fashion editor I worked for at Domino Magazine (R.I.P.; sad face with single tear rolling down my cheek) Lauren Goodman was the stylist for John Patrick and had me assist the day of the presentation during the Spring 2009 Fashion Week.

Domino was a fabulous interior design magazine with strong ties to fashion;
 it folded in the winter of 2009

John Patrick's style is so simple and down to earth, while simultaneously remaining chic and refined. The majority the fabrics are organic or made from sustainable resources, which, as a high fashion line, deserve major kudos. Here are a few of my favorite looks from his Spring 2011 collection, the end-all-be-all being look 11 (I would totally rock that hat!).

Organic by John Patrick Look 02

Organic by John Patrick Look 07

Organic by John Patrick Look 11

Organic by John Patrick Look 13

Organic by John Patrick Look 14

Organic by John Patrick Collection

**All photos courtesy of Style.com

Fashion Week Kick Off!

The Mercedes Benz Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week has officially started today! It is such an exciting time for anyone remotely interested in American fashion, and we can only indulge twice a year.

Courtesy of Style.com

I will only be posting on noteworthy shows and my favorite designers, so you won’t be inundated with endless fashion (although that is never a bad thing).  I’ll leave the full fledged show details to the gurus at Style.com.  The only thing that would be better is if I could attend!

Below is a link to the schedule:

Fashion Week Schedule Spring/Summer2011

Judge A Book By Its Cover

Assouline is today’s premier name in books. Since being founded in 1994 the publishing house has created countless illustrated books, perfect for coffee tables in the most stylish homes, with beautiful images of culture past and present.  Assouline’s most recent literary feat, circulating among chic readers, is a special edition scrapbook containing 1000s of images to commemorate the 25 years of Tommy Hilfiger’s uber-successful fashion line.

Tommy Hilfiger $550

Some of my favorite new and bestselling titles (all special edition and therefore packaged in superior quality custom slipcases) include Cecil Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook, Barbie, American Fashion, and the Chanel 3 book set on fashion, jewelry and perfume notably housed in a slipcase made of Coco’s classic quilted black leather.

Cecil Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook $250

Barbie $500

American Fashion $500

Chanel 3 Book Set $550

Of course my favorite titles are on fashion, however, topics published by Assouline range from art and travel to gastronomy and architecture. After enthralling guests with these stunning images, your coffee table will stick its nose up to anything less.

My Obsession

The Chloe Sally Medium Tote... Enough said.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

September is the new August

I had a revelation this past Labor Day weekend. September is the new August (at least in the Midatlantic). Whereas August is so balmy you can't leave the comfort of your air conditioning, September provides sun and hot weather without the humidity. It's the transformational month in which people start thinking "autumn", but can still get a tan and enjoy being outdoors.  

So how does one dress for this change? 

First and foremost, you must buy garments made of lightweight fabrics. This is especially true for sweaters and jeans, which can be paired with shorts and tanks or dresses respectively. 

Helmut Lang sweater available at Saks

Rag & Bone jeans available at Saks

Second, toss your flip-flops which give off the beach-goer vibe for flat leather sandals in neutral tones, with slightly more coverage. This style will still keep your feet fresh in warm weather and at the same time anchor your look.

Leather Ankle Wrap sandals available at Urban Outfitters

Last, the color scheme of your wardrobe should shift from bright florecents and spunky prints to a more muted palette. Instead of a hot pink think a dusty coral, instead of cerulean think navy, instead of sunshine yellow think marigold. A sundress in this palette can be paired with the above mentioned lightweight cardigan and neutral sandals in order to transition into the "autumn mindset" while providing breathability and comfort in the remaining warm weather.

Jean Paul Gaultier dress available at Neiman Marcus