Balmain's Pricey Chic

If I were given a Rorschach test with a series of inkblots resembling some spectacularly lavish couture gowns, I'd most probably see The House of Balmain. Synonymous with elegance and his fashion peers Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain epitomized opulence with his magnificently constructed evening and party dresses. The Balmain label of today, however, more closely resembles an inkblot of Swarovski meets Rock & Republic.

Thanks to designer Christophe Decarnin, who took over designing duties in 2005, one of Balmain's most popular-selling items is the Biker Jean. Pretty much an otherwise hot pair of jeans with cool "ripped looking" seams, it retails for a staggering $2,270. Yes you read that right. Actress Lindsay Lohan (who should be bankrupt by now) owns a pair, as well as Victoria Beckham who wears head to toe Balmain as if to tell us "My bank account is mahjah." Hundreds of uber-fashionable celebrities are also clamoring over the label's peak-shouldered tux jacket ($5,000), sequin Paillette mini dress ($13,395), and zipped-up booties ($1,479). I get it. The collection, though by no means innovative, is super cool rocker-chic and sharp, and what fashion-crazy coquette wouldn't want to own every single piece. But a blue Sequin-Zip skirt for $7,665.00??? ('cos it's fully lined?)...For goodness sakes people, we're in a recession!!!!




Available on net-a-porter.com






Available on kirnazabete.com

Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss photos courtesy of theSun.co.uk, stylecaster.com,

Red

I'm absolutely smitten with the color Red. Contrary to mistaken popular belief, red is one of the best colors that ever happened to redheads. Bold, strong, passionate, and attention-grabbing, this life-brightening color makes me see the world with a cherry on top.















Photos courtesy of elle.com, katespade.com, marieclaire.com, ifferslittlenest.blogspot.com, dailymail.co.uk, Alexander McQueen harpersbazaar.com, Sonia Rykiel fashionrules.com, Christian Dior style.com, patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com, rosannainc.com, fashioninmotion.wordpress.com, katespade.com

Project Runway Episode 2: Pregnancy Chic

It's a 'Pregnancy Look' challenge for the designers this week as Heidi Klum introduces fellow Sports Illustrated pregnant-with-twins model Rebecca Romijn as the celebrity muse. The designers took many 'deep breaths' as they sketched their first maternity looks and apprehensively draped fabric over the alien pregnant dress forms. Ra'mon-Lawrence spent the next two days feeling nervous, anxious, and concerned (rightly so) about his maroon and grey patchwork bowling ball-bag dress looking anything but safe. As Tim advised, "Don't be safe without being cookoo..." Whatever that means Tim. But I still love you!



Mitchell once again spends his time regretfully, creating a shapeless waist-banded pair of very short shorts which the judges later simply branded a "pregnancy mess." Louise Black ( whom I keep confusing for Louise Brooks) designed a very fetching and flirty lingerie-inspired red dress which I think Mrs. Romijn would actually wear out. Malvin, meanwhile, clucking way too philosophical for fashion, designed a "fertile" concept of eggs, cocoon, mother hens, nests, feathers, and chicken thighs... Nina, stifling a snicker, deemed it a baby sling, but as Tim earlier encouraged: "I'm not bored!" When it came down to the final two contestants I was secretly hoping it would be Mitchell 'I'm finally ready to rekindle my dream'' Hall's time to be aufed thanks to too many excuses and sloppy drama, but in the end it was Malvin's musings that got him hatched off the runway. His take on the situation? "I'm just too conceptual for America." Yes Malvin, you definitely are.
Shirin Askari was the clear winner this week as her beautifully constructed and uber wearable burgundy dress and coat ensemble wowed the testosterone-free judges. Wait, something's not sitting right. Where was Michael Kors???

Malvin and his egg



Mitchell and his shorts




"Designers, you have 5 seconds left..."



The Winning Design



Photos borrowed from mylifetime.com

Moschino Cheap & Chic Resort 2010

I can't get enough of the fresh and tailored designs of Moschino's Cheap & Chic Resort 2010. As I once again peruse through the Resort 2010 collections, this one remains one of my favorites because it's so pretty and alive. I love the prints, the sharp colors, the shoes...Efortless Chic!
Photos borrowed from style.com

Solid Gold & Silver

If you're looking to jazz up an existing outfit which is bordering on plain, too dark, or just plain dull, then look no further than some fabulous gold and silver accessories. A foolproof plan to bring back some shine. An added plus: redheads look super fabulous in gold and silver tones...Courtesy of shopstyle.com

A Fine Frenzy

Making loud splashes in the music scene since 2007, A Fine Frenzy's American-alternative album One Cell in the Sea introduced us to the deeply insightful and hauntingly beautiful music of singer-songwriter and self-taught pianist Alison Sudol. The beautiful 24 year-old Seattle-born redhead and current Los Angeles resident writes songs rich in literary references to rival those of Sting. She also has this amazing knack for being able to speak directly to one's current emotional state. Just listen to Sudol's hypnotic words on the wistful 'Almost Lover,' and you'll wonder how she knew exactly what was on your mind. A Fine Frenzy's new album Bomb in a Birdcage lands 9/8/2009.
Photos courtesy of afinefrenzy.com