Macy's is not the store to shop in if you are looking for great costumer service and organization, but the deals are fantastic and the selection is extensive. Adding to their delicious selection this Fall will be a capsule collection by Karl Lagerfeld. “To me Macy’s is the perfect department store in the US where everybody can find what they're looking for without ruining their budget,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “That’s why I am happy to make this limited collection just for Macy’s.”
“Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Only at Macy’s” will be sold in approximately 235 Macy’s stores and on macys.com beginning August 31. I am excited to see this, reported "sophisticated aesthetic that weaves rich fabrics and chic silhouettes together to create a collection with a modern and versatile twist."
Having only seen two sketches, I am not fainting with fashion delirum, but that is only glimpse of many items that will be available, including:a tuxedo dress, airy tops, tweeds, T-shirts, jackets, leggings and more, priced from $50 - $170.
This week I saw the pre-screening of Hemingway's Garden of Eden, which opens today in select theatres. Based on Ernest Hemingway's revealing last novel and directed by John Irvin, the film is a disconcerting tale of a 1920's married couple, played by Mena Suvari and Jack Huston. Huston is David Bourne, a poor, but talented writer that marries the well off Catherine Hill (Mena Suvari). Once married, they decide to take an extend honeymoon near Cannes, France for the summer. What follows involves sexual games, a stunning Italian woman, heavy drinking and a dash of mental illness.
Although not my favorite movie this year, I was madly in love with the incredible landscapes, music and, of course, the fashion. The Costume Designer, Alexandra Byrne, dressed Mena Suvari impeccably. Fabulous jump suits, drop waist gowns, floral day dresses, wide leg slacks, lengthy pearls, nautical stripes, and more. If for nothing else, watch the film for the fashion and enjoy a martini afterwards, as I did - or wanted to do.
Yesterday I talked with the lovely and friendly Mena Suvari about the making of the film. Listed below are portions of our conversation.
What attracted you to the making of Hemingway's Garden of Eden?
Mena: I loved the story...and it is hard to find challenging roles (like this). As a woman I could identify with her and her struggles...
What is it that you identified with Catherine?
Mena: ...(I can relate to) a woman who has gotten a certain amount in her life... and the pressure to act or look a certain way when you have other desires in you.
What aspect of Catherine was the most difficult to wrap your head around?
Mena: ...This is the most challenging character I have had to play in my whole career. Emotionally mentally, physically...
How do you mean by physically?
Mena: The whole thing was so intense and to be abroad in Spain all alone - so much put into it. I didn't even think I could ever work again... I put so much into it... I read the novel many times... examined where Catherine was at every moment...it was so hard because we can't shoot consecutively... I was all over the place... I was lucky to have John Irvin (helping me).
After I got the character questions out of the way, I couldn't wait to get into the fashion questions. Mena spoke to me about the authentic vintage patterns that were used to build the costumes and the accurate fabrics that were used, like wool for the bathing suits. "The bathing suits were awkward...and uncomfortable. Can you imagine trotting on the beach in wool?" Mena laughed.
Although the bathing suits weren't much fun for her, Mena is "someone who loves fashion" and every garment was "an absolute delight." Mena excitedly told me about the authentic 1920's Chanel textile that used to make the blue dress she wears when her character meets Richard E. Grant's character. She also told me about being able to choose some of her own props. "I've never done that before," Mena explained. She was escorted into a room full of authentic items from the time period and was able to pick out the cigarette lighter she would be using as well as the white rounded sunglasses she wears many times throughout the movie, "It was made from real Ivory."
When I inquired about her favorite look or garment from the film, I already knew she was going to say the rose colored, sequined, see-thru frock she wears towards the end of the movie. The dress was absolutely stunning and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it. Her lean frame and bleached shorn hair combined with that incredible gown is a fashionable image I won't forget.
Jason Wu, one of my favorite designers, was in San Diego the other day for a preview and play of his current designs. My favorite items present at the Nordstrom's event was a pair of thick charcoal grey riding pants with zippers, and the daring indigo colored dress pictured above. Chic, chic, chic. I should probably add a fabulous in there too. Fabulous. I also loved the floral printed dress pictured far below. That photos does the dress absolutely no justice. In person it is divine, stunning and luxurious.
I have a film degree. I am a fan of film. I am a woman. I am a fan of women in film. To this day men are still dominating the major roles in quality films, comedy and high power positions. I am no fan of that, but every year there are steps being made.
Last night, Glamour Reel Moments Presented by Hyundai celebrated its 5th anniversary with Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes and Rachel Weisz making their directorial debuts, each with a short film. The films were screened to a packed theater at Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. Glamour Reel Moments is based on real women’s stories, inspired by Glamour readers and then written or co-written and directed by said actresses. The purpose is to empower women in film by creating opportunities for them to step behind the camera. Glamour Reel Moments also supports FilmAid International, an organization that uses the power of film to promote social change, strengthen communities and enrich lives.
All three films are worth watching, but Sodales, directed by Jessica Biel, and The Thief, directed by Rachel Weisz, are true gems.
After the screening, an intimate party was held at the Chateau Marmont. Celebrities in attendence included Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes and 2008 Glamour Reel Director, Demi Moore. Eva Mendes was best dressed in Lela Rose.
There are so many aspects of fashion that is ill-timed. Pea Coats being sold on sunny days, bathing suits being bought in the snow and, of course, fashion week. Watching fur walk down the runway while you sit in a silk tank just seems odd. It's a vicious circle of jealous. There you sit, sweating in a sexy printed skirt craving that stunning brand new scarf, but no, you have to wait to wear it and by then you may or may not be into it.
Last week, Ann Taylor decided to do something about that. During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Ann Taylor skipped professional gangly models and looked in house for their runway bodies. Each model was an employee of Ann Taylor in a “See Now, Wear Now” fashion show at their flag ship store on Madison Avenue. The styles seen on the runway included those for Fall and Holiday 2010 rather than Spring 2011, the standard for Fashion Week exhibitions.
Although I wasn't there to see the proof, I am sure the attendees were delighted by the unique approach on the runway: today's fashion on real women. I know I would have been.
This week I am quoted in an article written by Laura Jerpi on the Ai Insite website concerning virtual closets. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Finally, there’s hope for those who return from shopping for black sandals only to find six pairs hiding behind the shoe rack.
A number of fashionable new websites are providing consumers with “virtual closets” that let them track, mix, and match their clothes. By helping people get organized, the sites also can help shoppers visualize whether new purchases will fit with their existing wardrobes.
Daniel Nakhla, Founder of Closetbank, wanted to help his older sister find a simple way to keep track of her clothes and shoes. So, he came up with a virtual closet and closet inventory system that allows members to upload images of their own clothing and virtually put pieces together to create outfits.
Nakhla described Closetbank’s diverse user base as “girls in their early teens, to professional women in their 30s and 40s, to designers who like to inventory their work.”
Another virtual closet site called Closet Couture is a fashion social network and virtual closet combined, enabling members to have access to each other’s closets and create outfits for friends and other women who need... click here to continue reading.
Earth day is tomorrow! Yay earth. I want to remind my stylish readers a few things you can do to be an environmental babe.
1) Cut down on your consumerism. Think carefully before you buy something. Do you need this? Don't buy something unless you love it and wear it often. When you buy something and never wear it whether it was $5 or $500 you are adding more useless garbage to the world.
2) Check your tags. Fashion is a earth killing process so when you can buy organic cotton, natural dyes and so on you are doing a favor for the world.
3) Shop at consignment stores, thrift stores and resale shops. Talk about direct recycling. This is great for the environment!
4) Donate your unused goodies. If you aren't wearing something you should sell or donate it, even if it is super fabulous or cost a lot. By doing this you are making the consignment market more attractive and encouraging recycle shopping.
5) Use an earth friendly dry cleaner.
6) Pick Eco-conscious brands over naughty brands. Earth friendly labels include: Stella McCartney, Ecoist, Amana, Matt and Nat, Design by Micha, Smart Glass and hundreds more. Support these fabulous designers!
Here is a bit of fashion advice from me to you. Do not indulge one minute or one penny in the trendy (yet dated) costume-y look of "fashionable" clogs. I know they are showing up in some of our most trusted fashion mags, but I repeat: stay away my doves. Particularly those with studs on the side like this TopShop clog pictured above. That is all I have to say about that.
Last week the Dressy Group, a manufacturer of bridesmaid dresses and bridal apparel, announced a partnership with American fashion designer Cynthia Rowley to produce Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids frocks. Not that I am in any upcoming weddings, but I am pretty excited especially since they will be priced from $175 to $220. Though the dress pictured above does not look impressive. Looks like just another girlie bridesmaid dress to me, which was far from the intention. This collaboration wants the dress to "be worn long after the reception."
I am still opened minded though. Inspired by Rowley’s runway line, Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids dresses are designed for both day and evening weddings with design elements taken directly from Rowley’s ready-to-wear collection like tulle skirts and drop-waist silhouettes. “We wanted to bring a chic sensibility to bridesmaid dresses – a look that is pretty yet sophisticated,” said Cynthia Rowley. They will be available this May.
This is kind of a part two to my recent article in 944 Magazine featured yesterday. Take a look at the new Burberry Ad. Two kids who look 15 (they are actually 20). They can't even cocktail. How many 20-year-olds can afford a Burberry Coat? How many woman who can afford a Burberry Coat wants to see Emma Watson, a girl born in the 90's, wearing her coat? Let me know what you think. Do you think a woman wants to see young girls selling them luxury clothes? Please comment below and let me know you thoughts.
Do you need any fashion advice from this personal stylist? Please e-mail me (ask@vanessavaliente.com) with any and all fashion questions so I can answer them in a blog post.
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