The practical jetset fashionista's guide to life

No, Darling, It’s Paris France, Not Texas! (or is it?)

2006-04-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

My fellow fashionistas and I are in a tizzy. It seems our favorite American in Paris “IT” designer girl, Jennifer Marvin, has been hanging out in San Antonio! We were quite sure she must have been there to hobnob with the adorable French basketball export heart-throb, Tony Parker and entourage. The buzz had it that she was there to meet the beautiful Eva Longoria, and we were all on the edges of our seats to see which one of us would get the scoop on the upcoming nuptials; clamoring to get a hint of the future brides gown choice, sure to be the most dreamy Jennifer Marvin gown yet. (by the way, why is it so hard to see any photos of her wedding gowns and flirty day and eveningwear on line? Marketing geniuses out there, give that girl a call! Her bags are out there, but they are just a part of her story.) My reliable sources say, she didn’t meet with Eva or her handsome beau, though the jury is still out on that one. Was it a brilliant media cover-up? Could there be any truth in the rumor that our Jennifer was there following her passions for recapturing yesteryears by signing a contract with the American Vintage Company’s owner Odilia Avalos Hines, the San Antonio vintage socialite with an exclusive Alamo Heights boutique? I was rather in doubt, but then, Ms. Avalos Hines came right out and announced their plans on Good Day San Antonio! Is the scoop out? Was Ava just too busy to hop on a plane to Paris? The plot thickens! If Jennifer shows up in New York in September I guess we will have at least part of our answer, if wedding bells start ringing in Texas, Eva may very well be up to something with our Jennifer. You heard it here first, y’all

Spring Forward, Fall Back

2006-03-28T01:56:00.000-08:00

I have no very good excuses for not blogging for an entire week now, though, some might agree, I do have some justifications, truly, none of them pass for acceptable. My apologies to the writer of the kind email I received encouraging me to continue writing, this week, I have failed you miserably.

The time has changed in Paris. In the United States we have a little jingle to remind ourselves of which way to move the big hand on the clock: “spring forward, fall back”. Perhaps it has been adopted by other countries as well and translated into many languages. If it hasn’t been, then it should be. I don’t presume that the jingle began in the US, I only assume it, since we have Barry Manilo.

I had an appointment yesterday morning, Monday, the morning after the springing forward was to have taken place. I had a bit of trouble springing from my bed, but I managed it trying to convince myself that it was not really an hour earlier, dressed as impeccably as possible, grabbed the Jennifer Marvin bag as a finishing touch, and braved the time change with self assured dignity.

When I arrived, I found a disgruntled receptionist looking scornfully at me in an attempt to chasten my overly ambitious interviewing efforts in her interesting English. “Vous Americans har holways nevar late, hand today, vous is two hours in advance!” In short, the charming receptionist had fallen back by accident. Not having forgotten the unforgettable, and oh so helpful jingle, I was certain to be in the right. Because I prefer to never argue my point, but rather allow the truth to demonstrate itself, I was sure my dignity would be redeemed by her boss who would greet me, we would laugh, and the poor angry receptionist would be taught a valuable lesson about changing her clocks correctly.

Much to my surprise, my interviewee arrived, briefcase in hand, freshly emerging from the metro, at 11:15. The sight of him brought a smile to my face realizing he had come to the office just for our meeting: though, he was 15 minutes late, I was willing to happily excuse him, after all, we had just “sprung forward”. Instead, he looked at me in a state of confusion, mixed with evident stress making the poor dear man look like a deer caught in headlights. It occurred to me, at that moment, that he had also fallen back. I was beginning to doubt my own jingle as I had, as of yet, found no one to verify it. My personal dignity, if only known to myself, was renewed when I remembered that I had not personally changed my clocks, being a reluctant techy, had not one, but two clocks which fall and spring all by themselves. I was saved by Barry Manilo and validated by technology. I was right, they were wrong.

“Oh, excuse me” I said with a gesture. "I had thought that in the spring time, we moved our clocks forward, and not back". I had hoped they would both reflect, and the ice would be broken with laughter. Instead, they both looked at me smugly and knowingly. I offered to come back later if it would suit him, but he graciously accepted to change his schedule to accommodate the interview, though it was ever so inconvenient.

His responses were quite uninspired, to say the least, and the interview proved to be useless, except to make a point in a blog: Never argue your point when you are sure you are right, just let it demonstrate itself, it is much more classy and effective.

It is now Tuesday, I assume my point has now been made. I think I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when they realized how their haughtiness preceeds a fall….or, in this case, a violent spring forward.

Spring forward, fall back: words to live by!

Bisous from Paris,
Alex

Unexpected Guests

2006-03-21T00:34:00.000-08:00

I have been running to and fro since last weekend, and didn’t make it to Deauville. A plan, you may recall, I had penciled in my diary last week. Not so sadly, however, I spent the weekend hobnobbing with friends who popped into town, unexpectedly. Thank goodness they phoned before I managed to pull myself from the comfort of my bed Saturday morning, or we would have missed making innocently decedent memories together. Rather than breathing fresh sea air, I had to settle for second hand smoke, but it was worth it.

Jules and Marissa flew in From New York on a whim. Marissa had some frequent flyer miles to cash in and decided to grace Paris with her presence; we are so glad she did. She brought gorgeous Jules along to provide the eye candy and charming male conversation. (I feel you blushing even as I write this, Jules) We tried to paint the town red, but it turned out to be more of a light pink. Red is for 18 year olds and senior citizens trying to prove something. We had nothing to prove, and everything to live for, so we went for a more pastel colored weekend rather than jewel tones.

We met for dinner at a bit of a disappointing place, so I will save it the embarrassment of not mentioning it’s name here. It was not terrible, but not extraordinary either. Mind you, we were so busy enjoying each others company that we hardly noticed. The disappointment was more of an afterthought, really.

Marissa is a great dancer and all three of us love a good swing now and then, so off we went to the famous Caveau de la Huchette http://www.caveaudelahuchette.fr . There is so much history there, like stepping back in time, and honestly, I wonder if it is possible to meet anyone there who is not in a good mood. Sure, you have to weather the second hand smoke but it’s just part of the ambiance. A good time was had by all, to say the least. It’s a great place to go if you feel like elegant slumming!

Luckily, I was able to reserve a table at my new favorite restaurant for Sunday brunch. It is a bit unknown as it is still new, but it is sublime. Dare I even mention the price of the menu, but it is reasonable even for the most frugal of the jet set crowd. Since Jules is a hot chocolate aficionado, I telephoned ahead determined to not take “no” for an answer when I asked for a reservation. Luckily, it was not a problem and they were gracious enough to reserve my favorite table. Hands down, the finest cup of hot chocolate in Paris is at Fontaine Fiacre www.fontainefiacre.com . Yes, I know, Angelina holds the known record, but it is a pleasure to discover a secret. I adore that they always let my guests and I enjoy a little coffee aperitif at the charming bar area before we adjourn to the table. Class. Elegance. Wonderful. Not snobby, just sublime!

Everything was packed, and off they flew later Sunday afternoon.

“She never wrote with ink in her agenda”. Perhaps they will write that on my tombstone? If your plans are too firm, you miss life.

Enjoy, and remember to leave plenty of open places in your schedule.

Bisous,
Alex

Afternoon Tea With Designer Jennifer Marvin

2006-03-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

I was fashionably late to tea this afternoon. Lucky for me, my fellow American in Paris understood the difficulties with transportation due to the student demonstrations in Paris on Thursday afternoon. I was relieved to find my guest for tea relaxing comfortably on the overstuffed chair with her sketch pad and pencils jotting last minute ideas following the meeting she had just had with a bride to be. This was not the first time either of us had enjoyed afternoon tea at the Bristol Hotel in Paris, but it was the first time we shared it together, but, I venture to say, probably not the last. Feeling a bit nervous by my tardiness, Ms. Marvin-Letourneux put me immediately at ease with a warm smile and greeted me with air kisses of friends rather than the hand shake of a first meeting.

I was surprised by her little pewter python bag. “Your’s?” I was sure it must have been. “No, no, not at all, it is something I picked up in Italy.” She wore python shoes, presumably from the same maker, beige trousers, a brocade beige and cream jacket stopping just above the knee, a sheer floral blouse with tiger-eye buttons and a organza scarf around her neck not obscuring her signature pearls. She exuded refined elegance in her mélange of Givinchy, Valentino, and Giorgio Armani. I struggled to see one item with her label. She assured me the trousers were hers. Graceful flat front, side zips with covered buttons on the zipper flap. She looked elegant, relaxed and sophisticated.

Alexandra Lampert: “You are very discrete about wearing your own creations?”

Jennifer Marvin: “No, no, I wear my own things, but I really appreciate the work of other designers, as well. I always think the ‘total look’ is always a bit too much, so I like to mix it up.” It seemed she would have rather spoken of the genius of Mr. de Givenchy or Valentino than of her own work. “Their work is and was timeless and two of my greatest inspirations.”

A.L: “How did you initially get into the fashion industry?”

J.M: “I think it was just in my blood. Everyone in my family is creative. My father creates beautiful buildings, my mother stained glass, my oldest sister puppets…”

A.L. “Puppets?”

J.M “Yes, my oldest sister makes black light stage puppets. Really great, I especially like her sheep.”

A.L “So you have been creating all of your life then?”

J.M. “Yes, forever. I was always doing something with my hands. Embroidery, beading, sewing, painting, drawing…always making something”

A.L. “How did you get from the ranch in Colorado to Paris, France?”

J.M. “You know, it is just how life went; I suppose it was just meant to be, I hadn’t planned it that way. I find that if I go with the flow I just end up where I am supposed to be at the end.”

A.L. “So, you just sort of floated here?”

J.M. “Yes, I suppose you could say that.”

A.L. “What can we expect this coming autumn?”

J.M “I am very excited about the crocodile collection coming out under the label of Vivian Mendal. That will be available for the fall of 2006. The design process has been such a labor of love and everyone on the team is very passionate, creative, and genuine pleasure to work with. We have been having a great time designing it and putting it together, I can hardly wait to see the end result.”

A.L. “This is the first time you have designed an exotic collection, right?”

J.M. “Yes, this is the first time, and it has really engaged my passions. To begin with, Vivian and Mark Mendal are just the most genuinely delightful people you could ever meet. Secondly, the skins are such wonderful quality and Mark has developed such beautiful finishes and effects. The scales, textures and properties of the skins make the possibilities limitless. The pieces can be cut in different ways to produce various effects. Fortunately, we have access to the most beautiful skins and some of the finest artisans in Italy for this collection. It is really a very different niche than working with the leathers I had been used to working with. Fortunately, the traditional craftspeople in Italy were really open to working the skins in innovative and new ways while keeping the traditional techniques.”

A.L.: “What can we expect this fall as far as apparel goes?”

J.M.: “You know, I had really been concentrating on my leather goods, but have continued with some private collections. You know I never stop doing wedding gowns. I can’t seem to give that up, I just love it so much. I am currently considering a new branding opportunity, but it is in the very, very beginning stages. I promise to keep you posted, Alexandra.”

A.L.: “You won’t give us a little hint?”

J.M.: “I’m sorry, I really can’t at this stage. I can only tell you that it would be a very good fit with the leather goods projects I have been working on and it would be a reflection of my favorite styles, so it would be a great pleasure. But, we will see…I can’t let you drag it out of me, you wouldn’t want to jinx it, would you?”

A.L.: “Certainly not! Jennifer, thank you for your time. It has been a great pleasure getting to know you.”

J.M.: “Thank you, Alexandra; I was delighted to spend this chilly afternoon with tea getting to know you. I hope we can meet again without your little tape recorder to chat as friends.”

A.L: “The pleasure would be all mine.”

Meeting Jennifer Marvin this way was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to that private cup of tea becoming friends “off the record”.

From the Comfort of My Bed

2006-03-16T01:11:00.000-08:00

I have been busy, writing, trying to come up with cleaver questions and delightful antidotes. Those of you, who read my humble little scribbles, know of my loyalty to the designer, Jennifer Marvin. Today, she has granted me an interview. It is not the first time I have asked, but it is the first time she has accepted, I’m sure it is nothing personal.

We will meet some place very special. I will tell you where it was, after the fact. Maybe I will even post a picture or two.

The sun appears to be shining, though I am typing this from the comfort of my bed still in my silk pajamas sipping a very strong cup of morning coffee. Yes, I took my liquid breakfast and my laptop back to bed this morning. I had no desire to move too quickly today, and why should I? It should be a day of luxury, elegance, and pleasure, with a little work mixed in for good measure, but not too much.

The weekend will soon arrive and I have no plans. Perhaps I can take a little trip up to Deauville and breathe some sea air. I like it this time of year, though it is a bit windy, and you have to brave the cold, but somehow that chilly bite awakens my spirit and has a healing effect of my mind and body. Ok, unless some unforeseen, spur of the moment thing comes up, I am deciding right in this moment, I will spend a weekend in Deauville, or at least one day.

I like the north of France, yes, it is cold and damp, but it is steeped in history, and they love Americans there, which is always refreshing. Mind you, I have NEVER been mistreated in France because of my American heritage. To the contrary, they often say my accent is cute. Imagine that!

Honestly, if you make an effort, and you are kind, you come with an open mind and not a defensive chip on your shoulder “dukes up, they hate Americans over here!” you will get along just fine. In fact, they will say you are “charming”.

I, myself, have a little antidote about the attitude some of my fellow Americans bring with them on vacation to France. I saw an American couple (don’t ask how I knew, it was just obvious) standing on the street looking at a map and having a bit of an argument about which was the right direction to proceed. I decided to offer a kind gesture of assistance.

Now, everyone, I must say to you, as you know from my writings, I in no way resemble a derelict. That is one thing I can say for certain. How can you wear Manolo Blahnik heals, carry a Jennifer Marvin bag, and, in general, dress to the nines (hey, a girl has a right to enjoy being a girl) smile kindly and offer help and be mistaken for someone who is certainly carrying a gun in her garter ready to pull it out and kill the American tourists? Let me just leave it at that, as their behavior was too embarrassing to repeat, and I don’t want to tarnish the image of the thousands of delightful American tourists who visit other countries without their defense mechanisms in tact ready to a-bomb anyone who offers a kindly gesture. “What do you want from us????!!!!” Oh, my goodness. No wonder the French prefer to ignore and go about their day as if the tourists do not exist. The rejection is very disagreeable and, and why subject such tourists to making such fools of themselves in public places. It is better to just ignore. I do get brave now and again and offer help, and honestly, it is usually very well received.

Notice, if you will, if you simply say “bonjour, excuse moi” when you need to ask directions, even the busiest Parisian will stop and offer aid. In all of my years here have I ever been ignored when I begin with a kind “bonjour” before asking for directions or suggestions. I thought it might have something to do with my being a woman, but my male friends tell me they are treated with equal grace and kindness. In a nutshell, make an effort, and you will be treated with great respect in France. Be rude, and don’t expect kindness in return.

Everything we need to know we learned in Kindergarten, right?

Coffee cup is empty; the hour of 10:00 is quickly approaching. It’s time to get ready for a very nice day.

Bisous,
Alex

The Circle of Life

2006-03-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

Wow ! I’m back ! What a wonderful wedding. This past weekend, I can genuinely attest to having had made a memory which will keep me warm at night for many, many years to come.

I promised not to write too much about it, as I am quite sure Monika and Marcus will give their own accounts which I chose not to spoil with my own. They don’t want their private show of affection to be a spectacle judged as a ridiculous expense and gratuitous show of wealth. I respect their wishes as I know the hearts behind the spending of the money. Compared to the support they lavish on their favorite charities, this memorable gift to one another is a very small token.

They will, undoubtedly, disapprove of my mentioning this. However, in my defense, I acknowledge that not to praise only their kindness, but to hopefully raise awareness that some of those fortunate enough to have been entrusted with great wealth understand the responsibility which goes along with personal financial good fortune, and are philanthropists of great causes, quite often, anonymously. In other words, you will never know the secret fortunes people like Marcus and Monika freely give to others as some continue to judge them and use adjectives such as “shallow, materialistic, selfish” and other unfitting parts of speech as they judge people of whom they know nothing about. It helps to have wealth in order to share it with those less fortunate hopefully giving the less fortunate a chance to become fortunate themselves, and in turn, realize their responsibility to give back. It is just a little something to think about.

So, I will privately keep this memory for those who were fortunate enough to witness their beautiful display of love However, I admit to have begged for and have been granted permission to share one little thing with you, because it was just too spectacular to keep secret. Besides, it was surely witnessed by people miles around who were not even invited to the wedding.

I hold the suspense no longer….

Marcus gave a huge box wrapped in white silk damask, tied with a beautiful silk organza ribbon and adorned with beautiful live orchids to his stunning new bride. She was quite surprised as he offered it to her outside, at 11:00 at night, in the freezing cold. She lifted the lid and found only a small remote control within. Everyone laughed in surprise and then silently awaited the explanation Marcus would surely shortly give. We were all instructed to lift our champagne glasses and he simply said, gently and quietly to Monika “press the button, beautiful wife”. She obeyed, and the sky lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks….what can I say, it was magic, simply magic.

Perfect. Absolutely….perfect.

Looking skyward in Paris waiting for Spring

2006-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Air Safety

2006-03-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day. Off we go for the wedding of the century, or, at least, that is what I am calling it. Monika and Marcus have more friends than just yours truly over here in Europe, so nine of us have decided to charter a jet. Now, before you go thinking I am being just a little extravagant, even for me, I just have to state Hans gets a discount when we book through Jets International www.jets.com, so we are actually saving money! See how frugal we are being? We do this from time to time. I recommend, if you have the means, by all means, indulge! I highly advise it as we only live once, isn’t that right darling? We are using the excuse that we are less likely to encounter a terrorist attack on a chartered flight than on a commercial flight as our main justification, so, in fact, we are just being prudent travelers! The 9 of us can justify just about any luxury indulgence! We have a lot of practice in such things!

There are many, many good reasons to charter an international flight. First and foremost, it is just so comfy cozy and the service just can not be beat. It is almost a pity to deplane at your destination, which, in our case, will be Aspen, so you know it won’t be too disappointing! Secondly, you don’t have to sit with strangers or demand the name of the travel agent who decided to book a child under the age of six in first class and got away with it. Thirdly, unless there is an extremist in the crew (Raphael is in charge of checking for us), we feel reasonably certain that no one in our little clique will be wearing shoe bombs, as they are just so very unfashionable and surely uncomfortable not to mention the odd odor I hear they emit.

I have a darling little travel kit I keep ready to go at all times. The two most important elements are my silk lined Jennifer Marvin (naturally, who else) cashmere throw (I get cold) and my rabbit trimmed Amy Jo Gladstone slippers. For this trip, I have included a copy of High Diamonds by Margaret Castle. Here is the amazon.com link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595006841/sr=8-5/qid=1141932039/ref=sr_1_5/103-4229064-5337451?%5Fencoding=UTF8 I heard about her from a friend who told me it is a real page turner and warns me that I won’t be able to put down. I will let you know if I agree in the near future. It is a must since the action takes place in Denver. I am getting into the spirit of things.

I have flown hundreds; dare I say….several hundreds of times? Could it be thousands by now? Admittedly, I have lost count. I always take note of the little voice in the pit of my stomach before I board a plane, and this time it is just saying “goody, goody gumdrops!” So, I am feeling quite certain this won’t be my swan song blog entry.

@+
Bisous from Paris!
Alex

I Love Paris

2006-03-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, but I love Paris when it rains. Mind you, it isn’t good for the hair and makeup, but if you can get past that, it is sublime. I could be just as negative about it as the next adoptive Parisian, I could tell you that I was freezing cold walking to the taxi stand, especially since I had left my kidskin gloves in my other handbag (if I had only gone with my instincts and grabbed that little black Jennifer Marvin evening clutch on the way out …) I could tell you that I couldn’t wear the shoes I had intended to wear that evening in order to avoid ruining them in the rain; or, I could tell you why none of that matters to me when the rain falls in Paris. Maybe tomorrow I will give into negativity if I find that the chill brings forth a full fledged cold. Live in the moment, I always say.

Last evening, I braved the rain to hear beautifully trained voices, and some beautiful voices in training. The cab ride there was ghastly, since it began at the absurd hour of 6:15. Anything beginning at that hour in Paris is best reached by metro. I just couldn’t bear becoming a sardine sandwich on the metro at that hour and decided to take my chances with a cab. The cab driver was exhaling expletives as if it were second nature, which, come to think of it, may have been. Inhale in, expletive out. The rain was pouring down, the streets were congested, and Paris was beautiful.

It is often said by natives of this land that one of my favorite bridges, Pont Alexandre III is one of the most hideous sights in Paris. Perhaps, in the sunshine, that is true, but have these mockers ever seen the glorious gold plated statues which welcome all fortunate enough to use it to cross the Seine, at dusk when the rain is falling, or on a clear evening when the lights of Paris soften it’s brilliance? For those of us who have chosen Paris as a home, or have had the good fortune of being chosen by it by ways other than our birth right, Paris is Paris. And Paris, is a paradise on earth in any weather. The pyramid in the court yard of the Louvre causes no controversy for us, the lightshow on the Eiffel Tower is not a problem, and when the giant carousel came to the Place de la Concord, we didn’t gasp. Paris is beautiful, whatever the weather. The disapproving Parisians only add to its charm.

Breckenridge by Night

2006-03-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

Breckenridge, Colorado or bust!

2006-03-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

Time to pack again for a weekend in Breckenridge, Colorado! What a nice surprise! My darling friend Monika has finally given into the wedding proposal of the adorable Dr. Marcus and will tie the knot. Those two are so impatient we won’t be waiting until June! That would give us too much notice! They are getting married on Saturday, March 11th. She just accepted his proposal last night via a ring in the champagne glass during the Oscars. Being the fantastic doctor that he is, I am certain he made sure the diamond was much too large for her to risk an accentual ingesting!

I LOVE BRECKENRIDGE! I made a few memories there in my youth during a spring break or two!

This top photo is borrowed from http://www.alpinemajesty.com/ . It is absolutely reminiscent of the last time I forced myself to forge past a champagne hangover in order to make the first tracks in the fresh powder sent from heaven the night before.

I am so exicited!

My research tells me that my favorite designer, Jennifer Marvin, spent her childhood on her father’s ranch near there on skis every weekend. I have always been curious of her origins. What brings a fashion designer of her caliber from a cowboy ranch in Colorado to the crème-de-la-crème of the Paris fashion scene? I will update you as I learn more, unless, of course, the gossip is too juicy! I would hate to be responsible for tarnishing the reputation of my fave!

I anticipate that I will be seeing a bit more of this night scene photo this trip! I can’t tell you (for security purposes) where we will be staying this weekend, but Marcus has booked the entire place! I can’t imagine how on earth he managed it, unless he had some help from a reliable psychic that Monika would finally accept his proposal, and pre-booked the place last summer!

Ok, I am counting on you for those travel tips….I fly out on Friday the 10th!

Bisous from Paris,
Alex

Packing Tips : to roll or not to roll, that is my question.

2006-03-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Now I have tried rolling and folding and have pretty much just decided that the best way to handle the packing situation is to reserve the suitcases for shoes, lingerie, and other what-nots and pack the clothing in the garment bag. I end up sending everything down to the concierge as soon as I arrive at the hotel and have the lot re-ironed anyway. I find I am not much for easy pack fabrics and those cotton and silk dresses I plan on investing in this summer will certainly not withhold any of the three methods.

My dear friend Magda, just called me this morning in from New York, as her adorable son is on his way here to visit me in Paris before flying off to Prague to enjoy some “Nouveau Culture” It looks as though Paris is becoming what some would consider a cultural “has been” though I don’t subscribe to the opinion myself. Magda had was in a bit of a tizzy since she had just had all of his shirts neatly pressed and he had rolled them into his suitcase on the advice of a travel agent friend of his. Magda was beside herself, and though I believed her reaction to possibly be influenced by the fact that no mother feels safe until the trip over the ocean is over and her offspring is safely on the ground, I humored my friend and listened intently.

After my attempts to calm my dear Magda and resist the urge to tell her to “chill out” I realized that even packing goes through trends. Indeed it appears so. I remember in the ‘80’s we had to roll everything. Now, the trend seems to be folding.

May I propose a poll?

Do you roll?
Do you fold?
Do you put everything in a garment bag?
Do you just buy a new wardrobe at your destination?

Please feel free to comment and share your packing secrets, frankly, I could use some since it is always risky to entrust my Marc Jacobs and Jennifer Marvin dresses with anyone whose drivers license or first born I am not holding as collateral!

Spring Fashion 2006: I Feel Pretty!

2006-03-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Since last fall I have anxiously awaited the arrival of spring. Don’t get me wrong, I adore skiing in the Alps and the Rocky mountains and wrapping up in cashmere by the fire. But this year, I must admit, each time I pull on my ski pants, I am secretly longing for spring. I can hardly wait to wear those adorable “Hepburnesque” dresses and enjoy being a girl, no matter what my age, and I am not telling!

I am thinking about making dresses the main theme of my spring/summer wardrobe this year. I will be jetting here and there as usual and will need simplistic elegance which easily takes me from days of shopping in Paris, to dinner on the Riviera, hot New York days and even hotter Palm Beach nights. I know what a rough life! What could be easier, just throw a dress on and you look polished! Dress it up or down for the occasion with your accessories choice. Low-healed sandals show off perfectly pedicured toenails for day and can be easily substituted with a heal in the evening. If you want to look “ultra-trendy”, carry an oversized bag during the day. Beware, however, that trend will surely be short lived and you may end up regretting a large investment, unless, of course, you have money to burn. Just be sure to put it away in its sleeper bag after 6:00 pm.

Evenings become so much more casual in the spring, though that in no way gives permission to neglect style, darling! Think casual elegance. The beautiful white dresses almost rival the little black dress this spring, and I plan to indulge in this trend.

I intend to skip the oversized handbag trend unless I get tired of my carry-on. If those huge oversized handbags overwhelm you as much as they do my small frame, why not have a look at the new lady-like collection from Jennifer Marvin, Paris. I will personally be carrying the red to-die-for bag she named “Chloé” after her little blonde daughter. It is going to look gorgeous and individual with my trendy neutrals and whites. Jennifer’s loyal following of “Jet-Set ladies who lunch” have enjoyed her one-of-a-kind; custom made creations for years and getting on her waiting list has done nothing short of adding to their mystique and desirability. This summer, she has enlisted the aid of some of finest French artisans to expand her line to include exquisite leathers lined in spare-no-expense iridescent silks. Have a look for yourself at http://www.jennifermarvin.com/ shhhhhhh…it is our secret! Thankfully they are a little pricy, even though they are worth every penny, if they weren’t everyone would have one!

Luckily, Jennifer is still doing her famous wedding gowns, and adorable made to measure dresses in her Paris studio. Word to the wise, make your appointments soon. The waiting list is filling up again as spring time lingers oh so near. She has teamed up with the couturier Lorna Greg who has also worked with the great Carl Lagerfeld among others. It is hardly surprising considering her “only the finest will do” design philosophy. Rumor has it Jen is under contract with an exquisite accessories house in New York and has been jetting off to Italy overseeing the creation of her first line of exotics. Reliable sources tell me it is due be released this fall. I can’t wait!

Growing up means picking and choosing your trends according to your refined sense of elegance. With a little experience I have learned that wearing too many labels and mixing too many current fads only makes the well meaning fashionista seem insecure, and, frankly, makes us look a bit ridiculous. True style is individual and comes only from knowing your true self. This spring, we have plenty of delicious trends to pick and chose from! Indulge from the heart! Happy shopping!