What the Chairs Wear: Humane Society To the Rescue Gala

Posted By: KK on 09/29/11 9:32 AM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

Amanda Hearst, Annie Churchill and Georgiana Bloomberg are the caring Chairs of the The Humane Society’s Friend of Finn’s To the Rescue! From Cruelty to Kindness Gala on October 5 at Cipriani’s 42nd Street. Friends of Finn was founded and chaired by Amanda Hearst, and the committee is named after Amanda’s dog Finn. Proceeds from the To The Rescue Gala will be used to save thousands more lives in the coming year from the cruelty of puppy mills, animal fighting operations, hoarding and neglect cases, and more. For tickets and for information please go to To The Rescue Gala or call Jennifer Hickman at (301) 548-7710 .

We were inspired by the deep and gorgeous jeweled blue that we are seeing this season and put together a trio of choices from Bergdorf Goodman that will take you from the Red Carpet through all of the festivities and entertainment of this special evening, honoring Cory Booker, Newark, NY Mayor and Jill Rapport, NBC TODAY Show Correspondent. Whether you yowl, growl, howl, or snarl, you will not want to miss this tail-wagging event of the fall season!

Left to Right: Halston Heritage Deep-V Long Dress ($345), Ranjana Khan Malachite Embroidered Chandelier Earrings ($285), Nancy Gonzales Crocodile Trapezoid Clutch ($995), Kate Spade Caryl Starlight Sandal ($250), Lela Rose Fold-Detail Dress ($1295), Oscar de La Renta Folkloric Linked Earrings ($175), Jose & Maria Barrera Filigree Bracelet ($440), Jimmy Choo Glitter Sandal ($595), David Meister Signature Sleeveless Chiffon Gown ($2750)

What to Wear: Chefs To Dine For

Posted By: KK on 09/28/11 3:42 PM | Categories: What to Wear

We are so happy to announce our good friend, Lynne Ryan, has launched her fabulous new website and “tasty new adventure” Chefs To Dine For. Lynne, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has over twenty years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry and has close relationships with Manhattan’s hottest chefs. Her passion for people and food led her to create this new site which will take guests on a delicious journey each month with some of the city’s most fabulous chefs who will share exclusive dinner selections accompanied by specially selected wines. The very first event will be held Thursday, October 27th at Aureole, the sophisticated venue of Charlie Palmer, superstar chef and culinary pioneer in American cuisine. To sign up for the event and information about the upcoming dinners, go to Chefs to Dine For.

For what to wear to such a scrumptious soiree, we went shopping at Saks.com to find the perfect “Dinner Tops” – great blouses that you can easily pair with black pants for a night on the town. Each of these has a touch of glamour that lights up the night, whether a peek of lace or chiffon, or both. Wear them with a bold pair of earings, platform pumps and a great clutch and you’ will be be dining in style!

Left to Right: Josie Natori Mock Turtleneck Lace Top ($325), Valentino Floral Lace Couture Tee ($980), Red Valentino Chantilly Lace Blouse ($495)

Ellie Tahari Chiffon Jeanna Blouse ($368), Alice & Olivia Alta Printed Peasant Top ($275)

Born and raised in upstate New York and classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Charlie Palmer is one of the most highly regarded chefs in America today has received critical acclaim for his signature “Progressive American” cuisine. Charlie opened Aureole restaurant as chef and proprietor in 1988 and it was here that his signature style began to emerge. Food & Wine magazine has said of Charlie, “Palmer is widely regarded by food lovers as a pioneer who realized decades ago that there was a strong demand for great food in America, not necessarily French.” Chef Palmer has planned the amazing menu and the exquisite wines have been selected…all they need is you! This is sure to be an event you do NOT want to miss…make your reservations NOW, before it’s too late!

What to Wear: 5 Must-Have Shoes for Fall

Posted By: KK on 09/28/11 7:07 AM | Categories: What to Wear

What are the 5 must have-shoe styles for this Fall? We have been non-stop screen-shopping to find our faves from J. Crew and Tory Burch, see how to incorporate all of these new looks into your wardrobe.

1. A GREAT FLAT. This is the shoe that can take you everywhere.

2. CHUNKY LOAFER. The “it” shoe this season..

3. A BOOTIE. Either an ankle bootie or a shoe bootie.

4. UPDATED PUMP. Try a platform, a pattern or a new color.

5. HIGH BOOT. Your go-to now and straight into those chilly Winter months.

Perfect BOOTIE for fall.

Greer Ankle Boot ($268)

And others we love.

Left to Right: Nora Calf Hair Ballet Flat ($250), Paddy High-heel Loafers ($265), Clifton Booties ($265), Pia Calf Hair Pumps ($358), Booker Tall Midheel Boots ($348)

WOW Factor BOOTIE

Engel Bootie ($395)

Love this lineup!

Left to Right: Kendrick Haircalf Driver ($295), Arelia Tassel Pum ($395), Patricia Mid Heel Bootie ($395), Felicity High Heel Slingback ($295), Christal High Heel Boot ($550)

Jill Fairchild's Closet: Fe-male-ity

Posted By: KK on 09/27/11 11:26 AM | Categories: Jill Fairchild's Closet

Jill Fairchild’s Closet: Fe-male-ity

Since when did men become women? What’s going on here? Is this what fashion is all about – reversing the sexes so there is such a blur you can’t even tell which sex is which? Maybe it’s the next phase after metrosexuals, when real men began discovering their feminine sides. Perhaps once having started that, there was no stopping it and suddenly they found themselves not only cooking, cleaning and indulging in skin care but dressing like women too.

My second day of NYFW started like this: So I’m sitting by the fountain at Lincoln Center and along comes a tall striking blonde. You would think by her walk that she was auditioning for a runway go see surrounded by a sea of cameras and camera crews. Who is she? I wondered. She’s got style, great legs and exudes that “smoking hot” kind of attitude while working her mini and knee high boots. Why does she look so familiar?

And then I remembered: It was the woman from the cover of New York Magazine. Her name? Andrej Pejic. Yes, SHE was a HE. I have been called naïve, blind and numerous other things, but in person, I swear that until she – I mean HE – opened his mouth and a deep voice boomed, you could not tell he was a man. I don’t even remember seeing an Adam’s apple.

Now let’s get to my point: How do you think the great couturiers like Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent would feel about such a blurring of the sexes? Sure, Chanel and Saint Laurent put women in pants, but there was no mistaking they were women – and that men were men.

Those days seem long gone, certainly at New York Fashion Week. Pejic is in a class of his own, but at the end of the day more and more men are dressing like women, sporting cakes of makeup, baring midriffs, stacked in high heels, and doing whatever it takes to break the rules and look more feminine. Some, like Pejic, have pulled it off successfully. So much so the he walks the runway for both men’s wear and women’s wear.

Is this the start of the next phase of male sexuality – fe-male-ity?

Scary thought.

Style on!

Jill

Street Style & Videos: Daphne Guinness at The Museum at FIT

Posted By: KK on 09/27/11 11:23 AM | Categories: Street Style & Videos

Daphne Guinness, one of today’s most original and extraordinary fashion icons, is the subject of The Museum at FIT. The world of art and fashion flocks to this stunning exhibit so skillfully styled and curated by Valerie Steele, Director of the Museum at FIT and by Daphne Guinness herself. Daphne generously loaned over 100 items from her personal collection and oversaw the installation. W2WW Fashion Editor, Hilary Dick met with Valerie to discuss her personal experience in working with this legendary stylesetter. “Daphne is one of – if not the – most stylish women living,” says fashion designer Tom Ford, ” The world has many beautiful, fashionable socialites and celebrities, but Daphne is in a class of her own.”

Daphne Guiness

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Daphne Guinness has been made possible in part through the generosity of LEVIEV Extraordinary Diamonds. Additional support was provided by M·A·C Cosmetics and The Couture Council, a membership group dedicated to supporting The Museum at FIT, a specialized museum of fashion. For information on joining, please go to The Couture Council.

To purchase a copy of the book of the exhibit, written by Valerie Steele and Daphne Guinness, click on the image below.

What to Wear: CIRCA Accessories Salon

Posted By: KK on 09/22/11 7:42 AM | Categories: What to Wear

Some of the most fun we had during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center was hanging out at the infamous CIRCA Accessories Salon, where Jewelry and Fashion Designers showcased their Accessories Collections for Spring 2012.

CIRCA Accessories Salon and Chris Del Gatto, along with Veronica Webb, Daniel Benedict, Andrew Saffir, Zani Gugelmann, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Julie Macklowe, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and Shirin von Wulffen hosted a cocktail party benefiting New Yorkers For Children at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

Here are a selection of some of the designers who were part of the CIRCA Accessories Salon and links to their sites.

Miri for Kara Ross

What to Wear: de Kooning at MoMA

Posted By: KK on 09/22/11 7:31 AM | Categories: What to Wear

de Kooning: A Retrospective, September 18, 2011–January 9, 2012

Do not miss the first major museum exhibition devoted to the full scope of the career of Willem de Kooning, widely considered to be among the most important and prolific artists of the 20th century. The exhibition, which will only be seen at MoMA, presents an unparalleled opportunity to study the artist’s development over nearly seven decades. Representing nearly every type of work de Kooning made, in both technique and subject matter, this retrospective includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. MoMA.com has a brilliantly organized introduction to the exhibit, organized by themes, timelines and periods. To become a member of MoMA and take advantage of early view hours and other exclusive events, click on the box below.

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis.

Museum hopping this fall and wondering what to wear? The must-see show is the de Kooning at MoMA. This is a chance to show off your new tie collared blouse in a fabulous abstract patterns, one of the fall fashion trends. These blouses are so easy to wear. By day with a pair of skinny jeans and by night with black pants and platform pumps that pop a color trend this season.

BLOUSES:

Dolce & Gabanna Leopard Chiffon Bow Blouse ($825),DVF Edde Top ($265)

PANTS:

MIH Jeans Oslo Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans ($185), Michael Kors Stretch Wool Trousers ($695)

SHOES AND ACCESSORIES:

Kara Ross 14K Goldplated & Resin Bracelet ($161), Rebecca Minkoff Cupid Satchel ($495), Kors Michael Kors Ingel Suede Wedge Loafers ($250), Tod’s Suede Moccasin Pumps ($595), Kara Ross 14K Goldplated Three Drop Crescent Earrings ($175), Badgley Mischka Anouk Snake-print Shoulder Bag ($375), B Brian Atwood Fredrique Suede Almond Toe Pumps ($325)

We also loved this Milly

Milly Marian Bow Tie Blouse ($275)

While we were shopping for the Tie Blouses at Saks.com , we also found these gorgeously hued tops

Alice & Olivia Arie Tie-Collar Blouse ($264), Gucci Silk Crepe de Chine Blouse ($750),Parker Silk Charmeuse Bow Blouse ($198)

What the Chairs Wear: The New York City Ballet Presents Paul McCartney’s Ocean’s Kingdom

Posted By: KK on 09/21/11 10:38 PM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

This is the most exciting social and cultural event of the year! On Thursday, September 22, the legendary Sir Paul McCartney and Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins will debut a new ballet entitled Ocean’s Kingdom at the New York City Ballet’s 2011 Fall Gala. The Gala Chairman include Alec Baldwin, John and Jodie Eastman, Marlene Hess and Jim Zirin and Alice and Lorne Michaels, with Fiona Druckenmiller, Carol Mack and Charlotte Moss taking on the role as Vice Chairs. With costumes for the ballet by renowned fashion designer and Paul’s daughter Stella McCartney, the Fall Gala is an unprecedented event you will not want to miss! This will mark the first time that Sir Paul has ever composed for dance and the show is expected to be nothing short of extraordinary. Here is a preview of the stunning spectacle.

This exciting black tie evening will take place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center beginning with a glamorous cocktail reception followed by the performance and an elegant Supper Ball. For what to wear to this extraordinary aquatic extravaganza, we took ourselves to SAKS.com and found the most alluring gown, with gorgeously flowing silk chiffon, that shimmers and ripples like waves on the sea. Click on the link below to see a video of the dress in motion.

Left to Right: Carmen Marc Valvo Silk Chiffon Gown ($940), Adriana Orsini Diamond Shaped Crystal Mobile Earrings ($120), Adriana Orsini Crystal Encrusted Wide Tribal Bangle ($400), Halston Heritage Sabrina Mesh Pouch ($450), Edmundo Castillo Metallic Leather Scalloped Pumps ($835)

The Masters at Work. For tickets go to New York City Ballet.

Jill Fairchild's Closet: Jill’s Fashion Week Part 2

Posted By: KK on 09/20/11 5:49 AM | Categories: Jill Fairchild's Closet

Jill Fairchild’s Closet: Rucci Rewards

Only one American has ever shown couture in Paris under his own name – and that’s Ralph Rucci. Sitting through his show Wednesday at New York Fashion Week, I can understand why.

This is what fashion should be about! It was awe-inspiring in its pure beauty and controlled vision and shows the true meaning of luxury.

Rucci doesn’t follow trends, or sit there with a calculator trying to determine how many pieces of a particular garment will sell if he designs it a certain way. For Rucci each creation is literally a piece of art (notice the printed gazar caftan pictured). Timeless couture shaped with amazing creativity. No one in American fashion can match Rucci’s craftsmanship. And to wear one of his pieces makes one feel exquisite from head to toe.

One captivating look after another emerged down the runway – light wools with plastic insets over slim white pants, oyster colored jeans, a white caviar beaded shell and pant with a satin apron skirt over it (I’ve gotta have this!), a long sleeveless white wool gown cut away in the back to reveal a long cherry red paillette tube skirt underneath (totally stunning).

And as for the detailing, he went from plastic insets on jackets to fabrics, which ranged from paper (true!) to ostrich feathers to the most luxurious wools. Nothing was lacking.

(For more pictures from the Ralph Rucci Runway visit Style.com)

Rucci has long been considered a designer’s designer, a cult figure in American fashion whose clients remain faithful for decades. No wonder he received a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of his show.

This was creativity in its purest form – and I am still tingling over it.

Style on!

Jill

For her last day in the tents Jill wore a Trina Turk cream blouse, black leather Joseph short, a Chloe coat, and a Pauric Sweeney handbag as pictured above. We went shopping at Net-A-Porter to find Jill’s Fashion Week look.

Valentino Belted Wool and Silk-blend Coat ($3980)

Joseph Peter Silk Crepe de Chine Blouse ($395)

Theory Pepin Crinkled-leather Shorts ($455)

Street Style & Videos: Fashion Week Spring 2012

Posted By: KK on 09/16/11 7:46 AM | Categories: Street Style & Videos

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012 was so much fun and non-stop fashion.. What we saw for spring, we loved; more bright shades, vibrant patterns, textured knits, pants and short suits, as well as separates to wear with ease, and lots and lots of soft chiffons frocks just made for garden parties, and spring formals. We have chosen a few of our favorites below and to see videos and stills of all of the shows, go to STYLE.COM. Off the runway, our favorite moments were the Astophele & Stella soiree and show at the Grammercy Park Hotel, J. Crew’s first showing at Lincoln Center, hanging out at the Circa Lounge between shows, checking up on their rotating designer jewelry displays, and, of course, the fabulous people watching that the stylish setting at Lincoln Center provides. The Trick-Or-Treat FEED Bag to benefit UNICEF, was so clever, we had to buy a few. But it was The Society of Women’s Health, Fatigues to Fabulous that stole the show, as designers such as Donna Karan and Carmen Marc Valvo put on a show modeled by women service veterans. The organization raises awareness and funds to help heal the wound of combat, both inside and out. To see the segment, go to CBS Early Show.

Enjoy our video of some of Fashion Weeks moments.

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TORY BURCH