Chanel, Lanvin & Schiaparelli

Pictured Left to Right: Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin & Elsa Schiaparelli

The Fashion Institute of Technology New York will host an exhibition starting in May. The Arbiters of Style: Women at the Forefront of Fashion will pay homage to some of fashion's most influential and successful women. The exhibit features the works of Coco Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin and Elsa Schiaparelli, just to name a few. Co-curated by Colleen Hill and Molly Sorkin, the exhibit will feature 70 looks which includes those worn by department store executives, influential clients, editors, models and muses. In addition to the icons, it will host pieces designed by such leading couturieres as Jeanne Paquin, English designer Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon and retail pioneer Hattie Carnegie. Other stylish donations will include those from the legendary Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland, Hollywood favourite Lauren Bacall and Vivienne Westwood. The exhibition will run from May 21 to November 8 2008. Be sure to stop in New York and check the exhibit out.





**Stay tuned, in honor of this event we'll be hosting a special contest. Check back in two weeks for the terms. Thanks for reading.

I'll Punch You, Is Brass The New Black?

A couple of years ago, there was this really cute purse that I wanted called the Peace Keeper. Mainly because it had a pair of brass knuckles made into it as a handle. {perfect thing to have when running into an ex, btw} Then I read a story about this umbrella called the "Umbuster." It's a cute little umbrella with a handle that is made into, you guessed it, brass knuckles. This got me to thinking about all of the artistic creations that involve the coveted weapon. As I saw, the choices never stopped. I must tell you now, It's Becoming A Trend!!!!! Good thing is, now you don't need to take all those expensive self defense classes. Trust me, if someone sees you in this much brass, they'll walk the other way.

James Piatt Peace Keeper purse @ JamesPiatt.com

Rihanna's Brass Knuckle Boot's {I would like a pair myself, anyone know where to get them}

Brass Knucks Chair from Fist Fire LLC Furniture @ Fistfire.com

Brass Knuckles earrings @ Kaboodle.com

Brass Knuckles T-Shirts @ 10 Deep NYC

The infamous UmBuster @ Gizmodo.com

Black Rhinestone Knuckles Necklace @ Kaboodle.com

Brass Knuckles Belt @ Kaboodle.com

A Simple Brass Knuckles Necklace @ ThisNext.com

A modified version of Brass Knuckles {I actually think it's really cute} @ Knock Out Knucks.

Blackberry 9000

It's here! The Blackberry 9000. The next generation of Blackberry, the elusive 9000 has been spotted in the wild! While maintaining the brains of a Blackberry, the glorious 9000 has the sleek black face and chromed out edge style of an iPhone with a glossy PSP-ish simple white on black icons UI that glows. Somehow, the Blackberry 9000 brings a new sexy sleek vibe without abandoning its keypad. The 9000 features both WiFi and HSDPA. The phone's lines seem flow really well (dare we call a BlackBerry "sexy"?) without losing its purpose-suited stance exuded by the 8300s, 8700s, and 8800s of yore. Blackberry users will know that the 9000 is a more than just a "pimped out" version of days gone by. The real kicker, though, might be the beautiful user interface, which has been totally revamped fromthe ground up; gone is the cartoonish look and feel of the current lineup, replaced with a modern, warm theme with wireframe icons and slick animations. Another big win: as Vodafone's slide deck mentioned, the 9000 features both WiFi and HSDPA, confirmed by this particular example's info display. (engadgetmobile)


"Any change, any loss, does not make us victims. Others can shake you, surprise you, disappoint you, but they can't prevent you from acting, from taking the situation you're presented with and moving on. No matter where you are in life, no matter what your situation, you can always do something. You always have a choice and the choice can be power."---Blaine Lee, The Power Principle


Lovin Life, truthis

My Bag Says F&@K Off!!!

My bag doesn't really say that, but if I get a Lady Bag, it has the potential to. The bag is still in it's development phase, however it's made by women for women. The bag is designed to make sure that women always remember the daily essentials {I hope it doesn't program for that monthly event, how embarrassing}, like keys, cell phones, wallets before they leave home for work, shopping or whatever it is that keeps you beautiful ladies busy. The Lady Bag, developed by a team of six women at Canada’s Simon Fraser University it uses RFID technology to detect items inside the bag.

The LadyBag will show the item’s icon on the outside LED display, if that item is missing from the bag. Once everything is in place a smiley emoticon lights up and you're on your way. To let the bag know what it should look for, each item to be tracked needs an RFID tag insert or attached to it. It’s kind of a reverse application of the RFID technology that beeps when people leave the store without paying for an item {because we truly believe that people don't steal, right}. Only difference, this purse wants to make sure everythings inside for you. Also, the LED display on the outside of the bag reflects the owner’s emotional state using emoticons. The bag determines your emotional state through your interactions which are registered via physical sensors. Be careful ladies when talking to that person that you pretend that you like, but you really don't. Next time, instead of your face showing it, your purse might.

**Images courtesy of Lady Bag.com

Swimming Suits

The styles of swimming suits this season say sexy, sophisticated, playful, colorful, and if you didn't work out, you've got very little time to do that! I'm seeing all the styles in all different colors and patterns this year as usual. What I noticed most of all were the black suits. They seemed to be very sophisticated and a little risque, definitely not short on style. You could see a version of a swim suit from all of the top designers represented here. With the exception of the white swimming suits all of the swimwear pictured is from Victoria Secret. The solid black one piece is a "Halter One-Piece Monokini" by Carmen Marc Valvo. It has a deep, daring, plunging neckline. We're only recommending this if you're really secure with yourself and your surroundings. Everybody will remember you wherever you wear this one. The second black swimsuit is by "Very Sexy." It is the "Metallic Logo Plunge One-Piece Monokini." It has cut away sides (seeing a lot of this) and it ties at the neck and the back. The brown bikini is by Very Sexy and they call it their "Metallic Sliding Triangle Top." It's got sparkles and shell embellishments. Now the white two piece with the rings in the top is called the "European Triangle," and the bottoms called "European Low Rise." It's available from Venus. You can also check out Nordstrom's, Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, and Bergdorf Goodman. These are your trends to watch this season. I guarantee you'll be seeing these suits! Or suits made like these. "Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work."---William Arthur Ward
Lovin Life, truthis

Shoe Shopping Cont.....

Alright, ok, so I'm not finished shoe shopping and like 80% of American Women I probably won't ever be. You can go along though. A friend of mine was teasing me about shoes and I told him women's shoes was to women like video games (Madden in particular) and cars are to men. It's just part of who we are. Anyway, I saw this neat little high heeled sandal at Guess. It reminds me of the flat leather sandals made like this. All the designers are doing this sort of gladiator themed shoes this season. It's called "Eulia." They bill it as their twist on the strappy sandal, with Bold leather cross-strap detail. And it has a double harness buckle at the ankle. It seriously reminds me of the "Ines Biker Leather Sandal" by Jimmy Choo. Both shoes are available at Nordstrom's. This white sandal is called "Leanna." It's enamel offers a soft and glamorous look. It's got a strappy sandal T-Strap with an adjustable harness buckle at the ankle. Enamel rings in a "I heart Guess" motif. Kinda reminds of the Badgley Mischka sandal by the name of "Isabetta." Finally we have Guess's blue "Empower" sandal. Open toe with a stacked bow accent. Strappy sandal detail at ankle. Adjustable harness and a covered platform. Kinda like Moschino's "Cheap and Chic Ruched Toe Sandal." So for every shoe their is a comparable shoe, always at different prices and slightly different styles.

"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
- unknown

Lovin Life, truthis

Interesting Mosaic's

Mosaics are often beautiful and commentary. This image of Steve Jobs doesn't hold any moving messages about society, it could serve a function. The entire image is made of up Apple products, so the finished portrait could function as one big Apple ad campaign. It features everything from computers to the iPhone. To spare you some squinting, yes, it does also include the MacBook Air. The entire image is made of up Apple products, so the finished portrait could function as one big Apple ad campaign. It features everything from computers to the iPhone. To spare you some squinting, yes, it does also include the MacBook Air. It also has other new gadgets like the iPod nano pink. “Credit must go to Deanna Lowe @ Fortune magazine and the photographer of the original photo in which this mosaic is based,” it says below the Flickr image which also says the image was “Made with Synthetik Studio Artist, Adobe Photoshop and Apple QuickTime Pro with custom developed scripts and techniques.” It is becoming a trend using all types of products to create a mosaic. Used metro tickets, pieces of scrap or what ever inspire people to assemble an artistic object. This next mosaic is striking. I have never seen something so brilliant and breathtakingly sensitive that words fail me. 4,000 small photographs of the US soldiers fallen in Iraq, arranged into a portrait of their good-time-having “Commander-in-Chief” and his potential successor were pieced together to create this work of art. As I said, mere words fail me and are not needed. Therefore I solely refer to the words of the creator of this mosaic, Nico Pitney of Huffington Post. “In remembrance of the 4,000 brave men and women who sacrificed everything for us—and the two men who would continue this great tragedy, despite the cost to our soldiers, our military, and our nation,” said Pitney. Click here to see the full (very large) image and gape at the 4,000 faces in silence. When you have downloaded the large image, click to zoom in. It is staggering. Simply staggering (Note: Since some photos of fallen U.S. soldiers are unavailable, there are duplicates.) In case you're interested, you can visit Mosaically on line and have them create your own mosaic.

"When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly."--- Edward Teller

Lovin Life, truthis

Fashion Meets Art in Nordstrom Spring 2008 Ads

For their Spring 2008 Ads, Nordstrom has teamed up with artist Ruben Toledo who painted 20-by-30 foot walls to serve as a backdrop for the models which were shot by fashion photographer Ruven Afanador. Toledo even painted ON the models for the campaign. The result is an artistic and stylish eye-candy. “It’s one thing to say that fashion and art go together and to show it by putting a model in an art gallery. We knew we didn’t want to do that and we knew Ruben’s artwork needed to be more than just a backdrop. Instead, what Ruben and Ruven came up with truly fused art and photography. The art became the environment–transcending the very idea of a backdrop. The result truly exceeded our expectations.” said Linda Finn, executive vice president of marketing at Nordstrom." I think it's a winner too!

"You must lose everything in order to gain anything." Mohammad Qureshi Mohammad Qureshi

Lovin Life, truthis

Bag Me Up Like Donatella

I love to travel and have a lot of fun in doing so, but yet I still have yet to find some luggage that I am just in love with. Then of course, I was painted envy green when I saw Donatella's luggage when she came into town last week to launch her Versace Men's lines at Barney's New York. I remember the time when I used to see pictures of her with bright pink luggage traveling from Paris to Milan and everywhere in between. Now her chosen shade has switched to purple. When speaking with the New York times Donatella said "it became tired... like black did," referring to her once favored pink Versace Luggage. Ms. Versace ushered in with roughly a dozen purple suitcases - one bag each for dresses, shoes and accessories- "All these people, they have a designer handbag, and I think: 'So what? You have Eastpak luggage.' Why should it get stolen." She said, while sipping tea in her grand suite at the Waldorf-Astoria.

I couldn't agree more, no person wants something that everyone else has. If you have an eye for something it would be the unique thing in the room. But I believe that Donatella is trying to say, if you go all out on your Gucci handbag, you should do the same for the luggage that you travel with. So ditch the nylon and polyester luggage for a brand new set of well made luxurious Italian leather bags. You'll love yourself for it and I think Donatella would too. I think instead of purple, I'll opt for a nice royal blue or sky blue. Oh and about that trim on your new luggage, “Don’t call it beige...” Ms. Versace says, call it “Blond.”


**Image courtesy of NYTimes.com

Neiman Marcus RELAUNCHES Their Web Log Business

Neiman Marcus has relaunched their NM Insite blog. They decided to toss their hat into the web log {blog} business last year in late August. They relaunched the site late last week called NM Insite. The blog is dedicated to bringing it's readers the latest fashion news from around the world and within the legendary chain. {But if you noticed it's another way for the store to do shameless promotions} It focuses on clothing, up-and-coming fashion designers, legacy designers, home decorating, latest trends.

Categories Include:
As Seen In
Ask the Expert
Click Quick
Designer Q&A
Designer Zodiac
Eye Spy Great Buys
Fashion History
Fashion News
Fashion Quotes
From the Runway
Holiday Memories Contest
How To
NM Kids
NM's 100th Anniversary
Style Wrap-Up
This Day in Fashion History
Top Seller
Top Trends
Two of a Kind
We Asked, You Said
When & Wear With Ken Downing

Maybe you can go here and find something interesting. For instance what Tory Burch's favorite frozen treat is or the what next month's hot trend will be. Go to the site, see if you want to give it a try and come back, let us know what you think.

Can We Even Call Them Shoes?

Can we even call this Italian Designers shoes, shoes? Clearly they are works of Art. I probably can go on and on about these shoes because there are all so beautiful. This is perhaps one of Italy's best kept secrets. There are currently no US point of sales. All is not lost though, there is contact information listed on their website. Their Spring 2008 collection left me in awe. No doubt some of you will recognize their name right away and associate them with having a good product. The name Baldinini has been synonymous with quality shoes and designer bags for almost a century. Today, Baldinini S.p.A., through the direction and creative genius of Gimmi Baldinini, has become a leading Italian company, reaping significant success in an increasing number of international markets. Single-brand Baldinini stores are a perfect window into Italian Style in the world. The company’s collections - the refined and perfectly wrought expression of a complex and elegant style - arise out of expert craftsmanship and an exceptional artistic flair. In the unmistakable creations of Gimmi Baldinini, a hallmark of Italian fashion where art and design blend seamlessly to grow to be “dreams to wear”. They have lines that include fragrances, bags, eye wear, boots and jewelry. And get this their hand bag line is called "G-Bag." The shoes are what took my breath away. This kind of artistry is the kind that I gladly lay down my US Legal Tender for. You Have Got To See Them!

"Trust your heart to make the pathway, and everything will follow."
Dimitra Dimitra

Lovin Life, truthis

It's An Epidemic

Come on now, we have all thought it about at least one person in our lives. Personally, Diddy could not have said or sold it any better. I only wish that I would have made the t-shirts about ten years ago when I really used that word a lot. {got @#$% it} He's currently selling his new media hype on his Sean John website and in his store and the officially trademarked term shirt retails for about $30. The term came from an episode of Making The Band 4 in which Diddy harshly criticizes one of his proteges named Robert. You can view the episode at MTV.com on Overdrive or below:

WTF!?!? Of The Day: Vogue, When Fashion Meets Race Debate

I know all of you fashionista's are clenching tight to your new April issue of Vogue, but there is much a-do about the coveted magazine. Vogue's April issue is the annual "Shape" issue, in which it covers all different body types and how to accentuate what you have. But there are a lot of people who don't feel that having LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen featured on the cover in the manner that they are a good thing. In fact some people even feel that the cover pose {him baring his teeth in a grimace while clinching her waist} is somewhat c'est raciste. Nevermind the fact that James is one of three men {FIRST black male} to ever grace the cover of the magazine in it's 115 year history. Yet, still the infamous cover was discussed on Good Morning America, ABC's morning talk show "The View," AOL's Black Voices blog Casually Obsessed and ESPN.com columnist Jemele Hill has expresses her deepest outrage {pure horsepuckey} about the recent cover of Vogue in her article on the ESPN website.

"Now, maybe the point was to show the contrast between brawn and beauty, masculinity versus femininity, strength versus grace," Hill lamented. "But Vogue's quest to highlight the differences between superstar athletes and supermodels only successfully reinforces the animalistic stereotypes frequently associated with black athletes. A black athlete being reduced to a savage is, sadly, nothing new. But this cover gave you the double-bonus of having LeBron and Gisele strike poses that others in the blogosphere have noted draw a striking resemblance to the racially charged image of King Kong enveloping his very fair-skinned lady love interest."

Annie Leibovitz is no stranger to taking thought evoking, radical pictures. However, I don't feel that to associate King Kong with LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen with Fay Wray was the comparison that she was going for. Everyone should take a moment to take a step back and realize that the cover is meant to celebrate various body types and shapes, not racism at America's core. My prescription: Everyone, {especially those that have taken this negatively} Get a reality check.

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci has created a unique roll-on application Pucci Vivara eau de parfum. Known for his eye-catching collections in patterns of every color (stylishly) imaginable, Emilio Pucci was known in the fashion industry as the "Prince of Prints." Launched in 1966, the original Vivara became an instant sensation. It was inspired by Pucci's Vivara Print, which appeared on clothing and accessories during the height of his career in the 60's. Since then it has been updated with a modern interpretation. In 2007, celebrating the brand's 60th year anniversary, the house of Pucci commemorated the landmark occasion by reviving an old favorite, Vivara. Named after an island near Capri, Vivara is an ode to the Mediterranean, a world that embodies both natural charm and sophisticated glamour. It is interesting to note that it was the streamlined ski suit that made Emilio Pucci famous. This Emilo Pucci fragrance rolls on to your skin to leave a noticeably sweet aroma on your body. It’s the ideal travel fragrance. You shouldn't have to worry about carrying it in your handbag either. The roll-on scent is ideal for those in-between touch ups when you don’t want to infest the air around you with your sweet floral signature scent. The designer tube alone wows with its recognizable Pucci Pattern in gorgeous pastel hues perfect for Spring, 2008. Vivara Eau de Parfum, Body Mousse, and Perfumed Body Cream are available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue and other fine stores. And if you want to get into the Vivara spirit all the way these Vivara sunglasses are available (in different colors) at Nordstrom.

"It is noble to be good; it is still nobler to teach others to be good-and less trouble."---Mark Twain

Lovin Life, truthis

Cargo Pants

Every year it seems as though a lot of the design houses do their version of the "Cargo Pant" specifically for their spring collections. Since I could use a pair or two this year I decided to see what's out there. Just "Cargo Pants" right? It can't be that many different versions of them?---Can it? Giacomo "Gimmo" Etro's version of the cargo pant (pictured left) is sort of dressed down. It has a black jacket with red trim and a flowered shirt. Am I missing something here? I would have like to seen them paired with the jacket (pictured below) by Etro. Then the flowered top trimmed in black under the jacket. It works for me. I like their choice of sandal too. A note, Etro started his textile house in 1968, producing superb fabrics in intricate prints borrowed from the world's palates. After making a splash with its paisley-printed clothing in the 80's, the company expanded into full-on designer ready-to-wear in the 90's. Etro now covers sectors from home furnishings to fragrance and accessories. Kean Etro handles menswear. His sister, Veronica, designs the women's collection. Their floral prints are beautiful. The "Etro's" did cargo's right, we'll just have to keep an eye on them for future pieces.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Lovin Life, truthis

F*ive W's: Public School

What: Public School

Who: Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne are both veterans of the fashion industry. Dao-Yi Chow is currently the co-owner of Arrive, one of Miami’s hot retail spots which offers fashion seekers a cool mix of European designers and top of the line streetwear and is the former Creative Director of Sean John. Maxwell Osborne, also a former designer at Sean John, is also a design instructor at Parsons School of Design, intermittently. “We are both teachers and students who continue to critique the culture we help create, resulting in a new vision of constructed garments that focus on fabric, fit and energy,” says Chow. “It’s the same energy that’s found at the start of every new movement.”

When: Founded about a year ago, the company will be releasing their first collection for Spring/Summer 2008.

Where: Items are available at Public School NYC website & Stores, Barney's New York, Harvey Nichols and Brooklyn Circus. You can go to their website to see a full list of locations that will carry their line.

Why Their HOT: Public School’s logo is a black apple with a feather quill, which pays homage to the Big Apple’s {New York} edgier side and an underlying quest for knowledge. Public School is a intricate mix of interweaving different styles and trends, such as a premium lambskin trench coat that can be unzipped into a cropped biker jacket. Or a fine wool cardigan layered with leather and metallic studs. Every item was on the Fall/ Winter 2008 theme of overachievers, arrogance and urban {particularly NYC} street smarts.

How: Prices will range from $72 for a T-shirt to $680 for leather outerwear. Wovens, jeans, and French terry knits will range from $125- $230. With the use of Italian vegetable dyed lamb leather, specially bonded cotton/nylon blends and Japanese 2x1 cotton twill, it's no wonder that their items provide luxury with simplicity and minimalism.

**Items from the Spring/Summer 2008 line, now available in stores

Letter From The Editor

Have you seen April's issue of Vogue? How about Anna Wintour's letter?

**Image courtesy of Vogue.com

In the April issue of Vogue {as seen above}, Wintour releases a letter on why she chose Gisele as one of the cover models. She goes on to say that Gisele has stayed, "athletic and curvaceous." {If you were born a size 0, sure}

"I wish I could say the same for the young women who were just on the runways at the New York fall collections. Overall, they were pale and thin, and entirely lacking in the joyfulness and charm that once defined the supermodel. This, of course, is not their fault: Designers now near-uniformly favor a non-vivacious, homogeneous ideal." Wintour, Vogue April 2008

It's amazing that it was around this time last year when Jennifer Hudson appeared on the cover of the March 2007 issue of Vogue {to much of an uproar}. I just never thought that it would take another year before she addressed the increasingly thin models that cascade down the runways each season. We all know that Wintour is genuinely concerned about these girls {seriously, she really is} however, the main reason is because she feels the industry is "out of touch... I would urge designers to consider athleticism and vitality as assets in the wearing of great fashion." Because April's issue is dedicated to the human physique, maybe this letter is a result. Or maybe Mme. Wintour is calling for a shift in the industry. Only August and September will tell. I give my thumbs up to Anna for speaking out anyway {despite what her motives might be}

Top for My Jeans

All I want is a nice top to go with some jeans. I'm not very picky, demanding or even hard to please. Seriously, I'm REALLY NOT hard to please at all. I'm just not going to put on any body's top made anyway! I like my tops pretty, structured, practical, sophisticated.......synonyms like that. So I had to go to my reliable "Ralph Lauren." After looking for a while I picked out this "Emmaline Shirt." It's got the puffed the sleeves that are in this season. I can deal with the color. It's got a button down front. Fairly easy to take care of. What's not to like? I saw this "Equestrian Polo" and everything was right once again in my world! Classic polo shirt---I can accessorize it or not. Regular care, I can deal with this. Then I saw this grey Nanette Lepore "Love Triangle" top. It's silk and you have to get it dry cleaned but it's worth it. It's got little bead embellishment along the side, front. Things just mat be lookin' up. You can find it at Nordstrom's.

"Change your thoughts and you change your world." Norman Vincent Peale

Lovin Life, truthis

Joseph And His Technicolor Dream Bags?

Well not Joseph, but Prada and they happen to feature on of this seasons most sought after trends, patchwork. Prada's "Nappa Tote" has been in high demands since it made it's debut at Milan Fashion week. It's currently sold at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and due to it's high demand, you are only able to order three units per item within a 30 day period. {Tell your friends to forget it} I personally like the metallic Nappa tote, but then again, I like bright things.

• Prada Stripped Nappa Tote $2,360 available @ Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman
• Prada Stripped Metallic Nappa Tote $2,135 available @ Neiman Marcus
  

• Gucci Hysteria Handbag $3,150 available @ Bergdorf Goodman

Following in the footsteps of bright color combinations for spring, Gucci's Hysteria handbag is my favorite of the bunch. This would be great for those Saturday afternoon's shopping. Remember to hurry ladies an inside source tells me that they are going fast.

A Good Read

"Coco Chanel-Three Weeks," is a book by Douglas Kirkland due out August 25, 2008. Coco Chanel stripped women of their corsets and feathers, bobbed their hair, put them in bathing suits and sent them out to get tanned in the sun. She introduced the little black dress; trousers for women; costume jewelry; the exquisitely comfortable suit that became her trademark. Early in the Roaring Twenties, Chanel made the first ever couture perfume – No. 5 – presenting it in the famous little square-cut flagon that, inspired by Picasso and Cubism, became the arch symbol of the Art Deco style. No. 5 remains the most popular scent ever created, making Chanel rich beyond belief and providing the foundation of a worldwide empire. In 1962, world-class photographer Douglas Kirkland spent three weeks with the most important fashion icon of all time, Coco Chanel. Over the course of this stay, Kirkland photographed Coco with her friends, on the runway, and in the privacy of her homes. Kirkland reveals these never-before-seen photographs in all their vibrancy, shedding new light on one of the world's most enduring, multi-faceted, and bestselling fashion legends of all time. This title can be pre-ordered at Amazon , Borders, and Barnes & Noble Books. Although the book"Dior" has been out for some time (November 21, 2007), it is one of the most expansive collections on Dior ever seen. Founded in 1947 by Christian Dior. It traces the house back from Christian Dior to Galliano. It is a masterpiece, much like all of his work. This book is one of the largest books I've ever seen; this is a genuine coffee-table book. There is a special edition that comes in at a mere $1,500 however the regular edition is very high-quality by itself. A good overview of the 60-year history of possibly the most renowned haute-couture design house in the world. It's recommended for anyone with a serious interest in the field. Dior is available at Amazon, Borders and fine booksellers at everywhere.

"I never gave away anything without wishing I had kept it; nor kept it without wishing I had given it away." Louise Brooks

Lovin Life, truthis

Uber Jetsetting

If you live in New York and you have been to JFK {the airport folks, not the man} then I am sure you've heard of EOS Airline and Limousine company. They are an uber luxurious company that offers private jet services. Say you would like to take a ten day trip to Europe {unless you want to take your private jet}, it would cost about $36,000 for four people {Steep, right}. But unlike with Northwest, it's actually worth the price increase. You won't have to worry about you neighbor breathing on your with their smelly breath or snoring in your ear for a 16 hour flight. Nor would you have to worry about not having enough cabin space for your carry-on. EOS provides each person with 21 square feet of personal space and a personal flat-bed. {For those 24-hour flights} If you're having trouble getting to JFK for your flight you get complimentary helicopter service or limousine service to take you to the airport or pick you up from the airport. And that's hot.

And Yet, I Digress

**Lame Legging available at AmericanApparel.com for $40

Me, follow trends, NEVER!!! Well maybe in this case I might try to. There has been a movement throughout Hollywood for the past year that involves leggings. Yes, they have made a major comeback and have taken the fashion world hostage. They're everywhere and at first I couldn't see it. Then I went and brought a black pair from Wolford and my life has never been the same. {I know, how horrendous. I think so too} But as of now, we're borderline too risque for me. Lame and Leather leggings have been spotted on everyone from Barbados native Rihanna to Kate Moss. Not to mention they were all over the runways last year. I admit, at times I like my clothes spicy and bold to the touch, but I think I have a little too much in the hip area to pull this one off. For the most part the leggings are super shiny (and hugs even the most unflattering areas). Let's just say all of those, eh-hem, unmentionables and mentionables must be in the proper condition (and contained) before attempting to try this one out. {Guess, I'll be in the gym on the StairMaster and treadmill}

**Kova & T Black Latex Leggings $113 @ ShopInuition.com

Unique Sandals

Origami Anyone? These sandals are from Ein/Tritt shoe concepts. Catherine Meuter is the designer. They definitely take you to the next level in creativity. The EIN/TRITT shoe concepts shows how modern technology can take shoe manufacturing to the next paradigm. Flat shoe patterns with reinforced parts get folded and fixed by the consumer. Production and shipping costs are significantly reduced. From an aesthetic point of view, it has a very geometric and architectural form that’ll definitely grab you some attention. Fold and go? Hhhmmm? Don't you wish everything was this uncomplicated!

"I am only one,But still I am one.I cannot do everything,But still I can do something;And because I cannot do everythingI will not refuse to do the something that I can do." - Edward Everett Hale



Lovin Life, truthis