The goal of this blog is to dispel that twisted feeling of dread in your stomach that you get when you realize that you have a business holiday party to attend after work and then yet another holiday party with your friends after that.  Now why would someone experience dread at the thought of having fun with colleagues and friends over the holidays?  Well, if you live in L.A. there’s no godly way that you’re going to be able to drive home from work to change for a party, drive to your work-related party and then do the same thing over again for the party with your friends.  Actually, this is virtually impossible in any city!

So, I’m here to help dispel that feeling of dread.  In three easy steps I can help you change your outfit from work, to business holiday party, to personal holiday party.

1.  The Work Look:  Wear a shift.  Look for something simple and classic and if you want to make it super easy, black.  Think little black dress with an appropriate hemline for work – This isn’t the time to show off your gams starting at mid-thigh if you know what I mean.  Throw on a chic jacket, sweater or whatever will cover your shoulders that is appropriate for your work environment.  Personally I’m a big fan of the statement fitted jacket in a color that contrasts nicely with the little black dress.  Wear day appropriate makeup – aka put together but not screaming “look at me”.  Depending on your work environment, throw on some layered chains or a subtle pearl necklace.   Complete your look with a statement bag and nicely-turned out heels.

Piazza Sempione Dress

2.  The Work Holiday Party:  Retouch your makeup.  You can get away with a more pronounced look but don’t go for the “I’m hitting the club after this party” look.  Change your jewelry to a statement piece.  Think long Coco Chanel pearls looped around three times.  Personally I’m a huge favorite of these stunners by Claudia Endler Designs - gorgeous modern and contemporary interpretation of the classic. 

Claudia Endler Designs Pearl Necklace

Emitations Ring

Take off the work jacket and go for a hot, fitted leather jacket that ends at your waist.  Not your look?  Wear a wrap to keep the cold away, you’ll be taking it off at the party anyhow.  Shoes, here’s another shot to go sexy.  Go strappy or go stacked heels – just go with statement. 

Christian Louboutin Ernesta Sandal

All three looks can be prepared the night before, just drop the component into your stylish tote or leather overnighter (I do hope you have one, yes?) and you are ready to rock-n-roll.

Happy Holidays Chicas! Party Safely and With Style!

Gossip Girls Are Definite Bagistas

Are you a bagista – aka a Fashionista who adores handbags? If you are, then the odds are high that you have many handbags and the odds are even higher that you are storing your handbags by stuffing them into a closet and they probably aren’t even covered with a dustbag. Am I right? Fess up girls.

Okay, so here’s the thing. You just dropped a good amount of money on your handbag – Treat her with respect and maximize your investment in her by storing her appropriately and in an organized fashion so that you use her more often thereby maximizing your cost per wear (aka the number of times you use a fashion object divided by the investment and ongoing care of it). And even if you didn’t drop a bundle on your handbag, if you love it, don’t you want it to last?

So, here are 5 tips on how to store a handbag:

1. Do not shove your handbags willy-nilly into the closet. How would you like it if we shoved you in the closet? I’m just saying…

2. When not in use, stuff your bags with acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap – It will help maintain the structure of your bag.

3. Arrange your handbags by size and/or function and then by color.

4. Use dustbags! Your girl didn’t come with one? Get ye to the closest discount bedding store and buy a bunch of 100% cotton (they are breathable and leather must breathe) pillow cases. Turn over the top, insert a string, sew shut, voila! You have a drawstring dustbag. Even I can do that and you don’t want to know about my sewing skills! Or check out these at Linea Pelle and Bed Bath and Beyond.

5. When possible, add a tag describing the bag (handbag dog tags so to speak) or a Polaroid photo to the outside of the bag or attach to the drawstring so that you can tell which bag is which; otherwise, you’ll find that you keep using the same bags over and over and forget the others and that’s no bueno.

6. I lied, there’s a bonus tip: If you own patent leather handbags do NOT store them next to one another, especially if they are different colors and unless you want your shiny red patent leather handbag to look like a bad 1980’s tie-die-inspired creation, keep your black patent leather away from it….

7. Okay so another tip – Tupperware or Sterilite type of boxes are great for organizing small clutches, wallets and such. Stack them according to size and color but make sure that the box has slits or some way for the purses to breathe – Leather must breathe.

Since I can remember, it’s been a ritual before going to sleep to ask myself the question, “What am I going to wear?” And if I didn’t plan it out the night before then it was the same question in the morning, which brings me to not only what we wear but “who” we wear.  By “who” I mean the designer of course.   For instance, let’s take the red carpet.  Envision a plush red carpet ignited with paparazzi flashes and celebrities sauntering down with an air of exalted confidence only to be asked the brilliant and buzzing question, “Who are you wearing?”  We are now not only wearing animals, but people. Well, the names of people but people nonetheless or more accurately, their brand.  It’s all about who you wear these days, so much so that the basic rules of dressing seem to have been left behind.

Do we care more about what we are wearing or who we are wearing? If you subscribe to the latter, and you’re a “Labelista”, think outside the box when dressing and accessorizing.   The “leave some things to the imagination” motto of our mothers’ day holds true.  When it comes to designer clothing and accessories you don’t need to be so obvious and flashy.  Unless you are getting paid to wear these labels, there is no use in being a walking advertisement.  So how do you keep your designer labels and leave things to the imagination? If you’re shelling out cash for some designer shoes, skip Gucci’s monogram pumps and peep the red sole of some Christian Louboutins. These baby’s are gorgeous, classic pumps and unmistakably designer.  The red sole says it all without saying anything.

Another option, mix high- and low-end designers-This fall, ditch the Burberry trench for an H&M coat. Pair it with Louboutin pumps complete with a-not-so-obvious designer bag like the Marc Jacobs “Stam” and Voila! You stay loyal to your designers without yelling “LABELS!”

Most of us don’t walk the red carpet and Melissa Rivers isn’t asking us who you’re wearing. Like mama said “Leave things to the imagination”.

Poor flip flops.  They have gotten such a bad reputation.  But certainly a well-deserved one when you consider what you see people wear out on the streets.  Icky, dirty flip flops that look like Lassie has chewed on for fun.  Or flip flops that look like they’ve been on a trek in the Himalayas.  It’s no wonder that the average Fashionista turns her nose up at the flip flop. 

Well thank God for us Fashionistas, designers such as Tory Burch, Cole Haan and Stuart Weitzman have come to our rescue (but not necessarily to the rescue of our pocketbooks, these babies ain’t cheap). 

Stuart Weitzman Bloom Jelly Thong

Tory Burch Flip Flop

Cole Haan Lindsey Thong

Though flip flops aren’t appropriate for many occasions, when they are, then you may as well look hot wearing them.  Plus, if they’ve sufficient padding, they are much more comfortable than leather thongs (aka flip flops, not the underwear my dear).

While doing some personal shopping and styling with a client this past week I decided to test drive as many flip flops as possible.  The above are just a few of  my favorites for the Summer.  

Other adorable options that are so channeling the 80’s are jellies.  Yep.  They are back and they are hot.  I loved them as a kid and I love them now.  Tory Burch has especially cute jellies that are great for looking chic when those Summer rainstorms come along.  Which is so not likely to happen in city of drought – aka Los Angeles.  Which means I need to skip an L.A.  ”staycation” and head out to Miami Beach.

Tory Burch Jelly Reva Flat

How to Use the “Bag Inside the Bag” Concept

Have you ever stood patiently (or not in my case) behind a woman at the checkout stand while she rifles through her purse desperately seeking her wallet, or seen a woman dig through her purse for a business card, phone, etc, etc, etc. Been there – Annoying as it can be I feel like pulling her aside and saying “bag inside bag, lady!” What does this mean you ask? Well, since we women have a penchant for carrying fabulous bags that sometimes happen to be the size of trash bags, well then you must find an efficient form of organization to make that bag work it! So, my recommendation is the “bag inside the bag”. Anything smaller than a book, needs a bag is the basic theory.

Empty everything out of your big purse (handbag) and see what needs to be organized. Ever lose your keys in your purse? Well, if your bag doesn’t have key hooks or key clips (which the best ones in my opinion are Bartucci and JAMAH), then either always place your keys into the small zipper pocket or designate another small bag for the keys. Make this a habit and you’ll never dig for your key, which by the way is one of the first things a mugger looks for when a woman is walking through a parking lot, oh and long hair. I know, sad, but I guess it’s easier to hold a woman by her pony tail when mugging her.  I digress. Back to bags. Need cool key holders? Check out the Monogram Vernis at Luis Vuitton-the Red is HOT.

JAMAH Interior w/2 large side pockets & key ring

Next, what else do you have roaming around in your bag? Your iPhone? Your Blackberry? Darling, if it’s not a vintage bag it should, I repeat, should have designated pockets for these life treasures (the iPhone and Crackberry that is). Now if you happen to have a fabulous bag from the eighties you are out of luck and what I’d recommend is that you protect your iPhone and Crackberry with a nice (I mean not Barbie glitter-studded) protective cover or phone case to keep it from getting ravaged as it free flows through your purse. Most high-end designers have a multitude of phone cases to choose from as do the manufacturers themselves.

Cosmetics – Time to update your cosmetics bag. First, make sure that it has plastic lining so that when makeup splatters, spills, etc. (because you know it does) then it doesn’t ruin everything in your bag. Every high-end handbag designer line has a multitude of cosmetics bags. Want a Recessionista tip? Scan the cosmetics departments for the gift with purchase promotions.  Everything is on sale these days so charm one of the cosmetics girls and get yourself a lovely free or practically-free cosmetics bag. Can’t be bothered to go into the department store? Hit up your local Riteaid or SaveOn. They’ve a ton of cheap and functional cosmetic bags. Personally I like the heavy duty see-through SOHO acrylic bags because they are awesome for travel.

Loose change – I’m going to go loose-change Nazi on you. For goodness sakes, get a little change bag.

Michael Kors Coin Purse

You know you need it. Especially if you live in the Westside of Los Angeles and you are often caught digging at the bottom of your car floor for change in order to avoid the Republic of Santa Monica meter maid. In fact, purchase at least three cute little coin purses. One for the car, one for the handbag and one for when you forget those two – Michael Kors has some really cute ones for the summer.

Other loose “stuff” – Again, if it’s smaller than a book then it needs a bag! One thing that will help you is to find a cute leather envelope. That’s a bag that acts like an envelope and is chic. If I catch you walking around with a regular envelope in your handbag, we’re gonna fight (love you, mean it). These my children are very hard to find I admit. Look for them at high-end leather goods stores and at stationary stores. Luis Vuitton has a gorgeous paper parcel but it’s too big for a handbag. Still I mention it because it’s a chic alternative to carrying an ugly file folder. Another cool thing to look for is the “Market Purse” that you’ll find in most MZ Wallace bags. This little pouch fits a Crackberry and other “little” items.

MZ Wallace Clara Bag & Market Bag

Pens – A woman should never be without a pen and a pen should never be without a pen case – and I mean NEVER. Pen cases, carriers, bags, etc also act as a great lipstick holder.

Last but not least, try to find designers that have lighter interiors to their purses.  Oh yes, if your mother was from the Depression era she would have instilled in you a desire to buy all black interiors because they don’t show dirt or wear as much.   Good point, but if you can’t see inside your bag….well then you may as well leave the recession and head to depression because how will you find your wallet to pay the bill?  If you are following the basic tenets of the “bag inside the bag” concept then your bag won’t be getting sullied because anything that can cause that is safely ensconced inside another bag. And the lighter the interior, the more you can find things!  Voila!  My favorites for this sort of thing include JAMAH (all their bags are lined with luscious pastel blue suede), and Bally (lighter fabric interiors).  If you can’t find a bag that you like with a lighter-colored interior then buy a bag with lighting.  That’s right, Solas Fashion makes bags with interior lighting.  Great for when you need to look for stuff at night, not so great if you open it up in the movie theatre…trust me on this.

Next time you’re behind the “slowing me down because you’re digging in your purse lady”, send her this blog.

Ciao Bellas!

"Off with Her Head-Marie Antoinette"

Lately I’ve been reading fashion and celebrity  gossip magazines and I’ve noticed a distinct French Revolutionary theme – You know, the “off with her head” kind of thinking.  It makes sense given the recession that people are more aware of those with restraint or lack thereof.  And because celebrities’ entire lives are blotched onto every media surface known to mankind, well they seem to be our society’s primary target.

Which begs the question – In recessionary times are people, especially famous people, tasked with a duty to show some restraint?  And by restraint, I mean maybe don’t flash your $5 million engagement ring or keep it on the low that you just dropped £10 million on setting up your new household in New York. However, this doesn’t just apply to celebrities.  Look around you, sometimes I wonder what people’s reality is when I hear one person say she doesn’t understand why everyone is up in arms about the market, “it’s not like it’s dropped over 40%, they should be out there shopping, especially for my $250 scarves!”  Reeeally?  And while I’m all for cool, mack-daddy SUV’s (yah, if you live in Evergreen, Colorado and need the all-wheel drive because they have blizzards there!), I have to wonder what the brand new owner of the Cadillac  SUV with at least $30k of after-market customization sitting next to me at a traffic light was thinking.  Is he part of the cast of Entourage maybe?  I guess if I’m thinking this, I wager that others may be thinking the same thing– What message are we sending to each other and the world if we can’t even control our personal spending in an economic time which we’ve never experienced the like of before?  In a world where retirees are looking for work because their retirement plans are in the trash and where it’s not unusual to see news of 30,000 people being laid off.  I just have to wonder.  And then of course, being a bride really brings this home with a resounding “WHAP”.  According to The Knot Americans spend just under $28k on their weddings and many wedding sites recommend that the bride spend 10% of the wedding budget on her dress.  Reeeally?  And they also think it’s reasonable to pay $10/per person for wedding favors and don’t get me started on the wedding stationary.  After an hour of going through wedding sites, it’s enough to make me sick to my stomach.  I’m not kidding.  I feel as though there is a distinct part of the world that is so incredibly out of touch with our financial reality.  So this is my “off with her head” thinking and then I get slapped back into taking responsibility for my own way of living.

Beyonce Fashion Rocks 2008 - Dave Alloca/People Magazine

Look it, as a luxury loving Fashionista who is now a Recessionista, I’m not so glib as to sit here and place judgment on those who love luxury.  And by no means will I support beating up on those who work hard, they should be rewarded for it.  And if you work hard for your money then technically you should spend it the way you want to.  Neither do I believe that completely stopping consumer spending will in any way help dig us out of our economic hole – in fact that will take us only deeper into the hole.  BUT “off with her head” is still chasing me around like a cat after its cat nip.  So dear reader, I invite you to reflect on it.  I suppose it comes down to responsibility because the same people sitting in judgment are the ones buying into the billion dollar gossip magazine industry – How else do you think they know about Beyonce’s engagement ring (the upkeep of which probably costs more than that of a bank teller’s yearly salary)?  It seems we are all sitting in it together – We can’t escape our mutual responsibility.  So what role are you playing in our world of rampant consumerism?

And on that note, I’ll share one more thing of interest.  There were a multitude of bare necks at the 2009 Golden Globes. Yes there was bling on many wrists but there was a conspicuous lack of hefty-price tag jewelry on women’s necks.  Iiiinteresting.

Next week I’ll look at the other side of the coin.  Perhaps there is something to be said for a touch of glamour  in this doom and gloom day when every time you open the Wall Street Journal all you see is the drama of the stock market,  more news about corporate gluttony and what other retailer is slashing jobs.

Viviana M. Rueda
La Fashionista (Recessionista for now)

So I’m getting married in November and true to form, I’m doing things the Viviana way rather than the standard issue, everyone else does it this-way. I mean, I bought my wedding gown before setting the tone of our wedding and now I’m setting the tone of our wedding to my gown – what would one expect of a Fashionista?  I mean, really?  Given the business that I’m in naturally there is a certain element of glamour when dressing women or men for formal affairs, but honestly we tend to focus primarily on personal branding and the reality of daily life, i.e. training them on how to use their image for a positive impact, and effectively using their budget to have a functional wardrobe that fully supports their personal goals and ambitions…sometimes this means a little glamour but not the all out, glamazon fashionista you look like you walked onto a red carpet or into a society ballroom type of glamour, which has become my wedding state of mind.

Okay, so like 99.9% of women have some sort of a  fairytale love affair with weddings.  It’s our time to indulge in creating an atmosphere that is solely the vision of you and your groom (okay, family plays a part in it of course, but you know what I mean).  Every woman has had a wedding in their mind that was spectacular whether it’s their dreamy contemporary-chic vineyard wedding or a glorious cathedral wedding a la Princess Diana.  And mine has always had illusions of glamour, well, because when you spend your summers helping your Wedding Dress Designer Godmother finish socialites’ wedding gowns you get it in your head that everyone has these sumptuous and glamorous weddings.  How’s that for preconceived notions?

Princess Diana Wedding

Take the fact that I’m fascinated by glamour, couture, bling and everything having to do with luxury (I’m a luxury-loving Taurus what can I say) and add that to a tanked economy and what do you get?  A Recessionary Fashionista (sounds like a political group) or a Recessionista.  What does that mean?  It means I’m having my cake and eating it too Ms. Antoinette!  How?  Creativity darling, creativity.

Romona Keveza - Encore Bridal

Darlings if you love couture, why pay full price unless your are Lauren Davis?  Check out couture bridal consignment extraordinaire Julie Jones of Encore Bridal, I found my dream, 1930’s Hollywood Glamour-inspired Ristarose gown there for (ahem, less than a bride should be able to get away with legally).  Truly, if couture is what you are after, get ye to the exquisite taste of this Bridal Fashionista.  Not only does she have style in spades but Julie provides the level of service that one expects at a salon where the prices start at $5,000.

And ps you can make your own veil…buy a pattern from Vogue, some tulle, some crystals, pearls, etc from Michael’s, a glue gun and you are on your way to a beautiful veil, or you can pay up to $400 for one.  Recessionista says, get crafty…Martha Stewart is and she’s a stylish billionaire…

Here’s a really wonderfully convenient thing about wedding attire as it relates to the shoes.  Guess what?  Unless your groom plans on twirling you over his head on the dance floor or you are doing the traditional wedding garter thing, odds are that your shoes will be visible to..oh, NOBODY, and if they do see them, they’ll be too drunk to see if they are designer or not. So, what I recommend is that you hop onto your online resource for bargain shoes and shop away!  Better yet, go to Macy’s or Bloomies, or (egads!) Sears and see what they have to offer in the “fancy” shoe section.  Are they going to be Manolos, uhm no!  But you wouldn’t do to your Manolos what will probably happen to your wedding shoes after hours of tramping through the ceremony, the reception and then the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning.  My point is this – Go Recessionista budget by shopping the less expensive stores because you’ll trash your shoes.  Also, look for COMFORT!  This is key, you may even discover that your typical three+ inch heel will not do for your wedding day because it’s quite a feat going 8-10 hours in high heels.  Eschew the traditional wedding boutiques and online sites for shoes…they will charge you an arm and a leg ladies!  Buy shoes that you can reuse after the wedding thereby truly getting your highest bang for your buck.  If you really must buy specific wedding shoes, customize them at Artyce Designs.  They’ll not be recession-friendly prices but at least you’ll have customized and unique shoes to show for it!  Think Value Ms. Recessionista.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

Diamonds baby.  Oh yes.  I’ve always adored diamonds.  In fact I believe I used to chew on my mother’s wedding band when I was a baby -  Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.  That said, the reality of shopping for diamonds after you’ve watched your IRA leap down an abyss, is…ahh, no bueno.  So for the Recessionistas of the world I suggest two options, well-designed, white gold or sterling silver Cubic Zirconia (CZ).  Who will know?  You and only you unless you plan on showing your diamonds to a jeweler at  your wedding who’ll be conveniently equipped with a loupe.  Seriously, anyone getting that close of a look at your wedding finger better be your husband or your jeweler or you’ve other complications to contend with.  Suffice it to say that a very worldly and chic friend of mine went eight years with a beautiful CZ as her solitaire with no one knowing the difference, except her jewelery designer.  If that’s not your thing, then consider synthetic diamonds. For some people it’s not even the recession but they’ve political issues with buying African diamonds, well then grow your diamond.  They are exactly the same thing people!  And they can be lower grade or even higher grade than natural diamonds.  For some spectacularly well designed and tasteful wedding jewelry I recommend Emitation.  These people really have their act together for the right price. It’s a Vivendi Fashionista must.

Tejani Wedding Necklace

Or check out Tejani. Gorgeous designs, at a slightly higher price point but uhm still decidedly less expensive than diamonds and for those of you who still want the real thing, you’ll have to skip the diamonds but opt for elegant and dainty at May Yeung Designs.  This designer specializes in quality designs using gold, silver, pearls, and Swarovski crystals all at prices for the Recessionista.  She’ll also do custom designs for some bridal parties.

Planning, planning, planning.  Wedding vendors are hoping that you don’t do your research because my dear ones there is indeed a dirty little conspiracy called the “let’s mark it up because it’s a wedding”.  Knowledge is power and once you’re armed with an understanding about the costs related to reception sites, photography, flowers, etc, etc, etc…then you’ll be able to a. find the type of deals that you need and want and b. negotiate from a position of knowledge.  You should also consider talking to 2-3 wedding coordinators.  Although some do prefer to throw lavish affairs others will save you on costly mistakes and will negotiate for you so that you stay within your budget.  I recommend The Haber Event Group and Cassandra Santor..  Lastly, bear in mind that the economic slow down is hitting EVERYONE, even the wealthy have slowed down in throwing lavish events, ergo party locations, restaurants, caterers etc all need the business right now.

Suggest Recessionary Wedding Planning Books:

How to Have a Big Wedding on a Small Budget

Bridal Bargains, 9th Edition: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget

That’s my recessionista bridal planning insight for now.  I’m off to shop online vendors for party favors – Recessionista + Internet =’s True love.

Ciao!

I’ve been mourning the loss of a pair of fantabulous deep-v neck, chocolate brown ankle boots for the last three weeks. Porque you ask (for those of you non-Los Angelinos that’s “why” in Spanish)? Because I was daft enough to pass up a killer deal at this amazing shoe store (Carla F) in Aalborg! I had told myself that I’d invest in at least a few Danish designers and I was feeling…well a tad guilty and lighter of pocket and I second-guessed myself. As with most things in life, second-guessing yourself is no bueno!   Now I’m going to have to invest in some Via Spigas or Steve Maddens.

Which leads me to my shopping travel advisory. Do shop. Do not second guess yourself. Do look for unique pieces that you won’t find back home.

There’s something so cool about a piece of clothing or an accessory that comes with a story. Like the one-of-a-kind handbag that I found in the back of a 100-year old shop in Barbastro. I randomly found this antiques shop as I was walking back to my cousin’s home down the most ridiculously narrow medieval street. I hadn’t planned on shopping but I did need a great brown purse for going out at night!

Do research the local shopping areas and designers. Utilize your concierge, Lonely Planet, travel magazine (Conde Nast and Town & Country Travel are awesome resources), etc, etc, to find out where you should go to find local shopping meccas. Another fun way to do this – find the general vicinity of the type of shopping that you’d like to do. Typically it’s a street, district or mall/bazaar. Grab yourself an espresso (or whatever local brew appeals to you) and sit down to watch the foot traffic. When you see a Fashionista tail her/him (try to avoid doing the weird stalker dude thing though) to a cool store. Generally speaking if you land yourself in the right district finding the stores that you’ll like won’t be hard, merchandising in most parts of the world tends to be the same (with exceptions, if you go shopping in Kabul I don’t know what to tell you) so window displays and signage will prompt you as to whether you’ll like the brand or not.

Prior to your trip, go through your closet (say hello to the travel wardrobe audit) and see if you are missing any signature/basic pieces. For instance, if you are missing long brown boots and you are going to Paris during the winter, odds are that you’ll find an awesome pair there. Especially if you hit up Christian Louboutin. Bring a list of the wardrobe items that you need and it will be much easier for you to spot good deals. I’m not saying that going “off the cuff” isn’t fine as well, but the list helps to ensure that your new wardrobe investment will be easier to style with the remainder of your wardrobe AND you won’t end up with another pink cashmere sweater to add to your existing collection of 20 pink sweaters.

And when you do find a piece that is within your budget, and perfect for you…don’t let your friend talk you out of finishing your shopping just because she’s antsy (move it along back to hotel by yourself sistah!). I missed out on the most awesome orange patent-leather clutch because of this. My bad, I should have kindly suggested that she go back to the hotel and take a nap while I haggled over the clutch. As with local shopping make sure that the person accompanying you on the shopping trip is appreciative of the process.

Last but not least, and wrapping up to my first shopping travel advisory point – Don’t second guess your purchase (unless it means emptying your checking account, which I really don’t recommend). If it’s right, buy it.

And now I’m off to dream of the silk chiffon emerald-green creation by Catherine Malandrino that is my new obsession. Given that I just came from the opening of Catherine Malandrino Maison on La Cienega, it’s a small wonder I’m not obsessing about the entire store. For any woman with a discriminating image to portray and who appreciates stunningly feminine clothing, this store is a MUST on your future shopping circuit.  Plus, unless the champagne was playing tricks on me, I seem to recall walking through a little French Bistro as I tried to get away from the photogs shooting madly at Dita Von Teese.  Danger Will Robinson!  Couture, Champagne & French Pastries, Oh My!

Viviana M. Rueda