The Clutch

Okay, are you one of those people who goes out and sees someone with a clutch and thinks "I should have used my clutch tonight." I do this allll the time. It's not that I don't have them, I do, but I just forget or get so focused on what jewelry must stay or go that the clutch doesn't stand a chance. 

        So today is dedicated to the handbag most ignored in my closet. While my other purses and totes get to make an appearance at least a few times a year, my poor clutch sits high on a shelf like an ugly step child. No more! This is my promise to myself, like during Lent when I take away one indulgence, this is going to be opposite...I will bring out a clutch once a week until I leave for Europe in April. Anyway, for all you clutch-less people out there, GO buy one. They are the most have accessory for Spring. 

 Alexander McQueen 

Giovanna Battaglia
Freelance Stylist, W Magazine

My Picks for Spring/Summer 2012

Stella McCartney

Anya Hindmarch

Christian Louboutin

McQueen

Banana Republic

DVF

    

STILL IN SWEDEN

Because I love it SO much, I found another apartment that I adore and thought I would share. My house is all black and white, but this makes me want everything in white. Probably not a good idea with dogs. 

DESIGN IN SWEDEN

When people ask me where I want to go that I haven't been before I always say Sweden. This is a country that most people in America associate with IKEA. However Sweden has lead the environmental design movement for many years. Their use of reusable resources and low environmental impact interior design started an evolution that has carried across the globe. When it comes to green living they are considered the pioneers and continue to be years ahead of many countries, including the US, in building an environment that is both earth friendly and eye pleasing.

   Along with these accomplishments they also have an interior design style that is synonymous with Sweden. Simple lines, muted pallets and little fuss. The interior designers are sought after from clients around the world just for that "Swedish look" Although it seems like it could be easily replicated, there is something about the way Swedes live day to day and how they grew up that gives them just enough knowledge to make their look just theirs. I am a fan! 

This is an apartment in Goteborg Sweden, it's 2nd largest city I believe. The interiors are by Alvhem Brokerage and Interiors. This is a totally different way to do interiors because not only are they designers, but also real estate agents that sell in a very specific part of town and specialize in rebuilding old structures. This apartment is small, but perfect and Swedish in all aspects. ENJOY.

This kitchen is IKEA

Notice the shower moves to give more room in the bathroom. 

    

RALPH LAUREN TAKES US INTO FALL

Photo: Getty, Art by Bobby Dohery/AOL

So everyone is already talking about the genius that was Ralph Lauren's show for this weeks NYFW, but it's for a reason. He brought all of the Jane Austin want to-be's just what we wanted! Elegance, timeless beauty, soft sophistication and understated sexiness. I have read a lot of Downton Abbey lovers (me included) have said his collection is a nod to the British Masterpiece Classic. It's hard not to see the similarities, but I hope that his major modern twists and turns of color and texture don't go unnoticed. This classic "old school" style is classic Lauren, but better! He has taken the best of British style and mixed it with the best of 1950's Hollywood glamour. It's a remarkable pairing. These are pieces you will buy now and wear FOREVER! 

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New York Fashion Week

    It's hard to feel sorry for a 6' 2"tall, 120 lb, blond haired beauty crying on the sidewalk of Manhattan, but every year without fail in February there are many of them. It's like they have been sprinkled around NYC like an art installation. But then I remember it's New York Fashion Week and these tall fragile souls are not crying because they are hungry, but because they are unemployed and desperate to get onto the Mercedes Benz runway.
     I have a similar problem...I am not trying to get onto the runway ( heavens no) I am trying to get into the audience to cover the shows for all of my readers. I have tried many avenues; tried to pull those "strings", even called an old "friend"(giggle giggle) No Luck.  
        So I thought covering the fashions outside of the tents can almost always be as fun as covering whats going on inside. Okay maybe not, but I'm no Anna Wintour damn it! So here is a look at what will be happening inside and out.

MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK- Lincoln Center

The Face Board

Love this street fashion from Elle St chic. I swear my Mom had a skirt just like this when I was growing up. 

The designer people will be watching this year is Halston. After many years spent in the shadows Halston recently acquired Ben Malka, former CEO of BCBG. Malka relocated Halston to LA and has spent much of his time reassembling his team of designers and directors. They will be skipping the runways this season, but showing the Heritage Collection for stores instead off the runway. Lets see if Barney's will be blooming Halston this Fall. FYI- They will be showing at Fashion Week in the Fall.

Street style photographer Karl-Edwin Guerre 

My Designer of the day ZANG TOI 

I adore this designer and have since I saw him as "upcoming designer" via Mrs Wintour several years ago.  How he drapes his fabrics and his use of texture is unmatchable. He is Asian and although it might not seem like that come through, I do feel there is a very organic look to all of his pieces and his heritage come through that.