FASHION

Still dazed over Paris Fashion Week (did you see Tommy Ton’s “Seine Stealers” on style.com?), I was graciously reminded that we can learn a little somethin’ somethin’ from the French. After all, it is the land of Lacroix, Bordeaux, and crepes! First and foremost, French emphasizes quality, not quantity. My French bestie may have worn the same black Chanel blazer out every night in the fall; but it was Chanel, it was beautiful, and at the end of three seasons, it still looked impeccable. Next, scarves and jackets enhance said staples. Think Hermes people…or H&M. But dress it up with scarves and jackets to make your intended statement, and don’t be afraid to step it up. The French are inspired by CoCo Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel… And their shoes! Only in pictures can we truly express the French’s appreciation for footwear.

The French make dressing with chic class a daily habit. They don’t run out in their sweats or go to Whole Foods in their sweaty sneakers. Why would they present themselves to the world like that? Why would any of us for that matter?

Go ahead. Be French.

Emma Dinzebach

Warm then cold then warm then cold, so what’s a girl to with her wardrobe? Well layer. (Um, duh.) But being selective with your layering is a skill involving a strong mixture of textures and colors. Tights, leggings and zip cardigans like the one on model Shelia Marquez (left) make great layering pieces. Rather than getting trapped in shirt, cardigan, leggings, boots routine, spice it up with color and most importantly, texturize.

A tunic over leggings pairs nicely with a long sweater. For colder weather add a fur vest. If it’s a bit warmer, add a cropped leather jacket like that on Ashley Olsen (right). We suggest stepping out of basic black and adding some color whether it’s your handbag or a pair of red leggings. With a week left in January, we still have at least a couple months of weather fluctuations, and mixing in some color will fight the winter doldrums.

Mixing styles works as well. Making sure your yin has a yang – a bit of military or menswear on top, silk skirt and tights on bottom – will help you make the best use of your current pieces as long as the statements are not independently drastic. Think combat boots with a feminine legging print. Think soft leather with black rocker lace.
Emma Dinzebach

Mid-January has been a bit warmer in Gotham, reminding us it’s time to turn the tables on the Center for Disease Control with their contrived studies, to wipe away what’s left of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and to add something bright to our tired (but reliable) blacks and greys. Last week we scoured samples sales and the world wide web ISO color just to find that it’s actually quite easy to let your wardrobe change the color on your mood ring.

Sure we embrace color for holiday parties or charity galas, but who says our every day doesn’t need pizazz. From turquoise jewelry to red hats, stores are chock full of color for those craving something happier. An entire bright outfit might make you look like that crazy bird woman in Central Park, so choose a piece or two to dominate the look. Skirts are great transitional pieces. Accessories like hats and scarves are likely marked down, and a good piece of turquoise jewelry is an investment item. Pick your pleasure.

 

Emma Dinzebach

Jetsetter, a subsidiary of the increasingly popular Gilt Group, is the “it” place to find luxury travel deals. They offer luxury hotels discounted for the duration of the sale (travel date restrictions apply) to places from Louisville to Luxembourg. What caught our attention this week, however, were the package details.

Many of the offers aren’t just discounted rates on five star hotel suites but also include a spa treatment. And if you are staying at the best hotel in a given city, you can bet they have a pretty sweet spa. Like Gilt Group sales, the travel specials change each week and end when their allotted number of offers are sold out. This week, Jetsetter offered a discount package deal to The Tides in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Never heard of it? Well you probably couldn’t afford it. Beach suites on the website are $840 per night. On Jetsetter they are about $500 per night and you receive a complimentary spa service.

Similar offers are on sale this week for Phuket, Thailand and Charleston, SC. We learned that if you call the resort or hotel on sale and mention that you are thinking of purchasing a stay through Jetsetter, the staff are happy to help dissect the options. And like always, if Jetsetter isn’t offering your ideal package, book your hotel through them for the discount and then call and ask for what you want.

Emma Dinzebach