Hit of Hermès: Tohu Bohu Twilly

Tohu Bohu Twilly worn as bracelet.

I’ve talked before about my love of Twillys—the little Hermès scarf made of silk twill that measures 33 inches long by 2 inches wide—and that I think of them as ties for girls. When I need a pop of vibrant color I love putting on this particular pattern, Tohu Bohu, with its yellows, oranges, pinks and purples on an orangey-red background. It was love at first sight when I spied this beauty at the Wall Street Hermès store but did I buy it right away? No, I went home and thought about it for a couple of months. It’s amazing the store still had it when I called to find out if it was available. It’s like it waited for me.

Twilly tied to my Yves Saint Laurent Tribute tote in patent aubergine. With flash.

Without flash.

For some word origin trivia, I just learned that the word “Tohu Bohu” means “chaos, confusion,” which helps to explain the wild swirl of numbers and letters spelling 24, Fbg, Paris, France.

Ah, 24 Fbg, shorthand for 24, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the Paris address of the Hermès flagship store. The mothership! The next time I go to Paris I will definitely visit that address and a Twilly (at least) will be coming back to Brooklyn with me.

This is your friendly reminder that Adrienne of The Rich Life (on a budget) and I would love to have you join us for “How I Wear My: Favorite Silk Scarf” on May 1. In one year’s time I have become addicted to Hermès silk, so I am definitely sharing another scarf from my small H collection, but we’d love to see whatever silk scarf is your favorite—any brand (even no brand!), any size or pattern. Please come knock us dead with the colors, the way you wear it, or the story behind why it’s your favorite. These silk squares hold such mysteries, such passion. Won’t you share yours with us?

Met Gala Red Carpet Livestream

Anna at the 2011 Met Gala in Chanel. Photo by Getty Images North America.

For the first time in its history, the red carpet arrivals at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit will be live-streamed online on Monday, May 7, 2012, from 6:30-8:30PM (EST), on the Vogue, Amazon.com/Fashion, and the Met’s website.

This year’s Costume Institute exhibit is Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

The livestreaming will be hosted by Vogue’s William Norwich and Elettra Wiedemann (daughter of Isabella Rossellini) and will include interviews with gala co-chairs, including Carey Mulligan, Miuccia Prada, and Anna Wintour.

The hosts will also ask attending celebrities five additional questions chosen from viewer submissions on Twitter (#MetQuestions) during the streaming.

My question will be, “Anna, who are you wearing?”

These are some of my favorite looks of hers from Met Galas in the past.

Anna at the 2010 Met Gala. Photo by Stephen Lovekin.

Anna after the 2009 Met Gala.

Anna with her daughter Bee at the 2007 Met Gala. Photo by Peter Kramer.

Follow the Met on Facebook.com/MetMuseum and Twitter.com/MetMuseum to join in the conversation about the exhibition and gala benefit. Use #ImpossibleConversations and #MetGala hashtags on Twitter.

HIPP x RGB

HIPP x RGB Nail Foundation in F1.

I love trying nail polish brands outside of my favorites—Essie, Revlon, and Chanel—so I couldn’t resist ordering a bottle of Nail Foundation by HIPP x RGB after reading about it in the February 2012 issue of Lucky. RGB is a brand out of LA by Gina Carney. HIPP refers to Jenna Hipp, a celebrity manicurist. The two teamed up to create Nail Foundation, which comes in 4 shades and is meant to give you nude nails, so you select the shade closest to your skin tone. I went with F1, the lightest shade.

One coat of Nail Foundation in F1.

Two coats of F1.

Carney said in Lucky that her favorite way to wear Nail Foundation is one coat of it topped with her favorite sheer neutral and that’s what worked well for me too. Two coats of F1 was too beige for me, but one base coat of F1 followed by a coat of Essie’s Ballet Slippers and I have my new favorite neutral manicure—pale caramel-pink and perfect for any occasion.

Base coat of F1 topped with Essie's Ballet Slippers. Perfection!

I was impressed by the application of F1, it’s thin, goes on smoothly, and dries fast. One coat of F1 is great, even better than clear polish—a hint of color and a lot of shine—but I know I will be topping it with Ballet Slippers and my other favorite neutrals because I never get tired of a ladylike pale nail.

F1 and Ballet Slippers.

HIPP x RBG Nail Foundation sells for $16 and is available at RGBcosmetics.com.

Feeling the Orange

Detail of my colorblocked J. Crew T-shirt.

Orange—fiery intense orange—has been growing on me since January when I saw a colorblocked striped T-shirt featuring that color in the J. Crew catalog, then was helped along by Michelle Williams’ lovely Louis Vuitton dress for the Oscars, as well as the Proenza Schouler dress recently on display at The Museum at FIT as part of the exhibit IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA. Then I found a great orange nail color by L’Oreal Paris. It’s very bright, almost neon, but I love it anyway. I don’t think of myself as an orange person (unless there’s an Hermès box involved, then I’m very very orange), but this color has me smitten.

Are you wearing any orange these days?


Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton at the Oscars, February 2012. I could not get into this dress at first and I think it was because it was impossible to tell the exact color of it against the red carpet. Now I love it, both the color and the detailing, and I think it may have been my favorite dress of the night.


A Proenza Schouler dress from 2011, featured recently in the exhibit IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA.


A close-up of the dress. Notice the lace-like blocks of orange-red.






How could I resist a nail polish with this name? Although I guess somebody was hitting the bottle when they set the type for the decal since the ‘n’ in ‘brunch’ is missing.

And on a completely unrelated note, if you have a chance, do stop by 33 avenue Miquelon. I gave an interview to the delightful Cameron Miquelon as part of her Follow Friday series, which was not only fun but reminded me that it’s time to get back to my roots, i.e., fashion history, so look for more posts on this topic coming soon.

Bella and Brooklyn

Bella and me at the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference last September. Photo by Elissa Stern of Dress With Courage.

I’m over at the Citizen Rosebud today, doing a guest post for my friend Bella, whom I adore. The topic is place but I couldn’t help writing about Bella because it was such a treat to meet her in person last September at the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference in Manhattan. I hope she comes back to Brooklyn soon.

For the post I shot some pictures of my favorite walk in my neighborhood, from Prospect Park West to Grand Army Plaza. I never get tired of seeing the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch, honoring those who fought for the Union during the Civil War. I think of it as Brooklyn’s Arc de Triomphe.


The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY.

Do head over to the Citizen Rosebud for more photographs!

Last Call: IMPACT—50 Years of the CFDA

Halston, 1976.

Tuesday, April 17, is the final day to see the exhibit IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA at The Museum at FIT. I’m thinking about warmer months more and more so for my last post on this exhibit I thought I’d share two pale dresses, both of which seem perfect for spring and on into summer.


Geoffrey Beene, 1990.

The Museum at FIT
Seventh Avenue and 27th Street
New York NY 10001-5992
212-217-4558
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: Noon-8PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and legal holidays
Admission is free

Story of O

Meredith Melling Burke (one of my favorite Vogue editors) on the left and Kimberly Ovitz on the right, celebrating the launch of O by Kimberly Ovitz in New York City on Tuesday night.

I think Kimberly Ovitz may be just the designer I was looking for.

I pretty much stick to structured clothes—boxy jackets, cardigan sweaters, T-shirts, jeans, tailored trousers, and the occasional pencil skirt, but lately I’ve been feeling the need for a change. A drapey, softer, asymmetrical change, to be exact, one that won’t cost a million dollars, in a narrow silhouette, in solid colors (especially black!), and in fabrics that can go all year long as layering pieces.

And then through a friend I attended the O by Kimberly Ovitz launch party held at Curve in SoHo on Tuesday night and from the first glance at both Kimberly herself, in sexy flowing black, and her designs on the mannequins and the hangers, I felt like I was discovering a line that can help me change up my look.


This entire look needs to find a way into my closet.


I love the cut of this dress and I love it paired with the long white jacket. Divine!


The scene inside Curve.

Skinnygirl cocktails were served. (I love the colors of this photograph, don’t you?)

Ms. Ovitz—and if her name is familiar to you it may be because her father is Creative Artists Agency co-founder and former Disney President Michael Ovitz—is a native Californian now based in New York City. After studying at the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan and working stints at W magazine, the Chanel Design Atelier in Paris, and Imitation of Christ Denim in LA, Kimberly started her own line in 2009. O by Kimberly Ovitz is inspired by best-selling clothes from her main line, as well as offering “sophisticated pieces that have a dark and edgy twist that can be worn year-round.”

I’m so there. Everything in the O by Kimberly Ovitz collection is made of Tencel fabric and under $200. I am definitely going to investigate further.


The O by Kimberly Ovitz line in Curve, NYC.

Use the code “LAUNCH” to receive 20% off at www.kimberlyovitz.com. Good until June 1, 2012. I see a drapey black dress coming home to mama very soon!

All party photos by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images North America.

Little Luxuries: Lady M Mille Crêpes

I had to try the Mille Crêpes by Lady M, a cake boutique in Manhattan with definite French flair, after learning about it on Keep It Chic, one of my favorite blogs. Read the description and tell me if you could resist:

Lady M’s signature cake, no less than 20 thin, hand-made crepes layered with an ethereally light and creamy custard.

I was so there.

I ordered the 6-inch cake for $40 and packed up my girl for a trip to E. 78th Street. In an all white chic little shop there are the most glorious cakes under glass for you to either buy whole or simply a slice of.



The Mille Crêpes did not disappoint. The crêpes were so very thin and between every single one of them (more than 20, I counted!) was the custard, which was creamy and vanilla-y and divine. My husband thought the dessert reminded him of an éclair but I didn’t agree. I didn’t know what to liken it to, it was that unusual.



If you’d like to try this piece of heaven yourself, Lady M will FedEx this cake to you. Can you believe it? If you are looking for a dessert to knock the socks off your guests at your next dinner party, this is what you should get!


Look at those layers! Look at that custard! And it really is so very light and wonderful.


Ladymconfections.com

IMPACT: Arnold Scaasi

A 1955 Arnold Scaasi dress, flanked by a 1992 Bob Mackie (left), and a 1998 gown by John Roberts (right).

Perhaps you’d like to slip into this lovely 1955 flower-print dress by Arnold Scaasi for your Easter celebration? It’s now on view at The Museum at FIT as part of the exhibit IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA.



Scaasi was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in May 1930. He apprenticed with the House of Paquin in Paris before moving to New York City where he worked for famed American couturier Charles James. As a young designer it was suggested to him at a fashion shoot that he reverse the letters in his last name to Scaasi, to give it an Italian flair. Not long after making the switch, his work was featured on the December 1955 cover of Vogue.

He has created gowns for First Ladies Mamie Eisenhower, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush. In 1969 Barbra Streisand was wearing his shimmering and sheer overblouse and pants ensemble when she won her Oscar for Best Actress for Funny Girl (she tied that night with Katharine Hepburn for The Lion in Winter). The attention that outfit garnered made him an overnight sensation. Scaasi is also one of the 20 original founders of the CFDA.



I love the print and colors of this dress and the coat’s matching lining. Styled the right way I’m convinced this dress could be worn today. Maybe a thin necklace of yellow diamonds, some strappy silver sandals, and a tiny glittery minaudière. What do you think?

Happy Easter!

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA is on view through April 17, 2012.

The Museum at FIT
Seventh Avenue and 27th Street
New York NY 10001-5992
212-217-4558
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: Noon-8PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and legal holidays
Admission is free

How I Wear My: Colorblocking

For this month’s “How I Wear My” post, Adrienne of The Rich Life (on a budget) and I decided the colorblocking trend was calling our names! It’s bright, easy, so very cheerful, and what a terrific way to welcome spring.

Then I realized I had nothing in my closet that would even remotely work for a post like this, unless I was going to colorblock black and white. And that seemed like not a great choice. Where’s the color, where’s the life?

So I would like to thank the J. Crew designer who decided s/he liked the Prada stripes from last year so much that they would do a take on them and make them affordable to boot. I snapped up their colorblocked T-shirt before it sold out online and plan on wearing it all summer long. Thank you J. Crew!


I mean, right? Prada colorblocked stripes on the left, featured in Vogue last year. When I saw the J. Crew T-shirt I knew there was something familiar about the coloring. I looked in my tearsheet file and found the inspiration!


I wanted a white watch for summer so I recently got this Timex. For the photos, I couldn’t resist adding my daughter’s neon H&M bangles.

What I love about the colorblocking trend is how it’s interpreted from person to person. The pictures below perfectly illustrate my point and I’m using them to inspire myself to break out of my love of neutrals.


Sacramento of MIS PAPELICOS, looking gorgeous in vibrant colorblocking.


Bella of The Citizen Rosebud. I was just wondering the other day if turquoise blue and bright red could work together. This answers that question with a resounding yes.


Madison of Fashion Tales used boldly colored layers over a pale lemon yellow dress. Love!


Veshoevius of The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe colorblocked dreamy pastels. I am in love with that jacket and do not even get me started on the pleated skirt!


Terri of RAGS against the MACHINE. I love this look with the colors, the masculine/feminine mix, and the cards on the tie. It’s so money, baby!

Jeannie of Gracefully 50 who is wearing the exact kind of colorblocking I can see myself going for, black and white with a pop of color!


Pam of Over 50 Feeling 40 showing you can use traditional spring colors like coral, green, and khaki to colorblock your look.


Jennifer of Seeking Style. I so love these colors put together and after seeing this photo I really want a pair of red pants!


Adrienne of The Rich Life (on a budget) knocking it out of the park in dark pink and aqua. I’m adding aqua pants to my shopping list.

Thank you SO MUCH to all the ladies who participated and please head over to Adrienne’s to see what other outfits she colorblocked!

Quick, before it’s too hot out (and it may already be for some of you), tie on a scarf, get a picture of yourself in it, and join Adrienne and me for “How I Wear My: Favorite Silk Scarf” on May 1. Feel free to have your scarf somewhere other than your neck—as a belt, around your bag, maybe even on your head! We’d love to hear the story behind your scarf too—is it special to you for some particular reason? The color? The design? The brand? Its provenance? Do share!