Love Affair with a Piece of (New) History

I am so sorry PETA, but I love my vintage three-quarter length fur coat. I do.

See, the thing is that 'my' coat is not only vintage, but it's also been custom-made to my mother's specifications. You can see it in the stitching, the quality of the lining, the details on the metal hooks, and the seamless connection of the fur pieces. In addition, it's a gift from her.

My personality gets crushed under the coat- without asking for permission, it gives you a whole another persona. Maybe a woman of means, a lady of leisure? Or, maybe one that meets her secret lover at French bistros across town? One that wears make-up to bed?

The coat begs for expensive high-heels. Also, something frail and lithe underneath. Or maybe, just a simple black cashmere turtleneck. Better yet, just a little piece from La Perla?

My imagination runs wild as I stare at my mind's 'new' self in the mirror. I can be anything, anyone.

Only underneath, I am supporting my worn-down blue pajamas, pink fluffy socks. Hair is sticking out from the makeshift bun on my nape. Manicure-less fingernails. Face too tired from previous days' indulgence. I notice my cheeks a little chubbier than usual, my face a little rounder. A pale yellow, splotchy face.

I close my eyes. Cringe that the reality does not match the imagination.

This time, I am not angry. More determined. More reflective. I am quick to think about my priorities, my goals. What matters, what does not. Isn't this part of 'growing up', I wonder.

I love my vintage three-quarter length fur coat. I really do.

Banana Republic's Exciting New Partnership!

'Tis the season for partnerships: From Gap's (PRODUCT)Reds, to Target and Kohl's designer alliances, to the Wall Street's "partnerships" that come in form of takeovers, now we have another one to add to our list. Banana Republic.

Banana Republic is collaborating with the New Museum as a sponsor for the museum's "Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton" exhibition, premiering in New York City on October 8, then moving on to Minneapolis, London, and the Netherlands.

Of course, as expected, this partnership comes in a very chic and eco-friendly package: for a membership at the New Museum, you can get a eco-chic tote with the exhibition catalogue. I was hoping for instant gratification and order my tote online, but they are not available until November 6th at select Banana Republic stores.

Is it November, yet?

Topshop is Coming!

It was Boots at Target, then SpaceNK in the City- later in Scarsdale- now it's Topshop! Can we say we're loving the British?

It's brilliant! With over 300 stores in the UK, and a third of that across the world, Topshop is finally coming to the US in October with a flagship store on Broadway & Broome in SoHo. And, it was about time!!!

The fashion trampoline- helped launched the careers of Alexander McQueen, Preen, Jonathan Saunders, Matthew Williamson, Giles Deacon, Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab- carries collections from Kate Moss, Celia Birtwell and Parisian lingerie designer Fifi Chachnil. Most recently, the London Fashion Week was an opportunity for Topshop to show its high-style pieces.

I casually visit their website to see what's up and coming in Europe, and I am happy to report that they have customized their website for the US. Now you can order online (they have the cutest oversized beaded clutch!), check out their McCarren Pool Parties series, download their Daily Fix widget and get style advice.

So, this City girl at heart will be catching the 6 train from GCT this Fall to head over to the new flagship. Then again, I have a feeling that Topshop will make its way to the 'burbs, and what's a better place to have a store than Westchester county? Mark my words...

Instant Gratification

What happened to "waiting"?

Before I add to my Fall/Winter wardrobe, I wait until the September issues of my fave magazines. Similarly, I do the same in March when planning what to purchase for the following Spring/Summer. I love these magazines' thickness, their juiciness- I devour them over a weekend or two, indulging post-its on potential candidates, chewing over my selections, taking a bite out of offerings,... I find beauty in my anticipation.

See, I learned all this from the best: My mother. With a cup of joe at her side, she would perform this ritual every March and September. When I replicate it today, without her physically by my side, I try to adhere to every little step. And then, I cannot wait to get on the phone with her and exchange our findings. Beyond the comparisons of what's hot/not in the US vs. Europe and our takes on the upcoming season, our conversations take many intimate turns. Sheer delight.

Am I so "yesterday"?

The New York Times Thursday Styles may claim so. (Ironic enough, I used to wait for Sunday Styles but now I've been indulged with a mid-week snack of Thursday Styles...) In today's article, "Where the Fashionistas Go for a Quick Fix", there's a review of online fashion magazines to quench a fashion lover's thirst for the newest available. As the article claims, these online magazine may not be able to replace the print counterparts, however, they're a growing clan and attracting viewers and advertisers. I smell money.

Here's a sampling of online magazines from the article:
hintmag.com
luxuryculture.com
unvogue.com
net-a-porter notes.com
gloss.com
fashion156.com
iconique.com

So, the City girl in me loves the speed of information- feed me, feed me! At the same time, I cannot help but feel threatened about losing the sense of anticipation and what that means to me.

Now, what does that make me?

Rethinking Eileen Fisher

An older gentleman- oh, about 80 or so- stepped off the pedicure chair as I squished my body in the empty chair, in between two older ladies who were in a deep conversation. Feet soaked into the warm bubbly water, I pulled out my book and tried to concentrate on the lines that I found myself reading over and over. Their conversation jumped from Bat Mitzvahs to Weddings to Whole Foods as did their talking arms jumped from the sides of their seats into mine. I was about to pull out my iPod when the lady on my left started talking about shopping from Eileen Fisher since she's put on the post-menopause pounds. Hmm... I had never associated Eileen Fisher's clothing with plus-size, then again, lately I've noticed that brands have started stretching their range of sizes from 00- to 20+...

I got acquainted with Eileen Fisher about a year or two ago from an article in Westchester Magazine, I think it was about her home. Ms. Fisher lives in Irvington, over commanding views of the Hudson River. I remember looking at the pictures and noticing the simplicity, elegance and harmony of colors in her home- and later, I found out that she started off as an interior designer. When you read her bio on her website, it really does not do justice to many contributions she has made to women in business, including her support for Powerful Voices.

In terms of price/value relationship, Eileen Fisher delivers- especially when they're on sale. Her clothing has clean lines- reminiscent of 1980s Calvin Klein-, contemporary feel without being overly-trendy (which is a big no-no for me), and incorporates very luxurious textures. You want to keep rubbing your hand on her cotton tanks, cashmere shawls, and silk wraps. Well, at least until a sales associates meets you eye-to-eye!!

Recently, I came across a couple of fall pieces that I plan to add to my wardrobe:

Fair Trade Short Cardigan in Organic Cotton Crimp Ladder, amazingly soft with modern lines.

I also love the Short-Sleeve Dolman Cardigan in Natural Cashmere. You can definitely stretch wearing this cardigan way into winter. To me, it's a timeless piece.

Overall, I think Eileen Fisher offers a life style to women- simple, modern and luxurious. I don't think I'm going to wait until my post-menopausal stage to start investing in Eileen Fisher; a piece here and a piece there, I can build my wardrobe staples.

Oh, back to the pedicure scene- deciding not to put on the iPod was sage. Sometimes I think we don't listen to the older generations enough, even if they're completely unrelated to us- their stories and wisdom just pass us by. Well, I learned that you can use olive oil to get rid of the paint stuck to your hair... Who knew?

And the gentleman whose spot I replaced on the chair, was actually 92 years old...

Botkier

Right up there with Tory Burch, I admire Monica Botkier. She's a native City girl who has an eye and penchant for clean design with a modern twist.

This is how I was introduced to Botkier, I will never forget it: I think it was Fall of 2006, I was on the 4 line on my way from Jeniette back to GCT to catch the train back to the 'burbs. Usually buried in a magazine, my eyes caught a glorious deep burnt orange bag- with fringes and all- standing in front me on the arm of a girl. It was not only calling my name but also winking at me. Cheater. I admired the worn soft supple leather against the backdrop of heavy-duty metals of multiple zippers, the western-inspired fringes, the "I don't care if I don't look all put together, but you know I really am" look... Such classic lines with the modern tweaks... I wanted it. No, I needed it. The ride was short, and I needed to know who created such a beauty. And that's how I met her.

Over the past years, I've been stalking Botkier. Yes, stalking. I missed the 2007 sample sale, and then I missed this summer's sample sale. Needless to say, I was devastated. Until today...

I was having a breakfast of pecan-honey buns (frozen, reheated at 325F for 25 min.s) and Tassimo Starbucks House Coffee on my patio and browsing through InStyle's August issue when I saw that Botkier has collaborated with Target for an inexpensive line! Oh, my- could it be true??? I rushed to my computer, googled "botkier and target" and there it was!

My first instinct was put every single style in my shopping cart- and I did!!! Noticing my greed and need for instant gratification, I took a quick break and emailed my girlfriend who shares my addiction to Botkier; she responded immediately with an "OMG"! Indeed. We went back and forth reviewing the bags, complaining about the PVC (c'mon- even Marc Jacobs uses real leather for its inexpensive line!!!), debating over the color fuchsia, making the images larger, smaller,..., until only 3 styles remained in my shopping bag.

In order to avoid rash decision-making, I even took a break to take a shower (and a great excuse to use my absolute new fave body moisturizer: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil). Checked to see if the mailman delivered. Tidied up the living room.

With a clearer head, I revised and pressed the "confirm order" button. Let's see, Botkier! Are you going to live up to your reputation?

Getting to Know Mickey Drexler and Madewell

OK- I never knew that J.Crew had an offshoot called Madewell just like the Gap has its Old Navy!?!? What's the secrecy?

Just as I admire Tory Burch (see my previous post), I absolutely love and admire how J.Crew turned itself around from being a college-kid catalogue retailer with 20+ plaid designs to what it's perceived today: well-designed up-to-date clothes made with fine fabrics and fine craftsmanship. I've watched the the company "grow up" from the catalogues, online and the stores I've seen popping up (unlike the Gaps or the Duane Reades, definitely more selectively) in places like the Westchester. I cannot resist the stores- I am partial to the ones in SoHo, near GCT, and obviously- at the Westchester.

As I got up this morning, sipping my divinely delicious and thick Mastro Lorenzo Crema from my Tassimo, I picked up the NYTimes and started browsing through the sections. In the Business Day section, I met Mickey Drexler. Perhaps, it was the tone of the journalist, Joe Nocera, that made me feel closer to Mr. Drexler, and embrace him just as I do Tom Brady (the archenemy of my beloved Jets), or maybe it was Mr. Drexler's motto of being close to his customer in the age of increasingly rotten customer service (oh- I can start a blog on this one!!!), I cannot tell, but I was glued to the article.

Mr. Drexler apparently developed his love for the women's retail from his father who was a button-maker. Growing up in the industry, he started working in big department stores. At this point in the article, to quote him, Mr. Drexel says, " they look funny when you show too much passion" referring to big department stores. How true is this for big anything! He then moved onto Ann Taylor- turned it from the fuddy-duddy to store of choice for working women. He found his next home at the Gap- turned the company into a retail giant- perhaps, much bigger than he anticipated. There, he was initially the President, where the role allowed him to be close to the customer, and then the CEO, where he "lost his touch" with us, the consumers. He was dealing with numbers than the real people- and that's when he was asked to leave. He said he learned a valuable lesson- at this point of the article, I am embracing his reflective side.

You know how they say one man's leftover is another man's treasure- and that's what happened at J.Crew. He turned the company into how we know it today. And he reiterates that he's successful at his job because he remains close to his clients, the consumers. He apparently reads his emails, responds to inquiries, and visits his stores consistently.

Three hoorays to you, Mr. Drexel! Or can I call you Mickey? I will forgive you for not telling me about Madewell sooner, but I guess, it's OK after all...

Tory Burch in Greenwich

It was one of those Sunday mornings when hubby was at the Jets game that I ended up doing laundry all by myself. I dread doing laundry- I'd almost prefer doing, umm..., anything else!

So, on that day, I came across Town & Country's January issue with Tory Burch on the cover. I love Tory! This was definitely a sign: me doing laundry and coming across her cover. Well, a sign for what I still don't know but it made me happy nonetheless.

I love Tory for many reasons: She's an entrepreneur who found her niche among the many in the field. She knows how to do her PR and has a good sense of who her clientele is. Her work is stylish- perhaps, at times a little logo-heavy. Her tunics are summer staples. Her dresses fit well and shirts are simple, easy pieces. And despite all these successes, she gives the aura that she's a down-to-earth mother who appreciates all things well-made. Well, that speaks to me.

In the article, she mentions that she created her stores to resemble someone's home, so that you don't have that "I'm entering a store" feeling. Oh, I thought to myself, that's how it kind of felt like when I went to her store in Greenwich!

Her store is definitely plush- decorated with warm colors and textiles; it certainly has a luxurious feeling. Clothes are laid out on racks- not so far apart a la comme des garcons- close to each other, you can feel one fabric after another, quite easy on your eyes.

I went through the racks of clothes- all appealing. Of course, because her pieces are classics and because I am a lover of valuable bargains, I headed over to the lonely sales rack all the way at the back of the store, positioned like that solitary table all the way back by the kitchen. I fingered through the rack and the price tags. Not too shabby.

But I had a different mission. I was determined to locate a pair of her black quilted patent leather flats. I looked through the shoes and found a shiny gold pair. With one in my hand, I smiled at the sales person and asked if they had it in black. She was terribly sorry that they were completely sold-out. I asked if we could order from another store and/or from her website. Oh, she said, that was impossible, they were all sold-out. We exchanged smiles. I wonder if she was thinking that I did not know the meaning of "sold-out." I checked in with myself- of course, I was not a repeat client and certainly, this was my first time in this store; she did not know me, or my determination. But that initial feeling of plushness was escaping me in bits.

So, I raised my left eyebrow (something I naturally do when I am inching towards getting irritated), and with my plastered smile, asked her if I can at least try on the shiny gold pair for size. I heard a tiny sigh and she said sure. You bet! As I was waiting for my trial pair, another customer and I started chatting about the different pairs of leopard-print shoes she was trying. They looked adorable on her skinny feet- but naturally, they didn't have her size. Huh. Same story as I got minutes before: it was all sold-out!

Oh, my right eyebrow was about to go up but then I took the better road and whispered to her that I saw the same pair online, so she might want to check it out. Oh, she said looking pleased, she whispered back her thanks and said she'd try doing that.

I took my time trying on the shoes for size- oh, the size 6 was a bit too tight but 6.5 roomy. So, stared at my feet for a bit. Walked around, sat down, crossed my legs,... After deciding on my size, I gave my thanks to the salesperson, smiled and left. Not to ever come back?

In her article, Tory had it right. She aimed to create an atmosphere that left you feeling luxurious. It did in part. Perhaps, in Greenwich, that luxurious feeling was more closely associated with the store itself, and not the salespeople.

Bottom line: I got my shoes in my exact size from plaza too's website, ordered from the comfort of my home while sipping my Earl Grey with honey and milk. Their customer service representative, Michelle, was extremely helpful.

Now, how's that for luxury?