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Why Did You Wear That: The In Crowd at Cotte D’Armes

By |September 6th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

cotte d'armesIn the off chance you didn’t get the memo… or didn’t care to, Fashion Week is well under way.  Yesterday I hiked on down to the Thompson LES in order to catch the Cotte D’Armes presentation.  I don’t know why exactly I stressed myself and stilettos out in order to get there promptly at call time, because like all good fashion shows, they were running a solid fifteen minutes behind.  And while the heat and humidity was enough to stir some fashion folks into a straight up tizzy, my top knot and I waited patiently until we were allowed to enter the seventh floor terrace via the overstuffed elevators.

Fortunately, what I walked into was a sight for sore eyes.  I know models are attractive and all, but these particular models were the stuff dreams are made of (you may even recognize one of them).  Decked out in destroyed denim and slouchy T’s and tanks, these were the girls you wanted to be friends with and the guys you wanted to date… Not to mention the clothes you want in your closet.  Casually cool, yet cutting edge is what gave this designer denim its appeal.  I was particularly drawn to the knit dress, studded vest, and pants with leather inserts for the ladies.

Judging by what the gentlemen were wearing, it would appear denim with details is back with a vengeance.  I thought we had just taught our boyfriends that dark denim was the only way to go?  I had such a hard time weaning the fellas off of True Religions and Ed Hardy that the sandblasted and bleached effects on these jeans made me a bit nervous.  Sure it looks modern and downtown chic on the toned and attractive models, but will it translate to the average Wall Street banker who is more likely to pair them with a button down than washboard abs or mineral washed tee?  Here’s to hoping.

The Cotte D’Armes presentation left me feeling exactly the way I presume the designer, Clarence Ruth, had intended: longing to belong as a part of the “in crowd.”

xx,

WhyDid

FYI:  Leggings- still not pants.  Not even when worn under jorts.

Real People, Real Style: Sister from Another Mister

By |August 29th, 2012|Real People Real Style|

amelia smithI liked Amelia the moment I met her- and not just because she loved spicy tuna on crispy rice as much as I do.  Then I found out her last name was also Smith and knew it was kismet.  I think the deal was sealed for her when I quoted a Loretta Lynn song… either way, we’ve been friends ever since and I don’t plan on ditching her anytime soon… if ever.  You see, Amelia is exactly the kind of girl I talk about all the time.  Not only is she pretty, but she’s also smart.  In between choosing the perfect shade of paint and sourcing one of a kind designer furniture, she’s also booking shows for New York Fashion Week.  Time spent with Amelia is always fun.  We can switch gears between chatting about our latest nail color obsession to deep spiritual conversations about our lives and the future of the universe.  Also doesn’t hurt that Smitty’s smitten with her.  So, here’s a bit more about Amelia and what makes her style so unique:

amelia smith

Name: Amelia Loren Smith

Wearing: French Connection

Occupation: Interior Designer, Freelance Art Director, Set Designer; Model – check her out, right here.

Hometown/Current Town: Tupelo, Mississippi/ New York, New York

I would describe my style as: Simplistic Modern Classic

I can’t leave the house without: Lip gloss

Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: Now!  We have so many options! We can mix and match, reference other eras and still make it our own. I love that!

Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): My Jimmy Choo Martha Ponyskin clutch, it was my college graduation present to myself.

“Constructed of multi-colored pony skin and suede marked in the middle by an asymmetric gold-tone zipper, which reveals a little extra space, this clutch is smartly sassy easily converting from day to night. It also features a hidden magnetic closure on the flap, an internal pocket with zipper and a tan suede lining with lilac trim. It’s functional expandability.”

Best fashion advice I’ve ever received: Keep it simple

Biggest fashion pet peeve (a trend that just needs to go away): Toms

What I would tell my 13 year old self: That ugly duckling does, in fact, grow up to be a swan.

Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: A little gloss on the eyelid to give a sleek, shiny, silicone look

Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: eyebrows

I would love to trade closets with: Kelis – I bet she has swanky headgear

Fun fact:  I was voted “Most Talented” out of my HS Class. It’s a notion that has carried over into adulthood. I like to do/and excel at multiple things. If I’m not engaging in more than one project at a time something is wrong.

 

So, ya know… whether you need a new face for your next ad campaign or just need a new chaise lounge, Amelia’s your go to girl.

xx,

WhyDid