Town & Runway

Friday's Foto

2008-06-20T09:04:00.003-04:00

As always, Miss Chantecaille kept it classy at the Whitney art party. LOVE her style. She always gets it right.

Credit: Style

Weekend Reading

2008-03-29T14:16:00.002-04:00

Cathie Black's Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life)

Hot or Not?

2008-03-16T11:13:00.004-04:00

Belts worn on the outside of jackets and cinched at the waist?

I must say I like the look on Olivia P.

Credit: Imageshack

Friday's Foto

2008-03-08T18:02:00.003-05:00

"Carrie" being shot for Vogue with "Big" in the background holding the LV vintage luggage. Love it, dahling. Love it.

Credit: LHCF

NYC Housewife: Alex McCord

2008-03-07T19:51:00.005-05:00

Of all the new "housewives" (they are anything but!) I related most to Alex McCord. According to Bravotv.com, Alex is an up-and-comer in New York society. She is a former actress and model and currently works in graphic design. She is married with two children and manages to balance a thriving social calendar. She hopes her kids will be bilingual and had a French au pair to boot.

I love Alex's international minded attitude and her love of French, travel and St. Barths. I fear she will be labeled as a "social climber" (which she is some ways is) but why the negative connotation? I'm already appalled by the some of the comments posted on Alex's Bravo blog. People take cheap shots at her hair and teeth, as well as lambast her for making disparaging remarks about the 'burbs. I do think Alex is one of the nicer housewives and seems intent on making it in the shark infested waters of NYC. The show makes me question my own desire to take a chance in the Lipstick Jungle where appearances are everything and every move seems calculated.

It will be interesting to watch how Alex interacts with the other housewives throughout the season. I suspect her bitchy side will come out and she will take a lot more heat. But we won't hold it against her. On va voir.

Photo: AlexMcCord.com

Upper East Side Dahlings

2008-03-05T20:46:00.004-05:00

Did anyone catch the Real Housewives of NYC last night? What did you think? If you missed it, voila.

If you are curious about how the UES social set lives, tune in to Bravo on Tuesdays. Budding socialites, take notes.

Friday's Foto

2008-03-01T15:27:00.001-05:00

The lovely Byrdie Bell at the Other Boleyn Girl screening.

Wedding of the Century?

2008-02-26T19:10:00.004-05:00

Finally, Vogue gives us mere mortals the rundown of Voguette-cum-socialite-cum-newlywed's elaborate wedding. I'm planning to relax with a spot of Earl Grey and a piece of crumbcake and savor the spread.

Vive Marion!

2008-02-24T22:14:00.004-05:00

Congratulations Marion! Your performance as la chanteuse Edith Piaf wowed us. You portrayal was completely believable and you moved us to tears. (Who could forget that heart wrenching scene when Edith discovers Marcel is dead and she sing L'Hymn Amour?) The stars are shining brightly for you tonight.

Oscar Fashion: Top 5

2008-02-24T20:52:00.008-05:00

5. Stacey London

4. Keisha Whittaker

3. Anne Hathaway

2. Heidi Klum

1. Marion Cotillard

Oscar Fashion: Part 1

2008-02-24T20:33:00.006-05:00

These looks represent the ladies who almost got it right, but something is slightly off:

Keri Russell will always be the adorable Felicity to me. There's something not right with the fit of this dress in the bust line. Love the style of the dress and she gets the jewelry right, but the color really washes her out.

I adore Rosamund Pike, but the style of the dress looks a little space cadet meets waitress and I'm not sure about the color. And what's up with the hair? Also, the wrinkles are really distracting.

The lovely Ruby Dee looks great in red. The style of the dress is age-appropriate. This might be a little nitpicky, but again the wrinkles are distracting.

Credit: tFS

Friday's Foto

2008-02-22T22:44:00.007-05:00

Marion Cotillard @ the 2008 Cesar Awards in Paris France.

In light of the upcoming Oscar's here's a nod to Marion Cotillard, our petite Mome. Good luck on Sunday!

Gap Gap Gap

2008-02-22T22:30:00.004-05:00

Don't you just love Gap's back tab mac jacket? I adore all the colors. Dear Spring, please come soon.

Countdown to the Oscars

2008-02-21T17:28:00.003-05:00

Looking forward to the fabulousness of Oscar night. Who will T&R crown as the best dressed? Best coiffed? And the not-so-hot? Stay tuned!

What are YOUR pics for Oscar wins?

Down the Rabbit Hole

2008-02-16T19:08:00.004-05:00

The intersection of fashion and the world wide web is growing from strength to strength everyday. With new blogs, message boards, web-zines, it's easier than ever for consumers to reach their favorite brand and for the brands to reach out. Always at the forefront is the House of Chanel. I recently discovered CHANEL SECRET PLACES an interactive site in which devotees can get an interactive tour and discover the world of Coco and Paris. Featuring a clickable map you can scoot from your own abode to Rue Cambon (Chanel HQ) to the Hotel Ritz in seconds.

The site feature 6 videos hosted by Virginie Ledoyen, Jeanne Moreau, Carine Roitfeld, Jacques Polge, Amanda Harlech, Anna Mouglalis and Karl, bien sur. Follow me down the rabbit hole a la Alice in her fabled Wonderland and discover more about this formidable brand.

Tha Row

2008-02-16T14:25:00.008-05:00

Socials seen in the front rows at NY Fashion Week:

Byrdie Bell

Susan Fales-Hill

Olivia Chantecaille

Derek Blasberg and Tinsley Mortimer

Credit: Style

Friday's Foto

2008-02-14T21:17:00.004-05:00

The fabulous Ivanka Trump at The Fricks Collections 2008 Young Fellows "Un Ballo in Maschera" pre-BALL cocktail in New York City on February 13 . The fete occurred at her Madison Ave boutique. I've read the decor is very posh and unique so perhaps a trip to NYC for a diamond shopping spree is in order?

Ivanka, if you ever want to reach out to you blogging fan base, call me. . .

Ciao Roma!

2008-02-14T20:33:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been obsessed with Italy. I spent the summer just across the border in lovely Switzerland, but didn't make it to Italy. Especially on Valentine's Day, I have visions of saying Ciao and casting off my cares a la Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun. So while online browsing, imagine my delight when I came across the Italian inspired Spring lookbook from J Crew. Lots of vintage prints mixed with European romance. Can't you just picture yourself riding around on a Vespa in these?

Maybe it's time to dust off those old "learning Italian" CDs. Or better yet, find a podcast.

Chanel Cruise Collection To Be Launched In Miami

2008-02-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

Karl Lagerfeld has confirmed the the next Chanel cruise collection will be presented in May in Miami. FWD is reporting that Chanel's top dog has confirmed to take the next Chanel cruise collection to the Miami runway in mid-May. Details, including the precise date, still need to be confirmed, but Miami is the home to some of the most expensive docs in the world. Considering Lagerfeld`s love for transport-themed places there are many potential venues in Miami.

This event is destined to be fabulous! I can see a nautical based theme with a yacht inspired runway. Lots of navy blues, yellows, blacks and whites. Oohh, I can't wait! Town & Runway will attempt to provide on the ground coverage. Stay tuned!

Throwback Karl

2008-02-10T09:35:00.000-05:00

My favorite line: "What a depressing word. It's all about taste. If you are cheap, nothing helps."

G Jo at Fashion Week

2008-02-08T17:32:00.001-05:00

One of the hottest "it" girls, "socials," "party girls," in Gotham got down at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Whether you love to hate her or hate to love her, this girl's got something. I'm actually not a fan of her style. At ALL. But, she is frequently one of Vogue's best dressed. If Vogue anoints you as a chic young thing, then you are chic indeed. I think Genevieve is quite misunderstood, but I love seeing a black girl on the scene. In addition to dabbling in interior design, she designed a line of jewelry that has gotten good reviews.

Friday's Foto

2008-02-08T13:05:00.001-05:00

Lauren Davis and Andres Santo Domingo on their wedding day.

Credit: Hola!

Monique L'Huillier F/W 08-09

2008-02-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

It was one stunner after another at the Monique L'Huillier show. The textures, jewels, and fur really made for a transcendent collection reminiscent of Parisian couture.

Credit: Getty

Carolina Herrera F/W 08-09

2008-02-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

Oh Carolina. *sigh* I don't even know where to begin. Save these two looks, the rest of the collection. . .I need to regroup. Great fall palette. Lots of warm, dark, and rich colors. But the silhouette left much to be desired. When I saw some of the looks, in particular the hats, I couldn't help think of that picture of Pocohontas after she became anglo-saxonized. Am I the only one who sees the resemblance? Anyone? (crickets chirping)
This dress below is pretty fabulous. The fringe, the details, the flowy sleeves, Liya Kebede... What's not to love about this look? This dress would sell like hotcakes if it came in more colors ie a taupe or heather grey or bordeaux burgundy. (Caroline, we know you're fabulous, but not everyone can pull off that mustard look, dahling.) And the fact that the dress looks great with elf-like boots and a feather-spiked fedora proves that it would look even better with stilettos and a clutch.

Overall, the collection is definitely a look...But I'm not sure how this will translate into something wearable for the masses. Maybe the colors, capes, and boots will be "edited" to fit the real woman. We shall see. Still, interesting tones and great dresses (per usual).

Credit: Getty

Runway: Quick Hit

2008-02-04T01:04:00.000-05:00

Gloves. Berets. Teal. First look at the collections of Diane von Furstenberg and Tracy Reese. Full rundown of their collections coming.

Credit: tFS

T minus 9 hours

2008-02-04T00:59:00.000-05:00

And counting. Carolina Herrera. The Tent. 10am. Catch it LIVE on the American Express Fashion Network.

Face Hunting

2008-02-04T00:48:00.000-05:00

My version of face hunting in Paris:

I was trying to be discreet while snapping photos of outfits that I found interesting. Unfortunately that didn't get me a great shot of the clothes. Still, you get the basic idea. I bet Parisians are used to tourists taking photos of everything in sight, so perhaps they wouldn't be fazed by the camera.

Credit: Town & Runway

Fashion Week LIVE

2008-02-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

Can't make it to New York fashion week? Get live video stream courtesy of American Express. It's like you're really there. Tracy Reese and Diane von Furstenberg are coming up!

Pearls: a lady's best friend

2008-02-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

Just spending a quiet evening at home with a glass (or two) of South American wine, flipping through all 303 pages of Tiffany Pearls a beautifully bound book detailing the history of pearls. Pearls are a staple for well-bred (or aspiring) women everywhere. For some, the inheritance of "mummy's pearls" is a rite of passage into womanhood. The stone stands as the ever-enduring symbol of purity, class and preppiness. But, it doesn't have to have such a stoic image. I am a huge fan of the stone which, as you can see above, is even incorporated into an art deco style picture frame on my end table. There is a stunning photo of Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a simple black top and a luminous strand looking intently into a Tiffany's display case.

Another famous fan of pearls:

Town & Runway hearts Rachel Roy

2008-02-01T16:48:00.001-05:00

Always one to bring a unique perspective to the art of design, Rachel Roy shows her Fall 08/09 collection. It's a rich presentation of burnt umber and sienna hues against a neutral backdrop of cream with touches of camel. With undeniable touches of Native American flair with the poncho inspired dresses and feather necklaces (the new cocktail jewelry?), the collection is sure to be a standout among the shows this fall. That's one reason I always look forward to Miss Roy's collection. No copy-catting here.

Rachel Roy's trademark jacket/coat ensemble with a ruffled neckline and ornate jewelry.

Perhaps Park Ave socials will trade their pearls for feathers?

I'm not a fan of the Quaker-style hat, but the combination of grey-black textured fabric with the luxe umber satin makes a stunning contrast.

This dress is simple glamour at it's best. The essence lies within the color, fabulous gloves and feather neckpiece. Can't you just see Dita von Teese wearing this? Rachel, have your people call Dita's people. . .

Lovely use of complimentary colors with the orange, silver and white.

I must say I'm loving the gloves in this collection. It will be interesting to see what other collections incorporate 8 button gloves.

Photo credit: Style

Friday's Foto

2008-02-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Dita von Teese at the 2008 Vienna Opera Ball.
Photo credit: tFS

Signe Karl

2008-01-31T13:22:00.000-05:00

What can be said about Monsieur Karl Lagefeld that hasn't been said? He's a creative giant, a genius. A truly inspired man. Every season, I look forward to seeing what he will come up with for the House of Chanel. Chanel in my opinion, is the pinnacle of fashion. It's one of the houses that remains stoic and true to the vision of Madame Coco Chanel. The look is instantly identifiable and unique. No one else does what Chanel does. No one else would dare try. It is one of my goals to meet this man and tell him in person just how much I admire and respect him.

I'm not the only one fascinated with Karl. A new documentary, Lagerfeld Confidential
was recently released about Karl's life. I haven't seen it (waiting patiently on the film to be released in my area) but I will probably end up purchasing the DVD. Karl was also the star of
Signe Chanel, a film about the creation of the Fall 2005 collection.

In case you haven't seen that, here's a clip:

To Karl, with love.

Iconic Style: Just Dita

2008-01-31T10:28:00.000-05:00

This is the first post in a series called Iconic Style, my best dressed list. So move over Mr. Blackwell!

Once upon a time, there was a little girl with a big imagination who dreamed of wearing lingerie and high heels and vintage confections like the Hollywood glamazons of old. That little girl grew up to become the best dressed woman in the world today. Bar none. If you don't already know who I'm talking about, then Town & Runway has a lot of work to do! I'm talking about none other than Dita. Dita von Teese that is. The iconic raven-haired beauty who is on the fast track to becoming one of those people who no longer needs a last name. Just Dita.

"I’m the same person as when I was a kid; I just look different. I became fascinated by old movies when I was very little, but I didn’t want to be a movie star – I wanted to be the women they played in those movies. I wanted that glamour in my life. I remember thinking, why can’t I dress like that every day? Look how amazing she is, and look at the power that she has. I pored over old pictures for inspiration, and I became a burlesque artist because I loved the retro aspect of it. I loved playing dress-up. It fulfilled many different aspects of me. I didn’t do it because I wanted to be famous, because that’s when you fail – when your drive comes from the wrong place."

I'm not sure when I first discovered Dita, but it was love at first couture. She shocked my senses with her defiantly glamorous style. I became even more enamored when I discovered that Dita is a self-created work of art. The queen of burlesque doesn't use a glam squad and learned to perfect her look by simply practicing in a mirror. "I'm working on my second book, which is about glamour and eccentric beauty. I felt like there are a lot of beauty books out there that tell you the right way to wear your makeup, and I want to tell people how they can create glamour in their lives, and that breaking the rules is sometimes the best way. I don't work with a stylist, I don't work with a glam squad to get me together for the red carpet, I really enjoy the time it takes to do it myself, to choose my clothes and do my own makeup and my own hair. I think that I have a lot of female fans who want to know how they can create '40s waves and paint a perfect cat-eye themselves. You look at the red carpet and say "Oh, it took 12 people to get them there," and it did, but they didn't need to have 12 people. If you really set your mind to it, you can do it yourself. I want to remind people of a different kind of glamour, a different look, and breaking the rules of fashion. I wanna break the rules."

For girls like me with somewhat sheltered upbringings who were raised on classic movies where propriety was the order of the day, or simply for fashionistas, Dita is a breath of fresh air. She's an inspiration for anyone who dreamed of morphing into a larger than life screen legend. She's a testament that it is possible. Anything in life is possible. I'm sure when Dita first started incorporating her glamorous style into her life, people around her probably didn't "get" her. I can imagine her peers or colleagues snickering at the contrast of her dark hair against her cool white skin or her penchant for french lace pantyhose and unique hats. But, when you know you've got something special, criticism no longer bothers you. You hold your center. You believe with all your heart that yes, you can be your authentic self without fear of ridicule. And now as Dita jets around the world being heralded as one of the most interesting celebrities to come along in an age of celluloid brats. She is a spokesperson for many luxe brands. She performs her innovative striptease routines to packed audiences. She's an author. A muse.

She is a testament to the fact that if you want to get to the tops of the fashion ranks, you have to be what most people perceive to be a caricature of yourself. But, it's actually your truest self. Dita, you never fail to disappoint with your daring and bold fashion choices. I salute you.

Town & Runway

2008-01-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my niche on the web. Town & Runway is the web-zine where the glamorous lifestyle meets the runway. My eclectic interests will be featured here: fashion, beauty, jet-set travel, exclusive events, philanthropy, high society, fine wine, and more. I firmly believe in living a chic life and strive to add a little beauty and culture to my life every day. Whether it's curling up with a good book and a glass of Bergerac, attending opening night of the opera or taking a jaunt across to Atlantic for a week of R&R in your favorite European city, do whatever it takes to inspire you. I can't wait to get started. Please visit often!

Town & Runway

Friday's Foto

Weekend Reading

Hot or Not?

Friday's Foto

NYC Housewife: Alex McCord

Upper East Side Dahlings

Friday's Foto

Wedding of the Century?

Vive Marion!

Oscar Fashion: Top 5

Oscar Fashion: Part 1

Friday's Foto

Gap Gap Gap

Countdown to the Oscars

Down the Rabbit Hole

Tha Row

Friday's Foto

Ciao Roma!

Chanel Cruise Collection To Be Launched In Miami

Throwback Karl

G Jo at Fashion Week

Friday's Foto

Monique L'Huillier F/W 08-09

Carolina Herrera F/W 08-09

Runway: Quick Hit

T minus 9 hours

Face Hunting

Fashion Week LIVE

Pearls: a lady's best friend

Town & Runway *hearts* Rachel Roy

Friday's Foto

Signe Karl

Iconic Style: Just Dita

Town & Runway

Town & Runway hearts Rachel Roy