Smalto Fall/Winter 2009

Smalto makes it look so easy with their clothes finding the perfect meeting point between classic and modern. The use of buttons both as a function of the garment and as visual intrigue (the two mini buttons on the cable knit cardi, the slightly angled positioning on the coat, and of course the V of the double breasted blazer) is so refreshing. Finish off the look with a basic shoe that can go from casual to dressy without much thought and we have a winner of a season. I love how tonal dressing is really coming alive this fall - the grey-on-grey with just a hit of black is my favorite pallet.

Elizabeth Jagger and Theodora Richards by Sasha Eisenman for Very Elle France Spring/Summer 2008

A year later and this editorial is still right on the money. It reminds me of a recent road trip to Vegas - minus the unicorn. The leopard floor length dress would have been the perfect piece those nights out with the girls.

Louise Pedersen

I don't know the photographer who took this, but I had to post it anyways. Stylists can only go so far - shots like this show just where the photographer takes over to realize the vision.

Pernille

Summertime layering can be tricky, but here the effect is accomplished through accessories. The best piece (aside from the sold out Alexander Wang coco duffel) are the earrings - the perfect Moroccan tassel combo yet.

Elle September 2009

When it comes to perfect tresses, Jennifer Aniston steals the show time and time again.

Gucci F/W 2009 by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

Slick - that's the only word that comes to mind in describing this collection. I love the oil spill shoes, the sequin leopard dress and pantsuit, and the fabulous use of patent leather, studs, and silks to create the polished yet edgy texture of the line. And of course, who could overlook the neon blue tipped fur coat? The platinum blond, auburn brunet, and glossy black dos are the perfect toppers to pull this add campaign together.

L'Officiel Siberia June 2009

My escape to LA has come to an end. Poolside no longer, I am now deskside once again. I just hope the glow from my computer screen will miraculously keep up my tan.

Melodie Dagault, Constance Jablonski, Charlotte de Calypso, Sigrid Agren, Jennifer Messelier, Mathilde Frachon by Victor Demarchelier for Vogue Paris August 2009

A few new French faces for the flock. Great jaw lines. And the canvas covering? A little obvious, but fitting.

Christina Kruse by Richard Kern for Muse #18 Summer 2009

Reading this article was such a breath of fresh air that I just had to share it with you (you might have to fiddle around with your browser size to see the second column).
There is something very exacting in the way Kruse answers the questions. Terms are clarified, ideas develop fluidly, and each question is systematically answered and even elaborated upon. Her style is almost mathematical, in an unassuming sort of way. In the end I was left with the sense that I spoke directly with Kruse and walked away with something to chew on.

Carmen Kass by Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris August 2006

Even though this shoot is already three years old, I just love it. Carmen is one of my favorites because, unlike those fresh-faced teens, she has a look that only comes with experience (she was 28 at the time of this shoot). There is a certainty in the way she holds herself and composes her features that make her more relevant to the 20 and 30-something readers that live in this world, not just the world of glossy magazines. She lends her character a depth that cannot be styled or summed up in a quick directorial motivation blurb - a depth that grounds the shoot beyond what younger models can do early in their career. Coupled with the styling of Emmanuelle Alt (who very craftily uses the same pieces for several outfits, lending yet another layer of reality by acknowledging that we don't have an infinite jewelery chest), and Terry Richardson (who has an eye honed to capture shadows that lend an air of nonchalance), this shoot is stunning in its composition and real in its applicability.



oh, and a little PS -- check out the white burnout shirt. Its use in this shoot is a perfect example of how trends don't always come out of nowhere but take a while for the public (mainly State-Side) to become familiar with it and understand how to wear it by seeing here and there, and then blow it up to trend level.