Black Swan a la Rodarte

On December 3rd Black Swan hits theaters and the costumes are getting almost as much attention as the film itself.  All of the costumes for the performance of Swan Lake and a few other pieces throughout were designed by Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, long time friends of the films star, Natalie Portman. From what I've seen in the trailer the designs are breathtaking and I hope all of the Oscar buzz comes true. These sisters are seriously talented, check out the trailer here: Black Swan

YSL Friends and Family Sale (Open to the public!!!)

I'M DYING. 

French Vogue Celebrates 90 Years

Lara Stone on the cover of the landmark issue

Dia de Los Muertos

On a trip to Mexico a few years back I fell in love with Mexican folk art and the rich traditions celebrated in that beautiful country. My favorite is Dia de Los Muertos, the celebration that takes place between October 29^th and November 2^nd in cemeteries across Mexico. Families gather to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Graves are decorated with flowers and alters, loved ones dance and paint their faces in skeletal black and white to pay tribute to the dead. The tradition has been practiced for over 3,000 years, first by Aztecs, and later when the Spaniards arrived it was combined with Catholic theology. The Aztecs believed death was the continuation of life and instead of fearing death they celebrated it.

One of my favorite stores in New York is La Sirena, Spanish for "The Mermaid". A tiny hole in the wall that’s packed with traditional Mexican Folk Art.  Frida Kahlo alters, bright paper banners and skulls galore (skulls symbolize death and rebirth in Aztec culture). I get lost among the rich colors and beautiful craftsmanship. I can't wait to celebrate and dance the night away. Some events listed below. 

                            

So cute!

Papel Picado banners 

Decorated altars 

Altar at Hecho en Dumbo on Bowery, NYC

Events:

Date: October 29 – 31

Time: Events throughout the day

Location: St. Mark’s Church (10^th Street & 2^nd Ave New York, NY)

Workshops, dancing and altar competition (www.manoamano.us).

Date: October 30

Time: 12:30-4:30pm

Location: Newark Museum (49 Washington Street Newark, NJ)

Performances, workshops, treats and altars

Date: October 30

Time: 12-5pm

Location: National Museum of the American Indian (1 Bowling Green New York, NY)

Hands on workshops, storytelling and dance performances.

Date: November 1^st

Time: 3:30-5:30pm

Location: La Sirena Mexican Folk Art (27 East 3^rd Street New York, NY)

Artist Kai Margarida-Ramirez de Arellano will be demonstrating the art of Papel Picado. The ancient tradition of cutting or punching paper which is most recognized in banner form used for celebrations

Date: November 2-20

Time: 7-10pm

Location: Tropico de Nopal Gallery (1665 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA)

Alter-installations exhibit

Date: November 6

Time: 8:30pm

Location: Tropico de Nopal Gallery (1665 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA)

Calavera Fashion Show & Walking Altars

Dinner at The Smile

Tucked away on Bond street this unassuming and charming restaurant has been a favorite hang out for celebs and New Yorkers in the know since it opened. The menu is mouthwatering and the prices are insanely reasonable considering owners Matt Kliegman and Carlos Quirarte (also of The Jane) are passionate about providing only the freshest ingredients (the chicken comes from the famed Stone Barns in upstate New York). With a little help from the restaurant's publicist we were able to score a prime table by the fireplace, a perfect spot to catch up with friends and enjoy a great dinner. The Smile

Snap peas and the trio of dips

Arugula and pear salad with blue cheese

Brownie with pecan ice cream and mixed berries with vanilla 

Closed it down. Good Night!!

Meow Mix

It seems like every 3 to 4 years animal prints stalk the runways and take their places as the 'New Must Have Items' in all of the publications. Although I get irritated when designers lazily fall back into predictable trends (seriously how many seasons in a row will we see Military?) I have to admit I love leopard print. It can be incredibly sexy one minute and comically tacky the next (think discount bus trips to AC) and is always easy to find at your local thrift which is why it's one of my favorite prints to work with. I have a sick pair of YSL wooden platform heels with leopard straps I bought over 3 years ago that I still wear out regularly and they seem to go with pretty much anything. Leopard is great for mixing prints (think flowers and plaids) and textures (sequins and metallics) and if you're unsure just stay in the brown color family and you'll be safe.

As you know I split my time between NYC and Florida and this past trip down south was all about scavenging the thrifts for leopard print. I found a great skinny belt (keeping for myself) and a Lauren by Ralph Lauren dress that I can't wait to get over to the studio. I also found an amazing blazer that looks like vintage Balenciaga, the cut is to die for (debating whether to keep for myself or not how many blazers does one person need? errrr!). Check out the pics below for some of my great finds that will be available to clients soon and a few looks from F/W that I love. To become a client go to my website!

Balmain FW'10

Dries Van Noten FW'10

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Flat $775

J.Crew Belt $60

Thrift store find - Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress

Printed belt another great find for $3.99

Miu Miu calf-hair platform $790