Only in China can you find two men “ice fishing”, on a Wednesday afternoon in below freezing temperatures from a shallow, trash-filled stream in the middle of Beijing. With cold fingers and a red nose, I watched them for quite some time. Unfortunately – but not surprising at all…there was no catch of the day! Love the dedication, Zhong Guo Nan Ren!
While it was certainly not the first “JAM” I have spotted in China, it was one of the more intense. It is also Reason Number 486: Why I will not be driving a motor bike anytime soon. Reasons 1 through 485….I am a terrible driver. Period.
I believe that if Hallmark cards up and decided to leave their “racks” for the runway that they would most likely look like this…
Meadham Kirchoff Spring 2012
Meadham Kirchoff Spring 2012
Thakoon Fall 2012
Meadham Kirchoff Spring 2012
I think it is very clear that Hallmark needs keep their cards in check…we can’t have these looks running around every day!
Images courtesy of http://www.style.com
Perhaps it is a coincidence. Perhaps it is just a true love for the color red. Or…perhaps the fact that New York Fashion Week fell during Valentine’s Day this year inspired designers to include the color of love into their Fall 2012 collections. Whatever the reason – I don’t care. I love red, and even more – I love the nod to the day set aside for romance. Let’s FALL in love…
Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012
Diane von Furstenburg Fall 2012
Christian Siriano Fall 2012
Rachel Zoe Fall 2012
Kevork Kiledjian Fall 2012
Wes Gordan Fall 2012
Moncler Grenoble Fall 2012
Images courtesy of http://www.style.com
While day 3 of New York Fashion Week offered a few amazing pant looks (which I have included in my rundown), I was most captivated by the dresses and outerwear. Here are my favorite dress looks from Day 3:
Former Project Runway Winner: Christian Siriano Fall 2012
I am a fan of anything with a built-in cape. Christian Siriano Fall 2012
I love that he paired such a feminine gown with a biker jacket. What a great way to mix up a frilly look. Christian Siriano Fall 2012
I love this cocktail dress. Although, most people (myself included) cannot pull off ankle boots with this hem length. So - if you are not of model height...opt for heels instead. Christian Cota Fall 2012
Christian Cota Fall 2012
This look has a lot going on - but the jacket....I love it. Christian Cota 2012
I am so happy to see that "happy colors" are still going to be around for fall. Dean Quinn Fall 2012
Ruffian Fall 2012
Amazing coat dress. Betty Draper meets Star Trek. Prabal Gurung Fall 2012
Who can resist a sweater with built-in fur pom-poms? So festive! Wes Gordan Fall 2012
I love the red lining...and the huge fur bangles are pretty fun too! Wes Gordan Fall 2012
Unfortunately, the non-model body type might have trouble with this look. My obvious suggestion is a more fitted top to accentuate the waistline. Wes Gordan Fall 2012.
Duro Olowu Fall 2012
Hervé Léger by Max Azria Fall 2012
Lacoste Fall 2012
Mara Hoffman Fall 2012
Rachel Zoe Fall 2012
Now for my “Pant Picks”:
Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012
Rachel Zoe Fall 2012
Rachel Zoe Fall 2012
Mixing prints is holding strong on the fall runways. This is a lot to carry off - but I really like proportions. Duro Olowu Fall 2012
Band of Outsiders Fall 2012
All images courtesy of http://www.style.com
Our last day in Saint Petersburg was divided between a quick tour through St. Isaac’s cathedral (just across the street from our hotel), a bit of shopping, and a bit of errand running. We don’t normally have errands to run on vacation…but then again, we don’t normally get fined for trying to enter a country illegally – therefore forcing us into “fine paying” errand running.
First stop – St. Isaac’s. I am so glad that we did not leave Saint Petersburg without seeing the inside of this gorgeous cathedral. Like everything else we saw, it is gilded and decorated in an over-the-top manner. One thing is sure, the Russians certainly believe that Jesus prefers gold leaf to wood; however, according to Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade…this is not the case.
Inside the stunning St. Isaac's Cathedral
Brett on top of the colonnade at St. Isaac's. It was freezing...but it was worth it! Beautiful views of the city.
View of St. Isaac's Cathedral from our hotel room
St. Isaac's Interior
Second stop – random Russian bank. With the help of our hotel concierge, we located a nearby branch of the bank that would accept payment for our Immigration fine. So, we took in the sloppily, handwritten form and hoped for the best. Fortunately, without so much as one word of English spoken, we were able to complete the task, get a copy of a very official receipt, and head on our merry way. Based on our debacle at the airport, we allowed 2 hours for this, but surprisingly – we were in and out in about 30 minutes. Kind of makes you think that it happens a lot, right?
Third stop – a bit of shopping. We couldn’t leave without buying a few trinkets! We picked up some traditional gifts for friends and family at home (you will get them when we come home in May!) Here are my favorite items that we picked up for ourselves…
"The Woman in the Red Hat" by local Saint Petersburg artist Aminov Khalim. Oil on Canvas. The oranges and reds go perfectly in our apartment. Plus - I love a lady in a hat!
Gold, black enamel, and diamond egg pendant created by local Saint Petersburg jeweler Alexey Pomelnieov. A sweet reminder of our trip and a symbol of new life and love. A big thank you to my wonderful husband!
A thank you kiss for my "little egg" !
Enjoying one last glass of champagne at The Kandinsky Bar at the Hotel Astoria before heading to the airport.
Day 2 of New York Fashion Week had a true feeling of luxe. My favorite looks of the day encompassed rich colors, an abundance of fur, and classic silhouettes…(with a 2012 twist of course). Have a look!
Billy Reid Fall 2012
Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2012
Jason Wu Fall 2012
Jason Wu Fall 2012
NAHM Fall 2012
Nicole Miller Fall 2012
Peter Som Fall 2012
Peter Som Fall 2012
Rag & Bone Fall 2012
Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2012
St. John Fall 2012
Tess Giberson Fall 2012
Tess Giberson Fall 2012
Yigal Azrouel Fall 2012
Yigal Azrouel Fall 2012
Do you have a favorite? I would love to know!
All images courtesy of http://www.style.com
Here are a few of my favorites from New York Fashion Week Day 1. What do you think?
Chadwick Bell Fall 2012
Chadwick Bell Fall 2012
Jenni Kayne Fall 2012
BCBG Max Azria Fall 2012
Juan Carlos Obando Fall 2012
Nicholas K Fall 2012 - I like this look - sans TERRIBLE wig, heroine make-up, and harsh ankle boots...
Images courtesy of http://www.style.com
It is official! New York Fashion Week is officially underway. I am truly green with envy. Perhaps I will just wear one of these amazing looks as I run my errands today in Beijing.
Running errands in Beijing = The opposite of front row runway seats and the lights of Lincoln Center.
Carolina Herrera Spring 2012
Chris Benz Spring 2012
Diane von Furstenburg Pre-Fall 2012
Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012
Jono Fui Spring 2012
Kenzo Spring 2012
Images courtesy of http://www.style.com
While New York Fashion Week doesn’t officially start until February 9th, there are always a few designers who deliver their collections early. Here are a few of my favorites from the past two days.
I love the mix up of this look - a little school girl with the pleated jumper and blue Oxford shirt...a little bohemian with the fur...and a little ladylike with the long gloves. 10 Crosby by Derek Lam Fall 2012
I love the idea of a printed tuxedo jacket. Michael Angel Fall 2012
I have had a red pair of pants similar to these hanging in my closet for months. This looks inspires me to take them for a day-about-town. I think pairing them with flats, as opposed to heels gives them a more classic look. Less "red hooker pants" ...more "errand running ensemble". Steven Alan Fall 2012
GREAT fall jumpsuit. Z Spoke by Zac Posen Fall 2012
Perhaps it is a bit Charlie Chaplin...but I would swap out the flats for heels and cinch the waist with a thin, bright-colored belt to "ladylike" it up a bit. Steven Alan Fall 2012
I love a suit with a full skirt. It really adds a bit playfulness to everyday business attire. Z Spoke by Zac Posen Fall 2012
Images courtesy of http://www.style.com.
A Blonde in Beijing 