CURB APPEAL Fashion Week Preview

Although I've been covering the shows for four seasons now, this is the first New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for which CURB APPEAL has received its own credentials. It's exhilarating, satisfying, and just a bit heady. Bearing the responsibility of reporting for your own media outlet carries a different, and perhaps even heavier, weight than representing someone else's. Especially since you're now master of your domain with regard to where and when you bop around town.

Structuring your fashion week schedule, I've learned, is an artform. You're given a plethora of opportunities for coverage, in addition to your standard runway fare at the tents: parties, store openings, breakfasts, dinners, press lounges, networking mixers, and the growingly popular collection presentations are just some of the varieties potential coverage comes in. Separating the wheat from the chaff, therefore, becomes a crucial skill to develop in order to maximize your time and reporting.

My first few seasons, like a true greenhorn, I'd reply to the opening of a box of Kleenex: any and every invitation was seized upon. Even though I can't claim it was strategic at the time, I now think that approach was invaluable, as the sheer exhaustion I experienced at the end of each week ultimately forced me to sit down and really think about which events I tended to garner the best coverage from, and which ones I was hitting up for just face time (or booze).

That period of being less than discriminating also produced some indelible war stories, including winding up at a beauty soirée in a seedy hotel room for a Brand That Shall Not Be Named that I'm convinced, due to the heavy petting and frequent trips to the bathroom going on, eventually turned into an orgy (a fellow writer and I hastily beat feet when figuratively, and almost literally, 30 seconds after meeting him, one of the guests invited us to stay [translation: swing] with him and his wife at their Paris apartment).

This season, I've dialed down the show coverage to just designers I'm truly interested in, and limited the "scene-y" events to ones that only have potential good times for both me and y'all. Just some of the corners I'm looking forward to haunting:

• Target's dinner honoring my fashion fairy godmother and friend Bevy Smith


• Mackage's first Ready-to-Wear collection (those of you who see me in the streets and always ask about my wool coats with the great structured collars: this is their designer)


• The debut of bebe-Kardashian (hush!)


• Robert Verdi's Fashion Week kick-off Twitter party, which I'll also be covering for Honey Magazine

• The W Hotels Arrivals Lounge in the tents at Bryant Park
  

I'll also be organizing coverage by day rather than topic so that there's just one run-down to read (and write) all in one cozy place. Unless of course a party I attend actually does turn into an orgy while I'm there. That, I think, is deserving of its own post.

It's also the last season the shows will be staged in Bryant Park, and I'm hoping that someone decides to take up my idea of a huge, end-of-week bash in the lobby area with ?uestlove on the turntables and Ibiza club-style bubbles falling from the ceiling.

Stick with the CURB throughout Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, February 11 - 18, for our usual fun-loving coverage, and follow us in real-time on Twitter @realcurbappeal.

Image source: Attention PR

Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M Knitwear Collection Preview

A French colleague and I were trading anecdotes yesterday about how, as kids, we felt bereft that we didn't receive mail the way adults did, when getting mail seemed such a worldly and grown-up privilege. My colleague shared a story about one of her babysitters who, in what was meant as a kind gesture, sent her a letter, which apparently infuriated my then five year-old coworker. "Why?" I asked, thinking that if anything she should have been happy to get a piece of mail of her very own. "Because somewhere inside," she stated practically and with a shadow of her old childhood indignation, "I knew that she pitied me and I though, 'I don't want your pity!'" Throughout the rest of the afternoon, I kept conjuring an image of a red-faced, Madeline-like little girl, clutching a torn envelope tightly in her fist while shaking it up at her befuddled babysitter and shouting, "I don't want your pity!" The whole episode just struck me as utterly endearing and so very French.

Very French and endearing is also how I'd describe Sonia Rykiel's capsule collection for H&M, the latest in their mostly stellar series of designer collaborations. I had a chance to preview the wares last night at West Village boîte Bobo amid a wallop of fashion scenesters and models (Chanel Iman served as the house DJ). Nathalie Rykiel, Mme. Rykiel's daughter and the current President of the label, held court in a banquette under a barrage of interview and photo requests, one of which she kindly ceded to the Curb. (Look, Rykiel's a serious innovator and trailblazer in fashion, and I've followed her work practically since I picked up my first Vogue as a kid, so don't you judge me [too much] for that slightly manic, I-just-won-Publishers-Clearinghouse grin on my mug.)

My mind already on things French and Madeline, I think the collection itself embodies a style the beloved child heroine herself might have adopted if she grew up to own a bubbly, Dylan's-like candy shop, to which she'd ride a bike with a wicker basket every day. These clothes, too, do not want your pity: they are unapologetically fun and whimsical, and confident about it. Bright and bold colors abound, along with rhinestones, stripes, frills, and bows. Diminuitive cloth purses, breezy berets, skinny patent leather belts studded with grommets, and chunky bangles whose colors mirror that of the clothing make up some of the accessories. Several pieces are adorned with block-letter embellishments that spell out "Mon Pull" ("My Pullover"), which I loved as a wink-wink reference to the collection's roots in knitwear. Gals who go for mod-ish femininity will make a play for a lot of these pieces, and the rest of us will likely find one or two items to pair with and brighten up bland staples, such as jeans, a white button-down, or black pants.

The venue itself featured a bit of beauty and fashion-related detritus repurposed for décor (my blog sister-from-another-mister Felicia and I were endlessly amused by an old school standing hair-dryer-cum lamp); whether that was intentional or accidental, it added a cool thematic dash to the proceedings.And so, kids: that's all there is, there isn't anymore.

The Sonia Rykiel pour H&M knitwear collection arrives in stores February 20. Visit H&M's site for more details.

Classics: The Remix

At a moment in which many of us are focused on getting the best bang for our buck, classic pieces become even more treasured for their tried-and-true mileage and ability to come through in a pinch. Like blue chip stock, wrap dresses, LBDs, statement bags, trench coats, and go-to pumps are long-term investments that almost always pay off.

That said, classics are rarely impulse purchases, and normally take time and planning to successfully add to one's wardrobe. I know I'm making it sound like chess, but trust: when you're left staring helplessly at a pair of $300 lemon yellow suede keyhole booties you somehow convinced yourself at the time of purchase would be *the* shoe to cinch all the gaps in your wardrobe, you come to understand the value of strategic thinking.

We've all had our lemon yellow suede bootie moments, and I think what often leads us to them is not so much the desire to own a citrus-hued boot, but the shake-up from the routine that it offers. Much as we know that classics are a smart investment, let's face it: rarely does the appeal of picking up a sensible black blazer match that of buying something with a little bit of daring in its design. It's that daring that we're attracted to, and the idea that this piece will differentiate us from the Aldo and H&M-wearing masses.

To achieve a happy medium, start combining your twin desires for practicality and pizazz, and take some calculated risks on your basics. The trick is to find clothes and accessories with distinguishing details whose functionality isn't impeded by their flash. I find the "Can it go with a skirt and a blouse, as well as a pair of jeans and t-shirt?" litmus test extremely helpful in gauging many pieces' versatility and potential for outfit enhancement.

Add a satin lapel here, a patent leather finish there; a flash of animal print, a dash of ruffle. Folds, tucks, and asymmetrical hems can also add a flourish of difference. What's appropriate for daywear has now changed to include sequins, lace, and well-placed sheer panels--so take advantage of them in modified doses, too. Switch the color of your day-to-day bag from black to a rich navy, emerald, or chocolate. The possibilities for changing up your routine are out there in a wide variety.

The below slideshow is meant as a guide but there are some fantastic finds in there I'd cop in a heartbeat for my classics cache (the Vivienne Tam dress and Vivier flats are toying with my emotions in a very good way...).

Image Source: Shopstyle

The Best Little Necklace You're Not Wearing

The feelings that accompany sliding on a beloved piece of jewelry are akin to those that surface when you don a favorite t-shirt: the security in knowing that its fit is tried-and-true; the comfort it envelops you in; the confidence that you need not once look down to tug, turn, or push it back into place - good jewelry evokes this, too. Usually, it takes months - sometimes years - to become that cozy with a piece of bijoux but once in a while the connection is instant. Especially when it comes at a reasonable $45.00 price point and with the name "RJ GRAZIANO" on its tag.

This pretty lady landed in my lap (literally) as a gift from Robert Verdi at his recent Valentine's Day Gift Guide Tweet-Up, and I haven't stopped cooing over her ever since. Officially, she's called R. J. GRAZIANO's Clear Lucite Bubble Bead Necklace but we've become so well-acquainted that I've taken to calling her "Bubbles." Unlike her namesake, the only place she's strung out is perfectly around your neck, and she'll work for you day and night without needing a fix.
Needless to say, we've bonded instantly (the beads go especially well with the color grey, which I recently proclaimed my conqueror for 2010 in this Honey Magazine article). Lightweight, multi-purposeful, and striking yet simple in its design, it's a fantastic, affordable addition to your accessories cache you'll get mileage out of for years to come (Lucite, like roaches, never dies). Also, at $45.00, it comes in at a great price point for a gift or to just treat yourself. Pick it up online or in-store at Lord & Taylor.

FYI: RJ GRAZIANO's got some sweet and similarly affordable pieces in his line for HSN (like KFC, no one says "Home Shopping Network" anymore - get familiar), which I stumbled upon while writing this post. The "Luster Cluster" is my fave, both name and style-wise. Luster and Bubbles might well become sister-wives soon!



Top Image Source: Lord & Taylor

...And We're Back.

"Are we on the air, suga? "

Well, we are again now.

After a hiatus that included one New York Fashion Week car accident, several freelance assignments, a few setbacks, and ____ (insert the garden-variety interruption of your choosing and you've got it: work, personal life, "Friday Night Lights" mega-marathons), your friendly neighborhood CURB APPEAL stoop-sitter is back on the block.

First, thanks to all of you who, despite the blog's relative infancy and unforeseen break, expressed your appreciation of it and kept asking that it to come back. Although we like to keep it semi-light and mildly inappropriate around here, I'm sincere when I say (write?) it's truly encouraging to know that people besides those on my payola roll are paying attention.

Second, the blog began rather ambitiously for one such as I (kept down by The Man full-time, juggler of multiple freelance commitments) with twice-a-day updates, and, unfortunately, it's not a frequency I can maintain right now given my schedule. So, until this baby starts pulling down the kind of cash that allows me to frequent Weezy's jeweler-dentist, it'll probably be a 2-3 post per week gig. But I promise to make 'em good and memorable.

Finally, the blog's credo is "Style Worth a Second Look," and style being the all-encompassing banner that it is, the content we feature will broaden to occasionally include pop culture, arts, news, and a random musing or three, in addition to the usual fashion and beauty detritus. It keeps it interesting for all of us and, really, how many times can I expound on the beauty of my signature pair of vintage Chanel clip-ons (Actually, it never gets tiring. Hence the accompanying photo).

There's a lot coming up: Grammy and Oscar fashion, New York Fashion Week (CURB APPEAL was approved for its first NYFW credentials ever - solid!), and nearly five months of saved-up fashion and beauty thoughts, observations, and misguided attempts [by others] to wear satin. Do call on us and check in at the CURB once again when you round the corner at Fashion Ave. online.

In the meantime: ya girl is back. Who else gon' help you understand a broad with a mean shoe game?

Fashion Week: Morning Roundup

After hitting up the BCBG show (lovely, lots of dresses, on the whole predictable) this morning, I'm now chillin' at the Haute Look Lounge for bloggers in a sweet penthouse around the tents.

In case you don't know HauteLook, they're an online, members-only shopping site chosen by People Magazine as one of the 15 best ways to save money. Aside from having some of the best merch on the Web, they're graciously hosting us famished, hard-working writers throughout the course of New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, so Curb Appeal will be sending mad love their way.

On the schedule today is model-turned-designer Lois Samuels' collection "The Vessel." My girl Felicia from ThisThatBeauty is the Creative Director and Lead Makeup Artist for the show, so we'll be backstage with her and Lois.

For Fashion's Night Out, I'll be in Queens covering Anna Wintour's event at Macy's, and then it's back to the Manhattan to see where the night takes me. Celeb sightings, fashion gossip, and, of course, style worth a second look to come!

Seen ünd Heard: Fashion Week

It's finally here! New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks-off today with the much-hyped Fashion's Night Out. Seen ünd Heard is abbreviated because I'm on the go right now (up first: BCBG) but I'll be updating throughout the day. Stay tuned!

Also, your trusty Curb Appeal minion will be out at Macy's in the Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst covering Anna Wintour, Michael Kors, Blake Lively, and the cast of Hair. After that, I'm back in Manhattan for some evening shenanigans. Follow me on Twitter @realcurbappeal for the highlights and lowlights.

LET'S GO!
xoxo

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Curbside: Paper Magzine's 25th Anniversary Party

When the Tweets started dropping about how Liza Minnelli was belting out numbers at PAPER Magazine's 25th Anniversary party last night, I had the urge to do something I normally shy away from for fear of having it imprinted in people's heads for ages to come: party crashing. Few things will force me to even consider it but Judy's daughter is one of 'em.

Here's the scene roundup from last night's bash, which was held at the venerable and dear-to-my-heart New York Public Library on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue:

PAPER E-I-C "Mr." Mickey Boardman and designer Catherine Malandrino. M.B. is serving major Studio 54/Aladdin business in those sequins and slippers. Loves and loves!

Samantha Mathis, where did you go after Pump Up the Volume? My affected teenage cool was totally based on you!

Love Amanda Lepore and Betsey Johnson each individually. Do not love that they are beginning to resemble one another.

Amber Rose is such a Warhol Factory-like creation/phenomenon. I'm surprised PAPER hasn't done a piece on her rise.

My BF once saying he liked Amerie's legs is not at all the reason they're not in this pic. Not at all!

Any chance to put friend-in-my-head Thelma Golden in a roundup goes not untapped.

Janelle Monae's a cutie pie but the Chuck Berry homage is starting to wear a bit thin. She seems like a gal to maybe pull out cool second act, though...

Seen ünd Heard

Tyra Banks un-wigged and de-weaved to share with folks her real hair. When showing your own tresses becomes an act of bravery, what's the underlying message about how (un)comfortable you are with your natural features? Concrete Loop asks similar questions.

Then again, when a dating coach encourages you to get a weave in order to land a husband, as one did to ESSENCE contributor Elayne Fluker, you begin to understand perhaps why some people attach themselves the yaki a bit tighter (no pun).

Sweet little piece on Diane von Furstenberg in the New York Observer that captured the beauty of DVF's wide appeal through describing a typical moment at her Meatpacking District store: "Nearby, a woman in her 40s or maybe 50s, her face covered in pancake makeup, was trying on leather-trimmed leggings. Another, younger lady was carrying a New York Review of Books tote as she perused the racks. Downstairs, a daughter lounged on a magenta couch while her mother examined herself in the mirror."

In addition to hooking up on a nifty art project, Anna Sui and Target (née Tarjzhay) have collaborated on a Gossip Girl-inspired collection that you'll be able to cop at the NYC Sui/Target Pop-Up Store starting tomorrow, September 10. Head to 54 Crosby Street (at Spring) for the gossipy goods.

Stylelist recruits five women to test "neon," "metallics," and "body-conscious dressing" among other popular styles for the season in their Real Women Wear the Fall Trends piece.

The Moment has a Q&A with one of my favorite designers, the normally publicity-shy Dries Van Noten. What we learn? He'll probably never collaborate with a mass merch retailer like Tarjzhay or H&M (boooo!), he's an avid follower and supporter of pop culture (yay!), and he has a horny pooch who barks up a storm when he spies his doggy girlfriend outside Van Noten's apartment (normal!).

Heels got your feet in an uproar? The Frisky (via Refinery 29) finds a way to turn those lemons into lemonade (and funky neck jewelry).

Also via Refinery 29: Forbes' List of Top Ten Fashion Editors.

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Stylesaver: The Dreaded Fall Wardrobe Transition

My jones for fall clothes is serious at the moment. After the worst New York City summer for fashion in recent memory (a Morse code-like repition of "rain-heat-heat-rain"), my legs can't wait to get into opaque tights and boots, and I keep running my hands over my cashmere sweaters to reassure them (and myself) that I'll soon be wearing them.

That said, there's still some time left before it's cold enough to wear any of the above consistently: in the interim, we're left to suffer through 55 degree mornings that sometimes lead into 75 degree afternoons. So what the heck do you wear that's comfy for the next few weeks of schizo weather?

Layers are key. Bright, crisp hues that throw towards fall without completely leaving summer behind (darker citrus colors, mustard, fuchsia, royal blue). Cardigans. A navy blazer over a funky dress always adds a cool, serious touch to a light outfit that's perfect for these in-between times. Small, textured details like brooches (I'm officially declaring them back) and eye-catching headbands. Dresses should be sleeveless so that you can easily layer over them (avoids bulky arms, and also a good way to go from day to night). And go for open-toe booties or skimmer flats, which allow you to retain some of summer's breeziness while giving you a more substantial shoe for the cooler weather. And for us stocking devotees, it's now cool enough to get away with sexy sheer tights.

Here's what Stylesaver has on tap for the transition to fall: