Splurge vs. Steal

Speaking of skirts, I had my eye on the Chloe Inverted Pleat Skirt (on the left) at Barneys for a while.  But $850 seemed a bit much to spend on a tan skirt that I would probably drop gelato down the front of on the first warm day of spring.  (Have I mentioned there is a GROM truck parked on Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street now?!) 

While perusing the website of my new favorite retailer Massimo Dutti, I spied a similar tan Flared Linen Skirt for only $98. I walked over to their store on Fifth Avenue and 54th Street and picked it up today.  While there, a blog reader visiting from Brazil (Hi Ana Carolina!) recognized me and said hello.  What a small world! 

Anyway, I've been keeping my love of Massimo Dutti on the down low but it's definitely worth checking out.  I bought two really great coats there over the winter, a ring that looks like it's from Bulgari, a great blue shirt, and this Linen Pleated Dress for summer. I described the look as the Zara version of Brunello Cucinelli which was funny since I found out later that Massimo Dutti is owned by Zara. And they even have men's clothes! Happy Shopping!

N.B. Nope, not paid for this post either. 

Inspiration is Everywhere

I sometimes go to stores not just for shopping but for inspiration.  Often the paint colors and decoration borrow from home design so it makes sense. The new Chloe store in Soho is one of my new inspiring stores.  The pale grey exterior had me at hello but the brass rails, shelves, and light fixtures make me wish I had more room in my apartment. The pale colors of the clothes could not only fill your closet but inspire a neutral paint palette.  If you look hard enough, you will see that inspiration is everywhere.

click photos to enlarge

Knit Wit

I was wondering how these knit pants were going to look on a real person after seeing them on the Chloé runway.  Leave it to The Sartorialist to find a chic girl in Milan who looks amazing wearing them.  Now I know these pants aren't for everyone and not even my style but I love how they look with heels.  It's a modern silhouette that look fresh and the best part is that if you can't afford Chloé, Zara has a much more affordable version. 

Chloé Fall 2010 Knit Trousers

Zara Knit Trousers

Chic Inspiration

I was looking for a particular photo of Catherine Deneuve recently when I started to notice that many of her looks were reminding me of the Chloe collection for fall 2010.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think the late 1960's and early 1970's were one of the chicest times in fashion history.  These clothing in these photos have a timeless quality and could be worn today.  Catherine Deneuve will definitely be my inspiration when I'm getting dressed this fall!  Enjoy!

Chic in Camel

If you buy one thing this fall, make it something camel colored and if you want to splurge on something fantastic, make it something from Chloe. Their fall advertising is making me even more excited for crisp cool weather! Bon Weekend!

Love, Chloé

My friend Jessica and I are excited that fashion is moving away from the awful eighties and back to the seductive seventies and Chloé is doing it better than anyone! They just launched their new fragrance Love, Chloé in Paris at the chic restaurant Apicius which they even redecorated with seventies furniture. The pièce de résistance though was model and face of the fragrance Raquel Zimmermann driving up to the party in a gold Mercedes convertible with Roman Coppola. He directed the ridiculously chic commercial that will start airing this fall in which Raquel drives the same convertible and prances around Paris looking like a modern day Lisa Taylor. You have to check out the party video online that gives you a glimpse. Chloé has already inspired me to start growing out my hair. Now all I need is that darn Mercedes!