Who Watches the Watchmen?

Since I live in New York, I have a lot of friends who work for fashion designers, magazines, and pr firms.  I am often privy to how things really work behind the scenes.  If you want insight into it too, I suggest reading Who Watches the Watchmen? an Op-Ed piece on the Business of Fashion site.  What's always amazed me is that bloggers are required to state when they've been paid for a post or given free product but magazines who always place products by advertisers in editorials are not. Something to ponder today. The piece also makes me really miss Full Frontal Fashion, Fashion File, and Style with Elsa Klensch. 

Photo taken by me during fall 2011 fashion week.

Thanks Aerin!

Big thanks to my style and business idol Aerin Lauder for including me on her list of twitter accounts to follow during fashion week! I love being sandwiched between NY1 Weather, very important to follow when getting dressed each day, and legendary fashion designer Michael Kors.  

Twitter:
NY1 Weather: @NY1WeatherHeather Clawson: @HabituallyChicMichael Kors: @MichaelKors


Instagram:Carolyn Murphy: @CarolynMurphyLauren Santo Domingo: @TheLSD


While I might have complained about the weather in LA recently on twitter, I try not to complain about anything during fashion week (except maybe when someone steals my seat) because I know a million girls (and a few boys) would kill to be there. The fun starts for me on Wednesday afternoon and runs though February 14th if you want to follow along too. 

You can check out the full list of "ten social-savvy industry insiders and the Twitter and Instagram accounts that, in addition to @voguemagazine, they love to follow" here. 

Belstaff on the Runway

One of the most exciting shows I attended during fashion week was Belstaff.  The Spring 2013 show was their first runway presentation since Martin Cooper has taken over as designer and it didn't disappoint.  The muted tones were a welcome respite after all the color elsewhere that week. There were definitely hints to the motorcycle jackets the company is known for but they were reinterpreted into buttery soft perforated leathers and smaller hardware details. If you can't wear the short shorts, you can always pick up one of the new bags or the platform sandals that I know many already have their eye on for spring.  It was a sophisticated and sexy show without being in your face and I am anxious to see the line evolve.  I actually sat next to new owner Harry Slatkin who was standing at his own show.  He was very excited to dust off this old brand and give it new life.  He also let me know that the new Madison Avenue Belstaff store had quietly opened that same day.  It was designed by Bill Sofield who also designs stores for Tom Ford.  Needless to say, the store is as chic as the clothes.  Happy Shopping. 

Belstaff

814 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10065

The front row at Belstaff included Tommy and Dee Hilfiger, John Demsey of Estee Lauder and Hamish Boweles of Vogue. 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Shop Bazaar

When I first met Joyann King, the site editor of Harper's Bazaar, I told her how much I loved "shopping" the magazine.  I love that it's full of pieces at every price level and something for everyone. Now you can actually shop the magazine online. This morning, I attended an intimate breakfast hosted by editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey who gave us a peek into Shop Bazaar, their new online store.  They've partnered with American Express and Saks Fifth Avenue but also work directly with designers to bring the best of the magazine straight to your closet.  Right now, the fall selection is limited but the store should increase to over 1,000 items for spring.  To request an invitation, click here.  Happy Chic Shopping!

Fade to Black

The temperature cooled down in New York and the fashion flock is embracing black at the shows.  It seems right after all that color this summer and is always my go to on grey days.  We have Coco Chanel to thank for the little black dress and I might wear my own today.  Also seems fitting given the date.