New In - Dolce & Gabbana Fall / Winter 2012

So I was slightly (read totally) obsessed with DOLCE & GABBANA Fall / Winter 2012 collection. Mostly because I have a dream of one day being a Sicilian princess who wears lace everyday, owns too many sexy pencil skirts, and dons a pearl tiara just to run mundane errands. I was so excited to snag a few pieces from the season. The first piece is a black stretch lace top with pearl buttons along the center back. It was the shirt featured under the coat from look 52. The bottom hem is scalloped so it's perfect for wearing with pants, but it will also pair well tucked into a skirt. The pearl buttons add the element of decadence that D&G is known for. I also picked up a pair of riding pants. They have zippered pockets in the front and back as well as zippers by the ankles, but trust me it's not too much. All the zippers work well and most importantly, with the perfect amount of stretch, they fit phenomenally. I will definitely be investing in more DOLCE & GABBANA pants in the future. Many more.

My third acquisition from the collection is a black high waisted pencil skirt with embroidered lace panels on the side. I love pencil skirts. I love high waisted ones even more. The addition of lace makes this particular skirt quite perfect. The detail on the skirt is exquisite; it is what makes the piece special and not just another black skirt. I own at least three pairs of shoes that will look good with it. It was featured in look 23 with an even lacier white top. I will probably pair it with something maybe less lace-y, but I do want to wear it with a top that will maintain the original feel. I'm thinking a silk blouse...

PHOTOS VIA STYLE.COM, ADC 

Valentino The Last Emperor

Somerset House is currently hosting the Valentino Master of Couture exhibit until the 3rd of March. I am deeply saddened that I am not currently in London and have no plans to be so before then. The exhibit will focus on Valentino's work in couture, displaying over 130 garments that were worn by Fashion figures such as Jackie O and Sophia Loren.

The presentation also features a collection of personal correspondence, photographs, and original sketches. I love the idea of Valentino being a collector, preserving as much of his distinguished career for posterity as he can. I love that he has kept so many pieces of his memories and that he is sharing them with the world.

This exhibit also got me thinking about VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR, a documentary filmed covering the two years prior to Valentino's exit from his namesake company. If you are a Valentino fan and haven't seen this film, shame on you. GO BUY IT NOW!

The Fashion in the film is stunning and shows an in depth view into his life and work, but what I enjoyed most is the endearing relationship between Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti. A companionship that has spanned more than 50 years. The business of Fashion can sometimes be a treacherous, turbulent sea. It often can not be navigated alone. It is clear beyond a doubt that Giammetti is the mast that guides them home.

Gucci Fable Print Scarf

Next up in my accessories collection is my WOOL AND SILK BLEND GUCCI FABLE PRINT SCARF. It was a piece included in the Fall/Winter 2008 collection that Frida Giannini largely referenced Russian Folklore. The show was full of billowy tops and suede tassels, with some tapestry added for good measure. This particular scarf features a snowy outdoor scene of prowling tigers, wide eyed owls, and smoking bunny rabbits dressed in fashionable clothing. It is tobacco, I assume.

At roughly 54 inches by 54 inches, it's rather large and I usually fold it in half before casually draping it around my neck. I sometimes wear this scarf with a blazer, but it works well with just about all my jackets. The lively print easily adds color and texture to my outfits whilst providing some warmth. I use the scarf all year round and always take it with me when I travel. Airplane cabins tend to get a bit chilly, but that's no reason for style to suffer. Now, this fine scarf was a little more on the expensive side in terms of neckwear, but it truly was one of those pieces that caught my eye and I fell in Love. I invested because it's a special piece that I'm glad to have a part of my collection. And because well, I liked the bunnies!

PHOTOS BY ADC