From the Fashion Library - Deluxe How Luxury Lost Its Luster

After reading Elizabeth L. Cline's OVERDRESSED THE SHOCKINGLY HIGH COST OF CHEAP FASHION I couldn't help but find myself wondering about the other side of the industry, about the luxury market. Enter DELUXE HOW LUXURY LOST ITS LUSTER by Dana Thomas. This book essentially picks up where OVERDRESSED left off.

Being a purveyor of luxury goods, I am always very interested to know more about the origins of my items and I enjoy learning and exploring the history behind the brand. Knowing the story behind the dress or handbag only adds to the fantasy... and to the luxury. Sadly, fashion these days has become more about commerce and less about art. This had led companies to offer us a watered down version of luxury in a bid to boost profits. Unfortunately, there is a gross difference between what luxury was and what it is today. DELUXE exposes this truth. Themes include how licensing and greed played a major role in luxury's downfall.

I enjoyed this book so much because it really makes you think about fashion and its deep history that is both glamourous and ugly. Thomas' text only reinforces the idea that one must become an educated consumer. While it is unlikely that we will always know every step of the path that our purchases have made, we should make an effort to learn more about it. DELUXE is well written and full of secrets. It is a great addition to any fashion library and arguably sports the most clever book cover I've ever seen.

PHOTO BY ADC 

Orange Crush

I have to admit my wardrobe does not include many brightly colored garments. It's no secret that I have a preference for darker hues. I think I'm mostly drawn to the way they look against the skin. I'd like to say I found this orange dress by SWEDISH BRAND ACNE STUDIOS, but truth is it found me. I was casually perusing the store one day when I came across this frock hanging in the wrong section and on the wrong floor. Immediately I was drawn to it as it was just too bright to miss. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I decided to try it on and fell in Love. Discoveries like these are the reasons I believe in serendipity. 

THIS DRESS from the Spring / Summer 2013 features a center back zipper, pleating detail around the neck, and a slightly blouson top. I did have the garment shortened to a length I felt was more pleasing to my height. I paired it with my gold YSL Belle du Jour clutch and my Gucci Noah nude patent leather half D'Orsay pump from Fall/Winter 2012. I also wore a recently added piece to my accessories collection, my gold Kenneth Jay Lane gold coral cuff. 

These photos were taken at the Highline Park in the Meatpacking District, a perfect place to soak up some sun and sample gelato. It is said that the colors of red and yellow promote feelings of lust, Love, and happiness. There is no coincidence that while wearing this glowing combination of the two, I couldn't help but smile.

PHOTOS BY AAP

Little Black Frock

While every girl knows ones wardrobe must contain a LITTLE BLACK DRESS, I have to admit I tend to buy a lot of black dresses. I'm partial to black. I love it for its simplicity and inherent chicness. Now, I used to feel bad about purchasing multiple garments in black, but I've since learned to embrace it. I believe that it's okay to buy another black dress. The trick is to choose them so that they are all a bit different. Special if you will. I am so pleased that my wardrobe contains this black FENDI sleeveless dress from Spring/Summer 2013. Yes, it is another LBD, but this one features a flared skirt and a textured pattern. Something different to what I already own.

We took these photos at Lincoln Center, home to New York Fashion Week. I wore my Louis Vuitton Feerique black satin t strap sandals from the 2007 Spring/Summer collection. They feature an impressive hollowed out hammered gold heel that's surprisingly fairly easy to walk in. A little research and I learned that feerique is French and translates in English to fairy like. What a fitting name for this shoe. This frock is what I would consider proper cocktail attire; fitting for any fabulous evening party or stylish runway show. Lincoln Center often hosts these sorts of events, which is why I felt this setting was so appropriate...

PHOTOS BY LAUREN GEER 

MAKE UP BY OH SO RACHEL