The new sandal

I'm not sure I remember a season in which the sandal was so exciting. For many years I ignored the sandal altogether, opting for either a simple flip flop or a pump with no in between. But this year, I'm going gaga over the reinvention of summer's favorite footwear.

Coye Nokes Eva Platform Sandal ($495)

Chie Mihara Joven Flat Thong Sandal ($342)

Matt Bernson Delphine ($189)

 Jil Sander Wedge Sandals ($450)

Elizabeth and James Ankle Cuff Leather Sandals ($325)

See by Chloe 1 Band Wedge Sandals ($320)

Rebecca Minkoff Trott Cut-Out Black Pebble Sandal ($375)

Images: Coye Nokes, Piperlime, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, Rebecca Minkoff

Mission accomplished: red pants

Awhile back I wrote about red pants being a big trend for spring. Well, last night at the Bon Jovi show, I debuted my own pair.

Zara red pants, J Crew t-shirt and sweater

 So what's next?  Blue? Maybe purple? Stay tuned...

Pucci Spring RTW '11                                             Louis Vuitton Spring RTW '11

Photos: style.com

Behind the scenes: Fall Ready-To-Wear 2011

I ripped this image out of an Italian fashion magazine more than ten years ago. It seemed so glamorous...someone really gets paid to do this?

A few years later I got to go backstage before several shows during New York Fashion Week, and it really was one of the most exciting places to be. There, make-up artists, hair stylists, PR reps, designer assistants, journalists and photographers buzz about, while models sit languidly listening to iPods and chatting on the phone. Below, these photographs captured backstage moments from the Fall shows that define the moments before the catwalk.

Photos: style.com, nymag.com, thedailybeast.com, wwd.com

Dramatic finales

Attending a runway show is much like riding a roller coaster. Anticipation builds as you wait in a long line, and once seated, momentum slowly increases as guests take their seats and the lights dim.

Then suddenly the spotlight snaps on, the music starts, and the first model turns the corner onto the catwalk. But as quickly as it began, it's over.

Often, my favorite part of the show is the finale, when all the models parade onto the runway at one time. This is when you notice what a masterpiece a fashion collection is -- the subtle design elements that carry through look after look, the cohesive theme that develops from the first model to the last, and the role styling plays in making designs memorable. Here are some of my favorite final moments from the Fall 2011 shows (Lanvin, Christian Dior, Prabal Garung, Rodarte and Chanel).





Photos: style.com

Chanel, Blake & a litle Florence

At the party thrown in her honor last night in Paris, Blake Lively wore a shimmery metallic minidress from Chanel's Spring Couture 2008 collection. Like at the NYC party, she accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels.

According to The New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn, the cocktail party was held in Chanel's couture salon, which was a first. The gathering featured one more guest of honor, Florence Welch (of English band Florence + The Machine), who appears to be Blake's current bestie. Apparently, Welch (also in Chanel) sang a few numbers for Karl Lagerfeld and his very pleased crowd. Sounds like a perfect Paris Fashion Week party to me!

Blake Lively at La Grenouille in NYC

At a dinner in her honor, Blake Lively wore a white minidress by Chanel, the label for which she was just named ambassador for the Madamoiselle handbag ad campaign.

Lively accessorized with emerald earrings by Lorraine Schwartz and Christian Louboutin pumps. Her dress was from Chanel's Spring '09 Haute Couture show...wonder what she'll choose for a repeat dinner in Paris this weekend?