The Little Red Dress

“Red has guts… deep, strong, dramatic. A geranium red.  A Goya red… to be used like gold for furnishing a house... for clothes, it is strong, like black or white.” - Valentino

I’m paying homage to Valentino’s perfectly crafted red in this fit and flare Alexander McQueen dress.  After cultivating his creativity at the Parisian salons of Guy Laroche and Jean Dessès, Valentino opened his own atelier in Rome.  His first collection in 1959 marked the debut of “Valentino red,” his signature hue inspired by poppies.  Valentino redefined red; he transformed a color into a mood that is undeniably seductive.  The rest is history…

The great appeal of this dress is that it is hugs the right curves and hides the wrong ones.  The simplicity of its construction makes it the perfect piece to dress down.  I refuse to abide by the rule that cocktail dresses only can be worn on special occasions.  In my world, every day is a special occasion.   

I’ve “casual-ized” with a vintage Yves Saint Laurent sweater that I practically live in, Loeffler Randall platforms, an Anthropologie necklace, and a Gedney Hatattack hat. 

Red dress: Alexander McQueen (Alexander McQueen)

Sweater: Vintage Saint Laurent (Gabrielle Geppert)

Shoes: Loeffler Randall (Barney's)

Hat: Gedney Hatattack(Intermix)
Necklace: Anthropologie

The Art-Print Tee

I've always believed that fashion is art, but Carven offers a more literal interpretation of this belief in their A/W 2012 collection. Thanks to Guillame Henry's sartorial genius, Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights has abandoned the Museo del Prado for a more stylish home. This silk tee is the ideal for art history majors and fashionistas alike. Paired with a skinny-pleated metallic skirt, a nautical themed blazer, and color-blocked platforms, this tee maintains the perfect combination of quirky and cool.   Currently I'm escaping the cold in Palm Beach which is why I am frolicking on the sand instead of shivering in the snow.

 

Silk Print Tee: Carven (Totokaelo)

Metallic Skirt: Prada (Saks)

Blazer: Thom Browne (Neiman Marcus for Target)

Shoes: Loeffler Randall (Barney's)

Sunglasses: Linda Farrow (4510)
Bag and necklace: Prada and Van Cleef & Arpels (My mother's closet)