Just Touched Down in London Town

I feel like someone was keeping a secret from me for a long time. Why hadn't I heard about Jaeger London before? I don't think I will be angry for long because looking at their Spring 09 collection makes me happy. The neon-colored pieces are shocking without looking like they're trying too hard and all of the florals and structured pieces are refined, yet casual.

Hope for the Future of the World (and Fashion)

I am ready for a change. No pressure Obama. The fashion world is all a twitter about Mrs. Obama's wardrobe and her opportunity to promote American designers. I just did a few google searches and I have to tell you that the information on African American designers (past, present, and up-and-coming) is lacking. You can't tell me that there aren't many out there. Looking to the future: Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, Patrick Robinson, Stephen Burrows, and Kai Milla. Here's hoping that starting tomorrow, more doors open for African Americans in all industries. Here are some White House worthy ensembles that Michelle Obama would look great in.

Details: Gold Trench by Tracy Reese, Mauve Suit by Stephen Burrows, Fuschia/Black Print Top and Skirt by Rachel Roy, and Black Evening Gown by Kai Milla.

To See Her is to Take a Sudden Chill...

I never tire of seeing the black-white-red combination and I don't think enough women know about it. Black and white is a no-brainer but adding a bit of red "kicks it up a notch" as Emeril says. Cruella De Vil is not a woman I would aspire to be like (cruelest woman of the city, literally) but she knows about B-W-R and puts it to good use.

Details: Houndstooth Coat from Liz Claiborne, Red Dress from J. Crew, Striped Scarf from White House Black Market, Red Belt from Kenneth Cole, Sunglasses from Pucci, Heels from ALDO, Red "Noeud d'Amor" Bag from Valentino, and Black Dress from Christian Lacroix.

Wild Prints Illicit Response

The other day I took out my faux-snakeskin purse to pay for something when the male cashier made a hissing sound (honestly, only in New York). I acted as if I hadn't heard anything of course. Maybe if I was feeling a bit spunkier I would have hissed back. I may not have animal instincts but I am a wild print convert. I used to think they looked tacky, no matter the item's price tag, but I am embracing them now. Here are some wild heels that may illicit a few responses for you when worn with the right ensemble.

Details: Giraffe Heels from Charlotte Russe, Zebra Heels from Marciano, Grey Snakeskin Booties from FRYE, and Bronze Snakeskin Heels from Arturo Chiang.

I Want to be a Bond Girl

I'm possibly some form of a feminist, (the definition varies from one lunch table to the next in the cafeteria) but I love James Bond movies. Despite the fact that many of the Bond girls are disposable sex objects, I want to be a Bond girl. I just finished watching one of the older films, Thunderball, and I am envious of Domino's wardrobe and impressed by her guts. How did Domino keep her cool knowing that Largo might discover her true intentions, never mind the possibility that she might expose herself in that mesh maillot? If you're up to the task of braving the beach in mesh, here are two Gottex options. For those of us who have less guts at the moment, there are mesh heels at asos.com and a beautiful dress with mesh detail by Cynthia Rowley in her Spring 09 collection.

Chloé Creates Yummy Puff Pastries

Dear Hannah MacGibbon,

You know the way to my heart. Clothing + Pastries = Bliss. Your adorable Spring 09 collection whet both my fashion and food appetites. If you'll excuse me, there is a raspberry turnover calling my name.

Best,
Chloé Foodie

P.S. The dessert in the picture is Apricot Puff Pastry Twists with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Color Combo: Orange and Blue

This past summer I bought a knock-off, bright orange bag in Chinatown (tip: always go there on weekdays, especially in the summer tourist season if you want to avoid crowds and get better deals). The color of the bag has received equal numbers of eyebrow raises as it has compliments. You have to take risks right? Phillip Lim is thankfully on my side and featured bright orange in a supporting role in his 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2009 collection. The baby blue-bright orange combination is beautiful.