my fall shopping list

I've been barely back at work one week, and my repressed shopping need is already back full strength!

While I was home full time with the baby I lived on a reduced salary and found ways to save and be careful with money. After all, I was content to be with my little princess, and everything else was secondary in importance.

Now that I am, once again, walking the office runways, modeling the streets and riding the fashion subway, there is no way around it: I need new clothes!

Here is my wish list for this fall season:

1) The shoes, the shoes!
We know I want shoes. If I get lucky I might even get them today! Of course, I'm talking about the Tory Burch ones.

2) A new coat.
Holy crap, do I need a new coat! I've had many different coats these past years, but it's been a while since I've really loved any of them. And yes, you should love your coat, especially if you live in New York and you get to wear it eight months out of the year!

3) Fancy Tights.
I really love these ones from Miu Miu.

The problem is they probably cost a million dollar, and if you have it to spend I say: "Great! Go get them!"

But if you are more like me, you try to find ways around the not spending the million dollar you don't have anyway...

So the more I look at these tights, the more I think: "I could make those myself..."

Well, stay tuned, and you might just get a post on how to make your own Miu Miu embellished tights!

4) Cashmere!
On a cool fall morning, I love slipping on a soft cashmere sweater. I could buy 10 new cashmere sweaters every year, all in different colors.

Banana Republic used to be a decent source for cashmere sweaters, and they used to sell them at around $70 each.

I wrote "used to" because they don't sell them anymore. Blame the economy if you wish, but today the closest thing to those cashmere sweaters are these blends of 31% Cotton, 25% Silk, 20% Viscose, 17% Nylon, 4% Cashmere, 3% Spandex. Now say that three times fast!

On a different note, I don't need a new bag (I can't even believe I just wrote that).

The truth is my "handbags space" in my closet is full at this point, and I think I'm pretty much covered, especially if you add "diaper bags" to the equation! ;)

What will you be buying this fall?

birthday present: tory burch shoes?

Back in July I was debating if spending $325 on a pair of shoes while on maternity leave was a good idea. The pair of shoes in question was Tory Burch's Lillian Pump.

In the end, I decided against it, especially because the high heels didn't look like the best choice to wear while carrying my newborn around.

But, as with any object of desire, the craving never really went away...

Soooo, under completely new circumstances, I feel I am allowed to re-evaluate that old choice of not buying.

What are the new circumstances? Well, for starters, today is my Birthday!!! And I should buy myself a present, don't you think??? Yes! Thank you!

Secondly, on a sad note, I am going back to work next week, boo hoo I know... but at least that means office environment with no infants around, which means I need/can wear nice new shoes! Right?

Ok, so in re-evaluating my choice, I've actually expanded my vision and looked at other Tory Burch's shoes as well, so now I am confused! But let me show you...

The Lillian Pump that started it all!

It comes in the brown suede option I first wanted, but it also comes in the easier to match black suede, or in a gorgeous black leather with patent trim!

The stacked heel (3 3/4") is what I love about it and what scares me at the same time (might be uncomfortable?)

Price is $325


The Efren Mid Heel Pump.

It's basically the Lillian pump with a smaller heel (2"). Just as nice and probably more comfortable.

Price is $295.


The leather Amy Pump.

If I am to get a mid heel, the Amy pump is very similar to the Efren, but it has the famous Tory Burch logo.

The question is, do I want the logo or not?

Price is $250


If I want to spend even less, and get a classic, I would go for the iconic Reva Ballet Flats.

While I am not a flats person, these shoes look appealing to me, because of all the different colors they come in, and because I've heard they are pretty comfortable.

The problem is I wouldn't get the black pair that would be perfect for work, nope, I would probably get the hot pink suede one, which would be a pain to match with anything (even if I do have a hot pink suede handbag!) Price is $195

Melrose 3 Ankle Boots.

Considering winter is fast approaching, it's hard not to look at ankle boots. And I have to say that Tory Burch also has great looking ankle boots!

This Melrose 3 model is perfect! It comes with a pretty zipper in the back and a 4" heel.

But I really need a pair of shoes more than boots...

Price is $395.


Donna Lace-Up Boots.

And since I'm writing about all the Tory Burch shoes that I would love to own, let me finish with a pair that is not appropriate for the office, but that is adorable nonetheless.

These Donna boots are the perfect mix of rugged and feminine.

They have the rugged sole, but they also have a nice stacked heel.

But, let me be honest and show you what I really like about them...
that cute little logo on the back! :)

Price is too expensive ($595).

Which pair would you pick?

new york fashion week ss10: dennis basso

Anybody that knows me, knows that I am particularly fascinated by France, and the period around the French Revolution. Not as much for the political significance, but for the fashion of the time. ;)

I always tell people I would wear those big and beautiful gowns in a heartbeat! I would even be willing to sign a paper that would take away my right to wear pants.

So imagine how I felt when I saw this dress from Dennis Basso.

To me, this is a step in the right direction!

Made even more real by this other dress...

If he sticks with these designs, maybe the others will follow in his steps, and in a couple of years we could have a season or two of big gowns! How awesome would that be?

In the meantime, let's start slow, and so next time you're looking for a dress, even a short one, don't go for the usual tight, form fitting, little black dress. Try something different, maybe something with a big and flowy bottom, like these ones below.

Images courtesy of Coutorture

new york fashion week ss10: pamella roland

One day, when I become rich and famous and I will need to have a personal favorite designer (or two) to call up for red carpet gowns, Pamella Roland will be on my speed dial list.

I just adore her style! And I would trust her taste completely with anything she would create for me (and I am a control freak!)

I would probably have her entire ready to wear collection in my closet as well.

Love it all!!!

Images courtesy of Coutorture

new york fashion week ss10: carlos miele

Miele in Italian means honey, and Carlos Miele's collections can be described as feminine and sweet.

What I like about it most, is the fact that I can see myself wearing every outfit!

Images courtesy of Coutorture

new york fashion week ss10: zac posen

As usual, I love Zac Posen's collections!

It's always the perfect mix of colors, beauty and originality.

This dress is gorgeous!

But this one is my true favorite!

new york fashion week ss10: tuleh and custo barcelona

On day 4 of Fashion Week I thought I was going to love Diane Von Furstenberg and Rebecca Taylor's collections, but I actually loved more two polar opposite designers: Tuleh and Custo Barcelona.

Tuleh for its simplicity and femininity.

Custo Barcelona for its colors and exuberance.

It's nice to have options, isn't it?

Images courtesy of Coutorture

new york fashion week ss10: vivienne tam

Day 3 of Fashion Week here in New York, and the designer that snatched the pole position was, without a doubt, Vivienne Tam.

What probably helped her in rising above the other designers was the pair of wings she gave each and every model.

The collection was, in fact, inspired and influenced by butterflies, and specifically by their magically beautiful wings.

And how can you lose when you have butterflies on your side?

When I was a little girl running wild in the countryside of Sicily, I used to chase butterflies and catch them by quickly cupping my hands around them as soon as they landed on a flower.

Then, I would slowly open my hands and hope that the butterfly wouldn't fly away too soon, giving me some time to admire its beauty.

Very few things can be as stunningly beautiful as butterfly wings!

Somebody tell Mariah about this dress, I bet you she'll buy it!

I love the colors on this next piece!
Great combination!
And none of that pale/neutral blah here!

If this is not a butterfly wing...

Ah, a last object of desire, the most fashionable netbook out there:

The HP Mini Netbook - Vivienne Tam Edition

Images courtesy of Coutorture.com

new york fashion week ss10: luca luca

In a river of neutrals and non-colors, Luca Luca Spring 2010 is one of the very few collections that had a pop of color so far this Fashion Week.

And this piece below wins my "best first date outfit" award.

new york fashion week ss10: venexiana

As usual I love every beautiful dress from Venexiana! And how can you not?