FIRST LADY STYLE - 2013

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA - PH: GETTY IMAGESBarack Obama was inaugurated for his second term on January 21st, 2013.   While Mr. Obama has inspired the world with his humanity and vision of America, his lovely wife Michelle is inspirational on her own with an impeccable sense of style.   While Michelle Obama is an accomplished lawyer, mother, and wife, it is her fashion sense that sends many swooning.  Mrs. Obama has been able to achieve what so many attempt - a mix of high-low price points that remains sophisticated AND age appropriate.   It's a difficult balance as wife of the President of the United States, to appear First Lady-like but not elitist.   A dazzling mix of J.Crew items has peppered Mrs. Obama's wardrobe and really taken it to such a modern place.  Many dresses and cardigans from this all American brand have kept Mrs. Obama colorful and on trend.  On inauguration day J.Crew Gloves and a studded belt kept her accessorized in style.FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA - IN THOM BROWNE & J.CREW  For the inauguration, a Jason Wu gown was once again chosen for the gala.   Thom Browne scored big being chosen to dress the first lady during the inauguration ceremony.   No mention of Michelle Obama's style would be complete without a nod to Ikram Goldman in Chicago.  Ikram has built a loyal following to her boutique of the same name.  Long before she had national spotlight, Mrs. Obama had Ikram directing her style choices.   It's easy to see why the first lady remained IKRAM - CHICAGO - NEW LOCATION PH: JASON JOBSONa loyal client, Ikram is a sweet and genuine person - well liked in the industry.   I have worked with her many afternoons over the years in designer showrooms - and it was always a pleasure!  

SPRING 2013 HAUTE COUTURE

You might be shivering - depending where you read this, but the creative force of nature known as Karl Lagerfeld is already prepping the Spring Summer Couture collection at CHANEL.   What hint is Karl giving us with the just released invite?   We've seen Lions and Gardens and Windmills - OH MY!  Could vineyards and Vin be up next for Spring??  Stay Tuned!!

PARIS IS BURNING - FROM DIAMONDS TO DIVAS!

PARIS SPARKLES BY NIGHT PH: JASON JOBSONNo - this post is not referencing the iconic documentary Paris is Burning that turned a spotlight on a little known dance sensation known as Vogueing in New York's gay African American and Latino dance clubs.   The sensation would later inspire Madonna to bring the dance to the masses via the biggest hit of her career - Vogue.  New Zealander Pip Brown aka Ladyhawke payed homage to the City of Light with her smash hit - Paris is Burning.

Ah Paris.  A city known the world over for the beauty and prestige of all things French.   Art, Cuisine, FASHION, & Cultural Savoir Faire - name it - the Parisians have it.   Unfortunately, over the course of the last 4 years the city has also become known in international law enforcement circles as a site of multi-million dollar armed robberies,PLACE VENDOME AT NIGHT PH: JASON JOBSON sometimes in broad daylight.  From diamonds to desktops.. Harry Winston (Just bought by Swatch!) to Apple.   More than one fine jewelry on the Place Vendome have been robbed at gunpoint in recent years.  In 2008, $25 Million was stolen from Harry Winston during busines hours.   Place Vendome is one of the most historic and pristine spaces in Paris.  Home to the famed Ritz Hotel and offices of major design legends like Elsa Schiaparelli and Valentino.  It is also the place for fine jewelry retailing in Paris.   Most major jewelers have boutiques here - multi million dollar investments in the stores themselves - even without all those gems.   Last week news broke that Apple products like iPADS & iPHONES were also on theives must-have list.  Over one million dollars in merchandise was stolen from the stock room of Apple's Champs Elysees store- not far from the Place Vendome. SUPER MODEL - NAOMI CAMPBELL

Not even a super model is safe.  Media outlets report Naomi Campbell was mugged over the holidays, during the day, by armed assailants - pushing her to the ground.  NAOMI CAMPBELL AFTER HER PARISIAN ATTACK Campbell was seen wearing a foot cast following the incident  - but has not made a statement publicly.   Most assume her unusually demure reaction is due to pending police investigation. 

*PARIS POLICE HAVE SAID THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF THE INCIDENT*

Up next for Campbell is her entry into reality tv with THE FACE on the Oxygen network.   Campbell will search for the next Super Model of the world with help from current SMs Coco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova.
So when planning your next trip to Paris, and you MUST go - be smart, and be careful.   Just as you should in any major city - keep yourself aware as you are overwhelmed by the beauty that is Paris!!   In reality the city is very safe, and unless you are a super model or a super mogul - you probably don't have to give it a second thought.  Bonjour and Bon Voyage!   Watch the video of Paris is Burning by Ladyhawke below! (click quality and change to 240p below the player to hear sound - sorry for the glitch - only video available).

TOTE-ALLY NEW HANDBAGS FOR 2013

THE BAG WHISPERER

New Year, new bag!  While the tote shape is certainly not new - the color combinations FENDI CALFSKIN & SHAGREEN TOTE - $7,050.00designers are offering this year are not your classic bags.  Luxury SHAGREEN DETAIL - FENDI TOTE fashion has become more casual and more practical.  Your lifestyle is now on the mind of designers as they create GUCCI PYTHON TOP HANDLE TOTE - $3,500.00these gorgeous accessories.   The most famous design houses in the world have totes for your every day needs.  Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, & Bottega Veneta - all from Italy.  These are not just bags created to be seen on a runway. FERRAGAMO LEATHER & PYTHON COLOR BLOCK TOTE - $2,600.00   All of these totes can take you from shopping on Madison or Rodeo, to rushing to the health club, to meeting the girls for drinks at your favorite hot spot. FERRAGAMO PYTHON TOTE DETAIL Chic, luxurious, & practical - all at the same time, because everyone carries too many things around every day.  BOTTEGA VENETA LEATHER & SNAKESKIN TOTE - $3,880.00 Take you pick - click on the images to see so many more tote options!