Less Luxury... Not less Luxe.

Happy New Year!   I thought we could all use a remind on this Monday after the long holiday weekend.   This is the day most of the fashion flock are back to work from their holiday trips to St. Barths, South America, Mexico, etc.   A hard look at the numbers of what happened over the last few weeks might make anyone happy to be reminded of new year cheer.   

Retailers went crazy with mark downs of up to 75% before Christmas!  This led to little excitement for shoppers after the holiday... with the stores setting themselves up for the disappointment.  

A message to the ladies out there...

In the new year you might see significantly less new designer hand bags, rtw, and shoes on your real housewife friends.   This is a good thing.   Yes, I said a good thing.   The U.S. was totally out of control over the last 3 years.   As many of you know, I spent a great deal of time traveling around the country in recent years.   I met many of you while hosting retail events in luxury department stores from coast to coast.    I must admit I was shocked by the amount of women who were buying $3,000.00 handbags like tic-tacs.   Many buying 2 or 3 at once!  This is not normal, and it is even revolting.    Of course, it meant great business for the sales associates in the stores and the powers that be encouraged them to sell, sell, sell.   They are not to blame as an adult should be able to take responsibility for their own purchases.    I hate to say that much of the "problem" women developed with their credit cards stemmed from a real lack of self worth and overall sense of being.   Women insecure because so and so has the latest, or the newest bag, shoe - whatever.   This is really sad.  Are we in high school?  I met countless women who could talk about little else than what celebrity was wearing what bag, or how many bags she had at home in her closet.   To both topics - who cares?   These same women lived in cities that are home to some of the greatest museums in the country, if not the world.    You all know who you are.... of course I'm not saying all women who like to shop have a problem.   The problem is not just limited to the ladies, I know some of you guys also got out of control.

This economic melt down is the wake-up call we all needed.    Today is a new day and a new year.   Take a hard look at yourself.   Make a list of things you are interested in that do not include shopping.   Get some hobbies, volunteer, join the gym, start a book club, etc.   Stop buying celebrity tabloid rag-azines and start buying fashion magazines again!  After all, those tabloids are aimed at a girl in her teens, not the strong woman you are.   Subscribe to Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, or Elle and READ the articles - don't just flip through the pictures!

If you have been cut off from shopping, it is not the end of the world.   If you were buying luxury items in the heyday, these items will be relevant for years to come.   You will not be out of fashion to wear them again and again - mixed with new items from inexpensive stores.   For example, white jeans can make just about any pair of shoes or handbag really pop!

The value of the pieces you own from Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc - is now higher than ever before.   When you can shop for a high price item, take your time and choose wisely. 

I'm in this with you.   Take a look around a Life of Style every week to learn about books, movies, cooking, decorating, etc.   Make 2009 the year you found the new you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Fashion in Madrid? Maybe I can recommend a museum?

Of all the wonderful things I saw in Madrid - the art collections were the most impressive.   The amount of art in this city is staggering.   Regardless is you visit the Prado, Queen Sophia, or Thyssen -  , you will be overwhelmed by the collection.   You should see all three of course - I recommend no more than 1 per day.   This is a general rule I follow when traveling - even if it means missing a museum.  To give the proper respect to the work, your mind should be fresh.    At some point, it is just sensory overload.   Also, what better reason to go back to a city than to visit a museum you missed?     A great plan is to have breakfast, hit a museum, break for lunch, then spend the afternoon shopping.

Shopping in Madrid however is a different story.   While there are a few great exceptions to look out for, in general the city is extremely conservative - at least in the terms of the fashion offering.   Of course the usual suspects like Gucci and Chanel have boutiques there - but they seem like site markers - just there for the advertising.   Hermes has a mega size store that just keeps going.. Madridlenos obviously love this French symbol of designer chic - but again - very conservative.   Meanwhile, a brand like Gant had an entire Palacio

Two stand out Spanish collections that you should not miss.   

House of Loewe - this house has hand crafted leather goods since 1846.   The era that saw Louis Vuitton in Paris , saw Loewe in Madrid.    The house is the symbol of classic style in Spain just like LV is in France.   In Fact, LVMH acquired Loewe and it is now under the LVMH luxury umbrella.   The image is almost a cross between LV and Hermes as they have a strong equestrian influence.  Some of you fashion fans will remember the company made a splash in the U.S. when Narciso Rodriguez was the creative director in the late 90's.   The Spring 08 campaign featured Stephanie Seymour.    The collection has a strong following in Asia and South America.  The clothing is nice, but the bags are timeless.

Carmina Collection - This shoemaker has a legacy that dates back to 1866.   The classic house has been a staple in the wardrobe of the best dressed men and woman of Madrid for generations.    You will not find a finer pair of hand crafted shoes  anywhere.   An added bonus is the reasonable prices.   I was able to find an amazing pair of classic black loafers for under $400.   That is just not possible in the U.S. for hand made shoes. 

Finally, you can't go to Madrid without visiting El Corte Ingles.   This is the largest department store chain in Spain.   There are several doors in Madrid.   The store in the upscale shopping district of Salamanca had an entire Christmas village set up for the holidays.   The store is quite conservative - especially the offerings for men, but still well worth the visit to see the different cultural influence all around.  

 

MADRID FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I recently spent 5 days in Madrid.   I was there for Thanksgiving, but the Christmas decorations had just gone up around the city.   This majestic capital is impressive on any day - but with the holiday spirit - it really sparkles.   The decorations were strung by the mile!  Block after block - as far as the eye could see.   Madrid really knows how to spread some holiday cheer!

 

HOLIDAY SPIRIT - NYC STYLE

It's that time of year again.   What does the song say? "It's the most wonderful time of the year".    I couldn't agree more.   Even in an economic avalanche, we can focus on the ideals of the holiday - maybe even more so.   Show the people you care about most just how much they mean to you.   Now, that does not mean how much you can spend on them, but how much you care.   How did we all get programmed into thinking our hearts are connected to our wallets? .. like some sort of love ATM.    If you are feeling the economic crunch this season, there is nothing shameful or strange about giving a very inexpensive but thoughtful gift.   In fact, it will show the people in your life that you can be honest with them, and not have to carry on a facade.   Honesty is the chicest thing you can give this year.   The people in your life love you more than the gifts.  If that is not the case,  I think we know what your new year resolution should be for 09!

Having said that, there are so many bargains out there- you can still shop for everyone on your list and not break the budget.   Hit the stores, there are a ton of deals waiting for you at every stop.

New York comes to life with holiday decorations.   Along with the usual suspects uptown, I thought I would focus on some great holiday decorations that you won't see on the news or in magazines.   Some of the most authentic holiday displays are the tried and true classics that warm the heart and really relay the holiday spirit.  The LV store on 57th Street has been gift wrapped in a Technicolor logo light show!   I'm sure there are many people with visions of those letters dancing in their head as they dream of presents.    Bergdorf Goodman is known for its stoic, but cheerful displays.   This year they put two boxing polar bears in the men's store window.   This shot if the classic entrance to the "bag room" for girls on the hunt for a great handbag.   The plaza hides just around the corner.   Barneys has a Hippie, Dippie,  Holiday theme.   It's very Hair meets Cher meets Madison Ave.    I love the street artists selling portraits of you as you pass by.. or Audrey Hepburn - whichever you prefer!     I got a great shot of Madison Avenue looking downtown at dusk last Sunday afternoon.   Hard to believe it was just before 5pm and the streets were already so dark.   

I love the tree at Rockefeller Center.   You should really visit if you are heading to NYC.   However, there is a tree that is just as beautiful and a little more tranquil.   The tree at the top of this post is at home in Washington Square Park.  Just under the arch where 5th Avenue meets Waverly, it is a real holiday highlight!   Just off the park is the Washington Square Hotel.There is something about a classic wreath that is hard to beat!  The hotel is not on any hot lists, but what a great old school way to visit NY.   If you are more downtown at heart - it is a cool place to stay. 

One of the biggest wreaths in NYC is hanging high above the street in the Chelsea / Flatiron hood on 6th Avenue & 18th street.

The building is home to 3 big box retailers - one being Bed Bath & Beyond.   You know you can find anything under the sun for your house at that store.   Talk about sensory overload!

The holidays are really a time to celebrate the people in your life.   Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas,  make sure you make an effort to be positive and spread good cheer this season!