KNIT TO BE TIED FOR FALL

FENDI FALL 2012 AT SAKS 5TH AVENUEIt might be as hot as Hades in most parts of the U.S. & Europe, but the best Fall merchandise is hitting department stores as you read this!   Saks 5th Avenue has a "Must-Have" checklist of pieces to curate for your own wardrobe.   This Fendi knit with pleatd sikl skirt is a great example.   Also in on the knitwear is Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, and Akris.    Click over to Saks to see these and so many more hot looks for Fall!  

After all, just because you're in your bathing suit - doesn't mean you shouldn't be planning your city suit!

SEPARATED AT BRICKS - CHANEL & FENDI

FENDI - FALL 2010CHANEL - FALL 2010One is Italian, one is French.   Both are known for the strong women who shaped the collections.   Both have the same German in charge of design.   The designer houses of CHANEL and FENDI have shared the creative vision of Karl Lagerfeld for over 25 years.   For many the connection might not jump off the runway, but for those with a discriminating eye, the connection is apparent.   For instance, if Chanel is all about a wide belt this season - you can almost guarantee a wide belted midsection is going to be important at Fendi as well.   Fur trim at Fendi?  Then look for a furry runway at Chanel.  To say the relationship is symbiotic would be too much - but the connection is clear. 

CHANEL - FALL 2010FENDI - FALL 2010 Of course Chanel is the global giant of the two and has been able to create a demand for RTW that few houses will ever see.   While bags and shoes are much more commercial products, designer Ready-To-Wear remains the most challenging category that exists in the entire retail world.   For a woman to walk into a designer boutique and find an item on the rack that fits her well, flatters her figure, flatters her ego, and is in her budget - is no small feat to say the least.   My hats off to the collections that can please women season after season.

For  the Fall 2010 print campaigns, is karl giving Fendi the upper hand?    Karl shot both campaigns, and there seems to be a subliminal message here.  It looks like our Fendi girl is in her beautiful apartment, contemplating when her driver is picking her up to take her on a fabulous journey- while her Chanel friends are locked outside on the fire escape.   What's the message here?  What did the Chanel girls do to be locked out?   Or are the girls part of some high end cat burglar gang?  

HOTTEST EXOTICS - FERRAGAMO FALL 2009

FERRAGAMO SOPHIA IN ANACONDA $3,750.00I took a trip to Southern California last week,  to the infamous O.C.  You know,  the one you saw all those housewives from on reality TV!  Well, like most of those shows, the characters you see on TV don't really represent the chicest of shoppers from those cities.   Needless to say, I didn't see any of those TV "stars" during my trip.

South Coast Plaza is one of the most exclusive shopping centers in the country.   SCP is a true  destination for anyone looking for the latest collections from New York, Milan, & Paris.   BRUSHED, MATTE HARDWARE IS VERY VERSATILE

Ferragamo was hosting a luncheon to thank VIP clients for their patronage, and to preview the resort/ pre- spring 2010 collections.  The luncheon was attended by some really chic women.  Those ladies know how to accessorize for a fashion lunch!

While the preview of next season was excellent, one current,  Fall 2009 exotic bag stopped me in my tracks!   The classic Ferragamo Sophia bag has been realized in gorgeous painted anaconda.   Deep, rich color makes this the most versatile exotic bag I think I have ever seen.   There are so many shades of red, burgandy, navy, charcoal - I can't think of a look you can't wear it with.   Ferragamo Exotics are some of the most luxurious bags in the industry.   The house is known for the craftsmanship of their artisans who specialize in working with skins.   Ferragamo even has a true Made To Order program.   You can actually custom order your own exotic bag from dozens of shapes and skins.   This is a true sign of luxury,  as most major houses don't have a program like this available.FERRAGAMO ANACONDA BELT - $450

One of the best things about this gorgeous bag is the price!  At $3,750.00 it is a very reasonable price for a bag with so much detail in anaconda.   It is no surprise to the die-hard Ferragamo clients as they know the value they have come to expect from this Italian fashion house of luxury.    Having over 550 boutiques globally gives the house the ability to provide impeccable quality without charging insulting prices. KELLY MCKEE & TINA GERRICK IN FERRAGAMO FALL 2009

And just to make matters more tempting... there is also a matching belt!   This one is unisex, so you guys have the option.   This belt would be the perfect way to give a Navy suit an edge,  or the perfect pop for a pair of charcoal trousers.   Jeans of course would be a no-brainer!  Brushed, matte hardware on both pieces also add to the versatility of the bag and belt.   Priced at $450.00, I challenge you to find a more luxurious exotic belt out there!

One of the most glamorous women I met in South Coast Plaza was Tina Gerrick.   She had a great sense of style and had such a great time previewing the collection and shopping all the new fall pieces in the boutique!  Here she is in the boutique with the lovely Kelly McKee, who modeled the latest looks from fall and resort.

Since the recession of 08/09, you know that ever major fashion house has cut stock quantities.  That means that gems like this don't sit around for months with big stock to back them up!    Call The Ferragamo Boutique director to reserve your Anaconda Sophia Bag.

South Coast Ferragamo Btq- 714 979 7654.  Ask for btq. Director Rachelle Pryber and mention you are aLIFEofSTYLE reader.