ARMANI -IN STYLE ON 5TH AVENUE-

ARMANI FLAGSHIP - 5TH AVE - NYCMr. Armani showcased his first class style that I have written about in the past by presenting mayor Bloomberg with a check for $1 million dollars that will benefit the arts program of New York City Public Schools.   Caroline Kennedy was on hand for the ceremony as she is Vice-Chair of the  Fund for Public Schools  as was Chair - Joe Klein.   The donation coincided with the opening of the new Armani Flagship on 5th Avenue.

Armani said he was pleased not only to be providing necessary supplies for art programs but also to be able to "help children dream".

Bravo Giorgio!- Bravo! Class Act!

MR. ARMANI, CAROLINE KENNEDY, MAYOR BLOOMBERG, JOE KLEIN

STEPHEN SPROUSE & LOUIS VUITTON - THE REMIX

The late Stephen Sprouse was a fashion designer and pop artist that left his indelible mark on the fashion world - and apparently on Marc Jacobs.   Jacobs was greatly influenced by the hippie - punk style that was signature Sprouse.    In 2001, Jacobs brought Sprouse to the house of Louis Vuitton to collaborate on a limited edition of the legendary Vuitton monogram bags. LOUIS VUITTON FLAGSHIP @ 5TH AVENUE  The collection was an instant must have!  The follow up was incorporating the Andy Warhol animal print Stephen Sprouse had used in one of his last fashion collections. SPROUSE FLOWER & GRAFFITI - LOUIS VUITTON SOHO STEPHEN SPROUSE FOR LOUIS VUITTON MONOGRAM

The latest Sprouse invasion at Louis Vuitton incorporates the designers flower motifs and was timed with the release of the stephen sprouse book.   The book is an excellent tribute to the true individual that shook up the fashion world with his bold graffiti style and neon colors.  Even in a recession - these pieces are worth the investment.   To see the full collection - head to the Louis Vuitton boutique near you.

FERRAGAMO REVAMPS MIAMI BEACH

FERRAGAMO PLATFORM SANDAL 1938Legendary Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo  has revamped the boutique in the Bal Harbour shops in Florida.  Ferragamo is the patron saint of designer shoes.    Manolo, Jimmy Choo, & Louboutin all owe their Soles to Salvatore.    Decades ahead of his time, Ferragamo was already known in the American Press as the master of designer shoes by 1925.    Drawn to Hollywood from his native Italy, Ferragamo set up shop in California and shoed every major Hollywood startlet from Audrey Hepburn to Marlene Dietrich.   Audrey Hepburn with Salvatore Ferragamo

Much has changed in the 80+ years since Salvatore launched the collection - the company now offers a full range of RTW, Accessories, & Shoes for Women and Men.   One thing that has not changed is the ingenious design of the Ferragamo shoe.    Salvatore knew the arch was the pressure point for women when they wear high heels.   The breakthrough design of his last has never been duplicated.   Ferragamo was the first shoe designer to combine the concept of comfort and luxury in women's footwear.    A legacy like this - you can not buy - you earn it! CLAUDIA SCHIFFER FOR FERRAGAMO

If you can't make it to Bal Harbour - visit the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique in your town - there is sure to be one not far from home.

ADIDAS - All Day I Dream About STELLA

STELLA MCCARTNEYWhen you were a kid - you might have been tantalized by the school yard acronym of the sport collection by adidas.   We all knew the letters stood for All Day I Dream About Sex!   

These days it means something else to the fashion flock and to women who love active wear all day long.    All Day I Dream About Stella -Stella McCartney that is - or at least they dream about the pieces from her collection for adidas.ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY

With everyone watching their spending for Spring - there is no better time to pick up a few pieces by the British designer as they are 1/10th of the price of her namesake rtw collection.  

Click on the website and start shopping!!   Stella McCartney for adidas

DIPTYQUE LIGHTS A BOUGIE ON BLEECKER STREET

French candle company Diptyque is responsible for the scented sensation that has swept through the fashion and design world.   For years the fashion flock made a pilgrimage to the Blvd Saint Germain boutique in Paris to buy the luxe candles that couldn't be found on this side of the Atlantic.   Well  times have changed.  For the past five years you have been able to find these slow burners with the heady scent at high end gift and department stores - but not in a namesake boutique.   Well this holiday - that is changing as well.   Diptyque has unveiled the temporary "pop-up" store at 377 Bleecker street in NY's West Village.

To help recreate the subtle yet powerful image on the company - Diptyque turned to the perfect interior designer to portray just that .  Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is a master of turning white, clean spaces into  sensual, powerful rooms - while maintaining a sense of purity.   His firm- BNO design has a strong following from celebs like rocker Lenny Kravitz to writer  Laura Esquivel.   Major projects with The Morgans Hotel Group of their Mondrian Hotels in Scottsdale , Los Angeles, and soon Soho are  prestigious achievements to say the least.

There is perfect symmetry between BNO Design and Diptyque. Benjamin has a unique talent to bring an emotional response from a seemingly simple setting - much the way Diptyque candles can deliver such a strong olfactory response from their understated packaging.  

The store also features  lighting fixtures from ABYU Lighting.  They are the destination for couture fixtures  with an edge!

Benjamin's book - Emotional Rooms is a great gift for anyone with an interest in interior design.  Click here to find it on amazon - Emotional Rooms.

The Diptyque store is a must do on your holiday shopping list.  The temporary store is open through January 15th.   We hear rumors that the permanent version won't be far behind.  We hope this is true!

You can spend the entire afternoon on Bleecker Street.  After your candle shopping, stop by one of the several Marc Jacobs stores as he always has some inexpensive and super stylish gift ideas.   If you are going to any holiday parties - Ovando at 337 Bleecker is the perfect spot to pick up a unique flower arrangement or succulent for your host or hostess.   By now - you will be starving.. so stop by Miracle Grill at 415 Bleecker.   They are famous for their catfish tacos - but also have the best burger in NYC! 

Shop, Eat, & be Merry!!!   Happy Holidays!!