FASHION'S NIGHT OUT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 10TH

What a strange year it has been for the fashion world!  Last August - the economy was bad, but we were all still in denial (especially at the White House).   The world of retail imploded just around September / October.   I had been hired by Neiman Marcus to speak at a luxury shopping event in Early September at a private home in Alpine, NJ.   The event benefited Table to Table - a great charity feeding the hungry of Northern, New Jersey.   The day before the event, Lehman Bros. went belly up.   Talk about taking the wind out of a sail - or sale!  The event turned out well, despite the nervous energy in the room - as we all felt the unraveling starting to fray.

Fast forward one year.   The economic roller coaster has turned into more of a merry-go-round.  There are still ups and downs week by week - but less dramatic.   There seems to be silver if not gold lining the clouds that covered us all Winter - and literally all summer.

The fashion industry has been one of the hardest hit by the recession.   It was to be expected that luxury items would now seem less like necessity and more like - well - luxury.   If there is anything good that has come of this terrible time, let it be that we all appreciate the things we have and are able to buy.   That Gucci bag is not necessary to live.   You are fortunate to have it.    I think we have all had the reset button pushed on our idea of what we "need" to be who we are.   Good.   Hold on to this feeling and think long and hard about who you are.   "Things" are much less important than people or peace of mind.

Having said that, if you are in a position to shop- do!  The Fashion industry needs you.   There is a time and a place for everything and this Thursday, September 10th - the place to be is your favorite retail store.   Chances are they are participating in "Fashion's Night Out".   The brainchild of Vogue's Anna Wintour - Fashion's Night Out is the American Fashion Industry's answer to the stimulus package.    Designer boutiques from coast to coast and now around the globe are staying opening late - many until 11pm to welcome shoppers and help them get re-acquainted with the brands they sell.   Over 700 stores in NYC alone are officially involved.     Many who are not affiliated with Vogue have organized their own events that night.    Chances are, your favorite designer boutique will be open late - so ask in advance and plan to spend the night with friends hitting the stores!

If you are in the NYC area - I have a few suggestions.FERRAGAMO LEATHER BOOTIE

Start your evening festivities at the Ferragamo Flagship store on 5th Avenude at 53rd street.  The mega-store full of all things Ferragamo will be hosting an art exhibit featuring one of kind behind the fashion scenes images authorized by Vogue magazine!    Buy those hot new Ferragamo shoes you have been dying for - or that chic silk scarf for mom!   Have a glass of champagne and start your evening right.TRAVAUX EN COURS APRONS

Next stop - Bergdorf Goodman.   Just a few block uptown to the ultimate department store.   Everything a girl or guy wants under two roofs!    Head to the 7th floor and buy an apron from Travaux En Cours.   T.E.C. are the chicest accessories to wear when you are cooking all those cool dishes for friends this fall.   Hot all over Europe, Bergdorf is the first store to carry them up in the U.S. - of course! 

Next, work your way up Madison Avenue.   A collection of the most exclusive designer boutiques in the world line the blocks from 57th street to our final destination , The Michael Dawkins boutique at 33 East 65th street, just off Madison Avenue.    Michael has been creating statement pieces for almost 20 years.   MICHAEL DAWKINS FALL 2009You know his work the moment you see it for his use of sterling silver and semi-precious stones is so unique.   I'm sure you have also seen Michael appearing on one of his super successful segments on QVC over the last 4 years in support of the line he designs for the network.   While those pieces are beautiful - his boutique collection is out of this world!   MD has just launched his new ad campaign for fall featuring Nina Warthen.   The shots are stunning and chic - just what you would expect from Michael Dawkins!

**Looking for something to do Thursday outside the City?   I'll be at the Ferragamo boutique in Manhasset, Long Island.   The legendary Americana Mall at Manhasset is hosting its own evening of luxury shopping and events.   "Style On The Go" will include beauty spa treatments and luxury designer previews.   Join me to preview the Spring 2010 Ferragamo collection and of course to shop the new Fall arrivals.    For more information call  the Ferragamo boutique at  516-365-9765. 

FERRAGAMO FALL PREVIEW -RECAP

JASON WITH COURTNEY & ANNAMARIA IN BEVERLY HILLSI want to thank all my readers who came out to the Ferragamo previews in March & April.   We had some great events around the country and the Fall collection in all categories got everyone excited from San Francisco to NYC!

The Ferragamo legacy is long!  The company has kept the richest women in the world well-heeled for over 80 years!  The pleasant surprise is that while so many fashion companies have raised prices dramatically in the past few years - Ferragamo has maintained quality, design, and value for the items.   This might seem revolutionary - but there can be value in designer merchandise.    When you have the finest raw materials, crafted by artisans - you have a product that is luxurious and timeless - making it valuable.   Granted these are designer price points - but never insulting.STILETTO BOOT & ROSETTE CLUTCH

What is very exciting is to see the developments the company has made in handbags and ready-to-wear.

Never having been all about logos is really a strength that Ferragamo will benefit from in the year to come - as with this current economic environment - who wants to be known for initials?   If you buy a designer item these days - you want to know it will stand the test of time - and make you look and feel good - not have the item wearing you as you showcase a logo.BLUE ALLIGATOR & PURPLE OSTRICH SATCHELS

Ferragamo is one of the few fashion houses that offer a special order program for exotic skin bags.   You can choose a silhouette, choose a skin and make it your own.   The made to order item also comes with a personally engraved nameplate inside.   A custom program like this is a true sign of a house of luxury.

Stand outs from the preview were the clutch bags - still huge for fall! - gorgeous boots - more stiletto than riding going forward for fall 09 - and the colors - especially the deep dark burgundy!!  JASON WITH RACHELLE PRYBER IN SOUTH COAST

Stop by a Ferragamo boutique in your town soon - take a peek at fall items arriving - and pick up something fun for summer now!  There are several sandals in the collection for summer that are just what you need for your sunny weekends.

A special thanks to Ferragamo for providing generous gift bags to those who rsvp'd!  Those famous red gift bags were a pleasant surprise!  

Hope to see even more of you next season & I can't wait to see what the designers at Ferragamo dream up!

PERFECT SUMMER JELLIES - FERRAGAMO FLATS!

FERRAGAMO - NOBEL JELLY - $180.00Get the jump on your designer shoe shopping for the summer.

 Ferragamo has the coolest Jelly around and if you act quickly you might get a pair before they are gone.   The iconic Vara is a Ferragamo classic that has been a best seller for 30 years!  NOBEL IN PURPLE, ORANGE, RED, & BLACK - $180.00Late last year, the company issued a rubber version for the cruise collection.   The shoe sold out in record time around the country!   The colors were irresistible and super comfortable in the chic rubber design that can even be dressed up when you are away for the weekend or on vacation!   Purple, Red, Orange, and Black.  

The good news is the company reissued the style and it has just hit the boutiques!  Did I mention they retail for $180!!!  That's right, a classic Ferragamo design in hot colors for summer for under $200!   Call a boutique near you - Ferragamo Boutiques - and ask your salesperson to add black and you are set for any event this summer!

Want something a little more classic?   There is also a pastel version of the famous Varina - (Vara with a flat heel) just in time for Easter weekend!   Super chic and how amazing with white jeans? PASTEL VARINA IN TURQUOISE, PINK, & YELLOW

Okay, flats not your thing - ever?   THE "MIA" in PINK & GREEN - $690Then I know you can't resist these gorgeous pumps - open detail work inspired by men's spectators are most feminine and oh so sophisticated!!   

If you get to the boutique in person - check out the latest RTW collection from Cristina Ortiz.. her second collection for the house is in-store now.

 Also, take a minute to check out the entire shoe collection.  With 80 years of luxury shoe legacy - I guarantee you will not find a bigger selection and variety in any other designer shoe salon!

While all the shoes you see here are pastel - there is a full palette available in the shoe collection for spring.   The strongest trends in the collection are nude/neutral , black/white, & ultra feminine details - like the MIA.

FERRAGAMO and a LIFE of STYLE

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2009a LIFE of STYLE is very pleased to announce that Fashion Expert and a LIFE of STYLE Editor In Chief, Jason Jobson will be hosting in-store Fall 2009 previews at select Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques around the country.   This is the first collaboration between Jobson and the legendary fashion house.    Known as the original master of footwear design, Salvatore Ferragamo is the man that started it all.   His legacy is responsible for every designer shoe collection we see today from Manolo Blahnik to Christian Louboutin.   Unbelievably, Ferragamo was creating shoes in Hollywood in the 1920's.   His shoe designs saw every young studio actress blossom into major movie Cinderella's.   If you can think of a famous actress in Hollywood, Salvatore designed shoes for her.   The house has shod every leading lady from Audrey Hepburn to Nicole Kidman.Salvatore Ferragamo with Audrey Hepburn

What began as a shoe collection had grown into a complete luxury design house by as early as the 1960's.   Family owned and controlled, the Florence based house has developed category after category.   RTW, Eye wear, Timepieces, Fragrance,  Menswear, etc.  Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2009

Jobson will host legacy presentations for VIP clients and spend the day meeting customers,  giving them advice on style as well as previewing the Fall 2009 colllections.  

JASON JOBSON"I'm thrilled to be collaborating with Salvatore Ferragamo.   Few companies have the legacy and the fashion future that Ferragamo has.   I'm really looking forward to the events".  - Jason Jobson

The first event will take place in Beverly Hills on Friday, March 20th.  

To see the full schedule of events and RSVP - click -Ferragamo