PARIS PULSE.. Spring 2009 Runway Report

Around the world, the sky is falling in the financial sector and lets not even mention the real estate market.! Things are bleak in the real world, but in the land of glamour, glitz and all that glows - life goes on. Just as the multi-million dollar mansions of the world continue to sell - Paris runways this past week showcased those pricey frocks that will keep the worlds wealthiest women red carpet and camera ready.

Especially in times of economic turmoil - investing in looks from the major houses on luxury might be a better investment than your mutual fund at this point Lets take a look at what was the best offerings from the City of Light.

First Stop CHANEL

From season to season, Karl Lagerfeld is able to bring tomorrow's trends to the runway one year before others find the way. Fashion Week in New York last month gave us several examples! In Paris on Friday, Kaiser Karl was whipping up the future with his magic sharpie pen once again.
Chanel classics were on command. To drive the point home even further, KL recreated the facade of 31 Rue Cambon under the glass ceiling of the grand palais. Cambon is the symbol of the Coco Chanel legacy and in these times of economic turmoil - what better image to reassure nervous buyers desperate to make the right choices for Spring.

All the Chanel icons were there: black & white, tweeeds, and lace by the tier! stand out looks were the return of head to toe dressing - including matching handbag:

The look that never gets old - crisp black and white - complete with an oversized collar and signature Chanel bow. Practical and super chic at the same time. The ideal example of a look that appeals to women from 8 to 80!

One of the stand outs for sure! - layers of lace ala Flamenco style. Think Spain and castanets! The look was complete with a guitar strung across the shoulders (a hand made work of art I'm sure!). While injecting some ethnic sensuality- this theme was also a perfect way to showcase another Chanel icon - LACE. This is a collectors piece for sure!

Accessories returned to the Chanel runway after having been all but banished last fall. What look is left for Karl to re-invent you might ask? Think the Chanel bag - literally! Cutting to the chase - Lagerfeld had leather bags made to look like the famous shopping bag itself. After all, its all about the bragging rights to have one of those shopping bags right??! Now you can have one - for life!

FALL 2008 ACCESSORY TRENDS

SUMMER IS OVER! TIME TO START PUTTING THAT FALL WARDROBE TOGETHER. GET OUT THERE AS THE STORES ARE FULL OF MERCHANDISE. BEFORE YOU GO TAKE A MINUTE TO THINK ABOUT A FEW TRENDS IN FASHION THAT YOU SHOULD USE AS A GUIDELINE. WITH THE ECONOMY, YOU MIGHT WANT TO ALSO MAKE SURE YOUR BUYING PIECES THAT YOU WILL WANT TO WEAR FOR YEARS TO COME. WITH ALL THE CHOICES, IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING. TO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE EASIER, I PUT TOGHER A SHORT LIST OF TRENDS TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU GO SHOPPING. THE BEST PART IS, YOU'LL FIND THESE LOOKS IN ALL PRICE CATEGORIES.... SO JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T SHOP ON MADISON AVENUE OR RODEO DRIVE, DOESN'T MEAN YOU WON'T BE RIGHT IN FASHION!

METALLICS

What used to be a once in a few seasons novelty, has now become a staple in everyone's wardrobe. Actually, it is really a neutral that can go with anything. It's no surprise we love this look - society just about idolizes $$ and wearing these pieces are a subtle exposition of wealth. Fendi and Chanel always have metallic options in the Fall collections.

COLOR

If you are looking for something other than black for your new bag or shoe, then this is the season for you! Think BERRY, PURPLE, OR DEEP DARK RED. It makes perfect sense that we are all obsessed with colors this season. Everywhere you look we are being told that this rich colors are healthy for us in our diet. Goji, Acai, blueberries - all rich in anti-oxidants and also rich in color. Turns out this color looks just as good ON your arm as it is for your health! Think Gucci, Balenciaga, and Kooba.