MICHAEL DAWKINS' BUSY SEASON

Designer Michael Dawkins has been creating MICHAEL DAWKINS -FABIENNE COLLECTIONiconic jewelry for over 20 years.   Working primarily in Sterling Silver and featuring Semi-Precious stones, the collection is known for bold, clean designs.   Dawkins has built a loyal following of clients from coast to coast, many returning season after season to numerous personal appearances at Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue all over the country.   To read full story - click JEWELS.

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. 

FRENCH RIVIERA STYLE AT BERGDORF

T.E.C. APRONS IN THE RIVIERA SUNThe chicest home collection from the south of France - Travaux En Cours has arrived in NYC just in time for the summer.   Just when you needed the perfect hostess gift for that long lazy weekend you are taking at your friend's house in the Hamptons - T.E.C. to the rescue!   Travaux En Cours or T.E.C. for short has been a favorite to those in the know on the French, Italian, & Spanish Riviera for a few years but never available here in New York.    No surprise - Bergdorf Goodman -the ultimate destination for style and design - is the store debuting the collection  this week.  

The collection is known for beautifully crafted aprons & weekend accessories perfect for grilling, projects around the house, or even to just throw on when company surprises you in the kitchen.

SEASIDE CAROUSEL - ST. RAPHAEL, FRANCE

 Travaux En Cours is the brainchild of two busy friends living on the French Riviera, in the seaside town oF St. Raphael.  The designers wanted functional weekend gear that didn't look so clinical or like they borrowed their husband's apron.   The result is a unisex collection that is equally popular with men and women who love to work around the house, cook, garden, you name it.  You won't see big logos splashed across the pieces - that was the first priority of T.E.C.  The ladies were tired of seeing logos everywhere - even on a Saturday morning at the market! How tacky!   The Travaux pieces are chic and understated - just what you want from weekend accessories.T.E.C. IN A RAINBOW OF COLOR

Bergdorf Goodman is housing the collection in their world renowned Decorative Home Department on the 7th floor.   Look for both the full body apron and super cool belt apron.   The short belt apron is actually worn as a fashion accessory in Japan!  Also, don't miss the wicker tote bag in fashion colors - perfect for the beach!

Travaux En Cours means "Work In Progress" and the company says that refers to whatever project you are working on - a cake, a garden, or a garage door opener!   Whatever your task, you will be fully protected in style.   Even if you never make it to the Riviera - the T.E.C. aprons and accessories will make you feel like you did.

The company has also just launched a line of super chic bags - perfect for a casual trip - across country or to the market - your choice.   Supple suede, leather, and denim make them unlike any bag you've seen lately.   I'm sure it is just a matter of time before your nearest Neiman Marcus or Saks 5th Avenue is carrying them.   You read it here first!

**There is a capsule collection of bags available at Privet House up in Warren, Connecticut.   That would sound surprising if you didn't know that design guru Richard Lambertson has this uber cool gift shop near his weekend house in Litchfield Country.

Visit the 7th Floor at BERGDORF GOODMAN - 754 5th Avenue at 57th street NY, NY.T.E.C. HAND WOVEN STRAW TOTE - $150 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

Store Hours: Monday–Friday 10–8. Saturday 10–7. Sunday 12–6

Or call the store at 212 753-7300 and ask for the Decorative Home Dept. and the T.E.C. aprons.

Privet house can be reached at (860) 868-1800.

Produced  from the finest fabrics from Italy and France, the aprons are hand finished in Portugal.  Known for the savoire faire of it's artisans, Portugal is responsible for some of the finest embroidered linens in the world.  The aprons range from $125 for the belt aprons to $165 for the classic apron shape.  They will last you a lifetime and are classic enough to never go out of style - just like your favorite fashion items!

Bonjour and Welcome - Travaux En Cours!!

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!!