RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

I can't believe this weather.  A storm looks like it's brewing and the trees are getting whipped around.  My friends and I were commiserating that we were wearing our Fall garb!  I had a cashmere sweater and knee high boots on -- and it's May.

It's raining now.  I'm just showing you my trusty, Desigual jacquard coat, worn with the orange rabbit fur scarf.  A dash of color always helps on a grey day!

Desigual coat with rabbit fur scarf 

Desigual coat with rabbit fur scarf

I hope your week is springlike and sunny!

ZANY DAY COLOR

It is pouring outside.  As I head out to meet with architects, I decide to throw off their zen designs by donning huge swathes of colorful solids.

My orange, rabbit fur scarf
The dress got wet in the rain!

I had completely forgotten about my orange, rabbit fur scarf from Vail until I saw Prada's Cat in the Hat fur accents.

Prada Spring 2011
color blocked dress with dyed Cat in the Hat furs

It's color blocking mad!

LANVIN FOR H&M UNVEILED

Budget fashionistas around the world are waiting to pounce on Lanvin's much-anticipated collection for H&M.

The whole collection will be available on Nov. 23rd.  Refer to the sneak peak I blogged about before:
Lanvin Collaboration with H&M

The unveiling is timed for the holiday season of parties too.  These are some pieces I might investigate if I make it in time to the stores.  (All photos from Lanvin for H&M)

Some of the outfits showcase Lanvin's expertise in folds and drape.

Lanvin-esque folds and draping on a skirt
Color block with a white top
Or look sleek with black on black

They also have bold selections in vibrant prints and animal patterns.  Adventurous spirits might be drawn to such items as the ones below:

Animal print shoes for the bold

Looks like Lanvin borrowed a bit of from Karl Lagerfeld's yeti-inspired Chanel winter collection here:

faux fur similar to
Chanel winter collection

Strangely enough, Lanvin has created 25 couture versions of the H&M collection.  The word is that they will be auctioned off online with proceeds benefiting UNICEF.  I wonder how they will justify the chasmic gap with H&M prices ...

PARIS FASHION WEEK: CHANEL'S ICE AGE

Paris Fashion Week is nearly over.  Chanel's take on Fall/Winter is all about the Ice Age.  See the link:

Chanel 2010

There was a lot of fake fur on the garments, much like the look we posted in  Winter's Last Hurrah.  The Yeti-inspired boots injected humor to all of Chanel's classic tweed, leather and lace looks.

Our take on Karl Lagerfeld's all-ivory mix of lace, satin, and fur:

• This is a vintage cocktail dress with delicate lace and ribbon detail.
• We pair a ruffly, long scarf in the same color.
• These arctic snow boots are popular in places like Vail and Aspen, or among regular trekkers in Alaska.

Ribbon Detail in Vintage Dress

WINTER'S LAST HURRAH

Punxsutawny Phil may have been right in predicting more Winter.  New Yorkers got pummeled with close to 30" of snow in one blizzard.  The Stylish Set during NY Fashion Week did not let that stop them.  Here's a look taken from NYC streets, particularly around Bryant Park:

• Fur - real or faux - was seen in various forms and in unexpected places
• Scarves were de rigueur, some wrapped around the head in '50s screen siren style
• While galoshes were seen, animal skins like these horse hair boots still paraded
• Interestingly, Animal Rights Activists laid low.  Is it more difficult to spot real furs these days?

So for my friends back East or other wintry climes, don't let the cold snap get in the way of your personal style!

APRES SKI STYLE

If you like what Lucky editors call "Posh Eclectic", see this fun mix of textures to keep you warm on your apres-ski gatherings.  I just like anything that evokes Dr. Zhivago.

• The bell-sleeve knit turtleneck echoes the A-line leather skirt
• The silk sash makes the furry vest less bulky
• Suede boots with metal buckles and fur trim add interest
• Top it with a classic, shearling pillbox hat

This look can work for almost all body types.  If you are very petite, just watch the proportions of the skirt and boots so it doesn't look granny-ish.