Zang Toi Fall 2011 - Perfect for a Gala

It all started yesterday morning while I watched The Turning Point for the umpteenth time.  You know the classic ballet movie with Shirley Maclaine, Anne Bancroft and Mikhail Baryshnikov from 1977.  I am a sucker for ballet movies, and I love the clothing... there is something about the '70s style and the way the dancers dress, that I just love!  Ok, so back to my point - I had ballet on the brain.

Fast forward to last night, I am at Lincoln Center waiting for the Zang Toi Fall 2011 fashion show to start.  There is a screen with Zang's picture and the shot of him was very elegant (pictured in a tux).  It wasn't at all the way I think of him when he was introduced on Real Housewives of NY a couple of seasons ago.  Do you remember?  Jill Zarin, a very good customer, goes to see him about designing a dress for an event (or something like that).  All that I really remember is Zang being a bit hyper and running around in a kilt, so this photo was quite a departure from the image that I have of him.

The show starts and the music was beautiful.  Dramatic, elegant, classical music that definitely set the mood.  Then, the models come out... the clothes were beautiful and tailored.  Lots of camel infused with an emerald green that was very striking.  Fairly simple clothing - trouser style pants, pencil skirts with little details - pleating, draping, embellishment.  It wasn't overdone.  It was just enough to give the clothes some interest.  The other half of the show was devoted to ball gowns.  All I could think of with the music and the dramatic look of the models, was that these dresses would be perfect for the gala that is standard in every ballet movie.  The dresses were beautiful, but obviously these gowns are only going to appeal to a particular clientele that has the specific need for them.  And, for the finale, out walks Jill Zarin wearing a $30,000 jewel encrusted gown.  I am not quite sure where you would wear this, but it was dramatic and the show was fabulous!

 P.S.  My pictures aren't great.  There was an extremely grumpy man behind me who threatened to have me thrown out if I stood up to take a picture again!

                         - Allison

Will You Wear Red on Valentine's Day?

To be totally honest, I am not one who dresses in specific colors to celebrate a holiday or sporting event.  If the Steelers (my hubbie's favorite team) are playing the Patriots, I won't go to the bar wearing navy or red, but I am also not going in black or yellow (well, maybe black...).  I don't wear orange & black on Halloween, green & red on or around Christmas, or red... until now.... I am starting to rethink wearing red on Valentine's day.

Why?  Well, first, I am in a Spring mood!  I don't want to look at anymore wool sweaters, snow boots, or puffy coats.  I am obsessed with brown/neutral woven heels, maxi dresses, flare jeans and any type of dress that is silk or chiffon with a great drape!  And, for some reason I cannot get red (or any variation of the color) mixed with neutrals off of my brain.  With the resurgence of the neutral heel, handbag and belt, there are so many more ways to wear red that help to soften the color a bit.

Let's face it, red can be a very harsh color.  Paired with black accessories is not a bad look, but very heavy and expected.  Pairing red with an animal print is cute, but there have to be other options.  Enter the neutral shoe and accessories.  It is so nice to have so many options... nude, grey, metallic, even a pale blush... this is a fantastic season for variety, which leads to a perfect scenario for experimentation.  Beautiful red dresses, shorts, pants... there is just so much to play with, you really must try one piece this spring!  So, will you wear red on Valentine's Day?

                         - Allison

*photos courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com, jcrew.com, yoox.com & topshop.com

Chartreuse... hmmm?

A color that seems to pop up here and there, some seasons it takes a backseat and blends in with a print while in others it plays a much bigger role in spring clothes.  Well, this is one of those years that chartreuse has decided to step it up... whether it is in accessories - handbags, shoes, etc - or in clothing.  I am so excited about this because I love chartreuse!  It is one of those colors that I always gravitate to, I can't help myself.  However, in past years I have tried various shades and it never really seems to do much for me.  So, I continue in this cycle of loving the color, buying clothing the color, looking sick in the clothing and never wearing the clothing... and so the cycle continues, until now!

I have come to a realization that just like any other color, chartreuse - a mixture of yellow and green - comes in various yellow/green combinations.  And just like red, there is a specific combination that works for everyone.  Those with more pink in their skin will look good in brighter, cooler, more green based chartreuse.  While those with more of a yellow tinge are better with more subdued, warmer, and yellow based chartreuse.  And, since our skin varies, the best way to test the color is to hold it to your face and see if it does anything for you... do your eyes brighten or do they look a bit dull?  You will find the color that is just right for you!

Now that you armed with the knowledge to pick the correct color for your skin, it is time to shop!  Shall it be a dress, a print or maybe a handbag or a shoe (if you need to warm up to the color a bit more)???  Well, this is a great season to wear this color alone, wear it to pop a neutral look or what about a classic look with navy and white?  There are so many options, it is time to just have fun and experiment!

               - Allison

*photos courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com, zappos.com & shopbop.com