The excitement builds...

After an exhausting day of travel to LA, I awoke to blue skies, no humidity and beautiful Beverly Hills.  I enjoyed my surroundings for about 5 minutes, and then I began to freak out just a bit.  Today is the day!  I am supposed to report to Neiman Marcus at 3:30 sharp!  I was a bundle of nerves.  Honestly, you would think that I was getting married today.  After pacing around my hotel room (did I mention that I was staying in a boutique hotel, hence not much room for feeling anxious!), Greg (my Rodger) and I decided that we should head out for a stroll.  When staying in Beverly Hills, where else is there to go than Rodeo Drive...

Let's just say that I was not disappointed!  We arrived before the stores opened and there was such a surreal feeling. Immaculate streets and storefronts, beautiful flowers, eye-catching windows... it was as if I was in the ultimate amusement park for women!  Not to mention, watching every person who walked past us taking photos (including us!)... I admit it, we dorked out for a minute or two.

Eventually, we ended up at a great outdoor spot... it just so happened to be in front of Tiffany & Co.  I must say that on a morning like this, the only place that I would want to eat breakfast is at Tiffany's!

After my delightful California style yogurt parfait (very hard to find at all of the diners in NJ), we had to check out Neiman's... I can barely contain my excitement at this point.  Too bad it is only 11am. 

Another reason I love LA, all of the Spanish/Mexican influenced architecture.  I love this fountain (I think it was in front of Saks).  I felt like I should be on a hacienda somewhere... I don't think I could make this look work in Bergen County.

Then it was back to the hotel pool... very quiet and relaxing... love!

Okay, so I had to finish up some last minute work.  At least I was able to have a mimosa... yummy!  Can you believe that I almost didn't get to the room in time to get ready.  Who would have thought on a day like this?!

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By the way, I am so happy to have brought my Tucker tunic.  I thought I was going to be wearing it while exploring LA, but it was just as perfect sitting by the pool!

Finally, I get back to my room, only to be surprised by beautiful flowers.  I love the Beverly Hills Neiman's PR team, they are amazing!

And now, it is time to get ready... 

                                     - Allison

The Month of Zoe

Since the birth of her adorable baby Skyler this past March, we haven't heard or seen much about Rachel Zoe.  Maybe it was due to a much deserved maternity leave, or was it more about lying low in preparation for the RZ media blitz that is upon us as we speak.  On the eve of the launch of her much anticipated fall collection (select pieces are already available at Neiman Marcus), RZ is everywhere.  I am not quite sure how she does it, but she is doing a very large amount of publicity for her new clothing line (plus prepping for the Spring show), she just announced plans for a children's line, she is endorsing Exude lip stick, the 4th season of her Bravo show is debuting September 6, you can't forget her QVC line and there are rumors of a home accessories line and another TV show... phew, I am out of breath!

As exciting as all of these ventures are, I am here to discuss her new collection (of which I am a huge fan).  But, I must say that the photographs do not do the clothes justice.  When I first saw the photos earlier this year, I thought that the clothes were nice.  They definitely reminded me of RZ's signature look (jackets, blouses, flared pants, bohemian style dresses, faux fur, sequins), but I wasn't chomping at the bit to buy anything.  Then, I entered the "Oh So Zoe" styling contest (I couldn't resist).   It was a contest that Neiman Marcus held as a promotion for the launch of her new line, and that is when my opinion started to change...

As I played around with the various pieces in the line, they started to grow on me.  I began to realize the genius behind the collection.  Each piece could potentially be a classic in any woman's wardrobe.  Just as Zoe has said that this collection had been inspired by her own vintage pieces that she continues to wear, you are going to be able to wear and re-wear her clothes in many different ways over the years.  Not only does the potential longevity of these clothes make them a smart purchase, but they look good too!  I am partial to the well-tailored blazers and amazing outerwear, but the pants, the dresses and the blouses are just as fabulous.

As if I weren't excited enough, I was at Neiman's this past weekend and finally got the chance to see the clothes in person.  RZ is not reinventing the wheel, but she has put her styling experience to good use.  She is an expert at knowing the types of pieces women need in their wardrobes.  She is very knowledgeable about quality craftsmanship and fabric.  And, most importantly, she has a good eye.  She designs beautiful pieces that can be styled in so many different ways... in other words, she knows how to design a piece to stand the test of time.

My recommendation to you is to get yourself to a store carrying RZ asap!  You will fall in love when you see the clothes in person.  Just wait to you see the Bonnie Cashin inpired cape... I die!

                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of style.com.