in Long Beach

We just spent a week visiting family in Southern California, mostly in the lovely Long Beach enclave of Naples which boasts canals and water front mansions.

It’s like rich person Disneyland.

While not necessarily a tourist spot, if you do find yourself in the area, it’s a great place to stroll along the water and peep into people’s unshuttered fancy homes.

Being on display seems to be the thing here. So feel free to gape inside well lit dream houses (often with questionable decorating taste- I’ll never wonder how Horchow stays in business again).

The range of architectural style is vast and it’s super fun to pick “your” home out (I opted for a 70’s dark wood and glass cube).

After peeking in all the neighbors windows and admiring the impeccable gardens (now heavy with Christmas decorations) you can stroll nearby to the very cute Mother’s Beach playground where Van and his cousin Bixby enjoyed the swings.

Also be sure to take a boat ride on the canal if possible.

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Posted on December 3, 2011

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Posted on November 25, 2011

OK, so it’s taken forever to organize and write about it, but Paris was amazing, just amazing. And if I had to choose a favorite it would be Comme des Garcons off the wall white wedding. Walking art!

Vivienne Westwood presented amazing off kilter looks that magically played with human proportions. This mystery rich woman vacationing in the desert look is a personal favorite.

Yohji Yamamoto was at his very best with these feminine black and white looks. Love the unique sleeves and layering.

Like every one in this row, Ann Demeulemeester is known for doing the same but different, and like everyone mentioned as well, this season’s different was extraordinary. Her East meets West collection of floor skimming skirts, wide brimmed hats,double breasted jackets and fringe was quietly epic.

Givenchy, after a few stunning shows, was admittedly not my favorite, but this leather dimensional mini was pretty amazing.

A.F. Vandevorst’s drapey gothic mix of feminine and military could have walked off into the sunset with the Demeulemeester collection and lived happily ever after. Must figure out how to mimic this great small jacket, flowing top, skinny jeans look.

I am not a minimalist but this simple yet off kilter jacket by Nicholas Andreas Tralaris is spectacular.

Damir Doma, also following a dark feminine trail. The gold neckline of this gown is elegant and would be so awesome for holiday parties. The choker is a definite want.

What an unexpected surprise Valentino was! I almost feel bad being so in love with the collection when Valentino is no longer at the head, but with gorgeous silhouettes, wonderful embellishment and fun surprises (hints of black and neon on conservative beige!) this was one of the seasons bests.

Chanel was in a winter wonderland and finally making lots of flattering pieces. This puff sleeve pocketed eyelet dress is incredible.

Vuitton was on a similar brainwave with thier carousel of confectionery dresses. Kate Moss looks stunning in this full skirt mini – a silhouette I’d love to come to chain stores so the rest of us can try it.

Sophia Kokosalaki presented a beautiful collection. This fairy princess gown would be such a dream wedding gown.

Alexander McQueen continues to honor his legacy. This floor length beige lace gown.. wow. And it vaguely reminds  me of one of my favorite dresses.

Balenciaga hasn’t been a personal favorite for a few seasons but all that stopped with this outrageously chic and stand alone collection. The long visor hats! The interesting silhouettes and materials, it all made for a eye opening experience that was truly unlike anything else seen this season.

Beige craze continues with this gorgeous flower of a dress. So pretty, too bad the chances of finding anything like it are slim.

Junya Wantanabe’s The Birds meets the British countryside collection – so great! Loved so much, but my heart stopped when I saw this cape jacket. What I wouldn’t do…

Usually I try to find trends that us normal people can use in shows,  but frankly so much of Paris was uniquely high fashion that I’ve mostly just been in awe BUT here’s a look we can steal from. Love how Veronique Leroy uses a utilitarian color to toughen up the girlie pleated skirt and bow collar top. Also, think one color ensembles will be tres chic for spring.

Yellow looked bold and refreshing at Rykiel and this mustard canvas skirt is pretty killer. Love the idea of layering a skinny top with a tank too.

Kenzo was full of fun just look at this balloon pant, ruffle top outfit. This should not look good, and yet it does. Wonder if really full pants can be worn in real life?

There were so many Rue du Mail dresses I coveted that this was one of the hardest to choose a single image from. I especially love when they pull from romantic vintage inspiration.

Nina Ricci was also lovely and romantic, this ditsy confetti floral dress is just too cute for words.

Oh Carven, you have won my heart over and over. Neon tribal? Thank you, thank you!!

Miu Miu’s heavy jacquards rule and I think we will be seeing more of the trend in upcoming collections.

So much wearable wonderfulness from Sacai! I suddenly need a floral spring jacket and a see through pleated skirt. This look is too perfect.

More amazing looks after the jump.

Click here for the rest of Best of Paris Fashion Week

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Posted on November 23, 2011

aka Alice Prin

Before there was Edie Sedgwick there was Kiki de Montparnasse. Muse to the biggest most interesting artists of her time, she represented the new found freedoms for women in the roaring 20’s.

Independent and vibrant, Kiki had a distinctive profile, the cutest short bob and the bedroomiest of eyes.

Even if you don’t know her name (or only know the upscale lingerie store named after her) you have probably seen her image in paintings, films, sculptures and photographs. Perhaps most notably as the violin lady by her friend Man Ray.

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Posted on November 22, 2011

Jimmy Fallon

Can’t claim to be the biggest Jimmy Fallon fan, but one of TV’s greatest theme songs plus The Doors? Pretty genius.

Plus, I pretty much live in a world of Very Hungry Caterpillars and Wockets in Pockets.

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Posted on November 19, 2011