Debutante Clothing :: A vintage clothing and fashion blog for unconventional style where vintage and runway meet.

Last Wednesday, I made the drive down the 101 to one of the most famous hotels in California - the Chateau Marmot. I was invited by LOFT to preview their Fall 2010 collection. LOFT Style Studio is a collaboration with stylists to create fashion forward looks using fall staples. The LOFT look book included four stylists: Tina Chai, Kate Young, Joanne Blades and Alia Ahmed-Yahia. For the LA event, LOFT partnered with LA stylist Nicole Chavez.

Now if memories of Ann Taylor's work appropriate clothing come to mind, you have another thing coming.

LOFT has completely changed their designs and branding. I would actually wear these pieces on the weekends and to casual events. I've always been a fan of their feminine, vintage inspired blouses, slacks and skirts, but the new collection adds a bit more edge.

Striped knit cardigans, tweed jackets, chiffon ruffled blouses and oversized herringbone pattern metallic skirts really made a youthful yet sophisticated impression with an undeniably vintage feel.

Gorgeous models lounged around the penthouse suite of the 1920s hotel. Each room had a different vignette including a terrace with LOFT models sitting in chairs, a living room with models sitting around on the sofa, a dining room with models sitting at a dining table, but the room that captivated me the most was the gorgeous bedroom.

I couldn't figure out if I wanted to stare at the models or the decor. Black and white striped curtains framed a perfectly glamorous boudoir complete with vintage vanity and accompanying trinkets. LOFT models sat around on the bed and vanity stool looking stylish, put together, and completely comfortable. Mission accomplished LOFT!

As if champagne, the Chateau Marmont dripping with celebrities, and great conversation weren't enough, we were given a gift bag on our way out. The bag itself is a gift in its own right, but the amazing jewelry in the bag was more than I had expected.

A stunning statement cuff and completely me necklace made of brass toned chain with dangling leather rectangles studded with rhinestones were tucked inside the goody bag. I am seriously looking at LOFT in a whole new light.

Can anyone tell me if the image on the gift bag is a Ruben Toledo illustration? it certainly looks like one!

What do you think about the new LOFT collection? Would you wear it?

Saturday night, Kelsi of Dedicated Follower of Fashion and I headed to Silverlake for a lovely dinner with Wendy Brandes. Despite my being a horrible date (I arrived late and had no valet money), Wendy greeted us with her gorgeous Cleopatra earrings in silver. Frankly, we can't be trusted with the gold and diamond ones. We might take off with a pair never to be heard from again. Actually, I wanted to take off with the silver because they are so amazing. Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably know that these are the earrings that Samantha wore in Sex And The City 2.

We all proudly tucked our hair behind our ears and showed off our earrings, drank margaritas and had a fantastic time. I even got in a little Mr. B time! Wendy is exactly the same in person as she is online - warm, friendly, funny and a total blast to talk to. It felt like we had always known each other, not just virtually. I was bummed she wasn't going to spend more days in LA, but it's just one more reason to head to NYC and meet up on her turf!

It goes without saying that Dita Von Teese is one of the most stunning women on the planet. She is so glamorous, dark, mysterious. The perfect femme noir - I hesitate to call her femme fatale because she seems genuinely nice. I was mesmerized by this image of her in her 1940s suit. The strong shoulder makes the rest of the silhouette even more tantilizing, no?

image: via Dita's Twitpic feed

If you want the real deal on a shop, you have to read New York Times writer Cintra Wilson's column Critical Shopper. She pulls no punches. But there's no Perez-Hilton-esque snark. She just tells it like it is in a hysterically educated way. So when I read Cintra's review of infamous Lily et Cie in Beverly Hills, CA, it made me think about what kind of customer service is expected in vintage shops, real or virtual.

Lily et Cie got a well deserved lashing for their shitty attitude. But I do understand owner and curator's Rita Watnick protection of delicate, and often valuable, treasures.

When shopping for vintage there are a few guidelines you should keep in mind.

1. Know your size

Seriously I cannot stress this enough. If you know your measurements, you'll know you can't fit into a smaller size. Forgo the humilation and anger of ripping a vintage garment. Go up one size. Never risk it.

2. Handle the garment by the hanger

Vintage silks and rayon are fragile and so are their seams. Handling by the hanger, rahter than the sleeve or skirt will protect the garment from tearing or shredding.

3. Put it back where you found it or give it to the clerk

This is especially true in an antque mall. Don't assume that things can just be left laying around. If you forgot where it goes, simply give it back to the clerk.

Now I know this is coming off all preachy and elitist, but shopping for vintage is not like shopping at your local mall. Some care is needed with older garments.

But there is no way I would encourage you to shop with someone who does not value you as a customer. Stay away from virtual and brick and mortar stores with these red flags:

• Attitude - seriously there is no excuse!
• Unhelpful - if the seller can't give you insight about the garment (history, style advice, etc.), then they are just selling "stuff" not vintage. Vintage is an experience.
• Lack of response - online sellers should respond to you in 1 business day unless otherwise stated.
• Doesn't go the extra mile - Are clothes cleaned and in good condition? Do they offer care instructions? Do they call or email when they are having sales or found something perfect for you? These are all small things that show what an important client you are.

In today's economy, apparel companies that incorporate these four details are faring well. Nordstrom and Zappos.com are two companies I will always shop with because they have earned my customer loyalty through customer care.

What about you? Which vintage shops have earned your loyalty? What will make you shop elsewhere?

Penelope loves the vintage doesn't she? And I love her for it. Ms. Cruz wore a stunning red vintage Chanel gown to the premiere of Nine. Although the film has received mixed reviews from my online friends (the only opinions I trust), I'm willing to pay $10 to check out the costumes.

Doesn't she look stunning? I wish her lipstick color for L'Oreal, Penelope's Red, had been as beautiful a red as this. It was not a good red. Take some color guidance from Chanel Penelope!

photo: Getty Images
source Elle.com

My latest article for Today's Vintage magazine is online now. It's all about the amazing Audrey Hepburn collection that went to auction at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London. I could not believe the volume of historically important dresses and haute couture gowns that were up for grabs.

Here's a snippet...

Going, going, chic! Audrey Hepburn Collection Goes to Auction

Whether you love her as Holly Golightly or a bored princess looking for adventure in Rome, Audrey Hepburn was a major style icon of the 20th century. Her beauty, her grace, but most of all her style, caused the world to fall in love with her. And now the public can own a piece of fashion history and iconic chic when Kerry Taylor Auctions presents a collection of Audrey Hepburn couture and accessories on Dec. 8, 2009 in London.

The Collection

Around thirty six items of clothing will be offered, dating from 1953 to the late 1960s as well as hats, belts and a fascinating group of letters in which she describes an early film break, her proposed wedding to James Hanson, and the time she spent filming Roman Holiday.

The collection includes stunning evening-wear including a plethora of chic little black dresses by Valentino, Elizabeth Arden and of course her favorite designer of all - Hubert de Givenchy.

Simplicity and elegance was her trademark and it is evident in the Kerry Taylor Auctions collection. Hepburn became the personification of chic elegance in the 1950s and 60s. Givenchy said of her "All the responsibility for the way Audrey looked is hers. She made the selections." Hepburn and Givenchy had a mutual admiration of one another. For Funny Face in 1957 and many of her other major films, Audrey had it written into her film contracts that Givenchy would make all the clothes she wore and also astutely had it agreed that she retain the majority of her Parisian wardrobe.

Check out the rest at TodaysVintage.com

The final numbers are in and it appears that the collection has earned a whopping £542,040! Given that most of this will go to charity, I'm sure all parties were pleased.

One particular dress, the black chantilly lace gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film "How to Steal a Million" in 1965, is rumored to have been purchased by Victoria Beckham. I hope she cherishes it and doesn't deconstruct it to be used as inspiration for another line!

If you want the real scoop, please check out my dear friend and colleague's, Jeanne Suica, blog. Not only was she there, she helped with the catalogueing and research of the collection. AND she got to meet Hubert de Givenchy himself. I hope she shares the experience here. Hint, hint Jeanne!

Two Saturdays ago, I experienced  a day full of haute couture and style. The Costume Society of America, Western Region hosted a curator led tour and premiere documentary screening of High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Curators Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson led us through this magical, privileged world of haute couture and high fashion. We took a curated walk through Mrs. Betsy Bloomingdale's wardrobe, overflowing with Givenchy, Balmain, Galanos, Adolfo, and of course, Dior. To be that close to real live haute couture worn by one of the last remaining wearers of haute couture was an amazing experience.

Mrs. Bloomingdale was the wife of businessman, Alfred Bloomingdale, a descendant of the famous Bloomingdales that found the iconic department store. Mr. Bloomingdale made is fortune in the credit card business as co-founder of the first independent credit card, Diner's Club. He wanted to bring his business to France. This was the beginning of the beautiful beginning of Betsy's relationship with some of the most important couture houses of the 20th century.

In the documentary, which unfortunately will not be released to mass media, Mrs. Bloomingdale reminisces fondly about the glory days of shopping in Paris at the couture houses of Balmain and Dior. "I had no idea I was collecting anything so important," says Mrs. Bloomingdale. She recalls how shopping for haute couture was such a quiet experience. Society ladies met for lunch in Paris and attended the shows at 3pm. There wasn't much sound, just stunning gowns parading through the show room. No fanfare, no theatrics, just the ladies and the gowns.

Christina Johnson, Betsy Bloomingdale, and Kevin Jones at opening night of exhibit

Betsy's world of couture spanned about 30 years. Her first purchase was at the house of Balmain in 1961 and she faithfully attended couture shows until 1996.

Walking through the FIDM museum was visually overwhelming. Three galleries were punctuated with gowns and ensembles that looked like sculpture.

Mount maker Carolyn Jamerson gave us a detailed tutorial on how to create invisible garment forms. I have to be honest and admit that this wasn't nearly as important to me as some of the other CSA members considering that many of them are involved in curating and museum studies. I just love clothes. They could hang on a hanger for all I care. Until I saw the garments displayed in the galleries. I was mesmerized by the artistic display of clothing. They were almost an optical illusion - a parade of floating silk, lace and satin. It was a stunning display.

Kevin Jones, who was as entertaining as he was educational, explained that FIDM now has custody of around 200 croquis from Christian Dior. Croquis were the hand colored reproductions of the designer's original sketches with a swatch of fabric attached. Christina Johnson, co-curator, told a funny story of how these wonderful croquis were decorating office walls. Aye!

If you can't make it to the gritty streets of Downtown LA to see the exhibit, you can purchase the catalog at the FIDM Museum gift shop. The exhibit ends December 13. Check FIDM's website for more details.

Paris continues to heat up with steamy temperatures well into the low 90s. I thought that since everyone might be on vacation already that I might get lucky and pick up a bargain last week at the Haute Couture and Schiaparelli auction that was held in Paris.

Much to my surprise everyone who was anyone was there, and why wouldn't they be? Silly me! Who needs to be somewhere in the country side or the South of France when there was auction like this. Over 300 lots of haute couture and an amazing amount of rare dresses by Elsa Schiaparelli were on the block.

As I entered the room I knew that regardless of the hammer prices I would witness a moment of fashion history and reminded myself that true collectors and dealers never sleep, never stop searching and certainly never take vacations or if they do, have been savvy enough to set up pre arranged phone bidding from the comfort of their beach chairs.

As I waited impatiently in front of the door, I turned and saw Marisa Berenson the famous actress and model from the 1980s. Elsa Schiaparelli was her grandmother so I wasn't too surprised that she was also there to witness a moment in fashion history.

As I entered the room and searched for my seat I realized that I was sitting directly behind her (gasp! if you read my last post about auctions you'll understand why I gasp so much) Did they make a mistake with the seating, I thought? How have I ended up in the VIP section, I thought to myself and calmly reminded myself to take deep breaths.

Seated in front of Ms. Berenson who by the way is more beautiful in person than any photo I've ever seen, was another ex-model and successful fashion designer Inès de la Fressange. Hmmm... even they aren't on vacation - this would be an exciting auction!

As the lots flew by in a flurry of bidding surrounded by the Shocking bright pink walls I anxiously listened as the bids continued to mount faster than the temperatures outside. I felt goose bumps on my arms as I watched determined bidders spending more euros than some people make in a year on rare creations by Paquin, Lanvin and Chanel.

The true highlight was lot 200. A beige Schiaparelli jacket from 1937 with a Jean Couteau designed embroidered by Lesage. This magnificent design showed a woman with gold metallic tresses covering one arm of the jacket with her hand encircling the waist of the jacket. An estimate of 12,000-15,000 was noted and I nearly fell off my seat as I watched the hammer go down as the hammer price hit 140,000 euros.

I was so thrilled to have had the chance to witness such a moment and at the same time a bit sad that I might never see this jacket come up at auction again. A bit shocking but that's just part of the thrill of a steamy summer in Paris.

Happy Summer everyone!

Jeanne

Jeanne Suica collaborates with a major auction house in searching for and evaluating pieces for upcoming auctions. Clients worldwide who may be interested in selling or consigning their items can email her images and questions regarding their items via her site www.jeannesuica.com

What a sad day. Peace to the queen of feathered and frosted.

My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, and fans...

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards took place on Monday night. I had mentioned that Tracey Ullman would be wearing vintage Claire McCardell - completely appropriate as she is one of the best American designers in fashion history. She also wore a McCardell inspired dress designed by Doo.Ri. I think the neckline is very Claire McCardell - chic without too much fuss.

It seems others wore either vintage or vintage inspiration...

all images from WWD.com

If you happen to see an image around the interwebs of Ms. Ullman in her fabulous vintage McCardell dress, please let me know!

There is no doubt that our First Lady has brought style back to the White House. On inauguration day, all eyes were watching for what Michelle Obama would be wearing, oh and the inauguration of the President too of course. One woman was behind the dazzling brooch that set off the ensemble Isabel Toledo had created. That woman was none other than the dame of bijoux - Carole Tanenbaum.

Carole Tanenbaum has been in the vintage costume jewelry business for 25 years. Her online store, Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection, has been a mecca for high end, collectible vintage costume jewelry. She has accessorized everyone from Natalie Portman to Sarah Jessica Parker to First Lady Michelle Obama. Carole was gracious enough to answer a few burning questions I had.

People who have a passion for fashion always explain their infatuation by stating that fashion is art - another form of expression. Carole Tanenbaum proves this statement true. There is no doubt that her former life in art collecting and dealing was training for the small pieces of art she has so lovingly and passionately collected.

Meet Carole Tanenbaum...

DC: How did you know you wanted your life's work to be in costume jewelry?

CT: Sometimes experiences in life dictate where you go and what you do. I have always been a collector - of art, vintage quilts, etc. My primary business was fine art consulting. It was when, on a trip to London, about 28 yrs ago, that I stumbled on a small but very select collection of Vintage Costume Jewelry and fell in love. As a collector, I made it my mission to purchase as many pieces as I loved, until a few yrs later, I amassed several thousand jewels. I had no intention of going into this business ,as I was very happy buying and selling art. But I approached Holt Renfrew, Canada to see if they were interested in doing a trunk show (1994). They were smitten, gave me my own dept (!) And that was the beginning of CTVC.

DC: You provide jewelry for so many celebrities, even First Lady Michelle Obama. Are the famous more daring when it comes to jewelry?

CT: Most stars are not daring in their tastes. They gravitate towards pieces that are "safe". There are a few exceptions however. Sarah Jessica Parker is extremely creative, not only with her choices, but with the unconventional way she wears her pieces, her placements. Mrs Obama also makes unusual choices, and mixes vintage with contemporary.

DC: Michelle Obama has become quite the fashion icon. How did you feel being one of the people responsible for dressing First Lady Michelle Obama?

CT: Michelle has been wearing CTVC well before the election. But I was surprised and extremely proud that she chose one of our early, historical brooches for the inauguration, when she could certainly have worn Fred Leighton, Harry Winston, or anyone. It was a unique choice, and one fitting with the times.

DC: You have provided many pieces of jewelry to film and television productions, most recently Grey Gardens with Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. What is your process when it comes to suggesting pieces for the screen?

CT: When we are selecting jewelry for film, we work with the stylist (s) in charge. They usually select in segments, as the film progresses. Each visit, they chose for a particular outfit(s) . They either give us very clear descriptions -color, scale, period etc, or they bring in the outfits. They generally over select, bring the pieces to the set and make a selection from there, within a day or two.

DC: When you are acquiring pieces for your collection, what do you gravitate to the most?

CT: When purchasing for my collection, I gravitate toward jewelry that shows imagination, creativity, and that is well made. I am interested in jewelry that is bold, and that makes a statement. High color; large scale, often small production.

DC: Are designer labels important when it comes to collecting costume jewelry?

CT: Designer labels do not affect my choices. My eye gravitates to the unusual. Many times an unsigned piece is more spectacular than a "ho hum" design by one of vintage's icons.

DC: Who are some of your favorite costume jewelry designers?

CT: Some of my favorite Vintage designers are Schreiner, Early colored Haskell, Sandor, Coppolo e Toppo, Schibensky, Vargas,Bakelite, Dior, and early french pieces.

DC: You wrote a fabulous book titled Fabulous Fakes. Any plans for a follow up book?

CT: I was thinking of writing a book on Schreiner, my absolute favorite. We've done the photography,of about 450 masterpieces, but there is little information about the manufacturer. So, the book would lack the educational tool needed to make it more than a table top book. Otherwise nothing planned in the near future, but you never know!

DC: Are there any costume jewelry designers today that you feel will be future collectibles?

CT: There are so many great designers out there today. I have started to collect Larry Vrba, Robert Sorrell, a bit of David Mandel, Iradj Moini, Alan Anderson (ck my blog on him on www.caroletanenbaum.com, Marni, Missoni, Cavali. All these people have unique ideas, a small production and excellent workmanship - 3 things collectors looks for.
I also like many pieces by Alexis Bitar, Monies, Hendler.

DC: Any tips for aspiring vintage costume jewelry collectors?

CT: I would urge new collectors to educate their eye. There are dozens of bks today on Vintage Costume Jewelry. See what interests you. Buy pieces that are in fine, original condition, well made and that speak to your personal aesthetics. Whether it be a designer, a period, a type of jewelry that draws you in, make sure it's authentic. As vintage becomes more and more popular, there are more fakes on the market, so trust whom you are buying from.

DC: If you had to exit the building to save your life and could only grab one item from your collection, what would it be?

CT: I can never answer that question, as we have over 20,000 pieces, all carefully selected by me . So, if I had to take one treasure with me I would probably take my favorite jewel, my husband!

Today would've been Marilyn Monroe's 83rd birthday. The glamorous and sexy icon will never be forgotten. Especially now that she has gone Web 2.0.

A new social networking site created by ThisIsMarilyn.com, will be announced today at their annual Marilyn Monroe celebration. To celebrate the launch of ThisIsMarilyn.com the site is giving away $100,000 in highly sought after vintage photographs and limited edition prints. They include original photographs and signed prints from personal friends of Marilyn Monroe, Andre de Dienes and George Barris.

The contest which starts on June 1st, 2009 (Marilyn Monroe's Birthday) will award 55 prizes ranging in value from $800 to a grand prize worth over $15,000 will end on August 5th (the anniversary of her death). Official rules will be posted on the website. The contest is being sponsored by One West Publishing, Inc., George Barris and the Andre de Dienes Estate.

Poor Rachel Bilson. The former OC star's home was broken into this past Thursday, but it wasn't her TV and computer that were stolen. It was her collection of vintage clothing and family heirlooms which included a collection of vintage Chanel. I can't even imagine what it is like to be robbed of such items. A plasma TV can be replaced, just any other modern item, including designer clothing. But vintage? That's it! It's gone. And there probably not be another one like it. I wonder if any of it will show up on Ebay.com? 

Whoever broke in knew what they were going for. No regular cat burglar would know his vintage couture from a rag. Although, this could be like the episode when Carrie Bradshaw was robbed of her correctly-identified-by-the-mugger Manolos.

I just hope Miss Bilson insured her collectibles, but in a case like this, home insurance is not enough. If you collect vintage clothing and accessories, your treasures can be insured, just like fine jewelry and antiques. "Some may think that they're homeowners insurance policy covers their collectibles, but in most cases your homeowners policy is designed to cover personal property and is not nearly enough to protect your treasured collectibles," said Dan Walker of Dan Walker/Debbie Spilman-Collectibles Insurance Services.

Ehow.com has a very useful tutorial on how to obtain insurance for your vintage collectibles. I had never considered purchasing separate insurance for my vintage clothing and accessories, but as a seller, I have so much inventory its loss through theft or fire would set me back quite a bit of money.

Regardless of whether Rachel Bilson's Chanel collection was ready to wear or couture pieces, the collection could've been worth a fortune, but even more tragic is the loss of these one of a kind treasures and the time and patience it takes to collect.

I can imagine the heartbreak she must be feeling right now. But if she had a collectibles insurance policy, maybe she can find some comfort in a vintage clothing shopping spree!

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Penelope Cruz took home an Oscar for her sizzling role in Vicky Christina Barcelona. Cruz really went all out for this special honor in vintage Balmain. Even though it looks a bit like a wedding dress, I appreciate her love of vintage and her dressing up for such an important occasion. She might get slammed for her dress choice, but I fully support exuberant dressing for an event you are proud of.  According to Couturesnob.com, "She said she saw this dress years ago and swore to one day wear it-- when she was nominated for an Oscar, she went searching for it and found it again!"

This is isn't the first time Penelope Cruz reached for vintage. She wore vintage Chanel to the Goya's - the Spanish Oscars - where she also received an award for Best Supporting Actress. See? Vintage not only makes you look glamorous, it also brings you awards!

Man! I need to publish this now because I read about this this morning and everyone is already buzzing.

Glamour.com did an interview with Mad Men costume designer and Costume Designers Guild Award nominee, Janie Bryant. If you think Bryant just finds some random vintage clothing at the thrift and calls it costuming, you are very mistaken.  When asked by Tracey Lomrantz of Slaves to Fashion, a really great blog by the way, if there were any plans for her own line, Janie replied,

"I'm working on some things right now...I hate to be so mysterious but I can't really say! It would have my name attached to it though."

Apparently, the former fashion designer, actually makes many of the costumes for the principal actors. I always wondered if she replicated vintage clothing with modern fabrics in colors and slight design modifications that looked better on TV. I mean, I've never seen a late '50s/early '60s dress like Joan Holloway's!

I cannot wait to see what Janie Bryant designs. Designers such as Michael Kors have already been bitten by the vintage, Mad Men style bug, so Janie Bryant should take more than credit for bringing vintage style to modern fashion. She should bask in the glory of recreated fitted wiggle dresses, full skirts, and shark skin, slim suits.

Yesterday was like Christmas. The country was giddy with excitement, which then turned into raw emotion for some, including me.

We are not only witnessing history in the making, we are living and breathing hope - not the wild eyed, rainbows and sunshine hope that right winged mocked us with. We are now entering an era where a shift of mindset is taking place.

We are being forced to act frugally and I am hoping that this will stir some selflessness. I can hope!

In the meantime, I am glad to see such a handsome couple in office.

On Thursday, December 11, one of the most revered images of the 1950s passed. Bettie Page is probably one of the most recognizable images, besides Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, and to be honest, I always like Bettie Page more than Marilyn Monroe. Bettie had such an irreverent, innocent nature, that her cheesecake and S&M pictures could never take away the sweetness that exuded from this leather clad, girl next door. It's this very dichotomy - sweet and seductive, innocent and naughty - that makes her such a beloved icon amongst men and women. We all wish, and so do our male counterparts, we could embody the good girl in public-bad girl behind closed doors (or on film) persona.

1. Her look
Any rockabilly girl worth her salt has had the Bettie Bangs at some point. We grow them out, but we always come right back. A raven colored haircut fit for a young girl, meets red lips, and a pretty smile -- it's part of the retro uniform.

2. Her humbleness
After being institutionalized at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, she could not believe how popular she had become. She couldn't understand how modeling 10 years prior could have made her so famous. She had no idea.

3. Her figure
Bettie Page was curvy, soft, natural. The way women should be. [Editor's Note: I meant not overly skinny. Women look good with some healthy meat on their bones!]

4. Her costumes
No one wore cheetah prints the way Ms. Page did. She had fun acting and dressing the part in a sensual but tasteful way. She was a jungle girl, a dominatrix, and a beach babe all rolled into one.

5. Her ability to leave it all behind
After being sexually abused, mistreated, divorced, and being committed, she dedicated her life to her faith. She left all the glitz and glamor behind for what she felt would be a better life.

If the movie Australia had not given you romantic notions about going down under, maybe a pair of Ferragamos might sweeten the deal. Check out how to win a luxury vacation and the Ferragamos featured in the film at Fantastic Toe!

Rosamond Bernier, the glamorous lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, has led a life of art, high culture and equally high fashion. Dame Bernier will be letting the world into her closet as she unloads some of her envious wardrobe on Yoox.com today.

The 92 year old socialite and lecturer hobnobbed with the likes of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and Georges Braque. One can only imagine the caliber of her dinner parties.

Yoox.com has become a major resource in collectible vintage couture so it makes perfect sense that Yoox.com founder, Federico Marchetti, would encourage Mrs. Bernier to grace the site with her legendary wardrobe. One of the most talked about pieces in the sale is a haute couture 1959 Dior water-color dress with matching purse. This was the time when the late Yves Saint Laurent designed for the house of Dior. Yoox.com is no stranger to the wonder of vintage Dior as evidenced by their recent vintage Dior collection.

As an added bonus, Rosamond Bernier will comment on each featured item from her wardrobe, sharing her recollections of how and when she acquired it and the noteworthy occasions on which she wore it. Provenance and a good story is always a plus when purchasing vintage!

The sale will also feature a Zandra Rhodes dress from the early 1970's, a Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel red wool bouclé suit from the early 1980's and a Kenneth Jay Lane leaf necklace, circa 1970.

The sale starts this Thursday October 23 at around 9 a.m., EST at Yoox.com.

This year, the Emmy Awards celebrated the big 6-0. I'm not a huge awards fashion hound, but I am always curious to see who has the most vintage inspiration.

Well I should have known my girl America would show up in style, but this year she did it in vintage. I don't know if she's going through a vintage phase, but I love it! She has the right body for pretty 50s dresses. In addition to gorgeous black frock, she is decked out in 19th century Fred Leighton jewels.

CREDIT: Frazer Harrison/Getty

And Sandra Oh looked gorgeous in a black lace Oscar de la Renta gown topped off with a vintage Chanel bag and Chanel pearled shoes.

CREDIT: Frazer Harrison/Getty

Apparently Dana Delany wore vintage as well, but I cannot seem to find a picture. If I missed any other vintage, please let me know so I can drool some more.

While there weren't too many vintage dress (there never are), there was a whole lot of vintage bling. According to the Diamond Information Center, www.adiamondisforever.com, the following celebrities were decorated with some serious vintage ice:

Brooke Shields - Fred Leighton - Old mine-cut diamond leaf and vine earrings in silver on gold

Dana Delany - LILY et Cie - 1920's French diamond earrings set in platinum

Debra Messing - Fred Leighton - 19th Century old mine diamond fan pendant earrings, 25-carats

Emilie de Raven - H. Stern and Stephen Russell - H. Stern Victorian diamond earrings with cognac diamonds, valued at $8,300

Glenn Close - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond pendant earrings

Jillian Dempsey - Fred Leighton - Old mine-cut diamond pendant earrings, 3-carats each

Kyra Sedgwick - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond pyramid earrings in platinum

Olivia Wilde - Kwiat - 1960's diamond Decades Collection earrings, valued at $300,000

Cynthia Nixon - Fred Leighton -1920's buckle diamond bracelet; art deco diamond bracelet

Dana Delany - LILY et Cie - Three French 1920's diamond bracelets

Glenn Close - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond bracelet

Hayden Panettiere - Fred Leighton -1920's diamond bracelet in platinum; 1920's diamond and onyx bracelet in platinum

Mary-Louise Parker - Cartier - Cartier tradition triple and double raw diamond bracelet, Cartier London 1934, including 85 cushion- and circular-cut diamonds with 28-carats of diamonds, 20 baguette-cut diamonds with approximately 1.4 carats of diamonds, and four rose-cut diamonds, valued at $335,000; Cartier Tradition pear shaped diamond bracelet, Cartier Paris 1951, 204 diamonds with 19.33 carats of diamonds, valued at $92,000

My girl crush on America Ferrera is no secret. So when I saw her wearing this lovely little vintage dress on Fashion Week Daily I was so giddy. This is definitely a vast improvement on Betty Suarez's wardrobe on the hit TV show (although she has rocked some polyester at times).

This dress reminds me a bit of Carrie Bradshaw's red floral dress in the Sex and the City movie. The one she wears to the auction. Although, America's might have flyaway panels rather than a skirt overlay. It's hard to tell in this picture. Either way, she scores a major 10 on my vintage scale.

You know you are somebody in the fashion world if you receive an invitation the Costume Institute's annual gala. The theme this year was Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. While some fashions were blatantly superhero inspired (Wonder Woman wore gold cuffs), many of the guests went for pretty and fantastical.

I was very pleased to see some vintage amongst the sea of couture and high end designers. But I have to admit, some of the vintage pieces weren't as inspiring as some of the new designs, and that was disappointing. Of the many ways to infuse fantasy and a touch of costume to your outfit, you would think vintage would be the way to go. Wearing vintage in and of itself, to an even like this requires more than just a vintage dress - here's you chance to pull out the most outrageous and beautiful pieces known to fashion history.

I felt these fell a little short. But I'll let you decide.

Photo: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

Images:
Michelle Trachtenberg, in a vintage skirt and top with Kwiat diamonds and a Cesare Paciotti clutch.

Kate Bosworth, in vintage Chanel Haute Couture

Caroline Trentini, in vintage Thierry Mugler and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

Anna Sui, in vintage Zandra Rhodes and boots of her own design.

And some notable non-vintage looks:

Sarah Brown
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Dita Von Teese

Check out the rest of the images, all 164 of them!, at Style.com

Shirmpton Couture and Style It also have some images and commentary on the big event.

My favorite vintage lovin' boy, Cameron Silver, is the featured Iqon at IQONS.com. There will be an interview posted on the site next week, so I will update you when that is live.

There are many vintage dealers that deal exclusively in high end, designer and couture collectible textiles. Some even wrote books. But Cameron truly knows his stuff. I am always impressed by his selections on his blog. Yes, he mixes contemporary with vintage, but it takes a keen eye to distinguish what will be collectible vintage in 20+ years. Even though I live in Southern California, I have yet to visit his store. I will soon. With camera and notebook in hand.

I normally don't give a hoot what celebrities are wearing, especially the type that run around sans undies. But I was giddy to see this poll on People.com for five reasons:

1. Leopard
2. Latinas
3. America Ferrera (my favorite girl in the whole world, and Latina)
4. The prettiest lady on TV (and Latina)
5. A vintage inspired dress

So here you go. Who wears it better? Go to People.com to vote.

My favorite actress, Christina Ricci, collaborated with Cameron Silver, my favorite vintage boy, on the new design for Samsonite, as reported by WWD. The Fashionaire collection is a recreation of the 1960s Samsonite line.

Interestingly, Samsonite has another vintage inspired Black Label collection, promoted by the stunning Isabella Rosellini.

I love the black and white Merimekko inspired print. I think it brings some youth to the very traditional, makes me think of Mom, Samsonite label. Fashionista reported that a company employee stated the collection is not quite right for Americans.

It's about time Samsonite added some punch to their luggage and travel accessories because they haven't been awe inspiring since the 1960s. Let's get out of the bland neutrals,casual sports wear, and strictly utilitarian in design people!

What do you think of the new line? Yay or Nay?

My favorite actress, Christina Ricci, collaborated with Cameron Silver, my favorite vintage boy, on the new design for Samsonite, as reported by WWD. The Fashionaire collection is a recreation of the 1960s Samsonite line.

Interestingly, Samsonite has another vintage inspired Black Label collection, promoted by the stunning Isabella Rosellini.

I love the black and white Merimekko inspired print. I think it brings some youth to the very traditional, makes me think of Mom, Samsonite label. Fashionista reported that a company employee stated the collection is not quite right for Americans.

It's about time Samsonite added some punch to their luggage and travel accessories because they haven't been awe inspiring since the 1960s. Let's get out of the bland neutrals,casual sports wear, and strictly utilitarian in design people!

What do you think of the new line? Yay or Nay?

The eBay gods were smiling on me (and it helps that I was feverishly bidding) because I won tickets to the Paley festival featuring the cast and creative team of Ugly Betty. During the Paley Festival which lasts 15 days, fans get to meet the creators and cast of the hottest shows on television.

Monday night, my husband and I went to the Director's Guild Theater in Hollywood. I was so excited. What will I ask? I hope I get to meet her. I was like a groupie!

The audience was treated to an episode of Ugly Betty, the one where Alex Meade resurrects as Alexis Meade during-where else- fashion week. It was amazing to see the show on a theater screen. Even though we have HD at home, the gigantic screen made the set just pop.

Vanessa Williams looked stunning in a black dress with a matching wrap, Rebecca Romijn is gorgeous in real person. she wore a mini dress with a flouncy hem and puff crochet sleeves. Becki Newton (Amanda) wore a piercing cobalt blue mini, Ashley Jensen (Christina) was elegant in a black suit and America wore a taupe satin dress with an empire waist.

The cast had some really funny anecdotes about how they were cast, and it was a little strange, but in person, I could see some resemblance in personality to each actor's character. It's as if the characters are the cartoon version of the actors. Sadly, Ana Ortiz (Hilda) and Tony Plana (Ignacio) were not in attendance. Mark Indelicato (Justin) is just as sassy and precocious a person as his character. And he is very articulate for someone so young.

America said she could easily watch herself as Ugly Betty because she wishes she could be as great a person as Betty Suarez. America couldn't be a nicer person. At one point, she was talking about how blessed she felt to work with such a great cast and she actually started tearing up. She is a very humble, talented young woman. I want to be her friend.

The eBay gods were smiling on me (and it helps that I was feverishly bidding) because I won tickets to the Paley festival featuring the cast and creative team of Ugly Betty. During the Paley Festival which lasts 15 days, fans get to meet the creators and cast of the hottest shows on television.

Monday night, my husband and I went to the Director's Guild Theater in Hollywood. I was so excited. What will I ask? I hope I get to meet her. I was like a groupie!

The audience was treated to an episode of Ugly Betty, the one where Alex Meade resurrects as Alexis Meade during-where else- fashion week. It was amazing to see the show on a theater screen. Even though we have HD at home, the gigantic screen made the set just pop.

Vanessa Williams looked stunning in a black dress with a matching wrap, Rebecca Romijn is gorgeous in real person. she wore a mini dress with a flouncy hem and puff crochet sleeves. Becki Newton (Amanda) wore a piercing cobalt blue mini, Ashley Jensen (Christina) was elegant in a black suit and America wore a taupe satin dress with an empire waist.

The cast had some really funny anecdotes about how they were cast, and it was a little strange, but in person, I could see some resemblance in personality to each actor's character. It's as if the characters are the cartoon version of the actors. Sadly, Ana Ortiz (Hilda) and Tony Plana (Ignacio) were not in attendance. Mark Indelicato (Justin) is just as sassy and precocious a person as his character. And he is very articulate for someone so young.

America said she could easily watch herself as Ugly Betty because she wishes she could be as great a person as Betty Suarez. America couldn't be a nicer person. At one point, she was talking about how blessed she felt to work with such a great cast and she actually started tearing up. She is a very humble, talented young woman. I want to be her friend.

via Metroblogging Los Angeles

After a very brief marriage, and very dramatic wedding (featured in Vogue no less), Dita Von Teese has filed for divorce from goth hubby Marilyn Manson. But really. Can you stay married to someone who wears more make up than you?

They say the best way to get over a break up is to stay busy. Well, Dita's social calendar has been so full of fashion shows, boutique openings and other wonderful events, she'll be asking "Marilyn who?"

via Metroblogging Los Angeles

After a very brief marriage, and very dramatic wedding (featured in Vogue no less), Dita Von Teese has filed for divorce from goth hubby Marilyn Manson. But really. Can you stay married to someone who wears more make up than you?

They say the best way to get over a break up is to stay busy. Well, Dita's social calendar has been so full of fashion shows, boutique openings and other wonderful events, she'll be asking "Marilyn who?"

Fashion Week Daily featured the fashion resolutions of many celebrities. Here's my fave:

via Fashion Week Daily

Shiva Rose McDermott: “Well, for years, I wore so many designer clothes, and then I wound up wearing the dresses that get passed around through the designers. Then I started buying vintage and no one else was wearing it and it cost a lot less—so I’m sticking to vintage for a while. And it’s more fun to shop for.”

Yay! Another enlightened fashionista.

Fashion Week Daily featured the fashion resolutions of many celebrities. Here's my fave:

via Fashion Week Daily

Shiva Rose McDermott: “Well, for years, I wore so many designer clothes, and then I wound up wearing the dresses that get passed around through the designers. Then I started buying vintage and no one else was wearing it and it cost a lot less—so I’m sticking to vintage for a while. And it’s more fun to shop for.”

Yay! Another enlightened fashionista.