Spring 2010 Accessories - Trends

I reviewed the spring 2010 accessories of many designers and I noticed that designers used several different types of leathers in their handbags that have texture, such as snakeskin, crocodile and ostrich. Also, there was a lot of use of jewels, beads, crystals, and embellishments in the shoes, as well as mesh. My favorite handbags were of Givenchy, I loved the prints, texture, and silhouette of the bags. And definitely, my favorite shoes were those of Pierre Hardy, I think they are sexy, fun, and different. I like the way he embellishes his shoes. I also really liked the Giorgio Armani snakeskin and mesh sandal, I thought that combination of leather and mesh worked really well, and I loved the cork lace up bootie from Santoni, it was so different! Definitely, the jewelry that stood out for me were the cuffs from Taher Chemirik, they reminded me of spiders, I would love to wear them all the time.

Inspiration pictures - November 23, 2009

When I saw these rings and bracelets made out of wood and cork, I was just astonished. I could not believe how beautiful they are, and the details are amazing. They are like sculptures. Anthony Roussel is the artist of these pieces and uses layers to create these three dimensional designs (http://www.anthonyroussel.co.uk). His jewelry inspire me to design clothes that are more sculptural, maybe using it as a detail in a collar or a sleeve of a blouse.

Cool French market/café in the eastside

A great place to go in the eastside of Los Angeles for breakfast or lunch or just to have a wine is Nicole’s Gourmet Foods in South Pasadena. They sell hundreds of cheeses, pâtés, truffle products, foie gras, oils and vinegars from around the world as well as a large selection of hard-to-find specialty baking products. Nicole, the owner, is very knowledgeable about the products especially the cheeses and can help you find the right cheese to pair with one’s specific foods. Also, they have excellent sandwiches, salads, and desserts. My favorites are: the cheese plate, the charcuterie plate, the artichoke and tomato salad, and the eggplant sandwich. The desserts are delicious and they are all made in-house. Definitely, one has to try the pear tart, it is one of the best in town. Besides the products and foods they offer, I love seating in their outdoor patio, there are a lot of trees and greenery, and you feel like you are in Europe. It is definitely a place that one has to visit, and it is just off the Gold Line (Mission exit).

Nicole’s Gourmet Foods

921 Meridian Ave. Unit B

South Pasadena, CA 91030

Tel.: 626-403-5751
http://www.nicolesgourmetfoods.com

Inspiration pictures - November 16, 2009

What can I say? I am obsessed with shoes. These Azzedine Alaïa cut-out booties are gorgeous! Many designers have used the cut-out technique in their work—the finished product can look very crafty or very cool—but these shoes are a piece of art, they scream luxury, sexy, and emphasis on the finest quality and details. You can wear the most raggedy clothes, but these booties will make your outfit.

Inspiration pictures - November 9, 2009

I guess I just can't get enough of Hussein Chalayan. The silhouette of these shoes are like a work of art. I think they just are extremely beautiful! How can anyone not feel sexy with these shoes???

Inspiration pictures - November 2, 2009

One of my favorite dresses from the Fall-Winter 2010 collections is this dress from Hussein Chalayan. The neckline is so sculptural and beautiful, and can be used in different ways. I love that there is movement in this dress. It looks awesome with over-the-knee boots or high heel pumps.