Le Francais sont Gris

Translated: The French are Gray. 

It's a complement from my perspective.  Christian Dior is famous for their "Dior Gray" (now available at Benjamin Moore - hello!).  I love Gray.  It's one of my favorite colors - alone or mixed with almost any color it makes everything chic. 

I am en route to my home coast and have been collecting various pieces of reworked furniture and antiques all in the French style (some are gray like an amazing pair of cane side chairs...).  I am not sure the nouveau Chez Sugarbuzz will be able to handle a complete French Revolution, so I will pick my battles room by room.  Here is some inspiration I have been pondering...

The French (and the style inspired by) are so chic they make possible trash look purposeful.  I love this old window as the backdrop for the very (gray) bar set up. 

That giant fireplace is so amazing it looks like it is going to eat this dining set like kindling!  Of course the chandelier cannot be ignored...

I call this "dueling chandeliers".  I love it and would not have thought of hanging a matching pair of sparkly chandeliers to my bedside.  Cozy! 

Gray velvet grounds this whole room and makes it serene and cozy. I love this look because it is sophisticated but casual. 

30% Off The New Sugar Website!

Happy First Day of Spring! 

Is this the time when you are supposed to be able to balance an egg on it's pointy side?  I never got that. 

In honor of the struggling daffodils hemisphere-wide, we are officially launching the Sugar website today with an exclusive 30% off site-wide until April 15!  Spruce up your wardrobe with some Sugar treats! 

Use code: PEEPS2012 for 30% off!  Woohoo! 

www.shopsugar.com

Bailey Necklace
This is from our new line, Betwixt by Sugar, that mixes vintage components with natural elements like gemstones, coral, shark's teeth and more.  I am going to toot my own horn here and admit that I LOVE this piece - it's my favorite color afterall!   

Chelsea Necklace
Named for my friend's daughter, who when she was a teenager she was discovering the wonderful world of mixing styles.  She was quite conservative in her dress and getting more subversive each day.  She trotted off to NYU Film for a Master's a few years ago, and something about this design still reminds me of her fashion epiphanies in the early '00s...
(It's a Betwixt by Sugar piece, too. Vintage chain, vintage gold plated safety pins (gorgeous!), and of course fun dyed Howlite spikes).

Sarah Necklace
I love this piece.  It is named for my two Sarahs who both happen to love navy & white stripes (who doesn't, right?) and of course the color pink with some hidden yellow. Perfect for some Spring/Summer action, or simply to help you feel like some Spring/Summer action...

Blocked In

I hesitated a bit with the whole colorblocking-is-in announcement.  All I could imagine were a bunch of people running around mixing all of the wrong things together looking like human sized Legos...possibly me being one of them.  And then I realized that unless I am wearing stripes (which I am most of the time, like right now, plus fur vest!), I am usually in some mode of color blocking.  My mother always told me solids were a sure thing.  True true.  For me mixing solid colors is safe - no print mixing to meddle with and no layers of stripes on stripes. 

Here are a few inspiring colorblock mixes exaggerated by my favorite neon yellow, clashing colors, etc. The backgrounds of these shots are just incredible in different ways...you will see what I mean. 

Colorblock away dear friends! Avoid primary colors thus you will blend in at Chez Lego...ciao!  

1. The Bridge. Amazing.
2. LOVE the neon coat choice.  It's not really an exercize in colorblocking now that I look at the photo but the neon coat made it look that way - fresh!
3. Facehunter photo at London Fashion Week FW2012

1. Also good background - shipyard chic! 
2. Great yellow skirt.  I love how she treats it as the neutral that ties the whole look together even though the color is off the chain. 
3. photo via Facehunter, I believe from New Zealand?

1. The hot. pink. wall. makes this shot!  From Sao Paulo where hot pink walls are the norm.
2. I love when someone wears socks with sandals.  I don't have the nerve to do it, but I love it.
3. Fabulous wack looking metallic creature on the dress.  Futuristic Tribal. 
4. Thank you again Facehunter. 

Pleased with Prints

Don't you believe that a gorgeous print is like wearing artwork?  I LOVE a print.  Even an awkward garment looks divine when the print is amazing (ok, maybe that is a stretch). 

Here is a lovely collage of prints from Carolina Herrera - past and present.

Carolina's prints, past and present (note the birds are Spring Summer 2012).
She takes seemingly ordinary things (chairs, swimmers) and adds color and graphic delights to make them incredible.  Contemplate that idea...
NY Times Collection photo credit. 

The New Turk's Head

My friend Miss AHN showed me these last fall when we were visiting her brother in Venice Beach.  I fell in love, and sort of forgot about them until I realized summer is right around the corner. If only I knew how to splice...Mr. M might know how to do it...hmm. 

Do you think if I wrangled one of these on my ankle it would shrink to fit like they used to? 

OBSESSED WITH THESE
$85, A+R Store by Tanya Aguniga

I Scream...

I have been a little off radar...and right about now I am kind of tired of looking at Fall Winter.  Most people are wearing it and watching it.  Let's talk about the colors of SPRING and SUMMER! Yay!  Those are my seasons (although I do crave a nice tweed and boot). 

I am sure you are all but saturated with the March issues of This & That...the giant Vogue or the slim regional magazine reports on Spring fashion.  No matter what the Mulberry Spring campaign may not have escaped your tired eyes.  GORGEOUS.  Never has a melted ice cream cone or scattered wrappers looked so enticing. 

The animal print maxi dress (left) is amaze. 

Stripes galore! Saltwater! Pink!

Holiday Bayswater.  Happy Birthday to me?

A Morsel for the Weekend

If you peruse NYFW after-party photos from the past week you will find plenty of pix with the same red glow and more importantly the same red and black wallpaper.  I am obsessed.  Sign me up.  

Le Baron NYC's newest hotspot in Chinatown
But can we talk about this paper? Insane.

Fur Sure

Yes, I know it's kind of a hokey title.  Puns amuse me. 

Fur has been everywhere on the runways (more on that later) and the street.  When you live in a cold city and you have to walk to most of your destinations believe me you want to own a fur coat.  A real fur, not a faux polyester fur that the wind whips through like a mesh bathing suit.  Shearling, mink, lynx. 

Currently it happens to be chilly on the majority of the Earth's land masses...it's no wonder that a plethora of fur is wandering around on the sidewalks north of the equator.

Chevron fur. I am not sure if this is real or faux.  Cool.  NYFW.

Wrap fur. I like this look overall.  Navy is so chic!  This would almost be predictable in black, but in navy she really stands out. There's nothing more luxe than dragging a fur.



Party fur.



Stockholm fur. Brr. You know it's cold there and she is dedicated in that fur to sit outside and have a smoke.
Ah this fur is so gorgeous I cannot stand it. If it was a vest I would probably implode and spend the rest of the week trying to find one.  

Kate fur. Always looking chic. And I die for fur vests.  As you know.
 I. Love. Them. I. Cannot. Own. Too. Many. Fur. Vests. I know my husband Mr. M is listening and he already thinks I am nuts. I changed fur vests yesterday three times.  It was chilly here and I saw an opportunity.

Print mix fur. Fur in a texture beyond fur plus a chic printed scarf?! Sign me UP.
I think this is from Stockholm where I like to imagine most women dress like this. Cool.  

Thakoon's Mood

There is little doubt that Thakoon's Fall Winter 2012 show this past week was gorgeous, sophisticated, thoughtful, and chic.  Here's a few pictures to get your creative juices flowing...

Thakoon's mood board for his red cane dress (see below).  I love how seeming disconnected images and thoughts manifest into reality. 

Thakoon FW 2012 NYFW. The red cane dress.

Bonus! The back of a camel jacket with see-through caning.  I love.  Bravo Thakoon.

Feeling Blue?

I hope this Valentine's Day is finding you happy and at least enjoying some delicious chocolates or any treat really.  I think that's what this day should be about...treating yourself and your loved ones.

I wanted to share another little trend of blue spaces from this week's NYFW.  There's always a trend to be spotted out there...

AMFAR Gala

Glamour March Issue Launch Party at The Box. Ooooh scandalous.  And blue. 

Moncler's FW 2012 Collection presentation at Central Park.  How did they get the ice to glow like that?  And the trees are stunning.  Ah.  I love this picture!!!!

Layers, Part Two...Inspiration: Where the Wild Things Are

I think one of the most exciting parts about Fashion Week is observing trends and innovations.  I love the creative aspect of the entire process.  The shows, the looks, the fabrics, everything.  It's inspiring. 

One thing I love the most is when two or more designers have a similar idea - especially when it seems really kind of far out.  It's not like they noticed this look on a growing number of punk rock show-goers in London or while lunching at Bergdorf's. 

And I present the Layered Look of Knitted Kitties (the second one might be a raccoon sans black-eyes, not sure, or is it a fox?). 

Miguel Adrover FW 2012 New York.
Miguel is decidedly and openly anti-fashion-establishment.  His entire collection is made from recycled (read: used) clothing.  He is probably the designer that inspires some of those nutty Project Runway challenges.  He does an interesting job.  Some is really wack and some is really interesting*.  Either way, he has a unique perspective...
Although the Knitted Kitties and Layered Look is something he shares with Mr. Thom Browne (below). 
*More Miguel Adrover to come later.



Thom Browne FW 2012 New York
Thom went for the giant Knitted Kitty and Layer Look.  Giant Layers, Giant Kitty.
This layering is too much for me.  And I am not going to start sewing my stuffed animals to my clothes either.  



Layers, part one...Inspiration: Helena Bonham Carter in Her "More is More Phase"

Ok, let me start by saying I love layers.  In some places it is a mode of survival.  Some people take layers the wrong way and use them almost as camoflage.  Helena Bonham Carter had a stint with layers that didn't do her style reputation much good.  Then again she is gorgeous, British, and married to Tim Burton so I am pretty sure I will allow her some room for error in her chosen means of expression through fabric. 

A layered look of HBC's. 

Another multi-layered and textured creation.  She may have been pregnant in these photos.  See, even having to wonder about that means that maybe there were too many layers...

And so this brings me to some possible inspiration for the following looks.  My disclaimer being that I really enjoy some layering. 

Chris Benz FW 2012. New York. 
Clearly inspired layering.  I think this look is charming and has some redeeming qualities.  Charming.  Like Helena Bonham Carter.

Marc Jacobs FW 2012. New York.
Marc didn't do it again in my opinion (see previous Marc related posts).  I love Marc.  He is a trend-setter, a leader in the industry.  And I am hoping this will not become a trend. 
There are a few good details, but overall feel is a hot mess.  Sorry Marc.  This is not my last word on some of these kooky layered looks.  Stay tuned. 

Cali-eccentric?

As most of you know I am not terribly Cali-centric even though I am currently typing this from somewhere south of the Grapevine.  I do appreciate so much of what California has provided - strawberries in January, delicious wine and beautiful places to taste man made nectar, and of course style.  California style has often been born of necessity - whether it be strolling a red carpet or the boardwalk.  What puzzles me the most is that when poking around said areas above, Californians seem to be lacking a style direction.  I have said it before.  The women appear not to know if they are attending a beach bonfire, drum circle, red carpet event, or going to Starbucks. 

While I appreciate this newly christened mash-up term "Cali-eccentric", I think you will find that it too doesn't have a clear direction.  It's a little boho, a little punk, a little beach, and a little 70s.  Either way it's clear this is a shared perspective.  Note the similarities below: Rachel Zoe FW 2012 and the new line Skaist-Taylor FW 2012.

Rachel Zoe FW 2012
I like this look. I love a maxi with some edge. 

Skaist-Taylor FW 2012
Names sound familiar? They are the ex founders of Juicy Couture (now owned by Liz Claiborne). Note you won't find any words printed on velour in this line.  It is luxe and 70s and all the way Cali-eccentric.  I am still confused about California though. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love. YUM!  Do I even need to mention the packaging?

Leather is the New Black. Part One.

I was going to hold out a little longer before posting too much on NYFW, but I cannot wait!  I am gathering so many folders that I have to start sharing immediately. 

As far as "trends" go, let me say the "trend" is very black.  There has been little color in New Black, I mean New York.  Sure it's something par for the course during fall collections, but alas, I love color and color sells. I'll share color soon. 

This little micro-maxi trend is one I cannot ignore.  Leather and long. 

Timo Weiland FW 2012 NYFW. Chocolate brown leather and velvet (is that brown?).

Jen Kao FW 2012 NYFW. Black leather corset dress. 

Cushnie et Ochs FW 2012 NYFW. Black leather. I like that this one has a more casual style.  I use that term loosely. 

Christian Siriano FW 2012 NYFW. Christian always does gorgeous gowns, slightly conservative but sophisticated in their experiementation of texture.  Someone should have worn this at the Grammy's last night.

Catherine Malandrino FW 2012 NYFW. Patent corset top that's either a one-piece romper or palazzo pants.  Either way, daring almost 90s throwback look.  This has the potential to be vulgar, btw. So don't try this look at home. 

Blue Willow Birthday

In honor of my friend Willow Tree's birthday, I had to add this little post. 

I found these "knuckles" made from old Blue Willow china on etsy.  I can't stand it.  These things are incredible. I love whimsical creativity.  Perfect.

Happy Birthday Willow. xoxo

Blue Willow China Knuckles, $60.

Outside Stripes

I promise that not every post regarding NYFW will be about stripes.  But since there are some stripes sauntering down catwalks, I will bring them to your attention. 

This time I am showcasing Outdoor Stripes. 

Peter Som FW12
I use the stripe term loosely here. That does not mean that I love this piece any less.  Above the knee fur is the way to roll.
Of course fur coat + sandals = pure luxury.

Rag & Bone FW12
The layers and the cropped jacket are wearable.  Yes, so far we are mere days into Fall Fashion 2012 and most everything looks very RTW (ready to wear).

Rag & Bone FW12
Great look.  Although as stated in a previous post I am not too thrilled with black + red color combo.

Rag & Bone FW12
Flowing, striping, belted...CHIC! 
Could I do this with a broken in Hudson Bay blanket? Bill Cunningham would say YES (check out his video on nytimes.com today regarding the Art World Fashion. I believe that to be his way of saying he is a little bored by this year's catwalks thus far...)

Creatures in the Wind, FW12

Little kicks off any fashion week like stripes. And leather. 

(You know how I feel about stripes; it's my favorite color next to pink...)

Here are some treats from Creatures in the Wind to get you thinking about your Fall-Winter 2012 wardrobe before you have even started wearing your Spring-Summer 2012 collection. The silhouettes, texture, and pattern are nothing short of divine. 

Keep an eye on Creatures, they have a nice mix about them. (PS not to mention their genius Grey Gardens looking stage)

Pink and Orange! My current favorite color combo.  I love clashing.  (I recall when my mom told me what "clashing colors" meant and I think I was a little confused because I love color so much I think they all go together in one form or another.)

Striped leather. Hello. Love. I am not a huge red and black fan; it's a hangover from the not great shiny black leather-ness of the late 80s (think bad sectionals and satin).
But I do love the Desperately Seeking Susan* pointy-toe boots very much. Indeed.
*PS if you're under 30 you really need to note-take-while-watching Desperately Seeking Susan. It could be the best 80s-NYC-East-Village-CBGB's punk princess style time capsule on film. The boots "Susan" trades for her incredible pyramid jacket are insane. Get back to me on this.

Scarf Love, Part Deux

Now I am thinking of the silk scarf.  It is, afterall, 75 degrees here this week.  In the morning I can get away with wrapping a gauzy number around my neck, but by early afternoon it feels like a self-induced sauna.  I know, to have such problems.  I am working on embracing this temperate challenge to open my mind to different forms of expression (in fashion).

Welcome Back, Silk Scarf.

I found some lovely images online.  Some realistic, some not so much unless you are Iris Apfel or en route to a Comme des Garcons show.  Embrace the accessory.  Always.  Happy Scarfing*.

*if you're in a latitude where you are still wrapping the cashmere kind, don't worry your silk days are as close to popping up as those daffodils...

Courtesy of the folks at Kate Spade.  Good reminders and how-to imagery.  I love pictures!

The dreamiest way to wear a silk scarf.  And the dreamiest way to nap. 
Hermes (of course).

This is a real statement.  Made in a statement-kind-of-place (note the plethora of cabs).

Love the ikat.  Again, statement look (note the buildings = NYC).  I admire it but I would look like I used a scarf instead of a towel that morning...and forgot.  Don't be afraid to try new things...but know your limits. 

If you are afraid to embrace your inner silk scarf wearer, there's always the option to frame! Gorgeous!  Wall of Hermes.  Love.

Bonne nuit mon ami!