After spending the week in Manhattan designing her namesake fur and lifestyle collection, Adrienne Landau likes to relax and recharge at her beach house in Long Island’s North Fork. To her, “homecoming” means “relaxing, warmth, redecorating.” So when does she feel most at home? “When a huge snowstorm hits New York. I’ll catch up on a big stack of magazines, sitting with a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows with a fur throw to keep me warm.”

Here, Landau shares her typical weekend.

I’m an early bird, even on weekends. I love getting up early in Mattituck, New York, on Long Island. The water, rocky beaches, and huge rock formations continue to inspire me. I wake up to the most spectacular views as my bedroom in Mattituck is on the side of a cliff. The first thing I need is a big cup of coffee, and I love having a light breakfast filled with all the local fresh fruits from the lovely farm stands. If I had a stressful week, I go for one of their homemade doughnuts.

I spend my mornings hitting all the garage sales on the North Fork. I get to see all of the beautiful scenery, and of course, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Driving alone gives me time to think and clear my head. Gardening is one of my favorite weekend activities – cutting branches, trimming trees, cutting vines. It’s definitely a stress reducer. The North Fork is known for its wine, so I love having a couple friends over for a drink and a swim. I always wear a huge hat and a long kaftan – anything animal print. I was a painter originally and still love to paint, especially in a place like Mattituck.

On Saturday evenings, I typically throw on a pair of trousers and a great blouse to hit a screening with friends or family. Afterward, we’ll stop by one of the low-key North Fork restaurants and, if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll grab a pie at the famous Briermere Farms. I also love firing up the fireplaces and watching a comedy surrounded by my fur throw and pillows. I can’t live without them!

I’m stir-crazy by Sunday, ready to hit the big city. We throw our stuff in the car, drive back, and immediately hit the flea markets. I love getting inspired by all the clothing, the furniture – I’m obsessed!

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

Editor’s note: This piece was written prior to Hurricane Sandy. Thankfully, Adrienne’s house was unharmed by the storm. To help those who were affected please donate here.

Presidents Obama and Bush weren’t the only ones paying tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. On the tenth anniversary of that fateful day, several designers also paused during their shows to remember the terrorist attacks.

Lela Rose was one of the first designers to show in Lincoln Center on Sunday morning, and before her event began, the house lights dimmed and John Lennon’s “Imagine” played in its entirety. When the lights came back on and the first model hit the runway, there was barely a dry eye in the house.

Gwen Stefani dedicated her L.A.M.B. presentation to the victims of 9/11, as did Bono and Ali Hewson at EDUN. The program notes for the Bespoken menswear presentation, which is designed by two sets of brothers, read: “Amidst the hectic schedules around New York Fashion Week, we would like to take a moment to honor and respect the men and women whose lives were lost on 9/11. Our lives will be forever impacted.”

Diane von Furstenberg dubbed her Spring 2012 collection “Beginnings,” and carried several small American flags as she took her post-show lap around the runway, handing them to guests Valentino and Oscar de la Renta and pledging to make a donation in each guest’s name to the September 11th Families’ Association.

At DKNY, Donna Karan not only included a heartfelt love letter to “Our beloved city, New York. Our inspiration” in her program notes, but the collection itself seemed inspired by American patriotism (heavy on the red, white, and blue sportswear). The Donna Karan company also made a donation to Action America, an initiative to unite and activate Americans everywhere to turn the events of 9/11 into positive action.

They were small gestures, to be sure. But on this momentous – and emotional – anniversary, they encouraged showgoers to remember that which should never be forgotten.

Lauren David writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

I knew something was afoot when I arrived early to the Imitation of Christ show Thursday and saw interns scurrying around scattering rose petals on the stage (which was decorated with a garland-strewn canopy) and down the center aisle of the ballroom at the W Hotel in Union Square. As if that wasn’t enough of a tip-off, standing in the corner was a dude dressed as a priest. Turns out Father Andrew O’Connor is a real ordained Diocesan priest, and had agreed to officiate at the fanciful wedding dreamed up by IOC designer Tara Subkoff to showcase her Spring 2012 collection.

As the It Girl wedding guests (including Susie Bubble, Natasha Lyonne, Cory Kennedy, Byrdie Bell, Arden Wohl, and photographer Ellen von Unwerth) looked on, singer Natalie Rose LeBrecht sang a lovely a cappella version of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding,” and out came a tuxedoed groom and best man, followed by a flower girl in a pretty embroidered dress, who tossed more petals as she strode toward the altar. Several dozen bridesmaids followed, all dressed in beautifully ethereal IOC confections that recalled garden party frocks from the Thirties and Forties (think: floaty feminine dresses with delicate beading, lace, and lingerie-inspired details in dusty shades of blue, cream, and blush). Best of all, the models were actually smiling – a rarity at most fashion shows.

Then a string quartet struck up the familiar notes to “Here Comes the Bride,” and, well, there came the bride: model/actress Lydia Hearst-Shaw in an elegant lace gown with a figure-flattering corset. As Father O’Connor advised the bride and groom to “imitate Christ for one another” (meaning: strive to be the best they can be and to see the best in each other throughout their marriage), it was easy to forget this was not a real wedding, and more than one hardened fashionista got tears in her eyes. Then he pronounced them man and wife, the “newlyweds” kissed, and the crowd erupted in a huge heartfelt cheer. Huzzah!

Between the sun-dappled ballroom, the gorgeous gowns and the beaming bridal party (all two dozen of them) this was one of the most joyful, feel-good fashion events I’ve ever attended. “I miss my old shows,” Tara told me after the show. “And I wanted to give people something in the spirit of that – something fun and beautiful – to start the week!”

Mission accomplished.

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

It was fashion, Italian-style, in Manhattan last week thanks to Salvatore Ferragamo’s Resort show, which injected a little Old World glamour into Uptown New York. Held in the James B. Duke Mansion overlooking Central Park, the event drew fashion’s finest, along with celebs and notables such as Eva Mendes, Freida Pinto, Ashley Greene, Emma Roberts, Rachel Roy, Olivia Chantecaille, Brad Goreski, Scott Speedman, and… need I go on?

They (and I) braved the heat (and it was seriously h-o-t) to visit the mansion, replete with a soaring marble staircase, imposing carved fireplaces, and countless urns overflowing with ivory and lilac flowers.

Fittingly, the collection (designed by Massimiliano Giornetti) was inspired by the late heiress Doris Duke (aka, “the richest girl in the world”), who grew up in the mansion. Heavy on nautical-themed looks and fringed everything (from skirts and gowns to scarves and handbags), there was a definite Thirties feel to the clothing, yet the collection never felt dated.

I especially loved a slinky white halter dress worn by Karlie Kloss and a white, double-breasted pantsuit Mariacarla Boscono wore to open the show. But what made this so special was seeing some of fashion’s finest models (Karolina Kurkova, Jac, Vanessa Traina, and Constance Jablonski also walked the runway) wearing such beautiful clothes in such a grand and intimate setting. Belissima!

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

I’ve been invited to several parties hosted by designer Reem Acra over the years, but was never able to attend until last week. And holy crow, had I been missing out! Reem, who was raised in Lebanon and studied fashion design at FIT in New York and the ESMOD Ecole de Mode in Paris, is the consummate hostess with the mostest.

This became immediately apparent as my husband and I entered her Chelsea apartment – which was lit with twinkling votives and glowing purple trees for the occasion – and were offered glasses of champagne and red wine by handsome young waiters. The glass-topped tables were lit from below and adorned with small vases of roses and tall silver bowls overflowing with tasty snacks, while other waiters passed tuna tartare and foie gras hors d’oeuvres.

“Eclectic,” Reem said when asked to describe her décor. “I think it has my whole personality. I love coming home at night and enjoying the atmosphere I’ve created. It has a little bit of all my trips; wherever I travel I’ve collected things since I was a little girl. Things I love and adore – from the dishes to the candles. Everything I have, I have to love!”

Although my own style hews more toward mid-century modern/Design Within Reach, I also love the moody, evocative atmosphere Reem has created in her spacious abode, which she bought 10 years ago to house her showroom and “slowly, slowly” transformed into her personal living space.

“In the beginning it was my showroom and house at the same time,” she told me as legendary stylist Freddie Leiba and editors from InStyle mixed and mingled. “It was so easy. I would be in my bedroom and get dressed, then pick up my handbag and walk into the office in my living room.’”

“It’s always a work in progress,” she added as her adorable white Maltese, Lulu, snuggled at her feet. “Every time you come here, things change. The tables get moved or have been changed completely. I change it whenever I’m in the mood. But what I enjoy the most is when I’m having breakfast all alone every day in my living room on my settee with sterling silver and fine dishes – it’s like breakfast for a king and I do it all the time with the best dishes I have. With everything I have, I never skimp. So I’m living life to the fullest. Growing up I remember my mother saying, ‘This is for guests. This is for a special time.’ And I decided when I grew up I would live. So I am my own guest and I am living the best life ever.”

That much was clear from glancing around the beautifully appointed living room, with its plush velvet couches, low-slung glass coffee tables and elaborately carved wooden panels (and don’t even get me started on the private changing room that houses Reem’s incredible vintage clothing archive).

The designer — who is famous for her intricately embroidered ready-to-wear and bridal collections — also owns homes in Beirut and Nashville and lives to entertain. She even co-owns an event planning business, called Dreemcom, in her native Lebanon. She entertains at least once a week – freewheeling cocktail parties or formal dinner parties – and takes ballroom dance lessons in the kitchen.

“I entertain myself every single day,” Reem said with a laugh before excusing herself to greet arriving guests. It’s a great life lesson, and one I plan to adopt myself. And you can bet I’ll never miss another party hosted by the gracious Ms. Acra.

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

Kimberly Garrett is the owner of Plush, a styling and personal shopping company in New York and the Hamptons. In honor of Rue Local’s official debut in the city of non-stop style, we sat down with the fashion lover for her tips on living (chicly) in the Big Apple.

Rue La La: How do you get seats at the most-coveted fashion shows?
Kimberly: If you’re not with the press, getting a seat at any fashion show can be tough. The good news is that designers like Ralph Lauren are now doing live streaming, so you get to see the collection at the same moment as the editors. Otherwise, various fashion houses offer seats to their shows through charity auctions, so if you’re dying to attend the show and haven’t received an invitation you can support a great cause AND go to the show.

Rue La La: What are your secrets for wearing heels all day long?
Kimberly: I have three. First off, always buy shoes you can walk in. In fact, you want to feel like you can almost jog in them without falling. If you live in the city you could easily end up walking 20 blocks in a day. And if walking in heels is a problem, always have flats in your bag to switch back and forth (nobody even looks twice when you switch them on the street – and it beats limping around). Second, find your personal best fit. Pop into the shoe department of Barneys and try on as many different designer shoes as you can. Once you find a pair that are super comfortable, try on a few more styles from that designer. That way, you’ll find your go-to brand. And lastly, hit the drugstore. If you find your feet hurting from wearing shoes for hours on end, BAND-AID makes a product that protects the skin on your foot and instantly makes shoes feel more comfortable. Otherwise, Dr. Scholl’s has foldable flats for when you want to change your shoes at the end of the night.

Rue La La: Everyone thinks of New York pizza – what’s a food favorite that flies under the radar?
Kimberly: Vegetables! Seriously. There are so many incredible restaurants in the city that have farm-to-table vegetables that taste like REAL food and become totally addicting. One of my favorites is Blue Hill where they also have the yummiest beets, brussesl sprouts, and cauliflower (and if you’re a meat lover, my boyfriend can’t get enough of the venison). Plus, you leave feeling light and full. Another restaurant with similar healthy/delicious dishes is ABC Kitchen. Just plan on making reservations a month in advance!

Rue La La: Any tricks for nailing down taxis?
Kimberly: Find an off-duty taxi and give a big smile – it has definitely saved me a few times when I was stuck. Nobody thinks to approach them because they’re off-duty and won’t typically stop, but if you spot one at a red light or letting someone out, you might luck out. Just remember to leave a very generous tip!

Rue La La: How do you furnish an extra small apartment?
Kimberly: Small furniture and mirrors! Mirrors can make apartments look twice as big. You simply can’t have clutter – get drawer organizers, bins, shoe shelves, plastic containers to store extras under your bed, and anything else to make use of every inch you have. Drop-leaf tables are great because they take up less space unless you’re using them. Look for unexpected storage options like coffee tables with drawers. You can also buy ottomans that have removable tops and double as containers. And give away clothes you don’t wear – they take up way too much room in these small spaces. One of my services at Plush is a “closet cleanse” which essentially clears out the items from your closet that you stare at and still love, but haven’t worn in years. Nobody has room for that – especially in New York City.

Rue La La: Where’s the best place to find the next up-and-coming designer?
Kimberly: Take an afternoon to stroll around SoHo and Nolita, abundant with up-and-coming designers that can only be found in New York City. Venture out to Williamsburg, Brooklyn where you can find tons of cool jewelry and different styles of clothing and accessories. Additionally, the coterie comes to the expo center once a week where you can learn about up-and-coming designers and be one of the first to preview their collections.

Rue La La: How do you get street style snapped?
Kimberly: Getting your street style snapped is easy. You know when you look in your closet and imagine (or go forward with) putting on a crazy outfit that’s actually really flattering, the kind that might make people say “uh, what was she thinking putting that on!”? And aim for the week before and during fashion week because that’s when the Tommy Tons are all over. If you decide to go for it, remember not to second guess yourself and totally own your look. The people getting street snapped are the ones who put it on and walk out the door with total confidence. That’s style – when you wear what you want to wear with assurance.

BY LAUREN DAVID PEDEN/THE FASHION INFORMER

On Wednesday night, the Roger Vivier boutique hosted a party for the book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. I received a review copy a week earlier, and had been savoring it like a delicious box of chocolates, reading a chapter or two each night before bed, trying to make the experience last as long as possible (what can I say, I’m a sucker for an illustrated fashion guide, and this one is especially insightful, informative, and irreverent).

Ines, as you probably know, is a legendary French style icon/model, designer, muse to Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier, International Best-Dressed List Hall of Famer, brand identity consultant for Roger Vivier, and the newly-appointed face of L’Oreal, a gig she nabbed at the ripe young age of 53 (she turns 54 in August and has been modeling since the 80s).

So when I received an invite to the book signing with Ines and her co-author, French ELLE fashion scribe, Sophie Gachet, of course I said yes. American ELLE was co-hosting, and editor-in-chief Robbie Myers — whom I first met ten years ago when I began writing for that magazine — was also on hand to pay her regards.

Stacks of the little red books beckoned from the window, and more copies were on display throughout the shop, surrounded by silver Eiffel Towers, gorgeous bouquets of flowers and (my fave) sexy RV sandals and buckle-trimmed flats — Vivier’s signature shoe, which Ines has made one of her signatures as well.

Upstairs, Ines and Sophie signed copies of Parisian Chic while cute waiters plied partygoers with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and French/American jazz quartet Bon Musique entertained the crowd, which included fashion insiders Joe Zee, Kate Betts, Lynn Yaeger, Jamee Gregory, Fabiola Beracasa, Derek Blasberg, Mark Holgate, Amanda Ross, and Andrew Rosen.

I asked Ines how she hit upon the “Not-So-Basics/Magnificent Seven” wardrobe must-haves outlined in the book (aka, a blazer, trench coat, navy sweater, tank top, LBD, jeans, and leather jacket). “Opening my closet!” she said. “I’ve been working with Sophie and she’s blonde, she’s young — just the opposite of me — and we agreed about all of these things; that they can be solutions. These pieces work for everyone.”

So what makes a trench coat more Parisian than New York in style? “It’s the way you wear it,” Ines replied. “In the evening with a chiffon dress it can be really great. And maybe some women think for evening they need to put on heels and diamonds and a fur coat. It’s much chicer with a trench coat, non?”

Oui!

“I thought it was really chic,” Robbie Myers said of the book. “And it’s very her – it’s down-to-earth but also sophisticated. It is a very French thing; it’s a cliché but it’s true: they’re very relaxed about how women are — how they should be — in the world. That you should pay attention to your own needs and desires. And, of course, have a good skinny white jean and blue sweater.”

Done and done. Thanks, Ines!

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor. ]]> http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/05/04/elle-and-roger-vivier-celebrate-the-book-%e2%80%9cparisian-chic%e2%80%9d-by-ines-de-la-fressange/feed/ 0 http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/02/24/nyfw-2011-trend-alert-%e2%80%93-hats-off/ http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/02/24/nyfw-2011-trend-alert-%e2%80%93-hats-off/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:28:41 +0000 Lauren David Peden http://www.ruelala.com/blog/?p=3567 BY LAUREN DAVID PEDEN/THE FASHION INFORMER

OK, so we’ve already discussed most of Fall 2011’s major trends here on the Rue La La New York Fashion Week blog series and during our Facebook Live Chat on Thursday (to recap the biggies: the color red, layers, long skirts, black platform booties, statement coats, ‘90s/grunge influences, and lots and lots o’ fur).

In addition to the above, hats had a starring role on the New York runways this week. And while there were all sorts of toppers on display — berets, turbans, furry trapper hats — the style that got the most play and looked freshest to my eye was the wide-brimmed floppy hat and its distant cousin, the fedora.

They turned up on the runway at Rebecca Minkoff, Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger and Marc by Marc, adorned the heads of many models at the Chris Benz and Global Glam presentations, and capped the wonderfully austere looks (quite literally) at the Giulietta debut of NYFW newbie, Sofia Sizzi.

This is good news for fashion lovers, as a wide-brimmed hat looks terrific on many different face shapes and, unlike a beret or fur topper, doesn’t give you hat head. And even with a wide or floppy brim, a structured hat feels somehow more dressed up, more pulled together — and makes it seem like you put more effort into your look — than a knit hat ever could. Maybe it’s the fact that a wide-brimmed hat adds instant panache to any outfit, or the sense of Mad Men propriety and refinement it evokes without your ever having to say a word. Whatever the reason, I’m really feeling this trend for fall — and I saw more than one stylish young woman rocking the look at the tents this week (and I have the photos to prove it)! So go ahead, ladies. Flip your lid. I promise you’ll be happy you did.

[One small suggestion: Be sure to wear your hat ever-so-slightly big so it fits comfortably on your head without slipping down over your eyes. That way, the band won’t dig into your forehead and leave an unsightly line when you take it off. You don’t want folks thinking you’ve had a lobotomy now, do you? Didn’t think so.]

Lauren David Peden has been hired by Rue La La for her reporting at New York Fashion Week.

At the House of Waris presentation, jewelry/scarf designer (and actor) Waris Ahluwalia debuted his Fall 2011 jewelry collection the Museum of Arts & Design to a crowd that included Chloë Sevigny, Tory Burch, Angelica Huston, Olivier Zahm, Suzy Menkes, Amanda Brooks, Inez and Vinoodh, Arden Wohl, Tara Subkoff, Bibhu Mohapatra, and Elise Overland, among others.

The jewels were displayed in cases throughout the room, and the scarves were worn by models (who were otherwise naked, save for bikini underwear). Ooh la la!

Lauren David Peden has been hired by Rue La La for her reporting at New York Fashion Week.

We’re taking you into the tents and behind the scenes at Lincoln Center for an exclusive look at New York Fashion Week. Get an inside peek at some of our favorite runway shows, celebrity interviews (including the Fashion Informer, Lauren David Peden), and so much more.

Enjoy.