I love my job and know I am fortunate to work in an industry that I’m truly passionate about. What I don’t love is that many times I take that love too far. Like today, for example, I wore my fabulous printed Roger Vivier pumps all around the city, and now the bones in my feet feel as if they are going to push their way through my skin. I might never be able to walk again. But anyway, onto New York Fashion Week and the Spring 2010 collections…

Yesterday I stopped by a presentation for A La Disposition (I now want a coat with a bustle), I ducked into 2 events at store in SoHo, had dinner with my girlfriend and happened to see Dina, Yael and Tamar – otherwise known as the Magnes Sisters – towards the end of our meal.

Today I started off the day at a medioche presentation, met Kelly (a new favorite publicist of mine) at the Society of Illustrators to preview the new science fiction installation and have a quick bite in the cafe before heading out to meet LaQuan Smith and Telfar. Let me tell you guys – LaQuan Smith is awesome. He might have a lot to learn, but he’ll get there (and soon). I die for his neon dresses and sooo much more. (I’m also going to do a feature on him in the coming weeks for StyledOn, so you better start reading that as well!)

I watched Chanel Iman walk the runway for Rosa Cha (which was rather good, actually). I saw a few other things not worth mentioning. Unfortunately I missed the Cuz Love Killz show (a grafitti-inspired collection), which I really wanted to check out.

And then there was Fashion’s Night Out… and for me, it was all about Nicole Romano and the Plaza. Very successful event and I wore the sexiest little tuxedo shorts and one of her amazing tassel necklaces.

Tomorrow I have a crazy schedule: Alejandro Ingelmo (SHOES!!) | Yigal Azrouel | Copperwheat | Ideeen | Luca Luca | Nicole Miller | Costello Tagliapietra | Indashio | Persona Party with Amber Rose, Russel Simmons & Kanye West

I had better get a good night’s sleep because my toes are still numb and I can barely type. ‘night!!

So I just ran into the GAP on Lexington between 58th/59th Streets and although they are not displaying the CFDA collections until tomorrow, they will let you shop it now if you ask very nicely.

I tried on quite a few pieces from the collection and as predicted, Alexander Wang’s Motorcycle Jacket was my fave. The material is much softer than I expected and all of the hardware looked good as well. The entire collection actually runs a bit small too – the Vena Cava dresses seem as if they have been graded for the petite customer. Nothing is over $88 and I have to admit that even the hats are pretty adorable.

Instead of reading this review, you should really go to your local store and shop the collection early before all of the sizes vanish for good – oh, everything is available online as well. Happy hunting!

I’m typically more of a Prada girl, but everything about Chanel’s resort 2010 collection show – the setting, the clothing, the make-up, the hair, the overall styling – is really speaking to me. Sit back, relax, read Sarah Mower’s review below, see images from the show, and just image you were there:

A cruise show on a boardwalk snaking along the Venice Lido with the sun about to set, gentle waves rolling in, and a whisper of a breeze to make sinuous shapes flutter in movement…it couldn’t have been a more poetic or, given the times, more uniquely audacious Chanel moment. “I wanted to reinvent the mystique,” said Karl Lagerfeld, talking about locating the collection in one of Coco Chanel’s favorite summer haunts—she visited Venice for almost ten years beginning in 1919 and met Diaghilev here. But Lagerfeld might also have been speaking about reinstating the long-lost leisurely sensation of a fashion show as an exceptional one-off experience. The 350 guests reclining on sun beds in the famous white tented cabanas certainly felt privileged to be witnessing the extreme glamour of the designer’s learned-but-light invocation of an important part of Coco Chanel’s biography, one that was overlaid with passing allusions to Visconti, Fellini, the Venice carnival, and the city’s art treasures.

“Coco on the Lido,” as Lagerfeld called it, started with a tableau of figures in tricorne hats and cloaks—cover-ups for a play on girdles and bras as bathing suits. Next came Tatjana Patitz promenading in creamy lace as the picture-hatted Edwardian mother in Death in Venice, her sailor-suited son Tadzio and his two sisters in ingenue fan-pleated dresses trailing behind. From there, the sequence took off into matelot- and gondolier-inspired stripes, interpreted in long-line fine-knit cardigans and playful beachwear with funny red and white striped wedge booties. The references kept streaming out—

After an afternoon of work (and while battling a post-wedding party hangover), I headed to Food Emporium for a bunch a junk food and ended up with not only chips, cookies, and chocolate, but with the June issue of Harper’s Bazaar as well.

While cover headlines such as BEST Bargains, NEW Bags & Shoes, and Affordable Luxuries didn’t really deliver (not that I expected them to), I was simply swept off my feet by the Fashionable Life feature on Max & Lubov Azria’s gorgeous Los Angeles home.

Everything about their home is stunning from the custom laser-cut chrome floral garlands hanging from the ceiling of one room, to the dramatic chandelier that cascades directly into a petrified-wood table. I wonder that maybe, just maybe, if I click my heels three times and repeat “There’s no place like Max & Lubov’s fabulous home” I might just end up there one day…

Anyway, the thing that is most extraordinary about their 60-room manse is perhaps the fabulous use of color – there are bright yellow walls, vibrant orange and red accents through out the home, and Max even has the fabulous Paul Smith rug that I’d die for in his office. Signature A accents also decorate the home, along with sunburst mirrors collected from around the world, which give the home its name: La Maison de Soleil. See below for a bit from the article written by Marshall Heyman and more images take by photographer Douglas Friedman:

The home’s aesthetic is part Jonathan Adler, part Philippe Starck. A huge orange horse stands in the living room, while giant replicas of an apple and mushrooms lead to the pool. The pool house has its own Turkish hamam, while three peaceful gardens — one Japanese, one English, one French — line the property.

“There’s a sense of humor about the place,” says Lubov, adding that she was inspired, in part, by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: “[Home] should be magical; it should be fairy tale.” Indeed, Max agrees. “I think I have the best house in the world,” he says.

(this is the reason why I open my daily emails from Daily Candy)

I’ve always had a major soft spot for Vivienne Westwood’s designs. So flattering, so powerful, so sexy. And now is the perfect time to begin or add to your wardrobe:

Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale
What: At Vivienne Westwood, draw raffle tix ($5-$1,000) before shopping the collection — now up to 70 percent off.
Why: Because if Carrie Bradshaw can wear Vivienne, so can we!
When: Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Scatola Showroom, 544 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves., 6th flr. (a trek sure, but probably worth it)

I feel very fortunate to be constantly meeting creative, passionate, and interesting people such as jewelry designer, Catherine Nicole.

Not only has she been hailed by WWD as an emerging designer to look out for, but Catherine is an American jewelry designer whose collections are inspired by her many travels abroad and fueled by her constant craving to create.

Made for everyday ornamentation, each Catherine Nicole style exudes an effortless insouciance with its delicate, yet bold statement of femininity. Responsibly cast with recycled metals, finished in sterling silver or with 14 karat gold fill, and featuring brilliant, multi-faceted crystals and gemstones, these pieces capture the imagination day and night – a testament to both their versatility and design.

Catherine Nicole was inspired at a young age by the ethnic dress of indigenous cultures and by the idea that stories could be told by what we wear. Throughout her travels to India, Africa, South America, Asia and the West Indies, Catherine Nicole’s natural interest in the adornment of ancient cultures contextualized itself – this, combined with her formal studies at the Parsons School of Design and natural intuition for color theory, provide the foundation for all of her striking pieces.

Catherine Nicole launched her namesake collection in 2007 shortly after returning Stateside from spending six years in Spain. Ever the traveler, she took her designs to the road and began selling to select boutiques discovered while touring cross-country with her fiancé in a vintage Airstream. The collection was met with immediate praise andpa attention from both the national buying community and media.

Now based out of Austin, Texas, Catherine Nicole is merging her love of design with environmental and social responsibility – 25% of all direct online sales go to charity, and she is incorporating a greater variety of non-precious metals into her designs and avoiding the use of non-renewable materials.

The new collection from Catherine Nicole embodies a lively, rock glam lifestyle. Each stone and style has been selected with special consideration on the interplay of light and movement. Using vintage Chanel chains, antique Tibetan pendants and Swarovski crystals, the new line is sure to ignite the spirit of each wearer.

See below for Catherine’s answers to my 21 questions and get to know the girl behind the fabulous jewelry:

I have been wearing the same perfume for years and have been meaning to find a new scent for a while now, which is partly why I’m so excited about Prada’s new fragrance: Prada Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger Eau de Parfum

A fresh, lively and sensual fragrance, Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger is made from a delicate balance of natural ingredient, which is exactly the sort of thing I’m looking for.

Notes of Oranger Fleurs Absolute, Tubereuse Absolute, Jasmin, Neroli and Serendoline all fuse together to create the freshest scent of the summer.

The new limited edition is inspired by Prada’s vintage floral patterns that use striking colors to construct eye-catching flower shapes – which is really what caught my attention to begin with: You see, I first fell in love with Prada during the fall of 2003 with the stunning collection partially inspired by the Peacock Revolutions of the 60s. The swirling pink and green print forced me to dig deep into my wallet and I haven’t been able to look away ever since.

Looking to add a bit of Prada into your life? The scent collection now is available at Neiman Marcus and starts at $74.

Remember all of those designer pieces inspired by the basic white Gap shirt last year? You know – the ones by Thakoon, Rodarte, and Doo.ri that all ran about 2 sizes too big? Well, the Gap’s newest collaboration with CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominees comes out June 16th and thanks to Izzy at the Racked, we got a peek at the pieces last Friday!

I can’t wait for the Alexander Wang motorcycle jacket (really love this one) and plan on wearing it with my ever-favorite Earnest Sewn Harlans, a longer, slightly loose tank, and a great pair of flats. The two dresses by Vena Cava featuring their signature print are also ones to try – I just hope that this year the collections are sized more correctly.

What do you think? Like this latest drop of designer duds for the Gap? Are you still into designer collaborations in general or are they starting to lose their luster?

As my cab sped home through the pouring rain, I noticed a bright ray of light coming from H&M at Lexington and 59th generated by what seemed to be Matthew Williamson’s exclusive designer collection for the mega retailer already on display in the corner window.

The collection is set to hit stores on April 23rd and will be followed by more summer pieces for both men and women in mid-May – but after the 2 whole seconds I saw it on display, I’m now wondering if it might have hit early (although I really can’t image this is so).

The collection, which seems a melange of Williamson’s previous collections, is filled with gorgeous vivid colors, graphic prints, some studs, and of course, peacock feathers. “I wanted to create an urban collection with my brand’s typical patterns and forms. It has been fascinating to search through the archives and select the most iconic garments, and then recast them for H & M,” says Matthew Williamson. I say, “Here’s my debit card – let’s shop!”

I can’t wait to see the collection in full and think it might even warrant an actual visit during a lunch break one day this week. For more of a preview, check out images on nitro:licious

Inspired by the Maison Martin Margiela boots I’m currently lusting after, Annie asked about the origin of the d’Orsay pump, and as they are one of my absolute favorite shoe styles, I was more than happy to investigate.

Traditionally, d’Orsay pumps have closed heel and toe and are cut down to the sole at the sides leaving the shank bare, thus creating an incredibly sexy silhouette that appeals to both men and women. Currently many opened toe styles with a closed heel and cutout sides are considered to be in the d’Orsay style as well.

At one time, pumps were popular footwear for men, however they were rather ill-fitting and tended to gape on the sides – that is of course until Alfred Guillaume Gabriel, the Count d’Orsay (1801–1852), decided that a pump with cut-down sides would fit more snugly, which it did. For more on Count d’Orsay, read below, which is a slightly edited version of what can be found on the ever-reliable Wikipedia…

The son of a distinguished general, Count d’Orsay was perhaps the last of the dandies. He joined the army and served as a bodyguard for Louis XVIII. He was considered exceptionally handsome man and became an accomplished painter, sculptor, and general man of fashion in the early- to mid-18th century.

d’Orsay was born in Paris, the second son of Albert Gaspard Grimaud, a Bonapartist general. His mother was Eleanore de Franquemont, an illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Württemberg and the Italian adventuress Anne Franchi, and his elder brother died in infancy.

In 1821 he entered the French army of the restored Bourbon monarchy (against his own Bonapartist tendencies), attending the lavish coronation of George IV of the United Kingdom in London that year (staying until 1822) and serving as a Garde du Corps of Louis XVIII. In 1822, while stationed at Valence on the Rhone, he formed an acquaintance with Charles Gardiner, 1st Earl of Blessington and Marguerite, Countess of Blessington, which quickly ripened into intimacy, and at the invitation of the earl he accompanied the party on their tour through Italy.

In the spring of 1823 he met Lord Byron at Genoa, and the published correspondence of the poet at this period contains numerous references to d’Orsay’s gifts and accomplishments, and to his peculiar relationship to the Blessington family. A diary which d’Orsay had kept during his visit to London in 1821–1822 was submitted to Byron’s inspection, and was much praised by him for the knowledge of men and manners and the keen faculty of observation it displayed.

Staying at home on a Saturday night is always dangerous for me.

Why? Oh, you know…barneys.com, net-a-porter.com, etc. See below for a few things that I’m currently lusting after…

I know that spring is just around the corner, but I can’t help but lust after these ridiculously sexy d’orsay patent leather boots by Maison Martin Margiela

I’m a fan of Jil Sander in general, but sort of fell off my couch when I saw these online just now

I’ve lusted after these forever…oh Balenciaga, why do you have to cost soo much?

Ohhh. So lovely. Lanvin just kills me. Love this bag.

Again, something I’ve loved for a while – Made Her Think’s spike bracelet, now on sale at Funkly Lala

How could you not want Carrie Bradshaw’s Vivienne Westwood wedding gown?

I don’t know how far the drop is on this Erickson Beamon necklace, but I love it. So perfect for the summer – just throw it on with a simple white tank and there you go!

I’ve been dying to spend some time on a beautiful beach, rolling around in the warm sand, which may explain this itsy bitsy teeny weeny black scalloped Chloe bikini…

One day I swear that I’ll own a pair of earrings from Renee Lewis. Lastest lust? These fabulous emerald pair.

I’ve been in love with Lanvin’s spring collection since if debuted on the runway back in September ‘08, and after seeing this top in Zoe last weekend, I’m officially obsessed

Of course I’m lusting after so much more, but now it is time for bed.
More to come later…Xx