TUNIC TIME!

IT TAKES TUNIC TO TANGO!

I was never a fan of the long caftan . . . it seemed like a splendid idea, but when pressed to wear one, even in a tropical paradise, I found it to be too much fabric!

The tunic (i.e., abbreviated caftan, hitting at the mid-thigh) is a far better alternative. I absolutely adore a long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve minidress, either with heels in the city, or with chic flats at the beach.

Phillip Lim has some lovely offerings in this department. His 3.1 Phillip Lim Beaded Paisley Print Dress is pictured here (top right, courtesy neimanmarcus.com). I particularly like this frock because of its versatility - after a summer of barbecuing on Fire Island, this vibrantly patterned dress will transition easily into fall, with a pair of knee-high flat boots and some navy opaque tights.

Mara Hoffman has really gotten it down to a science (see shell print jersey dress at upper left, available at shopbop.com), as does Tory Burch (whose quintessential tunic top with deep v-neck is shown at right in all its runway glory).

Trina Turk's Margarita Dress, pictured at left and available at Nordstrom, is a demure take on the trend.

These simple, patterned tunics are so fab we want to snatch up a half dozen of them, right, gals?

Channeling the tie-dye vibe in an utterly refined manner, Balmain conjures this dreamy bell sleeve tunic dress (pictured at right; photo courtesy nymag.com/fashion). This frock is so elegant, we almost feel bad wearing it to the beach! No matter, it looks equally as divine for cocktails in the Meatpacking, paired with a lovely ombré clutch and sky-high Manolos.

The patterned white tunic is classic, but if you prefer a splash of color, the options are equally limitless and lovely. Try this Rory Beca ruffled hem v-neck dress [left], in a vibrant pink, burgundy and red monochrome wave print, available at shopbop.com.

But please, dolls, no terry! Wearing a towel is NEVER chic.

Welcome to . . .

COLOR WEEK!

Crayola Colors Image courtesy nymag.com

SUNDAY: Orange You Glad that I Didn’t Forget . . .

ORANGE!

A difficult color to wear for most, orange is viable for all this summer, provided you’ve applied the appropriate amount of bronzer. And no need to go easy on the boldness of your accessories when you wear your orange frock (and there are SO many to choose from!) . If you wish to play it safe, opt for a simple metallic bag. However, it is equally acceptable to go all out Crayola crazy with this season's brights. Dig in!

TERRIFIC TANGERINES: my pics for Orange You Glad Its Spring 2008:

I'll begin with my favorite! This Michael Kors One Shoulder Ruched Dress (at upper left, available at Bergdorf Goodman) is my idea of punchy perfection. It is tantalizingly bold, with a body-skimming asymmetrical silhouette, made more forgiving by a bit of gathering on the left, where a wisp of fabric floats away from the body at the thigh - delish!

Of course, we must mention Lanvin, whose Spring 2008 Collection offered a bevy of bolds, including a number of super citrus-hued dresses, like this sparkling ruffle-top minidress at top left . . . it received a tad less press than its un-sequined counterpart, but it is just as exquisite, and a bit more daring!

Eley Kishimoto, whose fresh designs continue to impress, combined purple and tangerine to stunning effect in this swingy, deep-v tank dress [right]. I particularly appreciate the crossover of color and hint of exposed skin at the neckline. What is more, this dress looks totally comfy!

Nicholai offers a more demure take on the orange shift dress. This simple above-the-knee frock, pictured at left, is made interesting by the jeweled neckline. Looks so chic with a pair of flats for daytime . . . Or trot out your towering platforms for legs that look a million miles long.

For those on a budget, a less expensive option might be this Gardena silk dress from Forever 21 (at right)! Great way to showcase those toned, tanned shoulders, gals!

For a brighter, flirtier option, don Valentino's orange tiered ruffled dress (pictured at right, on that colorful concentric circle monogram runway!), whose delicate spaghetti straps and "feathered" silhouette make it look young and fresh. P.S.: I love how this bright frock is paired with an equally bold bag - yum!

I have an ORANGE CRUSH on this

sumptuous pumpkin-tone Pamella Roland gown. The incredible cleavage factor of the low-cut neckline is offset by the modest, floor-length chiffon skirt, made all the more alluring by delicate folds of sheer silk that cascade down the front of the dress. This is a work of art, dolls!

I sometimes prefer orange in small doses, too, like this sexy little Michael Kors Bamboo Link Bikini. Perf, am I right? There is nothing more stunning on the beach in St. Tropez than a perfectly tanned, toned body swathed in tangerine-tone lycra. And you can snap up this succulent swimwear at net-a-porter.com, try it on in the comfort of your own manse, and send it back for free if it doesn’t fit!

Fashion credits: All photos from New York Magazine's extensive and impressive runway coverage, unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY: Purple Predilection!

I love grapes, but not grape jelly. Go figure.

This fine Saturday is devoted to my first love: purple. Still loyal, after all these years. Purple has long been associated with power (royalty, in particular), passion, creativity, and mystery. Perhaps that is why it is such an entrancing color for clothing, and why a wardrobe flecked with bold violet shades screams for attention.

I have amassed some of my favorite looks for the upcoming season, with a particular focus on BRIGHTS, in keeping with the week’s theme. In the left hand column of CoutureCarrie, please find an addendum to this post consisting of clever complimentary couplings (yellow and purple, in particular).

If you prefer your purple like cough syrup (in small doses, that is), sample this teeny purple clutch by Kotur, available at chickdowntown.com. A gem!

Reem Acra’s entire Spring 2008 Collection was delectable, with the most impressive array of rich purple hues I have EVER seen, and TRUST me, I’ve been looking (since about 1986, when I insisted on wallpapering and carpeting my entire bedroom lavender; I even talked my parents into buying me a purple bedspread and sheets!). This vibrant strapless Reem Acra dress [at upper left], complete with self-belt and corset detailing, is the GRAPE STANDARD for passionately purple dressing.

Coverage of the passion for purple this season would not be complete without mention of Balenciaga's lavender and white bias plaid broad-shouldered mini-jacket and skirt combo (at left). Though it has been a bit overexposed in the glossies, its grandeur and innovation are still worth noting. Bold shape, vibrant hues, and oddly alluring sandals make this outfit pop (I heard that it takes 45 minutes to get into and out of those gladiators, btw.)

Another pretty purple dress, with twisted bandeau empire waist and wispy, a-line multi-layer chiffon skirt, is pictured here at right, from the Gianfranco Ferre Spring 2008 Collection.

At Bendelisi, bold color wasn't enough; plastic pailettes were added to the mix, and the effect is stunning. The shiny circles cascade off this shift like feathers! The only trouble is, how to sit down without bending all the component parts of this lovely grape-hued frock?

Michael Kors did a GRAPE JOB on this ladylike belted sheath, with swingy chiffon skirt and demure sleeveless shape. This frock has a timeless appeal . . . though it encapsulates the Spring '08 floral trend perfectly, it also harkens back to the era of the housedress - when American women wore belts tightly cinched at the waist and full skirts as a rule.

The tie-dye effect was given a grownup glamour quotient at Basso & Brooke, where the prints shocked and awed this spring. The strapless dress shown here at the left is my idea of the PERFECT party frock - short and flirty, but not too tight. The sweetheart neckline and Grecian-style draping are the ultimate in figure flattery. Grab a bright clutch and throw on your most fabulous strappy stilettos and hop in a cab (or limo!).

The long asymmetrical look was made chic again [sorry, Tilda Swinton - that Lanvin dress you wore at the Oscars gave this type a bad name!] at Custo Barcelona. I picture this dress on a gamine gal for cocktails on the yacht in Nice, or the farmer's market in the Hamp on a sunny Saturday morn. Bohemian and glamorous at once.

Costume National took a more daring (and slightly less wearable, at least as a pair!) approach to the "violet femme" with this three-quarter sleeve jacket and shorts combination.

Photography Credit: All images courtesy nymag.com/fashion, unless otherwise noted.

FRIDAY: IN THE BUFF

Go nude or go home!

We always knew that skin tone sandals and heels were ultra-flattering. What better way to elongate the leg? Snap up a pair of these Pedro Garcia Clear Vamp D'Orsay pumps at Bergdorf Goodman before they disappear!

Now, we are just discovering the pleasures of the flesh-tone ensemble. Behold, this gorgeous runway look for Fall 2008 by Rodarte (image courtesy nymag.com/fashion). Flirty, fabulous, and nearly naked! Style.com is calling this full-skirted revelry the “tu-tu trend”!

Even more daringly delicious is this teeny tiny minidress from Balmain's Spring 2008 Collection (photo at left from nymag.com). With just a hint of creatively placed sparkle and legs for miles, methinks this dress doth beckon. (Remind anyone of Carrie's "Naked Dress" from SATC?)

Valentino’s take on the naked dress is far more refined . . . ethereal, even. Just look at this incredible banded strapless gown, with lace detailing at the hem and silk ribbon grazing the floor. Granted, we would all have to fast for a week before wearing it, but it would be SO worth it!

Even Miuccia approves of the nearly naked trend. At the Prada Art Nouveau-inspired Spring 2008 show, this lovely sheer, flesh-tone tunic and pants sprouted up on the runway.

Now go get dressed – IN THE NUDES!

Or, if you'd rather PRESS THE FLESH than wear it, simply tote a nude carry-all, like this Christian Louboutin Chain Tote, pictured at left and available at Neiman Marcus.

THURSDAY: ROYAL FLUSH

WEARING A BLUE STREAK!

Ah . . . ROYAL: One of my favorite hues of all time (perhaps it was because I was on a soccer team called the Royal Chargers as a child, and was fortunate enough to wear knee-high blue tube socks and a royal tunic at least once a week?)!

Bold Blue has been on the fashion radar for some time, and though it has been joined with more “rad” (read: 80s) hues like turquoise, royal is still going strong. I LOVE it as an accessory. I still wear my Botkier patent multi-blue bag from last spring with pride.

Burberry went blue-crazy, with this gorgeous trench and ruched sheath combo. Love the pairing of different monochromatic hues.

Louis Vuitton took the boldest step of all, opting for the sheerest royal chiffon pants. A swimmingly beautiful alternative to the legging!

But it also works as PRIMARY (get it?), like with this gorgeous, shimmering floor length Douglas Hannant gown. I am a devotee of the strapless dress, and this is a true stunner, expertly draped, with a billowy skirt and just the right amount of frothy blue fabric to envelop and showcase a fantastic figure.

At Salvatore Ferragamo, the entire runway was blue this Spring, as were many of the garments. Behold, this bluelicious minidress with just a hint of sparkle (at left). Perfect for cocktails on the yacht, non?

Jasper Conran and Jason Wu (at right) offered more demure takes on the Devil in a Blue Dress. Conran's royal sheath is perfect for the office or for cocktails, and Wu's deep-V off-the-shoulder dress has a lovely day wedding vibe. I adore that both of these dresses are cinched at the waist with delicate belts -- ladylike glamour at its finest.

Eley Kishimoto did an edgy take on the rugby stripe with this chevron striped jacket and full skirt combination, complete with blue bandanna (see bottom right).

Since royal blue apparently appeals to the masses (recall Meryl Streep’s Anna Wintour-esque

character in the big screen version of The Devil Wears Prada elucidating the genesis of the bargain bin blue sweater . . . ), it can be found on the cheap!

Take, for example, this adorable little frilly button-front short sleeve blouse from Forever 21 for less than twenty dollars (see forever21.com)!

As the Grand Finale (Blue Ribbon!), I give you this Zac Posen Ibis Silk Gown, at left, available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Fashion Credits: All images courtesy nymag.com/fashion, unless otherwise noted.

WEDNESDAY: GREENSLEEVES

Go Green or Go Home!

I’m speaking literally here, lovelies, not eco-friendly (though who doesn’t love a bamboo bra or some Loomstate jeans?). And not just any old shade. I mean GRASS green, not olive, not mint, not acid. Nor pale, nor apple, nor forest.

It’s sprouting up in the most unexpected places. Both Paul Smith Sue Stemp sent all the girls down the Spring 2008 runway in Kelly green sandals! But my focus for today is on standout green dresses.

EMERALD CITY . . .

As far as overall devotion to the hue, Reem Acra’s green gowns were simply breathtaking this season. See, for example, this full-skirted, drop-waist, knee-length dress from the Spring 2008 runway (top right, from New York Magazine's runway coverage).

I love Rodnik's Green Malenky Dress. The tulip skirt and button-front make this dress unique, with a vintage-y vibe. Available at chickdowntown.com.

Badgley Mischka creates a flora frenzy with this swingy long-sleeve wrap (at left, courtesy nymag.com).



And Ralph Lauren really got it right this season, with a green strapless gown that has already graced the cover of In Style, worn by Renee Zellweger.



Tracy Reese made a lovely contribution with this fibrous-looking plant-hued strapless dress, at left (photo courtesy nymag.com/fashion).






For more enviable greens in hues other than "grass", see the left-hand column of CoutureCarrie!