BOW TOE

Apparently, I'm still dealing with my obsession with "Magnificent Obsession," the highly unlikely August Vogue story where Natalia can't stand Ewan McGregor, for reasons which remain unclear, and runs off (or, just to de-class the joint a bit "r-u-n-n  o-f-t" as they say in O Brother, Where Art Thou). Anyway, it's the shoes. There's a pair of divine black flats with bows so large they almost conceal the fact that they're on a foot.

The shoes are Louis Vuitton's Beauty Pump in black velvet, with a Swarovski crystal covered heel. I won't tell you how much they cost, just in case you have a heart condition.

They're also featured in the "opening credits" of this story, peeking demurely out of the grass. (Note: do not wear shoes like these in grass. Or outside.)

More LV bounty; other versions of the Beauty Pump, and open-toe bow options from the Monica line. Charming, no?

Images, Vogue, Louis Vuitton.

MAD MEN MADNESS

You don't have to know anything about a trend to mine it, and I'm proof. I've never watched an episode of Mad Men, but mon ami, I do adore it. Cinched waists, gloves, brooches, and the lady-like look are seeping out of AMC's screens and all over the common culture. Only a year ago, I was struggling to look less like a tent in those trapeze dresses (official report:  it cannot be done), now, I can't throw a Chanel ballet flat without hitting some display of sartorial taste. This new upsurge in propriety has permeated pop music too. Exhibit A:  Beyonce. Yes, Beyonce. Her newest music video, Why Don't You Love Me tops the charts for 50s/60s kitsch (and mad use of Chanel accessories). The story, insomuch as there is one, falls into the typical disaffected housewife genus. Which is a popular, and I'm afraid to say, rather tired interpretation of women and pill box hats a la Betty Friedan. Yet, liberated womankind of the 21st century remains fascinated with un-liberated womankind of the 20th. The best - and most infamous - Mystiquette (as I'm calling my obsessed sisters) portrayal was W magazine's 2005 photo story starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as they wandered around a suburb-scape, looking disaffected. It's genius.

DOMESTIC BLISS, W MAGAZINE

The same Poor Little Housewife genre crops up again in the July Vogue story Magnificent Obsession, looking, sadly, like second helpings. It's lovely, but lacks the hopelessness and rage of W's story, as well as the sympathetic eye. Natalia Vodianova is playing an adulteress and Ewan McGregor a man scorned. I don't really believe Natalia and Ewan's lives are being rent at the seams. But the clothes are worthy of "obsession."

MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION, VOGUE

And here is the hip-hop-pop version of Mystiquette style. Beyonce has left no accessory behind, and though she's the wronged women, her style is more pin-up than housewife.

WHY DON'T YOU LOVE ME, BEYONCE

Just last week (and last post) I mentioned how marvelously Talbots is reinventing their look. Well, honey, I hadn't seen anything yet. I stumbled across their Fall look book and I'm enchanted. The Fall line is a clever adaptation of Mad Men for modern girls, and I want every stitch of it. 

TALBOTS FALL COLLECTION

All images, as attributed above. Beyonce stills from her official music video.

THE AGE GAME

I've always thought Talbots would be better named Robots - the same capris, the same crunchy, wilt-on-the-hanger linen, the same boxy shapes and boating styles season after season. But like Ann Taylor, this brand is in the shop for a re-haul, and the results are making me look twice.

One of the best aspects of their new look is its versatility. Think classic, not dowdy; sophisticated, not overwrought. Talbots isn't abandoning its baby-boomer demographic (nor should it; this is a bafflingly neglected age group), but it is dusting off some of the talcum powder. The new ad campaign is spot on with a little something for everyone. You young things focus on the pics on the left - stately ladies will love the looks on the right. And whatever your age, you'll want the green coat.

Another great look. It's a bit Ralph Lauren - and I like it. Still sophisticated enough for Aunty Edwina, young enough to pull of some skinny jeans and chunky heels. Even the ads look younger. You can tell the clothes are cool now because the models who wear them jump in the air. Just like Vogue!

Polka-spots! Mix it up with some other patterns and colors, or go for that ubiquitous matriarchal scarf. I'd like to put in a kindly word for scarves, however. Here - and pretty much anywhere - the scarf denotes age. It's tough to wear them right when you still have your natural hair color.  'Twas not always so. I'd like to see them make a comeback as accessories for any age.

And finally, some new Talbots accessories. These are SO chic, and you can dress them up or down. I'd particularly love to pin some fun buttons or brooches on the navy bag.

All images, Talbots.com.

TEN UNDER $10!

With a recession so entrenched that the only PC place to show women blowing wads of cash is the very un-PC Middle East (where the outfits are charming, the malls are tremendous, and the average resident lacks both basic necessities and Jimmy Choos), what can we spend our money on this summer? Forget Sex and the City absurdity. In the spirit of recession-omics, here are 10 fun pieces for under $10. Enjoy your guilt-free splurge!

1. Reusable canvas tote, J.Crew, $6.99.

2. Citron, honey, and coriander hand therapy, Crabtree and Evelyn, $10.00.

3. Skinny Glitteratti headwrap, Charlotte Russe, $4.50.

4. and 5. Lilly Pulitzer pencils, $9.95 and gift wrap, $7.

6. Upptacka Umbrellas, IKEA, $3.99.

7. Organic Diamond-Patterned Jacquard Towels, West Elm, $4.99.

8. Floral Print Sarong at Old Navy, $10.97 (pretend you didn't see the 97 cents :). This was too Beach Boys to resist!

9. New East prep bowls, set of three, Target, $4.98.

10. Twisted Elegance Necklace, Forever 21, $6.80.

Images, companies as attributed.

SUNNY SIDE UP

Yellow and white and everything bright - these are the colors of the sun in a hazy sky, sand and frothy waves, daffodils and snowdrops, and banana milkshakes. The "Vitamin D" episode of Glee - the ultimate in sunny entertainment - featured an up-beat number with the gals clad in deviled egg hues.

   If it's that much fun to wear, imagine living in it? And how can you think of yellow and white rooms, and not immediately be reminded of Kelly Wearstler? My favorite decor-scapes by Wearstler are her hotels; they're more accessible, and more livable, ironically, than the grand, almost baroque, decadence of her homes. One of her loveliest is the Viceroy Hotel in Palm Beach, and her striking yellow, white, and black palette was featured on the cover of her first book, Modern Glamour.

The hotel bar, Citron, is a frothy white, punctuated with shots of yellow and the rigorous repetition of geometric forms.

The interior:  one of the villas, and the lobby. "The Magic Eye"pattern makes the entrance fun and sunny, rather than heavy and stark, in these warm shades.

A lovely interior view - the white floor reflects the furnishings.

The outdoor pool and its black-trimmed canopies, a fashionable setting for swimming - and photo shoots.

Inspiration for your own home:  parson's desk and lamps, West Elm. Trina Turk pillow, Neiman Marcus. Chaise and hexagon shelving, CB2.

Pieces has a stunning selection of yellow, white, and black - the chevron rug would bring cheer to any room.

Photos: Foyer: tobi farley. Model: industryfolio. Citron: highfashionhome. Doorway shot: Candaserose Blog. 

WEEKEND

Go climb a tree...

john mason photography

SPEAK TO ME NOT...

Of Fall. Avoid, at all costs, Autumn. Keep your campfires, smoking softly...  scatter no leaves.

Yet the stores are already stuffed with heavy sweaters, woolens, coats, and tweeds in a palette of browns and blacks. But tangerine orange, banana yellow, watermelon pink, grass green - these are the colors of delight, the shades of summer. So Vogue, take note:  the heat index is higher than the number of pages in your magazine. Bazaar, your descriptions of fabulous fur coats make my brain go fuzzy.

I want cool, I want chic, I want SUMMER.

Ralph Lauren

Alexis Bittar

Kate Spade

Tory Burch

Lilly Pulitzer

Ann Taylor

Ralph Lauren

All images, companies as attributed.

TABLETOP

I knew I liked quirky DC store TableTop when I first stumbled across their subterranean walk-down in Dupont Circle several years ago. The size of your average basement apartment, the space was chock full of wares, but felt rather spare and uncluttered, mostly due to the selection of sleekly designed pieces for sale.

The Dupont area has plenty of shopping, but little of it is for the home, so I popped into Tabletop for various little "needs" over the years - coasters, glasses, books on interesting subjects about which I hadn't  time to read...  The store founders decided to create the store over a bowl of onion soup and the realization that the area desperately needed some home wares that didn't hail from the dusty aisles of the local Safeway. 

The table top designs in stock include Dwell Studio, Josh Jakus, Jonathan Adler, Joseph Joseph, Perch!, Sukie, and Modern Twist - creators of the quirky and fun pieces below.

Salt and Pepper - how may I count the ways? Building blocks and chicken legs...

Plenty of fun:  from yellow submarine shower curtains to lights.

Store images, Apartment Therapy. All product images, Tabletop.com.