Winter Dreams of Italy: Positano Handmade Sandalos "While U Wait"

Bohemian Shopper:  As we are always looking for the custom experience, at a great price....we discovered at the end of Melrose, in a tucked away a shop that makes delicious resort sandals for the summer girl in all of us!

This boutique creates custom made sandals, complete with all sorts of styles, decorations, leathers, luxury crocodile or simply a delicious summer color, complete with a bit of sparkle!   The prices are fantastic, beating out the shoe salon at Neimans for your Mid-winter getaway, or just to prepare your closet for the Spring season.  Naturally, the look is chic Italian Riviera and a great idea for parties with the girls! He'll come to your home and create your shoes, right on the spot! We loved the flat sandals with the luxury leathers, naturellement!

Ali Karimpour is the Proprietor, and head sandal maker, and happy to take your order!


Address:  8574 Melrose Avenue, across from the Cafe Urth.
www. positanosandalos.com. (310) 289-5900

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend: Erica Courtney Gets Drop Dead Gourgeous

Attending a soiree is always nice, but one that is accompanied by a side of Diamonds is even better. Erica Courtney, who is known for her Red Carpet decorations of the beautiful Hollywood set, presented her goodies to get us excited for the holidays.  She was the true inventor of the Chandelier Earring, after Marie Antoinette, and her convertible version can be separated for day or evening and is truly the masterpiece in 18K gold and Platinum with an assortment of semi-precious jewels or diamonds you can choose yourself. This makes these truly affordable, and a great investment, as well, and even silver versions for those of you who prefer a more casual look, and Bohemian lifestyle. 

Bohemian Shopper's Holiday Discoveries: Hidden Glamour

You won't find the Bohemian Shopper on Black Friday, waiting in line at Walmart or Target, for the latest in technology gadgets.  Instead, if we go mass market, it might be to wait in line at H&M for the latest black one shoulder leather dress.  Still, we do love a good thing when we see it, so we've put together our list of for your holiday gifts, beauty and fashion that's a bit off the radar.  For you web shoppers, vintage store hounds, sale bin sleuths, this is more your kind of thing. We like to save time, so we've included some Bohemian Glam Holiday Tips so you can get your BOHO going on:

Bohemian Holiday top 5 List:

1) Metallics: nails, toes, shoes, bags, and anything else that catches your fancy. 

2) Black, leather, and velvet, a winning combination in any form.

3) Deep Red lips, eyeliner, and anything Burgundy for your accessories to pop up the black. 

4) Handbags made of fur, leather, metals or even that vintage Croc is great, so are 1950s or 1960s anything. 

5) Faux Fur, to add a touch of glam to your look!


Web Sites to Visit for Bohemian Glam: www.Barneys.com, Shop.bop.com, yoox.com, and Bluefly.com for the bargain shoppers.  Sephora.com for beauty.


Photos taken by ARTIFICE in Barneys, Beverly Hills.

Confessions of a Bohemian Shopper: The Truth behind Great Personal Style

Women ask me, "where did you find that" on a regular basis, and after I thank them for their compliments, the Confessions begin:

My answers are usually surprising, because it appears that I am wearing the latest trends, the chicest accessories, or totally fabulous shoes. I am a Bohemian Shopper, and that makes me an expert on how to find things that are off the fashion radar screen, and in places that fashion types wouldn't necessarily go. I just don't shop with the rest of the pack.

I am usually wearing black or neutrals, a bit of sparkle in my accessories, perhaps a vintage piece or two and carrying one of my in-stock designer bags, wearing a designer shoe that is comfortable, and chic. Priceless. Well, almost. I am usually mixing up the high and low, the cheap chic with the upscale designer. Of course, we like to think money is no object, but I won't hesitate to let you know if its a great deal or just plain gilded luxury you can't live without.

That's the confession part. The Bohemian Shopper is always looking for something intriguing that might work to add some dash to your personal style. Trends, we've heard of them, but we don't always follow them, we edit them for you, and tell you where to find them, if you really want to partake.

So far, we've touched on all sorts of shopping and styling here, so join us when you have time, and we promise, we'll confess!


photo: ARTIFICE, designer is wearing Vintage Valentino, Prada, Petite Bateau, Hermes.

LA FASHION WEEK REPORT: Accessories to Die For...Exclusive Report

Accessories are designed to entice you and empower the wearer with their edgy elegance and the designers at CCSKYE have inspired us.

First of all, the materials and combination of metals, leathers, stones, surface details and functionality are "street couture" in feeling. The handbags are both soft or structured with gold or silver metal details, the quality of the finishes on the hardware makes each closure or strap, zipper feel like jewelry. The cuffs, rings and bracelets are just as elegant and beautiful. Mixing riffs from Studio 54 with Art Deco 1930s shapes the jewelry has 'Couture Rocker' elegance and is perfect for that black draped dress or skinny jeans. Finish off your business suit, with a handbag, or add a some edge to that prim little chiffon blouse. That's the power of of a good accessory. More Statement than elaboration and a sure bet in this economy to extend last year's staples in your closet.

For more information and to purchase or view the line contact us: stylistprivee@gmail.com

photo by ARTIFICE

LA FASHION WEEK REPORT - Spring Reflections: Black is Back

Who knew that black was the new Spring Tone: If GENART LA Emerging Talents was any indication on the runway, the idea of black, grey, and white is the new fresh take on Spring. With playful shapes, and some gotta have it metallics the line up on this runway was a strong statement for neutrals. Fabrics were flowing, light and cut with some tailored shapes. This fashion story is a practical, clean and wearable solution for spring. Does that mean you will give up Spring Tones? Not really, just open your mind to the idea of chic neutrals as a wardrobe foundation that is perfect for LA/NY spring.


GENNART show was sponsored by the Plastics Council.

Photos by ARTIFICE

DIOR: The Magic Continues

Just in case you were wondering, we love how these DIOR compacts get all of our holiday beauty into one location. These tiny chic little cases are filled with DIOR Lip and Eye products in easy to carry sizes that are perfect for gifts for yourself, or for your best gal pal. Who doesn't love DIOR? We think its FASHION on the go and suggest you buy two. No, they don't pay us to say that, we just know a good thing at STYLE PRIVEE when we see it. Available online at SEPHORA.com

LA FASHION WEEK REPORT

Playful, Casual and Fresh brought designers from Bohemian Society, Jen Awad and Seth Wellington out to play. A fresh reminder that LA is the land of sportswear, and international culture, and the place where casual sportswear was invented. Its always fun to see the Spring/Summer collections here because we know that we can wear them for 10 months a year. Classics, artful t-shirts and a collection of party dresses for young and old were part of this celebration. Oliver Tolentino won the best dressed award, with his gowns reminiscent of Paris runway in their quality and workmanship. Trends for Spring are all over the map, but we're happy that a wide range of options for all budgets was present, and even the guys had some classic options too.


Note: photos are copyrighted by stylestrategy, Inc. for use by permission only. Jen Awad photo by permission.

FASHION WEEK LOS ANGELES: Valentino Inspirations

The "Paper Bag Princess" a well known vintage shop in Beverly Hills presented a Runway show, featuring fashions inspired Valentino. With the new emphasis on "reuse, renew and revitalize" in this economy, the idea of Vintage Classics is right on trend. Couture classics, with their beautiful workmanship, fabrics and styling make wearing vintage a pleasure. The Paper Bag Princess Collection showed the audience the vision of a unique artist whose influence on fashion was measured by the sheer number of styles that he inspired. There is a classic, school of thought that is a True Valentino, and he would of course be the first to admit, the only school of thought about fashion: elegance, chic, fantasy and ease. These words describe the sensibility of Valentino, who year after year gave his ladies what they wanted. The show was awash in black gowns and ensembles, with touches of red accessories. Valentino Red, his signature color provided a lush color break from the black gowns of varied designers.

All photos courtesy of Arden Ash Studios.

All gowns were vintage and can be seen at Paperbag Princess. Here are our tips on how to buy Vintage:

A few tips on buying and caring for your VINTAGE FASHIONS:

• Couture Vintage is not the same, as mass market vintage, in quality and workmanship. Buyer beware.
• Cleaning Vintage is not always a good idea, without a reputable cleaners to assist you.
  
• Vintage pricing varies, so we suggest you gain some knowledge before you buy.
  
• Vintage is a description, so don't be fooled: go to a reputable shop who represents it carefully.
  
• Choose a period of time that you love, and be influenced by and enjoy it!
  
• Wear your Vintage with some modern pieces, and mix it up. Head to toe vintage is for the Movies.
  
• Key pieces to purchase for Fall 09 are: Jackets, Coats, Dresses, shoes. These are investments.
• Secondary pieces: Shoes, blouses, skirts. These pieces take a bit more careful shopping, due to wear.

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Dreaming of Dior: Spring 2009 is understated elegance.

Isn't it wonderful that the House of Dior is still giving us the perfect suits, dresses, handbags and shoes? Resort 09 is no exception, and so when I am having a bad day, I just look at this perfect suit, with the slim skirt and perfectly tailored jacket, and I instantly get happy. Dior rarely disappoints when they do what they do best, understated elegance. What can us mere mortals learn from these heavenly beauties? Wear shades that are close in color, to create an elegant and understated look. Make simple flattering colors work for you no matter what your shape or size. Simple details, like an accent shoe or bag, work with tone/tone color combos. Dresses are back for daytime, and give us pants people, a new lease on life. Slim shapes, are perfection, but if you don't wear them, remember that simple details are perfect too. The power red lip can really makes your face light up whether its a gloss or matte so go ahead, begin the search for the perfect Red lipstick to make your look complete.

Wrap me up: The art of Draping

The art of draping, make this a beautiful new trend from Donna Karan, the women who brought the elegance back to the power suit. Whether its a top over jeans, a dress for dinner, or a draped suit, the look is a classic that is fresh again. We like to see rich colors, but a simple draped blouse over a skinny jean with an edgy platform heel is a look that works on anyone. The history of the draped gown can be traced back to ancient greeks, then, Madame Gres made the draped gown a collection classic. Donna Karan's talent is making the inaccessible, reachable for every fashion diva.

VINTAGE ADVANTAGE: Curate Couture-LA

 Every designer label a girl dreams about is at the new Vintage Boutique, CURATE COUTURE on the Westside of Los Angeles. Located in a beautiful gallery space, the clothes are a treat to try on, the staff is on to the latest mix of trends.  Not all vintage boutiques are alike, and this one offers a unique mix of last minute trends or a classic Gucci, Celine or YSL for the fashion purist. Shoes are carefully arranged in each corner of the shop to slip your feet into just like Cinderella! The collection is always changing with new arrivals carefully arranged so you can see everything. A welcomed change for the vintage shopper. So, go ahead, indulge in the latest for a truly Bon Marche.

Studio location at: San Vicente Blvd. One block East of Bundy in the Rear Courtyard.


For information and appointments: stylistprivee@gmail.com

FALL BEAUTY - LIPSTICK is good for your MENTAL HEALTH

Lipstick, is the key to happiness. Psychologists will tell you that a lipstick is just short of a huge splurge purchase in a down economy. We suggest a visit to your favorite beauty site, (SEPHORA pictured here) to shop for your RED, PINK, BURGUNDY, gloss, creme, or matte tone to do what only lipstick can do: Bring sexiness and Cheer, to even the darkets of Fall Days. Enjoy!

The Power of Fashion Classics: Now's the Time

Its refreshing to see that even the Classics, can continue to hold power, while the new classics, take their place next to the Little Black Dress, and the Camel coat. Now, the leather Pencil Skirt, bikerboots, tights, and the edgy platforms mixed with the classics makes this FALL pretty, and sexy. The Glamazon women is not just fighting crime or global warming, she's appearing in boardrooms and at business lunches world wide. Well, that's what the fashionistas are telling us--its the power of classics, and now is the time.

Red Carpet Style for your Inner Diva: Tips and Tricks

• CASUAL BEACH HAIR: Whether its an updo, shoulder or full Length, Red Carpet Hair is never fussy or overdone. Keep it casual, with waves, a wash of curls, relaxed in straight lines that bend with the wind.
  
• RED CARPET FEET: Now that the Shoe Cam has arrived, Be a shoe Star, and take chances. Of course, a perfectly manicured foot is required, with a natural nude polish or Fall's new deep red or plums. Platforms, peep toes, or Daring pumps will do the trick.
  
• GLOW ON: So many tans, so much sun: Take our word for it, the Red carpet is not all tanned up, just a pleasant glow of bronze is all that you need to look beautiful in your tops, jeans, or gown. We suggest a self-tan product or Salon for your beach glow.
  
• ACCESSORIES: Here is a chance to let your inner Diva shine, with handbag, earrings, bracelets, or neck pieces, very casual, as befits this beach style, with a subtle glow of shine.
  
• BEAUTY: We noticed a definite focus on eyes, and lips, with a healthy glow of natural skin that was buffed and not too tan. Under the glare, make-up artists will all tell you its about staying power: Finishing powder, lip liner and crayon kohl eyeliners that keep your favorite products from slipping off.
  
• ATTITUDE: This is critical to achieving the confidence, the aplomb, and the inner Diva for all of your important occasions. We suggest a healthy dose of Attitude to complete your outfit.
  

Red Carpet Style: Our Top Picks

Emmy Red Carpet Glitters in the heat of Los Angeles.
Our top picks were a Gold Donna Karan, A Versace Gown made of Glass, and a beautiful strapless Chiffon Dress. Trends for evening are simple glamour, jewels and the essential handbag. Los Angeles Glamour is always about golden colors of the sun--and a touch of Beach Hair. Staying simple, going for shape, and flow as well as some sparkle completes the look.

DIOR: The Color Purple

The Dior windows on the Avenue Montaigne are dreamy, delicious and Purple.

Purple, is the "It" color for the Fall that looks good on just about everyone. Paired with Black, Grey, creme, camel or even jeans, a purple top, pants or a shoe is a fresh color for the Fall season. We love how designers have put neutrals together with this color, and given basic Fall Black a fresh new take. Eggplant or lavender, or with hints of rose, this color can be paired with wardrobe staples in your closet. Of course, Dior doesn't stop there. The DIOR perfume "Poison" in its beautiful purple bottle, gave us a hint of what was to come. Mascara, nail varnish, and eyeshadow, all DIOR originals in beautiful shades of purple were always part of their design studio line. The "Royal Purple" color describes the regal, elegant, mysterious color that will give your Fall look a fresh new twist. We suggest, a dose of purple to lift your spirits, from your head, to your toes.

Le Maris: Paris Soho and Fall Trends 09

The "Soho Style", familiar to most New Yorkers is very distinct. But Le Marais, in Paris, is to my mind, the heart of this style, and the true expression of this idea of "Bohemian Chic" with shops that are like art galleries; spare but elegant. A friendly group of young fashionistas are there to help you put your Fall look together with an array of interesting choices, which is, Le Marais, the new place to be in Paris.

With an interesting history, people, a great cafe life, its truly the new "Left Bank". Le Marais brings all the great things of that experience to life, which I remember from growing up on the Left Bank.

My advice: Just start walking; then stop for coffee, and after a few glances into the windows of these interesting shops you'll be right in the mood to shop. This unique street or 'boho chic' style or the "street look" is in each shop, one more elegant than the next. The energy of the cafes, the sheer exuberance of the fashion, make this Paris area unique. This is where things start then find their way, across the fashion map of the world. What makes this area thrive, is the soul of the artists who began their migration to this area from the Left Bank and while there are some major fashion labels in residence, the artistic touches are everywhere.

The fashion trends found in Le Marais, are unique in that they are softer than typical New York "Soho" Fashions. There is an interesting combination of fabrics, textures, and colors, and a mix of leather separates which take the look up a notch. These clothes are edgy but very romantic. This look is easy to wear, for all figure shapes and sizes. Then add Jeans, or a mini with your leggings and a great handbag, boots, and your done. Oh, and if you are a "fur lover" or want to go "faux" just add a dash of that as well around your collar, or as cuffs on a rough hewn knit sweater, or for the truly brave, a fur trimmed hat or handbag.

Accessories are key to this look, and vintage style, ethnic or metallic touches make the earth tones of this look come together. Here is a short list of shops in this Quartier to get you started, when you take that walk down Etienne Marcel towards the Place des Voges, and also the rue de Vielle Temps, there are many more. Please let me know if you have any other favorite places, we'd love to hear from you. A short walk in the opposite direction takes you to the Place de la Victoire, as well, under construction presently but there are several great shops along this street as well.

• All Saints Store
  
• Paul et Joe
• Sandro
• Claudie Pierlot
• I Love, Boutique
  
• Kookai -Les Halles (and everywhere)
  
• Barbara Bui

Thrown on your Ballet flats and get shopping, its going to be a bit chilly this Fall, and this is a great way to get started!

ARTIFICE

Shopping Report: Fashionably Chic Bargain Shopper

This just in: Paris is a Bargain. Yes, no one will believe you, when I tell you this, but it can be if you know where to go, and what to buy. And, they have H&M. Well, we just can't get enough of H&M in the USA, we're totally addicted to it, me included. I just heard that on November 14th, worldwide, the Jimmy Choo collection for H&M will debut. Doesn't matter if you don't wear high heels, or, if your idea of comfort is a Chanel Ballet flat. But let's just say that you are totally High Heel sort of gal, (I am known to sport a Prada or two!) But the idea that I could run down the street, stand in line for a "nouvelle Jimmy Choo" H&M style just makes me totally happy. It's fashion, that is totally affordable, if you choose the right things, mix with your own classics, and yes, even those designer items you bought last year and paid too much for. Its all in the Mix.

Here are some trends that we can all put in our closets ASAP:

• Shoulder Pads: Yup, there back. These can be added to some of your existing blouses to "pump it up" and give them a new life for the office. Pair these with tight skirt, new sexy pumps, and your're right on target without the Balenciaga jacket that only the rich and famous can afford.
  

• 80s Vibe: Yes, if you didn't already live through it, take this one on full throttle. However, my rule of thumb is if you have already lived your life as an 80s club-kid, better approach this trend with care and stick to classics like spike heeled pumps or pencil skirts. Leave the wilder stuff for the newbies.
  

• Draping: This is a great trend for just about any age: its ageless. Anything you want to do with draping, works if you need a bit up top, or down below. Basically, you can belt something and create softness, or simply get a new draped piece. Its 1940s/1980s and has a classic look for now, that works in the office or over a pair of jeans.
  

• Corsets: Men, beware, the Glamazon women has returned, so go easy girls, he won't be able to take it if you come home in one of these-they're great worn over white shirts with jeans, over jeans without, and under a jacket they continue to tempt, attract, and are just too good, to leave in the past. Approach with caution, but do give them a try!

• Vintage: Beyond a trend, buying vintage has its place, especially when top designers are secretly copying and selling these styles over and over again. Vintage shops are very good places to buy quality pieces, that are beautifully made, and work with other pieces in your wardrobe.
  

Here is our list of Stores that have Vintage, Trends, Affordable Chic, Designer Outlet:

1. COLETTE - 213 rue Saint-Honore 1st
   
2. Sonia Rykiel outlet-64 rue D'alesia, 14th
3. WOCHDOM-72 rue Condorcet, 9th (vintage)
   
4. H&M (any location)
   
5. RECIPROQUE (vintage) 16th
6. Outlets at Vallee Village
   
7. Monoprix
   

Enjoy!

ARTIFICE

Shoppining Paris: The Truth about Outlets

As we review the wreckages of our past, as Fashionistas, I can safely say,
that I have never regretted my voyages to Outlet Malls. They used to be the "well-kept secret" of the housewives of America, but now, the European experience is just not complete without a visit to a well-heeled Outlet Mall that boasts shops "to die for" and bargains to tell your gal pals at the coffee shop or water cooler at the office. Well....not quite. Here are some tips to remember, as you wander through the malls, and take in the fashionable and fabulous bargains that seem "too good to be true"

• Beware of the Big Name Store: Yes, they can be somewhat deceptive, as they often reserve this "failed" fashion merchandise for the outlets, or licensed goods that don't make it upstairs to rue St. Honore. That "big lable" you are paying for might be a "semi-faux" and overpriced. Just be sure you are buying the 'real thing' when shopping, you can check Vogue.com for the collections videos, and pretty much see the entire collections there, that way, you know you are buying something that is original.
  

• Beware of Return Policies. Make sure your items can be returned, with a receipt, in case there is a disaster. Most of these shops are designed for "On the Spot" purchases and they don't expect to see you again. Think again, before you make your final purchase, you might not be able to exchange it or return int.

• Put lots of things on "same day hold" as you cruise around the complex, before you make final decisions.
  

• Try everything on if possible. No second guessing in an Outlet Mall, its a better decision if it fits you now, not later. After all, you can always come back, and they will have more!
  

• Find out if the store is "unloading" merchandise that you will never see again. Its part of how to make your final decision. If you really love something, and its being discontinued, (and being sold) in an outlet location, just buy two, max. Fashion changes all the time. You don't want to be caught with more than two pairs of something in your closet, even jeans.
  

• Shop Online to check brands, or review fashion magazines before you are let loose in the Mall. A shopping list, or a clear idea of what you are looking for will help you make the best buying decisions.
  

• Yes, its fun to look at really great fashion for less, just be aware of the season you are shopping. The best bargains are usually when the season is over, so buy classics, and buy ahead, if you can. That's when you will be happy, that you bought that winter coat in July. It will look beautiful in your closet come autumn and you will be really happy you paid substantially less for it.
  

• Finally, even though I love fashion trends like everyone else, its time to buy classics now. Really great classics that will last you a few years, made with beautiful quality, which European merchandise is known for, at a fraction of the price.
  

We don't want to take the fun of browsing, wandering and recreational shopping away from you fashionistas, so do have fun at the Outlet mall, take a few friends so that you get some support for your decisions, and can enjoy lunch while you are shopping!

Paris Vallee Village - www.valleevillage.com for a complete list of designer outlet shops.
www.chicoutletshopping.com: London, Dublin, Barcelona, Madrid, Milane, Burxelles, Francfort, Munich.

ARTIFICE

Palais Royale: Fashionable Destination

The Palais Royale, the historic palace of Cardinal Richelieu has always been a fashionable address. The Palace itself is under renovations and the 21st century scaffolding presents an interesting contrast to the original elegant architecture that is being repaired. Moliere liked this address, and lived just down the way at Number 40, a close walk to his job, at the Commedie Francaise. But there are other wonderful secrets within the arcade, which boasts boutiques like Marc Jacobs, located next to the dusty jumbled bookshops, and a historic Restaurant Cafe Royale, a delightful sort of place that evokes the Belle Epoque era. Another shop has exclusive designs just for the "Little Black Dress" . The Rick Owens boutique, is also in residence, his inky dramatic creations are perfect for the 'edgy couture rockers' that wear them. I noticed two children playing with a red balloon in the garden, reminding me of my favorite story by the same name I remembered as a child.

Once the renovations are done, the newly minted historic location will regain its prestige as a park. The shops, and boutiques continue to be a quiet and secret location for the Fashion Elite, who go there to experience the elegance, and history of this address.