"It's Not the End of the World"

Last night, in the midst of our mini heat wave, I stopped by the Planetarium to check out Olympia Le-Tan's latest collection of handbags and minaudieres, "It's Not the End of the World". The cocktail party was in full swing when I arrived. Zac Posen, Christopher Niquet, Lucien Pages, Gaspar Noe, Yaz Bukey, Martine Sitbon, and the rest of the creme de la creme of the fashion world. Olympia did not disappoint in her beautiful and embroidered purses which seem to be from another heavenly world.

My Fall Collection 2010

Maybe I am getting old. I think I have seen enough trends go in and out of style to lose interest in the next big thing. I find it harder each season to get excited about what the fashion world is spilling out into the boutiques these days. So, what is a girl to do?

Go back to basics....go back to the land of easy and simple. Kind of like finding an old friend on Facebook. Or maybe NOT.

I went back to order a few pieces from Martine Sitbon's RUE DU MAIL Pre-collection at very affordable prices. All pieces were in black ( a Parisian classic) or in powder rose/beige. Draped and structured is the way to go this fall. Mix it up. I also indulged in the leather craze this season by buying a smooth as butter black leather mini skirt to give my classic pieces a bit of rock-n-roll feel. Add one pair of Isabel Marant's sexy retro black suede heels and this 'old' fashionista is ready to rock.

Fashion Assistant for a Hour

When I walked into RUE DU MAIL's atelier yesterday I heard a familiar voice call out, 'Leeza, over here' I walked around the showroom to find Martine Sitbon, Marc Ascoli, and their assistants hovering around a few swatches of shimmery fabric. The very beginnings of what we all may be wearing next Fall. Martine insisted that I help them choose between four fabrics. I opted for the more futuristic colors with shimmery warm colors. These will be easy to mix and match with my urban black wardrobe. After I executed my new day job, I went around the corner to order a few pieces from the Fall Pre-collection. These days, I find the luxury fashion brands trying too hard. The pieces are too expensive and precious. If I see another young actress looking like a grandmother on the red carpet I am going to scream.The Pre-Collection is so much more affordable and easy to wear..Love that maille=knitwear. And the maille is what Martine Sitbon does really well.

Five Easy Pieces

I loved Martine Sitbon's Fall 2009/10 collection for RUE DU MAIL. She effortlessly fused her edgy Martine Sitbon brand with the maturity of RUE DU MAIL. I picked out a few pieces to carry me through the MIC MAC promotion season and those dark, grey winter Parisian days that never seem end. I do not like having too many choices in my closet when I figure out what my winter look will be. I always pick only five pieces from each season to carry me fashion forward. These are strong pieces and not to be abused with bad makeup and hair. I take my fashion playfully with a dose of fantasy eg: rock-n-roll groupie, 1980's downtown goth, or a funky Mary Poppins. I did pair my Rue Du Mail pieces with some faux Isabel Marant boots made by SANDRO. Perfect for creating that mysterious edge...with some killer Chanel eyeliner. Oh, whatever you do, buy a pair of sturdy black leggings for this season (#5) . The perfect glue to spice up one's wardrobe!

Deauville Festival Time!

I am still in Paris in an apartment full of dresses and high heels....trying to figure out what exactly I want to bring to the Deauville Film Festival where my husband is presiding over the film jury.

I went over to my friend's atelier on Rue du Mail. Martine Sitbon has been my favorite designer since she created my wedding dress back in 2001. It was an empire dress with silk and tulle decorated with antique sepia jewels embroidered around the collar. The problem with borrowing clothes from designers is that one must be a models size 2 or 6. Now, this really sucks for me since for some reason ( damn that cotes du Rhone) my breasts have gone up a tiny half size. Well, this slight mark up has banished me from wearing some of the most fashion forward dresses of her selection. I still manage to walk out the door with a stunning charcoal wool bustier dress with an shimmery metal effect and a peachy nude over- the- knee number with white cotton detail on the front neckline.

Yesterday, I was over at Rue Cambon where Chanel had a handful of dresses for me. I asked them to pick from their Pre or Cruise Collections since the collection always tend to be easier to wear.

One never gets the best choice at Chanel if one is not a star...So I knew I was pushing my luck there since Jp directed their last commercial. No chance. Plus, my breasts seem to be the problem, again! The lovely Chanel soldier said, 'Karl, does not like breasts' Oh, please what's a a real woman to do???

Then by late this morning, while trying to decided which dresses to take , I let the Internet help me with my choice. Wrong. Kind of scary, n'est pas? Maybe it will be better when I arrive?