Minx Bead Jewelry Sale!

I'm having a jewelry sale and you're invited! Just enter the code "opalescent" (without the quotes) when you check out to receive 15% off any purchase.

One of the pieces available is this coral necklace that includes apple coral, seashells, a Chinese cash coin reproduction, and glass beads in varying shades of coral and orange. It's about 15" long, but the pendant hangs another 6" or so.

There's plenty more where that came from, and I love to do custom orders. Just drop me a line at theminx1@gmail.com and let me know what you're looking for; I'm happy to put something together that fits your budget.

The Fashion Show Postmortem

I wrote up a postmortem of The Fashion Show at Blogging Bravo. Please go read and leave a comment with your opinions of the show.

Sex Lives of the Rich and Fashionable

Kimberly Taylor Opens Flagship Store

Designer Kimberly Taylor is bringing sexy back in silk. The fashion designer will debut her clothing line featuring silk as her luxurious staple. It's stunning, sultry and soft as well as form fitting on a woman’s body, which is exactly what Taylor had in mind for her line launch. She saw a need for high quality luxury basics and set out to make her mark.

Taylor's line is making silk a basic necessity for every woman’s wardrobe. All of her pieces are 100% silk and more comfortable than you can imagine. Her sleek pieces can go from day to night or summer to fall, which makes them essential pieces to add to your closet. Her subtle metallic dresses with exposed zippers or scoop-neck racer-back tees, will have you agreeing with her that less is more. Its minimalist chic yet bold in color and design with Taylor’s personal touch.

This beautiful line will make a permanent residence in the fashionable Meatpacking District August 1st. Access to these fantastic silk separates will soon be easier than ever.

Taylor put her passion and creativity into this line. Kimberly always knew that she was going to design her own line, since she saw fashion as an outlet to express her individuality. After watching her father, Irwin Gindi, a former owner of the Century 21 chain of off-price designer stores build her business she decided to pursue fashion through a different avenue. She was always drawn to casual clothes, but wished it could be a little more luxe. Her collection is filled with tank tops in bright and deep colors, taffeta shorts, long and short strapless gowns, and tunics. Kimberly believes it's better to buy staple pieces and make classic investments, especially in these tough economic times.

Fascinated by simple chic, Taylor redesigned silk to be stylish, while encompassing form and function. Her store is filled with pieces that can be worn from beach to a posh social event, which is why Taylor is sure to make her mark. With all this in mind, how could you possibly keep yourself away?

Opening August 1st

Kimberly Taylor
400 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
Tel: 212.944.6700

Boots

Although we're smack in the middle of summer, it's never too early to think about boots. For some reason I'm really digging the ones ornamented with straps and buckles. Luckily, there is no shortage of pricey footwear to fulfill my fantasy. I say "fantasy" because there's no way I can get my ample calves into most of these.

Love these Tory Burch Jaden Strappy boots. They look study and maybe even comfortable.

I also love these Ralph Lauren Helena Suede Mid boots...

...and these Manolo Blahnik Studded-Strap boots. Wearing a heel that high is also a fantasy.

Putting aside thoughts of straps and buckles for a moment, I'm also loving these Gucci Janis High Heel boots. The tassel is kinda flirty.

These Kors Michael Kors Lucille Scrunch boots are a good, practical choice for a tall boot.

And on the opposite end of the spectrum, we have this Sigerson Morrison Huarache boot, which not only looks impractical, but also uncomfortable. Eek.

Fractal Jewelry

This is a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry by Boucheron and Australian-born designer Marc Newson. It took 1500 hours to complete and contains approximately 2000 diamonds and sapphires. I am curious about the total carat weight (sapphires range from 0.84 to 2.50 carats) and the price of this baby, but as of this moment, Boucheron has not supplied that info. I was told they don't give prices on the haute-joaillerie.

But suppose I wanted to buy it? Yeah, right. :)

502!

Wow - shows how much I pay attention...my Obama pants post was my 501st post on this blog. Go me!

Rue La La!

Last week I posted a link to Gilt Groupe, a great private sale site. This week, I'm inviting all Opalescent readers to join Rue La La.

Rue La La is... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Our focus is a well-edited collection of sought-after offerings from the best brand names in the world - combined with helpful service.

I found my Kooba Bailey clutch at Rue La La, and a fab Ellen Tracy angora and wool coat that kept me warm in New York during Fashion Week in February. This week's boutiques include Kitchen Aid and Betsey Johnson.

You really can't beat the prices...join now!

Obama's Jeans

What was President Obama wearing when he threw out the first pitch at the All-Star Game last night? Old-man jeans. You know, the baggy "comfort fit" ones with the elastic waist? Our esteemed leader looked like he was 47-going-on-80.

My 72-year-old father wears hipper, better-fitting jeans. And I never thought I'd ever say that.

Watch the video to see how truly horrid they were.

Elie Saab Fall 2009 Couture

Elie Saab channels Karl Lagerfeld's all-white Chanel Spring 09 couture collection with his own symphony in white for Fall. I think just about every one of the long gowns would make a strikingly different wedding gown.

Valentino Fall 2009 Couture

Here's a recap of recent Valentino history: Valentino retires. He appoints Alessandra Facchinetti to carry on his legacy. She fails and is replaced by accessories designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. Their Spring collection was in the Valentino mold and pretty safe, but the Fall collection is something else entirely. A preponderance of black, plus grey and nude, keeps the looks somber, and lots of beading and wee details make it just a bit "too much."

I feel that the simpler pieces work best.

Whereas the ruffly, floofy ones are a bit of a mess. Ruffles on the blouse, skirt, AND shoes? Too much.

This is just plain unattractive.

As is this.

Lady, I think your slip is showing.

This is nice, but again, it's simple.

The opposite of simple = awful.

Ditto. The bust treatment looks sloppy and unfinished. (I feel like I'm judging Project Runway.)

Too much crap going on.

Ugh.

This I like, but not with the ruffly shoes.

This I hate. She looks like some mutated sea creature.

Twee, but mostly ok.

A close-up of the ruffled shoes. Do the ruffles brush against the ankles? I would find that annoying. Love the super-pointy toe, though.

An Invitation to Join Gilt Groupe

I want to share a find with my readers: Gilt Groupe. I got an invite last year and am so glad I signed up! I can't really afford to pay retail for designer goods, and with Gilt Groupe, I don't have to!

Here's the dirt: "Gilt Groupe provides fashion enthusiasts online access to designer fashion from top brands at sample sale prices. You'll find apparel, accessories, and jewelry for Women, Men, and Children at prices up to 70% off retail. All items are guaranteed to be authentic and sourced directly from the brand."

Brands include: Just Cavalli, Furla, John Varvatos, Michael Kors, Milly.

Click here to join. There's no obligation to ever purchase anything, but the only way to find out about the sales is to sign up. Think of it as belonging to an exclusive club.

I belong to other sample sale clubs...if you're interested, drop me a line and I'll send an invite your way.

Chanel Fall 2009 Couture

Is it me, or is Chanel getting a little...boring, peut-etre? I mean, apart from the wackier looks, it's all a little dull. Especially when compared to Lagerfeld's recent all-white collection.

Yawn.

Yawn.

Yawn.

Double yawn.

Not exciting, but better.

She's pooing fabric!

Ugly.

Insane.

Snore.