Chicago Gold Coast Fashion Show

I'm thrilled to tell my Taffetadarlings that I have been asked to show my Fall 2012 "Modern World" collection at the 57th Gold Coast Fashion Award Show in Chicago in September.  The show is also a charity event and a competition.  I'll be competing against seven other well-known and established designers such as; FGI Rising Star winner (2012) Wes Gordon, Lyn Devon and Rubin Singer to name a few.  Previous winners include: Oleg Cassini, Bill Blass, Carolyn Roehm, Anne Klein, Donna Karan, Monique Lhuillier and Dennis Basso.  Not bad, huh?

 

Whether or not I end up winning the competition, I feel very honored to be part of an event that not only celebrates young, up-and-coming talent, but also serves as a fundraiser (hosted by the Children's Service Board) benefiting Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago -- one of the top children's hospitals in the nation.

Below is a video "sneak peek" of the magazine shoot.  How nice of them to use my outfit for the thumbnail! 

flattered that tha
 

R.I.P. Anna Piaggi

The fashion world lost an icon.  Editor, writer, muse and eccentric style maven, Anna Piaggi passed away in Milan on August 7th, 2012. I'd like to think the eighty-one year old poster child for "Wear What You Want" (as WendyB would say) was wearing one of her whimsical Stephen Jones hats and a colorful ensemble (maybe Westwood or vintage Patou) in her very last moments.

Anna Piaggi: March 22,1931 – August 7, 2012

Photo: Getty

A Day At The Beach

I've only managed to get to the beach one time this summer and I accidentally forgot my suit bottom (don't ask!), so on the first day I had to wear my bikini top and running shorts.  Not a good look.  Eventually, I did find one of those surf shops where you can buy tops and bottoms separately and I picked up a new bottom.  So, I'm hoping to plan another beach day and if I do, I have already picked out my perfect beach outfit.

a photo I snapped at Melbourne Beach, FL

Unless I'm swimming laps in my Speedo or TYR, I usually opt for a bikini, but there is something so refreshingly chic about this strapless one piece stripe bathing suit from KIWI Saint Tropez.

cobalt and white stripe strapless one piece: 68 Euro

A suit like this requires a fabulous shoe -- not a flip-flop.  I would pick up the cobalt color with these summery Burberry Prorsum woven raffia and printed wedge pumps.  Plus, the heel height is a leg lengthener!  Bonus.

Burberry pumps $1095

Of course, no beach look is complete without a pair of shades.  I'm in love with these fabulous rectangular retro specs by Karen Walker.  And yes, I would wear them with the alien headband accessory.  I mean, you gotta ask yourself, "What would Steve Martin do?"

"Cabbie" Sunglasses, Karen Walker

Finally, I would top the outfit off with a huge floppy hat by Scala -- not because I want to shield my face from the sun, but because I want to feel like Sophia Loren!  My fashionable mother actually bought me a slightly less gigantic version of this hat and I love it!  Thanks mom!  The thin wire they've cleverly encased along the edge of the brim makes it easy to shape and adjust the hat however you like.  Okay, I'm all set.  Now I just need a beach.

gorgeous Sophia Loren

Scala oversized hat, $45