a fashion mental case

I think something is really wrong with me. Yesterday, whilst listening to the BBC world service radio, I thought the economic report on energy and commodities was saying that Diesel and Energie jeans would be experiencing a price increase.

Then, last night I had a dream. Apparently Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, John Varvatos, and Mason Martin Margiela were all on my mind. Because in my dream, walking through a department store and noticed a brand I had never seen. It was called Madi Vavela. And it was the love child dream project of the foursome to create a one-time line of the best of the best clothing. With the vivid colour of DvF, the playful energy of Marc, the vintage inspiration and character of Varvatos, and the absolute best fabrics and simplistic construction of MMM.

It took me at least a half hour to decide what I was going to wear today, because nothing was as good as Madi Vavela. So, in case Marc, Diane, John, or Martin are reading this - get on the ball, my friends! I need something to wear.

A fashionable economy?

As I was driving to my neighbourhood shopping plaza today, I was listening to the BBC radio. As the economic world report was in progress, I realized my mind is forever fixed on fashion. Here's why. The presented said, "The cost of oil has risen. Therefore, the price of diesel and other energies will also rise." My first thought: "oh my god! Diesel and Energie have raised their prices and now denim will be more expensive!"

Fashion is consuming. Buyers beware.

the party girls

Coco Chanel has no doubt been one of the most influential players in the luxury fashion arena. Mademoiselle Chanel was so poignant with her design and equally as powerful with her insights as well. "Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions" and "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous" are two of my favourite Cocoisms.

Tis the season to be jolly...and fashionable. It's been a rough year for many. Whether economically, emotionally, employment related, or even everything, we've all had some sort of accident or blunder or challenge. And now it's time to put on a happy face, your party dress, and ring in 2011 with optimism and positivity.


I'm loving this entire outfit.

Joie Storm Somerville jacket(US$748) in luscious lambskin is the perfect way to add some fashion funk to any wardrobe, from basic denim and plain white t, to this incredibly fabulous and flirtatious Indigo Belle skirt (US$385) by fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg. Time Square's New Year's crystal ball isn't the only thing that sparkles at holiday, especially when you're rocking this White Sparkle tank by Velvet (US$54). The smoothness of the luxe leather, coupled with the volume of the skirt, and the sparkle of the tank brings the perfect mix of tantalizing texture.

And don't freak out about staying fabulous and frugal! These XL Crystal Earrings are just US$90 and this Vita Fede white and gunmetal bracelet can play double duty as a choker for just US$182. And don't forget that every girl-on-the-go needs her essentials close at hand, so this Linea Pelle Grey Dylan Folding Tote (US$535) is the perfect marriage of design and function.

This incredible look is styled by Tanis Milicevic and are available at her modelcitizen boutiques.

Energie Energized Energy

I can't get enough of Energie. I could eagerly echo my sentiments for Energie for at least eight months and still couldn't get exactly enough.

Youthful + Edgy + Fun + Utility + Style + Character + Urban + City Chic + Quality = Energie.

What gets you energized?

live the l'occitane

I have no idea what rock I've been living under. Or at least that's how I feel right now. I love L'Occitane en Provence. I think they have some pretty fabulous skincare and treats for the home. I love the story. Tried and true remedies and traditional ingredients from the south of France, mixed with the power of science to pack some serious results. Sexy skin. Fabulous fragrance. All natural.

Regardless, L'Occitane has spas! First opening in 2001 in both Brazil and Vietnam, the company has 16 exclusive locations worldwide. So now you can relax, rejuvenate, and renew yourself in the style of Provence! So for the ones you really love, I recommend a trip focused around the visit of this tranquil paradise. And if you decide on a location in France, you can also arrange a tour of the L'Occitane facility as well!

Many of L'Occitane's products contain Shea Butter -a super fabulous ingredient from Burkina Faso, Africa. Shea Butter is full of anti-oxidants, protecting your skin from deterioration, dehydration, and oxidation. It's full of natural vitamins and minerals, so it brings you a healthy, radiant glow. It's incredibly moisturizing, so it literally melts into the skin.

We all know that when you look good, you feel better. So start feeling better today and celebrate le joie de vivre today!

the smell of fashion

some top fragrance recommendations, in no particular order of course.

pour le femme:

-- Poison by Christian Dior

-- Champaca Absolute Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford

-- Clive Christian No. 1

-- Omnia by Bvlgari

-- L'eau D'Issey by Issey Miyake

-- Stella McCartney's Stella

-- Balenciaga Paris

--Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel

-- Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani


pour homme:

-- Acqua di Parma's Colonia

-- Bleu de Chanel

-- Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone

-- John Varvatos Limited Edition Artisan Black

-- Bang by Marc Jacobs

-- Black Orchid by Tom Ford

-- Silver Mountain Water by Creed

-- Dior Homme Sport

-- Voyage D'Hermes

a fashionable holiday for all

Well hello, my friends! After a few hundreds of entries here at Thirsty.Threads, I thought we all needed a little break. I remember when Galliano first came out with Dior's coveted Saddle Bags - there was so much excitement and furvor. But after the countless collections featuring the same bags, we were all over them. So I thought a month off would be fitting for us all.

With that being said, I'm combining two of my favourite articles into one - my annual gift giving suggestions, paired with the things I love. Because after all, they're one in the same.

for men:

- Malin and Goetz Peppermint Hair Shampoo (US$20 from www.malinandgoetz.com). This amazing shampoo lathers, making mountains of suds and brings a deep clean. Plus the menthol tingles and really wakes you up.

- Prada camouflage card case (US$180). featuring 2 card slots, this camo printed leather case is made in Italia and is the perfect way to present your business cards and make your network not so behind the scenes.

- Burberry cashmere robe (US$2250). luxuriate to the nth degree with this shawl collar robe. features banded cuffs, tie waist, and patch pockets at the hip.

- Louis Vuitton Guide Books (US$34 each or US$135 for 9 European Cities collection). I've written about these books before. They're amazing. Exclusively at Louis Vuiton worldwide.

- Beaver lined Field Jacket from Marc Jacobs (US$2500). Military Inspiration + Safari utility + supreme everyday elegance + ultimate luxury = this jacket. Marc Jacobs rocks, and so does this jacket.

- I rarely like entire collections from designers. But I'm loving Michael Bastian for Gant, Thom Browne's Gamme Bleu collection for Moncler, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, and of course the great Mason Martin Margiella.

for women:

- Diamond Love Letter necklace from Roberto Coin ( about US$460). Roberto began sells his master crafted creations in 1977 in Vicenza, the city of gold. Enough said.

- the original Huntress Boot by Hunter Boots (US$125). They're good enough for the Queen. Literally. And they're smart design is street chic as well - including the shorter height to prevent pinching at the knee. Function meets Fashion.

- AirEssence by Agraria (US$110). These fragrance diffusers are sourced in Provence and contain only the most fragrant ingredients and oil - so they last much longer and smell much better than virtually every other fragrance diffuser on the market. My favourites include: Lime & Orange Blossoms, Balsam, and Mission Fig. For a generous selection, visit The Villa in Winter Park, Fl.; The Retail Shop at The Cloisers on Sea Island, Ga.; C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries nationwide; Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, UK; and Peter's of Kensington, Sydney, Australia.

- 8-cup, double-walled French Press by Bodum (US$99). I love iced coffee. So give this little gem, and then make her the most amazing iced cafe. It's simple.

• Pour about a third of a pound of freshly ground coffee into the press.

• Fill the press with cold water and stir to wet the coffee grounds.

• Place the French-press lid over the coffee (don't press the plunger) and leave at room temperature for at least 12 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the brew.

• Press down the plunger, pour the concentrated coffee into a pitcher, and place in the refrigerator.

• Dilute each serving of coffee 1-to-1 with ice-cold water (use more water if the coffee's too strong), pour over ice, and serve with milk and sugar.

- Tarn Vest by Moncler (US$1150). I've had a love affair with Moncler for years. The iconic French outerwear again marries fashion and function with this most amazing finesse and beautiful form.

- upgrade your bathroom situation. at your place. for her. get a new shower curtain and liner, better lighting, a pretty yet functional mirror, some apothecary jars stocked with essentials, new linens and towels, and give the whole place a good, deep cleaning. I love the bathroom stock from CB2 and especially the towels from Garnier-Thiebaut.

- plan a day at the spa. my favourite spa is the Bliss Spa. and they've got locations everywhere you want to be. or should be.

for the host/hostess:

- recyclable produce bags from Branch Home (US$11 for a set of 5). Stop wasting plastic bags at the supermarket; keep your produce organized at the farmers market; use them to store your shoes whilst traveling.

- Skybar Wine Bottle Travelers (US$19,95). Keeps wine (or prosecco or champagne) chilled for hours, protected, and makes a brilliant accessory for the evening. Also makes great host or hostess gifts.

- J.Me Seville Orange Marmalade by Jamie Oliver (US$19.95). The English make the best marmalade, and this definitely packs a delicious punch. Delicious on toast, french toast, over chocolate cake or chocolate ice cream, and when heated on the stove with some powdered sugar, makes the most amazing glaze for brownies, cookies, doughnuts, and virtually anything.

for the ones you really love: my favourite watches for both men and women are from Zenith; I dream of taking every itinerary offered from Abercrombie & Kent; I'd love to live in the Waldorf=Astoria hotels for a month; the Imperial Hamper from Fortum & Mason; a shiny red Vespa; personalised luggage from Goyard;

multipurpose gifts for everyone: you can never go wrong with gift cards to Starbucks or iTunes; a delicious sampling of your favourite foods; fresh flower arrangements from B. Brooks.

'tis the season to be jolly. so dawn your season's best, put on your happy face, and celebrate the reason for the season. remember my favourite F's: good food and good fashion with good friends and good family.

PS: I'd like to give a shout out to Josette at Armani and Mike at Gucci in Chicago, Jase at Armani in Beverly Hills, and both Catherine at RRL and Paul at Varvatos in West Hollywood.