Since f/w '06 has already been digested and processed (patent leather... black... skinny bottom, interesting voluminous top... long hemlines [which I personally think is a bit premature]... ]), I'm starting to think about s/s '07 already. Have you given it any thought? What are you seeing? Or, what are you WANTING? If you know already, I give you credit, as I have no IDEA what I'll want to wear (or if circumstances will dictate my wardrobe, for that matter) come next spring. I'm too busy enjoying all the platform* heels and anticipating the patent leather (I'd like to buy one piece. If not now, then when?).

But anyway, here's what I'm predicting:

- Pink and brown. Yes, again. But this time with no polka dots in sight. Less sweet/graphic, more about flattering the skin.

- Tea-length dresses. It's been far too long, and, if everyone jumps on the looong hemlines this fall (and still isn't interested in gypsy skirts), it'll feel right. Plus, after the layers and the tightness and the anything-but-ladylike stuff (don't get the wrong idea - I love it) we'll want to ease back into girly territory again. Ease being the operative word. I can't see it being princess-y.

- Simple, small silver jewelry.

- Beige - pinky mauve - canary yellow - white - brown - tangerine

- Flats with a built-in, covered platform in soft leathers

- ample-sized bucket-y bags in light, textured leathers for day, the return of the beaded baguette for night (I'm TELLING you!! go check your closet!).

and more, which I will elaborate on later. 'Til tomorrow.



*which hold a special place in my heart; I teetered on them through much of middle and high school. Once, with a black wool a-line skirt, a black long-sleeved top made of fine netting with black marabou at the wrists, a black camisole (underneath, if you're trying to picture it) and hot pink or vibrant purple (one forgets) opaque tights layered under black fishnets. It seemed tasteful at the time I suppose. Suffice to say, I like to think I got it together a little since then. The platforms still make me swoon, though. Some things never change.

SO. I just listed a few things... some AMAZING belts (this is going to be a killer week for belts!!), some simple enamel jewelry (so understated and pretty!), a black wicker handbag...

I have more to list tomorrow, and I really wanted to get it all up today, but I had a nail appointment that was a long time coming.

Since it's dreary as all get-out here in Philly, I went with a muted Barbie pink (sounds weird, but it looks seriously chic!) on the toes and french on the fingers. I hate anything other than a french manicure or pale, pale pink/white... I like my hands to look clean and polished. I suspect that I will resurrect the love affair with the infamous Chanel Vamp this fall though. It's very sweet on supershort nails, and with all the grey I'm planning on wearing, it should make a nice contrast...

A taste of what I will be listing this week:

- ultra-simple Vintage white enameled metal chain necklaces (including a LONG, superskinny one with GOLD openwork geometric shapes...)

- a vintage black wicker basket purse with leather handles, circa the '50s/'60s

And in the CINCH BELT department (my favorite):

- an amazing, SUPER DUPER WIDE (I'm talking wiiiiiiide! Like, YSL s/s '05 wide) black cinch belt, made of suede and a heavy elastic, with an enormous rectangular metal buckle! This one is so, so fabulous... from the '60s... it'll make you look and feel like a million bucks, especially with a really fitted button-down tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt with platform pumps. At least, that's what I have in mind for it, maybe you'll do it with jeans, a tee and a great pair of flats for everyday?

- another fish scale cincher, this time in BIGGER scales with a really incredible artisan buckle

- a wide, structured cinch belt in a muted, scaled-down LEOPARD print, leather-lined... totally glam, from the '50s!

- a moss green leather cinch or low-waist belt (for a less-severe look) with an incredible silver and bronze artisan-made buckle

... and MORE!!

Also, I have recently become the owner of a vintage double-stranded OWL necklace, in golds and shades of ruby. The colors are gorgeous and it looks incredible on. I don't know if I can bring myself to sell it!

(you can click on any picture to go to the eBay auction)


...enameled jewelry, circa the '60s and '70s. Suddenly it feels SO right, from the colors (mainly white and gold!) to the sweet shapes (birds, flowers, owls, etc). It's minimal, yet definitely very interesting. And I don't know about you, but although I LOVE wearing a delicate Peretti pendant, or a single diamond stud around my neck, I'm just, well... in the mood for something new. Something summery. And vintage enamel jewelry just totally fits the bill.

Long necklaces can be layered up with shorter ones, or simply worn alone for maximum impact. A long, white pendant necklace is very very striking against tanned skin and a black bikini (why not wear a little jewelry to the beach? you only live once). As is a shorter chain (15"-17" is perfect) with a split-neck top or your fitted white button-down with a few buttons undone.

Enamel flower-shaped pins are super adorable and very tempting, but I'm just not feeling pins this season for some reason. I would however snap some up (if I saw shapes that I LOVED) and keep them in my jewelry box for a frillier time. Right now I just want to keep it simple... a necklace and my wedding rings and that's it. Or a big, wide, statement-making belt and no jewels. I don't want to add any pins into the mix right now. But start collecting, because I predict for next summer to be a return of the blooms - in the form of elaborate silk ribbon embroidery, dior roses in quantity, etc etc etc. Done in a restrained way, of course. I think that we'll all be spoiled the comfort and easiness of fall/winter '06's layer upon layer of sumptuous fabric, but when spring rolls around we'll all want a light and ultrafemme accessory to girly it up just a touch, hence the pins (or perhaps enameled flower earrings?). You heard it here first.

For now, it's the necklaces I'm mainly interested in. They feel clean, fresh, modern... yet with that touch of vintage whimsy that is SO important (lest you look like Gap or Abercrombie ad). And the best part? Collectors aren't too onto them yet, so they're not insanely expensive.