Anna Dello Russo - One woman not afraid of her shadow!

For Vogue Nippon, Editor-in-Chief Anna Dello Russo (ADR), dressing for work takes on a whole new meaning. She is an avid fashion collector in all levels (clothing, shoes, hats, accessories) all topped with her voracious smile.

Anna is Anna Wintours fashion counterpart, but she certainly appears to have more fun. A described 'fashion maniac', the only thing I think she's 'crazy' about is - abandon! Hitting the street with a full stride of confidence to strut the streets. Not just 'owing it' but padlocking it and clutching the deed, in an elaborately bedazzled purse.

I like her! I like her alot! But I'm just not ready to wear some of these gorgeous frocks to my next client meeting yet!

Why is this woman smiling? Because she can...

I would welcome a sight like this during the course of a day. It cannot but lift your spirits. Besides, seeing the faces of passerby's would make me smile too. She believes "fashion is empowerment".

This last image looks like she's thinking "if you get to close to me I will cut you"!

This Rochas ensemble is worth backing away from bread for a months or two. or three or four... Anna, may I have an add day pass to your closet?

Images courtesy annadellorusso.com

Throwback to 2007 - Karl Lagerfeld Behind the lens at Versailles

These images are from November 2007 Harpers Bazaar photographed by fashion virtuoso Karl Lagerfeld. They were, re-discovered last weekend and I just had to share them. As we approach cooler nights, and wetter days I already find myself longing for Springtime.

Ah, Paris in Spring. Care to join me, "if only in our dreams"...

Ralph Lauren - Women's Collection on Madison Avenue

Ralph Lauren perched on the beautiful wrought iron stairs of the Women's Collection shoppe at 888 Madison Avenue, French Neoclassicism at it's best. Across from the recently unveiled new Ralph Lauren Men's store.

The finishes are exquisite! Limestone, Marble, fine metalwork. It is as though you have been invited to someone's home - except you get to walk away with divine treats.

I saw this entrance just weeks ago. You knew the splendor awaiting - but to see it lit it beyond amazing. It's the sister to the Rhinelander Mansion directly across the street. I spent numerous years working on this store and 888 when it was Polo Sport. Store openings at Ralph Lauren are always extra special.

Three weeks ago, I stood outside of the new store with lighting consultant Bill Schwinghammer. An older woman passed sharing her unhappiness with a beautiful store being demolished giving way to something new. We had to laugh - explaining "this isn't an old Beaux Art structure being demolished, it's BRAND NEW". She couldn't believe it!

Always the perfect marriage of freshness, luxe, softness - and grown and sexy. All aspects of being a woman are prevalent here. Whether you are the 'girly-girl' or the sophisticate.

Everything is so well appointed. There is a richness which engulfs the rooms. A faint scent of sweetness permeating the textiles and curtain linings. Chandeliers sparkles as though maidens polish them at night. It is all quintessential Ralph.

All labels are represented Black Label, Women's Label, Blue Label, Collection, Footwear, Handbags, Accessories - everything you want to get your hands on.

He's done it again, and I like (scratch) LOVE it! Big congratulations to Ralph Lauren, Alfredo Parades, Charles Fagan, Karen Elliot, Dennis Adler Donald Nowicki and their extraordinarily talented teams!

And when Mr. Lauren receives his key to the city today, you can bet he'll have a fantastic key fob to put it on!

All photos courtesy of WWD

'Glass Pavillion' - Santa Barbara 35 Million dollar glass box

Listed with Suzanne Perkins, The Glass Pavilion is a redefining structure within modernism.It is a benchmark building that sets the bar as to what modernism is and can be.The combination of architectural groundbreaking style and extreme detail in finish quality make it a home without compare. It is the pinnacle of architecture for this generation and will define the era in which it was built.

This is a home with possibly no equal. Throughout the last century there has been a few great buildings that defined modernism and inspired a generation to imagine what is possible not only within architecture but as a society as a whole. Mies Van Der Roh’s Barcelona Pavilion and Farnsworth house, as well as Phillip Johnson’s glass house were these type of defining structures. Now, Steve Hermann’s Glass Pavilion takes the architectural tenants of these greats and catapults these concepts into the new millennium.

Set within a 3.5+/- acre estate of oak groves in Montecito and boasting 14,000+/- sq. ft. under roof, this home is impressive beyond words. An almost entirely glass home it allows occupants to be comfortably inside while completely enveloped within nature. As you drive down the long gated driveway, it slowly comes into view. You are immediately confronted with a large all glass home, floating above gently rolling lawns. The site of it is awe-inspiring.

Photography-Jim Bartsch

The Glass Pavilion $35,000,000

Listing Agent- Suzanne Perkins

Sotheby’s International Realty, Montecito, CA

www.suzanneperkins.com

SoHo Beach House - Miami

The house just got bigger and better...

SoHo Beach House opened this week! I haven't been there yet but I cannot wait to go and here's why...

Oceanfront, two pools, screening room just like at my house. NOT! I support the entire Soho franchise. It's all way simpler than it appears. The dues are affordable and the sites are accessible. These things are springing up all over the place. Soho House LA is still my favorite though.

If you can, catch a Miami Heat game and check out the new Dream Team headed by LeBron James. You will not be disappointed.

And once you come off of the sandy beach. Click your moccasins and remember... There's no place like home.

Kim Kardashian uncovered...Again

Just when you thought it was safe to watch television or pick up a glossy there she is AGAIN! Photographed by Mark Seigler in November 2010 WMag.

Nude, in the raw (Again) and gorgeous. KimKar is a brand. Correction: MEGABrand. Blame CommandPR, Bravo, Ray J, Dash, Reggie Bush and all the rest. Truly, this is a woman 'driving her own bus'. Secretly, she should start her own KimKar University and pack classes on self promotion, and how to make millions of dollars by capitalizing on your 'ass-ets'.

Truth be told, I am not mad at her! I honestly have a 'love-hate' relationship with her because I have a curvy rear end too. My mistake/misstep was NOT having a booty-tape. Something my dear ole' dad left this earth being most proud of.

So how much farther is this train going to go? To the end boys and girls. To the end.

Yes Kim, once again it really is all about you.

Ride the Pink Pony - Ralph Lauren and Charitybuzz partner for Breast Cancer

Please support Ralph Lauren and CharityBuzz in the fund raising event of the year for Breast Cancer in Breast Cancer Awareness month. Bid on amazing opportunites to view Mr. Laurens private car collection, a weekend at his exclusive Round Hill home in Jamaica, previously owned by Babe Paley, meet LeBron Hames, classes to learn to walk the runway, a decorative visit from his home design team and countless other extravagant opportunities.

Seven plus wonderful years of my life were spent working for Ralph Lauren. And say with pride, each year the staff walked and worked diligently to support this cause. Mr. Lauren dedicates a great part of his life to breast cancer research.

This is not something, he simply 'lends his name to'. He is truly committed and request the same of his staff. Let the Pink Pony ride to victory! in the effort to fight Breast Cancer. I do so in the names of loved ones lost - Mimian Wu, Sharon Smith, Mrs. Hory, Mrs. Duggins, and to all those survivors - we love you and pray for your continued fight in the struggle.

A wide range of options ... Q-VR VIP

The UK based design consultancy firm, Design Q, known for their extravagantly over-the-top private jet line, has just unveiled their newest creation: The QVR Range Rover. The Q-VR Range Rover, designed to compliment the private jet line, is set to transform VIP travel in the Middle East.

The Q-VR is futuristically constructed to please the jet-setter, equipped with a mini-spa centre, beverage chiller, ultra-reclining seats, and cigar humidor. The car boasts all the luxuries that are in private jets, so the traveler is equally comfortable both in the air and on the ground.

Photo courtesy HauteLiving

Nate Berkus, Why'd you Jerk Us? MFAMB Blogger Video

Jenny of 'My Favorite and My Best Blog' MFAMB has me hooked! She is hilarious and I personally am championing the fight to get her on Saturday Night Live! I very well think she is the next Amy Poehler!

I love the video she composed on many fronts. It's witty, I love that she appears slightly doped as though she almost doesn't care, and the time she took to craft it. It's innocent yes deliciously evuuuuuuul (evil, for those trying to figure that out).

I want to see more videos from her!

Ralph Lauren's Loft above the trees...

I love Ralph Lauren... after having had the pleasure of working for him over seven years I still love him!

He is a bonifide class act! Stellar, convicted with a mind and dreams that keep reaching - HIGHER!

It was such a pleasure to see the October 2010 issue, with several projects by other Ralph Lauren Design University alumni. Amongst them, Mark Cunningham who is responsible for Drew Aaron and Hana Soukupova's dream residence in Trump World Tower. I've seen images of it photographed at night, and Boy Oh boy! is it bringing the sexy.

Work it!

Anna Wintour is such a doll!

Go on with your bad self!

To celebrate Fashion Night Out, Barney's will auction artist Andrew Yang's handcrafted dolls, honoring Vogue magazines style mastheads... Anna Wintour and her well dressed partner in crime buddy Grace Coddington.

The auction began on August 31st. through Charitybuzz. Proceeds benefiting New York City Aids Fund. Who stole my paddle?

Marija Court... We remember you...

It is with sadness, I report the loss of Marija Court (Wife, Mother, Friend,Blogger, Editor, Author) of Holding Court Blog on Saturday, July 10th.

Marija was an inspiration, full of humor and had an amazing eye. Her musings shared how much she loved her family, friends and all things design. She is without a doubt, gone too soon.

Remember to Live. Laugh. Love. Devour every moment you have. And not let a day pass, to tell someone you love them. My sincerest condolences to her family, she will be missed.

Megan Fox, is seeing double...

Megan Fox is seeing double and cheating on herself. Enjoy these latest 'film noir' inspired images from Interview Magazine, as photographed by Craig McDean.

Peep the video for more...

http://www.interviewmagazine.com/media/video/19782

Sing or Swim!

EVERYBODY IN THE POOL!

Is Rihanna singing or on her way to the deep end of the pool? I pretty much support a great deal of the frocks and baudbles Rihanna and her stylist bang out. But this one... 'Not so much'.

"If you've got the chops... you don't need this frock"!

I need a man with a cool hand....

With the heat being over 100 degrees this week in New York, my fantasies have turned cold. All I can think about is wrapping my lips around something cold. Namely a silver spoon supporting a fine, fresh, well chilled Champagne granita! And if a handsome man has freezing hands for serving it to me, well I will gladly take that too!

Champagne Granita

Makes 8 cups

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 bottle dry champagne

Directions

1. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Combine sugar and 2 1/2 cups water in medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Transfer to a large bowl set over the ice bath, and cool completely.
2. Add champagne to sugar, and stir to combine. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch pan, and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Stir with tines of a fork, scraping up icy parts. Return to freezer, and stir every 20 minutes until mixture is frozen and texture is similar to shaved ice. Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve.

From Martha Stewart Living, December 2000