For the past several seasons, fashion has been all about tough-girl grunge chic, replete with biker-inspired leather and spikes. “We’re in a recession for chrissakes!” everyone exclaimed. Cue the shaggy hair, kohl-encircled eyes, and slashed and shredded clothing that looked like it barely survived the apocalypse; all finished off with four-inch platform stripper heels.
NYFW, Fall 2009
It makes me tired thinking about it, and I’m a pretty hardcore strong-willed bitchy type. Maintaining such a defensive stance is exhausting! Shoot, even Xena had her vulnerable moments.
All the leather and bleaching and shredding was fun for a while, but now I’m thinking it would be nice to feel pretty, instead of pretty tough. I’m ready for something softer, and while I’m not necessarily looking to drape myself in mountains of florals and bows and pastel ruffles (though it worked for Chloe Sevigny), it would be nice not to feel like I’m an armored truck heading into combat 24/7.
Soft and pretty on the red carpet at the 2010 Golden Globes
Light and feminine on the Resort ‘10 runways
Some days, yes, I will be in Power Bitch mode just because sometimes I wake up in the takin’ names and kickin’ butt mindset. Other times, though, it would be nice to dress in a way that conveys more vulnerability–not necessarily weakness, but…openness. All the hardcore fashion feels a little closed off, which is understandable in times of hardship when you need increased protection from the uncertainties of life. While things are still pretty uncertain (when aren’t they?), I’m exhausted. I’m ready for a change in direction.
Um, let’s keep the stripper shoes, please.
Yet another fashion month has passed without any need for participation from yours truly. Don’t they know I’m supposed to be running thangs?
Can’t you see 
Parade enough Dries in front of me, and I start thinking I can successfully mix multiple prints a la 
Isabel Marant (and by association, Emmanuelle Alt) can do no wrong when it comes to Left Bank flea market chic.
This Mark Fast frock is begging for Posh to jump into it perfectly manicured feet first. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of 
Lanvin brought tears to my eyes. Bravo, M. Elbaz! I shall wear a bowtie and grow a round tummy* in your honor.
Though it’s almost the complete opposite of the fierce Xena Takes Manhattan looks we saw on the 
After clicking through some of the looks from the recent 
The seriously downsized haute couture presentations took place in Paris last week, and though the mood was somewhat somber due to the precarious 
Believe it or not, Lisa’s signature design was inspired by a door she saw in Florence while on a trip to Italy last year! The combination of classic patterns forged in silver and accented with pale semi-precious stones gives off a subtly alluring medieval princess-meets-wood nymph vibe. I’m already picturing multi-layered necklaces and bracelets worn with thigh high boots and clouds of lavender chiffon for fall. Think 
It’s actually a great story: she was in the shop trying to find an outfit to wear to the Chelsea Handler show, and overheard the former owner lamenting about selling the boutique. Amy immediately decided that she would buy Soho! She promptly put down the dress she was trying on and bought the entire shop instead! How cool is that?
Tina was musing about the viability of a Pure Romance bachelorette party (she’s getting married in September) when I overheard Tisa speaking to another customer:
