Alexander McQueen. Photo via Chris Moore/@JessicaMichault

~ A private salon debut of Lee Alexander McQueen’s final collection was unveiled today in Paris…rich textures, dramatic reds, gold feathers, Venetian capes. Bittersweet beauty…

Alexander McQueen. Photo via Chris Moore/@JessicaMichault

Alexander McQueen. Photo via Chris Moore/@JessicaMichault

Alexander McQueen. Photo via Chris Moore/@JessicaMichault

Alexander McQueen. Photo via @McQueenGirl

Gone, but never forgotten…long live McQueen…

~T

Maison Martin Margiela. Photo via @vmagazine

Only days away from Paris Fashion Week wrap-up & I’ve managed to acquire quite the collection of truly inspirational live photos tweeted from the catwalk…so, I have for you a ‘fashion re-gift’, so to speak! ~Enjoy

Love this wild, enveloping-pushing Margiela look with fawn-toned fingerless gloves & bold red lips!

Rick Owens, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via @shopjinny

Ahhhh…Rick, layers upon layers couture like no other!

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via @VogueParisLive

Guy Laroche. Photo via @Susan_Tabak

Adored the texture & ruffles of Guy Laroche…sublime!

Guy Laroche. Photo via @Susan_Tabak

Guy Laroche. Photo via @Susan_Tabak

Galliano on the Catwalk. Photo via @Susan_Tabak

Giambattista Valli gown. Photo via @Marie_Claire_au

Sheer Galliano & jaw-dropping elegance from Giambattista Valli…couture paradis!

Akris, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via @Susan_Tabak

Classic & clean in my favorite neutrals from Akris…

Akris, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via @Susan_Tabak

Vanessa Bruno. Photo via @shopjinny

Effortless casual Parisian chic at Vanessa Bruno…

Vanessa Bruno. Photo via @shopjinny

YSL, Paris Fashion Week. Photo by @Susan_Tabak

Pops of color & embellished metallic stilettos at YSL…

YSL, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via @JoannaLT

A big Thank you & Muwah to Twitter fashion experts: @JoannaLT, @Marie_Claire_au, @shopjinny, @Susan_Tabak, @vmagazine, & @vogueparislive for sharing your amazing runway photos!

~T

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

Up to now, Lanvin’s fall collection hails as my favorite of Paris Fashion Week…lovely draping, divine textures, minimilistic, yet edgy designs. Drawn to this one side sleeved, one side sleeveless dress…so sexy & brazen!

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

A standout piece for me, this timeless Lanvin jacket paired with what appears to be a matte deep charcoal or muted black pencil skirt. And how perfectly the model’s sleek straight raven hair & chic bangs compliment each look…almost makes me want to cut mine again…almost!

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

The outerwear…I die! Beautifully tailored with a hint of menswear inspiration, still keeping just the right amount of feminine contours. The gloves add an extra dash of edge…aimer!

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week. Photo via Style.com

Lanvin delivered an incredibly powerful & captivating collection…almost makes me wish fall were here…again, almost!

~T

Balmain Backstage. Photo via @VogueParisLive

Despite  not being crazy over Balmain’s ‘glamor rock’ inspired fall collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday…lurex, white fur, & the ever-present abundance of gold, I do fancy the contrast of texture in this photo taken backstage. I’ll admit, maybe I am a bit too minimalistic for my own good…

~T

Dries van Noten show. Photo via @Bergdorfs.

Although personally not an devoted follower of Belgian designer, Dries van Noten…his choice of venue, the breathtaking Hôtel de Ville, without question set the tone for Paris Fashion Week! Everything Paris is inspiration in profusion…impeccable architecture, chandeliers galore, painted ceilings…and the couture…we die!

Dries van Noten show. Photo via @womensweardaily.

Dries van Noten, Place de l'Hôtel de ville. Photo via @Marie_Claire_Au.

Dries van Noten show. Photo via @themoment.

Absolutely magnifique!

~T

Photo via Dailymail.co.uk

We have all fallen victim to the infamous copycat co-worker…maybe even been the accused rogue fashionista at some point in our lives. Today I received a frustrating text from a girlfriend saying she had a ‘fashion complaint’ for me. A peer showed up to her office wearing the EXACT threads she had worn only a week prior. Said peer even had the audacity to approach her, pointing out the fact she went as far as to purchase the same, adorable red tie belt…a look that took my girlfriend forever to piece together! Exasperated & annoyed…what do you do?

Having experienced this many times myself, I’ve learned to take the high road…handling cases of  the carbon copy co-worker with poise & confidence. My advice to her was this: However annoying it is, feel empowered knowing this person admired your personal style enough to…well, copy it. View it as a challenge, rise to the occasion, & push your style to new creative heights. So, ok…wearing that amazing outfit again has been subconsciously rendered unacceptable. Up the ante…next time, wear that red tie belt around a chic tailored jacket paired with a sophisticated pencil skirt & those sexy stilettos you’ve always wanted to learn how to walk in!

And on a lighter note…keep in mind the intent of the rogue fashionista, although lacking some tact, is not to purposefully cause you to want to dive across your desk & strangle her silly!!! She simply became inspired by your stellar personal style. Oh…and I also recommended my girlfriend go to the nearest Starbucks, order her favorite Hazelnut Mocha, & smile knowing she coined the look first!

~T

Skateboarding in Stilettos! Photo via @StyleInfluence.

No one EVER believes me when I tell them…back in my younger teenage years, I was a notorious ‘Skater Betty’! To this very day, my old skateboard is kindly being stored in my parents attic…they always ask to include it in their annual yard sale, permission of which I can never bring myself to grant!

I would raid my father’s closet & wear his weathered plaid shirts with Men’s Boot-cut Gap jeans (smallest size available) & my favorite Converse Chuck Taylors…wow, was I such the Tomboy! Now, a fulltime stiletto-wearing, girlie girl fashionista, it’s all too funny thinking back to those good old days of sprained ankles, broken skateboard decks, & wearing flats!

Love how this photo instantly brought back so many wonderful nostalgic moments from my childhood…and, heck…bet I could still rock a skateboard in my 5″ Choo’s!

~T

Pucci finale gown. Photo via Joe Zee.

Just saying…THIS is perfection! Love the rich red & movement of this Pucci gown. Thank you to Mr. Joe Zee (@mrjoezee), Creative Director of ELLE Magazine, for sharing photos & commentary live from the Emilio Pucci runway show! While enduring another snowy, gray day in the Midwest, his tweets made following Milan Fashion Week so much more exciting!

Pucci beaded dress. Photo via Joe Zee.

Emilio Pucci runway show, Milan. Photo via Joe Zee.

Fur & Feathers at Emilio Pucci show, Milan. Photo via Joe Zee.

Fur & Feathers at Pucci, Milan runway show. Photo via Joe Zee.

Cheers!

~T

Jimmy Choo 'Zena' Sandal. Photo via Net-a-porter S/S 2010 Book.

Snowed in again (sigh)…what’s a girl to do? Fawn over the Net-a-porter Spring/Summer ‘10 Lookbook of course…my absolute go-to online destination for the latest couture threads…& Choo’s…& Loubou’s! These ‘Zena’ snakeskin sandals are on my wish list!

Donna Karan 'Sabre' Calfskin Cuff. Photo via Net-a-porter S/S 2010 Book.

Donna Karan’s ‘Sabre’ calfskin cuff is the perfect spring statement piece! Pair it with an Alexander Wang Slinky Piquet Goddess mini dress & Jimmy Choo ‘Private’ patent sandals for a minimalist, yet edgy look.

Net-a-porter Spring/Summer Texture #1: 3D by Burberry Prorsum.

Michael Kors Sequin Dress. Photo via Net-a-porter S/S 2010 Book.

Loveeeee all things sparkly & dazzling! Gaga over this Michael Kors silver sequin & sheer nude shift dress.

Valentino Couture 'Frills & Ruffles'. Photo via Net-a-porter S/S 2010 Book.

One of my favorite Valentino Spring RTW looks, big ruffles with deconstructed leather skinny pants…phénoménal!

Net-a-porter Spring/Summer Texture #4: Ruffles by Halston.

Christian Louboutin 'Fortitia' Sandal. Photo via Net-a-porter S/S 2010 Book

The Louboutin ‘Fortitia’ sandals…I have no words…simply speechless! Ummm, spring fever…

~T

Louboutin Patent Peep-toes. Photo by Matt Hille.

Spring fever has set in…ignoring the brutal wind & 27 degree weather yesterday, I wore my new Vince sleeveless ruffle blouse from Shopbop and beloved Louboutin Patent Peep-toe Pumps in the name of Fashion! (Of course I had a chic jacket…standing by in my warm car.)

Unfortunately, the lake effect wind made photography a challenge…rendering said ruffle blouse invisible, however, I do like how these turned out…a bit artsy…blurry with good movement.

Louboutin Patent Peep-toes. Photo by Matt Hille.

So, Spring…please hurry…I have many red-soled beauties dying to leave their dustbags!

~T

Threads: Vince Black Sleeveless Ruffle Blouse from Shopbop, Theory Wool Wide-leg pants & Christian Louboutin Patent Peep-toe Pumps from Saks Fifth Avenue. Faliero Sarti Fringed Scarf from Linda Dresner Boutique. Ippolita Shiny Squiggle Bangles.

*Note: Photos are part of my personal collection, taken by Matt Hille for Midwest Couture are not to be used or duplicated without permission, thank you.