To Russia, from Thakoon

Imagine my delight in seeing an Ushanka (not unlike mine) go down the runway at Thakoon! I've had a semi- life long love affair with these luxe hats. Possibly stemming from my belief in the romance of all things Russian (sorry Kel) and my long-standing "Doctor Zhivago"-inspired dream of speeding through Russia's snowy landscape to some forgotten, frozen ice mansion.

Good to know I can relive that dream in a pencil skirt and sheer top.

Image courtesy of nymag.com.

The Russian-inspired looks weren't the only spot-on designs he sent down the runway. Featuring 35 refined (yet with edge) looks that combined uber-feminine styles with playful, sexy accents and texture, Thakoon's show was filled with wearable, retail-friendly (we are in a down market after all) pieces. I'll take one of each, but first on my list are the nude frock with the after-hours untied bow and bright navy, belted satin dress. I'd even entertain his multi-colored fur cropped jackets, but only if I could accessorize with the emerald, envy-inducing gloves he showed as well. A collection well done!

Image courtesy of nymag.com.

Blue Monday.

It seems odd that after a weekend of red, I'd be left feeling blue on this Monday. It could be the Love Hangover playlist I created over two years ago and am currently listening to in the office. It could be the Love Hangover itself, my favorite show of all time that happens each year on the day after Valentine's, full of boy/girl duos singing break-up and make-up covers. It could be that the cold has returned and with it the layers and the freezing office. And, it just could be that blue feeling that strikes every so often when you allow it to come over you.

In any event, here's to turning the blue start to the week, into something vibrant and bold a la Lela Rose's striking azure dress shown in her F/W 2009 collection. If it's blue I'm feeling, I'd rather be donning this.

Photo courtesy of nymag.com.

Home of the $10 manicure.

Reason #874 why I love New York!

Celebrate Snow

Here's to Snow Days, biscuit boarding until your limbs are numb and you've changed "gear" three times, laughing until it hurts, forgetting you're freezing, chili beans in the crock pot and OBAMA in office!

The view from inside the second floor.

Amazing how the george pr red stands out.

A memorable view.

Today on my five-block walk from car to office (too cold for scooter, though I applaud those still on two wheels), I saw the most moving site. Outside of the Marbles Museum and across from the Nativity scene in Moore Square, was hundreds of presents and goodies being loaded into a Salvation Army truck. Even better than witnessing generosity through giving, were the smiles and sheer joy on the faces of the "elves" loading the truck. Thank goodness for the human heart and capacity to give even in lean times.

It's a wonderful life.

She's got legs.

This winter I'm mildly, OK more than mildly, obsessed with legwear. I've had colored stems (a fancy way to say I've been wearing tights) for 6 days straight with little color repeat. Each time I pull open my hosiery drawer I'm instantly mesmerized by its vibrant color spectrum. You see, one benefit of having a primarily-black wardrobe is the ability to wear color in my accessories. So goes it with my bold heels (current love: Jerome C. Rousseau Dragon Pump), rainbow of Lucite and now, opaque tights.

I haven't been shy about purchasing said colorful tights. And I haven't been shy about touting their virtue to any and everyone that will listen. (Tune into the N&O's Living in Style - out December 6 - spread for a 'how-to' on opaque legwear.) Stocked with a chic rainbow of leggings and tights, why do I secretly long for PVC leggings? I'd even settle for shiny lame' because PVC does seem better-suited for floating on than putting on. After much debate (OK, it took seeing, for the 15th time, a kick-ass picture of Kate Moss sporting a pair) I've taken the plunge. American Apparel is on my side and will now deliver one pair of black lame' leggings to my doorstep. Time, and a full-length mirror, will determine if they'll see the outside world. . .

In the name of fashion.

Dragon pump, Jerome C. Rousseau