nothing comes together better than black & white

Somehow, I think you'll be quite the conversation piece if you went out in this Vince dress, and carried this YSL tote. Just be clear that you haven't been smearing yourself with a black Sharpie. :P

Vince Paint Brush Shift Dress - $175 (formerly $245) from eLuxury.com
Yves St. Laurent Raspail Cascade-Print Canvas Tote - $895 (formerly $995) from YSL.com

La la lacey

I just purchased these two gorgeous embroidered tulle pieces from La Redoute. I'd come upon this site quite by accident, looking up Christian Lacroix dresses (who happened to have designed several pieces for this web store), when I was smitten by this lace bolero and tulle dress by UNITÉ La Redoute.


While at first glance they look a little old-fashioned, I really love the feel of these pieces, mainly because they have a vintage feel while retaining very modern lines.

I was curious about who designed them, when I found out that this line was created by Michèle and Olivier Chatenet, a husband-and-wife team who head up E2, a French "company." I put "company" in quotes because they make one-off pieces, salvaging vintage designer pieces and re-creating them into contemporary pieces. You can see some of their more extravagantly priced designs here. They obviously have a real appreciation of the old, but with a contemporary sensibility that breathes new life into the clothing.

I definitely got a bargain here, because several of the UNITÉ La Redoute pieces are currently on sale. I can't wait to receive them in the mail and start dressing up! I imagine that the bolero would be very cute worn over a simple tank top, long skinny jeans, and heels. The dress is a wonderful piece to be able to wear out to dinner or the theatre. Definitely check out this site for more French-inspired designs!

UNITÉ La Redoute Embroidered Tulle Bolero - $29.99 (formerly $89.99)

UNITÉ La Redoute Embroidered Tulle Dress - $24.99 (formerly $159.99)

after Jana and Stratus met...

What a beautiful marriage of the Bally Jana and the LV Olympe Stratus GM! Saks is also having a sale (again, not much to be desired is left), but this bag looks like those 2 bags morphed into one. Black patent leather, long chain across, two handy handles...you get the drift. Since it's also 30% off the retail price, and has all the trimmings of both of those bags, this is a great deal. Happy shopping!

Be & D Twiggy Patent Tote - $755.90 (originally retailed for $1,080) - Saks Fifth Avenue

Sale Alert - Jay Godfrey

For anyone interested, Neiman Marcus is having a last call on their sale, although a quick skim tells me this is the bottom of the barrel, folks. That being said, if you have some spring flings to attend soon, there are some adorable dresses by Jay Godfrey.

I was just introduced to this designer last night while watching "America's Next Top Model." His designs are not only youthful and vibrant, but look like classics that can survive the seasons. They are so colorful that you don't even need a lot of accessories, just a pair of strappy heels will do the trick. My fave is this royal blue one-shoulder bow dress. The color works at both a pool party or a cocktail event.


Right now his dresses on sale are at an astounding 40% off. Definitely try to get your hands on one before they're all gone.


Jay Godfrey Sale - $249 - $309 ($40 off retail) - Neiman Marcus