'Siriano From the Sea'

Standing at only a few inches taller that I, it was Christian Siriano’s short, wiry frame that caught my attention in an East Village thrift shop last June.

Having skimped out on the recent installments of the ‘Project Runway’ series, it took me some time to realize that the familiar face at Buffalo Exchange was the show’s winner from its fourth season.

The 23-year-old wowed judges with his sophisticated and detail-driven designs, winning the most challenges than any other contestants before him. Today, Siriano elicited the same reaction from a celebrity-studded audience at his Spring-Summer 2010 fashion show in Bryant Park.

Rising from the foamy sea, the designer’s Venus emerged in a glimmering white tailored suit and large brim hat. The churning of the Mediterranean Sea, which served as his inspiration, washed up in the skirts and jackets – a blend of aqua, green, blue, white and black.

In Siriano’s favorite nude colors, models wore beaded bodices that gave way to a lavishly draped, origami-folded organza skirt. His signature ruffles hugged the necklines and waists of satin dresses. There were flounces in the shoulders, subtle pleating and balloon hems to add further volume to his eveningwear.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio and actress Mena Suvari applauded the satin-faced organza gowns, an explosion of romantic ruffles in a blush and then a molten earth color – Venus had made her way to the Italian coastline.

At a time when other designers prefer black leather and studded accents, Siriano presented a collection that was tranquil and fluid, as cool as a dip in the ocean would be. It was an interpretation praised by his most loyal critic/mentor Tim Gunn, who equated the young designer to “this generation’s Marc Jacobs.”

Gunn told the press: “I feel like a proud dad.”

As for the shoes? The teetering models stood on vertiginous platforms with a sharp, claw-like heel. According to the Associated Press, the shoes mark his third lineup for his campaign with Payless.

Now that’s fierce.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of style.com

'Fashion Mayhem'

It may be too soon to tell whether rubbing elbows with Eric Damon, costume designer for ‘Gossip Girl,’ or the Olsen twins at Bergdorf Goodman last night for Fashion’s Night Out really garnered sales for New York City retailers.

After all, someone had to pay the shop girls for their extra hours of work and make sure the cocktails and the champagne kept coming.

The global shopping spree spanning 13 countries did, however, generate the kind of frenzy and excitement that had been lacking ever since the Wall Street abandoned ship in 2007. New York City shoppers had not one, but 300 participating stores willing to stay open until 11 p.m. and cater to a smattering of celebrities.

Some highlights:

- Top Chef’ host Padma Lakshmi judged a cook-off on Bergdorf’s seventh floor between Cynthia Rowley, Peter Som and Lela Rose.

- An autograph signing by designers Isabel and Ruben Toledo at Barney’s.- Shoe designer Stuart Weitzman challenged his customers to a ping-pong match.

- Charlize Theron made a pit stop at Dior; Kate Hudson visited the Stella McCartney store; and Justin Timberlake made an appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue.

But here in New York, Fashion’s Night Out was just a sample of what will hopefully be in store during Fashion Week. Although Fashion Week officially kicked off yesterday with a few low key designers (with the exception of BCBGMaxAzria and perhaps Ports 1961), be prepared for extended coverage on happenings and shows like Derek Lam, Diane Von Furstenberg and Zac Posen by yours truly!

Already the tabloids are buzzing with news that there will be an afterparty after the Marc Jacobs show, which was canceled last year for financial reasons. This time the afterparty is back and to be co-hosted by Lady Gaga.

Will this year’s Fashion Week hold true to all the hype? The pressure is on.

-S. Gonzalez

'Shop Before You Drop'

The sign that hung over the fifteen cash registers reminded all shoppers of the rules of the game: ‘No elbowing, no fighting, no refunds.’

With only an hour left until the end of the Barney’s Warehouse Sale, it felt like a race to bag the next Lanvin dress or Marni trouser. Shoppers dragged plastic garbage bags filled with their finds, while others loaded their arms with clothing.

In the corner, women tore of their clothes without the slightest humility. They jostled and jockeyed for mirror space. They tossed unwanted clothes onto a long table behind them.

I felt my pulse racing. Within minutes, my girlfriend already had three dresses slung over her arm.

It was no time to be indecisive. I split from girlfriend, and weaseled my way past the racks labeled with women’s sizes and designer names, now irrelevant.

Piazza Sempione, L’Wren Scott and Michael Kors. I whizzed past the labels and focused on finding an XS dress or top. Fifteen minutes later, my patience paid off.

A paint-splattered white silk top from Gemma (worn by celeb Lauren Conrad, see below) was the ultimate in cool, relaxed New York chic. Even in a size M, the loose top didn’t look a bit oversized on me and my high-rise cigarette jeans.

But it was the white crepe Marc Jacobs scarf top which was the real deal breaker. Having seen one shopper try the top on, I raced to the back of the warehouse where I had seen a version of it in a size 6.

Once reunited with my girlfriend, we made a beeline to the register. Smug and satisfied with our picks, we guessed how much we would save from a 75% discount.

The cashier clicked past the computer prompts and I saw my $140 Gemma top (shown below on Lauren Conrad) drop to $44.50. My $539 Marc Jacobs blouse discounted to $135.

As for the sweet smell of shopping victory: Priceless.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of thehills4life.blogspot.com and racked.com

'Before You Shop'

There is something about purchasing a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes for $160 from an original retail price of $1,000 that would leave most shoppers dizzy from an adrenaline rush.

Bargain-hunting is a universal concept. But sales of this extreme can only be found in America.

The two young women standing outside the Barney’s Co-op Warehouse Sale on Seventeenth Street showed me their purchases: Gold satin Louis Vuitton shoes and a pair of pale blue Chanel boots among, but not including apparel.

Like soldiers returning from a winning battle, the two women were triumphant and proud. Their voices rang from the news that their spoils each cost $200 or less.

My girlfriend later confirmed the women’s testimony.

“It’s AMAZING,” she wrote to me in a text message yesterday. “It’s so cute and I love it. Ahhh, you have to go before it ends!”

Now with the warehouse sale to add as another swipe to my credit card this weekend (Labor Day sales and new Fall arrivals here I come!), I realized that I need to have a plan of attack. Soldiers don’t go to war without armor, right?

With so many trends this season (leather jackets, fur accents,lace tops, brogue shoes, etc.) and must-haves (trench coat, sheer blouses, LBD, over-the-knee boot), the only way to sort Diane Von Furstenberg from Alexander McQueen is to prioritize.

I make a plan. Best way to do this is by taking a look in that closet before shopping.

- Set aside the staples to your wardrobe you do plan to wear – ie. the leather boots, the wool coat, the cashmere sweater.

- Do the pieces fit? Does anything need to be dry cleaned, tailored, or resoled? Write down a note to do so if the answer is ‘yes.’

- What’s missing? Write down the essentials first (can’t do without a pair of trousers for work) and your wish list items. I have both a look book and an ongoing list that I add to with images or or written notes.

- Do a little research. Not everyone spends their working day forecasting trends, merchandising and reading the latest fashion newsletters and magazines. Shop quickly around and jot down prices and places where you might be able to find what you’re looking for. It helps!

Oh, and one last thing. Set your alarm early. The best shopping is done before the crowds!

-S. Gonzalez

'Fashion's Night Out'

Have you ever wanted to hear the musical musings of Oscar de la Renta, or style tips with Alexander Wang and the designers of Proenza Schouler?

Ever wanted to introduce yourself to Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour?

You can do all this and more during Fashion’s Night Out!

The global fashion fest will hit all major cities Thursday, Sept. 10, an initiative hatched by editors and publishers last spring in Paris and then cultivated by all 13 Vogue editions.

Its primary focus: to shop, shop, shop!

‘Fashion’s Night Out is Vogue’s response to the notion that in these challenging times, certain kinds of pleasure, such as shopping, are impermissible,’ wrote Wintour in Vogue’s September letter from the editor.

And with pleasure comes business.

More than 300 retailers (from independent shops to global luxury houses) plan to stay open as late as 11 p.m., luring customers with music, giveaways and special appearances from designers, celebrities, models and magazine editors. Pop-up stores – like the one between Vogue and Macy’s, or Parisian boutique Merci and Gap – will be a onetime shopping experience.

In New York City, Fashion’s Night Out equates to an appearance by Isaac Mizrahi at Bergdorf Goodman and the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte selling clothes literally from a car trunk at their trunk show.

At the Stella McCartney store on 429 West Fourteenth Street, have some vegetarian food from a food truck parked outside and swap eco-fashion tips with Vogue fashion director Tonne Goodman.

Add a free pint to your tab at the Rag & Bone pop-up Irish pub, or a signature frocktail and some free pampering at Tracy Reese.

Aside from giving some much-needed business to retailers, Fashion’s Night Out has teamed up with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the New York Community Trust to host a city-wide clothing drive for the NYC Aids Fund. Stores like Costume National and Dolce & Gabbana will have their own collection bin for new or gently used clothing donations.

Or purchase your own short- or long-sleeve Fashion’s Night Out tee ($30 or $35), with 40 percent of sales benefiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

For a complete listing of participating stores, visit fashionsnightsout.com

I've marked my calendar. Have you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of fashionsnightout.com and vogue.com

'Hide and Seek'

It must be the new recession mantra: that when times get tough, so does the clothing.

Biker jackets and vests, fingerless gloves, leggings and thigh-hugging boots all in leather are arriving in stores in numbers. And with their unwavering popularity, it has me feeling like I’m playing a game of hide and seek.

Not all of the leather is real, either. Designers, armed with a returned sense of responsibility, are using faux leather to keep designs original, detailed and prices sensible.

Big-time retailers like H&M and Urban Outfitters (bottom right) are pushing faux-leather biker jackets in hopes of driving back-to-school sales in the coming weeks. The moto and bomber jackets in prices from $39 to $89 are affordable for most teens and yet, still have enough zippers and grommets to compete with their more adult Saks Fifth Avenue and Shopbop's $803 (bottom left) leather counterparts.

For instant femininity in the office with a touch of rock, wear the jacket over a sheath , mini floral or knit dress. Out on the town? Wear it over a comfy white tee, skinny jeans and colorful ballerina flats.

Extending into home décor, faux leather accents are turning up in the shape of pillows, couches and stools. Cherry, vanilla, chocolate – a set of 18x18 pillows ($29.99) come in sumptuous fall colors that sound good enough to eat. Less than half the price of genuine leather, faux leather satisfies our growing need to lead more eco-friendly lives.

Select a favorite shade (I prefer white or brown) and place on top of the bed or sofa. Looks best when paired with different fabrics like voile and velvet.

Sequined. Sheer. Rhine stoned and gemmed. Appliquéd. The leggings of season past have evolved from ordinary spandex to a hybrid of luxurious fabrics and embellishment thanks to fashion’s best. Miuccia Prada. Missoni. Louis Vuitton.

These designer leggings – now made from unexpected leather, denim and silk top even the snuggest of all skinny jeans. But if you’re rethinking the leather $875 lambskin leggings from Helmut Lang (above left), you should. Juicy Couture (above right) faux leather leggings cost $78.

The best news is that with this season’s faux leather, you can’t even tell the difference.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue; Urban Outfitters; Decor Innovation; Shopbop

'Splish, Splash'

"Splish, Splash, I was taking a bath..."

Come to think of it, when was the last time you redid your bathroom? Not recently, I bet.

What are you going to do if you unexpectedly have a bunch of guests wanting to a’splishin’ and a’splashin,’ reelin’ with the feelin,’ movin’ and a groovin’ in your bathroom? Will they take the party somewhere else if they see your dated bath towels and amenities?

A tight budget is no reason to keep you down. The bathroom is the one room in the house where less is always more.

1. First, stock up on mini soaps, hairbrushes, towels, robes, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Think ‘hotel,’ but with the warmth and comfort your home can bring. Future guests will appreciate the gesture and not feel like they’re imposing should they forget to bring bath essentials.

2. While painting a bathroom a different shade sets the tone, you might not have enough time for a quick paint and dry. Picking a small handmade tile for your wall and inserting it with the rest is the fastest way change the face of your bathroom.

3. Change your vanities and shelving units. Protect your belongings from getting damp or wet in a new vanity – it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. When I remodeled my bathroom a few years ago, I replaced everything but the tub and bathroom wall tiles above it. But even with the new flooring and paint job, the biggest difference came from the shelving unit above my toilet and drawers next to the sink.

4. Curtains. From American country, to retro, or beach. Whatever your style or color preference, make sure your set of new curtains can withstand moisture and staining. The curtains should be easy to remove and clean, when necessary.

5. When it comes to applying makeup or shaving, having adequate lighting is key. You’re also going to need a good mirror. After leaning over my sink to apply my makeup in front of the mirror, I decided to place a smaller magnifying mirror next to the sink. Now, no more leaning over the sink and ruining my blouse.

6. The bathroom can be a place for rest and relaxation. Let the candles
take care of the romantic lighting. Use scented oils or incense for aromatherapy and get that bubble bath going!

Splish, splash, now you have a new bath!

-S. Gonzalez


*Photos courtesy of everythingturquoise.com/