Fashion’s Night Out: Video
By Melissa Unsell of Vinously Chic
Vinous fashionistas – as promised, here is a short video of the Neiman Marcus runway show during FNO last week.
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Observations of a Concrete Jungle During Fashion Week, Revisited
By Melissa Unsell for Vinously Chic.
Fashion Week in NY is well underway. It’s the time to soak in the greatest designers and see what Spring 2013 will bring. It looks like leather and lace will stick around for another season. As well as creams and nudes. One of my all time favorite collections this season is Chadwick Bell’s. Tailored lines and sophistication abound in this collection. Another great collection is BCBG – I like this line because it flatters several body types and has an accessible price tag.
As fashion week takes it course, I can’t help but remap my trip to Fashion Week last Fall. It was a once-in-a-liftetime experience I will never forget. For any fashionista, it is a slice of heaven. As I revisited this post, I decided I would share it with you again in hopes that you can get a sense of an ‘outsider’ enjoying an insider empire called NY Fashion Week. Enjoy.
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I am succumbed by a vibrant calm upon my arrival to NYC for Fashion Week. The city is a constant vibration of activity, diversity, and liveliness, yet I’m calm and content. Ready to enjoy my fourth visit to the city, I almost feel as if I’m coming home, versus visiting as a tourist. As I hop in the taxi at La Guardia, I’m quickly reminded that I have yet to become de-sensitized to the gregarious cab rides I will have to endure throughout the trip. From calm and content to a pinball rickashaying hyper-actively, I quickly become. If you’ve never been jerked around, just hop in a NYC taxi. You’ll find yourself saying a little prayer, and suddenly very aware.
I arrive at the Andaz hotel and am welcomed by a door lady (yes, door lady) and no front desk. This place exudes boutique hotel, yet it feels entirely residential and ultra chic. A smile makes an appearance on my face as the concierge informs me that complimentary wine is served daily from 6-9pm. Cheers to that! And, lucky for this oenophile, they served decent new world wines from the likes of Chile, Australia and New Zealand.
I have a day to kill before the Fashion Week events commence. First stop – Central Park (Sheep’s Meadow) for a picnic and wine. I enjoyed a Cabernet Franc from Long Island. It was full of vibrant and ripe flavors with well-balanced acidity and soft layered tannins. Delicious.
And for dessert, I indulged in candied flower petals.
Up next, a 14 block stroll to the Guggenhiem. Side note – my favorite simple pleasure is being outside and either walking or biking. I am somehow washed over with contentment as I walk on the upper east side to the museum, surrounded by great architecture, great views of the outer edge of the park, and great weather. Something about walkable urbanism that sends a ripple of joy through my entire being. I saw the Lee Ufan exhibit which was quite the delight. Take a look at some of his pieces.
After dining at Lavo that same evening, a great Italian place, it was time to return to Andaz for beauty rest – Fashion shows are the next day! You know how you feel on Christmas Eve as a kid and on Christmas day? This was the exact emotion and excitement I experienced.
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And so, Fashion Week Show day has arrived. First up, the Bibhu Mohapatra show. I slip on my Sevens capris, my Robert Rodriquez jacket and Bagdley Mischka necklace and energetically hop in a cab to Lincoln Center.
Upon arrival, I am stopped by an Elle Magazine photographer requesting my photo. I was flattered, and happily obliged. Inside the tents are people, make-up and hair product exhibits, and Mercedes cars.
I make my way to “the box” where the Bibhu show will take place, upon entering, my senses are stimulated with loud music, dark lighting, cold air, and wearable art work – the clothing!
This was a ‘presentation’ style show in which all the models took the small stage and rotated every few seconds. The presentation lasts two hours. I was surrounded by industry peeps, New York socialites, and celebs. Sightings included Robert Verdi, Fern Mallis, Anne Caruso, Teddy Tinson, Bibhu himself, as well as his family.
I will admit, I hit a state of awe. I took every opportunity to soak in the surroundings and senses. The designs were amazing. Bibhu use to design for J. Mendel and recently ventured out on his own. You can check out his bio on my previous post .
The whole collection is stunning, and I definitely had some favorites.
This collection will be featured in select Neiman Marcus stores, or you can get the designs now by becoming a member of Moda Operandi. If you haven’t heard of Moda Operandi, I totally just let you in on the biggest secret. ;o) This site allows members to purchase items straight from the runway before the collections even hit stores (and truth is, most designs are tweaked or altered for mass production – no true fashionista wants that, right?). We want it right off the runway. You have to pay the price, but for some it’s worth it.
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After the show, I had some time to kill so I ventured off to the Astor House on the Upper East Side, currently housing the New York Junior League Headquarters. Five great floors of great rooms and history.
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Then, it was time to return to the Andaz and do a wardrobe change for the Tibi show! I slipped on my vintage Prada dress and my nude platforms and pranced right out into yet another daunting cab ride. (By now, I’m becoming more desensitized – thank goodness). I make my trek up to the steps of Lincoln Center (it also happens to be the opening night of the Ballet – people were dressed to the nines)! While making my way to the theatre, I spotted Ken Downing (buyer for Neiman Marcus) and Sarah Jessica Parker. Check out the activity inside the tents:
The remainder of my trip included more great dinners and bars, the Four Seasons, Gansevoort Hotel, Rose Bar at Gramercy, and Madison and Vine.
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The trip revolved around fashion, food, wine and all the great things that make New York, New York (including those crazy cab rides). Somehow you become infected by the vibrancy. I know I always do. I choose to embrace it each time and always walk away more enriched by my experiences there. It was fantastic to meld into the inclusive, elitist fashion world – a possible one-time encounter for moi (unless perhaps I can swing my way in to the Paris shows one of these days)….
For now, I return to the slower bustle of San Antonio. And shall regress happily.
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VOGUISHLY YOURS,
MELISSA
Fashion’s Night Out: Fall Trends Hit the Runway
By Melissa Unsell of Vinously Chic
Local fashionistas convened all over town last night for various Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) events. I found myself amongst friends at Neiman Marcus La Cantera. The affair was glittered with socialites, industry peeps, bloggers, and other fashion lovers. I made my way to the runway and claimed a second row seat – anxiously awaiting the small thrill of a runway show. I could not help but to reminiscence about my trip last Fall to New York Fashion Week. This was nothing compared to a fashion week show, but it sure offers a nice fix.
A few minutes later the show begins, highlighting the top trends for Fall. Below are some of my favorites, along with vinous wine pairings of course!
Trend: Navy, The New Neutral
Navy reminds me of blueberries, so why not enjoy a wine with notes of blueberries, such as this 2009 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville – Barrel Sample, Sonoma
Trend: Digital Prints
This trend is wild and has no reservations, that’s why I choose a sassy Shiraz to compliment this trend. Check out the Jasper Hill Shiraz Heathcote Georgia’s Paddock 2005.
Trend: Mixed Greens
I love green, it’s my favorite color. Now, apparently I can wear every shade I own all at once. Sweet! Since green reminds me of plants and the earth, I can’t help but to think first of an old world Pinot Noir with earthy notes on the palate. Yes, that bodes quite well with this trend.
Other HOT Trends this Fall:
The Jacket – Goes Over Everything
Leather
Brooches – They are Back!
The Statement Handbag
Although I’m not off to Fashion Week this year. I quite enjoyed this fashion affair in San Antonio. The crowd was buzzing, and local business were abounding, including Mercedes Benz, The Society Diaries, OCHO, Bohanan’s, Sustenio, to name a few. The food was fun, the drinks were ok (no wine was in sight – a major disappointment for any oenophile). So, I enjoyed some bubbly and a cocktail from Bohanan’s. I suppose I can’t complain….
Voguishly Yours,
Melissa Unsell
VIDEOS: I have several short videos from the event that I will share in my next post. Stay tuned!
Wine and Fashion Trends: When to Follow and When to Stand Your Own
By Melissa Unsell, of Vinously Chic
I will openly and proudly admit that I am privy to fashion trends and tend to follow most of them. I can also attest to standing my ground and forgoing what industry insiders have proclaimed as the next big thing. Knowing your style is important, and sticking to your overall signature look is always key. People that know me well have learned (and seen) that my style is classic and demure. I always stick to this overall theme, while trying to push myself away from my norm (most times that is)!
This thing we call ‘fashion trends’ got my mind reeling regarding wine trends. Just like fashion, wine is a libation worthy of marketing banter and proclamations that make oenophiles swoon. Much like a write-up in InStyle Mag (my style bible), a score from a certain wine expert, or a feature by Wine Spectator (my wine bible) can cause a wine to fly off the shelves.
There are several factors and influencers that have their mainstake is pushing these trends, and that’s where I want to challenge you. Take the time to explore outside of the norm and find a hidden treasure. It’s ok to step outside of your box because you always jump back in. Industry “insiders” are great and all, but I believe in the power of the consumer. As consumers, we have the choice to stray from the trends and push the envelope for ourselves.
I’m interested to learn from you how you react to wine trends. Do you let wine ratings dictate your purchases, or something you read about in an industry magazine? Maybe you let your microsphere of friends and fellow oenophiles dictate your purchases. And quite realistically, I’m sure it’s a combination of all things above.
Either way, I hope you live fashionably and keep your palate saturated with that great libation we call wine. Keep exploring and find your hidden treasure.
Voguishly Yours,
Melissa Unsell
Summer Fashion Round Up (With Wine, Of Course!)
It’s summer, Vinously Chic readers. And in South Texas that means bring on the HEAT! It’s only June and we’ve already endured 105 degree weather.
I’ve got a few must-have summer items for your wardrobe and the perfect cool wine pairings to go with them. Stay cool, my friends.
- First up are these awesome floral shorts by fellow Texan, Ross Bennett. For any Fashion Star fans, these were featured on the show this season and available for purchase at Macy’s. The perfect wine pairing for these? A floral Albarino from Spain.
- Up second – be the ‘color pop’ of the party in this vibrant yellow dress from Saks Fifth Avenue. I personally love yellow this season and advise everyone to freshen up their wardrobe with color this season. I was recently spotted doning my yellow Lily Pulitzer pants just a few weeks ago. The perfect wine for yellow? I can’t resist a yellow-tinged, citrusy, and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from Slovenia. That’s right – Slovenia. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting the Pullus Savignon and it is quite enjoyable. This wine is made at the oldest winery in Slovenia – its cellars dating to 1239 lie labyrinthine beneath the streets of the city of Ptuj.
- Lastly, I can’t imagine a summer without a stellar swimsuit and a glass of Rose for sipping poolside, lakeside, oceanside, etc. Check out this stylish two piece and make sure to enjoy a Provence Rose, such as the CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS Côtes de Provence Rosé 2011 ($35). It’s nice and creamy with some plum notes. Enjoy!
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VOGUISHLY YOURS,
MELISSA UNSELL
Wine of the Week
The Zinzilla Zinfandel from California!!
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