I’m always interested in discovering talented new designers and brands that are off the radar. A little under a year ago I was introduced to a fresh new brand from Argentina called Primo Mihi. Mercedes Alva, Victoria del Bene, and Pilar Santamarina are the three creative geniuses behind the line. These three fashion design graduates of the University of Buenos Aires, characterize Primo Mihi as being more than just a clothing design and emphasize the importance of image, music, and trends. The fundamental premise of Primo Mihi (which means "Me First") is to value each customer as an individual and not appealing to the masses. They seek to create garments that appeal to each customer based on two core pillars, morphology and fabric interventions. They are all about adapting interesting patterns into wearable and comfortable garments with small details that really stand out. Their first collection called "Furia," or Rage focuses on the contrast between love and hate. It features cuts, wild prints and a black and white color palette with accents of reds and blues.  If this is there first collection I can only imagine what will come next for this hot young brand.

I’ve been noticing a steady surge of dress emergencies over the last few years. If every brother’s best friend’s neighbor’s college roommate isn’t getting married, the amount of formal events have definitely sped up to lightning speed. I’ve always felt like retailers are consistently underestimating the amount of partying that average American’s are actually doing (or at least North East buyers). Finding a "WOW"-factor dress is constantly a challenge, and with Facebook tracking your every outfitted move it can make your stress level rise a few hundred notches. Especially now as we approach the ever nearing ball drop girls worldwide are hunting for that perfect dress to make them feel Hollywood glamorous on New Years Eve. 2011 was a big year for beading and sequence so there's no surprise that on New Years Eve there will be an abundance of it. Now if you can afford exquisitely crafted glamour there truly is only one man who will make your fantasies a reality. Elie Saab has a miraculous way of turning ethereal dreams into real life works of walking art. If you have never seen his work I must say please take a moment and visit his website. Although I will warn you now you may get sucked in to a vortex for an hour or more wide-eyed and dumbfounded as your gaze is locked on these elegantly seductive gowns that ooze glamour. Elie Saab is a self-taught Lebanese designer. He understands the true beauty of a woman's figure and emphasizes each part with the utmost precision.

This was one of my favorites of his Fall Winter 2011-2012 Collection.  The front is almost tough in an extremely elegant way and then as you turn around that exposed back just knocks you out. 

No other beaded dress can hold a candle to this. 

I love the caped feel of this dress.  It is truly an art to be covered with the illusion of nudity at the same time.

Elie Saab please open a store in the US! I don't know how long it will take me to get to Beirut but now I have another reason, just to visit your store and see these impeccably made masterpieces.

I implore you to visit

In a desperate search for a gala outfit for my Mom I found myself in a pre-spring closet purge.  This brought me to two thoughts.

1. Why don't gala events have wardrobe requirements or suggestions?

2. When is the right time to throw something out?

A gala is defined as a festive occasion.  Now that could mean anything really.  When I hear gala I think formal dress or dressy suit.  My mantra is always "dress up" because you will feel much more confident than if you are under dressed. 

As we shuffled through my Mom's closet I took it upon myself (being the good daughter that I am) to throw out some unwearable items.  To my Mom's dismay, and my delight we came to the conclusion that she needed to set an appointment with her personal shopper. With the gala merely 6 days away I have my work cut out for me... To be continued...

All this closet cleansing got me exited to purge mine. As we near Spring 2011 I want nothing but bold colors, feminine florals, sensual stripes, and sultry 70's inspired accoutrements.

Being that it is March the first things to retire are the stuffy turtlenecks and my signature equestrian blazers. Til fall 2011 I bid you adieu.

Five painful pairs of immaculate booties, boots, and loafers were brought to my local consignment shop.  (thank you Designer Consignment Natick for complimenting my quality and taste level of shoe purchasing, always an ego booster.)

So what are the rules of closet keepers? 

Have you worn it at least once this season?

If not will it resurface in the fashion cycle within a decade and will it be in any condition to wear by then?

Do you still love it on you?

If you say no, honestly just toss it!

These were my first high heeled pumps I ever owned.  I remember how excited I was to have heels.  I was 18, a college freshman and I wore them for the first time to a bar in RI that at the time only asked for college id.  Not only do they hold fond memories of my discovery of my own personal style, they are a true testament to the times and how classic my taste is.  Bubblegum pink patent pointy heels.  I even had a pink and white striped skirt I wore them with, super cute!  This spring they will be celebrating their 7th birthday. 

Here is my rational for keeping them.

1. Pastels for Spring will always be in style in March and April.

2. The patent (as I always suggest to my clients) highly prolongs a shoes shelf life.

3. Pointy toe has returned.

Sad to say they may not see an 8th birthday though I will always have them here for all to see as long as site stays online.

Punxsutawney Phil wants us to believe that Spring is on it's way today.  Seems hard to believe as I'm home for the third week in a row due to menacing snow storms.  Though you won't hear this New Englander complain.  I love the snow and especially a good snow day!  But I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm looking forward to a late March vacation to Miami which may be influencing my enthusiasm for effortlessly flowing fabrics, playful prints, and showing off some sun kissed skin.

If only I could cut and paste outfits to my frame rather than my screen, I'd definitely greet my family at the airport in this Dsquared2 sailor chic look.  The navy blazer and the wide leg white pants are classic nautical but I love the pop of green that pumps it up. The hat, the clear glasses and the thin pocket chain also add a touch of newness.

Then I'd jump into this sweet printed Bibhu Mohapatra. 

 I would pair them with these Prada wedges to make it more day appropriate for light lunching and power shopping.

Then after a day of sightseeing and shopping I would throw on this Mohapatra strapless maxi dress while my Prada's proudly pull a double.  A perfect outfit for slowly sipping margaritas as the sunsets and beachside bbqs turn into all night story sessions.

Finding the perfect bikini...well you are more likely to find the Holy Grail! Recently the stylists had an 8am Saturday meeting for a bikini try-on party.  Now I may be 25 and a size 0-4 but some of my 50 year old coworkers looked better in bikinis than I did, honestly.  I will say that this La Blanca was the only one flattering enough to be seen in. Now this is fine and dandy for the classic conservative beaches of New England.  

But when in Miami do as the Mami's do. Bring out your bold and beautiful bathing suits.  I found this super sexy suit on Swimwear360.com.  Throw on a sarong, giant shades, one floppy hat and some super strappy heels and watch me transform from beach bum to bar side beauty!

I shot this with my Iphone while pumping gas before my thirty-minute ride to Newbury St. in Boston. This was the week we had weather in the teens and lower in between two Nor Easters. I notice as the temperature drops in New England the more horrific people’s attire is. If you have lived here long enough you know it gets cold and stays cold during our winters. That is why it is of the utmost importance to have appropriate garments to protect you from the elements as well as fashion ridicule. I’m sorry but this must be addressed.

1. A winter coat. If you live in New England or anywhere where the temperature drops lower than 20’ F you should own a quilted coat. This year I purchased a great Steve Madden quilted coat, which has, pockets (an absolute necessity) and is fitted through the middle. That is my favorite part about this coat, is it doesn’t make me feel like a brown blob and I am warm and well outfitted for defending myself from Mother natures worst winter blasts. It also has double zippers, which is great for driving.

   

   
   
   
   
2. Hats. I will say there truly is not enough selection out there. I am a hat fanatic. Last year I coined the term (or so I believe) "it’s Fedorable!"  I have said it before and I will say it again and again, try on as many hats as you can get your hands on they are an instant upgrade to any outfit! It is so rare you find someone rocking a hat, and I’m sure if you think back to the last person you saw wearing one, more than likely you thought, "ooh I like that hat."
   
   
3. Scarves. I think my generation is just getting the memo on scarves. There are so many kinds, so many ways to wear and tie them. I’m always surprised I don’t own more of them. Another ultra chic wardrobe upgrader. The scarf I have on here was knitted by my Grandma, she made it especially for me in Tiffany’s blue. Knitted scarves can be warm and stylish. I love this color blue paired with chocolate brown. They blend well together and they make me feel like spring is close by with a reminder of beach waves and blue sky’s.
   
4. Gloves. Leather or thick wool, are the best way to keep your phalanges from freezing off.
   
   
5. Boots the final step (literally) for a fully functional frigid weather wardrobe. I find the best kinds of boots for trudging through snowbank trenches are nylon waterproof boots. They look polished and utilitarian at the same time. Isn’t that what we all want? Fashion that works for us.
   

   

   
   Mmmm Delicious Dior Moon Boots!!!
   
   These 5 items are my winter essentials for a stroll down Boston’s Fashion Mecca on a chilly January Monday.  Stay Classy and Cozy Boston ; )