According to Style.com, Mr. Armani's inspiration was the summers in southern Italy. I haven't been to Italy (yet), but I can definitely see that warm Mediterranean climate ideal coming through in his clothes.
Armani's collection was all about glittering headwraps and scarves with floaty pants tied at the knees. Fabrics were muted neutrals and were light and ethereal. I'm noticing a pattern already!
Isn't this wrap delicious? I can see myself wearing this while enjoying a cocktail in an outdoor cafe somewhere on Italy's southern coast.
Is this a caftan? I don't know. It doesn't really matter. It's gorgeous, and I'd happily wear it on the yacht that I don't have.
This dress is just dangerous. And the colors are stunning without being completely in your face. Notice the matching headwear - it was on every model on the runway.
I love this dress just for the wrap.
I'm definitely seeing the flapper resurgence in the evening wear. I think it's lovely and a nice change from the overly-revealing direction evening wear was headed in.
And it's good to see that Mr. Armani threw a print in there for those of us who really love our graphic prints and don't want to put them away yet.
Milan Fashion Week: Giorgio Armani
Milan Fashion Week: Bottega Veneta
Even though I'm more a fan of American fashion than I am Italian fashion, I'm still excited about Milan Fashion Week, only because in a few short months I will actually be there! So I thought I'd pay a bit more attention to what was coming down the runway in Milan, in hopes of finding a few things that I can wear while I'm there and not look like a typical American. 
First up, this lovely wrap dress. Seems like everything in Bottega Veneta's show was a muted neutral, which was lovely. No brights here. The wrap dress is always a classic, because it's flattering on just about any body type.
Love the full skirt paired with the belted waist here. It's almost retro, or a throwback to the silhouette of the 1940's with a modern twist.
And the Grecian goddess look. Love, love, love. Very ethereal.
I'm in a New York State of Mind
So, I've been invited by a BFF to go hang out in NYC for three days, sans children and husbands. Right on! So, we bought some train tickets, claimed a great hotel, and are busy making plans to hit as many of the shops as we can, plus take in the Broadway show Wicked (which was a fantastic book and has gotten rave reviews, so I can't wait!).
But as the planning progressed, reality set in. New York is a lot different than Virginia Beach. What passes for streetwear here probably doesn't work in sophisticated New York. And I don't have a sophisticated wardrobe. At least, not a fall one. So I took myself over to Gap.com to see if they had anything. I decided on this dress:
I think I will wear my new Steve Madden flat boots with it and some black tights. I'm feeling all black and gray this season. I also grabbed this skirt:
Then I decided that these shoes also had my name all over them, since my black flats right now are a mess:
Am I on the right track? I don't know. I obviously have more shopping to do.
Pantone's Color Report for Spring, 2008
Are you ready to think about Spring 08? Me either. But Pantone has the colors that will be hot and trendy. From the website:
Designers Dive into Color for Spring
Refreshing splashes of invigorating brights punctuate classic, versatile neutrals as designers offer a playful spring palette for endless exploration and creative combinations. Variations on popular colors such as energizing red, cool, waterborne blue and eco-friendly greens also play a key role this season.
“The spring ‘08 color palette perfectly reflects the cheerfulness of the season,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Stabilizing neutrals combined with pops of brighter colors to create unique, distinctive looks are the basis for a great spring and summer wardrobe.”
Kansas City Shopping
A few things I picked up on my trip to Kansas City. Always a great place to shop, especially on the Plaza.
See more of my Kansas City Shopping list at ThisNext.
Review: Too Faced Eye Shadow Duo: Totally Toasted
I bought this kind of on a whim, thinking that I needed some neutrals for fall. I had only tried the Lip Injection by Too Faced, never the other products, so I didn't have high expectations. So that means that I was very surprised at how smoothly it went on, and how long it lasted through the day. It was highly pigmented with just the right amount of shimmer. Not overly glittery (like some shadows that I won't mention), but shimmery enough to give some glam, if you need it. The colors worked perfectly together, with the darker color complimenting the tan on the crease. I liked the shadow so much that I went and purchased a single shadow and one more duo the following week. Give it a try - I'm beginning to think that this company is under-recognized in the beauty market.
MyCuppa Mugs
No idea how practical it is, and a little pricey for my wallet, but how cute are these?
Perpetual Kid Shopping Spree
Browsing online tonight, I visited a shop that I've always loved but haven't taken a look at in awhile. Notice the Jesus bandaids. Those seriously rock, along with the Answer Me Jesus. I can hardly speak because I love these things so much.
See more of my Perpetual Kid Shopping Spree list at ThisNext.
In Honor of All the Fun I Had Last Night, I Present the Best Ways to Get Rid of a Hangover
Good times last night. It was a friend's birthday, and we went for dinner and then drinks at the local club. Inbetween the Bacardi and Cokes, I also tried a little delicacy called Italian Surfers. I highly recommend them.
Needless to say, I don't feel all that great today. So I'm sharing with you some great links for getting rid of the morning after nightmare we call hangovers.
wikiHow: Get Rid of Hangover: I love how French Fries are on their list of things you'll need.
eHow: How to Get Rid of a Hangover: The actual article is blah, but the member comments are awesome.
Health911.com: Hangover Remedies: Love the folk remedies.
How to Get Rid of Hangovers: Again, check out the member comments - hilarious!
How Do I Get Rid of a Hangover?: Love the recommendation for the Price is Right.
I hope everyone feels better than I do!
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