Obsession: Manoush

New York Fashion Week is about to kick off, the fashion PR world is running amock (has anyone been keeping up with twitter? hello?!), and everyone is saving the date for their favorite show to watch out for. I, however, have been completely blind-sided by a little Parisian design house called Manoush that has somehow remained under the radar for the most part.

Like many others out there, I was indulging in a little late, night online shopping when I came across Manoush on one of my favorite sites. I mean, I could not look away; from the colors, to the femininity, the detailing on every dress, the ease of the drape and fabric, etc. I became obsessed! I sought out Style.com to try and see a full collection, and to my surprise they are nowhere to be seen on Style.com. Thank God for Google, and the holy grail came about: www.manoush.com

Love the presentation, love the intro song ("Spit The Devil" by Olivia Ruiz). Once again: obsessed! Self described as "a wild version of Esmeralda in the Hunchback of Notre Dame", this gypsy inspired label is to die for. After reading the "About the Designer" tab, and everything the label stands for, I was seduced. The clothes are inspired by the gypsy lifestyle, of having fun, carefree attitude. No barriers, no limits. It comes as no surprise that the label came about after a trip to Morocco (one place on Earth I am DYING to go, and did I mention I am also obsessed with Moroccan-inspired home decor, but thats another blog entry). The spirit of the brand? " Poetic, bohemian, girly, and ...kitsch", and isn't that exactly how every girl wants to feel when she throws on her favorite outfit? Isn't it?

Do yourself the favor. Check it out at www.Manoush.com

I swear if I hadn't just renewed my lease I would sell all my belongings, buy a couple of Manoush pieces, and travel the world like a modern day Gypsy ;)

Images provided by Ideeli.com

Obsession: Stuart Vevers for Loewe

After reading an article yesterday morning in British Vogue about Stuart Vevers undertaking as the designer and creative director of the Spanish fashion house Loewe, and the debut of his Spring 2011 collection, I am obsessed! From the butterfly prints taken from the Spanish houses' archives to the bright youthful colors, I haven't been this crazy about a designer since Tom Ford started designing for his own label.

I love how he's kept the fashion houses' signature staples, such as the soft leather and simple shapes, but all the while remaining true to the Spanish woman and her love for color and patterns. As a latin woman (I'm Cuban) I love wearing colorful frocks and interesting patterns, but not just for the sake of wearing it. It depends on the hue, the cut, the detailing; and Vevers has captured that attention to detail in all the cheeky-cuteness in the Spring 2011 collection. Another huge breath-of-fresh-air was the white shift dress in all its detailing glory. Nothing is more feminine and whimsical than a girly bright white dress, and there's nothing more I love to wear come spring is a simple white flowy, feminine dress.

I, as much as I'm sure the rest of the fashion world is, am looking forward to seeing what comes to life this February for the Fall 2011 runway of this classic Spanish house. Keep a weather eye out all you fashion peeps for Loewe's Fall 2011 collection.

Image provided by Simone Leonardi for GoRunway.com/ Style.com

Inspiration: Denisse Guerrero from Belanova

In the past couple of years a lot of fashion forward celebrities have emerged; Can you say Lady Gaga? But one that I keep

going back to after some 5+ years is Ms. Denisse Guerrero from the latin-pop band Belanova (which if you haven't heard of them, DEFINETLY check them out).

Even before the Era of Gaga, Denisse was and still is an original. Her style is an infusion of harajuku girl meets Lanvin, has a baby raised by Betsey Johnson, moves to Mexico, meets a punk rocker, and lives happily every after in Candy Land. But it's all her own.

The best part of Denisse's fashion is that it fits perfectly well with the bands music: sexy lounge beats, candy-pop satire singles and some rock edge. Year after year, she dresses to impress, and I love her for that. She is an inspiration to me when I am getting dressed in the morning; to have fun with your clothes, be girly and feminine, and just be yourself. And like any good Latin woman, she is not afraid of color!

Images provided by photobucket, bloddelamusica.com, www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx, and gentepv.com

My Very Own: Alexander McQueen booties

So apparently I must have been VERY good in 2010 because Santa Clause brought me a jaw-dropping, unexpected gift ANY fashion lover can appreciate: Alexander McQueen Faithful gold studded booties! Aren't they gorgeous?!

I was yearning for some over-the-knee boots this season, but these babies are one in a million, especially living in New York. How many people do you think are going to be strutting around Manhattan in these beauties? Very few, to say the least. How many people are strutting around Manhattan in over-the-knee boots? Over a million.

I really encourage every girl out there, if Santa wasn't as kind to you this holiday season, save up all year around, and come December/January, I have two words for you: Bergdorf Goodmans. Each end of year, Bergdorf's has their huge Shoe Salon 60% off Sale both in-store and online. Invest in your shoes ladies! A good pair of shoes will last you years, and what a better investment than in the accessory you spend 24 hours a day in: your shoes ;)