FASHION BY THE RULES: Wendy Brandes Jewelry

There is a rare type within the world of fashion that one can describe as indefatigable, one who is always busy, constantly working on the next project, always ready to help a friend, and always a loving mate. Wendy Brandes is such a person who also has found time to develop a huge collection of fine jewelry as well as a contemporary collection in sterling silver, both eponymous of course.

After her stints at Lehman Brothers, the Wall Street Journal, and CNN, she decided that her calling was jewelry and so in 2004 she began enterprise. Her larger than life personality has influenced the various collections that make up her brand and yet she is not beyond being influenced by pop culture as well – True Blood. She is a tireless blogger who speaks the language of many women and rarely holds back her opinions, which is extremely attractive to me. Look for her chat on so many subjects from her passion for shoes, vintage clothes, the perfect red lip stick (her signature) or any of the countless issues she addresses each week.

I have taken the liberty of selecting a segment of her collections to illustrate the breadth and range of product that is available. My particular favorites are the skull and cross bone series as well as some of the white diamond pieces. Some of the pieces remain aspirational and some are inspirational but all are sensational.

Ms. Brandes’ jewelry has been featured in Marie Claire, W, The New York Times, the November issue of In Style (pg.315) as well as trade publications worldwide. Don’t forget to have a look at her website www.wendybrandes.com and don’t forget her blog for her observations and opinions on so many topics.

Don’t forget to look for me on Facebook, http://www.examiner.com/aging-style-in-new-york/jeffrey-felner, where you can subscribe or at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

Celebrity Style – Oversized Sweaters For Fall

One of the quickest, chicest, and easiest looks for fall is the over-sized sweater and Jessica Alba makes it look effortless. But it looks that way, because it is!!!! It drapes beautifully and can be thrown over any tee with a pair of skinny jeans, jeggings, liquid leggings, or opaque tights. It still keeps you comfy and warm from fall breezes. Some of the best places that will have over-sized sweaters are H&M, Forever 21, ShopNastyGal.com, and for endless results ShopStyle.com.

FASHION BY THE RULES : McQUEEN, HERMES, CHANEL…Le Fin

There can be nothing worse than knowing that what you put forth will be the moment that everyone judges your work. Sarah Burton, who stood next to her mentor and best friend for 15 years, has shown the world that she is fluent in the vocabulary that was ALEXANDER McQUEEN! This was a tour de force of talent, which very few can ever achieve when having to fill the shoes of a genius. There is no coincidence that within this oeuvre there were symbols of transformation, the butterfly which is said to be a human soul in search of reincarnation and the sheaf of wheat and wheat itself which is said to be a symbol of fertility, prosperity and strength. It is all true as Ms. Burton has forever endeared herself to retailers, editors and most of all the bigwigs at PPR who will no doubt, anoint her as the “second coming.”

She chose her silhouettes carefully, eased them up ever so slightly and in some cases pushed them to the next level. The fantasy which Mr. McQueen invoked in his shows was not lost on Sarah Burton. There is no doubt that the darkness which pervaded so many of his shows in the past was banished to white, pure and virginal. It is almost an unfathomable task to have bequeathed the legacy which Mr. McQueen left and yet it is no less remarkable for Sarah Burton to have continued his DNA with such unimaginable abilities and loyalty.

Her love and respect for ALEXANDER McQUEEN is reflected in these clothes for only with those qualities has it been possible to create and prolong the brand and the man.

Hermes, Jean Paul Gaultier, was a fitting end to what seemed like weeks of shows in Paris. This is, after all, the last show that Mr. Gaultier will resend for the famed brand. Nevertheless, to say he went out with a bang is an understatement. While the clothes remain utterly urbane, utterly low key and wildly expensive, the collection demonstrates how to take a trend/ theme and own it in every way. Each outfit bore the Hermes stamp, each had its own interpretation of the theme or inspiration and all of it was pure and true to the house. It is a rarity, in the world of fashion, to reinvigorate an established brand and breathe new life into it and retain the original DNA and integrity from which the house was built, but Mr. Gaultier, much to his credit, took the brand and his own particular skill set and created a fashion powerhouse for the brand which was primarily known for its accessories.

There are few words that can express the overwhelming talent of Karl Lagerfeld. This season for Chanel, he has delivered another blockbuster collection that will send the Chanel ladies into a dead faint. The palette is limited and yet there is no boredom, not a second wasted in delivering the latest message from the master. From tweeds to torn denim to plumage, the message is clearly modern and always retaining the language of Chanel. Everything is tweaked to perfection for any age, it is all there, provided of course that you can afford the luxury of such beauty. Fashion can be a cruel friend but obviously Mr. Lagerfeld has never made an enemy here at the house of Chanel.

Visit www.style.com for a more complete view of these unforgettable collections and don’t forget to look for me on Facebook or at the examiner. http://www.examiner.com/aging-style-in-new-york/jeffrey-felner and feel free to subscribe, it’s free.

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