Not the Last Resort

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My daughter, Angela, has published this guest post for your enjoyment today. Angela will be a Junior at Samford University this fall. ENJOY!

Anne Slowey, fashion news director at Elle (one of my favorite glossies, mais oui!) hit the nail on the head in the June issue of the magazine when she expressed her sense of ennui over the Fall 2010 Collections. The usual bells and whistles of previous seasons were replaced with pounds and pounds of what was somewhat akin to a wool potato sack. Though there were many beautiful pieces to be found in the Fall 2010 Collections—from my beloved Marc Jacobs’ designs for his own house and Louis Vuitton, to the always-wonderful presentation at Chanel via Karl Lagerfeld (a Swedish iceberg shipped in for the runway show!)—the overall look of the season is grey and simple. Simple is great—everyone loves a classic that can stand the test of time—but in these dark recessionary times, I want more. That’s where the Resort 2011 Collections step in. What could be better than chic, delicious looks that are reminiscent of Camelot? Maybe it is because of my southern roots and the need to always feel proper and put together, but Resort 2011 just felt right. The collections were exactly what every woman wants—beautifully tailored pieces, accessories that were exquisite, and show stopping shoes. An evocation of 60s glamour was evident from Diane von Furstenberg to Chanel to Louis Vuitton , Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. My personal favorite, DVF, featured amazing tailored rompers, beautiful bathing suits, and absolutely amazing lace up sandals. It’s no secret that resort-inspired lines are my absolute favorite, so of course I absolutely adore everything shown in these collections. Who wouldn’t want to be transported to a carefree vacation in luxury? Give me a DVF romper, a pair of Dior white oversized shades, and send me out to sea! Ahoy, matey!

This beachy Chanel number is just begging for a stroll through a chic French resort

—Karl Lagerfeld in company, of course!

Creamy and tailored, this two piece Chanel ensemble screams “put together.”

Staying true to her style, Diane von Furstenberg created great,

boldly printed pieces for her collection.  This look is just begging to be donned on a yacht!

This DVF dress is nothing short of perfection in my book. Flowing fabric, bold print, and a bow-cinched waist—what could be more perfect for that holiday getaway?

Rompers are a huge trend, and I have a feeling that they will be around for a while. 

DVF does it best in this great printed wrap romper with matching bag and precious shoes.

As a final tribute to my obvious love for Ms. DVF,

 look at this beautifully tailored look. Perfection.

One of my absolute favorites, this ladylike look from Louis Vuitton is everything

 I love about these collections—60s glamour, proper dressing,

and beautiful tailoring..oh, and a gorgeous statement necklace!

I love the off-kilter cut of the lapels and the longer shorts length of this LV design.

The final look that I am d-y-i-n-g over is this Blair Waldorf-worthy look by Marc Jacobs.

I think my alter ego would look stunning in it!

Grab your vintage Louis luggage, girls. It’s time for a vacation! -Angela Duke

*All photos courtesy of Style.com

Angela, you did a great job!  Thank you!

Now on to Embracing Etiquette with Teresa...

Accept Responsibility

Apologize if you are wrong about something. If your hold up a line, spill coffee on someone, or do anything that can be seen as rude, clear up the problem with an apology as soon as possible. For example, if you unintentionally grab an empty shopping cart at the grocery that is being used by someone else and it is brought to your attention, apologize immediately. This will diffuse a bad situation, and the matter will hopefully be resolved.

Tomorrow we cover “The Dirty Dozen: Today’s Rudest Behaviors.”

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo