Christmas wish list: cashmere

It's been a few weeks since I last wrote - a lot has happened: a hurricane, midterms and projects, Thanksgiving weekend, a Miami vacation.. As Christmas quickly approaches, I thought it would be fun to put down all the trends that I am obsessed with in this Autumn/Winter, and the "must haves" that could be great presents or stocking fillers. Most of the inspiration comes from the trends that I see here in NYC, but in a few days I will be travelling to Milan, so I will be updating you also on what are the trend for this holidays on the other side of the ocean.

But let's start with the first one: cashmere. Who doesm't love it: soft, warm and cozy. Many cashmere sweaters are quite basic, v-neck, turtle necks and crew necks in all the possible colors. Have you ever noticed that? But here in NY I found a brand that produces great cashmere and in fashionable styles, it is called Aqua and as far as I know it is primarily sold at Bloomingdales stores.

I fell for this particular electric blue and deep blue v-neck sweater that Kristen Stewart wore a few weeks ago, I made a research online and there it was on bloomingdales.com! I bought it online and got it for 40% off with one of the endless promotions Bloomingdale's sends me daily! I cannot provide you the link, because the sweater is, of course, sold out.

http://thefashion-court.com/2012/11/kristen-stewart-the-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part-2-la-press-junket/

But there are other styles in trend that are worth trying: here in NYC you can see almost in every store crew necks with animals intarsia, or stars, or hearts. Here a few example from Aqua in casmere:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-cashmere-sweater-bulldog-crewneck?ID=627878&CategoryID=1000658#fn=BRAND%3DAqua%26spp%3D28%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D19

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-cashmere-sweater-bulldog-crewneck?ID=627878&CategoryID=1000658#fn=BRAND%3DAqua%26spp%3D28%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D19

Another brand that I discovered here is C.Wonder, and they offer the same styles, in wool at great prices (88$), here a few examples.

For the cashemere lovers but friendly budgets, I can suggest Uniqlo cashmere collection, from $39.99 to $79.99.

How would I wear it? with classic jeans, or leather skirt, as simple as that!

Aqua cashmere by trendfulnyc featuring a cashmere crewneck sweater

Aqua cashmere crewneck sweater / 3.1 Phillip Lim leather skirt / Ted Baker skinny fit jeans, $100 / Jimmy Choo high heel shoes / Valentino ballet flat

NYCB Gala

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.486511461373805.113437.295987887092831&type=1

Last Thursday, September 20, Lincoln Center was still under the spotlight. This time not for Fashion Week, but for the New York City Ballet Gala. I can't wait to go and check one of the Balanchine ballet that are scheduled for the next few weeks. A part from fashion, the second top passion I have is ballet. I have been ballet dancing since I was 4, and I have been examining with the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, so for me ballet is a big deal.

So, while waiting fall trends to take their stage in the streets of NYC, my attention is going to the  red carpets. And the exclusive opening gala of the New York City Ballet al Lincoln Center was a big one. Not just for opening ballet season, but for a special partnership with Valentino Garavani,.

The beloved Italian couturier (in my opinion the best Italian designer ever) has realized 30 ballet costumes for the corps de ballet. And of course this glamorous evening couldn't be it without the many celebrities, wearing Valentino gowns.

First, Sarah Jessica Parker, who's in the Boards of the NYCB, was wearing a 2012 Valentino Couture collection floral gown, with a golden waist belt, jewels by Fred Leighton, purple  Louboutins and a ballerina style updo with a flower in it.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/09/best-dressed-at-the-2012-new-y.html

Another dramatic look that loved was Anne Hathaway. She was wearing a dreamy floral gown from the 2012 Valentino Couture collection as well. As the gossip says, Anne came to support the designer because she would have chosen Valentino as the designer for her wedding dress. I am usually not a fan of florals, but I have to say these 2 dresses are beautifully designed, ethereal and glamorous. Looking at this 2 dresses, I would say florals can be a trend...let's wait a couple of days to find that out.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/09/best-dressed-at-the-2012-new-y.html

A tip for people in London at the end of November: on 11-29 the Somerset House in London will
open an exhibition in honor of Valentino's extraordinary career called “Master of Couture”, featuring 130 haute couture pieces created by the maestro.

And tonight, I am tuned on the Emmy's...