PRE-FALL (FOCUS: THE BLOUSE)

Nearly as exciting as viewing the fall collections themselves is surveying the pieces that the world’s finest clothiers select to populate their floors for the upcoming season. It must be a dizzyingly delicious chore to synthesize the runway craziness into a tame, refined collection of apparel that will titillate but not intimidate the Middle American Woman, who does the majority of her shopping on line, particularly if she wants to stay abreast of the season’s trends. Here’s are CoutureCarrie's top picks from the Neiman Marcus pre-fall selection, with a particular focus on a particular feminine fashion staple.


I can almost smell the eggnog already! This Oscar de la Renta ensemble is guaranteed to be the stunner at the office Christmas Party (I know, it’s barely Mother’s Day yet; so sue me if I want to be prepared!). What a perfectly edited choice from the collections: a cream silk organza blouse with accordion-pleated floral appliqués and jewel neckline is paired perfectly with a stunning Dip-Dye Silk Faille Skirt in cardinal red with black dip-dye and floral embroidery at hem. The high waist is accentuated with a black silk sponge covered-buckle crepe belt.


CoutureCarrie simply must take note of several other refreshingly sculpted and adorned blouses chosen by Neiman’s for its pre-fall feature. We'll proceed from most to least fabric . . .


This Stella McCartney pale pink ruffled silk top (at right) is the ideal, wispy piece to take you from the deck of your house on Shelter Island for that last summer bbq right to fall's first fab cocktail parties. Alluringly draped and showing just enough skin, this blouse is tres perf.


Just Cavalli's patterned chiffon blouse (left) in a unique diamond olive ombré print, with a sassy secretary tie at the neck, is going to suit us just fine this fall! Perfect under a little cardie or waist-cinching blazer.



Last, and with the least amount of material but perhaps the most universal appeal, given its beloved grape hue and waist-whittling silhouette, this Tuleh purple ruffled silk blouse (right) has just the right amount of plunge and punch.


One thing's for sure this fall: there's a blouse in the house!


All looks courtesy neimanmarcus.com

MUST HAVES FOR FALL 2008

Fellow Fashionistas, I am well aware that it is not yet March, and I have just listed the must-haves for Spring 2008 (see below), but I have just viewed a lion's share of the runway shows from Milan, London, Paris and New York [if you are so inclined, newyorkmagazine.com has excellent coverage of the tents in Bryant Park and other fashion meccas], and I feel compelled to begin my shopping list. Not only can we keep an eye out for end-of-season deals that fit the bill, but we can assess our closets and determine what to pull out of cold storage (hi, leg warmers!) and what to buy.

> Winter White, particularly in layers. You can even throw in some nudes here. Sweater dressing is definitely still IN. See interpretations by Blugirl, Tuleh & Verrier, above. Note that beige, light blue and white look SO chic together!

> Anything plaid. And don’t be afraid to mix & match. See photo at left of the D&G show, where tartan tights were paired with a dress of similar checks in different colors. Brazen, unabashed, commendable.

> A textured or furry dress, preferably cinched with a wide belt. There are amazing contributions here by Burberry Prorsum, inter alia

> A floor-length coat or some other interesting topper. See Aquascutum's full-skirted version, left.

> Crazy patterned tights. They are cheaper and thinner than pants, and they allow you the freedom to wear ridiculously short minidresses with wild abandon. I am absolutely in love with stockingirl.com. The site is delicious and the selection is incredible. Pucci-esque and Versace-inspired sheers and opaques, even thigh-highs, in over 50 patterns. Wow!

> An interesting, possible outre, hat. Practically every designer sent at least one gamine gal down the runway with a gorgeous cloche or woolen cap of some sort.

> A gorgeous blouse. Something complex and/or sheer fits the bill. See, for example, Temperley and Balenciaga, below.

> More Florals! Yes, the flower has staying power. Flora dominated the runway for Spring, and it is carrying over into the Fall Collections, particularly in Paris. Check out Christian Dior's plantings...