The Distinction of Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce and Gabbana delivers Italian style at it's finest in the latest edition of CNN's Revealed series. The design duo is featured in a 3-part segment, as they prepare for their Autumn/Winter 2010 show, relax at their weekend home in Portofino, Italy and celebrate 20 years in the menswear game.

Segment One

Segment Two

Segment Three

Theirs is an inspiring story of unconditional love, friendship and boundless partnership that has transcended the limitations of traditional relationship philosophy to create the world-renowned fashion powerhouse that is Dolce and Gabbana.  Enjoy.

LTLY,

Roni♥

Velvet Angels Are Amongst Us

The "Queen" Stiletto

{You should see these in copper! Sizzling !}

So, my fabulous friends and I were out at Maxim's recent Hot 100 event in LA, where we  stumbled onto a little slice of heaven... Velvet Angels - a sensational new luxury footwear & lifestyle brand! After a preview of the Summer 2010 collection, inspired by "Hot Hot Hollywood", we instantly fell in love with the sultry yet edgy line with a touch of Rock & Roll flavor {and a hint of "superhero" appeal}...

The "Royal Bar" Bootie

{Features an ankle draped in little leather guitar picks! Genius! Also available in pink!}

Sky-high stilettos, architectural platforms, peep-toe booties & sandals with fighter-style ankle wraps in soft leathers, punctuated by clever detailing in an interesting mix of colors {like pink, copper & royal blue} round out this sought-after collection that has already caught the attention of Hollywoodland.  

Velvet Angels has been featured in Elle, InStyle, in music videos by Pink & Keri Hilson and walking red carpets all over tinseltown by some of fashion's finest - Tyra Banks, Katy Perry, Fergie, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Lady GaGa, among others.

"La Loco" Platform in Natural

{How terrific would these be with a fitted tank top, tucked into a slim, knee-length pencil skirt?! Delightful !}

The official launch was in the Spring of 2008 with fashion veteran Jeff Yarchever at the helm.  Jeff began in the apparel business with Jet Apparel back in 1984, and through his recent collaboration with shoe designer Joe Ponce, a bold new women's luxury footwear brand was born.

This daring line pushes the envelope, serving up fresh, original options in a market saturated with so much of the same! There is something for everyone in each collection and I am loving the fact that nothing about this label is predicatable! Upon meeting, Jeff explained that the logo for the brand {a single rose resting atop a hand grenade} represents the concept of "Explosive Love", which is what happens anytime someone lays eyes on a woman in a smoking hot pair of shoes!! I love it ! Surely we can all use some explosive "Velvet Angels love" in our lives!

Available at Nordstrom, Intermix, Diavolina and over 200 retailers nationwide as well as in Australia, Eastern Europe and Tokyo.

Of course something extra-special is in this for you...

Velvet Angels has spread their heavenly wings over The Roni Report with an exclusive offer: 20% off any online purchase all summer long!!  Use our promotional code "RONIREPORT" to have the offer applied to your order from June 1st to August 1st.  Visit www.velvetangels.com to shop for some explosive new additions! 

LTLY,


Roni♥

Leonard Paris ~ Fall/Winter 2010

Extraordinary leopard print full-length gowns, black florals & other genius for Fall/Winter 2010. The house of Leonard Paris does not disappoint.

Fall/Winter 2009-2010

LTLY,


Roni♥

Leonard Paris ~ Spring/Summer 2010

Classic Leonard Paris prints in blues, tans & browns for SS 2010.
A masterful display of bohemian elegance.

Spring / Summer 2010

LTLY,


Roni♥

COVETING C.Z. FALCONER

We all know that feeling we get the moment we've laid eyes on a gorgeous and luxuriously decadent item of clothing ...the dramatic gasp, the cheshire-cat-grin while caressing it and trying it on, the knowing nod that screams that you just KNOW that this was meant to be, and then the uncontrollable obsession with the item that will usually follow. This is precisely what happened to me on one fine day, when I first became aquainted with breakout luxe loungewear line, C.Z. Falconer.

C.Z. Falconer once found herself fresh out of college and in a hedge-fund analyst position in San Francisco, far away from the glitz & glamour of the fashion world! She headed off to New York where she made a name for herself over the past decade as a major player in the fashion industry working for the likes of fashion giants Ralph Lauren, Coach, Kate Spade and Guess, where she held roles on the product development and design sides of the business. She later returned to her native California, where she would later launch her own line.

In 2009, after years of searching for what she always thought was an obvious need in fashion, Falconer decided to take matters into her own hands to create the line that she was so desperate to find – the perfect collection of luxury loungewear. The collection was going to be comfortable, yet luxurious – the perfect option for women looking for key pieces that were a cross between the laid back look of everyday LA-style and chic European vacation-wear.   In the back of her mind, was cashmere that could be worn year-round and beautiful resort pieces that would travel easily while globetrotting to fabulous destinations! With this one simple idea,  a namesake niche lifestyle brand made it's debut in the independent fashion label mecca of Los Angeles!

"It all began with a group of friends, a large dining room table, some champagne, and a dream. The dream was to create a lifestyle brand that channeled elements of European jet set sophistication, blended with Californian poolside glamour."

C.Z. turned to her friends and things that they all love for the inspiration behind the label - fabulous parties, stylish travel, swimming in fancy pools, french polynesia, luxurious loungewear, delicious cashmere, soft velour, flowy see-through numbers we can wear over our bikinis, foreign languages, palm springs, gstaad, harem pants & apres-ski.

All sorts of delights {with really clever little names} can be found in the debut collection, which includes harem pants, butter soft leggings with ruching at the ankles {Athena Legging}, zip-front hooded sweaters, vests & ponchos {a long-waisted zip front version is affectionately named the "Barbarella Deep-Throat Zippie"}, teeny tiny little shorts, a swimwear Cover-Up Tunic and more -might I add, all in the softest lightweight cashmere with gold-toned logo hardware on the zippers and straps! Adorable! The color palette offering is uncomplicated with black (basic), milk (white) , honey (natural) and berry (pink/red) selections available.

The showstopper of this collection is the Emmanuelle Halter Suit - an unbelievable wide legged, plunging neckline, halter jumpsuit{shown above in black}! I went absolutely beserk when the stylist for a fashion show I was doing{the sweet & talented Melinda Tarbell}, pulled it out for me!! It felt so wonderful on, that I could barely bring myself to take it off after the show! I was already envisioning lounging around the house in it, wearing it out, and even wearing it to bed! It's DELICIOUS, super sexy, glides when you walk, and has an amazing view from the rear {it's backless}!  The honey color is my favourite.  I can't wait to see what C.Z. has up her sleeve next!

Visit C.Z. Falconer on the web at www.czfalconer.com !

{Available at Pink Lagoon in Solana Beach, California. }

LTLY,

Roni♥

FINALLY... a peek.

After following the Sonia Rykiel-H&M partnership since last fall {& snagging a few pieces of lingerie from December's launch}, I've been bursting with anticipation for the actual CLOTHING collection {the 2nd round of the collaboration} that will drop in February.  Look what I found while doing my daily rounds...

These bright, colorful knits are oh so current and chic and just happen to look like classic Rykiel in the yummiest way.  With a perfect 'French' twist!

Courtesy of HipCandy & New York Magazine!

LTLY,


Roni♥

SATC2: 5~28~10 : SAVE THE DATE!

This trailer doesn't tell us much, but SATC2 will be here soon enough...May 28th, people. May 28th!! The Jay Z - Alicia Keys track is PERFECT for this soundtrack!

LTLY,


Roni♥

DIVINE DESIGN 2009

Last night's Divine Design Gala was held at the elegant Beverly Hilton Hotel {where the Golden Globe Awards are held} in Beverly Hills, CA.  The annual affair kicked off what has become the biggest retail shopping event on the West Coast!

Giada DeLaurentis (Princess of The Food Network) sat at the table next to mine.  Also in the house was the voluptuous red-headed Mad Men hottie, Christina Hendricks who was honored with the 'Woman of Style' award, Rachel Zoe (who presented the 'Fashion Icon' award to Barbie - yes, Ken's girlfriend), Steven Kolb (Exec. Director of the CFDA & winner of the 'Man of Style' award) and a host of other Los Angeles fashion designers & fashion followers.  The dinner was capped off with a Barbie fashion show, with pieces from the FIDM Debut 2009 alongside special designer renditions of a Barbie look, circa now! The pink runway and Barbie-look-a-like models were enough to incite the crowd. Loved it.

Divine Design is a 4-day shopping fest with goods by designers galore, that are sold at 50% off of retail on day one, going to 60%, 70% on day two & three, to finally go to 80% off on the last day of the sale.  It's a shopper's delight, located in the old Robinsons May building on Wilshire Blvd. right next to The Beverly Hilton! All proceeds of the sale benefit Project Angel Food, a heavenly organization that prepares & delivers over 1,400 meals per day to people in LA living with illnesses that pretty much leave them restricted to their homes. This just adds to the goodness of it all! My family and I have volunteered several times at Project Angel Food, and I can say firsthand that it is both overwhelming and heartwarming to see what they do on a daily basis for so many people.

Gala guests were also treated to VIP passes good for in & out privileges during the entire sale event, and a preview before the sale was officially opened to the public.  So many good things were begging to be bought, with the retail floor divided into various departments from home to luxury fashion to mens, children & gift items. I spotted Sonia Rykiel striped sheets (that look just like her signature stripes as currently shown on H&M's website), thick & lush Matteo LA towels in midnight black, gorgeous Capiz trays & accessorie by Dillon Wells, dapper knit neckties by Henry Jacobson, ridiculously delicious baby clothes by Lola et Moi, teeny bikinis by Peonie Swimwear (which I'd never heard of until last night), Berliner C shirts that were absolute must-haves! Elizabeth and James (the Olsen twins latest fashion venture) also represented with a collection of  lust-inducing tops including a tiger print situation that I don't think I can survive without. 

An entire section was devoted to Barbie with framed poster art photos of Barbie through the years - so cute, and limited edition items up for auction:  Barbie Loves Rachel Zoe (Should I mention that Rachel's Barbie was rocking one of her signature looks - striped Missoni sweater, wide-legged jeans & an Hermes Birkin Bag!?! OMG!), and the Jonathan Adler Barbie Dream House (modeled after her real-life Malibu Dream House that he designed for her 50th Birthday - see photos under my Barbie posts).  Can I just say how incredible ADORABLE these items were??  They are up for auction (Zoe is currently @ $550 & the Adler house opening bid starts at $800) on www.charitybuzz.com .

LTLY,


Roni♥



Ps... also spotted last night were about 2 "Santa Babys" {two very tall & dashing gentlemen in the red corduroy Faconnable suit that was featured on TRR at the beginning of the week}! How about that?!

SONIA: I WANT IT ALL & I WANT IT NOW

Sonia Rykiel pour H&M {the lingerie line} hits select stores this Saturday, December 5th. Find your way there. {Trust me on this!} The collection was previewed at a spectacular event in Paris this week {see video below}.

Is this the end of high-fashion as we know it? Or better yet, is this the beginning of a personal style mixed with high-fashion reaching the masses revolution? Priced at $12-$120, six themes are featured in the collection: stripes, pink satin, black chiffons & satins & black velvet & lace {with strategically placed pink rosettes!}, and a hot pink & midnight blue group.  With signature stripes & feminine detailing on panties, bras, garter belts, bodysuits, robes, slippers & even a velvet pillow - this line is purely Rykiel. 

My favourites:  the stripes and pink satin groups. This is so bittersweet.  The bitter? How dare they launch this collection during the holidays when your supposed to be buying gifts for others but you want all of this for yourself! The sweet? Sonia Rykiel for H&M... need we say anything else? 

LTLY,

Roni♥

Images Via: H&M

SANTA BABY...

Season's Greetings!

This year's holiday season has officially begun! What are YOU doing to get in the spirit?
One of my favorite holiday songs is Santa Baby by the legendary Ms. Eartha Kitt! Listening to it today has me thinking about Santa...

This is how I envison MY very own version of Santa {circa 2009}!  There would certainly be milk and cookies waiting for him by the fire!

Deluxe looks from the Faconnable Fall/Winter 2009 Collection.

Red Cotton Velvet Belted Jacket & Slacks

{Would pair perfectly with a camel cashmere scarf tucked inside! }

Love their take on the classic winter staple; Corduroy {as featured in their ad campaign}!



LTLY,


Roni♥

Kate Moss' Bodysuit

Let's face it, bodysuits are hot.

Daring and demure when peeking out from under a jacket or blazer with slacks, sultry when tucked into a fitted pencil skirt, and downright seductive when discovered beneath a dress!

Bodysuits exude a sense of mystery and evoke the notion that "this is a woman who goes the extra mile"!

I have my eye on this stretchy lace edition by Kate Moss for Top Shop {above}.  It looks like it's easy to get into and easy to slide out of!

LTLY,


Roni♥

THIS TRACKSUIT IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE

I'm a sucker for a man|boy or baby in an Adidas tracksuit. It has universal appeal and gives an air of "retro-I-know-what-I'm-doing-when-it-comes-to-style-I-don't-take-myself-too-seriously-and-don't-have-to-try-so-hard" cool. The tracksuit oozes just the right amount of masculine, urban fly-guy flavor that I need, and it's fashionable on practically every continent on earth.  This outfit can go anywhere!! I'll take the whole suit, the bottoms only with a t-shirt or the jacket only with a t-shirt and jeans. No matter. It is a fact however, that the ensemble is not complete without "shell-toe" Adidas Superstars !  Iconic rap pioneers Run DMC are responsible for putting this look on the map in the 1980's!

Available in sizes ranging from baby to adult and a myriad of colors from pink all the way to black, the popular 80's staple has withstood the test of time and still gets my vote! I think it's safe to say the Adidas suit will NEVER go out of style.  {I wonder if we'll be saying this about the Juicy Couture tracksuit craze 25 years from now!}

{THE TRACKSUIT - THEN}:  Rap Legends Run DMC in Paris

{A childhood friend of mine actually married Darryl McDaniels - the DMC in Run DMC}

{THE TRACKSUIT: NOW}

Little Boy Blue and Little Pink Princess Tracksuits

**Names by Roni**

**Suits by Adidas**

{{Too cute!}}

**On the red carpet: Actor Keith Robinson**

**Leaving Handprints: New Orleans Saints' Reggie Bush** 

LTLY,

 

Roni♥

Sean John Friends and Family Event

Sean John Friends and Family Sale through 11.12.09.

 

Visit http://www.seanjohn.com/ for more details.



LTLY,


Roni♥

PARISIAN DESIGN DARLING IS NEXT IN LINE

The one and only Ms. Sonia Rykiel will be next up at H&M! I can't take it! They keep on bringing it & bringing it & bringing it.  As soon as we come up for air from one collab, they hit us with the next one! You must forgive me - I know I've been doing a lot of talking about H&M lately, but these designer collections have been insane! There are no words to describe the excitement about this next one, being that Sonia Rykiel is in my Top 5 List of Favourite designers|labels in the whole entire world! Take a peek at her creative genius through the years:

{Top Left: Last year's Obama Mania} {Top Right: Fashionistas in yummy colorful striped chunky knits} {Center:  Amazing sheer signature stripes lingerie}  {Bottom Left and Right: How about her Anniversary Collection that featured clothing made in her likeness... a dress and jacket cleverly constructed to look like her face and actual hair?? Absolute brilliance!}

{At the very Bottom:  A recent Sonia Rykiel Ad Campaign}

DO YOU SEE THIS WOMAN'S WORK??? Best known for to-die-for luxurious & masterful knits, so what do you suppose she will she be producing for H&M?? You guessed it... KNITS!  Sonia will also create a luxe lingerie line for H&M which will also be sold in her own boutiques {she's the first designer to do this with a collaboration}!

The first collection comprised of fall/winter pieces drops in early December, and a spring/summer line will follow sometime in February 2010. How on earth will we sit still between now and then???? More details to come. Move out of my way!

LTLY,

Roni♥


Images via: Sonia Rykiel & Nitrolicious

BEHOLD the BILLION DOLLAR BABES!

RSVP RIGHT HERE!

{Check in with me first thing Friday morning before heading to over to BDB for "Shopping Money"!}

LTLY,


Roni♥

JIMMY CHOO and H&M HEAT UP the HWOOD HILLS

The sparkling LA skyline was the backdrop at last night's launch party for the much anticipated Jimmy Choo-H&M collaboration that will land in stores November 14th.  The star-studded affair was held at a private residence just above the Sunset Strip, and the beautiful ones came out in full support.

Models posed by the pool in pieces from the new line, while guests Paris & Nicky Hilton, Hayden Pannettiere, Olivia Wilde and Jimmy Choo Founder & President Tamara Mellon also paid homage to the luxurious capsule collection.  Paris {below - left} and her mom, Kathy Hilton both carried a delicious hot pink pill clutch, Tamara represented in the sizzling black leather dress and signature black stillettos and Hayden rocked the sequined track-jacket-esque cardigan.

Stacy Dash {{above - center} of 'Clueless' fame}, Lisa Rinna & Harry Hamlin, MIA {{above -right}who performed in the H&M/Choo thigh-high boots}, Rashida Jones {daughter of Q}, Brett Ratner, Sheryl Crow, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and Gabrielle Reece were amongst the bevy of familiar faces in attendance.

The leopard clutch, and the signature stilletto from this collection are at the top of my list.

LTLY,


Roni♥



Images via: H&M and WireImage

STELLA McCARTNEY DOES BABY GAP!

Who doesn't love the Gap? Well, Stella McCartney + the Gap = a baby! On November 2, 2009, Stella M. & Baby Gap/Gap Kids will launch a capsule collection by the famous British fashion designer! The line {perfectly timed for the holiday shopping season} will hit select stores in the U.S., Canada & online on 11/2, and will follow in the U.K., France, Ireland & Japan on 11/3.

[One exception to this are the peeps in NYC, who will get to see an early preview "in the 'white space' adjacent to the 680 5th Ave. location in Manhattan." {according to Stylist.com}]

The line features bite-sized versions of some of Stella's popular ready-to-wear pieces and celebrates her use of cruelty-free fabrics & natural fabrics {No leather - per usual for McCartney}.  In sizes that will range from newborn to age 12, the collection, priced at $14 - $128 includes:  

• Skinny gray jeans with ankle zippers  {To be worn with baby Louboutins or Choos.}
• Military|marching band style jacket {I have no words for this. Need to see it in the smallest size possible to believe it!}
• Navy wool peacoat  {For the crisp & fashion-forward NYC & other East Coast bambinos!}
• Organic denim jeans
• Organic cotton t-shirts
• Navy blazer {Where is the baby going in this? To a job interview? I LOVE it!}
• Silk collarless shirts  {Tucked into a pencil skirt, maybe? Wait... do they even MAKE them for babies? }
• Snug gray cable-knit cardigan dress {Note to Self. Yes, I can shop in the kids section sometimes. Don't hate.}
• Gray knit sweater dress with intarsia leopard design {Note to Self. Yes, I can shop in the kids section sometimes. Don't hate.}

High fashion for children is a BRILLIANT concept. Why not?? Fashion is an art form, and a visual way of expressing a mood, feeling or point-of-view.  Why should one have to wait until adulthood to partake in the process?  My fashionable little nieces S&M and nephew R are about to SCORE (and so am I, perhaps)! This is just insane.  Stella M. has outdone herself. What's even cuter about it all, are the models in the Gap's campaign for the collaboration.  She found them on FaceBook! 



LTLY,




Roni♥  



{Photos via:  Gap, WWD & Nitrolicious!}

NIGEL RAMSAY: SPRING|SUMMER|FALL|WINTER|RESORT

View highlights from fashion designer Nigel Ramsay's 'The Butterfly Effect', a showing of his FW2009|SS2010|Resort collection shown at the City Hall Atrium Lobby in Hartford, Connecticut on October 10th.

Fluid maxi-dresses {including a stand-out red signature model}; elegant jumpsuits in tafettas, cottons and knits and versatile tweed pantsuits stood alongside the showstopper finale piece de resistance:  a vintage Nigel Ramsay ethnic-inspired gold couture wedding gown.  NOR, the designer's menswear label was also featured in the show on a small handful of chiseled male models

An eclectic & multi-cultural mix hit the runway in this beautiful and unique show {including several statuesque African, Jamaican & Latina models}, with an array of physical shapes & sizes-many rocking full, ethnic afros adorned with butterflies.  Ramsay is known for embracing the beauty of women of all ages, shapes & sizes. {One of the designer's stunning models is over 50 years old! See if you can guess which one}!

Visit www.nigelramsay.com to view the full collection and limited edition items.

LTLY,


Roni♥

ARE WE IN HELLO KITTY HEAVEN??

First name, Hello, last name, Kitty is 35 years old!!! In commemoration, SANRIO is doing it big with a multi-dimensional exhibition and celebration of all things Hello Kitty!!  The exhibition is cleverly named, "Three Apples" - a nod to Hello Kitty's weight {as listed in her official bio}! How cute is this?!?  SANRIO partnered with over 80 acclaimed artists who were invited to interpret their creative vision of Hello Kitty in unique, original works that will be on display and for sale!! OMG!

This is a landmark event - the first that SANRIO has ever produced for Hello Kitty fans in North America! The entire exhibition {which officially opened today} will go from October 23rd to November 15th in Culver City, California {~aka~ LA}, is free of charge and will appeal to HK fans of all ages!!

If you aren't based in LA or at least bi-coastal, I suggest you hurry up & pull together a vacation, business trip or something immediately, and get here to see this awesome "Pop-Culture-Meets-Art" masterpiece!  I somehow missed the memo on the star-studded opening night event last night, and I am just too sick about it!  Looks like Paris Hilton and my fellow Taurean & HK lover Kimora Lee Simmons {with the adorable Ming & Aoki} were there.  I'm sure it was a spectacular evening and even more sure that the the gift bags were delicious! {I'll have to do some research to see what was in the bags}!  Suddenly, my weekend plans have changed...I'm going to HK Candyland - I'm so obsessed! I'll be there in my treasured Pinkhead by Tarina Tarantino HK necklace!!


LTLY,


Roni♥



{ Photos via:  The Food Librarian, Just Jenn , Flavorwire and Nitrolicious ! }

THE "HIGH STYLE" OF BETSY BLOOMINGDALE

I had the pleasure of attending the opening night gala for the "Betsy Bloomingdale: The Haute Couture" exhibit at FIDM in Los Angeles this past Saturday. The elegant white carpet|black tie affair was held beneath a glamorous clear tent in the courtyard of FIDM's Downtown LA campus.  Among the crowd was Ms. Bloomingdale herself, Nick Verreros {Project Runway Alum}, and me {in a slinkly giraffe-print backless jumpsuit}.

The mixed-media exhibit showcases couture pieces from Ms. Bloomingdale's wardrobe from the 1960's all the way to the present. Each item features a description detailing the designer, information about the garment and where & when B. Bloomingdale wore it. A book titled, "Entertaining at Home with Betsy Bloomingdale" is also on display.  Clearly, she was a woman of distinction, style, grace and elegance. 

This photo is iconic. So 70's socialite chic.

Betsy Bloomingdale arriving at her daughter's wedding in Los Angeles, 1974.

"The Fabulous Life of B. Bloomingdale" could have easy been the name of this retrospective, which was certainly an inspiration to live a life extraordinary enough that your belongings would later be curated into a celebrated art exhibit! Who is Betsy Bloomingdale? She was once the wife of an heir to the Bloomingdales dynasty, a socialite, and best friend of former first lady Nancy Reagan.

I fell head over heels for a stunning mint green knit one-shouldered floor length column dress that needs to be put into production immediately, circa now {can't recall the designer, but it's been eating at me so I know I'll be going back to confirm}.  Go see for yourself.  Exhibit at FIDM from October 21, 2009 - December 13, 2009. Wednesday - Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Free.

@ FIDM | 919 South Grand Ave. | Los Angeles, CA  90015

LTLY,





Roni♥