Japan offered master printmakers, Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke so much inspiration all they had to do was keep it simple and let the prints shine.   Basso & Brooke Spring 2009 was beautiful and interesting.    It was an almost dizzying array of furiious collages of pattern, some of them beaded, or over-embroidered, or crystallized by Swarovski for added eye appeal.

Japan also provided the origami-like pleating and folding effects that drew simple jersey shift shapes in at the waist or puckered the fabric of a sheer blouse so it looked like a huge ruffle round the neck (below).

The Raouda Assaf’s shoes (the heels artfully carved like Japanese ivory) and Stephen Jones’ headpieces were a beautiful touch.

Anyone already looking for Halloween costumes or just more dress-up do-dads for your little girl?

Ellie Bellie Kids makes the sweetest tutus for little girls.

Simply adorned with beautiful stain bows, and delicate tuile ends, they are poofy and colorful, just what any twirling ballerina is looking for. Plus, they are reversible - pink on one side, purple on the other. Imagine that!

Size 0-2  $53

Size 3-6  $58

Available online.

We love the watermelon colors!

I am officially in love with Scottsdale based Babycakes.

These elegant and practical gifts for mother-to-be and baby are exquisitely made.

Included in each cake are a variety of baby garments, blankets, playtime toys and mementos for Mom. Heirloom treasures - Tiffany spoon, Jay Strongwater booties, Limoge box or cuddly bear top off the cakes.

Founder, Hilary Rubin, entrepreneur, real estate developer and mother of two boys has lovely taste.

Available in 3, 2 and 1 tiered cakes and shipped everywhere.

Thank goodness they’re not edible, or we’d all need to detox.

Alessandra Facchinetti of Valentino showcased a beautiful Fall collection in Paris earlier this year (February 28, 2008).  She embraces Valentino’s timeless design, “taking something from the cleanliness of the sixties structure, but at the same time making things soft and light.”

Love the frothy blouse paired with the tailored champagne skirt (above) and the delicate off-white chiffon sleeveless dress with a belled, multi-layered feathery skirt, belted with an enameled metal bow. So pretty.

There is an air of fragility, precision, and pristine finish in these designs that work for any modern Valentino girl.

Love the immaculately cut black coat (above left) with a beautiful uprising scroll of a flounce in the back over a fluttery pink chiffon dress.

Everything is beautiful and romantic, but not too sweet.

Source: Style

Elie Saab Fall 2008 Couture Collection - Amazing.  Lovely, feminine and intricate.  His attention to detail is gorgeous. My only request would have been a bit more color in the collection.

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Fall 2008 - A mixed bouquet of mind bending color and elaborate details. Excessive, but surprisingly delightful.

I’m speechless.

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