Ad Obsession: Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2010

As I was perusing blogs on my google reader this morning, I came across RDuJour's post on Tommy Hilfiger's new ad campaign for Spring/Summer 2010. Hilfiger's American Stories advertising initiative which began in 2009 continues this season on Miami beach with images of classic Americana (what can be more American that frolicking on the beach in chinos, denim and nautical-themed sportswear?!) in his Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaign.

images via RuDuJour blog

American Stories was shot at various locations including the historic Raleigh hotel (built in 1940 by renowned architect Lawrence Murray Dixon) by photographer Ellen Von Unwerth. Featuring models Anna Jagodzinska, Jamie Strachan and Noah Mills the photos have a definite 1970's retro feel and exude the essence of the relaxed, classic American style. Is anyone else feeling a bit nostalgic for idyllic summers spent at the beach?

xxKP

Just Because...

...today would be a perfect day for a Vespa ride - don't you agree?

image via The Sartorialist: On The Street: Blue on Blue, Milano

I've always wanted a mint green Vespa, but this sky blue beauty would do for a spin around the city on such a lovely Spring day as today!

xxKP

Ad Obsession: Hermès Spring 2010

Don't you just love the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of these Hermès scarves? This ad has me daydreaming about restful summer naps on the beach with the sound of the ocean in the background - such bliss! Another beautiful day in the city comes with the promise that this seaside scenario is just around the corner...

image via Bee Lux blog

But for now, my roof deck will have to do!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xxKP

Modern Minimalist: Celine Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Pheobe Philo's Spring 2010 collection for Celine epitomized chic, luxe Parisian sportswear and set the bar high for her sophomore collection which debuted earlier this month during Paris Fashion Week. Happily, the Celine Fall 2010 collection did not disappoint and provided plenty of wearable, modern, minimalist silhouettes with a particularly strong outwear offering.

images via Style.com

Philo's beautiful designs for Celine will surely become wardrobe staples for years to come for some very lucky ladies!

xxKP

If It Looks Like Spring and It Feels Like Spring...

...is it really Spring yet? After surviving our fair share of "Snowmageddons" this winter in New York City, it's no surprise that I'm somewhat hesitant to believe that this string of days with gorgeous weather isn't just some cruel meteorological fluke. Does someone have a Farmer's Almanac I can consult (and by Farmer's Almanac, I mean the April issue of Vogue)?

image via Fashion Gone Rogue

What's that? Ah ha! That's Vogue's annual Shape Issue (with a very svelte post-baby bump looking Gisele on the cover) - the seasonal harbinger of Spring!

Open your windows, break out the sandals and store you winter coats! You can rest easy tonight knowing that Anna W. has given the climate Gods That Be a stern talking to -- luckily for us, Anna is nothing if not convincing (have you seen The September Issue??)

xxKP

Aquamarine: March Birthstone

Joyeux Anniversaire!

If you were born in the month of March perhaps you are aware that your modern birthstone is Aquamarine, but you may not know that this gemstone has been historically linked with the ocean for centuries. The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin "aqua" meaning water and "mare" meaning sea. The first documented use of Aquamarine is around 480 to 300 BC by the Greeks. They believed that wearing an amulet of aquamarine would ensure the safe passage of boats through stormy waters and instill fearlessness in the sailors who wore the gem. Appropriately, Aquamarine, with its water-like blue-green hue, was labeled as the sailors' gem.

Clockwise from top: Diamond Trifoil Earrings by Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry; Khaki 3/4 Sleeve Jacket by Malene Birger; White Cotton-tweed Dress by Lela Rose; Umbrella by Moschino; Diamond Undulating Bangle by Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry; Granulation Bangle by Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry; The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia; Blue Partay Medium Python bag by Chloe; Nude Patent Ballet Flats by Alaïa; Patent Leather d'Orsay with Bow Detail Pump by Valentino; Large Linen Suitcase available on www.mysugarland.co.uk; Aquamarine Granulation Stacking Ring by Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry.

Today Aquamarine is known more for its beautiful color, ranging from pale blue to sea-green to teal, than for its lore. I hope you enjoy the Polyvore set that I've created, built around the popular March birthstone! Click here to learn more about the Aquamarine Granulation Stacking Ring included in this set.

xxKP

PS - Can you tell that I'm in a traveling mood? Time to dust that passport off!

Gem Gossip's DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Kristin Pasternak Jewelry

If you like your jewelry served with a little side of history as I do, I recommend that you find your way over to the blog Gem Gossip and dig in! I've particularly enjoyed GG blogger, Danielle's recent posts Titanic Lost Jewelry: The Artifact Exhibition and The Antique Jewelry in the Movie: The Young Victoria which offer some fascinating facts about jewelry in a historical context.

I've had the pleasure of communicating with Danielle over the past couple of months and I have participated in a couple of her very popular Show Me Your Rings posts. When I received an email from Danielle a couple of weeks ago to discuss the possibility of doing a Designer Spotlight on Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry, I was extremely flattered to be considered especially given the talented roster of past designers (think Nicole Landaw, Karen Karch and C Greene) that have been featured in Gem Gossip's Designer Spotlight.

I learned last Thursday that Danielle had posted the blog and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome! Below is Gem Gossip's DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT on Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry:

To read the entire post, click here. And don't forget to add Gem Gossip to your RSS feed!

Merci beaucoup, Danielle!

xxKP

NY Times T Magazine Blog Weighs in on "The Khaki Brigade"

If a twelve page spread in March Vogue and a post from street-style demigod Garance Doré didn't convince you to fall in line with the Khaki cult for the Spring/Summer season, perhaps the NY Times T Magazine blog titled "The Khaki Brigade" will persuade you to enlist.

images via NY Times T Magazine

I especially love the pairing of black and khaki in the first image. Styling black with khaki is a great weather-appropriate way to begin transitioning the neutral hue into the Spring season now.

So while you're waiting for the warm weather to arrive in NYC, why not spend a little time daydreaming about your Spring wardrobe?! To view the blog and check out the rest of the images, click here.

xxKP