StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

It's Bridal Fashion Week!

On this week's edition of "Inside In Style" on CNN.com, I caught up with PARIS accessories designer Deborah Moreland at the Warwick Hotel in New York City and got the dish on how brides should dress up their dresses.  (Hint: the tiara is old news -- try a headwrap on for size to indulge your princess fantasy)

I broke it all down with my pals at CNN.com...

Check out more fab celeb pix from Fashion Week HERE!

J Alexander of "America's Next Top Model" had lots to say about models, trends and more backstage in the MAC Cosmetics VIP lounge...

As a big fan of all things POP, I am always mesmerized by products inspired by POP-CULTURE and POP-ART that boast both form and function -- particularly when said products look like kids' toys.

I suppose for many these products do double as kids' toys, but due to their inherent functionality, I also consider them "adult toys" (in the most innocent way, of course; but that headline got your attention, didn't it?)

Take a look at three I'm currently coveting:

1. TOY WATCH'S NEW NEON PLASTERAMIC, $195

Like a swankier Swatch (my all-time favorite), Toy Watch nods to the neon trend with this bright series.  Considering the continuation of the all-things-colorful trend, TheCoolhunter.net makes a wise observation: "..the Toy Watch could be the new RayBan Wayfarer."

2. DREAM KITTY'S SOLAR-POWERED HELLO KITTY CHARGING STATION, $159.99

This 5x3-inch, eco-friendly charger powers to full capacity after 6 hours in the sunlight, or after about 1 hour plugged-in.  Charge computers, cameras, cell phones and MP3 players.  The charger even has a built-in LED that provides 48 hours of interrupted light.

3.  MIMOBOT USB FLASH DRIVE, from $39.95

Launched in 2005 by mimoco (MEE-mo-co), these limited edition artist-designed flash drives carry all the typical tech-y stuff (files, pictures, documents, presentations) without making you yawn --- or yearn for something chic.  There's something very Gwen Stefani/Harajuku Lovers about these cute little pals...I like the stripes and bears, but there's also a Princess Leia version for those truly pop-culture obsessed.

WANNA PLAY????

Clockwise from top left:  Milly by Michelle Smith, Spring 2008 collection; Joie sandals, $245 at ShopBop; Jonathan Adler "ropes" wallpaper, $195/roll at Jonathan Adler; Gurkees Tobago rope sandals, $28 (!), at Gurkees

I love anything with nautical rope accents, and I'm only placing partial blame upon NYC's new(ish) nautical haunt, The Rusty Knot, that I told you about a couple months ago.

I also blame my charming, historic neighborhood -- the South Street Seaport -- where anything salty and seaworthy earns instant style points (there's even a chic pet boutique called The Salty Paw, complete with anchor pull-toys and homemade fish-shaped biscuits).

Seersucker shorts, $120, Opening Ceremony for Screaming Mimi's (available May 23rd exclusively at Screaming Mimi's seasonal shop in Montauk, Long Island and their Manhattan boutique)

And while I'm  scapegoating, I'll also call out The Sea Shell Shop in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where I've been sucked in by (sometimes silly) seaside souvenirs since the age of two.   During my most recent visit, I scored a set of monkey's-fist rope coasters for about $6.

A luxe twist on the classic sailor's bracelet
Bottega Veneta, $170 at Saks Fifth Avenue

My favorite interiors and lifestyle guru, Jonathan Adler, recently launched his Wauwinet collection tagged with the suggestion: "think beach grass, boat shoes, sand dunes, and cocktails at five."  At the top of my list is the Wauwinet mirror, which will look great above the small Heywood Wakefield dresser in my hallway.   I'm also coveting his new "ropes" wallpaper (top), which I would custom order in black and white to avoid an overtly preppy look.

Castaner slingback platform at Vivre, $325 (I especially love the black satin pair; the dressed-up fabric upper paired with the rugged rope heel is an unexpected -- and superchic -- contrast)

My rope-is-dope mentality is anything but new, yet I am especially excited because designers are wrapped up with it this season... 

Silver and rope collection by Vellum, from $250 at Vivre

And, of course, that means there is boatloads of booty to buy.

Water optional.

I'm loving this Sergio Rossi "splash patent paintdrip peep toe" (try saying that five times fast), because it allows you to partake in this season's painterly trend without looking artsy-craftsy.

$495 at Sergio Rossi

What shoe are YOU lusting after??  Send me a link!  I'll feature the hottest pair right here on STYLE SPY next week...

Reminder: Fantasy trumps practicality

THIS JUST IN FROM MR. HUSBAND: VANS "PAINT DRIP SLIP" Sk8-Hi


Check out KicksOnFire for more info



NO WONDER WE MAKE SUCH A PERFECT PAIR...(har)

Gwyneth chopped off her Rapunzel-esque locks in favor of a modern shoulder-length bob, and she's been stepping out at premieres in rockin' mini dresses and high-fashion frocks.  She looks sexy.  She looks elegant.  She looks chic. She looks like a movie star (duh).  AND she's a Mom.

Antony Jones/Abaca

Despite all this, every day I find a new blog post or article slamming her for getting her hair cut "daringly short" (to be read with a disapproving, ominous tone) or chastising her for dressing "slutty" or suggesting "firing her stylist."  That is not to say that there haven't been rave reviews -- The Daily Mail wrote about "The Gwyneth Effect," crediting the long-limbed stunner for inspiring skyrocketing sales of skyscraper stilettos in London during the past week -- but I'm simply flabbergasted by those who need to cast stones.

Today, for example, pictures surfaced of Gwyneth wearing a 70's-inspired jumpsuit by Stella McCartney.  She looked great.  It fit her like a glove (someone sniped that there were wrinkles in the leg region -- well guess what, celebs have to sit down when they ride in cars and generally don't have their outfits steamed between exiting a limo and stepping onto the carpet). She took a risk, and it worked.

In fact, I tried on a khaki Tibi jumpsuit while shopping in NYC last weekend, and I just saw Karen Millen's Fall 2008 press preview this week which prominently featured an elegant trouser jumpsuit.  Furthermore, jumpsuits were all over the runways at the Fall 2008 shows, and mark my words, I bet many of her critics will end up wearing them -- or wishing they could wear them -- in five months.  This is what it means to be fashion forward. 

Gwyneth undoubtedly has the body to carry these fashionable ensembles (perhaps workout buddy Madonna is an inspiration?).  She's looks sexy yet tasteful. She's not endangering her children. She's not dancing on tables.  She didn't shave her head.  She's simply doing her job.

I say stop trashing my golden girl Gwyneth.  We're not in 7th grade anymore (thank God), and it's time to stop being catty -- especially when someone looks stunning.  Are we really that insecure?

Sure I'd love to have her legs, her wardrobe, her fame and her bank account, but I don't.  Those things belong to her, and that's ok.  Why try to feel better about yourself by knocking a celebrity off her pedestal, especially when we're largely responsible for putting her there in the first place?

I want to know:
Why is everyone being so harsh on Gwynnie?
Do you love or hate the new look and WHY?

Maxi dresses aren't a new phenomenon.  Not only do they hold a solid place in fashion history, but Nicole Richie made vintage and boho styles her uniform well over a year ago, pairing them with face-obscuring shades.  Angelina Jolie followed, selecting Rachel Pally sundresses as her latest pregnancy wardrobe essential. 

The viability of floor-sweeping hemlines is still strong, yet while this summer's maxi maintains bohemian flair, it's lost its Kumbaya vibe in favor of sleek elegance (something to keep in mind when choosing your accessories; opt for rich gold jewelry and a blazer rather than a sloppy hobo bag and a head scarf).  Think rooftop party in Marrakesh rather than muddy feet at Woodstock.

Katie Holmes wears it right
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage

Before heading to Miami last week I hit Henri Bendel's on Fifth Avenue in search of wardrobe options.  It wasn't until I stripped in the fitting room that I realized every piece I had pulled off the rack was a long day dress.  I tried on a strapless, ombre column; a bright silk skimmer from Alice & Olivia; and a Hawaiian-inspired floral number by Tracy Feith.  I ended up buying not one but two Diane von Furstenbergs, each with a totally different attitude:

Shop now at DVF.com

A slinky retro halter and a breezy multicolored wrap, which I didn't top off with a hat (sidenote: Molly Sims has been snapped wearing a similar dress).

The best part about these dresses is that with a speedy accessories switch they can go from brunch to a beach wedding -- both of which I have coming up on my calendar.

Cheers to the maxi dress!

Tawny, trim tennis ace Maria Sharapova turned 21 this week.  In addition to a star-studded celebration hosted by Tag Heuer complete with a red (er, black) carpet, Ms. Sharapova was decked out in Lanvin for her candle-blowing bash. 


Neil Rasmus/PatrickMcMullan.com/Sipa Press

The press release from Lanvin reads: "Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova looked beautiful at her birthday party last night in a cocktail dress by Lanvin.  For this special occasion, Maria selected Lanvin’s turquoise washed silk gazar ruffle scoop back dress accented by a black elastic belt with a flower enamel buckle."

Yes, there was actually a press release.  Celebrity "special occasions" (whether birthdays or bridal showers or baby showers) have become viable alternatives to the traditional red carpet scenario.  Celebrants are now asked "Who are you wearing?" by reporters rather than "What did you get?" by friends.

But this decadence and indulgence isn't just for starlets.  Birthday parties for adults -- whether or not said reveler is a celebrity -- are getting increasingly sumptuous. 

I've recently been invited to a fete at which the guest of honor has planned "a vignette performance of Swan Lake" in honor of her birthday.  Another gentleman recently celebrated his 40th at a chic downtown bash masterminded by the exclusive Supper Club of New York.  And yet another requested that those lucky enough to be on the very short guest list at his Bungalow 8 soiree donate a specified sum to his favorite charity.

In addition to the location, the guest list and the entertainment, the wardrobe selection -- just like it is for celebs -- is of the utmost importance.  There will be photos taken, of course, most likely by a paparazzi-esque snapper hired specifically for the event.  There will be stares, perhaps even gawkers, as the birthday girl steps from her car and takes those few precious, public steps into the restaurant, club, theater or ice-skating rink. 

The adult birthday party has become an opportunity to be fabulous and to remind everyone else how fabulous you are.  Who doesn't want to be a star for a day?  And then again for another day the following year?!  I'm kind of loving this concept.  It's like being a kid all over again, when that big day was so deliciously all about you.  The only difference is that now you can have champagne with your cake instead of milk.

What do you think of these over-the-top celebrations of self?  What would your dream birthday bash be like if money were no object?  Dare to dream...

I'm thinking private island, pina coladas and horseback riding with about thirty of my nearest and dearest...Oh, and Magnolia chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting, of course.

And you...?

I just got back from Miami Beach (work and play), and during my visit I stumbled upon an amazing boutique on Ocean Drive: TAJ by Sabrina.



Shop owner Sabrina Crippa not only stocks sweet, summery pieces by Tibi and Milly, but she is also entering the second year of designing her own label -- and her collection alone is worth a trip to the shop. 



Beautiful cotton and silk tunic tops, dresses and leather sandals embellished with the most dazzling beads, gems and stones reflect Sabrina's globally-inspired aesthetic. 



Sabrina (above, showing one of her designs) grew up outside Milan, and regularly visits Morocco, Africa and India, but Miami has been her home since 1999.

In a season in which global-inspired items should be at the top of your shopping list, Sabrina's collection will make you look and feel as if you've traveled the world and brought back one-of-a-kind treasures.  I'm just happy I got to bring back one such treasure (which was definitely not enough!) from Miami.



Shop for Taj by Sabrina at HeidiKlein.com OR call 305.761.6883 for more information.

Check out my complete Miami Beach wrap-up on CNN.com where you can also check out my weekly show "Inside InStyle"!