Pretty in Pucci

I am a big fan of photographer Juergen Teller, who is most notorious for his off-kilter and over-exposed flash photographs in Marc Jacob’s campaigns. This time Mariacarla Boscono is the itgirl for Emilio Pucci’s Fall 2008 ad campaign. And she’s perfect. The Italian model, known for her mod, swanky style, was the right choice for the label’s latest campaign, replacing Malgosia Bela in S/S 08. I’m thinking Pucci’s psychedelic prints are pulled off better by Mariacarlo. Her hair is a rich, luscious chocolate, her skin is rightly porcelain. And she’s not lost in those crazy-color extravagant maxi dresses, fur, head scarves–no dread of suffocation here! Her bouncy hair adds to the sense and style. A large cobalt bag with shimmery plum python and cube gladiator heels spells fun. And the backdrop is dramatic, fittingly Pucci, the marble, the statues, the piano–did I mention Pucci is Italian?

P.S. Psss…Pucci is currently looking at their design assistants to become the new Creative Director as Matthew Williamson has resigned to focus on his namesake business. I want to design for Pucci!

Super Sample Sales in LA

Often times friends and coworkers see the clothes I strut around the office or at MOCA events. And they ask how I buy the things I wear. A Mike and Chris s/s 07 metallic nylon jacket?!  Hmm?  Everyone knows my job doesn’t nearly pay as much as I would have wished for. So how do I keep my wardrobe updated? The secret is samples sales. I love them, and one of the perks of working in Downtown is that it’s only a hop, skip, and trot away from the Cooper Design Building, where most small to mid designers host their sample sales. With only an hour for lunch, I brave the Downtown foot traffic, yes to the other side of Grand Central Market by Broadway, in my Marc Jacobs square-toe pumps. The FIDM students add to the shopping frenzy, or should I say fiestiness! Anyhoo, Daily Candy LA published this weekend’s shopping guide and I say yes! to the following:

I’m eyeing these pieces. A powder blue mesh tank to go with black lame tights. Or a polka dot woven shirt for the unexpected intelligentsia geeky chic in me.  Both found at Rodan vs. Griffith on 3rd.

Happy shopping! 

Multidesigner Sample Sale
What: Annie Costello Brown leather accessories and clothing from Wren and Magda Berliner all priced $10-$200.
Why: Saleallujah!
When: Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Rodan vs. Griffith, 8207 W. Third St., b/t La Jolla & Sweetzer Aves. (323-951-9220‎).

Lauren Moffatt Sample Sale
What: Samples and overstock going for up to 80 percent off retail (which put her darling summer dresses around $80).
Why: Little Miss Moffatt.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at Ninth St., ste. 533, Downtown. Cash only.

Happy LA One-Year Anniversary Sale
What: Up to half off spring and summer clothing from Mike & Chris, Raven Tailored, Genetic Denim, and more.
Why: C’mon get happy.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 542½ Palisades Dr., off W. Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades (310-459-5511).

The Man Shorts

I’m very much admiring the man shorts. I would like to think this was shot in Socal and so the J.CREW-like locales are an easy reach for me.  Here’s a glimpse of new england/nantucket island/east coast styles of the myriad of ways a man can wear his cut-off shorts.

(Clockwise from left: Cotton stretch jeans (cut to a seven-inch inseam), $68 at American Apparel; Levi’s 527 jeans, cut to a seven-inch inseam, $68 at levis.com; Striped cotton shorts (cut to a seven-inch inseam), $49.50 at Banana Republic; Steve Vintage plaid cotton cutoffs (cut to a six-inch inseam), $62 at Item in Provincetown; Obedient Sons khaki cutoffs (cut to a six-inch inseam), $128 at Item; Weathered sweat pants (cut to a five-inch inseam), $79.50 at Polo Ralph Lauren)

Photos: Dean Isidro for The New York Times

The boyf pulls off denim cut-offs very, very well. The key is lusty calves.