My Wish List

This week’s wish list is an array of vibrant pops of color and a few basic pieces to balance the mix. Miu Miu’s glitter platforms are the answer to Southern California’s June gloom but will also feel right at home in the sunny rays of Miami, Florida. How fun to wear them with Love Moschino’s cut offs, even more fun now that they are on sale ($69)! Being that it’s sale time, there are a few other goodies at prices to great to let them slip through your fingers – Suno “Harvest” skirt on sale at Barney’s for $109 from $265 & Raquel Allegra tee on sale for $88 from $220.

Kate Spade’s snakeskin clutch, in a brilliant sunburst orange, might not be on sale but with how much use you’ll get out of it, it is worth every penny. I know I’ll be wearing mine with everything – from my LBD’s to short suits to my favorite pair of denim skinnies. And since we are talking wish lists, Missoni Home’s Neda down filled sateen pillow, for $420.00, would be right at home on my couch.

Are you coveting something special, share with us!

Clockwise from top left: Kate Spade A La Vita Clutch $468.00 www.katespade.com, Miu Miu Glitter Platform Peep-Toes $607.00 www.mytheresa.com, Love Moschino $123 on sale for $69.00 www.yoox.com, Missoni Home Large Neda Down Filled Sateen Cushion $420.00 www.netaporter.com, Suno Harvest Skort $265 on sale for $109 www.barneys.com, Raquel Allegra Printed Cotton-Blend jersey T-Shirt $220 on sale for $88.00 www.netaporter.com.

Designer Profile: Raquel Allegra

Raquel Allegra, a Los Angeles based designer, working at Barneys New York as a sale assistant, says it was her clients constantly “harassing” her with compliments about her d-i-y shirts which motivated her to venture out into the world of design. In 2006 Raquel became famous for turning reclaimed L.A. County Jail tees into one-of-a-kind shirts with her signature shredding and tie-dye technique. A following of celebrities ensued — Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Penelope Cruz – who were obsessed with her uber soft deconstructed tees worn with their skinny jeans. It made for the perfect marriage of urban edge and sexiness.

Raquel has built her t-shirt phenomenon into a full-scale clothing line with editors, stylists and savvy consumers admiring the ethereal and informal beauty of the pieces. She can now be found in Barneys New York, Fred Segal and Maxfields in Los Angeles. Abroad, Liberty of London and Harvey Nichols carry the line. Recently, she has launched an e-commerce store with much success.

For spring 2012, her collection is more refined and grown-up than ever while maintaining its bohemian roots.  Although her t-shirts are still a mainstay, Raquel has broadened the line with blazers, skirts, and stretch-lace tops that border on provocative.  In general, her silhouettes are dressed up in earthy shades with touches of bold cobalt, retro-red, black and white, which might work in some office atmospheres but are perfect for an after work martini. Raquel’s new prints were created by photographing her archives of tie-dies, and reconfiguring them. The effect is tribal-meets-Op Art, which emblazons breezy shirt dresses, tees and jersey jumpers, as well as Raquel’s more structured blazers and shorts.

Having already sold out at Net-A-Porter, you can bet Barney’s will likely do the same!

Clockwise from top left: Stretch-lace Top $465.00 www.netaporter.com, Shredded Oversized Jersey Dress $380.00 www.netaporter.com, Cropped Angora-Blend Boucle & Leather Jacket $ 1, 030 www.netaporter.com, Asymmetric Shred Top $282 on sale for $109.00 www.barneys.com.