silk

You can't get a much more luxurious blanket than a mink throw. The Sophia Mink Throw from Frette is an ultra-soft, plush blanket made of 100% mink on top and silky 100% silk on the bottom. The silk picks up on body heat instantly without getting itchy, like cashmere or some other materials can, while the mink adds heft to hold in the warmth. It measures 53.1-in. by 14.6-in. Price: $14,000.

Designed by Sovereign Beck, a New York-based pair of designers, Perspective Ties are a lovely variation on a traditional striped tie. The ties come in navy and asphalt gray and feature cleverly spaced lines that create a horizon just in the center of the tie. The illusion is subtle, but somewhat mezmerizing, so don't be surprised if you catch someone staring at it - particularly if you're in a dull meeting. It is 100% silk. Price: $90.

Even though it didn't work on Seinfeld, that hasn't stopped designers from trying to bring back the puffy shirt. Perhaps there is some influence from the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie and they think that there is an underserved part of the population that wants to look like pirates? A traditional button-down shirt is the base for Fendi's Puffy Silk Blouse, complete with front pocket. It is embelished with golden F-logo buttons, a pleated silk tie and puffy three-quarter sleeves, also pleated. Price: $1,690.

When horizontal stripes can back in style, it was hard to tell if they were going to stick around or have only a short shelf life. They stuck around for a season or so, but as designers moved from winter and spring onto summer, they needed to do something different with the pattern. They went nautical. After all, it's not a big jump from stripes to sailors, when you consider that the traditional sailors' outfits that are played up in films and histories consist largely of navy-and-white stripes.

You can see the look in the summer/fall Balenciaga collection, which had a sailor outfit showcased in Harper's Bazaar, and in the New York Times, which wrote up a piece highlighting the nautical tattoo-inspired designs at Sailor Jerry. For something in between those two style extremes, try an outfit like this Crossback Dress by Nina Ricci. It has the blue and white sailor stripes, but wraps them around the body on a thick ribbon, instead of using the pattern on the dress itself. The white dress is made of silk and is fully lined, with flattering, flowing pleats. Price: $3,290.

Vera Bradley's line of affordable luxury products makes the design house's widely popular. Buyers in all age groups and income brackets have pushed sales to over $100 million annually. It's a great recommendation for the quality of the products, like this Limited Edition Kelly handbag. The designer started making bags and luggage with quilted cotton, but the Kelly bag is made of bright, patterned silk. The pleated crescent shape and wooden handles give it a fun, retro look and make it both roomy and easy to carry. Inside, the purse is lined with bright pink to contrast with the tropical blue exterior. Price: $69.

Nothing makes a big, well-publicized event as exciting as a wardrobe malfunction, but I will admit that it is more exciting at a sporting event than a fashion one. With all the costume changes and models running around backstage, trying to fit into samples of various clothing, it isn’t surprising that, from time to time, there will be a malfunction. In India, a recent show seemed plagued with malfunctions and, given the conservative nature of the media and guests in attendance, it created quite a stir.

Personally, I was much more interested in the clothes that were being shown than the media uproar that followed. Indian Fashion Week mega-show featured Indian designers, like Anupama Dayal and Shahzad Kalim and was full of silken, flowing skirts, vibrant colors, corset tops and lots of accessories, including embroidery and lace on the clothing. Dayal’s designs in particular were gorgeous and I have heard that some will be exported to parts of Europe and the US in the coming months. Anyone have any leads on a store, yet?

[Image Reuters]