Au Revoir Summer, Bonjour France

Currently en route to my favorite city in the world Paris. A week before my birthday. Things are most definitely about to become more exciting with a new adventure ahead of me and completely new settings. Summer is coming to a close and all the Fall festivities are swiftly approaching us. If anyone remembers my Designer Preview euphoria intensity, be prepared for similar posts because the French have a certain way of doing things different and I love it. What other country can boast a population of over 60 million people and still describe their cities and shopping as quaint treasures. I don't know of any besides the select few in the Ballard/Belltown shopping district in Seattle . Speaking of shopping, I have an agenda to trouvé all hidden outlets full of haute couture vintage pieces straight from the fashion houses; like Merci, Sonia Rykiel Outlet and Reciproque! Plus sneak glimpses of the bourgeouisie attending Paris Fashion week. Let's just hope my 5 years of French gets perfected and I capture a photo of Carine Roitfeld doing what she does best! À la fin, tis the beginning of the new fashion season! Bonne chance et bon genre!

Vogue's Go-to Girls

Vogue, the fashion bible persay. Established in 1892 has launched the careers of designers and models who have that certain "je ne sais quoi." For Christy Turlington a Vogue veteran and Raquel Zimmermann the magazine has been way more than a paycheck, especially when your their go-to girl.

First there is Christy. She's 40. Usually the time super model earns the title "retired veteran" and is raising her family. Although for this super "mogul" age is only a number. Not only does Christy appear on Vogue's new August issue cover, she is the fresh new face of YSL's Fall '09 collection , resigned a contract with Escada and a contributing editor for Marie Claire. If that's not enough, she is also in working on her master's in public health, while raising her two children Grace and Finn with actor husband Ed Burns. In the 90's she was deemed as a yoga fanatic and even graced the cover of Time magazine in her infamous zen pose. Now she attributes a packed schedule to doing a bit more cardio here and there. Now you probably understand why young women all around the world have been saying, "Can I be Christy Turlington when I grow up?" The answer; a select few have that impeccable bone structure and Argentinian roots: that is Christy and her sisters. Fortunately, for us Christy isn't slowing down any time soon and we can live vicariously through her next venture!

Now meet the new age super model of this generation who hails from the land of gorgeous beauties... Brazil's Raquel Zimmerman. This bombshell has an innate sense of how to pose, especially for the dozens of Vogue editorials and covers that have donned her an international sensation. In my opinion, the French seemed to be obsessed with trying to turn Raquel jolie-laid, but she seems to just work it to her advantage gracing the covers of French Elle, Vogue and L'Officiel numerous times. Not to mention by the age of 22 she was commanding over $10,000 a runway show. Raquel is definitely a designer favorite who continues to open up numerous shows in Bryant Park and Paris. After all Raquel has kept a level head on her shoulders even after being discovered at the ripe age of 14. Luckily for us she just seems to be getting better and is learning to play guitar!

Fall '09 Deceptively Discreet

Attn: Haute Child's predicted forecast for the hottest trends & styles hot off the catwalk and streetwatching: First off, pair everything with leggings for daring silhouettes. Exposed zippers are a must on tanks, skirts and dresses. Try bold shoulders like the masters of sharp edges in any type of fabric Proenza Schoeler or Jill Stuart. A favorite that will turn heads at a cocktail party and start all the gossip is the asymmetrical dress paired with the right tights and or booties. Short lengths are definitely best especially if you can get your hands on a pair of thigh high boots like the Rodarte's fall haute couture masterpieces. I was just as impressed with Versace's draped dresses and tops done with precision and skill. For a more casual choice a Boyfriend blazer is a must that can be worn with colored denim or those pleated cropped pants you've been dying to try. Obviously, classic lines haven't lost their shape like pencil skirts, cropped leather jackets and basic button ups. Did I mention along with bold shoulders, color is just as important especially in oversize jackets and handbags? Last year was all about the jewel tones, but the color wheel seems to have simplified like our savings to shades of violet. As for sweaters, neon isn't for the redlight district but when designed with taste it can be a magnificent statement like Marc Jacobs oversize wool coats in electric pinks. Regardless, a must have for your Fall checklist is something studded; maybe its a bag, pant or leather cuff but bold is beautiful day and night and no need for moderation. All of these trends and statements lead me to the season's reigning title of GLAM Menswear. True glam doesn't stop in the clothing but the shaping of the fall silhouette transcends through the iridescent glimmer tones of makeup. Like DuWop or Nars bright tones that work from day to night. Regardless, the ingredients for a knock-out fall wardrobe should include hints of sequins, touches of studs and all tantalized in glam, because even in a recession fashion houses know a fashionista wants one thing, that item everyone wants that was designed especially for her. Have fun.

Italian Rainbows

Pucci is one of those labels you just gawk at. Not because its so crazy but so beautiful. Call me a child but I love the mish-mash of colors swirled into a pret-a-porter Picasso piece. Did you know Emilio Pucci, the founder of the Italian fashion house first started designing for a college ski team and then moved on to swimwear? Who knew a designer could evolve from active wear to haute couture runway in less than a decade. Generally speaking I've always been envious of the friend who has their mother's Pucci dress from back in the day, yet now the fashion house has a fresh face who isn't designing for your mother or trying to match her polyester curtains and shag carpet. Meet designer Peter Dundas who is reinventing the kaleidoscope brand with toned down but still statement pieces. He's quoted that his true inspirations run from things as random as modern furniture. To each his own, but in the mean time... where can I get my Pucci piece?

Top photo: Emilio Pucci. Bottom photo: Peter Dundas Looks for Spring '09