“Fairy Tale Fashion” the Museum at FIT’s exhibition, which examines fairy tales (“Sleeping Beauty”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Cinderella”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Rapunzel” etc.) through the lens of high fashion, is opening on Friday, January 15th. But a real fairy tale might come true for some lucky individual (or individuals) on Wednesday evening, if they win the Powerball. Since it’s currently up to an unprecedented 1.5 billion as I’m writing this, it’s been virtually impossible to not be caught up in lottery fever as of late.
I have to laugh when I watch the evening news and see reporters asking people on the street how they would spend their winnings. Many seem completely flummoxed. Not me. I’m always looking and always shopping, if only in my head – (1stdibs.com) is a particularly dangerous place lol, so I would have absolutely NO problem figuring out how to spend my windfall and in fact, I’ve been daydreaming about it. In addition to giving some away to charity, investing a good portion, immediately getting a car and chauffeur then buying a private jet and hiring a full time pilot, I would no doubt go on a MAJOR, guilt free shopping spree (how much fun to not have to look at a bank account lol).
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| Azzedine Alaia shearling lined glazed black patent leather coat worn by Carine Roitfeld photographed by Bill Cunningham |
I would love to find an Azzedine Alaia coat similar to the shearling lined glazed black patent stunner worn by Carine Roitfeld years ago (nobody can touch Alaia in terms of construction and fabrication as far as far as I’m concerned). But since that is unlikely, I would take myself over to the Alaia department at Barneys New York, where the divinely abbreviated, fitted and flared coats range in prices from about $5000 for something in wool to $50,000 to something made of an exotic skin or
fur.
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| Rick Owens shearling lined suede jacket |
I would buy several Rick Owens sculptural, ultra-fitted leathers. Because it’s turning colder, I’m definitely attracted to the Naska shearling-lined suede jacket, $4928, which is currently for sale at wopadusa.com. (See here)
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| Ann Demeulemeester Knee-High Black Leather Riding Boots |
I’m always looking for the perfect black leather knee high riding boot and Ann Demeulemeester’s $1595, available at saks.com, fill the bill. (See here)
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| Veronica Beard Long and Lean Dickey Jacket |
I love tailored, perfectly fitting blazers (single and double breasted), and the addition of removable, interchangeable dickies (such as veronicabeard.com), is an extra bonus. Priced between $795 – $1195 (with most in the $800 range), I would order them in white, ivory, navy, and black, in a variety of fabrics. (See here)
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| Yves Saint Laurent High Waist Skirt |
There’s this amazingly shaped black silk high waisted vintage Yves Saint Laurent skirt with out sized pockets, which is being offered by Marlene Wetherell on 1st dibs, $950 (I guess if I could win the lottery, I could also somehow will my waist to slim down to fit the 22 inches lol). (See here)
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| Vintage Chanel quilted briefcase bag |
I have my eye on this vintage quilted black lambskin Chanel briefcase bag which I saw at the Club Monaco shop in Brookfield Place, $3500 (yes, Club Monaco sells vintage Chanel and Hermes at a few of their stores). For more information, call 212 786-1590.
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| Bulgari Snake Watch |
I’m sort of obsessed with the iconic Bulgari Turbogas Snake Watch in 18 Karat yellow gold. Several are for sale on Ebay (one is listed as a Buy it Now for $14,750 with the option of ‘making an offer’). (See here)
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| Zuni Squash Blossom Necklace |
An authentic Zuni Indian sterling silver and turquoise Squash Blossom necklace is definitely on my bucket list (prices range but are generally in the $1,000 – $3,000 range).
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| Balmain crystal pearl and metal embellished jacket fall 2009 |
This Balmain crystal pearl and metal embellished jacket from fall 2009 designed by Christophe Decarnin, $29,745, offered by Haute Koture on 1st dibs is admittedly very over the top (yes, very Michael Jackson), but I could definitely think of some cool ways to wear it (or simply put it on display), and it’s a real collector’s item. (See here)
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| Geranium 35 cm alligator Hermes Birkin Bag |
I LOVE a red bag, and you can’t do much better than this 35 cm red crocodile Hermes Birkin bag, such as the one being sold by JaneFinds on 1stdibs.com, $69,000. (See here)
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| Woolworth building penthouse Click image for larger view |
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg: I’m just getting started. Let’s face it, with all that money, even the most extravagant fashion purchases would not make much of a dent. But real estate certainly would. I already live downtown in a cool apartment with a terrace and view of the Statue of Liberty, but nothing could compare to the Woolworth Building Penthouse, which is currently under construction. Priced at $110 Million, it’s the highest price for a building downtown. Located in the iconic landmarked 58 story building designed by Cass Gilbert, the penthouse is on 9 floors, is 9,000 square feet, and has a 584 square foot terrace, observation deck, wine cellar, and library, among other things.
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| Gore Vidal’s villa La Rondinaia Click image for larger view |
Then there’s La Rondinaia, Gore Vidal’s mythical villa in Ravello for over 30 years, which is now on the market for $21 million (the Amalfi Coast is one of my favorite destinations). Perched on a hill with breathtaking views, the property is carved into a cliff on four levels, is surrounded by grounds which include lemon trees, olive groves, vine arbors, lush gardens, a swimming pool and sauna with panoramic views.
– Marilyn Kirschner
