The Death of the September Issue

 Relaxing in my vintage kimono perusing through the latest September issues.

I thought that W would be making a bold move with their new editor in chief Stefano Tonchi. (W is green with envy and so putting out a film much like "The September Issue" as well.) But, no. Tonchi talks about the cover and the new concept of W not being such a fashion obsessed magazine. Say what?

WWD: Have you made W less fashion obsessed?

Stefano Tonchi: From the cover, I would say probably yes. First of all, it’s the September issue, which is the big fashion issue, so we have a lot of fashion and we will keep having a lot of fashion in the magazine, but with many, many stories around the fashion portfolios. Last year, when I looked at the last September issue — and it’s more or less the same issue in terms of pages, we are about 60 pages more this year — there are really 106 pages of fashion pictures. This year, we still have probably more than 60 pages of fashion, but we also have more than 40 pages of stories that are fashionable, but not just pictures of clothes.

How effed up is that? "... pictures of clothes," he says. Hopefully all my angst was all a bit premature. Maybe 60 pages of fashion is enough. Maybe... NOT!

I have them- W, Vogue, Bazaar, every cover a celebrity and then there's Marie Claire. W has "Hollywood's New It Girls" on a gloss tri-fold but I much prefer the back of the cover with Dior's opulent fall ad showcasing a romantic leggy MODEL. Vogue threw Hallie Barry on the cover. Ummm, who cares?! Don't get me started on Bazaar, Jennifer Aniston's homage to Barbara Streisand, Oi pleez! 

Finally Marie Claire has the stunning style icon Mary-Kate Olsen on it's cover. Admittedly she is not a model but at least she is a designer who happens to dictate fashion trends. At LEAST!

"September" Before September

While I was waiting for my September issue fashion magazines to show up at my doorstep, I decided to watch "The September Issue". Touted as a documentary about the legendary Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine for the past 20+ years, I discovered that it was not about Her. It was about editing really. It was less about fashion and more about decisions. What goes, what stays. Still, that can be intriguing.

Like why on earth Ms. Wintour nixes half of an amazing 20's shoot from brilliant Fashion Editor/Stylist Grace Coddington. After all this issue, the September 2007 issue, was the largest magazine ever published weighing in at roughly 4 lbs! Why cut beautiful pictures of luscious models so you can print 22 pages of celebrity? If I see one more celebrity on the cover of a magazine I'll scream! If I see one more "wearable" garment in place of a juicy, fantastical, ridiculous dress, I will die.

If one is the "pope" of fashion as Ms. Wintour is, than why not make the next bold step. If you're going to dictate fashion, dictate it! Put models back on the cover. Forget the age issues and make an age column. We, I, NEED the fantasy that is fashion. I want American fashion magazines to take me there. Holding my hand is a paper thin portrait of a woman, a head taller than me and impossibly beautiful.

Not Your Mother's Pumps

Awww, pumps, stilettos, mary janes, heels, peep toes or platforms. Call them what you will but the classic pump has more choices than ever with saw soles, feather, lace, rainbows and chains. You can get them in patent leather, mohair or good old cowhide. Why not try on some with mountains of lace, a high victorian collar or a snake skin wrapper. Have you seen the ones with ribbons, swirly heels, glittery bodies and strappy harnesses? I'll take one of each please and yes, I can even see myself in the late oh-so-great Alexander McQueen's goat pumps with shotgun heels… for about 10 minutes. But, those would be THE most glorious 10 minutes of my LIFE!  

"For me fashion is always uncomfortable" Anna Dello Russo,

Editor at Large and Creative Consultant for Vogue Japan

row 1: Camilla Skovgaard, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Tokidoki, Lanvin

row 2: Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Chanel, Valentino
row 3: Maniac , Christian Louboutin, Ricardo Tisci, Prada, Jimmy Choo
row 4: Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Zac Posen, Jeffrey Campbell, Moschino
row 6: Jimmy Choo, Elizabeth and James, Christian Louboutin, L.A.M.B., Dolce and Gabbana
row 7: Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin, Christian Siriano, Valentino, Alexander McQueen

Caught in the Act at Work!

On my second day at Queen Anne Dispatch, I was approached on the sales floor by another associate, "Would you mind posing for a photo for our blog?"

Clearly, this darling girl did NOT know who she was talking to. "I would LOVE to!" I chuckled. So here I am with an English Saddle tote in my fabulous sheer long white shirt also from the store. I wore it open, tied it in the back and paired it with my Miss Sixty boots. On top I wore a little studded sunshine tee from Target and below... the experiment. I was tired of these outdated jeans sitting in my closet so right before my shift, I grabbed a pair of scissors, lopped off the legs and folded the fray. Voila! Cut-offs! Errr, they ended up being a little tight. Girls, DO try this at home but use an old roomy pair of jeans and spare your thighs the strangle. But, you know me, I never mind suffering a little for fashion!

July Prize Winner!

 

July's winner is extra lucky! Dr. Susan C from Tehacapi, CA will be opening a triple treat! June's feature store Queen Anne Mail and Dispatch gave our lucky girl a great pair of Sanuk Ibiza Gypsy sandals with a 20% off coupon and Mark. Cosmetics contributed their Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint in Cheeky! Adelita Style put a little sugar on top with our signature chocolate lolli! The Fashionista Club's lucky winner will be showing off her pretty pedi in style; These great sandals will go from playful pool party to hot tub wine tastings without a glitch! Maybe we could convince her to share a snapshot with us all.

If you haven't signed up for our Fashionista Club yet, what are you waiting for?

You could be our next lucky gal!!