The trend for python handbags and accessories is going strong and now the reptile pattern is taking on clothing and other accessories as well. This trend for the snake like texture adds a fresh take on fabrics as well. Look for python printed fabrics on delicate silk blouses, form fitting dresses, and even leggings. We saw this trend in the ’90s with and it is back again! This time around the trend is seen in neutral shades of grays, taupes, and ochres. We do see a bright pop of color now and then as in the Juicy Couture python print floral headband shown above. Pair a python print blouse with leather pants or skinny jeans worn with ankle booties for a luxe rocker look. Ted Rossi who is known for his statement jewelry and accessories has a plethora of python cuffs in his current collection. Look for Ted’s launch of his new urban military collection this month at Henri Bendel!

Save on Python Clothing and Accessories at Bloomingdales from TheFind.com’s coupon site

Guest post courtesy our friends at TheFind

Some inspiration in the menswear category to honor Dads, Uncles and Grandfathers this week for Father’s Day. Menswear designer, Thom Browne has added a new twist to the Menswear market with his slim fitting (some would say shrunken!) vintage-inspired line. In this month’s WSJ Magazine you’ll a find a profile on the 45 year old designer who had stints at Club Monaco and Giorgio Armani before starting his own line 1n 2001. Get a behind the scenes glance at WSJ Magazine’s photoshoot of Thom Browne with photographer Jeff Riedel.

Perhaps the man in your life is ready to punch up his business attire. I know that I’ve seen some of Thom Browne’s suits around town along with those  trendsetting Duckie Brown Florsheim wingtips, especially in my hyper-trendy neighborhood the Castro in San Francisco!

Buy it now: Thom Browne Suit at Yoox.com $3590

Buy it now: Thom Browne Triple Stripe Tie $185 at Barneys New York

Palm Springs is the go to destination for Angelinos looking for a bit of respite away from the hustle and bustle of LA’s tangle of freeways. The desert oasis has seen a bit of a revival in the past decade along with the interest in mid-century architecture and vintage furniture shops. Along with the influx of glamorous globetrotters many new luxe hotels have opened, all touting decadent mid-century influences and world-class spas.

When you think fashion and vintage style in Palm Springs one name that comes to mind, Trina Turk. Trina’s comes after her stint as a designer for California sportswear label Ocean Pacific where she honed her skills at designing textile designs. The Trina Turk label was launched in 1995 along with partner and then stylist turned photographer Jonathan Skow. Today Trina Turk has shops across California as well as New York. The collection has also expanded to include home furnishings. Trina’s inspiration comes from  many diverse cultures, natural landscapes as well as the mid-century architecture of Los Angeles. Trina’s Palm Spring store opened in 2002 and has expanded to include a home furnishings store next door. You’ll marvel at the Kelly Wearstler (KWID) interior as well as the iconic building it is housed in, designed by modernist architect Albert Frey.

Trina was kind enough to take a few minutes from her busy schedule to share her favorite Palm Springs hot spots with StyleMaven’s editors.

Where do Palm Springs wine and dine?
For lunch Trina recommends Norma’s at the Parker Palm Springs (interiors designed by Jonathan Adler) and El Mirasol Mexican restaurant
For dinner Tina’s visits  Le Valluris or grills something yummy at home
For the perfect Palm Springs cocktail, Tina loves the groovy lobby of the Parker Palm Springs, Melvyn’s or cocktails at home by the pool

What are the must-see vintage shops in Palm Springs?
Bon Vivant, 457 N. Palm Canyon Palm Springs, California 92262 (457 N. Palm Canyon stores are located within a mid-century vintage furnishings mall – The Palm Canyon Galleria)
The Palm Canyon Galleria, 457 N. Palm Canyon Palm Springs, California 92262
Modern Way, 457 N. Palm Canyon Palm Springs, California 92262
Studio 111, 2675 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Outside of Palm Springs, what are your favorite spa getways?
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA or Ten Thousand Waves outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Palm Springs is known for its modernist architecture, what is your favorite and most inspirational?
John Lautner’s Elrod house

Suzy Menkes interviews Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz during Paris Fashion Week, Winter 2010.

I’ve been completely obsessed with all things Lanvin since Alber Elbaz joined the house as head designer. Watch to learn the vision and inspiration from genius designer Alber Elbaz as he chats with IHT fashion editor, Suzy Menkes from the House of Lanvin atelier in Paris. The video gives us some insight into his thoughts on thinking about women first and dressing them second. He is trying to answer the question, “What do women want?”. Watch the video to see his answer. This video reminds me why j’adore Lanvin!

Shop Lanvin’s most recent collection at Net-a-Porter here

Shop last season’s Lanvin accessories and shoes at theOutnet.com

Our Editor’s picks of affordable past seaso finds at YOOX.com…

Romance is in the air this month and Valentine’s Day soon approaching.  It’s time to get out your V-day gift wish list. Send your sweetie on over to Larkspur & Hawk post haste! It’s the insider’s source for exquisite antique jewelry as well as original one-of-a-kind designs. Larkspur & Hawk curator, Emily Satloff one of New York’s most trusted authorities on period antique jewelry shares her insight into the secrets Georgian women used to seduce a man.

What is the best way to add romance to one’s look with jewelry?
Women should use jewelry to call attention to the physical attributes that they like the most.  We all know that when you feel great in what you are wearing, you are going to be more confident, which will definitely be attractive to others.  So, if you think your eyes are sexy, focus on earrings; if it is your long neck, then pendant earrings are great or if it is your cleavage, a cascading necklace would be an ideal choice.  Above all, women should pick pieces that are mysterious and have a great play of light and color because this will draw people to those attributes you want noticed.

How did the women of the Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian eras  attract the opposite sex during courtship in terms of jewelry?
While those eras span over 150 years, the women from those times did have some commonalities.  For example, they were extremely skilled at combining showmanship with mystery.  They understood that jewelry was very seductive and had a keen sense of how to play it up.  For example, in the Georgian era, secret messages exchanged between lovers were the rage.  These messages were most romantically played out in jewels– “DEAREST” spelled out in gemstones (diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, sapphire, topaz); forget-me-not flowers made of turquoise; an esclavage given to a bride by a groom to symbolize the “chains of love”; a ring engraved inside the band with love poems i.e. “I Do Rejoice in Thee My Choice”.  Additionally, people understood that fashionable clothing came and went, but jewelry was forever and could be used to immortalize love.  All of which I try and impart in my designs.

Do you have any tips on shopping for a piece of antique/vintage jewelry?

• Before shopping for antique jewelry set your budget and don’t be pushed to spend more than you are comfortable with.
• If a dealer pressures you to buy, move onto another dealer.
• Always feel comfortable asking questions, this is how people learn.  The best dealers are the ones who want to share their passions with you by teaching.
• Follow your gut–deep down people always know when they have to have it and when they can walk away.  Sometimes when I am unsure, I walk away and see if my mind keeps racing back to the jewel in question.  More often than not, it doesn’t!

What are your favorite places to shop in NY? What makes them special and inspirational?

Barney’s– I love to see who their latest jewelry designers are.  Also, their antique jewelry is fantastic!!

De Vera–  While very pricey, I think they have a wonderful display of fascinating objects and jewels that are displayed in a wonderfully aesthetic way.

Any favorite fashion designers?
Morgane LeFay–  I am drawn to their clothing because of jewelry.  Their designs are wonderfully timeless– the closest thing to wearing antique clothing and still being modern.  When I shop her line I chose pieces that will highlight my jewelry.  It is kind of a backwards approach for many, but since I believe that jewelry is the big investment, it should be properly displayed.  Their clothing is the perfect backdrop for almost any jewel– antique or modern.

Inspired by the current V&A exhibition, “Maharaja” The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. I have always been enamored by Indian traditional dress with all of its intricate embroidery, lush textiles and expert craftsmanship. I own about five pairs of Indian sandals purchased at various Indian shops in California and New York as well as a couple pair brought back from Delhi by a friend. They are my summer go-to staple for summer dressing. I am so excited about this exhibit at, might I add my favorite museum in London. I am always drawn to the decorative arts museums and the V&A continually features fashion related exhibits. At this exhibit you’ll find all of the splendour and opulence of turbaned jeweled rulers of India’s royal courts. Now thru January 17, 2009.

If you have been fascinated by sari dressing you may be interested in this workshop at the V&A. A great bit of inspiration for creating your own Indian style!

“Indian Style: Dressing Without Seams”
Make a garment fit for a maharaja or maharani, by learning the art of wrapping a piece of cloth around the body. Fashion designer Julianna Sissons will show you how to create designs cut from a single piece of cloth, perhaps a seam-free top or a slinky skirt. See what you can do with just a pair of scissors!It will be held on Monday 30 November & Tuesday 1 December, Art Studio, Sackler Centre. Time 10.30-4pm.

•    £120, no concessions (includes materials)
•    More Information or to book, call +44 (0) 20 7942 2211
•    http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/maharaja/events.html

In the meantime, I hope you can find some luxury shopping inspiration in these exquisitely detailed pieces adorned with coins, embroidery, tassels, beading, even a pair of gold heels with woven detailing found in traditional Indians sandals.

T-Bags Embroidered maxi dress $235 at Net-a-Porter	Erickson Beamon Turkish Delight coin necklace $745 at Net-a-Porter
Giuseppe Zanotti Basketweave sandals Original Price $595 Now $297.50 50% off at TheOutnet	Marc Jacobs Frame Wallet sequined purse $595 at Net-a-Porter
Monica Vinader Hammered bangle set Original Price $515 Now $257.50   50% off at TheOutnet	Isharya Moon bali coral earrings $270 at Net-a-Porter

Jane Birkin pictured here with her daughter Lou Doillon for the launch of "Lou Doillon by Lee Cooper" in Paris last year.

Hermes is not the only brand to create an exclusive design for Jane Birkin. Luxury knitwear brand has collaborated with Jane Birkin on an exclusive knitwear collection .

Birkin's long lived extraordinary career was launched when the London-born actress, singer, mother, activist and muse to French musical icon Serge Gainsbourg. The duo caused a clamour when they recorded the hit,  'Je T'aime Moi Non Plus' to shocked audiences for its provocative undertones. Jane Birkin is an icon in France with her romance with Gainsbourg and for the glamorous bohemian lifestyle she leads.

The collection includes the Jane Birkin
v-neck with a raw edge that exudes a sexy slouchy look with 3/4
sleeves. The sweater is knit from the finest organic scottish cashmere. The scoopneck style is a relaxed fitting tank trimmed with a delicate crochet finish around the neckline and armhole, also made of 100% organic scottish cashmere. The v-neck retails for $695 and the tank scoopneck is $595. Both styles are available in black, grey heather and mocha heather.

Take advantage of free shipping on all orders until March 31, 2009 on these marvelous sweaters!

The Jane Birkin Collection is available at www.lutzandpatmos.com

Celebrity Photo: SplashNews

Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and daughter Bee Shaffer join the celebrity front row guests at Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala's line, William Rast . The collection highlighted distressed and pieced denim paired with zipper and studded embellished motorcycle jackets.  On the fourth day of Fashion week Anna Wintour and Bee join the likes of Nicky and Paris Hilton, as well as French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld in the tents at Bryant Park.

Here are some of our picks from the current William Rast collection available to shop online:

Photo: SplashNews

Alexander McQueen for Target
If you're in Manhattan this weekend, stop by 330 West St. at West Houston, 12 noon to 10PM Saturday February 14 and Sunday February 15th. Grab your favorite shopping friend and get your fab little booties down to West Houston pronto. I'm betting there is already a cue in place before dawn. The temporary pop up store coincides with Fashion Week and is open only this weekend– before the official nationwide launch March 4th, 2009.

Target McQ Market Pop Up Store
330 West St. at West Houston
New York NY 10014
Google Map

Charlotte Ronson will be on board to choose the most talented up-and-coming designers in the "Heering Accessorize 2009". Heering is a contest sponsored by the World Championship in Fashion Mixing and Drink Designing targeted to the world’s most talented and aspiring fashion designers.  CHERRY HEERING is classic cherry liquer brand and the entire contest will be held online at www.heering.com. One designer from the US will be invited to compete in the grand finale in Singapore and then will have a chance for their own runway show at Copenhagen Fashion week. So get your sketch pads out and get inspired, NY Fashion week begins tomorow!

Deadline for entry is  March, 15th, 2009. For more information and complete rules about Heering Accessorize 2009, please visit http://www.heering.com.