Leaf It To Me!

Yesterday: nature’s autumn leaves. Today: fashion’s fab foliage! Darlings, leaf prints are a TREEt! They feel more modern than florals right now (though, not to worry – lawn prints are hot for Spring 2009). The runway inspirations are nearly infinite, and utterly divine, as "natural" art inspirations aspire to be, but rarely achieve. At left, Gucci gets bodaciously botanical, with both maple leaves in typical fall shades (far left) and palm fronds in alluring aquamarine (near left).

At right, Vera Wang gives new meaning to the phrase "Splendor in the Grass".
Photos via style.com except where noted.
GOLD LEAVES:
Carolina Herrera Andrew Gn





Dries van Noten
LONG ON LEAVES

Left: Elio Berhanyer, via vogue.es
Right: Gucci Resort.
This was one of CC's favorite collections in recent memory - every piece, exquisite!
Badgley Mischka Oscar de la Renta Elie Saab
Ossie Clark
Agnes B., via nymag.com.
IN THE NURSERY (for small trees, not tiny kids)
At left: Tsumori Chisato meets the leaf blower!
This and next via vogue.fr.
Kenzo (CC's fave part of the ensem? Those booties!)
Emilio Pucci

Sari Gueron
Tibi
A.F. Vandevorst
Left: Tuleh - CC loves!
Right: Vera Wang, via nytimes.com

Vivienne Tam
Stella McCartney
Even accessories are getting flora-fied!
Runway inspiration: Valentino
In the stores:
Right: Citrine by the Stones gunmetal earrings, at revolveclothing.com.

Left: Kenneth Jay Lane gold-plated long leaf earrings. Visit my-wardrobe.com to buy.
Right: Giles & Brother large leaf earrings. Go to barneys.com.

You can eat your Leafy Greens, or you can wear them!
Matthew Williamson’s printed maxi is now 25% off; this and next 4 at net-a-porter.com.
Oscar de la Renta gold leaf embroidered black floor-length spaghetti strap gown.
CC is absolutely smitten with the demurely printed peachy Pringle 1815 frock pictured at right!
Deal of the Day: T-Bags magenta abstract leaf print v-neck jersey dress, on sale for $102. CC needs!

Day Birger et Mikkelsen embroidered permiwinkle kaftan dress, at right.
Hollywould Sylvie shift. Visit shopgoldyn.com.
Ali Ro dress, at montmartreny.com.
This lovely Badgley Mischka lime leaf-print silk dress is currently 40 percent off at bluefly.com.
The Chloé knockoffs have arrived at asos.com, and they’re just $48! Also in red…
Now make like a tree and get outta here! (Name that movie, darlings!).

FAB FALL FOOTWEAR!

Couture Carrie got so excited while exploring wedding shoe options (see Postmodern Bride post below!), she couldn't resist sneaking in a sampling of the amazing footwear on the horizon for fall.

As ever, shoes are becoming quite seasonless, such that labeling many of these "autumn" is a misnomer.

For example, the pale pink of this Balenciaga patent and mirrored leather Escarpins bootie feels more springlike in nature. Photo at right via style.com.

There is certainly no shortage of patterned pumps for the upcoming season. How perfectly plaid are these

Bruno Frisoni slingbacks? Picture at left courtesy French Vogue.

Are any of CC's readers not instantly enamored of these Manolo Blahnik striped pumps? The buckle detail and sensible heel height make them unique!

If you are in the market for a serious statement shoe, look no further than this Miu Miu leather pump with sculpted heel and shell detail. CC loves the juxtaposition of dark heft and sculptural, winged lightness here. And the navy/black color scheme is definitely on trend for fall. Photo at left courtesy style.com.

In the same color family, but with even more fanciful construction, is this Chloé leather and crocodile sandal with leaves and rosebud detail. The shielded heel, covering a delicate stiletto, is a true innovation. CC doesn't know whether to (a) encase them in a vitrine for display in the foyer; (b) worship them or (c) wear them??