District L

Two words hit me yesterday like a pair of plummeting Noritaka Tatehanas: "Resort 2013."

It doesn't take much to fall behind, but after just a short break from writing, I stumbled upon a series of unfamiliar Bottega images. Since 'Weekday Amanda' is already riddled with anxieties, it only look these two words, a few unknown runway looks, and a rainy day to prompt my return.

And a return to Resort 2013 is anything but a simple response to the traditional resort shows of years past. Dark, slinky, and monochromatic, Bottega Veneta's latest season dodges typical cruise collection expectations -- especially for a designer that resides part-time in Palm Beach. Plums and charcoals were artfully adorned with prominent, unprocessed metals for a look that was more 'urban trek' than 'beachy gyp-set.'

Post by Amanda LaMela

Chances are, if I have ever uttered the words, “Oh my God, I love your rain boots,” it’s because we were trapped in an awkward elevator ride and I had to fill the silence. Because the truth is, I don’t like your rain boots. I don’t like any rain boots.

Sad rubber footwear is not going to make you feel any better about the miserable weather, so do us all a favor and trade those cookie-cutter Hunter boots for a more substantial alternative. Shiny patents and puddle-defying platforms will get you from the subway to the office, I promise.

I swear on the five-inch pin heels I wore today.

Givenchy Platform Heel

Pollini Wedge

Post by Amanda LaMela

For some people, sleep isn’t just difficult – it’s anxiety-inducing Mission Impossible. And if you’re like me, you better be ready for the rare moment when your work and social calendars roughly correspond with your circadian rhythms. Fortunately, SS12 trends have been characteristically sleepy, providing the appropriate fabrications for when the mind calls for an under-the-desk rest or 2am disco-nap.

Akris

Camilla and Marc

Kenzo

Post by Amanda LaMela

If spent correctly, Saturday afternoons have the potential to be ODD. Tucked quietly in the recesses of the garment district, ODD is a small haven for edgy emerging designers and ever-evolving style enthusiasts. The surreal showroom on 241 W. 37^th street boasts the ability to open at any time, always offering clients innovative, yet attainable designs.

Post-Saturday brunch, we arrived to Judson Harmon’s ODD showroom event for shopping and generous helpings of champagne. (Shimmying into an amusingly complicated, one-of-a-kind Kittinhawk dress may take some liquid courage and the expert hands of a showroom assistant.)

After a few hours of sartorial indulgence in CHRISHABANA, Costume Dept., and Skingraft, we walked out with all the makings for an outlandish evening.

What do you get when you cross Halloween, Thanksgiving, the SF Pride Parade, and assign it a springtime façade?

Elaborate Fifth Avenue festivities injected some outrageous fun into Easter – reaching beyond the bunnies and pastel eggs attached to the holiday’s more traditional commercial translation. Chubby flower twins, a top-quality Frank Sinatra imitation, costumed newsboys, and a slew of other decorative individuals traipsed past Saks and up towards Bergdorf’s. Performers passed The Peninsula and danced by Henri Bendel for a Sunday afternoon of ornamental entertainment.

Post by Amanda LaMela