Molly Bloom knows style

This textured, beaded black-on-black couture cocktail dress (1961) by the House of Givenchy is divine. It’s insanely glamorous. Black-on-black fabrics in simple silhouettes are a personal favorite of mine and this one is pure inspiration.

Givenchy made some of the most iconic fashions of the last century, including those worn by Jackie Kennedy at JFK’s funeral. Also: Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. In the opening of Paris When It Sizzles (1964), “Miss Hepburn’s Wardrobe and Perfume” is credited to Hubert de Givenchy. You know you’ve hit the big-time when you get a perfume credit in a movie.

There’s a pronunciation of Givenchy here. This still from Paris When It Sizzles is worth a view as is the movie clip. Earlier this year in Paris I paused outside the Givenchy headquarters to soak in the good ju-ju.

I’m loving the fancy belts of this season but have yet to wear one (pictured above from J. Crew). I think they’re so cute over blouses or slim, fine-gauge sweaters worn untucked with a skirt. These fancy belts are double-cute when worn with a wool or jersey dress for an unexpected sash. Fancy belts are not for use with jeans. No, not even $300 jeans.

Cocktail Dress, fall/winter 1959–1960
House of Dior (French, founded 1947), Design House; Yves Saint Laurent (French, born Algeria, 1936), Designer

This is a garment that exemplifies the genius of Yves Saint Laurent. This dress is so now, so modern. The color is delicious, the shape feels fresh, the belt is au currant. It is so Gossip Girl. The dress is almost 50 years old.

In 1958, Saint Laurent found himself at the age of 21 the head designer of the House of Dior when Christian Dior died unexpectedly. Saint Laurent’s first collection for the label is credited with saving the couture house from going under.

I’m swooning for this roomy tote. It’s $398, which ain’t so bad for a super nice bag. I love the diamond-shaped details. There’s a smaller clutch in this style that’s delicious in black.

André Courrèges, jumper (1965). Wool with metallic trim.

This very mod jumper has a horseshoe neckline and A-line skirt. Adorable. Imagine Marianne Faithfull wearing it with ankle boots astride a Vespa scooter. Yes, yes you can.

Oooooooh! Huge news for fashion nerds, costume junkies and historical re-enactors:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has added its Costume Institute collection to the online catalog. Everything from couture to little-known designers to antique shoe buckles is now online. Suddenly my beloved coffee table books seem outdated. The highlights section is a great place to start unless you have some keywords for searching. Imagine the time I’m going to spend on here. My head is spinning.

Pictured above is a raincoat by American sportswear designer Claire McCardell (1948).

Shootie — A combo shoe/bootie. I sort of hate the term but shooties are big this season, probably the top footwear trend for women. I’m loving the gray suede on this pair, they remind me of a pair of gray fold-down ankle boots I wore circa 1986 and ruined in the snow.