Blog: Off the Cuff

Welcome to my blog, taking you behind the curtain of fashion.
-- Michele

AAA Gucci

MAKE IT STOP: Another Italian Label Has to Do an About-Face Over Blackface

Another Italian label -- Gucci -- offends with its $890 balaclava-style sweater. It joins Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, who...

HAUTE COUTURE AT ITS FINEST: Fly Away with Me

Usually I judge clothes by their wearability. For one Dutch designer I make an exception. Former dancer Iris van Herpen...

WHAT ARE THEY THINKING? Fashion Rant of the Day

This room says it all. Violently vivid fast-food yellow walls, cheap plastic piñata-befitting fringe, a Target-reminiscent wall hanging and a...

THE FASHIONABLE AND THE FRIVOLOUS: Random Thoughts

  My mother -- also my best friend for many years -- had exquisite taste. She surrounded herself with the...
Bora Bora sunset

BACK TO THE BEACH

Stressed by the holidays? The following delights will take you back to the beach, prolonging your post-vacation relaxation. By MICHELE...

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

  IN THE NICK OF TIME Still looking for pampering gifts that dazzle and are perfect fits for beloved family...
Maison Alexandrine

GREATEST SHITS, ER, HITS OF THE SEASON

Where do I begin...Everything that's wrong with current trends is captured in this label's wares, starting with the Maison Alexandrine...

KATE SPADE AND THE UGLY SIDE OF FAME

On some level, fashion is a façade -- the one you choose to present to others. New York accessories designer...

MEGHAN MARKLE: Looks Unbefitting a Princess

Day and night. Black and white. A month before her wedding to Great Britain’s Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's personal fashion...
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OSCAR RED CARPET: We Wait, We Wince

Forget the glorious circle of life. As Oscar’s red carpet looms, let’s diss about the sometimes less inspiring circle of...
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ENOUGH ALREADY! BAN THESE OTT TRENDS

MAKE IT STOP!   Asymmetrical ruffle tiers -- too many offenders to be named. Piles of patterns -- yes, you...

INNER BEAUTY: ADVENT CALENDARS ARE A WIN-WIN FOR CONSUMERS AND BRANDS

Joy to the girls. The countdown to Christmas is on, via a British holiday tradition that’s gained momentum in the...

CYBER MONDAY READY? OFF THE CUFF’S BEAUTY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

  We can’t help but rhapsodize about beauty options that are beautiful in themselves – no wrapping required! These presentable...
kevinpenelope

DAZZLING DRESSES: 10 MUST-SEES AT MFAH’S OSCAR DE LA RENTA EXHIBIT

Give yourself over to this stylish feast – and reserve two hours for the experience. I loved it so much,...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Forget candy. ‘Tis the season for spooky get-ups. The following looks may get your creative juices flowing for creepy costumes....
Oscar de la Renta for Balmain

DE LA RENTA LIVES ON IN GRAND EXHIBIT

Talk about a grand exit. If anyone knew how to make one, it was late great designer Oscar de la...
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DON’T FORGET THE SPEED BUMPS OF FAST FASHION

When will fashion’s revolving door -- which just ejected Lanvin designer Bouchra Jarrar -- slow down? No time soon. “Fast...
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“FASHION CAN CHEW YOU UP AND SPIT YOU OUT” SAYS INSIDER

The talk of this year’s collections isn’t hemlines or hats. It's a searingly revealing interview in rag mag Vestoj with...