Two Keepers From Ralph Lauren Blue Label

The Ivette Beaded Tulle Camisole, left, from the Fall 2010 Ralph Lauren Blue Label collection can be dressed up or down. Photos from www.ralphlauren.com.


HEAD’S UP: December again already. It’s the gifting season, which means more things to do with less time to do them in. Don’t despair. At VEVLYN’S PEN, we are here to help. For the next week or so — 12 days before Christmas ending on 22 Dec. — each day we will introduce a product/item, brand or nifty shop that we believe is worthy of consideration for those very special gifts.

Gift Idea No. 1:

MAYBE it is simply because she is a dancer, but Stella Abrera, makes Ralph Lauren’s Ivette Beaded Tulle Camisole and Stretch Legging-Fit Jean aka jeggings into a smashing ensemble. On second thought, though, this ensem is a winner for many body types – within reason.

A detail shot of the Ivette Beaded Tulle Camisole.

Depending on how the two are styled, they can go to a CD listening party, cocktail or black-tie soiree. SA’s occasion is the cocktail party at Saks Fifth Avenue to celebrate the Fall 2010 Ralph Lauren Blue Label Collection and to support the American Ballet Theatre (http://www.abt.org/default.aspx), where SA is a soloist. This particular evening 15 percent of sales from the line are going to ABT. Such generosity helps the troupe journey to destination cites like Havana (last month) for the first time in half a century to pay respects to one of its own, the legendary Alicia Alonso.

The cami, meanwhile, is a rather rococo affair: A mélange of beads in champagne hand-sewn onto tulle. The neckline is straight in front and back. Shoulder straps are slim. Concealed are a side zipper and drawstrings at the hem. It is fully lined with silk charmeuse. At $698, it is an investment piece for those on a money diet. (http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4457981&cp=1766616.10811280&ab=viewall&view=all&parentPage=family)
The Stretch Legging-Fit Jean from the Fall 2010 Ralph Lauren Blue Label collection looks like a jean but fits like a legging.

According to SA, the jeggings are “very comfortable” – comfortable enough for a grand jeté, if necessary. Credit for the comfort (read: stretch) goes to viscose, cotton, curpo and elastane. The jeggings are designed to hug the body like leggings but look like a jean. These come in black denim and have familiar jean features: low-rise belted waist, five-pockets, zip fly, shank closure, etc. All of these add-ons do come at a pretty penny ($245, http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4389327&origkw=Stretch+Legging-Fit+Jean&kw=stretch+legging-fit+jean&parentPage=search).

Learn more about the Ralph Lauren Blue Label, including bargains, at (http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=1766616).