I am dragging a little bit of ass this morning, due to the preponderance of free wine last night at Mario’s “Autumn Lights” fashion show, which I began consuming at a faster rate as soon as it became apparent how conspicuously underdressed I was. My Harlans, Mario’s purchase though they may be, were embellished by the cat fur my ragdoll had let loose with at the vet earlier. But hey, at least I found some concealer.

The show, a benefit for the Portland Art Museum, showed patrons and prospective customers the goodies Mario’s is carrying this season, a parade of Pucci, Etro, Dolce & Gabbana… all the best names, and even some new-school Proenza Schouler and such to youth things up. A grand production in a beautiful room of the musem, it was good times for all.

My favorite model:

Not to quibble, but as a representative of the scrappiest paper, I have to point out that for most of us, this kind of clothing is not an option. A pair of $200 jeans, yes. D&G sunglasses, sure. All in moderation of course. So my unsolicited suggestion to companies like Mario’s—especially if they want to stay ahead of the game with Sak’s—is to stock more luxury accessories, an area I’d think might be easier to take risks, and be less conservative. There’s no way in hell I can afford a Prada dress, but I’d sure as hell spring for a pair of these:

They may not be the most practical socks in the world (cheaper than a good pair of jeans, though!), but they are unmistakably F/W 2007, hello, yes, I’m paying attention. Unfortunately, they’re not available in Portland. So, what I’m saying is that I would love to patronize Mario’s more than I do, but I only ever seek out the Big Names when looking for small, but recognizable, accents and accessories. It’s the only thing I consider outside the realm of fantasy. Especially shoes. And yet I find that local luxury suppliers don’t go for the fun stuff. Mario’s carries Miu Miu shoes, but nothing funky, not these:

Sak’s doesn’t carry Miu Miu shoes at all in Portland, nor do they have the Prada socks. And get this: the Portland store is the only Sak’s location that doesn’t. WTF!? Something is amiss. So, in conclusion: I liked the show, but it was rather conservative. Please sell me some expensive socks.