I chose only 3 colors in order for the manicure to read more "colorblock" than "rainbow". For added panache, I picked a few nails to go half and half with colors.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Colorblock Mani
I chose only 3 colors in order for the manicure to read more "colorblock" than "rainbow". For added panache, I picked a few nails to go half and half with colors.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
THE SPRING 10
Now that the temps have hit 70, I am having to restrain myself daily (sometimes hourly) from running out and buying an entire new spring wardrobe. These are the ten trends I'm obsessing over.
1. FLATFORMS
I have sloooowly warmed up to these shoes (yes, they look weird). I love a heel with a steep pitch, so the idea of a flat platform did not initially hold much appeal...but something about the blocky shape just looks fresh and modern. On top of that, the flatform gives you height with all of the comfort of a flat shoe. Sign me up.
2. FLORALS
Spring's flowery prints may be reminiscent of grandma's curtains, but the effect changes when they are mixed/clashed. The spring collections of Erdem, Versus, and D&G featured mishmashed dense floral prints. The trick is to choose two (or three if you're up for the challenge) prints of similar scale that have 1-2 common colors, then combine.
3. MIDI TO MAXI
After years and years of mini skirts, the new hemline length for spring is mid-calf or longer. The midi skirt can be tricky to wear (unless you're Alexa Chung, who rocks these on the regular). To avoid looking frumpy, these skirts should be styled with modern separates and accessories. The maxi skirt, on the other hand, is universally flattering. Pairing it with a white tee (a la Jil Sander) or slouchy tank is a foolproof modern look.
4. ANYTHING PRADA INSPIRED
Prada's spring collection was THE trendsetting collection of the season, and I'm dying to recreate some of those brightly colored runway looks. From the banana prints (any fruit print will do) to the raffia covered platforms to the bold horizontal stripes to the white Baroque shades, the key is mixing bold color and prints in an unexpected way.
5. WIDE LEG PANTS
The wider the leg and the higher the waist, the better. This '70s staple dominated runways, and the cut is a refreshing departure from season after season of skinny pants.
6. NEON
A pop of neon will freshen up any outfit. The cheapest way to try out this trend is to incorporate it into a beauty look--a bright pink lipstick or fluorescent nail polish is easy on the wallet and can transform a look. Alternately, a piece of punchy neon jewelry, belt, or bag livens things up.
7. DENIM
Stella McCartney and Celine's spring collections showed plenty denim on denim looks, and I'm not talking about Levis 501s and a jean jacket. The modern take on denim features clean lines and boxy shapes, preferrably in a lightweight fabric like chambray.
8. POINTY TOE HEELS
On the opposite end of the spectrum from flatforms are this spring's pointed pumps. Classic and refined, these are a must have. Added bonus--I'm pretty sure I have some of these shoes from the last time they were in style.
9. COLORBLOCKING
If you can't tell already, the big trend for spring is COLOR. Wearing one color from head to toe or mixing solids for a color-blocked effect are both fashion forward, and the latter is easier to pull off. Saturated cobalt, emerald, orange, and purple were runway hits, but really any color will work. For maximim impact, resist pairing these brights with neutrals (it just waters down the look).
10. TRANSPARENCY
Whether it's lace, chiffon, or an open weave, sheer fabric is the way to go for spring. This means it is time to purchase a bra/camisole hybrid that will not look too scandalous when exposed (which seems downright demure in comparison to many runway looks).
1. FLATFORMS
I have sloooowly warmed up to these shoes (yes, they look weird). I love a heel with a steep pitch, so the idea of a flat platform did not initially hold much appeal...but something about the blocky shape just looks fresh and modern. On top of that, the flatform gives you height with all of the comfort of a flat shoe. Sign me up.
 |
| Fendi Spring 2011, Via Spiga sandal, Calvin Klein Collection sandal, and Elizabeth & James sandal |
2. FLORALS
Spring's flowery prints may be reminiscent of grandma's curtains, but the effect changes when they are mixed/clashed. The spring collections of Erdem, Versus, and D&G featured mishmashed dense floral prints. The trick is to choose two (or three if you're up for the challenge) prints of similar scale that have 1-2 common colors, then combine.
 |
| D&G Spring 2011, ASOS sunglasses, ASOS bag, Jeffrey Campbell sandals, and Sachin + Babi dress |
3. MIDI TO MAXI
After years and years of mini skirts, the new hemline length for spring is mid-calf or longer. The midi skirt can be tricky to wear (unless you're Alexa Chung, who rocks these on the regular). To avoid looking frumpy, these skirts should be styled with modern separates and accessories. The maxi skirt, on the other hand, is universally flattering. Pairing it with a white tee (a la Jil Sander) or slouchy tank is a foolproof modern look.
 |
| Chloe Spring 2011, ASOS maxi skirt, Topshop midi skirt, and T by Alexander Wang dress |
4. ANYTHING PRADA INSPIRED
Prada's spring collection was THE trendsetting collection of the season, and I'm dying to recreate some of those brightly colored runway looks. From the banana prints (any fruit print will do) to the raffia covered platforms to the bold horizontal stripes to the white Baroque shades, the key is mixing bold color and prints in an unexpected way.
 |
| ASOS banana shirt, Stuart Weitzman sandals, Topshop skirt, Lumete sunglasses, and ASOS dress |
5. WIDE LEG PANTS
The wider the leg and the higher the waist, the better. This '70s staple dominated runways, and the cut is a refreshing departure from season after season of skinny pants.
 |
| Jason Wu Spring 2011, ASOS pants, Diane von Furstenberg pants, and Theory pants |
6. NEON
A pop of neon will freshen up any outfit. The cheapest way to try out this trend is to incorporate it into a beauty look--a bright pink lipstick or fluorescent nail polish is easy on the wallet and can transform a look. Alternately, a piece of punchy neon jewelry, belt, or bag livens things up.
 |
| Pink lipstick at Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2011, Christopher Kane sandals, Kate Spade bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelets, Rumbatime watch, and Kate Spade earrings |
7. DENIM
Stella McCartney and Celine's spring collections showed plenty denim on denim looks, and I'm not talking about Levis 501s and a jean jacket. The modern take on denim features clean lines and boxy shapes, preferrably in a lightweight fabric like chambray.
 |
| Celine Spring 2011, Talbots dress, Rachel Rachel Roy jumpsuit, Talbots vest and pants, and Acne jacket and shorts |
8. POINTY TOE HEELS
On the opposite end of the spectrum from flatforms are this spring's pointed pumps. Classic and refined, these are a must have. Added bonus--I'm pretty sure I have some of these shoes from the last time they were in style.
 |
| Isabel Marant Spring 2011, Topshop pumps, Schutz pumps, and Kate Spade pumps |
9. COLORBLOCKING
If you can't tell already, the big trend for spring is COLOR. Wearing one color from head to toe or mixing solids for a color-blocked effect are both fashion forward, and the latter is easier to pull off. Saturated cobalt, emerald, orange, and purple were runway hits, but really any color will work. For maximim impact, resist pairing these brights with neutrals (it just waters down the look).
 |
| Jil Sander Spring 2011, Diane von Furstenberg blouse, ASOS sandals, Diane von Furstemberg skirt, and Equipment shirt |
10. TRANSPARENCY
Whether it's lace, chiffon, or an open weave, sheer fabric is the way to go for spring. This means it is time to purchase a bra/camisole hybrid that will not look too scandalous when exposed (which seems downright demure in comparison to many runway looks).
 |
| Proenza Schouler Spring 2011, Kensie sweater, Rachel Rachel Roy shirt, and Alice by Temperly top |
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Let's Be Friends
 |
| Frieda & Nellie bracelet |
Friendship bracelets have been around since the beginning of time it seems, but in the past couple years they have advanced from kitschy grade-school trinkets to seriously chic accessory status. Style pioneers like Taylor Tomasi Hill and Giovanna Battaglia have been sporting this look for a while now, mixing the crafty bracelets in with their more polished watch and bracelet stack. It's all about the high-low mix.
These are perfect for infusing a little color and playfulness into an outfit:
 |
| Julie Rofman bracelet, Frieda & Nellie bracelet, and Shashi bracelet |
 |
| Lizzie Fortunato bracelet, Proenza Schouler bracelet, and Shashi bracelets |
Of course, a cheaper alternative would be making your own, or even buying a traditional friendship bracelet on Etsy.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Fall 2011 Fashion Week: Milan
EMILIO PUCCI
Peter Dundas continues to make Pucci relevant, creating glamorous clothes for the modern woman. His fall collections's jewel-tone purples and greens were right on trend, and the sex appeal of Dundas's body conscious cuts was amped up with dramatic portrait necklines. The tradition of beautiful Pucci prints was reimagined through embroidery and velvet burnouts, and sometimes accented with fringe. Dundas introduced some elegant separates, but his strength lies in dressmaking--I expect to see several of these gowns and cocktail dresses on red carpets.
D&G
Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana bucked the '60s and '70s trends found on the majority of fall runways, choosing instead to channel the '80s. Their collection featured loud, colorful prints created from lettering, which was most successful on their softer sheer pieces. The designers kept everything lighthearted and youthful--I'm convinced that wearing these clothes would put you in a good mood. My only quibble with the collection is the styling. The wedge sneakers and alphabet necklaces were fun, but the whole collection would have looked much more polished with pumps and more sophisticated jewelry.
VERSACE
Donatella Versace went clean and graphic for fall. She showed less of her usual overt sexiness, choosing instead to focus on laser sharp military-inspired cuts and to pull from Versace heritage for embellishments. The signature Versace leaf and flower emblem were magnified, rendered in bold color, and featured on a series of black crepe dresses. Gold buckles and buttons also echoed Versace tradition, and contributed to the militaristic feel. Although I miss the usual showstopping gowns, I was impressed by Donatella's strong focus in this collection.
Peter Dundas continues to make Pucci relevant, creating glamorous clothes for the modern woman. His fall collections's jewel-tone purples and greens were right on trend, and the sex appeal of Dundas's body conscious cuts was amped up with dramatic portrait necklines. The tradition of beautiful Pucci prints was reimagined through embroidery and velvet burnouts, and sometimes accented with fringe. Dundas introduced some elegant separates, but his strength lies in dressmaking--I expect to see several of these gowns and cocktail dresses on red carpets.
D&G
Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana bucked the '60s and '70s trends found on the majority of fall runways, choosing instead to channel the '80s. Their collection featured loud, colorful prints created from lettering, which was most successful on their softer sheer pieces. The designers kept everything lighthearted and youthful--I'm convinced that wearing these clothes would put you in a good mood. My only quibble with the collection is the styling. The wedge sneakers and alphabet necklaces were fun, but the whole collection would have looked much more polished with pumps and more sophisticated jewelry.
VERSACE
Donatella Versace went clean and graphic for fall. She showed less of her usual overt sexiness, choosing instead to focus on laser sharp military-inspired cuts and to pull from Versace heritage for embellishments. The signature Versace leaf and flower emblem were magnified, rendered in bold color, and featured on a series of black crepe dresses. Gold buckles and buttons also echoed Versace tradition, and contributed to the militaristic feel. Although I miss the usual showstopping gowns, I was impressed by Donatella's strong focus in this collection.
The Union of the Snake
Missoni Fall 2011, Prada Fall 2011, Chloe Fall 2011
Python had a strong showing on fall runways, from leather coats, bags and boots, to printed silk separates. The animal print is a natural progression from last fall's prolific leopard prints, and feels fresh when drenched in color.
Missoni Fall 2011, Prada Fall 2011, Chloe Fall 2011, Dries van Noten Fall 2011
I wasn't crazy about the trend when it appeared on Burberry Prorsum's spring runway, but other designers' interpretations for fall have me warming up to the print. The key to wearing python tastfully is to stay fairly covered up, a la the demure floor length coats at Missoni and '50s style skirts at Chloe.
I'm not quite ready to take the plunge and wear head to toe snakeskin, but I'm finding it hard to resist some of these colorful python accessories.
Topshop wedges ($150), Topshop socks ($8), Tory Burch clutch ($182.50), Rachel Rachel Roy belt ($21)
These python print items would look very on-trend paired with a pop of color.
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