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.
Showing posts with label spring 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring 2011. Show all posts
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, February 3, 2011
T by Alexander Wang Spring 2011 Campaign
This spring, it seems that more and more designers are choosing to release videos in addition to their standard print ads. This one combines the work of two of my favorites: Alexander Wang and Diplo. Model Ashley Smith stars in the campaign, tossing her platinum hair and flashing her trademark gap-toothed grin. The clothes aren't really featured in the film, but that's not the point. Wang wants you to buy into his raw, downtown image.
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Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Must Watch: Prada Spring Ad Campaign
This has to be the first time that I have seen models dancing in an ad campaign. Miuccia Prada brought the zany to her Spring 2011 collection, so it is no surprise that her ad campaign is equally quirky and memorable. Models Arizona Muse (one of my current favorites), Tati Cotliar, Kinga Rajzak, Zuzanna Bijoch, and Mariacarla Boscono flit around to Ratatat, styled exactly as they were for the runway show. Mesmerizing.
I think I'm going to need those sunglasses.
I think I'm going to need those sunglasses.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Must Have: THE WHITE SHIRT
Even though it's just November, I am itching to try out spring runway trends, and the white shirt is the perfect item to start integrating with fall pieces. While some designers chose to incorporate strong color and patterns into their spring collections, others, like Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander Wang, made an equally powerful statement with all head-to-toe white looks. Clearly, white is the new black. Although white tunics and crew necks graced some runways, the key piece was an update to the classic button down shirt. The boxy menswear-style white shirt is perfection with leather skinny pants, luxe sweatpants, or tucked into a high-waisted skirt. The shirt also provides a perfect backdrop for fall's statement necklaces and bold lipstick.
Runway inspiration:
Shirts you can wear now:
Beyond basic:
Runway inspiration:
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| Alexander Wang |
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| Akris |
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| Calvin Klein |
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| Michael Kors |
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| Dries van Noten |
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| Celine |
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| Viktor & Rolf |
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| Stella McCartney |
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| Chloe |
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| Helmut Lang shirt |
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| Rachel Rachel Roy tunic |
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| Character Hero shirt |
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| Alexander Wang shirt |
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| Victor & Rolf shirt |
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| Victorialand shirt |
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Spring 2011 Fashion Week: Paris Honorable Mentions
These fabulous looks were some of my favorites from Paris, falling just short of my top five list. From the tailored dresses at Yves Saint Laurent to the deconstructed pajamas at Haider Ackerman, spring styles pulled from a variety of influences. Despite the disparities, spring lines generally were long and loose, featuring strong color. Louis Vuitton, John Galliano, and Dries van Noten incorporated Asian prints into some of their pieces, which may emerge as one of spring's breakout trends.
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| Dries van Noten |
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| Christian Dior |
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| John Galliano |
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| Yves Saint Laurent |
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| Haider Ackerman |
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| Guy Laroche |
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| Louis Vuitton |
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| Givenchy |
Monday, October 18, 2010
Spring 2011 Fashion Week: Paris
I wish I could cover all my favorites from Paris, but there were simply too many. My top ten from this season include Chanel, Viktor & Rolf, Lanvin, Celine, Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Haider Ackerman, Louis Vuitton, Dries van Noten, and John Galliano. I've already covered McQueen, and below is the rest of my short list, rounding out my top five.
CHANEL
Karl Lagerfeld really outdid himself with this collection, creating both gorgeous separates and gowns that would look great on women of all ages. The show itself was spectacular (worth checking out here), located in the Grand Palais, featuring 88 looks, which were accompanied by an 80-piece orchestra playing Bjork. Amazing! Karl showed classic Chanel suits and dresses, but updated them with perforated textiles and feather trims. The standout accessories included laser-cut fingerless gloves, lucite cuffs, and tangled webs of necklaces that looked modern, but stayed true to the Chanel aesthetic. I sincerely hope someone knocks off those gloves soon, because I need them in my life. The only real shortcoming of the collection was the shoes, which were rather unfortunate looking.
VIKTOR & ROLF
Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren like to have fun with fashion, creating very whimsical, dramatic looks that aren't always wearable. This season they produced the best of both worlds--a conceptual collection with very sellable pieces. They took the idea of a classic white button down shirt and exploded it, collaring and cuffing every shirt, dress, and even pants. The final looks took the button down shirt into new territory--bridal. The overall effect was fresh, showcasing the duo's talent in creating crisp separates, sculptural gowns, and eye-catching accessories.
LANVIN
This was a darker, moodier collection for Alber Elbaz than his typical colorful, gown-heavy showing. Alber showcased more separates and daywear than usual, but my favorites were still the flowing silk chiffon gowns. The utilitarian color palette, styled with leather harnesses and warrior-like embellishments, gave the feminine cuts and fabrics an edge. The looks would be perfect for the woman who wants to look both tough and beautiful.
CELINE
Celine has developed a cult following in the past two years, thanks to Phoebe Philo's modern minimalist vision. This collection was true to form, comprising of chic daywear that a working woman could build her entire wardrobe from. The cuts were less tailored than typical for Celine--the shirts more tunic-like, the pants a bit wider and lower--giving each look an ease and sophistication.
CHANEL
Karl Lagerfeld really outdid himself with this collection, creating both gorgeous separates and gowns that would look great on women of all ages. The show itself was spectacular (worth checking out here), located in the Grand Palais, featuring 88 looks, which were accompanied by an 80-piece orchestra playing Bjork. Amazing! Karl showed classic Chanel suits and dresses, but updated them with perforated textiles and feather trims. The standout accessories included laser-cut fingerless gloves, lucite cuffs, and tangled webs of necklaces that looked modern, but stayed true to the Chanel aesthetic. I sincerely hope someone knocks off those gloves soon, because I need them in my life. The only real shortcoming of the collection was the shoes, which were rather unfortunate looking.
Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren like to have fun with fashion, creating very whimsical, dramatic looks that aren't always wearable. This season they produced the best of both worlds--a conceptual collection with very sellable pieces. They took the idea of a classic white button down shirt and exploded it, collaring and cuffing every shirt, dress, and even pants. The final looks took the button down shirt into new territory--bridal. The overall effect was fresh, showcasing the duo's talent in creating crisp separates, sculptural gowns, and eye-catching accessories.
LANVIN
This was a darker, moodier collection for Alber Elbaz than his typical colorful, gown-heavy showing. Alber showcased more separates and daywear than usual, but my favorites were still the flowing silk chiffon gowns. The utilitarian color palette, styled with leather harnesses and warrior-like embellishments, gave the feminine cuts and fabrics an edge. The looks would be perfect for the woman who wants to look both tough and beautiful.
CELINE
Celine has developed a cult following in the past two years, thanks to Phoebe Philo's modern minimalist vision. This collection was true to form, comprising of chic daywear that a working woman could build her entire wardrobe from. The cuts were less tailored than typical for Celine--the shirts more tunic-like, the pants a bit wider and lower--giving each look an ease and sophistication.
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