Pilgrim Chic

Without a doubt, the most stylish way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to wear Marc Jacobs's rhinestone-buckle pilgrim shoes while eating turkey. 

Marc Jacobs Pilgrim Shoes in Black, Silver and Purple

Irrational Trend Obsession: Overalls

From time to time, along comes a trend that I know is so wrong...that is just feels right.  Case in point:  the flatform shoe, pajama separates, and the man-slipper.  Sometimes, when it comes to fashion, you've got to ignore the rational voice in your head (screaming noooooo) and follow your heart.  Which is why I am succumbing to the overall trend. 

We all know that overalls look adorable on little kids.  When supersized for adults, the results are usually less than flattering.  The key to pulling off grown-up dungarees is the cut, fabrication, and styling.  A tailored silk overall jumpsuit with a red lip is party-perfect, while a wool overall dress over a button-down and pumps is great for the office.  Whatever you do, do not wear baggy denim overalls with sneakers and a ponytail.

Here are a few lust-worthy examples from the runway.  Don't even get me started on how chic those black leather overalls are!  A girl can dream...

Jason Wu Spring 2013, 3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2013, 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2013

Although I'm not ready to strap on a pair of OshKosh B'Goshs yet, I would like to get my hands on one of these modern versions.  I am loving the pinafore/jumpsuit/overall hybrids.

1. Topshop,  2. J.W. Anderson for Topshop,  3. Topshop,  4. Acne,  5. Topshop,  6. 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Fall 2012: The Must-Haves

Fall is here!  What better excuse to go shopping (as if I need much convincing), and to shake things up in your wardrobe?  I've rounded up my top 12 runway-inspired trends that I am lusting after.  Fall fashion this year is all over the map; there is literally something for everyone.  If you prefer to keep things clean and modern, try out the white & cream trend, and maybe a dose of leather.  More of a maximalist?  Opulent embellishments and the printed pantsuit are right up your alley. 


1.  OPULENT EMBELLISHMENTS

Fall fashion always has a richness about it--deep colors, plush fabrics--but this fall, things are amped up a notch or 10.  Marc Jacobs set bar high with his collection in New York, featuring luxe brocades, beading, and rhinestone shoe buckles.  Then designers in Milan (Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Prada) and Paris (Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Lanvin) followed suit, embellishing everything in sight.  Think beadazzled buttons, giant faux gems, brooches, studs, embroidery, and piles of blingy baubles.



Marc Jacobs Fall 2012, 1. J. Crew beaded sweater, 2. Zara gloves, 3. Zara collar, 4. Zara belt, 5. Topshop metallic jacquard skirt, 6. ASOS jeweled bag, 7. Topshop brocade tights, 8. Miu Miu studded shoes, 9. Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski clip earrings

2.  THE DOCTOR'S BAG

The doctor is in!  This structured top-handle bag was all over fall runways.  Serious and grown-up, this bag is perfect for toting to and from the office.

Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang, and Prada Fall 2012 runway bags; 1. See by Chloe Albane satchel, 2. Zara antik leather bag, 3. Kate Spade Brighton Park Sloan, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Thunderdome bag, 5. Brahmin Everett satchel, 6. Zara rigid bag

3.  THE PRINTED PANT SUIT

There were plenty of power suits on fall runways, but it was the matchy-matchy printed suits that made the biggest splash.  Prada and Miu Miu were at the head of the pack with loud, 70s-patterned suits.  The coordinating blazer and pants combo makes you look instantly pulled together, and you have the added bonus of being able to mix and match with other pieces for a more toned-down look.

Prada Fall 2012, 1. J. Crew top, 2. J. Crew cafe capri, 3. Warehouse blazer, 4. Warehouse trousers, 5. Mango blazer, 6. Mango trousers

4.  THE OVERSIZED COAT

As much as I appreciate a flattering fitted coat, the overcoat is a necessary closet staple for layering over blazers and chunky sweaters when it's freezing out.  Fall's runways showcased a plethora of options, from the minimalist coats at Jil Sander, to the boxy coats at Stella McCartney, to the colorblocked coats at Celine.  Most memorable were Rei Kawakubo's enormous "flat" coats at Comme des Garçons.  This coat is not just about cold weather practicality; it's about pushing proportions.  I love the Comme des Garçons silhouette, so I'll be pairing mine with tights and brogues, for a thoroughly modern look.

Comme des Garçons Fall 2012, 1. Topshop neoprene coat, 2. Reiss relaxed coat, 3. Reiss Lillyanne coat, 4. Acne Sasha coat, 5. Diane von Furstenberg Laurel coat

5.  DARK & VAMPY

After being bombarded with color and print for several seasons, it felt good to see plain old black making a comeback on the runways.  And I'm not just talking about a black accent here or there--on Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Versace, nearly every ensemble was head-to-toe black, some styled with a dark lip for an extra vampy feel.  The look is more ladylike than goth--a bit of lace or sheer silk keeps things light and feminine.

Bottega Veneta Fall 2012, 1. Givenchy pearl tusk earring, 2. J. Crew stole, 3. Juicy Couture pendant necklace, 4. Tom Ford Black Orchid lipstick, 5. Zara embroidered bag, 6. Topshop skirt, 7. Topshop velvet bodysuit, 8. Aquazzara cutout shoes, 9. Rachel Zoe gloves

6.  COWBOY BOOTS

Oh, the power of Isabel Marant. Despite being the ONLY designer to feature Western-inspired fashion this season (that I'm aware of), cowboy boots have been popping up everywhere--from street style to every major retailer.  My favorite iteration of the Western trend is the stiletto ankle boot/ cowboy boot hybrid.  Perfectly on-trend without looking costumey.

Isabel Marant Fall 2012 boots and shoes, 1. Zara boots with insets, 2. Frye Deborah boots, 3. Madison Harding Miller boots, 4. Zara studded boots, 5. Jean-Michel Cazabat Paige boots, 6. See by Chloe boots, 7. Zara boots

7.  THE FANCY SWEATSHIRT

No longer that item that you throw on to go to the gym, the classic pullover sweatshirt has gotten fancy.  Sweatshirts now come in prints, with embellishment, leather sleeves, and any other upgrade imaginable.  Pair one with a leather pencil skirt, and you've got a quirky-cool ensemble that will transition from day to night.



Celine Fall 2012, 1. ASOS check sweatshirt, 2. J. Crew jeweled sweatshirt, 3. ASOS panel sweatshirt, 4. Topshop beaded sweatshirt, 5. Karl PVC-sleeve sweatshirt, 6. Mango floral sweatshirt

8.  LEATHER EVERYTHING

This is the ultimate tough girl's wardrobe.  Alexander Wang, Givenchy, and DKNY (to name a few) showcased head-to-toe leather looks on their runways.  Pretty much anything goes with trend, but I am particularly fond of the unconventional takes on leather--the tank, t-shirt, or collar.

Givenchy Fall 2012, 1. All Saints leather tank, 2. Cynthia Rowley leather dress, 3. 3.1 Phillip Lim leather collar, 4. Mango leather smoking blazer, 5. 3.1 Phillip Lim leather skirt, 6. Zara wedge boots, 7. Robert Rodriguez patent belt, 8. Mango leather mini skirt

9.  WHITE ON CREAM

Remember that moment when you realized that black and brown actually can be worn together?  And look good?  This same "aha" moment occurred when I saw the oh-so-cool cream/white color combos on the fall runways.  White in the fall just feels so bold...so imagine white + cream?!  This opens a whole new world of possibilities. 

Reed Krakoff Fall 2012, 1. Mango double layer top, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs logo watch, 4. Topshop biker coat, 5. Mango trousers, 6. See by Chloe booties, 7.  Diane von Furstenberg Haley belt

10.  MILITARISTIC

Does this trend ever really go out of style?  All trends are cyclical, but military influenced fashion seems to work it's way back into circulation more often than most.  This season, Victoria Beckham showed smart fitted dresses with military accents, McQ showed tailored army coats and lace-up combat boots, and Max Mara showed olive drab separates.  Try refreshing your wardrobe this season with a brass buttoned item, or a pop of camo.

MaxMara Fall 2012, 1. Topshop coat, 2. Zara studded belt, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses, 4. Zara camo trousers, 5. All Saints buckle boot, 6. Alexander Wang Emile satchel, 7. Mango military shirt, 8. Mango blazer

11.  THE CHUNKY POINTY TOE PUMP

The ladylike pointy-toe pump that's been making a comeback is getting a makeover for fall.  Designers modernized the staple on fall runways by adding a platform, or blocky heel, giving the shoe an architectural edge.  Phoebe Philo's white pump/wedge hybrid at Celine was a favorite of mine.

T to B:  Celine, Stella McCartney, & Celine shoes.  1. Zara platform pump, 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Peggy boot, 3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Kadie pump, 4. Zara wedge pump, 5. Topshop Afly croc boot

12.  FIT & FLARE

Fit and flare, ruffle hem, or fluted--whatever you want to call it, there is a new silhouette in town.  This sassy little number cropped up on several runways, most notably on Stella McCartney's, in the form of a wool and satin pieced dress.  This shape is just so darn cute--a must-have for fall. 

Stella McCartney Fall 2012, 1. DKNY skirt, 2. DKNY dress, 3. Twenty8Twelve Melody dress, 4. 10 Crosby Derek Lam skirt, 5. Reiss Eos dress, 6. Topshop dress

 

The Celine Mani

Today marks the start of another fashion week--the SPRING shows--and I have not even processed the fall runways!  Yikes, I'm behind.

Despite the impending onslaught of spring fashions, and despite the persistently hot weather, I am setting my sights on fall fashion.  Per the usual, Phoebe Philo's showing at Celine has been on my mind, specifically the bold cerulean/red-orange/tan colorblocking that appeared on oversized coats, pants, and sweatshirts.  The color story of this collection had an athletic appeal, perhaps a nod to this summer's Olympics.  I translated the De Stijl-ish colorblocking* to my nails, for a little jump on fall fashion.  It's way too hot to be wearing leather-panel sweatshirts, anyways.

 

 

*Note:  I did not take the perfectionist route and mask off my stripes with tape, hence the ahem "painterly" look to the manicure.  My patience has its limits.

Trend Alert: Mirrored Shades

Viviana Volpicella's mirrored sunglasses (via Garance Dore)

Allow me introduce you to the newest statement accessory on the block, which is taking the fashion world by storm: mirrored sunglasses.

L to R:  Ezgi Kiramer, Sharleen Naquet, Tina Leung, and Taylor Tomasi Hill

I thought I had all of my bases covered as far as sunglasses trends go--my collection ranges from aviator, to cat eye, to wayfarer to round frames.  Leave it to Taylor Tomasi Hill (Moda Operandi artistic director and trendsetter extaordinaire) to shake things up with a style that was totally off my radar.  I noticed TTH sporting these gleaming orange mirrored shades at Australian Fashion Week a month ago, and since then, several prominant fashion editors and girls-about-town have been following suit.  Not to mention, the style has been popping up in several editorials and Resort 2013 collection lookbooks over the past couple of months.

Resort 2013:  Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, Jenni Kayne & BCBG Max Azria

To be ahead of the eyewear curve, incorporate one of these pairs into your summer wardbrobe!

1. Spektre Cristal, 2. Sunpocket Samoa, 3. Westward Leaning No. 9.1, 4. Westward Leaning No. 9.6, 5.  Sunpocket Sport , 6. Westward Leaning No. 9.3

Spring 2012: The Must-Haves

Now that all of the fall fashion weeks have come to a close, I can focus on the season at hand--SPRING!  As temps are rising, so is my excitement about switching up my wardrobe.  Thankfully, there is an enticing crop of new trends to get inspired by.  Here are a few of my Must-Haves for the season:

ACID YELLOW

This vivid color is a long time favorite of mine, so I was delighted to see its appearance on spring runways, from Jason Wu to Proenza Schouler to Oscar de la Renta. I love an acid yellow pop against an all-neutral outfit, or even a head-to-toe fluorescent look (not for the faint of heart).

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012, 1. Bauble Bar necklace, 2. J. Crew bucket bag, 3. J. Crew tee, 4. Reed Krakoff sandal, 5. Shourouk earrings, 6. Paul Smith belt, 7. Topshop skirt

GRAPHIC BLACK & WHITE

A graphic black and white look always has that strong, pulled-together feel.  These pieces are so cool--part Parisian chic, and part sporty minimalist.  Added bonus:  they mix and match amongst themselves, and with virtually anything else in your wardrobe.
 

Emporio Armani Spring 2012, 1. Topshop Unique dress, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet, 3. Topshop sweater, 4. Adidas SLVR trench, 5. Fernando Frisoni pants, 6. Diane von Furstenberg Elsa shoes, and 7. Pour la Victoire Milano bag

METAL-TOED SHOES

Now, I'm not talking about steel-toe work boots.  Gleaming metal toe caps accent some of spring's most proper, ladylike shoes.  These beauties graced the runways of Thakoon, Yves Saint Laurent, and most notably, Louis Vuitton.  The cap toe update is the perfect way to take your work pumps to the next level.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 pumps, 1. Zara pumps, 2. Michael Kors oxfords, 3. Stuart Weitzman Capsize pumps, and 4. Topshop pumps

PASTELS

For the past several seasons we've seen brights, jewel tones, and neutrals have their moment, but finally this spring, it's time for pastels to take the spotlight. Think mint, lavender, and baby pink--basically, any color that would seem appropriate on an Easter egg.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012, 1. Equipment blouse, 2. Illeseva sunglasses, 3. Zara jacket and shorts, 4. Kate Spade bag, 5. Block ballet flats, 6. MiH jeans, 7. ASOS bow belt, and 8. B Brian Atwood pumps

THE PEPLUM

One obvious takeaway from the spring shows: this is going to be the Season of the Peplum. EVERYONE was showing peplums on the runway this season, whether it was the ornate couture-level variety at McQueen or sleek and minimalist style at Celine.  This look gives you dramatic definition at the waist.

Celine Spring 2012, 1. J. Crew sateen top, 2. Tibi striped jacket, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hannah dress, 4. Alice + Olivia Carly skirt, 5. Ted Baker Jamthun dress

THE NEW FLORALS

I know, you're thinking, Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking (said dripping with sarcasm, as by Miranda Priestly).  But this year's crop of florals is original, with several fresh spins on the classic spring favorite.  Runways were populated with vintagey wallpaper florals, hawaiian florals, and digitized florals--something for everyone.

Jason Wu Spring 2012, 1. Topshop dress, 2. Topshop bag, 3. Aminaka Wilmont tank, 4. Alice + Olivia Riley skirt, 5. ASOS clutch, 6. Rozae Nichols skirt, and 7. Cynthia Rowley tuxedo jacket 

GET SPORTY

Athletic looks were all over the runways, from wetsuit interpretations, to gowns borrowing varsity detailing.  I loved the bold colors, practical fabrics, and comfort of these pieces.  For a fresh, sporty look this season, inject your wardrobe with mesh, neoprene, and zipper detailing.  

Alexander Wang Spring 2012, 1. VPL bra, 2. Michael Kors chronograph watch, 3. Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit, 4. Adidas by Stella McCartney shorts, 5. Alexander Wang sandals, 6. Adidas by Stella McCartney bag, 7. Ash Bowie sneaker, and 8. Karl mesh vest

FANCY PANTS

It is time for your lower half to yet some attention. Whether it's cropped trousers, skinny jeans or wide silky pants, the brighter and more patterned, the better for spring.

Prabal Gurung Spring 2012, 1. Current/Elliott jeans, 2. J. Crew eyelet pants, 3. Michael Michael Kors ikat pants, 4. Earnest Sewn jeans, 5. Rag & Bone palazzo pants, 6. J. Crew floral pants, and 7. Madewell stripe pants

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you are wearing red today, you are right on trend.  In addition to being totally Valentine's Day-appropriate, red has been popping up everywhere in the New York Fall 2012 collections.  Bonus points for red leather!

Red looks on the fall runways:  Diane von Furstenberg, Peter Som, Jason Wu, DKNY, Donna Karan, Derek Lam, and Thakoon

Rings on Her Fingers

Besides mixing and stacking, I have never considered wearing rings to be a real styling opportunity.  I love a good cocktail ring, but I usually keep my ring style pretty simple.  That is about to change. On the umpteen fashion blogs that I follow, there is one trend that has caught my eye that I can't stop thinking about, involving, you guessed it, rings.

Well, it's actually a two-part trend. 

First, there is the above-the-knuckle ring.  I love this, because you can take a ring that you ordinarily wear on your ring finger, move it over to above the knuckle of your index finger, and voila!  A completely new look.  The style looks amazing when another ring of the same style/size is worn just below the knuckle of the same finger.  I am obsessed!  The ultimate ring designed for this style is the Repossi Barbere.  Unfortunately, it costs an arm and a leg.  I am on the hunt for a knockoff.

The second ring style involves wearing one ring on each of your fingers.  I have been eyeing this Maison Martin Margiela ring set for a while, but a cheaper alternative is buying 4 of the same wide band ring, and creating your own set.

Another option is combining the two styles...why not?  A couple below-the-knuckle rings here, a couple above-the-knuckle rings there, and you have something totally unique and cool.

Pajama Party!

Viviana Volpicella of Vogue Nippon, Christine Centenera of Harper's Bazaar Australia, and Marina Larroude of style.com

Pajama-style separates have made appearances on the runways for the past couple of seasons now, and all of the coolest girls in fashion have even taken the look to the street.  The style is all about the insouciance that comes from wearing a loose, silk button-down shirt or billowy pair of printed pants.  I am not a fan of the full-on, Hugh Hefner look (pajama shirt + pajama pants + velvet slipper flats), but incorporating one of the pieces into an outfit evokes an easy chicness.  The key is to accessorize with sky-high heels and a bold piece of jewelry, to avoid that just-rolled-out-of-bed look.


An untucked pajama shirt is perfection over a pair of leather pants or bright skinny jeans.

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew, Olatz, Tucker, and Bodas pajama shirts

A pair of printed wide-leg pants looks submlime when topped off with a tank top and blazer.

Clover Canyon, 10 Crosby, By Malene Birger, and Marc by Marc Jacobs pants

Fall 2011: The Must-Haves

This post comes a bit late.  I know that everyone has already pulled their fall clothing out of storage, but I hope you have not completed your fall/winter shopping.  I know I haven't!  This is your guide to the MUST-HAVE, can't-live-without, pieces for fall.


THE MAN-SLIPPER

This is the trend that I promised myself that I wouldn't fall for, but here I am slipping.  It takes a lot to get me excited about a flat, but this one is fresh enough to have piqued my interest.  Brogues are getting tired this season, and ballet flats are more tired, so why not make room for the new flat on the block?  I need these in leopard and glitter.

Clockwise from top center:  Christian Louboutin Roller Girl, Topshop Kosy, Dolce Vita Nariko, Stubbs & Wootton Louie, Topshop Klass, J. Crew Darby, Topshop Manney, J. Crew Darby, and Jimmy Choo Wheel

THE COLLAR NECKLACE

Otherwise known as the choker necklace (I prefer the term "collar", as it sounds much nicer),  this statement jewelry piece adds major punch to even the most basic outfit. The Michael Kors and Lanvin runways debuted this trend back in February, and it is not going away any time soon (hint: spring runways were covered with collar/choker necklaces).  Whether you go sleek and minimal or ornate and flowery, necklaces are chunky and short for fall. 

Top:  Backstage at Michael Kors Fall 2011, street style at fashion week
Bottom: Vita Fede Tubotelle necklace, Dannijo Hudson neklace, Kenneth Jay Lane oversized necklace

WINE

Bordeaux, burgundy, crimson, whatever you want to call it--I'm talking about the deep red color, not the beverage.  Wine is the new black this season, perfect for all your separates and accessories.  Head-to-toe red is the statement I want to be making, but if you are restricted to one piece, a pair of bordeaux skinny pants is essential. 

Street style photo; Clockwise from top left:  Equipment blouse, Zara gloves, Theory sweater dress, Celine bag, Zara waxed trousers, Lyn Devon leather skirt

THE SIXTIES SHIFT

The '70s have dominated the runways for the past two seasons, but for fall, Prada was the one to say ENOUGH!  Let's take it back to the groovin' '60s.  I have a serious weakness for mod styling--the big hair, doll-eyed makeup, bold colorblocking--so I was more than ready to usher in this trend.  Whether a dress or a coat, the cut is short, boxy, and high-necked.

Prada Fall 2011; Clockwise from top left:  Shoshanna dress, French Connection coat, Zara dress, French Connection coat

ROSY BLUSH

Last fall had me swooning for bold lips, but this fall, it's all about the rosy cheek.  The heavily flushed look was popular on runways--from Oscar de la Renta, to Marc Jacobs, to Prada.  The key to the look is building up a natural glow with a cream blush.  At Prada, Pat McGrath (genius makeup artist) used this Covergirl blush to great effect.

Fall runway makeup: Marc Jacobs by Francois Nars, Prada by Pat McGrath and Oscar de la Renta by Gucci Westman

PYTHON

I know I've already posted about the snake-print trend on runways, but this deserves another mention, because it it shaping up to be a MAY-jor fall trend (and my personal obsession).  Think python-print silk shirts, envelope clutches, and knee-high boots.  Prada's leather boots have had me salivating for python since they walked the runways in February.  Not to beat a dead horse, but when a new trend surfaces at Prada, you sit up and take note.

Top: Python street style, Prada Fall 2011 boot 
Bottom (clockwise from top left):  All Saints Ottavia trousers, Zara pumps, BCBG belt, Zara clutch

FABULOUS FORTIES

If you want to look like a sophisticated lady, this is the era for you.  Take inspiration from the Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu fall shows, and wear fitted pencil skirts, peplum-waist jackets, and shapely dresses with strong shoulders.  The best thing about this trend?  It's totally office-appropriate.

Miu Miu Fall 2011; Clockwise from top left:  Zara gloves, Modcloth dress, Preston & York faux fur stole, Zara bag, ASOS pencil skirt, Topshop coat, and Kate Spade pumps

BOY MEETS GIRL

For this year's holiday parties, try swapping out your go-to little black dress for a little black pant suit.  A sharp menswear look can be just as fun as a slinky party dress, especially when you amp it up with a sequined blazer or metallic loafers. Wearing a full-on tuxedo is a tough look to pull off, so try wearing one borrowed-from-the-boys item (crisp white button down or a long blazer) and adding a felt hat or heeled loafers to finish off the look.

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011; Clockwise from top left: Zara sequin blazer, Topshop pork pie hat, ASOS chiffon tie, Tibi tuxedo pants, River Island tie shirt, and Alexander Wang Anais loafers

THE PARKA

Somehow, I've never owned a parka.  Maybe it's because I don't ski or hike or do the rough-and-tough outdoor activities that require one.  Fall runways had me lusting for one though, because they looked so chic when thrown over a feminine frock.

Altuzarra Fall 2011 & Vera Wang Fall 2011; Clockwise from top left:  Daughters of Liberation parka, Laundry by Shelli Segal parka, ASOS wool & leather parka, Zara parka