Looks of the Week – Outwear Edition
Bold and dramatic outerwear is my current obsession – Whether you adore the classics or pieces with more a avant garde or boho vibe, you’ll love the fabulous examples below!
{Such a fabulous color – Bold & eye-catching. And I adore the belt!}
{Fabulous prints like these are a great way to go – This subtle black & white oversized coat is just the thing!}
{Drama Drama Drama – This Maison Martin Margiela coat is about as head-turning as they come. Are you brave enough to rock something like this?}
{A faux fur collar is a great way to spice up a coat – It adds a touch of sophistication and a fun twist that can make a coat totally “you.”}
{Animal prints can be a really fun print to try out – And finding a unique cut & silhouette like this one is a great way to go. Belting it? Makes it even more unique!}
{I love the unique style of this piece – The print, the fringe, the silhouette}
What’s your favorite style of outerwear? Do you have a favorite piece that you just can’t get enough of this season?
Closet Organization
Is there a more intimidating or thankless project than cleaning out your closet? I have to confess that I usually have it on my To Do list for weeks before I get up the courage and fortitude to tackle the project. Don’t get me wrong, I adore a well-organized closet and am somewhat OCD about keeping it clean day-to-day {bf chuckles}, but a full-on cleaning can be intimidating.
I’ve found that approaching the project with a three-fold plan of attack is what works for me. That and spending days hours on Pinterest drooling over beautifully organized closets to get me in the mood… ❤
- Love It or Leave It – First you need to go through every single piece in your closet and decide whether you want to keep it. Tears optional.
- Share The Love – Once I’ve created a pile of pieces that need a new home I set up a Closet Party with some friends and after that any remaining items will be donated to the Goodwill.
- Live The Dream – Finally, when your closet is filled only with the pieces you’ll be holding onto, it’s time to sort, organize, rearrange, and plan for the future.
Need more details? Read on…
Love It or Leave It:
I become somewhat attached to inanimate objects so after years of carrying clothes that still have the tags on them from one apartment to another, I have had to set rules for myself. If I haven’t worn it in the last year – It has to go. End of discussion.
You may have a home with more storage space or larger closets and be able to keep more clothing and accessories, it’ll be dependent on what you have available to you and how much of a “clothes horse” you are. In general, if you can’t remember the last time you wore something, you probably don’t need to hold onto it. If your shoes are falling apart, you can probably let them go. If a piece has needed hemming or tailoring for as long as you can remember and you still haven’t taken it in, you guessed it, you should probably put it in the “out” pile.
Share The Love:
My favorite thing to do once I’ve created a pile of things that I’m not going to keep is to plan a closet party – I invite some friends over for cocktails or champagne and free reign of my closets. It’s been a tradition for a few years now and I love to include new friends, it’s a fun bonding event. And what’s left over after the closet party gets dropped off at the donations center of Goodwill.
Living The Dream:
Now that you know what you’re working with you can figure out how best to approach the cleaning of your closet. I like to tackle the reorganizing process in three steps:
- First I rearrange by type & color {i.e. pants with pants, solids from black to white, then prints}
- The second step is to consider the season and organize your closet so that the clothes & accessories that you’re wearing now are most readily available. This can mean deploying under-bed organizing trays or boxes to be stacked on shelves out of reach in your closet if need be.
- Finally, after all of that work, I like to take stock of what I have and how it’s arranged and implement some changes to make getting dressed run more smoothly – Like adding accessories holders, changing hangers, or separating work clothes from play.
{All photos from MCLV’s Closet Porn… Board on Pinterest}
You can find some other tips and suggestions in Sincerely Jules’s Details or Cupcakes & Cashmere’s Closet Clean-Up or her Operation Organization: Closet Edition.
So tell me, how often do you overhaul your closet(s)? Do you have a specific process whenever you get started on this project?
Links You’ll Love
Health & Fitness:
Here are some GREAT things to keep in mind as you’re working through your list of New Years Resolutions for 2013 – The Things Successful People DON’T Do.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been shivering my way through this recent cold front in Northern California. Rain in December I’m used to. Wind & air so cold it feels like it should be snowing? That’s new. If you’re in a similar boat these simple tips can save your booty this Winter – Stay Warm!
Keeping your energy levels up during the way can seem impossible sometimes. Day-to-day you may feel changes due to diet, the amount of sleep you got, stress levels… And while you can’t always control every aspect of your life, there are some things that you can keep an eye on to help with this – Fatigue Facts: 5 Things That Make You Tired.
While I enjoyed all of the “round-up” style posts during December to celebrate the end of 2012 I have to say that this was one of my favorites so I just HAD to share – Best of 2012: My Favorite Vegan & Raw Recipes.
Staying inspired and positive about your body is an important step towards being happy and healthy! See what The Huffington Post has to say about keeping your attitude in check – Seven Ways To Be More Body Positive In 2013.
Fashion:
There’s nothing quite like a flashy new campaign to get you in the mood for some serious shopping. That’s part of the reason we adore fashion magazines, right? Well Fashionologie has the low-down on all the killer campaigns for Spring here.
Finding stylish but simple new updos that’s keep my hair out of my eyes is a new mission so I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this fabulous tutorial – Beauty How To: Braided Bun Tutorial.
Need some inspiration to get creative with your hair this Winter? Check out Rebecca Minkoff’s 2013 Ushers In A New Wave Of Hairstyles for some serious tips.
I ADORE Winer outwear & accessories so this Glitter Guide post had me in raptures. If you’re similarly inclined head over for their Style File: Chic Winter Wear and prepare to swoon!
If you’ve been trying to find a fabulous statement necklace but have come up empty so far, why not make your own? This DIY Charm Necklace from I Spy DIY is to die for!
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Jackets and blazers and coats – Oh My! Chic jackets, blazers, and coats in brilliant jewel tones, soft velvets & corduroy, fun patterns, formal tweeds & brocades, and freshly pressed trenches will all make appearances this Fall, so get a head start with WhoWhatWear’s Street Style with Adam Katz Sinding: Chic Outerwear.
Sweatshirts don’t have to be boring or gym-worthy, this season you’ll want to find a sweatshirt with a cute patterned or retro design to pair with your separates. Bright colors, fun nostalgia-inducing graphics, even highschool letterman-style sweatshirts will be hitting the streets – Trend: Sweat Chic.
There’s nothing quite like seeing what one of your fashion idols has their closet to get you in the mood to revamp your own wardrobe! Luckily for us Harper’s Bazaar is taking you on a tour of DJ, model, and Chanel ambassador Leigh Lezark’s fashion collection – Closet of the Month: Leigh Lezark.
When you’re fashion-obsessed the passion for fashion doesn’t stop with clothing and accessories, it extends to ever facet of your life. Like Tom Ford said: “Fashion is everything. Art, music, furniture design, graphic design, hair, makeup, architecture, the way cars look – all those things go together to make a moment in time, and that’s what excites me.” So let’s enjoy this tour of a fabulous, fashionable, organized home – The Brunette’s My home, my essentials.
One of the reasons that I love doing Style File posts is that you get to recreate and put a fun, fresh spin on an outfit that someone you admire has worn. Whether it’s a celebrity, a model, a blogger, or a fashion editor, you’re taking the time to really look at their personal style and try to recreate a look that you love. Smile For Style agrees and has shared her picks for this killer look from Revenge start Ashley Madekwe – Get Her Look: Ashley Madekwe.
Health & Fitness:
I don’t know about you, but I like to hold onto Halloween for as long as possible, and that means making Halloween-style treats wellllll after the holiday itself passes – Sweet Vegan Treats For a Happy Halloween.
Taking some time for a calming yoga routine each day could not only help you cope with everyday stress, it could also give you a great energy boost – Yoga Moves for a Pick-Me-Up from Women’s Health.
The ladies over at Tone It Up! are known for their great outdoor & beach workouts that you can do with little to no equipment and their latest, Halloween inspired workout is another fab example filled with bridges, planks, and cardio – Your Tone It Up Tuesday SpOokTacULaR Workout!
Pizza is the ultimate comfort food but unfortunately it’s not usually on the approved foods list for the conscientious, healthy eater. But what if it could be? Check out these killer veggie-filled recipes and get cooking! Green Garden Pizza, Garlic Flatbread/Pizza Crust, Heirloom Tomato & Sweet Corn Pizza & Swiss Chard Pizza from Gluten Free, Soy Free Vegan.
Fall On A Budget
At the beginning of October I shared my Fall 2012 Must Haves, which included eye-catching patterns & prints, faux leather, fun pants, tweed pieces, asymmetrical details, and the color de jour for Fall – Oxblood.
It’s easy to see pictures from the Fall 2012 collections and put together a mental list of all the things you want, and then give up in frustration because you can’t afford straight-from-the-runway pieces. But I’m here to tell you that we can very easily update your wardrobe for Fall without having to dip into your 401k. I promise!
I like to get one or two great new investment pieces each season – something like an updated but classic Little Black Dress, a chic new handbag, or a timeless trench – but I’ll also collect a handful of fun, on-trend pieces from less expensive stores that quickly update my looks for the season. There are great stores like Zara, ASOS, H&M, and TopShop were you can find trendy, well-made pieces each season for a steal. Read on for some of my personal suggestions & recommendations as well as a collection of great articles that’ll steer you in the right direction for all of your Fall 2012 needs.
- Where Do Editors Really Shop from Refinery 29 is just the sort of article that I love to read – Knowing where the most fashionable and stylish women in the fashion world shop is like being handed the keys to the kingdom! And wouldn’t you know it, along with the high-end designers that you’d expect them to mention, they also list great inexpensive shopping destinations like E-bay, Target, Zara, Amazon, Madewell, J.Crew, TopShop, JewelMint, ShoeMint, and even The Salvation Army. Great news, isn’t it?
- The Glitter Guide’s Caitlin’s Budget Buys: Fall Essentials Under $80 includes fabulous beauty & fashion finds from Target, TopShop, Old Navy, Dorothy Perkins, Christian Siriano for Payless, ASOS, L’Oreal, and Sole Society.
Another lucky break for us fashion obsessed is that more and more high-end designers have been coming out with reasonably priced collections for retailer giants like Payless, Target, and Macys.
{Long-sleeve Shirt Dress in Red Geometric Print – $40 @ Kirna Zabete for Target, Long-Sleeve Satin Blazer – $60 (on sale) @ Nicole Richie for Impulse & Racquel Side Zip Bootine – $50 @ Christian Siriano for Payless}
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Lucky Magazine’s 100 Cheap Fall Finds is a trove of fun Fall pieces from printed pants and embellished collars to chic dresses and leather trimmed jackets. In addition to featuring clothing from Luckymag.com, they included other retail websites like Romwe.com, Pixiemarket.com, Urban1972.com, Levis.com, and Ulta.com.
- Two of the trends that I’m most excited for this Fall are printed pants and leather-trimmed pieces and luckily for all of us the fun website The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style featured fabulous recommendations for both trends – Geometry Class & Just The Sleeves Please. So no matter what type of fashion you’re in the mood for this site has what you’re looking for!
The less expensive secondary lines created by designers and sold at department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macys, Nordstrom, and Kolh’s are great pieces to keep an eye out for.
{Left to Right: Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Jac’ Denim Leggings – $140 @ Nordstrom, MICHAEL Michael Kors Sleeveless Cowl Neck Banded Bottom Dress – $45 (on sale) @ Bloomingdale’s, and LC Lauren Conrad Embellished Ruffle Tee – $40 @ Kohl’s}
- Not quite sure how to approach stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross? Refinery 29 took it upon themselves to teach us how in their piece Discount Shopping – How To Shop At Marshalls where they had three different editors put together 6 cute looks under $50. Wow!
- Waiting for stores to have announce a big sale is a great way to find the pieces you’re craving without paying full-price. Not sure just how to make this tactic work for you? Check out Sales Rack Skinny: The Subtle Statement’s Sale Shop Tactics for tips that’ll help you find just what you’re looking for in stores or even online.
Are you still in the mood for more tips, recommendations, and suggestions for updating your wardrobe, Fall dressing, and online shopping? Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Style For Hire and a series of informative posts all about online shopping.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Outerwear is always one of my favorite parts about dressing for Fall, and with all of the fun patterned and colorful blazers in stores this season I’m even more excited than usual. Not sure where to start? Time to check in with the experts! The Glitter Guide’s Fall Shopping Guide: Blazers.
One of my new favorites to keep an eye on during Fashion Month is Russian designer and photographer Ulyana Sergeenko. Her style is dramatic, eye-catching, and perfectly over-the-top. And luckily for us fashion lovers she’s just one of many chic up and coming Russian fashionistas making the scene these days! You’ll thank me after you check out all of these lovely ladies in Bougeotte’s Modern Russian Czarinas Are Being Born.
Beauty lovers have been buzzing about the new Courtin-Clarins beauty blog that launched last month. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see what these French beauties have to say now’s the time! WhoWhatWear – The Scoop: Claire & Virginie Courtin-Clarins.
Patterned pants and all-over-prints on suits and shorts suits are all things that I’m excited to wear this Fall and next Spring, so why not check out some fabulous versions worn lately to get you in the mood? The Next Evolution of Fashion’s Print Obsession: The Printed Suit.
I recently discovered a fun new fashion blog that I’d love to share – Advanced Style was created by Ari Seth Cohen and celebrates the fabulous fashion of the older generations. As someone who grew up on Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant movies, couldn’t wait to start working after college so I could have a formal wardrobe, and dresses up to travel – this is right up my alley. I love the formality and classic approach to fashion celebrated by previous generations and this website is a great place to find stunning photographs of just that. Enjoy!
Health & Fitness:
I remember thinking at 18 that 30 was so old but now as I’m swiftly approaching the big three-oh my thinking has changed – I’m looking forward to the things that I’m going to accomplish in my thirties, the goals I’m going to set, the places I’m going to visit. Needless to say I was thrilled when I saw this article – Does life really begin at 30?
Sweet potatoes are a great favorite of mine – I love that there are an endless number of recipes that you can make with them, from snacks to savory dinner to sweet desserts. Versatile and delicious, what more could a girl want? More recipes to try of course! 10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes: Easy and tasty sweet potato recipes, each with about 300 calories or less.
Finding new recipes, reading about food, health & nutrition, and finding great food blogs written by creative, passionate people are some of my favorite pastimes so I was thrilled when Green Thickies posted a list of the their favorite blogs – Some I already knew and others I eagerly looked up. I had dozens of recipes printed in minutes! 🙂 Check out 8 Best Vegan Blogs for links and recipes to try!
Sometimes when I look at a recipe I’ll immediately think “no” in my mind when I look at the amount of oil, butter, or sugar being recommended. Rather than count certain recipes out, we can substitute healthier, nutritious ingredients for the more calorically dense, fattening ones. Apple sauce is one of my go-to ingredients to lighten up a recipe, but for Fall why not try pumpkin? How to Substitute Pumpkin Puree For Butter and Oil.
Speaking of pumpkin, this was one of the first pumpkin recipes I made this season when Trader Joe’s started stocking the shelves with canned pumpkin – How To Make A Quick Healthy Pumpkin Pie Fudge. So. Good.
Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion
Here we are, the final post from Spring 2013 Fashion Week in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Today we’ll be looking at some of the best street style from Fashion Month – The ladies really dress to the nines when it comes to being photographed at Paris Fashion Week.
I adore this look from head-to-toe! From the quilted motorcycle jacket to the striking black & white bag to the suede ankle boots. Well done!
This look is so sweet and retro I couldn’t help but love it. The contrasting colored tights and chunky velvet ankle strap sandals are my favorite part!
A dramatic black & white look with a splash of color is a great color scheme to work with and the sleek silhouette of this look is even more striking.
This outfit is all about the tan, double-breasted coat. I love a dramatic outerwear look like this!
A floral jumpsuit is just the thing in the Parisian parks when paired with a tan wrap-around belt and a striking coral Chanel bag.
This is one of the most stunning overcoats that I’ve seen in a while – A stunning color with a fun, eye-catching brooch and a great retro vibe.
So chic & well put together! The bright, collared shirt dress paired with a sleek black leather jacket is a great pairing and suits her perfectly.
Karmen may be Estonian, but she’s got the French je ne sais quoi in spades. This layered black look is striking & eye-catching despite being monochromatic.
Such a stunning, Summery look – The floral maxi looks great paired with the white, cropped leather jacket and that Hermes Birkin bag is swoon-worthy.
One of my favorite Paris Fashion Week street style looks was from blogger Chiara Ferragni – This multi colored lace Chanel dress with nude accessories is chic, flattering, and timeless. She looks stunning!
{Click on the links above to view the original source}
Previous Spring 2013 Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2013, London Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013, and Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Onto My Wardrobe’s Fashion Weeks Recap, FabSugar’s Best Paris Fashion Week Street-Style Accessories, and WhoWhatWear’s What They Wore: Paris Fashion Week.
Which street style and front row fashion had you most excited from this season’s Fashion Month – New York, London, Milan, or Paris?
Links You’ll Love
Health & Fitness:
I was quite the little baker this Summer and I have to say that this was one of the tastiest and most creative recipes that I tried out – Dark Chocolate Cherry Zucchini Bread.
A short, energizing yoga workout is a great way to de-stress and stretch out after a long day at the office in your desk chair – Women’s Health yoga video.
Love Thy Self! Gala Darling agrees and wants to help you – 10 Radical Self Love Exercises To Boost Your Summer Lovin’!
A vegetable stir fry with either a grain or soy, tempeh, or tofu is one of my favorite quick & easy mid-week dinners so I enjoy finding new sauces and combinations to try out, like Peas And Thank You’s Szechuan Broccoli and Quinoa.
You don’t need a full hour for a workout to be beneficial, fit in some walking and short bursts of exercise whenever you can! Before work, during your lunch break, before a class starts – Get Fit In Only Fifteen Minutes.
Fashion:
Being able to break out all of your jeans is one of the fun things about Fall dressing. Check out FabSugar’s The Ultimate Fall Denim Guide — Every Trend, Cut, Color, and Fit.
My favorite part about Fall is the outerwear – I love full ankle-length coats, peacoats, trenches, blazers, basically anything that I can get my hands on – Coat Check: How to Take Your Look in a Ladylike Direction.
Most of us wish we could get more sleep, so why not save a few precious minutes in the morning by speeding up your beauty and makeup routine? How To Do Your Makeup In 5 Minutes (Really!)
Dressing for work doesn’t need to be boring, from colorful separates to chic suits to fabulous sheath dresses, Harper’s Bazaar has the answers – Stylish Work Clothes.
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month with some stylish pink finds – From beauty products to accessories and jewelry, no matter what you’re in the mood for you can support this great cause. Mama’s A Rolling Stone – Our 6 Favorite Breast Cancer Awareness Products.
London Fashion Week Spring 2013
Today I’m going to be sharing reviews of some of the lovely collections that came off the Spring 2013 London Fashion Week catwalks – From the big names like Burberry and Mulberry to the well-loved but somewhat less established designers like Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane.
Enjoy!
Burberry:
Color, color, and more color. The Burberry runway show was a veritable rainbow of color-drenched trench coats, dresses, and separates. Christopher Bailey also played with textures and fabrics including shimmering metallics, tinted plastic, and shiny holographic prints – Giving the classic brand a fun, futuristic twist.
Capes, hotpants, puffy capsleeves, swimwear, cropped jackets, leather, dramatic belts, lace brilliant metallic handbags, and colorful open-toed heels added to the brilliance of the collection.
Mulberry:
Fabulous outerwear seemed to be the name of the game in London and while Burberry was bright and festive, Mulberry was a bit more demure, however no less ornate. Bronzy gold, peachy cream, minty green, and blues from pale to midnight.
The brocades, embroideries, and patterns were phenomenal, very earthy and flora based, something of a mix between Fall and Spring. I loved the use of florals on the clothing, handbags, and shoes simultaneously, rather than be over the top it was totally chic. I also loved the outerwear – The oversized silhouettes and large, upturned collars were perfection.
Acne:
The clothes at Acne were bold – Dramatic stripes, bright colors, graffiti prints, colorblocking, black leather, straps & buckles, adapted gladiator platforms, and parachute silhouettes.
All in all a very wearable collection of interesting and eye-catching separates perfect for the Acne girl. I especially liked the maxi skirts, vertical stripes, and buckle adorned vests.
House of Holland:
This 90’s grunge inspired collection was one for the books – The dark, moody colors were perfectly suited to the dramatic checkered patterns, graphic tees, beanies, skater shorts, and maxi silhouettes.
These were great pieces that immediately made me nostalgic for the music of my Junior High and High School days – Especially the shrunken baby tees, slouchy knit caps, and midriff bearing tops.
Erdem:
Python prints on retro silhouettes may not sound like a winning combination, but Erdem proved that it could work and even infused the collection with hints of neon and lace.
Little details make this collection really pop – Driving gloves, sheer lace, pleats, floral applique, cut-outs, high-necklines, coat-dresses, and intricate beading. Overall the collection was prim and proper but with a fun, wild side.
Pringle of Scotland:
Pringle started as a knitwear brand and this season they returned to their roots showing a lovely collection of separates which included a number of variations on their typical belted twinset.
When you say Pringle of Scotland what comes to my mind are clean lines, a preppy vibe, belted separates, and argyle, and this collection showed great versions of all of those staples.
Matthew Williamson:
Fun prints, brilliant colors, and dramatic details are what we’ve come to expect from Matthew Williamson, and this season’s collection really delivered.
Easy separates appeared in tie dye prints and with eye-catching embroidery and beading. His party girl clients will live in the float a-line silhouettes, mini skirts, and jeweled dresses paired with gem-encrusted belts and his new shoe collection.
Peter Pilotto:
Print lovers will have something amazing to look forward to from Peter Pilotto come Spring – Digital prints, mixing & matching patterns, and bright, bold prints.
Dramatic, eye-catching, and one-of-a-kind. The pieces shown at Peter Pilotto were extraordinary, I especially enjoyed the pants, oversized peplums, and dramatic, Latin-inspired ruffles.
Preen:
Preen made a triumphant return from the New York Fashion Week with a blue and white collection highlighted with hints of yellow and red, and covered in all-over prints.
The patchwork-like use of swatches of prints, combined with the tailoring, dramatic slits, verticle white stripes, and long, lean silhouettes gave the collection an architectural, structed feel.
Christopher Kane:
The Christopher Kane show was surprisingly delicate and sweet – A full 180 from previous collections full of black, slashed fabric, and safety pins.
Pale colors, light fabrics, dramatic drapes & folds, sheer pieces, clear plastic, and slits & cut-outs that somehow appeared elegant and refined despite the skin peeking through.
Mary Katrantzou:
The Queen of Prints returns! Taking banknotes and stamps as her visual inspiration she put together a unique and dramatic collection of dresses and separates covered with intricate patterns.
These pieces could never be confused with having been created by another designer – They were utterly one-of-a-kind – Simultaneously exotic and modern but with an old-fashioned air. I adored the matching pant & tunic sets, they were divine and I can’t wait to see how Hollywood interprets them to the red carpet.
Temperley London:
The Temperley London collection was all about bright colors, fun prints, nautical stripes, and retro silhouettes for this coming Spring – All the pieces fun but a little formal, and utterly wearable.
The sundress was reworked with a 50’s vibe and paraded down the runway in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics. There were also jumpsuits, lace & embroidery covered dress & gowns, shirt dresses, sweater sets, and too chic for words sun hats.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous LFW & Spring 2013 Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Fall 2012, London Fashion Week – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2012 Round-Up, and Streetstyle & Front Row Fashion – London Fashion Week.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Best Looks from London Fashion Week: Spring 2013 from Harper’s Bazaar, Our 10 Favorite Looks From London Fashion Week from Refinery 29, and Runway Recap: The Best Shoes From London Spring 2013 from Fashionlogie.
What’s your favorite thing about London Fashion Week? The chic outerwear, bold, innovative prints, or the retro, ladylike touches?
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III
This post is devoted to the lines that I’m just discovering – Hey I never claimed to be on top of everything – and the designers are that just starting to hock their wares at New York Fashion Week. You can catch up on the earlier posts that you missed to see reviews of dozens more fashion shows – New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I & New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II.
Veronica Beard:
This two-year old brand put out a lovely collection for Spring 2013 – Twenty-one looks that included colorful day dresses, loungewear, smart blazers, chic suits, and light outerwear.
You could see the Moroccan influence in the vivid colors and prints, and in the loose silhouettes and pajama-like styles of some of the pants, jumpsuits, and short suits.
Jil Sander Navy:
I’m not sure why, but I’ve never checked out the Loobook for Jil Sander Navy before – Thus its inclusion in the “new to me” Part III review of NYFW – And I enjoyed what I saw. The collection was full of crisp fabrics, clean lines, and basic separates that are the building block for every modern woman’s wardrobe.
When I look at this Lookbook I see all the casual but chic and stylish pieces that you need – Tennis skirts, sleeveless blouses, car coats, shirt dresses, patterned jackets, mod-inspired collarless shifts, and knee-length skirts – All in navy, white, red & blue with stripes and florals thrown in for good measure and paired with sporty wedges, t-straps, and platform tennis shoes.
I look forward to seeing what this brand comes out with next!
Honor:
This was a pretty collection of pretty frocks in neutrals with hints of Spring-appropriate pink and green. Nature-based prints, lace, and brocades gave this collection a very sweet vibe – Everything looked fresh and ready for next Spring.
Light colors, delicate fabrics, and slightly oversized silhouettes gave many of the pieces the illusion that they were preparing to float away. In addition to satin pumps there were classic sandals in white and powder blue. I loved the shorts, pants, and high-neck blouses they were sweet and dreamy but still contemporary enough to imagine in your own closet.
Holmes & Yang:
Miss Katie Holmes continued to shed her Mrs. Tom Cruise title and joined with her long-time stylist to create a cute, functional group of looks for an early morning NYFW showing.
The clothes were chic and wearable with flats & heels, handbags, flowing silk maxi dresses & maxi skirts, slouchy cropped pants, cute day dresses, short suits, and plenty of fun prints and leather. The first look was my favorite, I liked the loose wide leg pants and the quilted motorcycle jacket.
Pierre Balmain:
While Balmain is the go-to brand for sexy, rock n’ roll fabulousness, its new sister line Pierre Balmain may become the go-to for chic, ladylike separates.
The 66 look collection featured Parisian black & white, pops of pink & yellow, peplums, lace, leather & eyelet, menswear, denim, all-over prints, and a great collection of blazers & jackets in varying lengths and fabrics. While Balmain pieces can often look more like couture than street wear, these clothes were ready to walk straight from the catwalk to the sidewalk!
Theyskens’ Theory:
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve never taken the time to look at Oliver Theyskens’ collection for Theory before. The shame! And it was no surprise that I liked what I saw when I finally did.
It was a dark hued, wet looking group collection – filled with elegant suits, sleek leather, chunky knits, and some slouchy Alexander Wang-style separates, all paired with strappy heels and oversized, borrowed from the boys outerwear.
Thakoon Addition:
Cute. Feminine. Wearable. These were the first thoughts that popped into my head when I saw this collection – Nothing innovative or provocative, just stylish, contemporary separates and dresses for the modern girl.
The eyelet and mini flower prints were Spring-ready and the bloomer-style short shorts and long, open sweaters gave the collection some fun silhouettes. I especially liked the print mixing and the striped, open sweater-sets.
Katie Gallagher:
NYFW newbie Katie Gallagher was quite the topic of discussion this season and stood up to the scrutiny by showing a black & nude collection full of draping, swimwear, and cutouts.
Peplums, sheer fabrics, chainlink belts, lace-up strappy sandals, asymmetrical hemlines, shrunken outerwear, bathing suits, retro bandeau tops, and textured fabrics kept the collection from being boring.
MM6 Maison Martin Margiela:
The perfect Paris-meets-New-York-City looks this season came from MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, new to NYFW and one of the hottest tickets in town.
Urban cuts, dramatic drapping, and loose silhouettes featured heavily in the Lookbook, with washed out greys, browns, and white, all paired with over-the-shoulder and messenger bags.
Charlotte Ronson:
Flirty florals, calming deep blues & greens, multicolored stripes, colorblocking, rompers, sheer blouses, mesh, jumpsuits, and cute shrunken blazers all made an appearance in the Ocean themed collection.
The separates here really stole my heart, I loved the print mixing & matching, the layering, and the sweet patterns that she used. I was also a fan of the handbags and ankle strap platforms that accompanied the looks. These are the perfect types of pieces for throwing on during the Spring & Summer – Bathing suit cover ups, hot Summer nights, vacation clothes – Cute, easy, and wearable.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Huffington Post’s New York Fashion Week 2012: The Top 5 Trends, The IFB’s Spring 2013 Collectionson Pinterest, or The Stylist’s The Pit, Model Critiques And More: A New York Fashion Week Photographer Diary (VIDEO).
What was your favorite trend so far from the Spring 2013 collections? I think I have to agree with Mr. Blasberg about one of my favorite emerging trends for next Spring – “NYFW trend: Long live the sexy secretary skirt! Low on the hips at Marc Jacobs, unzipped at Michael Kors, and in python at Reed Krakoff.” Looking forward to seeing how this trend is translated in London, Milan, and Paris.
Be sure to stay tuned for the fourth and final post from the tents at New York Fashion Week – The street style, nighttime glam, and fabulous front row fashion of New York City.
Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
It’s that time again… Time for all the new ad campaigns for Spring 2012 that make us swoon and wish the weather would hurry up so we can throw on sundresses and gorgeous resort wear. Sigh. Tom & Lorenzo have the lowdown on Valentino, Harper’s Bazaar previews the fabulous Burberry video featuring Poppy’s younger sister Cara Delevingne, Mama’s A Rolling Stone has gorgeous photos from the 2012 campaigns for Lanvin, Chloe and Balenciaga, and My Dress.My High Heels.My Style shows off the Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2012 Ad Campaign with the lovely, tan Natasha Poly, a breathtaking Mila Kunis for Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012 and great mixing and matching of prints in the DKNY Spring/Summer 2012 Ad Campaign where Ashley Greene giving great face on New York rooftops.
Looking for something light and entertaining to read this weekend? Try Simon Doonan’s Gay Men Don’t Get Fat, see Harper’s Bazaar’s review here. Not your typical fashion tome, that’s for sure.
Need some ideas for comfy clothes and cozy accessories as this latest cold weather front moves through? WhoWhatWear has the breakdown on outerwear worn by everyone from Ashley Olsen to Rooney Mara, Frugal Fashionista has the lowdown on snowboots under $100 and FabSugar has 5 ideas on how to mix and match your feminine, warm-weather wear with cozy pieces for winter.
Need some extras to finish up your daily looks these days? 10 sweet winter accessories under $50, China Glaze creates a Hunger Games inspired line of nail polish, 7 pairs of nerd-chic glasses and leopard print scarves.
Health & Fitness:
Personally, I don’t own a scale, I’m much more interested in how my clothes fit. One reason? Muscle mass is important for your health. Is bulking up at the gym one of your fears? Fit Bottomed Girls discuss common fitness fears.
The girls over at Tone It Up give great daily updates – check out their great suggestion to keep you healthy and moving all day at work. Need some more motivation to get you going? FitSugar has you covered with quotes and mottos to get you up and out the door.
I can’t decide what I want to make first next weekend: FitSugar’s black & white bean sweet potato soup, The Wannabe Chef’s tofu stirfry or The Hungry Hungry Hippie’s clean food cornbread.
Looking to add some new foods to your diet to increase your health? You could try hemp seeds, antioxidant-rich foods, green monster salads, “cheesy” veggie quinoa Quiche and some of the newly popularized superfoods of 2011.
Hope you had a great weekend!
Chic Coatings
There is very little in this world that I love more than perfectly fitted outerwear. It can complete an outfit, it can be the central focus of an outfit, it can make people turn their heads on the street just to get another glimpse. (Am I the only one whose boyfriend says I look at girls more than he does?)
So I’m here today to share with you some of the gorgeous coats and jackets I’ve spotted lately and some great choices in stores that you can pick up to give your fall wardrobe the perfect finishing touch.
(1) For a chic topper that finishes your look perfectly, try something with plaid, tweed or maybe some embellishments.
While Olivia's outfit is great overall, the coat is spectacular, one of my absolute favorites.
The coat is a little pretty, a little glam and absolutely perfect for throwing over a dress like Olivia did or slim pants and a sweater for fall.
In lieu of the pricey Louis Vuitton Resort 2012 version Miss Olivia showed off in Paris, here are a few similar styles for us mere mortals.
Plaid Passporter Coat - $300 @ Madewell
Double-breasted Plaid Peacoat - $140 @ Victoria's Secret
Candie's Faux-Fur Plaid Coat - $100 @ Kohl's
(2) Want to stand out in a crowd, you little showstopper, you? Try a standout coat in lipstick red or a jewel tone that complements your coloring.
Rosie's red leather from Burberry is a great twist on a classic trench.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Single Breasted Trench - $120 (sale price) @ Nordstrom
Classic Trench - $100 @ Asos.com
Volcom "Seeing Double" Leopard-Print Trench Coat - $100 @ Bloomingdale's
Sienna seems to be transitioning back into the boho style that made her a fashion icon and this look is a great example.
Faux Fur Tuck Stole - $50 @ TopShop
Faux Fur Coat In Midi Length - $175 (on sale) @ Asos.com
Kristen Blake Belted Faux Fur Vest - $110 @ Nordstrom
(4) Are you inspired by low-key styles and live for mixing and matching pieces in interesting ways? Proceed!
Emma Roberts & Olivia Munn rocked old school denim jackets for - what else - a Levi's event.
If you initial reaction to a jean jacket is “ack – no 80’s styles pease,” remember that the Olsens’ just launched a high-end denim collection earlier this year for their Elizabeth and James line and these chic little toppers are showing up EVERYWHERE.
Thing to keep in mind? It’s going to be very challenging to pair a jean jacket, even a darker wash, with a pair of jeans. Odds are, you’ll end up looking like Uncle Jesse, so stick to mixing this piece with dresses, stripes or pants of a different fabric.
GUESS Crop Denim Jacket - $120 @ Bloomingdale's
Three Dots Stretch Denim L/S Motorcycle Jacket - $75 (on sale) @ 6pm.comLauren by Ralph Lauren Corduroy Trim Denim Jacket - $80 (on sale) @ Nordstrom
As for you gentlemen out there, don’t despair, check out the Million Looks for a breakdown on mens outerwear for this fall here. Personally, I think the two sexiest coats on a man are a (faux) leather bomber, Top Gun style, and a classic wool peacoat. Yum!
Happy hunting my little fashionistas, be sure to share any great finds! 🙂
Fashion Inspiration
Fashion isn’t just about what you wear, what goes on your body. It’s truly an expression of yourself that extends far beyond your clothes.
“Fashion is everything. Art, music, furniture design, graphic design, hair, makeup, architecture, the way cars look – all those things go together to make a moment in time.” – Tom Ford
And just as fashion isn’t limited to the cloth that we wrap ourselves in, inspiration can also be found in many forms.
I began clipping pictures from magazines as a pre-adolescent, not so much fashion photos, just pictures that caught my eye, things that I found eye-catching or memorable or mesmerizing.
As I became interested in fashion however, my clipping habits became more focused. And while I don’t confine myself to photographs of clothing and accessories, I’ve found that my love of fashion gives this activity more direction and purpose. I’ve found that even without context, pictures can serve a creative function.
They excite. They encourage. They inspire.
The beauty and artistry captured by a photographer can be moving, regardless of the medium. Advertisements, promotional materials, editorials, art, home decor…
I’ve found that by keeping these images available to myself I can stay out of a fashion rut. They provide new ideas and inspiration, get my creative juices flowing, and motivate me to grow and evolved. I highly recommend creating and maintaining a Look Book, a collection of images that make you smile, that invigorate you, that make you push your boundaries.
Whether it’s a physical book filled with clippings like mine are, or Boards on Pinterest, this is a great creative and inspirational outlet. Keeping pictures of looks that you like, styles that call to you, photos that take your breath away, can all be great tools to keep your approach to fashion fresh and interesting.
What’s your favorite way to get inspired?
Moi Contre La Vie 