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.
Looks of the Week
Welcome back to another Looks of the Week post. As tempting as it was to solely feature looks from New York Fashion Week I decided to save all of those for my NYFW Round-Ups, the first of which should be up later this week. So enjoy a little non-fashion month street style from around the globe!
One of my favorite trends right now are patterned pants – I’m absolutely mad about them. From Fall-ready plaids and tweeds, to the florals and sweet prints that’ll be all over the streets in the Spring. Wendy shows us how to winterize cropped pants with this fabulous bow & flower-printed look.
How much does this look make you ready for fall? The bag is pure fun, those earrings are killer, and that coat – SWOON.
You had me at Flamingos! This is a really fun, chic look, but it’s far from boring, the mixing of great prints means it has a fun retro vibe to it as well.
Denim on denim has never looked so chic. She even accessorized her jeans and chambray button-down perfectly with tassled nude heels, a snake skin tote, and a killer brass cuff.
There are few things that I love more than a shorts suit. Except maybe a patterned shorts suit. And if you’re worried that florals or another all-over print will come off too sugary sweet, style it this way – the black shirt and bold silver accessories are a unique twist and the tights and buckle-adorned platform boots give this look a touch of rock n’ roll!
This is a gorgeous colored skirt & matching top. The hue suits her to perfection and the fun textured fabric adds a little something to the too cute Tibi ensemble.
How adorably retro is this? I love this bright cat print blouse, it’s chic but still a fun, unique piece. And those shorts are fabulously retro, they suit her to a T.
Wow. She looks jaw droppingly gorgeous in this pink Gucci gown. It’s not a look I would traditionally pick out for her – it’s a more feminine than she usually favors – but she looks stunning.
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
What your favorite way to transition into Fall from a sartorial standpoint? Trading in your shorts and skirts for cropped pants? Mixing Summer and colder-weather pieces? Or do you completely switch gears when the weather starts to get cooler?
Styling 101: Rock n’ Roll Chic
Welcome to part two of the Styling 101 series where we’ll be discussing the art of getting ready for a stylish night out on the town. If you’re interested in background on this series check out the initial post on America’s Cup inspired fashion – Styling 101 – American Girl.
{Jewelry: Enamel Geometric Necklace 1970s, Gold tone Necklace 1970s, Karl Lagerfeld Graphic Choker 1980s & Napier Gold-tone Luxe Ribbed Bracelet 1960s}
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Black & White Floral Top – Anthropologie, Slim Black Pants – ASOS & Ankle Strap Heels – Stuart Weitzman from Bloomingdale‘s}
{If you like this look you can HYPE it on Lookbook.nu}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view
For a nighttime look you want to wear pieces that are dramatic and eye-catching, the lighting is low and black is the color de jour so your accessories should be the attention getters whether you’re at a club or concert, meeting friends for drinks, or having a date night. Layering necklaces – like in the looks above – or bracelets is a great way to make a look high-impact while using smaller pieces.
And don’t forget that you can shop these fabulous 60’s, 70’s & 80’s pieces over at the Sasha Maks Vintage website while they’re available – So hurry on over!
Do you have a go-style when you’re putting together a look for an evening out? Dangling earrings, oversized jewels and rhinestones, or dramatic necklaces maybe?
Be sure to stay tuned for more exciting looks from the Styling 101 series in the coming weeks – From retro outfits with great hats & faux fur to traditional and classic looks that’ll flatter anyone’s personal style.
Looks of the Week
Happy Valentine’s Day, I hope that you’re having a lovely Tuesday. Not always the easiest holiday to survive so here’s some pretty to help get you through.
I LOVE it when Diane has a movie coming out. Here she is in an interesting gown from the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture collection. The black sequins fading down to a subtle grey print is really beautiful and I absolutely love the metallic belt - a GV trademark.
Miss Diane stunned again in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam frock with bright yellow platform sandals. I absolutely adore the unexpected combination of green florals and black & white stripes. Another interesting and incredibly flattering number.
I am really really not sick of the 20's flapper looks yet. 🙂 Anja Rubik was an absolute vision in shimmery gold & black Gucci at the AMFAR Gala NYC.
I love the combination of the slightly hippie, flowy maxi with the rock n' roll inspired cropped jacket. A great mix.
Joan Smalls was a head-turner in Prabal Gurung at the Runway To Win Fundraiser for the Obama Victory.
What I love about Alexa Chung is that no matter who she's borrowing clothes from (Louis Vuitton here) she is always completely and utterly herself in an outfit. She never looks out-of-place or like someone else chose her clothes for her.
Such a great dress! The sturdy grey tweed makes it perfect for winter while the chic belt and double-breasted buttons keep it from being boring and the slight flaring of the pleats is the perfect finishing touch.
Miranda Kerr was ready for Spring in an adorable floral skirt by Willow at a promotion for her organic skin care line KORA. Chic but sweet.
I honestly can't decide what I like best about this blogger's look - But I've narrowed it down to the skirt, tights, strappy wedge combo. Adorable. Accessible. Real.
Not sure how to layer for colder weather boys? Here's a great example of an unusual way to layer and keep things interesting. Very low-key but still fashionable and fun.
Something about the simple, classic plaid dress and the thigh-high tights is just too cute here. Paired w/ a fun hat and platforms, it's a pretty unbeatable look.
Let’s Hear it for the Boys!
In my opinion men’s fashion can be more classic and long-standing than its female counterpart, the cuts are more enduring and the underlying style more deeply rooted. This means putting your money into well made, classic pieces is the best way to approach your closet, since you’ll be able to wear them for years to come.
So what, do you ask, should today’s modern man have in his closet?
- Once you’re out of school, a good suit is a must. Interviews, weddings, funerals, work/charity events, and perhaps even the occasional date (think Valentine’s Day/Anniversary) can all call for a suit. Black, navy or charcoal are all a good choices, though I must admit that I’m a sucker for a great pinstripe suit. I’m also a fan of a classic three-piece suit, I love how they still manage to look clean and put together even with the jacket off and the sleeves rolled up.
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Button-downs are extremely versatile and have a place in any well-rounded wardrobe. Pair with slacks or a suit for (semi) formal affaires, with jeans and dress shoes for Friday night cocktails or untucked over well-worn shorts with loafers (sans socks) for summertime. Like I said, versatile.
So invest! Stripes, solids, pastels, black, white, slim fit, logo, patterned, linen, cotton… Whatever suits your build, coloring, and lifestyle, it’s time to put your money where your shirt is! 🙂
- T-Shirts are somewhat of a touchy subject for me. While basic shirts can be a great staple for a man’s closet, they should not all be graphic or novelty shirts, nor should they be riddled with holes and look like they belong in a rag pile. I don’t care how many memories they hold! (Does that sound like a line I’ve used before? Cuz is it is…)
Depending on your build and lifestyle, different styles will suit you best. For his downtime my brother loves vintage rock shirts, like the one above, and with his build (tall & muscular but lean) they suit him perfectly. My dad favors the Robert Barakett shirts that Nordstrom carries because they’re soft with a relaxed fit and can keep up with him whether he’s walking around downtown or gardening (oh, the joys of retirement). And while he may respectfully disagree, I have to say that in my humble opinion my boyfriend looks the best in the Lacoste V-Neck Jersey Tees.
So take your significant other, sister, mom or friend shopping with you and try on some different styles. To each their own!
- Polo shirts are a great middle ground between a t-shirt and a button down. They can add a bit of structure to a look while retaining an overall low-key air. Throw one over jeans with loafers or pair with shorts and flip-flips. You can even pop that collar if you’re in the mood.
Like t-shirts and button downs, these come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Once you’ve found a brand that fits you perfectly, you can order online to your heart’s desire, but you should definitely put in the in-store research before getting mouse happy.
- A complete closet should contain a few types of bottoms, namely slacks, jeans and shorts, if applicable to your climate. At least one pair of black slacks are a requirement, however depending on how often you dress up you should consider investing in multiple pairs. Charcoal, navy and a neutral color like khaki or tan are right behind black in importance. Wool, cashmere and linen for dressing up and seersucker, cotton and linen blends for play.
When you hit the store for any pants shopping be sure to take the shoes you’ll most frequently wear with them. A good pair of slacks or jeans can be expensive, so you don’t want to buy them too long and ruin them in a matter of weeks by walking all over the hems. Also, keep in mind the tailoring is a great option, it’s fairly inexpensive and can make your pant last much longer.
- I adore accessories for men, you gentlemen prefer to buy one or two great ones and leave it at that (none of the female shoe insanity!) A black and a brown belt, same for shoes, a pair of sunglasses, a wallet and a large silver, gold or leather band watch and you’re done. Easy peasy! (Obviously, this is not applicable to rappers)
The key for mens accessories is finding quality, classic pieces that can be worn season after season. Unfortunately this may require trips to multiple stores. I know – I’m sorry! Take the time though, as much as it takes, and you wont regret it.
Now before I leave you to your shopping adventures, I’d like to make an introduction.
If you’ve never heard of The Sartorialist, let me introduce you. Boys, meet Scott Schuman, the brilliant and fashionable photographer behind the wildly popular street style website The Sartorialist. These days Mr. Schuman focuses his energies shooting photos of the unique and fashionable men & women he sees on the streets. New York, Milan, Paris, Sydney, Buenos Aires, London, Rome, Beijing… If you have any questions about pocket squares, popped collars, sleeve length, outerwear, hats, color combinations or men’s jewelry, he is your man!
One of my favorite men that Scott sometimes features after his trips to Milan is this oh-so-stylish Italian man
Love the aviator sunglasses. Love the v-neck shirts. Love the gold watch. Take notes kids, this is how it’s done!
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
Real Girls Need Real Closets
I don’t know about you, but I adore closets. Adore. I’ve been keeping scrapbooks filled with magazine clippings for years {Fashion Inspiration} – Clothing, home decor, art, handbags, accessories & jewelry, hairstyles, fabulous photography, hotels & vacation destinations… And closets. So many beautiful closets. I may be alone in this, but I genuinely get the chills when I look at a well-organized closet.
And on that note, today I want to discuss closet basics with you. The building blocks – if you will – to a creating your very own, chill-inducing closet.
I’ve read countless books, blog posts, newspaper pieces, and magazine articles on what the essentials of a woman’s wardrobe should be. And while I adore Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Rachel Zoe’s Style A to Zoe and the like, their recommendations can seem like they’re geared towards a fantasy jet-setting lifestyle or an heiresses’ allowance.
Neither of which I have.
Below is the real girl’s guide to picking out the key elements to incorporate into your wardrobe, including suggestions for where to look for these items, hopefully everyone can find something that appeals to both their personal style and their pocketbook!
Button-down:
A white button down is quite versatile and a great piece to have in your closet. It can be worn tucked into slacks or a pencil skirt for work, or you can wear it with a pair of shorts or slim pants on weekends. This is an especially key piece given all of the menswear inspired collections the last few seasons.
{I love the pristine formality of this tuxedo-style button down, it makes me feel like Fred Astaire when I wear it!}
The key to the right button down is a combination of fabric and cut. You want to make sure that the fabric isn’t too thin or overly see-through – unless that’s your goal, you little minx – and that the buttons don’t gap when it’s done up. I would suggest trying a few on in stores to ensure the fit. Great places to find a good, basic button down? In the past I’ve had success finding good versions at Gap, Banana Republic, and Zara {the version above is Zara}.
Trench Coat:
No matter how frumpy I’m feeling all I need to do is throw on a trench and I feel like Audrey Hepburn. Tan, black and navy are all good choices for your closet, or red if you’re feeling daring.
The trench above is one of my favorites, I especially adore the polka-dotted lining. I got it at H&M in London YEARS ago and am still wearing it to death. Trench coats can really run the gamut price wise. You can find a decent one for under $150 at Nordstrom or online at bluefly.com, while the Ferrari of trench coats, Burberry, will cost you closer to $1,500. I recommend keeping an eye out for sales at department stores like Bloomingdale, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and even Macys, since they’ll have a larger selection and you can find exactly what you’re looking for (double-breasted, wool, knit, flared, cropped, ankle-length etc).
Jeans:
If you’ve been following MCLV for a while you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I’m not much of a jeans girl by now. That being said, I do believe that everyone should have, at the very least, a pair or two of nice jeans in their repertoire.
Just in case.
My current favorites are these cropped black Juicy denim pants – They’re cute with pumps or flats, can be dressed up or down with ease, and fit like a dream. Jeans are another article of clothing that I believe must be tried on rather than ordered online. Fit, length, snugness… All these aspects are crucial to finding the right pair. Stores like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom are great because they have large denim departments so you can try on various pairs and have your very own Goldilocks moment. Too big. Too tight. Juuust right!
Pearls:
A pearl necklace is a must and instantly adds a touch of Breakfast At Tiffany’s to any ensemble. Don’t panic though, there’s plenty of costume jewelry on the market that will perfectly suit your needs and wont break the bank. Macy’s, Ann Taylor and J.Crew have great classic versions and Lord & Taylor, Kenneth Jay Lane and Max & Cleo have some funkier versions if you’re looking for something with a modern edge. And don’t worry if a single strand, a la grandma, isn’t your style. Try multiple twisted strands, versions with metal and stones intertwined with the pearls or even a drop pendant.
{Kenneth Jay Lane for Bergdorf Goodman}
LBD:
Originated by Coco Chanel in the 1920’s, the Little Black Dress became an overnight sensation and an instant classic. Whatever your personal style, there’s a LBD with your name on it out there. Strapless, long-sleeved, knee-length, mid-thigh, lace insets, sheer panels, cutouts, interesting fabrics and textures… So many choices, only 7 nights in a week! I love a little lace for nighttime, so I was thrilled when I found the Jill Stuart dress above, which fulfilled all of my current loves: flattering cut, eye-catching details and a design that is just a little bit naughty. The nude panels and lace make a relatively conservative cut younger and more fun. Paired with booties and a fitted blazer, parfait for a night out on the town! You can find a LBD at most stores, but my recommendation would be to keep an eye on websites like shopbop.com, theoutnet.com, bluefly.com and Zappos Couture for steals on designer frocks.
Blazer:
A well-made, fitted blazer in black or navy is crucial to a girl’s wardrobe. Paired with slacks or a skirt, or worn over a dress for work, over jeans or a cocktail dress during your off-hours. I love the juxtaposition of silhouettes when a cropped blazer tops off a short, flirty frock. As with trenches, a blazer come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Boyfriend length, shrunken, ruffled, embellished, linen, knit, tuxedo-inspired. The options are unlimited.
If you get a quality piece and stick with a more classic cut, a blazer can truly last. The one above was purchased during my first mom-sponsored work shopping trip before I started the interview circuit my senior year of college and in the last six weeks I’ve worn it with black slacks and a sweater to work, and over cropped, slim black pants and a tunic on a weekend. This one is from Banana Republic, I would also check out Zara, Anne Taylor and J.Crew for other classic versions.
Handbag:
I should probably preface this section by confessing that I have a slight purse problem. Don’t worry though. I’m looking for a 12 step program.
Every girl needs a good, basic handbag. Something that will go with virtually any outfit, during any season. It’s fun to switch up your bag as seasons and trends come and go, but having a well-made bag that you can always count on is a must.
The first picture is the love of my life, found on super-sale at Barney’s New York. There are many shapes and sizes out there, so heading into a store to see how a new design looks on your arm is a good idea (you wouldn’t take your arm candy out for a night on the town without seeing how he looks in the mirror, would you?) I recommend keeping an eye on the handbag sales at Bloomingdale, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue for great deals.
Clutch:
The perfect way to accessorize your LBD is a clutch. There are many choices out there, crystal and stone embellished satin, jeweled, envelope, metal box clutches, classic black snake-skin… There’s something for everyone! The black beaded clutch above was handed down to me from my grandmother and I love the old-fashioned glamour it evokes.
And luckily for all the purse-lovers out there, clutches aren’t just for nighttime anymore. Day clutches have been making appearances over the last few seasons, especially in lighter colors and fun patterns. And as much as I love my giant carryalls, it’ll probably be good for my posture, shoulders and neck if I stop carrying around half of my apartment with me each day. The Asos Portfolio Clutch pictured above is currently en route to my apartment and I plan to love the lining out of it all Spring!
Black pumps:
The right shoe can change your life! {At this point my mother is reading this and shaking her head sadly, wondering where she went wrong with me}
But really. It can.
There was a time when I did not believe this and *gasp* wore cheap shoes. But I have seen the light! It is worth the time, effort and money to find shoes that genuinely fit your feet and are well made. Always try on shoes before buying them to make sure. My favorite brands for work heels are Franco Sarto, Cole Haan, BCBG, BCBGirl, Max Studio, Fendi and Calvin Klein.
My number one tip for picking the right shoe? Know your limits! Have you ever seen a woman shuffle-strutting down the street with tiny, delicate steps? Her heels are too high. Don’t be that woman! Stay in your comfort zone so that you can walk easily and naturally.
Boots:
I think that a woman should have a few different types of boots in her closet. Booties to wear with pants or a cocktail dress, knee-high black boots for dresses and skirts, a neutral colored boot that can be worn during non-boot seasons and, if necessary for your region, rainboots.
{As a semi-aquatic resident of the lake formerly known as San Francisco, rain boots are a must. I tested my new Hunters out a few weekends ago in Sonoma, splashing and wading through puddles and generally making a nuisance of myself. And I’m happy to report that they are, in fact, waterproof.}
{The booties below are my current favorites, I always feel a little rock n’ roll when I throw them on}
{This is a Spring look that I put together with the help of Shopstyle to show lighter colored boots worn in a non-Wintery way}
Flats
From Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to Michelle Obama and Carla Buni-Sarkozy, everyone loves a good pair of flats. My personal favorites are Ruby & Bloom, J.Crew, H&M, and, yes, Jessica Simpson. For me, breaking in flats results in drastically more blisters and uncomfortable moments than heels, so the key for me is to find flats that are soft. Below are my not initially soft, but finally broken in sparkly Dorothy flats from the Vera Wang for Kohl’s collection.
And with these tips, I leave you. Go forth and conquer your closets!
Veni, vidi, vici!
{Photographs are mine unless otherwise cited – Click on the images from other sites and you will be taken to the original source}
Moi Contre La Vie 
