BCBG gave us flowing dresses that one could wear all summer. In fact, if there were one collection I could (realistically) solely wear this season, these 70’s inspired frocks would do the job. BCBG may never got over it’s cheapie reputation but I loved this collection.

And speaking of cheapie reps – I think it’s tacky Azria had to put his name on Leger (kind of reminds me of Dean Koontz’ Frankenstein, ha ha) but this body con graffiti number is downright awesome.

Bibhu Mohaptra does great things in this dress – a fab print, a flattering yet unique silhouette, and unexpected colors that feel fresh. There’s a lot to love here.

Another stand out print from Gucci with this fun dress that screams Jacqueline Susann heroine (and we all know that’s a wonderful thing).

Evening wear was everywhere but I was drawn to the played down options, like this color blocked Vionnet dress. Seems they’re revitalizing the line with a particular eye for unusual color combinations and I like it!

Lela Rose, usually a little too saccharine for me hit the right note this season. This dress is flirty, pretty, and so easy with those oxford flats.

Lanvin continues to wow and this bungle of red hearts, feathers, embellishment, and who knows what is the wowiest…

Until you learn that Lanvin for kids exists.

Sometimes just the most basic thing done right is a sight to behold, so behold this cape from DKNY. It’s simple, it’s clean, I want.

Doo.Ri gives us the trench coat to aspire to while making lace leggings look neither slutty nor cheap.

I love that Proenza Schouler’s collection reminded me of yarn art (though not sure why it all took place on the set of 48 Hours Mystery with Maureen Maher) but if I had to chose one look, this white dress with the most fantastic of huge necklaces is the one. I don’t even know what the necklace is made of what it really looks like but I can just feel that it is amazing.

Also amazing in the accessories department? The huge belt loop and nude leather gloves at Celine. Having these would change me life. (Be sure to see the collection for other notable looks, like one sweet print that will be in the fashion mags soon).

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Posted on June 28, 2011

I love stripes for summer, it’s a logical choice and this Thakoon Addition look perfectly encapsulates the current Summer mood with just the right amout of them along with bleached denim, florals, and youth.

John Patrick also shows off a perfectly balanced and very simple outfit that makes one wish for more rain and an excuse to wear galoshes.

Mulberry goes less traditional with the stripes in a Bert and Ernie golden navy combo and makes a chic school girl charm that isn’t cheap or too young. Again, bleached denim- how do you suddenly look so fresh and cool?

Back to the French tradition with navy and white and red and white stripes with Sonia Rykiel, who has made a name doing stripes right. This resort season is no different as you can tell from these cheerful, slightly quirky ensembles that would be ideal for a walk along the Seine, and if that’s not possible, how about a walk to the new East River Ferry?

Yay Stripes!

Another trend was the bold, busy printed dress in unexpected silhouettes. My favorite coming from Preen who gave a moody, languid collection that was fashionable Japanese lady marooned by a lover in Southeast Asia. I love the sexy, tightly belted waist juxtaposed with the proper buttoned up neckline.

Suno, ever having fun with prints, offered this adorable Hawaiian printed mini that also manages to be short and fun for Summer but respectfully covered up up top. I’d love to go flea market shopping in something like this. They also featured some looks of plaid and floral mixed together, something I’ve been super into for Falls past, but loved seeing in a warm weather way.

Marc by Marc is of course on target with this flattering mini dress in just the sunniest, cutest of prints. The black piping is key. This row of dresses is really making me itch for my vacation, what about you?

And if that vacation were to Polynesia (it isn’t) I’d love to bring along this flower Peter Som dress so I would just fade into my beautiful surroundings.

Long, floor dusting gowns were tops for evening and none were as awesome as this animal print atop animal print Giambattista Valli number. Love the prints and the belted yet unstructured silhouette.

Erdem offered more of their artistic prints and they looked the most stunning in this cap sleeve maxi. Wear this if you want to look like a captivating painting.

Givenchy’s wild mirrored prints are likely to get into the editorial pages, but I was really taken by this strangely beautiful origami black on black.

Yellow was huge, tons of people featured the sunshine color in their collections, but this Jenni Kayne gown stuck out to me with its simple and unique sophistication.

Lots of Resort to review, so more favorites coming soon!!

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Posted on June 20, 2011

Supermodel with a Cause

That elegant nose, those cloudy sky eyes, those sultry lips… It’s Christy Turlington of course. Softer than Stephanie, more approachable than Linda, and classier than Cindy, she was the supermodel of the nineties that everyone could love.

Whether she was in her undies as the face of Calvin Klein or decked out in head to toe sequin Versace, she has an aura of tranquility and gracefulness (must be all that yoga).

While I won’t get into my less than glowing opinions on her husband’s work, Turlington herself is an inspiring advocate and documentarian whose causes include lung cancer awareness and international maternal health.

Click here for the rest of Christy Turlington

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Posted on June 11, 2011

Supermodel

I’ll be honest, as much as Ty-Ty says diversity is the key to modeling, I don’t go for a commercial Shalom Harlow.

She’s a beautiful doll like creature who should either be over the top fantasy editorial (see gossamer skull head) or stripped down high fashion (see her shining, makeup free Canadian beauty below).

An Ann Taylor Shalom is a Shalom wasted.

But that’s just my opinion.

The dreamy waif spent the good old 90’s mostly sharing the spotlight with dear friend and fellow supermodel Amber Valletta. She’s tried acting, which is sweet and seriously, she just flat out owns a few looks in my mind – thinking the pink feather dress, those black wings and that bob haircut in the first photo below.

Honestly, there’s never been an unobtainable cut, wave, and style as perfect as that. I remember the aches of envy that editorial evoked.

Plus, the girl was discovered at a Cure concert. Very cool, no?

Click here for the rest of Shalom Harlow

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Posted on May 27, 2011

Legendary Fantasy Artist

Yesterday we learned that fantasy artist Jeffrey Catherine Jones had passed away. Hailed as “the greatest living painter” by Frank Frazetta, she was able to not only capture shadow and light in her work, but the eerie, dusk-like quality that lies between.

Her work is as nuanced and impressive as the greats in the museums (off topic: wouldn’t it be awesome – though highly unlikely – if the Met recognized fantasy illustrators and curated a retrospective?)

Part of the collection of artists including Bernie Wrightson, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Michael William Kaluta known as “The Studio”, Jones lent her imagination and enormous talent to books and comics. A regular segment in Heavy Metal magazine brought her work to the masses, or at least the nerdy masses.

Jones faced considerable turmoil in her personal life after having sex reassignment surgery and dealing with a nervous breakdown. In the past decade though, she had begun painting again and her unique voice and spirit are preserved in her personal website. She was 67.

Click here for the rest of Jeffrey Catherine Jones

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Posted on May 20, 2011