Thick fabrics, brocade and otherwise, make prefall’s most interesting silhouettes. Starting with Proenza Schouler and their squishy, gorgeous collection. They never used to be my favorite but lately they are killing it. Lots to love in the collection but I’d most like to attend winter parties in this cozy high waisted wrap look.

Pringle of Scotland not only gave us exceptional booties but great flattering shapes like this cinched puff skirt suit. Love

I just want to take a nap in this Ports 1961 blanket coat which manages to still flatter with all its bulk.

TSE tends to be too basic for my tastes but when basic meets a silhouette this perfect magic is made. Glad subtle volume is not going anywhere this season.

Oh, Thakoon. Pretty doesn’t begin to describe. This pastel look takes elements that have traditionally been, frankly uptight (a turtle neck and a grey blazer?) and brought it to the ballet. I’d love to figure out a way to replicate the feel of this ensemble with items in my closet.

Trompe l’oeil, funky Chanel esque jackets, there was a lot of fun stuff to pick from the cheap and chic collection. But I couldn’t help pairing this with Von Furstenberg’s yellow, black and white look. A great combo that looks fresh and funky. Also note: we all need some lady like gloves.

Ok, in real life, I’m probably not on board with these shorts but I do love the mixing of black and white patterns, the jacket is fabulous and once again (a recurring theme) the turtleneck gets the pretty treatment. Good for the much maligned turtleneck!

Good for Phillip Lim adding a big dose of fun. Love the comic book sweater that is somehow still fashionable rather than gimmicky. Maybe it helps being paired with a perfect fall weather leather skirt.

These rumpled trousers toe the line of sloppy but win out thanks to the perfect cuff. Foes this mean my skills of cuffing from my ore teens years will come in handy once again? Also, adore the trompe l’oeil belt and once again another great little jacket – a piece no one can have too many of.

Am I wrong to like this all red look? I might be. But that sweater is the kind that makes it worth it to date one of those terribly hip bits you see hanging out at the Ace Hotel. Just so you can steal it. I also think this collection may have subconsciously caused me to buy a fur hat. For that I’m thankful.

Wallpaper floral matching pant suit? Who knew DKNY could get so quirky? Not only that, but get quirky so very right? This could easily look clownish but instead it’s chic and making me rethink the hated concept of matchy matchy.

Palazzo pants are another often hated trend, but I’ve always kind of loved them. Doo.Ri’s elegant belted pattern suit might even get a few new followers to the wide leg look.

While there’s nothing groundbreaking to mention about this Jason Wu dress, I do think it;s terribly adorable and flattering. I’d wear this all the time.

Burberry has been presenting some of the most wearable luxury lines now for several seasons. Pre Fall gives us this girlie but sophisticated cocktail dress. So in love.

Admittedly, I really did not like the overall Michael Kors collection but it got me right at the end with the awesome proportions and fabric mixing in this casual/dressy look. I am stealing this idea for the next time I get to dress up.

Keeping the world classy, Reem Acra! This is just lady like perfection.

Jackets seem to be getting kind of future and I like it. I’ll take this Reed Krafkoff one for milder days…

And this Blade Runner-tastic Narciso Rodriguez one for chillier ones, thank you!

I know, I know, it’s fur, but it’s also really lovely, simple, and beautiful and fur just looks great to me right now… But I only do fake, so chill.

More fur, this time simple doesn’t play any role in it whatsoever. Glad he’s still all about dressing insanely rich people with taste.

Loved Chanel. Gold and pearls might just be my favorite friends.

Well, isn’t this Donna Karan dress a joy. I finally have some weddings coming up and if I could, this would be my dress.

See more great looks after the jump!!

Click here for the rest of Best of Pre-Fall Part 1

See more: Style Icons: Female,Style Icons: Male Designers

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on January 8, 2012

Art Nouveau Designer

While it’s taken a hit with its association with college dorm rooms, I still adore the Art Nouveau movement, particularly when it comes to jewelry.

Rene Lalique was one of France’s most acclaimed masters and his gorgeous work speaks for itself.
I’d do just about anything to own his huge serpent brooch – which unfortunately means robbing a museum, which I’m not totally up for.

He was also a gifted glass maker and later became associated with Art Deco.

See more: Style Icons: Male Artists Designers

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on December 15, 2011

OK, so it’s taken forever to organize and write about it, but Paris was amazing, just amazing. And if I had to choose a favorite it would be Comme des Garcons off the wall white wedding. Walking art!

Vivienne Westwood presented amazing off kilter looks that magically played with human proportions. This mystery rich woman vacationing in the desert look is a personal favorite.

Yohji Yamamoto was at his very best with these feminine black and white looks. Love the unique sleeves and layering.

Like every one in this row, Ann Demeulemeester is known for doing the same but different, and like everyone mentioned as well, this season’s different was extraordinary. Her East meets West collection of floor skimming skirts, wide brimmed hats,double breasted jackets and fringe was quietly epic.

Givenchy, after a few stunning shows, was admittedly not my favorite, but this leather dimensional mini was pretty amazing.

A.F. Vandevorst’s drapey gothic mix of feminine and military could have walked off into the sunset with the Demeulemeester collection and lived happily ever after. Must figure out how to mimic this great small jacket, flowing top, skinny jeans look.

I am not a minimalist but this simple yet off kilter jacket by Nicholas Andreas Tralaris is spectacular.

Damir Doma, also following a dark feminine trail. The gold neckline of this gown is elegant and would be so awesome for holiday parties. The choker is a definite want.

What an unexpected surprise Valentino was! I almost feel bad being so in love with the collection when Valentino is no longer at the head, but with gorgeous silhouettes, wonderful embellishment and fun surprises (hints of black and neon on conservative beige!) this was one of the seasons bests.

Chanel was in a winter wonderland and finally making lots of flattering pieces. This puff sleeve pocketed eyelet dress is incredible.

Vuitton was on a similar brainwave with thier carousel of confectionery dresses. Kate Moss looks stunning in this full skirt mini – a silhouette I’d love to come to chain stores so the rest of us can try it.

Sophia Kokosalaki presented a beautiful collection. This fairy princess gown would be such a dream wedding gown.

Alexander McQueen continues to honor his legacy. This floor length beige lace gown.. wow. And it vaguely reminds  me of one of my favorite dresses.

Balenciaga hasn’t been a personal favorite for a few seasons but all that stopped with this outrageously chic and stand alone collection. The long visor hats! The interesting silhouettes and materials, it all made for a eye opening experience that was truly unlike anything else seen this season.

Beige craze continues with this gorgeous flower of a dress. So pretty, too bad the chances of finding anything like it are slim.

Junya Wantanabe’s The Birds meets the British countryside collection – so great! Loved so much, but my heart stopped when I saw this cape jacket. What I wouldn’t do…

Usually I try to find trends that us normal people can use in shows,  but frankly so much of Paris was uniquely high fashion that I’ve mostly just been in awe BUT here’s a look we can steal from. Love how Veronique Leroy uses a utilitarian color to toughen up the girlie pleated skirt and bow collar top. Also, think one color ensembles will be tres chic for spring.

Yellow looked bold and refreshing at Rykiel and this mustard canvas skirt is pretty killer. Love the idea of layering a skinny top with a tank too.

Kenzo was full of fun just look at this balloon pant, ruffle top outfit. This should not look good, and yet it does. Wonder if really full pants can be worn in real life?

There were so many Rue du Mail dresses I coveted that this was one of the hardest to choose a single image from. I especially love when they pull from romantic vintage inspiration.

Nina Ricci was also lovely and romantic, this ditsy confetti floral dress is just too cute for words.

Oh Carven, you have won my heart over and over. Neon tribal? Thank you, thank you!!

Miu Miu’s heavy jacquards rule and I think we will be seeing more of the trend in upcoming collections.

So much wearable wonderfulness from Sacai! I suddenly need a floral spring jacket and a see through pleated skirt. This look is too perfect.

More amazing looks after the jump.

Click here for the rest of Best of Paris Fashion Week

See more: Style Icons: Female,Style Icons: Male Designers French

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 23, 2011

Far Side Creator

Fellow getting older-ers, think of all the common daily occurrences from our not too distant pasts that have simply ceased to be:

We wrote physical hand written, intricately folded notes in class and none of us had cell phones.

We’d go to the video store, stare at the wall of horror movies and hope the slasher we wanted for our sleep over wasn’t checked out. (Otherwise it was to the new releases and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape because Dazed and Confused was out).

We not only listened to the radio, we recorded our favorite songs.. on cassette!

Phone calls on corded phones could last hours even if we had seen our friends moments ago.

Paper magazines were coveted weekly glimpses at fashion that simply couldn’t be found anywhere else..

And, if you can believe it, all people in America looked forward to getting the newspaper(!) even if it was just to read the latest Far Side.

I don’t know maybe it was a nostalgic wave of how things used to be that had me bizarrely waking up this morning with my first thoughts of Gary Larson.

I mean what happened to him? He was the one funny man everyone could agree on (before Seinfeld) but no one knew his face. And then he just retired. Not Jay-Z Tom Ford “retired” but for real.

I hope he’s living fat and happy off that one-a-day calendar money because he really made a lot of people’s days better.

See more: Style Icons: Male Artists Comedians

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 2, 2011

Love Mary Katrantzou and this floral puff of a dress is particularly wonderful. It’s like a happy explosion of spring at its best and a new silhouette which is a rare thing.

Peter Pilotto was another favorite collection. His use of Indonesian tropical prints was awesome, an interpretation that feels new and sexy.

Time to find all the floral prints we can, right? Erdem’s mixing of girlie patterns will have a huge influence on me (and probably many other girls itching to look dainty and pretty).

Christopher Kane was even softer and daintier than seasons past and this shimmering floral top and silver mini were the tops. This top just makes me happy to look at it.

David Koma reminded me of Tron and Grace Jones, so of course, in my opinion the collection ruled. The disco ball and neon stuff was fab but I’d really do just about anything to be able to pull off (and afford) this pink and white body con number. I hope this cut out design trend trickles down to the cheap mall stores, I really do.

Antonio Berardi took similar geo shapes and created a gorgeous collection of silky dresses, often dipped in rubies. So many pretty dresses to pick from, but I found these elaborately embellished leggings with the palest of pink blazers to be the most interesting look. And it continues the London influx of pink, which you’ll see more of very soon.

Fashion Fringe offered a great collection from Fyodor Golan, whose Birds meets Victorian goth gowns reflected their time as designers at Alexander McQueen. Love the fly away sleeves.

Julian MacDonald continues to wow me with his intricate details and this semi see-through gown is one of the most eye catching. It’s nothing we mere mortals could dream of replicating, but it’s the stuff day dreams of red carpets and special parties are made of.

I promised you would Think Pink! and this soft take on menswear from Thomas Tait was one of most unexpected places to find the feminine color. (Also, isn’t Tait just a total, wonky babe?)

Another shade of rose came alive in an adorable full skirt dress at Acne. Love that looks are continuing to be kind of buttoned up instead of overtly sexy.

A similar shape and more coral tone comes from Nicole Fahri. And aren’t you starting to ache for a pink dress of your own?

If not, this Roksanda Ilinic fuchsia knee length look, complete with matching hair should do the trick.

Burberry just can’t do any wrong in my eyes. Every collection has about ten looks I can’t choose from. This time it was perfectly pleated skirts, rad prints, cropped jackets and interesting color combinations that had me smiling. And those shoes, my goodness.

I’m not always drawn to simple looks, but Paul Smith showed that simple can be perfect. The neutral paired with bright yellow, the easy shoes and belt, man, even the fedora – a trend I thought had sh-t the bed, looks casually cool. If you saw this girl walking down the street, you’d yearn to be her friend and start looking for a yellow skirt.

Jonathan Saunders is usually a top favorite, but following the pastel trend, he wasn’t quite on my wave length. Still, there’s no denying the beauty in this layered look. Shades of grey and pale brights – must remember this pretty combination!

This Jaeger Collection bold striped retro dress is probably has the most in common with my own wardrobe, except I suspect it’s done in a finer fabric than polyester and cost more than $8 on ebay. Anyways, I love it.

Oh Sass and Bide, you make me happy! This bright vaguely ethnic gown is one of my top loves of the whole London shows. Ok, not to totally nerd out, but it’s what I would wear if I were Daenerys Targaryen.

Emilio de la Moreno was a near miss for me, but I was totally sucked into this crafty embroidered dress. Can’t even tell what it is exactly but I like.

Not a fan of all of what strutted down the JW Anderson runway but I would love to get my hands on this chain mail inspired flirty dress.

Love the shape of this Mark Fast mini. It was the freshest manifestation of his crochet fringe vision.

Ok, another typo – apologies – this lace meets psychedelic look is from Clements Ribeiro and it’s pretty darn fabulous. Who thought components as at odds as this would look so nice together. And who thought optic illusion prints could be cool again after the 1990’s?

Love the way this black and white photo print cuts to color. A wild look but also totally wearable.

Peter Jensen showed a lot of copyable looks but I loved this prom dress over button down the most.

Willow took their theme and ran with it, and it resulted in this stunning, dreamy and strange dress.

After the jump see other excellent looks and soon I’ll have Milan and Paris for you.

Click here for the rest of Best of London Fashion Week

See more: Style Icons: Female,Style Icons: Male Designers Style

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on October 1, 2011