Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Spring '09 TREND: Sparkles

Sequins, beading, swarovski crystals oh my!
Everywhere I turned I saw the magical mystery sparkliness of glamour...and yet, somehow it was never over played, never garish. Hey, who doesn't like a bit of bling? We are all attracted to shiny things.
So go for it, and add that certain je ne sais quoi. My suggestion is to also dress it down a bit...perhaps with a boxy silhouette, or paired with a matte fabric. Neutral or dark tones are also a classy take. But whatever you do, carry it with attitude!

read more...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

(the return of) Guerrilla Art #16


GOBAMA!!
Found on Bowery near Housten.
read more...

Spring '09 TREND: Grey

Grey has been around for more than a few seasons, and it looks like it still has a lot of steam for seasons to come. Could this be a defining color of the decade? I think so.
Personally, I adore grey. It's edgy, yet neutral. It can be very flattering, and goes with absolutely everything. I love mixing it with other neutrals, such as a nice caramel toned leather belt or tan fabric. Or else you can spice it up with a pop of boldly bright color such as chartreuse, orange, or magenta. In this way, grey can actually allow you to be brave with your color choices without being the loudest person in the room. Bonus!
In terms of jewelry, of course silver looks great, but I get a nice buzz off of mixing gold and brass tones on my grey. Top it off with a touch of diamante and I'm flying high!
Well, I was beginning to think that all the grey in my wardrobe was because I was starting to look like my cat. But unless everyone else in the fashionworld wants to look like my cat, I think I can blame designers for this one. Phew!

read more...

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Spring '09 TREND: Mixing patterns

Again, this is another trend that you can implement now...in fact, it's much easier to do in the fall, as there are more opportunities to layer and thus more opportunities to clash patterns. 
Mixing patterns is an art, and a very fun one at that. As a beginner, I would suggest choosing contrasting patterns. Such as mixing a big print with a small print, a plaid with a swirl, a floral with a stripe.  Go ahead and play with color, choosing colors that complement each other (such as the pink and orange, or auburn and blue you see to the left).
You should also pay some attention to silhouette as you do this. Patterns add a sort of noise that adds to your overall presence. I would suggest nipping it at the waist, or using a skinny leg pant, or a short skirt to keep it feminine and svelt. 
Load up on chunky bangle bracelets and add on some nerd glasses to finish off your look, but avoid too much fussy jewelry as your clothes will carry enough interest. But most of all, have fun with it!  The most important part is that you walk out the door absolutely confident in your look.

read more...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Spring '09 TREND: Boyfriend

Ahhh, the proverbial I-raided-my-boyfriends-closet look...or if you are saucy, the sunday morning look.
Personally, this is one of my favorite looks of the season (it's actually been present for a couple seasons, only now it has fully blossomed).
The reason it is great is that it is casual and comfortable, yet sexy. But the sexiness is entirely in the attitude and utter effortlessness. The sexy is in the state of mind of a woman who is completely comfortable with herself and confident without trying too hard to draw your attention. There is mystery to the female form, but the gait with which you walk lets people know that even though they can't see it, you are completely hot under the boxy look. Another way to look at it is that it looks as if you have a man in your life (whether or not you actually do), a man who you want to keep close to you.  And you know how men love competition, it's not too hard to see the appeal.  Maybe it will help them imagine how you'll look in the morning cooking them eggs wearing one of their oxford button-up shirts.
There are many easy ways to rock this look without breaking the bank. I actually like to balance it out with a touch of feminine...maybe a mens v-neck t-shirt, but over skinny jeans. Or I love to wear a boyfriend blazer or oversized cardigan over a dress or short shorts.  Regardless, you can find any of these elements in the mens section of the Gap or your local vintage store. This look is much more in the styling than wearing any particular designer.
read more...

Monday, September 22, 2008

Spring '09 TREND: Asymetrics

Phew! Now that I have done all the reviews I intend to do (if I attended your show, and did not review you, I apologize...I'm only one person!), I shall set my sights to outlining trends for you.
My friends always ask me after fashion week about the trends, So I would be happy to digest all that I have seen and put together tidy little summaries.
Trend one: Asymetrics. Mostly seen around the neckline for at least one or two pieces at the majority of the shows that I attended.
My interpretation is that it's important to keep people on their toes. When someone sees you walk into a room, you want to knock them off their balance, you want to be mysterious and unpredictable, you want to show a small amount of skin as a small tease without giving away the whole game. So take these principles with you when you dress in the morning or for a night out. No, you don't necessarily need to go out and buy a new dress. Why not alter a tank top or t-shirt? Or simply wear an off the shoulder number just draped jauntily to the side. Or else you could get one fabulous dangly earring and adorn it just on one ear. I also saw a lot of low side chignon hair-do's. Point is, get creative, get a little daring, add a touch of class, and you're on trend.
read more...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Fashion Week: Willow

Willow was a beautiful presentation downtown, and I have to say, I have become a fan of this version of show. I was able to get up really close to the pieces to see just how densely and intricately beaded some of them are. 
I adored the boho meets grecian look, with some of the most bad-ass vaguely gladiator inspired pumps I have seen in a while.
Once again, the look was loose, slouchy, and casual...but still remaining very feminine. The fabrics were fine and floaty with beautiful patterns and textures, and some with amazing beading detail.
I would definitely classify this as sophisticated hippy, I could see it on stars such as Kate Hudson or Kiera Knightly.
read more...

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fashion Week: VPL

Ok, I am grossly behind on my reviews, but please don't let that reflect poorly on how I feel about VPL by Victoria Bartlett, which was one of my favorite shows. I always look forward to the VPL show, and I am never dissappointed.  Victoria always remains true to her signature style: Neutral tones with pops of bold color, undergarment themed elastics, unconventional draping, and jersey fabrics.  Yet she always does so within the influence of very specific themes such as Suffragettes, Female choreographers, and this time Velocity.
Her themes are always rooted firmly in the idea of female strength. This time she looked at kites and parachutes to somehow communicate perhaps the feeling of freedom and possibility one has whilst in flight. Personally I love the feeling of quiet confidence, of feeling completely comfortable in ones own skin. Her work is subtley bad-ass because it is born out of inner strength. I also love her sensibility of layering, unusual accessories, and shoes...but there is no surprise there as Victoria is also a stylist (who this season is responsible for having styled the edgy looks of Miss Sixty).
Yes, I am a huge fan. I'll let you know when there is a sample sale.

read more...

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Fashion Week: Jen Kao

It was yet another stormy day when I arrived at the Jen Kao show at Milk studios. Despite the miserable weather, she managed to create her own oasis of white clouds in the sky (well, the penthouse. Close enough).
Jen is fairly new on the NY fashion week scene, but is an instant favorite as over the last couple years has received a lot of press amongst the hip and with-it. She definitely had me at the first look.
Her color palette was mostly white, grey, and black, but she threw in some rather amazing cobalt pieces towards the end. Her pattern making was as intricate and geometric as a well formed piece of origami, much like the mountains of what looked to be white paper teeth that the models were navigating around.
She hit on a lot of key trends: Grey, jumpsuits, sequins, and sheer blocks. Personally, I'd give my first born for her grey strapless dress and those fabulous grey lace-up heels designed for her by Tania Spinelli. Who says I don't have my priorities straight?
read more...

Obama: Runway to Change

At the Doucette Duvall show they were showing organic and recycled fabrics and giving away Obam pins. Yes, times are such that politics cannot be ignored. We are all apart of it, democracy
 means we are all participants in politics, even if we earn our living making handbags or really we just like to occupy our time buying them.  I was happy to discover that the gap has been bridged and some of  my most favorite designers are supporting Obama by designing "hope" inspired pieces especially for his campaign that can be bought directly from his website.
I was excited to see a great T-shirt by the fabulous Maria Cornejo (pictured below), A beautiful print scarf by Rachel Roy (below), a straight from the hip print tote by Rag and Bone (pictured left)...and I am excited to see that Alexander Wang will be making a tank top, that I fully intend to get (even though I don't even know what it looks like yet!). Other designers include legendary Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Costello Taglapietra, Nanette Lepore, Vera Wang, Tracy Reese, Zac Posen, Derek Lam,  Narciso Rodriguez and many more.
So go forth and shop! Show your support for Obama (and some positive change in this country) by sporting a fabulous designer t-shirt or bag. Plus, we'll all think you are totally chic. Barack Obama Runway to Change official online store.
read more...

Monday, September 15, 2008

Fashion Week: Chris Han

Yes folks, I know fashion week ended last Friday, and those with real stamina are now off to London Fashion week. Well, I for one, am back working on photoshoots, and way behind on my reviews.
There are still a few outstanding shows that I saw that deserve some mentioning, which I will trickle to you after my post-work pass-outs on the couch (yes the "glamorous" life of styling is also somewhat exhausting). But enough about me and my excuses, what about that Chris Han, eh?
I'm not quite sure if she is on the general publics radar yet, but she has been showing in the Bryant Park tents for a few seasons now, and at this point she should be. Each year her elegant sophistication created with luxe fabrics and a touch of individualism grows more and more refined. As ever, she was brilliant at subtley layering fabrics, which although it has been a  signature of hers for sometime, I found many designers to be doing this year.  I would say that would make Chris on the cutting edge. I just loved how she tailored a nude tone chiffon over a turquoise pencil dress, giving it a depth and interest. She also was right on trend with some intricate beading. I could have died for the black gown that came down the runway with corseted bodice completely encrusted in antique silver beading. And just as well as she did glamorous drama, she achieved her own more elegant version of the boyfriend look, with a wide leg trouser and  slightly slouchy black camisole top. Oh yeah chicas, keep your eyes out from Chris Han....
read more...

ZOOZOOM Project Runway Fashion Wars

Thanks to my lovely colleagues at ZOOZOOM you can begin to exercise those voting muscles whilst getting a nice close inspection of the Project Runway finalists creations. Now, never yea fear, this is no spoiler (as one who avoided the Tents Friday morning for this reason, take it from me). Apparently they let all 6 contestants show, so that us fashion-insider-blogger types wouldn't give the game away. So go ahead and inspect their shows, and start weighing in on who is the fairest of them all. ZOOZOOM PROJECT RUNWAY FASHION WARS special is on until the show this Wednesday.
read more...

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Fashion Week: Sabyasachi

Oh, the colors! The luxurious fabrics and beading and belts, oh my! I kept gasping as first 4 or 5 looks came out onto the runway, until I realized they were all gonna be breathtaking, and if I kept this up I would surely faint.
Not since Twinkle or Matthew Williamson have I seen patterns mixed so boldly yet so deftly. Materials were ethnic, but silhouettes were modern and sexy. Nothing I love more than a good contrasting juxtaposition such as this.
And side note, I sooooo want a pair of those glasses. I need a new prescription anyway...people keep waving to me from across the street, but because they are a blur, I end up rudely ignoring them. So why not solve the problem and look super cool at the same time? If only the line-sheet at the show had mentioned who they were by. Damn. The search is on.
Anyway, yes, I adored the Sabyasachi show, and would love you to read my full review on ZOOZOOM (not to mention the fact that they will have beautiful pics).
read more...

Fashion Week: Aurelio Costarella

Wow, I was so excited to get to go back stage at Aurelio Costarella and meet the man himself. He's an Ozzie, and really sweet. I actually thought he was rather calm and collected right before his show. Everything seemed well under control. I also met his PR man from MAO, Matt, who has been reading my blog. Yay! I'm still a new blog, so it's great to have some influential readers. The pic to your left is of me and the Editor in Chief of ZOOZOOM Kelley Quan, and Matt is in the back ground to the right.  Kelley has been a big fan of Aurelio's for years, and could not stop gushing about his clothes after the show. She tells me that to see them in person, up close, and feel the fabric and see the construction is amazing. He really is a wizard. I loved the show as well, see how much by reading my full review at ZOOZOOM.
read more...

Fashion Week: I Spy

I spied this cute pair at the Jen Kao show. I love the matching grey outfits. Her coat and hair are fab, and I do believe that her pom-pom tights are from the Karen Walker giftbag. I'll definitely have to give mine a whirl. As for his outfit, I could go on. He is spot on trend with the orange plaid, a great pop of color against the grey.  I just love the look of mountain man plaid used as a dress shirt, and the double breasted cardigan instead of a sports coat. Finishing touches, a grey tie and acid washed jeans. And I do believe you have to be a special kind of cool to pull off acid wash...and this man is a prime example of how to do it right.
read more...

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Fashion Week: Subversive

I heart Justin Giunta, designer of Subversive Jewelry. I have written about them before, I have pulled stuff from their forest-like showroom dozens of time. I am a true fan.
It was a pleasure to go to this presentation at Kisan Concept Store (125 Greene St) where you can buy his jewelry. This season he got even more intricate with his chain work, actually soldering it down onto hard surfaces, like a cuff bracelet, row by row to create a sort of basket effect. He incorporated ceramic (pictured to the left), old coins, and his usual mix of diamante, pearl, and vintage pieces. However, this season was all about the tassel. Long silk tassels abounded, as well as chain tassels. I loved the new element, and I am a big fan of fabric or thread being incorporated into my jewelry.  It creates an extra texture and dimension, as well as another opportunity for color.
I was drooling, and wondering when will be the next time I will frolick through the trees of his showroom, plucking necklaces and bracelets off branches, filling my tray to my hearts content (only to return everything a week later. poo).






read more...

Fashion Week: The Blonds

Move over Heatherette, a new sherriff is in town. OK, the Blonds haven't hit the Tent at Bryant park yet, no sign of Amanda Lapore or Paris Hilton, but believe me, after last nights show, they will come.  So far I have yet to see this much of a buzz and party atmosphere at off-site mainstay, the Altman building. It's usually so civilized!
But queens ruled the front row, as well as fashion icons and fellow designers. Yes, the collection was glamazon at its best. And personally, I liked it a lot better than Heatherette. There were some rather amazing pieces, like a corset made with thick silver chains, or a dress made with mirrors creating a human disco ball. Perfect clothes for the latest pop-princess/gay icons. Maybe the Pussy Cat dolls need to hit them up for some outfits.
Interspersed in the dramatic line-up were a few chic cocktail dresses for us average gals. Lovely little black dresses with diamante star brooches, and some Anna Sui/ Matthew Williamson inspired colorful print dresses. I loved those, and would totally wear them.

read more...

Fashion Week: Cute shoes in the front row!

This chick was across from me at a show where, well, this chick's shoes were the best thing there.
I only wish I knew who they were by so I could snag a pair!! So cool!
Ankle booties with open toes are so now right now. Even better with a wedge, metallic leather, and black laces. I die.
read more...

Fashion Week: Perry Ferrell plays the Varvatos party

How rock-n-roll is John Varvatos? With campaigns featuring Alice Cooper, a new store in the former punk rock haven CBGB's, and now a party featuring a performance by Perry Ferrell with support from Dave Navarro.  I know John is a big fan of the rockers. He normally has former D-Generation frontman (and now solo artist) Jesse Malin DJing his parties.
It was actually a pretty good night. The vodka cocktails were freely flowing, and the venue stayed pretty true to it's former incarnation, still brandishing band stickers and grafitti all over the walls. Ferrell was on form, singing songs from what I presume is his new solo album (?)...sorry Perry, I loved you in Janes Addiction I listened to a bit of Porno for Pyros, and then I lost track.
Still, it is strange that you should pop up in the fashion scene so prominently like this. I mean, I just saw you in the front row of the Miss Sixty show.  Looking for stage wear for your female vocalist gal pal perhaps?

John Varvatos himself introducing Perry.
read more...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Fashion Week: Jeremy Laing

Wow. I will admit that I did not know of Jeremy Laing before I went to his show this morning. But then, that's why I am here, no? I was in love right away. With a  similar aesthetic to Zero, Elise Overland, and A Detacher, Laing delved into shapes and cuts with layers of billowing draping. Most of his work involved solid fabrics, except for a boldly colored plaid-like print at the end of the show (which was in beautiful jewel tones, my fave).
Details included draw strings at the back bottom edges of his tops and skirts, accordian cut leather belts, and occasional small rectangles of subtle beading.
I loved his layering methods which included chiffons and woven fabrics that had texture added by cutting out pieces in a  grid. His coats often had open backs, loosely held together by a lone button, and his dresses had uniquely twisted and layered racerbacks.  His color choices remained mainly in the neutrals and black and white to keep the emphasis on the tailoring and draping. The black and white fitted dress with a black chiffon overlay (pictured above) took my breath away. I am a fan now, and I have noted the PR company into my iPhone so I can borrow pieces for photoshoots as soon as they are available. Yummy!!
read more...

Fashion Week: Harlan Bel

I featured Harlan Bel as one to watch a month or so ago, so I was very excited to go to the show. And let me tell you, after an otherwise lame day of some shows that I won't even be mentioning on my blog (boring!), Harlan Bel did not disappoint.  I adore the bold graphic nature of the pieces, in cut and with the pleated draping and ruffleless tiers. She has also continued to feature what is becoming a  signature of futuristic leiderhosen style unattached suspenders (honestly, not sure how to describe them, but wouldn't they look cool over a simple white T-shirt as an accessory?).
The look of Harlan Bel is sexy in an unassuming way, strong but still with a feel of innocence, and modern modern modern. I am a big fan of dressing for my mood...and yeah, sometimes I wanna be eclectic and mix patterns and vintage pieces...but sometimes I feel focused, bold, and strong, and on those days, Harlan Bel would be perfect.
So I said she was one to watch, and boy do I have my eye on her. You should too.

read more...

Fashion Week: Read ZOOZOOM!!

So kids, as much as I love my own personal blog, I actually have been attending many shows on behalf of ZOOZOOM to write reviews. You can catch my views on Zero Maria Cornejo, A Detacher, and Erin Fetherston there, as well as 7 other shows that will be featured. Really, it's the best website around for picture size and quality...no one can fill a screen with artistry like ZOOZOOM. Check it out!!
read more...

Fashion Week: Miss Sixty

The Miss Sixty show was an absolute zoo. It was in the Tent, as usual (that is the biggest venue in Bryant park), and standing in the check-in line made me feel like I was in a mosh pit, but in 4 inch heels. Not nice. I think it's strange that someo f the biggest 'scenes' during fashion week surround the denim brands like G-Star, Deisel, and Miss Sixty.
Yes, the celebs come a-flocking. I was across from Gossip Girls, and Rosario Dawson, also a top Model judge, and strangely, Perry Ferrell. Now what, oh what, was Perry Ferrell doing at a fashion show? I never would have thought that the lead singer of Janes Addiction would need that sort of attention. Hm, maybe his girlfriend dragged him there, I dunno.
in the mean time, I loved the show. I was happy to see bold bright colors, as I had been seeing way too many pastels in other shows, and I was beginning to worry. They also had a couple big billowy maxi dresses that were essentially enormous white T-shirts or Tank tops. I thought they looked quite stunning, and probably very comfortable as well. The high waisted short-short is still a staple, and honestly will probably be around for a few seasons. Really, it's great for sucking in a stomach and avoiding muffin-top, as well as elongating your legs. I think Miss Sixty is a strong brand with a distinct POV of pop 80's/hipster/sexy.
read more...

Fashion Week: Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese was a beautiful show that was consistent with her usual impeccable taste. She is a champion of all that is feminine, elegant, with a splash of self-assured personality and individualism. There is always a nod to vintage, and her colors and patterns are bright and lush, mixed together as perfectly as a chef would mix just the right tastes together to create a delectable entree.
Chandeliers are still a prevalent theme: in her logo, dangling magnificently from ears, and bejeweled onto dresses. Honestly, it makes me want to head straight over to ABC carpet and home and get a beautifully colorful crystal vintage chandelier to hang in my teeny weeny apartment. Why not, eh?
read more...

Monday, September 8, 2008

Target Pop-up stores

Thanks to a dear readers comment, I learned that for a very brief period of time I will not have to schlep to Brooklyn or Long Island for my Target fix, as there will be pop-up stores in the city. Looking at the back cover of my Daily Magazine I picked up at Fashion Week, I have some important details for you:
Target "Bullseye Bodega"
September 12-15. Hours 10am-10pm
57th St and 6th Avenue
Broadway between 11th and 12th street
Broome between Wooster and West Broadway
Bowery at 2nd street
read more...

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Fashion Week: Patricia Fields

How could I not go to the Patricia Fields show? The music was thumping loud, and the alcohol was flowing freely, food on trays were being offered every 2 seconds, drag queens danced on stage, Pat herself flitted around the audience, and an hour and a half later, the show finally started.  Definitely fun looks, as kooky as the red haired maven herself, but not fashion. This woman is a costumer, and her looks said as much. They were theatrical, they were bold, and they were chock full of personality and verve.  No, I am not looking to this stage for the next big thing in haute couture, but if I have another party as outlandish as this one to go to, Pat would be my gal.

read more...

Fashion Week: Lerario Beatriz

I will admit, this is my first viewing of Lerario Beatriz...and I was quite impressed. the them was definitely unique. It was that of the English influence in India. It was a perfect blend of stuffy safari English gear with more bright ethnic bohemian, all modernized for the modern woman. The picture above was a very beautiful white and gold asymetrical dress (every show I've been to has had asymetrical tops, so girls, get your strapless or convertable bras ready), it struck my eye the most even though it was the furthest reach of the given theme.
I'm definitely gonna keep my eye out for this fresh young designer.
read more...

Fashion Week: Elise Overland

Elise Overland is a prime example of what I think may be one of the main looks of the decade.  I have been seeing more and more of this sort of thing, that I shall now try hard to describe. The look is modern in its clean lines and very graphic pattern making (both in its folds and its seaming). Cut outs and layers that create a dissonance are prevalent. Colors are a mix of neutrals with splashes of bright bold colors, and fabrics are futuristic. But the silhouette is boxy and deconstructed. There is something very vaguely post-apocalyptic about its attitude....or maybe its the round glasses and black leather making me think of Sarah Connor.
I am seeing this look everywhere, Alexander Wang, Harlan Bel, 3 as Four, FORM, Alice McCall...it's big. And I really love it. I even kind of think the trend of girls wearing oversized white V-neck t-shirts over small frayed shorts and gladiators on a lazy Sunday fits into the theme. Remember it was not too long ago that us girls would only wear baby T's, remaining as feminine as possible. But I don't think that femininity is lost with this new look. I think it's more a case of us girls owning it.


read more...

Fashion Week: Alexander Wang

As with last season, the Alexander Wang show was absolute mayhem as the industrial space filled with post-industrial black clad hipsters sipping on champagne out of convenient individual sized bottles. For the most part I steered clear. I was sopping wet from the rain, and feeling way to sticky to socialize. Although I did meet a cool japanese duo who photographed my wet-self. I also got to say a quick 'hello' to the in-house celeb, Erin Wasson, who I used to work with on Maybelline. She didn't style the show this season, but she did provide the jewelry, and her style  influence definitely lives on.
Rumor had it that this season Wang was going to include bright springy colors, and I was wondering if his design aesthetic would remain bad-ass...and thankfully, it did.  The bright colors were styled in a very Miami-Vice way, but with the grit and sweat of the Colin Farrell version.  And don't worry, he still had the requisite amount of black in varying textures to keep the tuff sect happy. The styling was his usual mix of slouchy I-don't-give-a-fuck combined with sexy cutouts and luxe fabrics. A seemingly strange combo, but one that is very close to my heart.
Oh, Alexander, why didn't I have the balls to talk to you when I saw you at Sway?? I think you're awesome.





read more...

Fashion Week: Karen Walker

Karen Walker, you have redeemed yourself. I fell in love with you when your fall 2007 show emulated WWII fashions. Hell, I based an entire editorial around it...and then last season you lost me a little. It was the knitted stuff with bright yarn and tassles that left me puzzled. But that's OK, cuz I loved Spring 2009, so we're good again! 
You hit the nail on the head with the menswear trend. Yes, girls are no longer looking for the female shrunken version of menswear, but the oversized stuff they'd find in their boyfriends closet. Even I, a mere slip of a thing, find myself drawn towards the mens section of stores to get the look. Of course, I never really find anything there for me, and that is where Karen Walker comes in.
She keeps it oversized and slouchy, but still fitted in the right places (the waist of pants, or the crop of a jacket), and adds in colors and patterns that are pleasing to women.  The inclusion of thin heathered grey jersey is practically de rigueur, and she did it well by adding the print of a ram head (how very Freemans of you, Karen).
And PS, I am thinking that it will soon be easier to find womens leather oxford shoes soon. I had trouble finding myself a pair last season (finally resorting to the internet)...but once they hit the runway like that, it's only a matter of time. yay!

read more...