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It's kind of a slow day guys, sorry. Waaaay too many papers to write and super gross weather here. Gah. Milan Fashion Week is the only thing cheering me up right now, and let me tell you, it's full of cheerful, sparkly things.
BE & D Genesis Bag, $1,095 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Netting Dress, $ 410 at shopbop.com, Isabel Marant Dana Fringed Camo Boots, $1,160 at net-a-porter.com: I just saw Olivia Palermo (on the Jak and Jil? I think) with this BE & D bag, and it's adorable in real life. It's got kind of a Dr. bag meets carpet bag structure--very business polished meets polished old lady (in a cute way, I swear). I love the contrast between the flat sheen of the bag and the rounded trim around the bag. I'm intrigued by this Foley + Corinna dress. The nude pleating/draping is very on-trend, but the black belt at the waist is a little abrupt, but then there's an exposed zipper on the back that makes me love it again. Isabel Marant is now for sale on net-a-porter.com!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE Isabel Marant. So chic. So, so chic. These boots are so hot. The subtle camo ties into the military trend, the fringe has a cute, country-western vibe, and the chain across the front gives it just enough edge.
DSquared, Blumarine, Blumarine: Not so sure about the red latex leggings or the half gloves, but the LBD itself is very savage-chic. The juxtaposition of the simple, one-shouldered cut and the giant, organic explosion of fleather floweryness is fantastic. It kind of reminds me of Rihanna, but in a very toned-down, wearable way. The Blumarine shows are always so fun to watch. They're just enthusiastic all around, with the chiffon and the leopard print, and all the embellishment. Love the combo of the Lanvin-esque draped top and the skinny, rockstar pants. It's a really nice mixture of the old and the new, and then the zebra boots. Blumarine has been doing the half-gown silhouette for a while now, and now that its finally caught on Blumarine is going to make a KILLING. I'd love this gown as a cocktail dress, but the chiffon train in the back adds a lovely touch of whimsy.
All No. 21: Alessandro Dell'Acqua evidently lost the rights to his name, so he's now designing under No. 21. I don't really understand the connection, but I love his new aesthetic. There were lots of variations on the blue button-up, caramel high-waisted mini skirt combination. I like it on its own. The color combo is really fresh and unexpected, but the combination of the tailored mini and boyish button up is so classic and so chic. That camel leather coat on top adds a nice, downtown/edgy vibe, and the subtle, feminine scalloping on the skirt balances out the button-up. I need this leopard coat. The shape is so sleek and cat-like, which fits with the print perfectly, and it almost feel like a neoprene scuba suit, especially with zipper up the side. It reminds me of the neoprene at Balenciaga two seasons ago, but redone in a seriously glam way.
Image Sources:
BE & D bag: shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna dress: shopbop.com, Isabel Marant boots: net-a-porter.com, DSquared: style.com, Blumarine: style.com, No. 21: style.com.
One of my favorite things to do during fashion week (month) is to start scouring stores for items that I know are going to be big next fall. This season, it's the military/aviator outerwear that's literally going to be HUGE. You can already buy a lot of the jackets from the Burberry show on their website, but since those all range in the $8,000-$10,000 range, I thought I'd try to find a few cheaper options.
J. Crew Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket, $148 at jcrew.com, Veda Maxiums Leather Jacket, $869 at shopbop.com, Balmain Cotton-canvas Studded Military Blazer, $6,225 at net-a-porter.com: This J. Crew jacket is a seriously great, cheap option that will get you through all of next fall and winter. The anorak has been making a comeback for the last few seasons, and this year its military lines and rustic sensibilities are more on-trend than ever. The slightly oversized silhoeutte would be perfect over any party dress, pencil skirt, mini skirt, basically anything short and form-fitting, or with slim pants and chic boots. For a more aviator-inspired look, this Veda jacket (which yes, I realize I've posted about 16 time), has the perfect shearling lining and exaggerated collar. It does Amelia Earhart, but in a subtle way, and the motorcycle jacket cut of the body makes it a really versatile piece all around. And I couldn't do a post on fab jackets without throwing a little Balmain in at the end. Yes, it's insanely expensive, but the boyfriend blazer cut, combined with the epaulet details at the shoulders and military-esque badges/embroidery, is a total tour-de-force. You get what you pay for.
When I was shopping for jackets, I got minorly distracted and found a few fab little going-out dresses--which would coincidentally be great with any of the above jackets.
Temperley London Adele Silk Dress, $950 at net-a-porter.com, Temperley London Eulah Lace-up Dress, $1,350 at net-a-porter.com, Diane von Furstenberg Yoko Dress, $325 at shopbop.com: This first dress is so cheerful! The pink is bright enough to be fun, but not so bright that it verges on neon/raver territory, and there's a giant exposed zipper in the back, which is always a plus for me. But what I really love is the cut. The slight emphasis on the shoulder, the v-neckline, the hint of a tulip cut in the skirt. It's very jaunty and flirty, but also somewhat timeless, which makes me a great investment. This other Temperley dress is another story entirely. It's very va-va-voom vixen, and all that corset lacing would be way over the top if it wasn't for the demure lines of the dress itself. I mean, if you squint, it looks like a lovely, unassuming LBD, but then there's the surprise of all that leathery trim and up-the-side lacing for a dark, almost dirty twist on a classic. This DVF dress is so adorable! We've seen a lot of feathery mini skirts on the runways this dress, so it's an easy way to tie into that look, but it's also an easy way to get away with wearing what's essentially a t-shirt dress out on the town. The scalloped draping on the sleeves adds just enough extra sophistication to top it all off.
And now, it's another episode of things Megan liked from Fashion Week!
All Prada: Oh, Miuccia Prada. I feel like she must have some magical fashion crystal ball that she pulls trends from, because she's always where everyone else is headed months or even years before they get there. This season was all about the female form, and emphasizing a girl's natural curves (she even called in some Victoria's Secret models to really get the point across). Hence lots of '50s-inspired, hourglass silhouettes, a-line skirts, ruffles across the chest, all done in sophisticated color palettes and textures. I love the subtle cutout under the bust on that second dress--very unexpected after all those ruffles, but seriously sexy. The caramel hue of this double-breasted coat is very on-trend, and it also ties into the military outerwear and emphasized collar trends we've seen so far, but the patent sheen of the leather gives it all a slightly sterile, futuristic twist that's wholly new.
D&G, Just Cavalli, Fendi: D&G and Just Callavi are usually more reliable for fun, wearable outfits than directional trend-setting, and they both continued on that vein this year. D&G was full of bouncy little snowbunnies--my favorite look combined a slightly folksy sweater with giant furry boots and a sheer, flouncy mini-dress. A very successful study in contrasts. Just Cavalli did a lot of these hip-buckled, flared-hem coats, and I'm really feeling that silhouette. The buckles are a little military, the flair is a little schoolgirl skirt, the emphasized shoulder adds a little Balmain nostalgia, and the fur trim at the collar is very of the moment. It ties together a lot of the trends we've been seeing, but in an innovative way. I love the lines of this Fendi look--the slim lines on the bottom and the a-line top/vest. Very '70s, and really easy to wear. But my favorite part is that thrown-on fur circle scarf. Can you say casual glamour?
Image Sources:
J. Crew jacket: jcrew.com, Veda jacket: shopbop.com, Balmain jacket: net-a-porter.com, Temperley London Adele dress: net-a-porter.com, Temperley London Eulah: net-a-porter.com, DVF dress: shopbop.com, Prada: style.com, D&G: style.com, Just Cavalli: style.com, Fendi: style.com.
I'm running out of little intro things to say because all I can think about is BURBERRY. OMG BURBERRY. I want every look from that show. Christopher Bailey basically summed up most of the trends we've been seeing to far ('70s, military outerwear, fur/shearling trim, aviator jackets) and combined them all into a fantastic collection of jackets. Don't get me wrong, the dresses and skirts were lovely too, but all I remember are those jackets.
All Burberry Prorsum: There are so many different options! A varsity jacket exaggerated and done over in shearling with military-esque trim on the sleeves? Check. An aviator jacket in rich black leather with an oversized shearling collar and shearling lining? Got it. A quirky take on the usual peacoat in a deep olive with giant, black fur trim on the bottom? Not a problem. It all kind of reminds me of the Balenciaga collection from a few seasons ago, with all the shearling trimmed olive aviator jackets? That man is a genius. You could really wear any one of these jacket for the next year with just about anything, and not get sick of it. Also loving the thigh-high boots and slightly deconstructed dresses under those heavy duty jackets.
Burberry Prorsum, Burberry Prorsum, Nathan Jenden: The peacoat has a serious USSR vibe to it, especially with the gold buttons, but with that cut and how it nips in at the waist, and then the slim sleeves--it's a classic military shape made new with a body-skimming, flattering cut. That's a serious wardrobe staple if I've ever seen one. Marc Jacobs did a white coat just like this one, but with even more exaggerated fur trim, but I think I like Chris' version better. The fur trim here is a little more subtle, and even more luxe looking, and the black belt adds needed contrast. The overall effect is very Russian snowbunny meets international spy (that may just be because I'm watching Alias right now, call me crazy), and it may just me the best statement coat ever. This Nathan Jenden look is so badass ballerina, I'm loving it. The top is a little '80s, with the asymmetrical sleeves and sheer paneling, and the skirt is full out Degas feathery tutu. It's one of those unexpected combinations and silhouettes, but it really works. The volume of the skirt against the body-con top and the defined waist create an hourglass shape, and that skirt is just so sassy.
Nathan Jenden, Jonathan Saunders, Peter Pilotto: This fall season is going to be all about sporty, military outerwear. We've seen a lot of rustic anoraks so far (see Burberry above), and I think this athletic, almost windbreaker-esque verison from Nathan Jenden could be a fun alternative. All the silver gives it a slightly futuristic feel, and the exaggerated collar adds a little extra drama that ensures it would never be mistaken for an actual windbreaker. This Jonathan Saunders look is pretty similar to the Nathan Jenden look above, but in a more minimalist, sporty vein. There's less play on volume, the fringed skirt moves really well, and all the texture down below works nicely with the smooth, clean lines of the top. I'm not sure I understand the print on this Peter Pilotto dress, but I like it. It feels a little cubist meets surrealist meets patchwork/collage insanity, and all that would be overwhelming if it wasn't on a simple, clean-lined dress in a neutral color. As it is, it's stunningly odd, but somehow chic.
Marc Jacobs Splash--Biscotti, $68 for 10 oz. at sephora.com, Marc Jacobs Splash--Pomegranate, $68 for 10 oz at sephora.com, Diane von Furstenberg Uttana Dress, $475 at shopbop.com: This is really random and me-specific, but I have this odd stomach thing that makes me nauseated a lot of the time, so super-strong, high-sillage perfumes aren't really an option to me. So I've been scouting around at a lot of EDTs for a possible new signature fragrance, and I stumbled across these new Marc Jacobs Splashes. Biscotti has notes of Freesia, Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Pistachio Blossom, and Vanilla, and although the name sounds like it could come across as insanely sweet, the notes make it sound girly, but refined and light. It could be the perfect, casual daytime scent, and when people ask what I'm wearing I'd be able to say "Biscotti!" Maybe only I'm amused by that. The Pomegranate Splash has notes of Pomegranate (crazy), Mandarin Blossom, Bergamot, Rhubarb, Violet, Musk, Vanilla, Amber, and Exotic Fruit Accord. It sounds juicy and fruity, but with a nice, warm edge. If it smells anything like real pomegranates, I love it. It could be a refreshing alternative to all those heavy, overly sweet/musky 'going out' perfumes I usually go for at night. I know the picture of this DVF dress is ridiculously small (sorry), but the combination of the classic, clean cut, the crazy, multi-colored print, and all the ruching along the sides is really working for me. It's kooky, but chic, and that print is really on-trend for next fall. Since it's such a simple cut, it would be easy to wear or layer in a ton of different ways, which translates into more wearings and lower cost per wear. Always a plus!
Image Sources:
Burberry Prorsum: style.com, Nathan Jenden: style.com, Jonathan Saunders: style.com, Peter Pilotto: style.com, Marc Jacobs Biscotti EDT: sephora.com, Marc Jacobs Pomegranate EDT: sephora.com, DVF dress: shopbop.com.
London Fashion Week is slowly coming to an end (so short!) and all the important peoples are quickly flying off to Milan. But I'm still here covering LFW as Style.com puts it up, so here goes round-up #600 million.
Marios Schwab, Pringle of Scotland, Paul Smith Women: Apparently Marios Schwab was inspired by nuns outfits (as seen in The Sound of Music), but I can't see any nun wearing this little number. The austerity of the neckline against the slightly sassiness of the cutaway hem, and the way the trim frames the bodice is a really interesting study of contrasts. I really love what they did with cashmere at Pringle of Scotland. According to Style.com, they used a water-soluble type of yarn that dissolved in perfect, tiny geometric squares for these open-knit, sheer/opaque sweaters that are so, so drool-worthy. How lovely is this Paul Smith look? There's something so ballerina meets Vermeer painting meets '50s sockhop about it. It's very soft and retro, but the color palette is so modern by way of the '70s.
All Erdem: This Erdem jacket is sick. The cut is military jacket meets classic trench, which is very on-trend, as is the khaki hue, and the geometric shearling hood ties in the '70s movement even more and adds a luxe contrast to the clean lines of the coat. These two dresses have a chic, easy daytime cut, but the prints and textural detailing are so offbeat and quirky. The grey-on-grey texture of the first dress feels a little deconstructed a la Rodarte, and the sparrows look like they were burned onto the dress. It's weird, but it works. The color palette of this second dress looks a lot like fire, and the way those falling leaves are arranged they almost look like a blazing fire. The combination of the naturalistic print and the aggressive colors and composition on that girly, puffed sleeve dress is so interesting and odd that it's actually an extremely versatile piece.
Christopher Kane, Christopher Kane, Roksanda Ilincic: It looks liek Christopher Kane will never stop being fashion's wunderkind. Seriously. The Style.com review of his collection was practically incandescent, it was so glowing. But it was a fab collection, full of high-sheen black leather embroidered with flowers or colorful, star-shaped studs. It sounds kitschy, but it was pretty chic. I die for this shearling-trimmed jacket. The shearling and the cut are very '70s aviator, the black leather adds a nice amount of edge, and the floral embroidery is very Russian grandmother, but together it all works out perfectly. The dress version is a little more subtle. The contrast between the patent skirt and matte-ish top adds an interesting, almost dominatrix vibe, but the festive, almost childish bedazzling at the bodice gives it a subversive playfulness. Doesn't this Roksanda Ilincic look like something Katherine Hepburn would throw on walking around a movie set? I could do without the pants, but the contrast between the cream of the loosely cut dress and the warmer, draped fur is so minimalist chic. It's the epitome of casual glamour, just a simple dress with a very luxe fur scarf (a really easy real life styling trick).
Waxing Poetic Miniature Crest Ring, $38 at waxingpoetic.net, Antique Brass Charm, $55 at waxingpoetic.net, Crest Insignias, $38 for rose gold plated at waxingpoetic.net: On top of their adorably clever name, Waxing Poetic makes seriously adorable jewelry based on old wax seals. I have a weakness for any jewelry that looks antique or heirloom-esque, and especially anything with monograms and crests. There's something so personal and yet so quaint about them at the same time. If rings are your thing, they have a sweet, rustic looking silvery ring with a very Medieval England looking monogram crest. It's a subtle, chic everyday piece that's seriously affordable. If you like necklaces, they have a pendant version of the same crest emblem, in three different metal finishes and with monograms as well, or a more delicate, refined brass pendant. I love that these look very offbeat and expensive, but they're actually crazy affordable.
Image Sources:
Marios Schwab: style.com, Pringle of Scotland: style.com, Paul Smith Women: style.com, Erdem: style.com, Christopher Kane: style.com, Roksanda Ilincic: style.com, Waxing Poetic: ring: waxingpoetic.net, brass charm: waxingpoetic.net, crest insignias: waxingpoetic.net.
London Fashion Week is still going strong--it's like every time I check style.com there are 20 new shows up. At least the economy is forcing most shows to be a bit shorter, or I would honestly be losing my mind. Which I may have done already. djhsd;fljh;ldsjh;sldhj.
Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald, Julien Macdonald: All I have to say is: pretty. Matthew Williamson proves once again that long-sleeved shirts under little party dresses actually has momentum as a trend, and it can look pretty darn chic. It would be a really great way to winterize summer dresses (!), and the furry circle scarf ties into that perfectly. Julien Macdonald's show was absolutely full of lovely this season. That white coat reminds me of the fur-trimmed coats at the Marc Jacobs show, but with a knitwear twist. I love the combination of the oversized knit and the glam fur trim, all done in winter white. Who wouldn't want to bundle up in that? It's an outfit all in itself. And don't even get me started on his lingerie-inspired gowns. He takes the half-gown silhouette that we've seen before (namely at Balmain and Dior), but makes it look soft and romantic. The play between nude and black (navy?) is stunning, and the way those sleeves seamlessly frame her shoulders is just ridiculous. It's polished, it's chic, it's organic, and it's modern. Love.
Clements Ribeiro, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Topshop Unique: There's something so quirky, '70s cat lady about this Clements Ribeiro look, and yet I totally love it. The cutout floral print on that cardigan is absolutely drool-worthy. The mustard color definitely ties into the '70s trend, and it's a great way to do a versatile statement piece. I'm not usually a huge Vivienne Westwood fan, but this look is so well-styled (although I could do without the tights). The fitted, floral dress with its play on sheerness and the flowing, striped jacket work so well together--the cuts and silhouettes play off each other perfectly, and the since the florals are clearly the dominant print and the color palette is muted, it doesn't clash or look overwhelming. Topshop Unique really stepped it up this year. Their vision of these almost feral, savage British country girls was really compelling, and touched on a ton of trends we've been seeing both this season and last. First off, the adorable hats totally made the outfits. So quirky. But what I really love is that coat. The toggle coat is very Ali McGraw in Love Story (very '70s), but the addition of the almost wild looking shearling gives it an uncontrolled, carefree vibe that really livens up the classic cut.
Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Kinder Aggugini: Mark Fast is always reliable for open knit, elastic dresses. And he definitely delivered on that promise (although not much else). I like his dresses as a casual alternative to an Herve Leger bandage dress. They're a little edgier and a little more nonchalant than polished, but I think you could get a ton of wear out of them by layering different colored tank dresses underneath. The print on this Mary Katrantzou dress is so awesome. I can see a neckruff, a cup, jewelry, stripes, and a ton more that I can't identify. The trompe l'oeil effect is really witty, and I love the combination of the old school items in her print with the modern cut. Last but not least, the Kinder Aggugini dress. It looks like a simple, ballerina meets peasant girl dress, but the minute pleating and fuzzy texture of that top layer take it into a more modern, offbeat place. It stands on its own really well, but I also think it could be accessorized/layered up for a fun going-out look, or dressed down for a casual, but chic, daytime ensemble.
According to weather.com we're going to have rain/snow (aka SLUSH aka KILL ME) for the next 8 days. EIGHT DAYS. GAH. So I wanted to look extra adorable today to make up for the fact that I'll be living in a raincoat and rain boots for the next week. I'm starting to wear through all my jeans--literally--so I pulled out a floral dress I got for $5 at a flea market, threw on some tights, a Coach belt, and my Frye boots, and topped it all off with an Alexander Wang for Gap blazer. I like the contrast between the lightness of the dress and the heavier accessories, and the menswearish blazers adds a balancing, masculine element and works nicely as a coat/trench hybrid thing.
Juicy Couture Fleece Double Breasted Blazer, $148 at shopbop.com, Madewell Georgette Flutter Dress, $135 at shopbop.com, Frye Melissa Button Boots in Cognac, $298 at shopbop.com: For a similar look, I'd start with this double breasted Juicy Couture blazer. Since it's fleece, it'll actually be warm and comfy, the grey is a refreshing alternative to black or khaki, and the double breasted cut works really well when paired with girlier pieces. This dress is the perfect romantic counterpoint to the mens officewear blazer, and I love the contrast between the weights of the two fabrics--the thickness of the blazer and the light, flowing fabric of the dress. The boots add a lovely earthy element to the outfit, and the warm brown is a nice contrast to the coolness of the grey.
Image Sources:
Matthew Williamson: style.com, Julien Macdonald: style.com, Clements Ribeiro: style.com, Vivienne Westwood Red Label: style.com, Topshop Unique: style.com, Mark Fast: style.com, Mary Katrantzou: style.com, Kinder Aggugini: style.com, Madewell dress: shopbop.com, Juicy Couture jacket: shopbop.com, Frye boots: shopbop.com.
