Spring 2015 Trend: Springy Suede

As the temperature rises and the final snow-lined sidewalks are cleared, we are all itching to strip away our down jackets, flannels and velvet pieces and opt for lighter fabrics. While silk, cotton and linen are no-brainers for a warmer climate, suede has the tendency to raise a few eyebrows. This spring, however, the smooth cloth is wearable, refined  and undeniably chic. Showcased in dainty pinks, Jill Stuart’s series of on-trend separates gave a feminine twist to an array of slim silhouettes. Meanwhile, a grungier vibe was offered at Tibi’s runway show. Between the range of earthy neutrals and the raw textiles that were coupled with the tactile suede, Amy Smilovic's take on this trend was undoubtedly made for fashion's cool girl.  Citing Charlotte Rampling as an “invisible muse,” Jason Wu’s collection  provided an utterly elegant alternative to this trend. Flirty mini dresses and coats nipped at the waist in deep blue and olive, respectively, would’ve been just as stylish during Rampling’s time as they are today. Before her departure from Gucci, designer Frida Giannini gifted the Italian house with a seventies-inspired collection. In a sea of suede, Giannini’s textured top against flared jeans and a silk scarf truly sang. If you're yearning to take on a new sartorial challenge, look no further than Derek Lam’s seriously suede collection. With patchwork pieces and head-to-toe ensembles, the New York designer proved that this trend has street style appeal.

Jill Stuart Look 5

Tibi Look 26

Jason Wu Look 20

Gucci Look 13

Derek Lam Look 4

1. MICHAEL Michael Kors 2. Marc Jacobs  3. H&M 4. Topshop 5. Aquazzura  6. Jaeger

When it comes to trying your luck at this trend, accessorizing with a touchable shoe or purse seems like a no brainer. Chic as it may be, expand your wardrobe this season by investing in suede apparel —the results will be worth it.  And with a range of price points, there is no excuse not to give in to this fad. Easing into suede?  Instead of taking the plunge with one of Derek Lam’s full looks, opt for  equally-striking, streamlined separates. Start with a simple suede skirt and pair it with a crisp white button-down.  A girly halter is the next step, and will look fetching with a pair of boyfriend jeans. Or turn heads with suede trench in a versatile neutral. Last but not least, up the sartorial ante with a polished dress. But before you go ahead and explore the wonderful options this fabric has to offer, order a suede brush.  After all, nobody likes neglected suede.

Will you be investing in suede this season? Sound off below!

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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5 Favorite Trends from Pre-Fall 2015

To the untrained fashion follower, resort and pre-fall collections experience middle child syndrome. Unlike ready-to-wear or couture collections (let's take a brief moment of silence to reflect upon the sheer beauty that was Valentino's Sala Bianca 945 collection, shall we?), the intermediate seasons tend to be overlooked. Besides Chanel's Austrian runway and Dior's Tokyo show, pre-fall and resort shows rarely require big-ticket venues and an A-List front row. Not only do these collections have the longest shelf-life, they oftentimes provide shoppers with the most wearable pieces. Stretching over several weeks, not to mention an entire holiday season, keeping up with the latest pre-fall shows is no easy feat. For a condensed review of the créme de la créme, check out these five must-shop pre-fall trends.

Bold Monochrome

Preen by Thorton Bregazzi, Look 23

Monochromatic dressing is not an earth-shattering revelation: goths and stereotypical city dwellers have been sporting this look for years. However, giving this classic styling strategy a jolt of life with high-octane hues is perfect for pre-fall. Yes, these looks may highlight one color; however, each designer's take on this trend offers a different feel from the next. With a flouncy peplum and a silky texture, Preen's variation  is unapologetically girly and au courant at the same time. At Gucci, Frida Giannini presented a strong competitor for the modernized Carmen Sandiego's ensemble with a belted jacket and flared trousers. It was an utter throwback at Tomas Maier with a leather newsboy-inspired cap and a cinched sueded trenchcoat-- talk about blast from the past! If you're craving a relaxed, colorful outfit, look no further than Lemaire's combination of oversized jackets and baggy pants. With a more muted color palette than the rest of the trend's pack, The Row's earthy green getup offers an effortless, new-aged vibe.

Unconventional Checks

Derek Lam, Look 2

Every few seasons, tartan makes a comeback. This time, however, plaid's quirky cousin (the windowpane check) is back with a vengeance. Designers are at all marks on the spectrum with polished palettes and mismatched ensembles. With contrasting color palettes, Derek Lam offered a quirky mod vibe with his double-barred checks. Proenza Schouler's Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough revitalized an otherwise tired version of this print with lengthy fringe and boxy figures. At Christian Dior, Raf Simons smartly paired wide checks with short, A-line dresses and dainty jackets. The end result? Something that's as traditional for any Londoner yet progressive enough for a Tokyo townie. Ever so preppy, Tory Burch mixed clean windowpanes with touchable stripes and autumnal tones. But of course leave classic elegance to Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, who played it cool with a cinched silhouette in an undeniably chic black and white combination. 

Micro Mini Dresses

Valentino, Look 7

Over the past few seasons, the runways have run rampant with 60's and 70's inspired apparel and accessories: wide-legged pants, a-lined skirts, and up-to-there boots are just a few examples. In keeping with the industry's retro vibes, and adding a flirty flare to the pre-fall collections, micro mini dresses are exactly what your wardrobe has been craving. Between the high-octane color palettes and op-art patterns, Giulietta's slew of mini dresses perfectly encompass that groovy spirit. Meshing feminine florals with celestial prints, Valentino's shortened hemlines rejigger patterns that are also projected on red carpet-worthy silhouettes. Leaving little to the imagination was Francisco Costa's array of sexy baby-dolls at Calvin Klein. While Calvin's collection showcased pretty pastels that would've been visionary on a young Brigitte Bardot, Fausto Puglisi's ultra-minis come in vibrant hues with warrioress embellishments. On a less sultry note is Erdem's balloon-esque shape. But don't write this look off as a childish dress: the semi-sheer fabric offer a tongue-in-cheek element to an otherwise innocent frock.

Touchable Coats

Stella McCartney, Look 14

On a chilly morning of after a long day, nothing feels better than wrapping yourself in a heavy fabric. A heavy coat has always acted as a sartorial hug; however, pre-fall's array of coats are extra covetable. With fuzzy exterior, these picks bring huggable to the next level. And thanks to a slew of different variations, there's a textured coat out there to satisfy every style savant. Available in a vest, Stella McCartney's shaggy coat is begging to be worn. With McCartney's passion for environmentally-friendly goods, it'll be hard to find someone who has any objections. Equally as cozy (not to mention zany) are the bevy of furs in brooding neutrals from Sonia Rykiel. Chloé's Clare Waight Keller joined the texturized bandwagon with a combination of neutrals and patchwork picks. From a simple shearling collar to a full-on shag coat, Burberry Prorsum's picks range from zero to 100 in a single collection. If you're looking for a cozy coat that is free of any Penny Lane associations, Balenciaga's  teddy trench offers a polished take on this trend. 

Thought-Provoking Tweed 

Thakoon, Look 11

Over the years, tweed has received a nasty reputation of  being strictly suitable for grandmothers worldwide or stiffy trophy wives. Gone are the days when "tweed" and "hip"belong in two separate sentences. With the help of some smart styling, as displayed by the latest pre-fall collections, tweed is cooler than ever. Take Thakoon's selection of tweeds, for example, which are paired with androgynous clogs. The ultimate way to bid any pre-historic connotations ado. With an unmistakable penchant for the textile, wide-leg trousers and airy maxi-dresses spiced up Chanel's classic tweed. Conversely, Maiyet's tweed was instantly revived with the looks' accompanying mismatched prints. To give an old fashioned a contemporary twist, the geniuses at DSquared2 coupled tweed with leather. Not a typical match made in heaven, but consider us sold. Tweed is usually associated with fitted jackets and skirts; however, Fendi defied all expectations by opting for a beautifully voluminous coat.

Which pre-fall trends are you obsessed with? Sound off below.
All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

xx

Fall 2014 Trend: Swinging Sixties

Even in an industry that's fixated on the next new thing, fashion's finest frequently look to the past for inspiration. If the fall shows were any inclination, we have plunged head-first into a sixties revival.

Though each brand has their unique way of defining the sixties, clean silhouettes and standout accessories were the underlying links for this marcotrend. At Gucci, Frida Giannini paired tailored jackets in baby hues with tinted sunglasses and knee-high python boots. Giannini's daytime-approved looks were perfectly balanced with several embellished minis that any aspiring factory girl would wear. On the subject of sparkle, Miu Miu's collection of metal appliqué on streamlined silhouettes, which were occasionally layered underneath plastic coats, would make even the strictest minimalist envision herself at one of Austin Powers's parties. And who could forget Hedi Slimane's array of sequined semi-shift dresses and shimmery boots at Saint Laurent? A major fashion month moment. But rest assured, style savants: this sixties revival isn't synonymous with sparkle. Valentino's fall line offered capes in versatile neutrals, mod patchwork prints and collared dresses in poppy pigments. However, it was Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli's use of op-art polka dots that made this collection sing. 

But perhaps that biggest sixties moment was none other than Nicolas Ghesquière's debut at Louis Vuitton. A far cry from Marc Jacobs's frills-filled parting collection, Ghesquière's take on this trend is more subdued than fall's alternatives. Sleek jackets, a-line skirts and feminine dresses are mixed with leathers, funky pattern combinations, and tough Chelsea boots. Whether you're craving to be Vuitton cool or opting for opulence, this sixties resurgence covers all points on the sartorial spectrum.

Gucci Look 5

Miu Miu Look 39

Saint Laurent Look 35

Valentino Look 3

Louis Vuitton 23

While a full look may be too reminiscent of Valley of the Dolls to be a jumping off point for this trend, sixties-inspired separates are undeniably wearable. An a-line skirt would be very au courant with a shearling-lined moto jacket, while a usually retro neck-tie blouse can look extremely Parisian with a fitted trouser and modest heel. Or channel your inner Edie Sedgwick with an unapologetically fierce (faux) fur jacket. But if you have a penchant for accessories, there are loads of retro shoes and purses to mesh into your 2014-approved wardrobe. While an up-to-there boot perfectly encapsulates mod squad style, a sleek Chelsea boot or ladylike stacked pump are equally appropriate (and chic) alternatives. And when it comes to bags, boxier is better.  Compact, fuss-free and undeniably stylish, the boxy bag is the perfect way to infuse some swinging sixties into an otherwise current outfit.

1. Ted Baker 2. Mark Cross 3. Acne Studios 4. Gucci 5. Marc Jacobs 6. Roger Vivier 7. Marco de Vincenzo 8. Saint Laurent

Will you be welcoming a sixties revival this fall? Sound off below.

xx

Get The Look: American Hustle

Awards season is coming, awards season is coming! For movie buffs, it's the perfect time to essentially live at your movie theater and analyze each critically acclaimed contender. If you are a complete fashion nerd, these next few months allow you to geek out over red carpet dresses. "Of course she'd wear the Elie Saab" and "Delpozo, why are you so beautiful?" are just two things style savants are bound to say. But in the (not-so) rare event you have a thing for both movies and fashion (a la yours truly), Awards season is the perfect time to do all the fun, aforementioned activities and gush over the on-screen ensembles.

In case you don't keep up with nominated films, let me give you a quick lesson: American Hustle is one of the most buzzed about movies of the season. With an all-star cast-- Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence-- Silver Linings Playbook genius David O. Russell as director, and a criminal plot that is too juicy to ignore, don't be surprised if this flick takes home a slew of statues this season.

But unlike many cinema groupies, I have an additional appreciation for the movie: the clothes. Amy Adam's Sydney Prosser is dressed to the nines in Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, sultry low-necked frocks, and even some dangerously crimped hair. On the other sartorial hand, Jennifer Lawrence's Rosalyn Rosenfeld wears everything from salacious white dresses, to Real Housewife worthy track suits, to eccentric fur, to retro prints. I know what you're thinking, pure bliss.

Amy Adams in American Hustle (Photo)

Amy Adams in American Hustle (Photo)

Amy Adams and Christian Bale in American Hustle (Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams in American Hustle (Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle (Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Röhm, Christian Bale, and Jeremy Renner in American Hustle (Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle (Photo)

"Wait a second," you say as your inner fashion nerd rears its oh-so glamorous head. "A seventies revival sounds all too familiar."

You are right ladies and gent. If you recall, seventies chic was all the rage amongst top cruise collections. While Gucci brought a healthy dosage of shimmer and lengthy hemlines, Louis Vuitton returned retro glam to the average working woman. Let's not forget that Emilio Pucci's cruise collection boasted the perfect printed maxi dress and Chloé's Claire Waight Keller successfully infused retro trousers into a very nautical presentation. Is it just me, or are you also yearning for some very groovy time travel?

Gucci Cruise 2014 (Photo)

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2014 (Photo)

Emilio Pucci Cruise 2014 (Photo)

Chloé (Photo)

Luckily, we don't need to resort to the Saturday Night Fever days to unleash our inner disco queens (or kings). With a few styling tips (and some swinging pieces), you can rock a look that is equal parts modern and seventies-inspired.

Lanvin gold dress, $4,060 / René Caovilla silver strappy sandals / Sondra Roberts pocket purse / Andrea Fohrman white gold jewelry / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics eyeshadow

You heard it from Rachel Zoe, and you saw it in Austin Powers in Goldmember, gold lamé is the perfect way to revisit the gilded decade sans time machine. Don't have any gold lamé stored in your closet, and that Lanvin gold dress doesn't fit into your shopping budget? Opt for a shimmery gold dress. Add some spice to this look with silver accessories. Yes, style savant, it's okay to clash your metallics. As for your beauty routine, save the bold lip for a less extravagant ensemble. Complete this look with a messy updo and a slight smokey eye.

Round neck sweater / Lauren Ralph Lauren capri pants, $230 / Yves Saint Laurent sandals, $1,205 / Yves Saint Laurent crossbody handbag / Dolce & Gabbana clip on earrings / Chloé tortoise shell glasses, $160 / Nars cosmetic

During this style era, women wore the pants. Paying homage to the great Katharine Hepburn, this decade was the time to sport your high-waisted trousers. Revitalize this fad with a voluminous top in a neutral hue. Not only does this look give a nod to the days when Jane Birkin and Bianca Jagger ruled the world, it's bound to make any street style photographer swoon. As a finishing touch, platform sandals will complete this look and elongate your legs. Unlike the previous look, this outfit is perfect for a colored lip. Nars's Pigalle shade is perfect--it gives your pout a little punch without pushing the envelope.

Diane Von Furstenberg dress / Little Mistress white coat, $115 / Yves Saint Laurent black pumps / Ralph Lauren satchel handbag / Lauren Ralph Lauren earrings

As any fashion groupie knows, Diane von Furstenberg's famous wrap dresses are the epitome of seventies chic. Channel your inner working girl by pairing this frock with some polished accessories. To give this look a seventies savvy twist, add a pair of gold hoops- very stylish! Though fur was all the rage during this era, throwing on a (faux) fur jacket is too costumey. Instead, try a wrap jacket with a (faux) fur collar-- you'll get the same results with this classic alternative.

What do you think of this seventies revival? Sound off below!

xx

When in Milan

Regardless of the trend or sources of inspiration, Milan Fashion Week always epitomizes luxe style. This season, Milan gave us an understated extravagance and gothic glam. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? After looking at these collections, I have a sneaking suspicion you'll feel the same way.

Aquilano. Rimondi

I don't know if it's the overtly feminine silhouettes or the fact that the prints resemble stained glass, but this collection gives me a gothic feeling. From outerwear to cute little dresses, Rimondi and Aquilano embrace the idea of a glamourous and feminine woman. The play with different fabrics is absolutely gorgeous and gives the ensembles a little more depth. Each ensemble has these gorgeous details that are simply out of this world.Surprisingly, the two designers have a healthy blend between sartorial pieces and girly separates. This whole collection reminds me of a more gothic version of Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet. (Photo Cred) 

Prada

In my mind, this collection is the perfect RTW collection to follow Prada's previous one. The retro-inspired silhouettes and the use of busy prints is so reminiscent of Miuccia's spring RTW collection. Of course, the two collections are not carbon copies of each other: this fall collection includes darker colors and longer sleeves.Even the use of pantsuits show progression from the Spring RTW collection. It seems like Miuccia is telling us a story about femininity and I like it. (Photo Cred)

Blumarine

There's something so extravagant about this collection- a la 90's flashy glam- that I'm mildly obsessed with. Though some people may look at the extremely colorful fur with disgust, I love it. Obviously, I would never wear some of these pieces; however, I admire the unapologetic flashiness of this collection. Ironically enough, they do add some extremely polished pieces to this show.Is it weird that I secretly want to wear that sparkly suit to an interview? (Photo Cred)

Dolce and Gabbana

This collection encompasses two different kind of femininity: sexy womanhood and girlish florals. Although these two types of femininity seem like night and day, the use of lace and similar silhouettes throughout the collection link the two themes together.On a side note, Domenico and Stefano have the ability to use lace in a progressive and fun way.Besides the lace, the two designers used other detailing and appliques perfectly. Yes, perfectly.Let's be honest, this designing duo is perfection. (Photo Cred)

Versace

Like Aquilano. Rimondi, this collection has a very gothic- Baz Luhrmann aesthetic. However, this collection has more emotional roots, like Gianni Versace's last collection before his tragic death. Of course, in true Donatella fashion, this collection offers optimism with it's cheery yellows and oranges. Also, that sequin piping? Phenomenal. (Photo Cred)

Trussardi

Usually, I'm not a fan of androgynous fashion; however, this is a fun take on the trend. The clothes have a sense of masculinity, but their sartorial lines aren't butch. The interesting mix of color and fabric is refreshing.  For some reason or another, this collection appeals to me. I can picture a lot of these pieces working fabulously as separates. Also, I love the way this whole collection is styled: the offbeat monochromatism gives each piece more depth and wearability. (Photo Cred)

Salvatore Ferragamo

I can confidently say that Massimiliano Giornetti successfully incorporated two opposite ends of the spectrum in one collection: the corporate betch (one of my favorite ways to dress) and the bohemian. To lessen the randomness, Giornetti incorporates strong silhouettes with the bohemian fabric. Additionally, there are also bohemian silhouettes in black. Then to top it all off, Giornetti throw a little bit of equestrian. For the record, those structured equestrian jackets are to die for. I think  I love this collection because Giornetti somehow incorporates all of these looks but orders them in such a way that doesn't make the variety awkward or arbitrary. This collection reflects how I feel about personal style: you should never restrict yourself to one category of personal style. Bravo, Giornetti.(Photo Cred)

Bottega Veneta

To be perfectly honest, I didn't love the first half of this collection. There's nothing wrong with clean silhouettes and pops of pretty hues; however, it's nothing to swoon over. However, this collection's evening wear is too good to ignore. It all started with the feathers: anything that incorporates a halter top and  feathered skirt is worthy of some attention, don't you think? I love how Tomas Maier played with black and nude: super elegant, yet super sexy. Then the longer dresses happened. I could really picture Emma Stone rocking some of these printed numbers. The finale dress' mix of textures really took my breath away. So stunning. If you're going to take anything from this collection, here it is: never ever underestimate the power of evening wear.(Photo Cred)

Gucci

Maybe I'm an eternal brooding soul, but I'm obsessed with dark color palettes. As much as I do love a pop of color here and there, dark clothes just scream gothic glamour to me, which Milan Fashion Week tells me is totally in for the fall. I'm even enamored with this collection's dark green looks.The baggy silhouettes give this collection an effortless sophistication. They give you something that you can wear out to a fancy dinner or lounge around at home and either way, you'd still be the chicest chick ever. I also love how Frida Giannini toyed around with different textures and types of outerwear. Feathered cropped jackets and sleek black capes? It's like she read my mind. In short, I just really want to spend the rest of my life in this collection. Too far? Fashion people love to exaggerate. As for my inner beauty nerd, I'm going bonkers over the makeup. Dark lip for fall? Sign me up!(Photo Cred)

Jil Sander 

As we all know by now, I'm not a fan of minimalism. Maybe someday- that's me trying to broaden my fashion horizons- but not today. However, I must give credit where credit is due. And credit is due at Jil Sander. Though Raf Simons was let go, I must say that this is my favorite Jil Sander collection of his. Instead of letting minimalism radiate the same old emotionless aesthetic, he gives it a feminine spin. The soft, candy colors work perfectly with the sleek silhouettes. The subtle color blocking and the striking cutouts make this collection fun to look at. Also, who can resist a hint of metallic? All in all, doesn't this collection remind you of something you'd see Ann Margaret wear back in the good 'ol days? Just me? (Photo Cred)

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Why Milan Fashion Week Gave Me Back My Soul

Is this blog post title a little too dramatic? Well deal with it, that's how I feel. As my devoted blog readers (aka my mom) knows, London Fashion Week absolutely crushed me. BORING, BORING, and some more BORING.  I was so close on having a wardrobe meltdown, in response to the terribleness, but then something happened. Milan Fashion Week happened. SO MUCH BEAUTY AND SO MANY DETAILS. As I happily sat at my desk and clicked through style.com,  I couldn't help but feeling as if humanity was restored to the world. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic.

Here's how Milan made me feel:

That may have been too dramatic as well.

Now I don't know about you, but I'm kind of bored with the typical format of these Fashion Week blogs so to spice it up-  and this might end up terribly so bare with me- I would like to summarize my feelings about Milan Fashion Week in the tune of The Sound of Music's "My Favorite Things."



Maxis at Pucci and florals at Prada
Bottega Veneta has texture galore
Crop tops go girly at Blumarine's show
These are some things from Milan Fashion Week

Dolce & Gabbana has sequined dresses
Aquilano Rimondi's detailling
Fendi has clean lines and tailored pieces
These are some things from Milan Fashion Week

Girls in pastels with studs at Versace
Iceberg has funky prints and awesome jackets
Gucci's art deco looks are uberglam
These are some things from Milan Fashion Week

When I think of
London Fashion Week
It makes me really sad
I simply remember Milan Fashion Week
And then I don't feel so bad

So that was really silly- and more difficult than you'd think- but as I always say,

FASHION IS FUN.

I highly recommend that everyone checks out Prada, Bottega Veneta, Blumarine, Dolce &Gabbana, Aquilano Rimondi, Fendi, Versace, Iceberg, and Gucci.

All of these collections have everything I look for in fashion: innovation, femininity, fashion-forward thinking, glamourous, versatile, classic...EVERYTHING. I know this blog post may be deemed "lame" for it's lack of pictures..so here you go!

PUCCI

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PRADA

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BOTTEGA VENETA 

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 BLUMARINE

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DOLCE & GABBANA

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AQUILANO RIMONDI

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FENDI

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VERSACE

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ICEBERG

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GUCCI

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Next Up: PARIS

xx