Tracy Reese Spring 2014 RTW

Every now and then, somewhere in between run-throughs and deadlines, we tend so get so caught up in the business of the industry that we forget one key belief: fashion is fun. At the end of the day, what we wear is the perfect way to express ourselves when we don't want to do so with words. That chiffon dress can make us smile on a bad day. That perfectly structured peplum top makes us feel put-together when we're internally off our A-game. Luckily, fashion month features collections that revitalize this one belief. For a New York minute, we can appreciate wearable art and, as a result, smile. Tracy Reese's spring collection does just that. Though I couldn't attend the show, I was fortunate enough to receive information and images from the brand's press office, and I am thrilled to share this amazing collection with you. 

Unlike other runway shows that boasted crisp, minimalist looks, Tracy Reese's new looks are all about loud colors, funky prints, and breezy silhouettes. Working with dainty applique, Chantilly lace, and a Crayola box of different hues, this collection is all about unleashing your inner girly girl.

But how should we define "girly girl?" With so many female role models, the answer isn't as clear as we'd hope. Lucky for us, Tracy Reese recognized this problem and created pieces that are perfect for every definition of femininity. If you're a contemporary temptress, the curve-hugging striped dress is so major. Or maybe you're more of a tomboy. In that case, you'll love Tracy Reese's selection of crisp trousers, menswear-inspired suspenders, and ensembles with clashing prints. Attention all frills fanatics: this collection also has a healthy dose of flouncy skirts, ladylike hemlines, and cute crop tops. Can we say perfection in a runway show? Absolutely.

Loving what you're reading? You're not the only one. Check out my favorite looks from this collection.

A sartorial, Grecian goddess, this frock opened the show. Obsessed.

So smitten with this black raffia lace skirt.

The classic bomber jacket gets a fun makeover. I adore the printed sleeves.

A vision in sunny yellow, this is a fun way to rock a monochromatic ensemble.

Though mixing prints is a bona fide way to snag some street style attention, the mute color palette makes this fad 100 percent wearable.

Masculine meets feminine? Yes please!

This look perfectly blends minimalism with ladylike glamour.

So, trendsetters, tell me: what kind of "girly girl" are you?

Photos courtesy of Laforce + Stevens

xx

Style Guide: New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week Style Guide by kmulvey featuring vintage sunglasses

Oasis maxi dress, $88 / Boyfriend blazer / Kitten heels / American Apparel vintage sunglasses / NARS Cosmetics red lip stick / Smythson Mara Croc-Stamped Small Manuscript Book

It's the most wonderful time of the year, my friends: New York Fashion Week. The city stops for a week to take in the innovative designs that strut down the runway. Heaven on Earth? I think so!  I'm so excited to be heading to NYFW tomorrow and thought I'd share some style ideas for the treasured event. This season, I'm going for "understated glam". What exactly does that mean? You'll find out soon enough! To copy this look, sport crisp silhouettes in dark hues. Let the record show that "darker hues" doesn't mean black and only black. For example, that bordeaux shirtdress is fantastic. Once you have the clean base down, make the outfit your own with some awesome accessories: fun shoes, stacked bracelets, or even a punchy pout. But do me a favor and don't forget to document the show: bring your camera, iPhone, and super chic notebook!

Happy Fashion Games everyone, may the odds be ever in your favor.

xx

I Heart New York

You may be wondering why I haven't posted a blog about my fashion week expedition. Well, this season was different in the best way possible.  I was fortunate enough to attend not one, but three shows on behalf of Her Campus.  Hands down, the most epic week of my life so far! Want to read about my own experiences? Check out my reviews for Josie Natori,  Irina Shabayeva, and EMERGE!.

As for the ones that I didn't cover, I'm giving you my deepest, darkest thoughts about NYFW exclusively on The Trendologist. Dramatic, right? Well get ready.

RODARTE 

Call me crazy, but there's something very nostalgic about this collection. It seems like each look has a story behind the colors, cut, and pattern. Don't dub me "Crazy Fashion Girl" just yet: I'll show you where I'm coming from.  The super feminine silhouettes really accentuate the models' figures. This is something very reminiscent of the pin up girl era. The final dresses' movement and sleeves also remind me of something you'd see in the 1930's. This collection does not adhere to the industry's obsession with minimalism, which I think is great: fashion rules are only made to be broken! Along with these retro-inspired pieces, the Mulleavy sisters added hardcore pieces to give this collection some more relevance. (Photo Cred)

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Without fail, Oscar de la Renta always give us fashion fanatics dainty, beautiful, and sophisticated pieces. In my mind, fall always calls for a mixture of colors and patterns. Thankfully, de la Renta gave us just that! Oscar's ability to mix up patterns, materials, and silhouettes while keeping the same aesthetic always amazes me. Whenever he designs, it's always obvious that he envisions a classy, Upper East Sider with a good eye wearing his pieces. Also, I always look forward to Oscar's evening  dresses. Can we say stunning?  (Photo Cred)

JASON WU

My love for Jason Wu is neither healthy nor comical. Season after season, I'm always wowed by Wu's ability to create  innovative collections. AW 2012 is no exception!  This collection was darker than his previous shows; however, I'm such an urban chick at heart so it was right up my alley. No matter how edgy his clothes may be, Wu's cinched waists  give that necessary dash of femininity. His play with fur is out of this world fabulous: fashion forward, exciting, and not too ridiculous. What I love most about Wu is that he loves to experiment with different silhouettes, fabrics, and prints. I cannot tell you how many collections make me feel as if I watched the same look walk down the runway forty times. In my mind, a cohesive and varied collection is always the best.   This collection is key because it shows us that Jason Wu is so much more than "the man behind Michelle Obama's dress."  (Photo Cred)

RAG & BONE

Sometimes, I look at all of the great things in my life and wonder what could possibly make it better. Well, my lovely readers: all I need is every single Rag & Bone piece ever created. I'm obsessed with the label's clean cuts and downtown chic aesthetic. Whenever I see something that slightly looks Rag & Bone- worthy, I go crazy. Though I wasn't a huge fan of their SS2012 collection- I'm not sporty enough- I'm obsessed with this collection. The mixed textures scream "this is how to look chic during the fall" to me. What's super interesting about this collection is that there's very minimal cohesion. Usually, a designer has a theme or two that they religiously stick to. The only theme I can see is "go on with your bad self." And isn't that everyone's philosophy when they wake up in the morning and get dressed?  With so many quirky prints and cuts, you might be wondering how someone can even wear this collection. As the show's fabulous collection teaches us, this collection stresses personal styling and quirky mixtures. In short, my new dream is to one day be David and Marcus' muse. That's not asking for too much, right? (Photo Cred)

TIBI

Since last year, Amy Smilovic's designer aesthetic has dramatically changed from cute cocktail dresses to minimalistic separates. What I love about Smilovic's take on minimalism is that she plays with texture and adds a plethora of gloss elements. Usually, I hate minimalism; however, I love this new spin on clean silhouettes and fripperies-less clothes. Can we also talk about the mid-calf pants? Major. (Photo Cred)

PRABAL GURUNG

Unlike many New York collection, Gurung's collection is all about show stopping pieces. From pops of cobalt blue to complex prints, the fall fashionista is all about getting noticed. Seriously, who needs minimalism when you can have iridescent sleeves? I'm totally with you, Prabal. Call me Goldmember because I'm obsessed with Gurung's use of the metallic :gold screams fall to me and I love how the collection's stylist paired gold pieces with warm colors. If you want to dress in Prabal Gurung's pieces, you have to be a sexy and fearless fashion: his clothes are not for the meak. Additionally, this collection evokes so many emotions: the introverted black ensembles provoke a sense of exclusion while the brights and metallics are motivating.     (Photo Cred)

BADGLEY MISCHKA

Nothing says "insta glamour" like metallics do. Unfortunately, metallics usually mean you're painting the town red and hitting up the hottest clubs. While that's all fun, I  do secretly wish that we can wear metallic during the day without that "walk of shame"connotation. Badgley Mischka's RTW collection gives us an answer to our prayers. By integrating metallics into everyday apparel, Badgley Mischka is making it socially appropriate to add some shimmer to our street style. Besides the use of metallics, this collection has a plethora of beautifully structured jackets. The use of cutouts so adds a dose of unapologetic fierceness. Each look demands attention without being overbearing.   (Photo Cred)

DEREK LAM

Without a doubt, I'm a complete girl's girl: I'm probably one of the most feminine people on the planet. However, I do love edgy and tough pieces. That puts me in a really big predicament: how am I supposed to dress? Derek Lam's A/W collection gives us a powerful mixture of harsh and frilly pieces. Lam's tiny floral prints and structured suits scream femininity; however, the sporty aspects gives this collection a bad girl side. In my mind, maxis are in all year around. The long sleeve, black maxi? So smitten. The juxtaposition in this creation makes it something that is truly ready to wear. (Photo Cred)

BAND OF OUTSIDERS 

 I tend to look at all of these fabulous collections and get upset. While I'm obviously obsessed with my favorite colletions, I  always get upset that- as a college chick-  I have nowhere to wear them.  Then there's Band of Outsiders. Unlike Badgley Mischka or Oscar de la Renta, Band of Outsiders give us young fashionistas something to really wear right now. There's an effortless versatility that comes with every single look that I'm borderline obsessed with. This collection is filled with a mix of statement clothes and minimalistic staples. The ambivalence in this collection makes it up to the consumer to express their personal style. (Photo Cred)

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

How could you ever hate something DVF creates? Each look of this collection has a sense of wearability and fashion forwardness. Each look brought something new to the chic table. Also, the collection's versatility is out of this world amazing. While the collection is filled with fun prints, the silhouettes are simple enough to either dress up or down. As always,  Diane designs with a confident woman in mind.  (Photo Cred)

JILL STUART 

Okay, so I definitely have a girl crush on this collection. Each look literally blew me away because it encompassed everything I love. Long sleeved minis? Check. Beautifully executed jackets? Jill showcased many.  Provocative concepts? They were definitely present.  The mod-inspired turtle necks? Absolutely. Also, the prints and detailing was very reminiscent of something you'd find in a vintage store, which I love. Honestly, the only rhyme or reason that I'm so enamored with this collection is because I would literally wear all of it.  (Photo Cred)

RACHEL ZOE 

You should all know how much I idolize Rachel Zoe by now. Though I probably wouldn't do it myself, I  admire her new designer title. For someone as obsessed with fashion as Rachel, it's definitely a big feat to design. Unlike designing veterans, we get something different from her collection: versatile pieces that we can wear to a plethora of occasions.For example, the chunky sweater could be worn out with some booties and skinny jeans or to a poolside party with a maxi dress. This indigo, quasi plaid dress could be worn to the office or even on date night.  The whole "dress up or dress down" concept is a common theme in Rachel's collection. In fact, I think it's better portrayed in this collection than in more prestigious runway shows.  Also, I love her undying obsessed with maxis. The long, lace maxi skirt? No words. Long live the maxis! (Photo Cred)

xx

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of

Fashion week is probably the most exciting time in my life. Too far? I don't care; it's a time to celebrate designer's artistic accomplishments and the industry in general. There were so many outstanding looks, it's so difficult for me to just pick a few fabulous collections. But I'm going to do it, dammit! To make this easier on me, and a shorter blog post for you, I'm going to have four blog posts: New York, London, Milan, and Paris. So enough of this small talk and let's hit it off with New York.




If you ask me, New York has some of the most wearable and exciting collections of the whole season. I just love the modernity and glamour of the city. Also, the clothes are nothing less than fantastic.  So here are some of my absolute favorite collections!

JASON WU

(Photo Cred)

To start off this rave session,  Jason Wu is going to be a legend. Mark my words,  ladies and gent:he is the next great American designer. I'm totally in love with all of his collections. Obviously, this one is no exception. The pops of color and interesting silhouettes  give this collection some edge; however, the clean lines in his finals looks are eternally beautiful. Wu has a way to make all-American fashion innovative and fashion-forward. Also, whoever makes short shorts look classic really has a knack for designing. I'm telling you guys now, he WILL be my date to the Met Ball someday. 

PRABAL GURUNG

(Photo Cred)

Gurung also makes my heart go pitter-patter. What I love most about this collection is that it truly is ready-to-wear. He  designed this collection with the typical woman in mind.  I think these clothes will look great on women of all shapes and sizes, which is so rare in fashion. Sure there are some looks that may only look good on a size 00 , but the universal feel dominates this collection . Also, this collection is never boring! He experiments with appliques, cutouts, and quirky patterns; it never seems like he's trying to hard. In my mind, all his crazy execution ideas work well with the collection. He knows how to create a successful look: when using crazy fashion elements, he keeps the silhouette simple. He's never overbearing as a designer, which is so refreshing!

DEREK LAM

(Photo Cred)

I really love when designers don't create a collection of cohesive prints and silhouettes; instead, they make a uniform for a certain kind of woman. And that's exactly with Lam did for this most recent collection . Who is the "Derek Lam" girl, you may ask? She's a powerful broad who craves an unstated kind of glamour. She's a modern chick who love clean lines. She has enough confidence to wear almost anything. She loves a piece that has an innate charm. Oh, and she can also pick a fabulous dress. Doesn't this "Derek Lam" girl I made up seem really cool? This collection has some incredible separates and I really think we'll see a lot of these pieces at press releases and premieres. 

SACHIN & BABI 

(Photo Cred)

I'm obsessed with this collection for one reason and one reason only: its focus on youthful fashionistas. You can just tell by the use of youthful silhouettes and short shorts that this collection is geared towards the new generation of fashionistas. All of the looks in this collection appeal to me: finally, I don't have to sacrifice my age to wear fashion forward clothes. HOORAY!  In addition, the designs are well executed and the looks can be dressed up or down. I've mentally styled my friends in this collection...awkward?

PROENZA SCHOULER

(Photo Cred)

Something I truly admire about this collection is how it has both masculine and feminine components, thus making this a wearable and universally loved collection. Some silhouettes are androgynous, while others are the epitome of femininity. As an aspiring fashionista, I truly think it's an everyday struggle- yes, there are trials and tribulations- to be feminine without being too girly as well as being edgy without looking like  boy. Through Proenza Schouler's silhouettes, mix of fabrics, and patterns, we get  a happy medium. On a side note, I completely love the retro prints of this collection.


CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

(Photo Cred)

Ever since his days on Project Runway, I've always felt inspired by Siriano's vision. Spring/Summer 2012 is no exception. He ceases to amaze me with his concepts and I love witnessing his growth as a designer. I love how he really focused on the "pops of color" idea in this latest collection. And, in true Siriano fashion, it's not boring. He uses interesting textures, feathers, and adds intricate details to tailored pieces in order to show his originality. I always know that I can rely on his collection to give something truly dramatic and outstanding. And his evening gowns are pretty crazy!

ZAC POSEN

(Photo Cred)

His dresses in this collection are literally breathtaking. I'm such a dress kind of girl so I really love how this collection is 100% skirts and dresses. Posen knows that women always love this kind of old school glamour; however, he adds some interesting silhouettes to make this collection more relevant. All of these looks are absolutely fabulous. 

WES GORDON

(Photo Cred)

Here's a riddle: who can make a collection that's completely wearable, feminine, and modern at the same time? Wes Gordon can. This collection has some truly incredible separates that can be worn for any occasion. In contrast to Posen's collection, I love how laid back this collection is. It's quirky in its own way; however, I feel as if the coolest chick at the party would wear any of these looks. Fabulous!

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG 

(Photo Cred)

I think all I need to say can be summed up to a simple sentence: Diane von Furstenburg is the Queen of Fashion. This season is very into loose silhouettes, which Diane obviously incorporated. Each look, however, is undeniably fashion forward and feminine, thus holding true to Diane's  design philosophy. LOVE LOVE LOVE!  To quote the band, The Police, every little thing she does is magic. But really...it is.

Stay tuned for more!

PS: Wanna hear about NYFW's beauty? Check out my latest Her Campus blog post! 

xx

xx

Tibi Spring 2012 RTW

A couple weeks ago, something great happened: I was invited back to see Tibi's spring collection. It's Fashion Week, so you cannot say no. Ever. So I hopped on a train at 9AM to head to New York and took a train back to Beantown 24 hours later. While I like to think my day resembled an episode of 24 in terms of chaos,those details can be discussed at another time, the craziness simmered once the lights at Lincoln Center's stage dimmed and a drum roll opened Tibi's Spring 2012 RTW show. This season, Amy Smilovic did something very different. She didn't have fancy party dresses,prints, and appliques, as seen in previous seasons. Instead, she incorporated clean lines and punches of color.

Some may categorize this as "minimalism" but I, considering minimalism an arch-nemesis of mine, don't. Instead, I think it was Smilovic's intention to create a blank slate for jewels, scarves, and other fun accessories. That and minimalism, my dear friends, are two different things.

I absolutely loved this baby blue, especially combined with a crisp, white shirt. The stylist in me is thinking  a statement necklace or even a strong, metal cuff would be the perfect way to style this "canvas piece."

This canary yellow= gorgeous. Doesn't this SCREAM color-blocking to you?

My picture of this was so blurry, so thanks Style.com for the help! The color of this dress is absolutely gorgeous and the loose silhouette makes this piece a perfect "Spring into Summer" dress. (Photo Cred)

A normal Tuesday: chilling with Olivia Palermo, Sophia Bush, and Emma Roberts. Everyone does it, right?

Oh, and Louise Roe too.

I know this is a very blurry picture, please refer to this clearer one, but I loved this unique take on color blocking. While everyone just does color blocking in terms of top and bottom, I love how simply chic this dress is. Bravo!

In conclusion, I think that Tibi Spring 2012 RTW had awesome spring staples and a beyond gorgeous color palette. Congratulations to the Tibi Team for creating another stellar collection! 

Smilovic giving her little kiddies a hug.

Obviously, this blog post isn't about me; however, I will show you what I decided to wear to the show. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that I was so busy today that Mother Dearest couldn't shoot any artsy pics of my outfit. But here's the breakdown:

I obviously had to rep Tibi so the focal point of my outfit was this AMAZING Tibi jacket I got in the summer. The best part about this jacket is that this is the SHORT version. Yes, ladies and gent, this jacket is a ZIP-OFF. How genius? Much cooler than those zip-off cargo pants. In addition, I wore black skinnies, a black tank, my new black flats, and gold jewels. To give this look some color, I added this sick Rebecca Minkoff bag I purchased a few weeks ago. Chic and effortless, I loved it! 

Stay tuned for the rest of my NYFW recap! 


xx