Favorite Pre-Fall 2014 Collections (Part 1)

The month-long bevy of ready-to-wear shows can feel so much like a circus that we tend to forget the interim seasons: cruise and pre-fall, for example. Not only do cruise and pre-fall give us insight into the upcoming collections, they're a great way to conquer the summer style slump and winter blues (respectively).  Let's give pre-fall collections the attention they deserve, shall we? Check out these sartorially superior shows (in no particular order).

1. Belstaff

There's something so comforting, not to mention very wearable, about a healthy blend of luxe knits and tailored separates. After all, isn't it everyone's dream to look super posh while feeling extremely comfortable? Tweed textiles and pleated skirts get a super modernized makeover. Or, if you're more of a tomboy, slouchy pants and a slick blazer are pure perfection. Gone are the days when Belstaff was associated with luxe motto. Now,  the brand is the definition of ultra chic. (Photo)

2. Chloé

Once in a blue moon, there comes a collection that is so fantastic, you want every single piece. For me, it's Chloé's Pre-Fall collection. Clare Waight Keller's signature flirty ruffles and frills are combined with geometric lines and grids. With micro-prints and wintry textiles, Chloé's aesthetic is reinvented whilst staying true to its M.O. Translation? it's perfect. But enough gushing, can we please talk about the fantastic outerwear? Piped capes and fur paneled coats-- I'll have it all.    (Photo)

3. Vera Wang

Wedding gown expert Vera Wang has officially figured out the formula for a stellar  collection: loads of separates, fitted silhouettes, baggy shapes, and a lot of glitz! I love this collection because it feels like one super trendy girl's covetable wardrobe. She's the style savant who can look uptown glam or downtown cool.  The beaded top and metallic skirt combination is ideal for drinks with this fashion maven's friends, while the fitted trousers are perfect for her 9 to 5 life. And that silver dress would've been the best New Year's Eve dress. Cher, I also wish I could turn back time! (Photo)

4. Theory

For sleek minimalism with maximum impact, look no further than Olivier Theysken's latest Theory collection. Fortunately, all the essentials are ready and waiting for us. Shirt dress? Check. Playsuit? Of course. A  chill schoolgirl ensemble? Naturally. But what if you craving some boho chic threads?  Theory has a slew of midi dresses and skirts. Embellished, knit, and layered--take your pick!  (Photo)

5. Erdem

Metallics, lace, and florals-- what more could a girly girl possibly dream of? Season after season, designer Erdem Moralioglu takes fearlessly feminine fripperies and gives them an au courant twist. Whether you're going to work or a night on the town. Erdem is always perfect for a streamlined, yet girly ensemble. The brand's versatility while remaining true to its brand identity that makes Erdem one of my all time favorites! (Photo)

6. Narciso Rodriguez 

Narciso Rodriguez is almost synonymous for pristinely chic and tailored ensembles. But don't be fooled, fashion groupies, the brand is anything from overplayed minimalism.  From paint splatter prints, to fabric applique,  to candy-coated hues, this collection is completely versatile and brings something new to the trendy table. Plus, the matching top and trousers combination is genius.(Photo)

Which collections are you loving so far? Sound off below! 

xx

The Style Files: Slicker Than the Guy With the Thing on His Eye

I like to say that my life is created of one to two week phases. The phase I'm currently in, you ask? My rapper phase. Yes, I am happy to say that I learned Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." Rapping it, unfortunately, is almost like an addiction: I practice in my car 97% of the time I'm driving. Sad, but true. So why not make it my music highlight for this edition?

If you think I'm not talking about the Kardashian Wedding..you're absolutely out of your mind slash wrong!

So maybe I'm obsessed with the Kardashians. Maybe I am one of those freaks who considered the Kardashian wedding the American equivalent to the Royal wedding. Who cares? It's true. Since we really don't pride our politic figures as much as we should, we turn to our reality television shows and celebrities. Anyways, I was totally all over the Kardashian wedding last weekend. Instead of doing a classic "Style-Spiration" section...it's Kardashian take-over.

For me, this wedding was very "love/hate."  

LOVE.

These are perfect bridesmaids dresses. Seriously. I love how all of the Kardashian sisters have different figures; however, this dress is incredible on all of them. Obsessed. I was upset at Pippa Middleton for wearing an ivory bridesmaid dress, but I'm over it now.(Photo Cred)

 I saw Kim in this dress in an issue of People, but I can't find this online. Anywho, I love this for Kim: in my mind, it's the epitome of Kim Kardashian. It's extravagant, yet shows off her figure. The silhouette is both unique and timeless. I wish she wore this for the whole wedding! (Photo Cred)

Cutest baby ever. (Photo Cred)

HATE.

Sag City. (Photo Cred)

I'm apathetic about the dress; however, the styling really grinds my gears. the whole look is so unbalanced it's bothersome. That's al.(Photo Cred)

White, Kris? Really? Where's your manhood at? (Photo Cred)

I understand why she'd want a Cinderella dress to complement her Cinderella wedding; however, I really don't like this on her. She has a great figure and she's hiding it. I feel like it makes her waist look larger, her boobs like HUGE, and her tush just isn't there. I think that a Cinderella dress is perfect for someone who doesn't have Kim's curves. With Kim, however, it looks like she's hiding something. And don't even get me started on that head piece. Okay, I'm getting started. IT'S SO DUMB AND MAKES THIS LOOK TRASHY! And who in their right mind wants to trash a Vera dress? Crazy.(Photo Cred)

If that bow is obnoxious from a zoomed out shot, think how terrible it is up close and personal. I hate Kris Kardashian, I really do. She really bothers because she always has dollar signs in her eyes and thinks it's the Kris show. It's completely inappropriate for her to white this fancy white dress, she's too old and...too annoying. Even this in black would've been chicer and age appropriate.

Okay so maybe it was more HATE with a teeny bit of love. I do, however, love the black and white theme: extremely classic! 

Okay, enough of the Kardashians...onto the weekly!

The Weekly

• Lake Bell at A Good Old Fashioned Orgy screening (Cushnie et Ochs): So I'm kind of obsessed with this whole look: it's very sexy, fierce, and all around cutting-edge. The cutouts on this dress are so youthful and edgy; however, the crazy updo and the pointy pumps make this look more polished. Ergo, it's classy. I kind of wish she replaced that bangle with a sharp cuff, but the sharpness of the hand bag is PERFECT.
• Rose Byrne at Letterman (Dolce and Gabbana) : I'm mildly obsessed with Byrne ever since I saw Bridesmaids. I'm so smitten with THIS look! She nailed- well almost, if she wasn't wearing that small pendant- talk show gear. This dress shows leg, simple in silhouette, and a fun print. I also love how it's belted. Absolutely genius. Keeping it simple with a retro updo and black platforms is supreme. In love!

Hope everyone is taking proper precautions with Hurricane Irene

xx

I Die.

I figure since The Rachel Zoe Project is on TONIGHT, I should discuss the Rachel Zoe photoshoot in the new Harper's Bazaar issue. I loved loved LOVED it!! The concept was so fun and I loved how the designers were involved. And more importantly, the outfits. Like the Vera Wang dress she wore in the poison shot. It was so whimsy and girly and it's so perfect. And the Derek Lam white gown in the Brain Atwood image? She looked so serene and goddess-esque. I loved it all. I know this blog is short but there's not much else to say. I love it. End of story.

xx