NYFW Part Deux: Welcoming back the play on prints and patterns

The past two days of New York Fashion Week have been extra eye pleasing to me. Indeed, it seems like prints and patterns are still a do next Fall, as uncovered by Rodarte, Proenza Schouler & Michael Kors. From Australian countryside inspired patterned frocks, to a new take on oriental dressing and finally a spin on plaid and tweed textures, our designers are definitely continuing to embrace the trend. I just can't wait to see some of these catwalk goodies trickle down to the streets--although I do want Summer to happen first, I'm just sayin'...

The Mulleavy Sisters have definitely infused a balanced blend of artistic dreamery and practical wear into their new collection. Detailed embroidered pieces such as starry print jackets over tulle skirts and dresses ornated with coral beaded patterns still lend to the days when collections such as Starry Night and Days of Heaven came to reality, yet with a more commercial (and wearable) appeal.

Tying with oriental influeces, Proenza Schouler's dynamic duo Hernandez and McCollough endorse brocade this Fall, with long-sleeve dresses so intricately fashioned that they could almost look like jackets aover flippy miniskirts. Unarguably a modern interpretation of the Kimono dress, there is almost something Coco Chanel-esque about the cut, conservative on top and flirtatiously revealing a little leg at the bottom.

And if there's anyone out there able to create rustic-luxe glamour, it's Michael Kors. At the core of his production are texture and print associations with plaid and tweed, followed by fur trims ranging from shearling, Mongolian lamb and raccoon, playfully hugging a coat collar, comfortably hanging on a purse and even recreating the Sorel boot in a more fanciful way. All images via Style.com.   

So which designer pieces do you like best from the above? Which ones are the yays--and nays if any? Don't be shy, drop me a line!

The biker vest: a must have for the best dressed

from left to right: Karl for Net-a-Porter two-tone leather vest, Karl for Net-a-Porter denim vest, Iro black leather vest

Take it or leave it, I'll give you a little piece of advice. The biker vest is way underrated, and will add the punch of playfulness to any simple outfit you may be sporting. In denim or leather, you'll look so rad in it no matter the weather. And as for us New Yorkers (who dress like we're better than everyone else--just kidding--seriously though how cool is that sign?), February has been quite kind to us (let's not jinx it), so why not take advantage and use it to keep us warm enough under our coats? 

If you're burning to find out why motorcycle vests are so ubiquitously popular, check this out: they allow motorcyclists to show their club affiliations with patches and other accessories, often sewn and worn on these vests to display their association with a particular biker club. Given motorcycle jackets are very often too warm during hot summer months and restrict movement when layered with other clothing for warmth during cooler months, vests are worn in order to lessen the amount of layers on bikers' arms and help with movement, while still allowing motorcyclists to display their patches while riding. 

So what will it be? Do you have a favorite vest among those I've chosen above? What's your take on the look?

DVF recommends Diet Coke for Valentine's Day

It's Valentines Day, yay! If you're with your sweetheart that's awesome, and if you're not, that sucks for you. Either way, you should drink up, ahem admire these lovely Diet Coke bottles (yes they are empty) and maybe gift them to your better half, or just get them for yourself!

Before I forget the most important part, there's a twist: in the spirit of sharing the love, 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. So show a little lovin', and get a set with a little clickin'!