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'!

NYFW: reintroducing color-blocking and the craze on past decades

Past decades and their art forms are back again this NYFW, some more colorful than others. Below are a few of my favorite picks along with their respective dissections. 

A faux color-blocked mink coat and silk tail blouse will compliment any basic black skinnys. And apparently, it seems likes Juan Carlos Obando agrees as well. Opting for minimalistic chic oftentimes works wonders, and if you have an aversion to color or find it hard to pull off, you'll understand what I mean. While boxed and cropped shapes empower the female figure letting the wearer decide whether or not she wishes to reveal her curves, flowing textures act like second skin and swirl elegantly as they follow every movement of a woman's body. Obando's fall collection captures every aspect of a woman's personality, starting with the romanticized lady to the respected matron.

Street-ready grunge-tinged looks have always been a trademark of Richard Chai's. And with his hodgepodge of laid back designs and office appropriate wears, he's definitely in for a crowd-pleaser. The opening consisted of dandy looking silhouettes embracing the bespoke details that come with a century-old-brand, as thick horizontal lines played out on a smart pair of pants, blazers and dresses. And just when one might have thought it were a show for garçonnes only, a youthful concoction of flowing pants and boxy blazers came down the runway, with sprouts of floral and mottled tie dye prints here and there. All in all, we're probably trending towards all solid looks next season for the most part, so cherish the last real remnants of patterns this Spring. 

A desert fixation certainly did not leave the runway deserted for Nicholas Kunz. Inspired by the Taos artists of the 1920s and 1930s, her collection adopts an authentic palette of raw and earthy shades. From fringe adorned blouses tucked under leather jackets to hipster fashioned sombreros, Kunz doesn't hesitate to  pull in from western and Deco influences. If you want to be a walking artsy mishmash and are dying for a little bit of that flapper look, I say give it a try. It's definitely unique and will make you stand out. All images via Style.com. 

The floppy hat trend returns this Spring

Floppy hat: find a similar black one here & if you're in for some color blocking, clicky here

Picture the wide-brimmed portrait hat next to a vintage Nirvana tee. Controversial? Well, if you want put it that way...maybe. Already making its comeback this past fall, the portrait hat derives its origins from the Edwardian era, where it was commonly paired with everyday dress. Revived in the 70s, the portrait flat broke away from the rigidness of the early 1900s to become the "floppy" hat. Embracing more supple curvatures, it started to fall in dramatic flourishes around the face--and still does. 

DKNY S/S 12

Indeed, the enhanced feminine take on the floppy hat has since then remained: right after Fall 2011 comes Spring 2012, and the iconic accessory has certainly brought feminine allure--and color--to the runway with DKNY's above rendition.

Now, although it may look controversial to some--yet let's face it, controversial these days usually wows-- the floppy hat is just the right detail to a vintage tee look that says I'm not the girly/flowery/goodie-two-shoes girl you think I am. 

Whether it is girl power or an affirmation of her beautiful femininity, this coveted piece always stands out, in black or in color. Never sloppy, the floppy hat is a definite do. Bottom line is, I dig it. Do you?

Bouffant was never made for buffoons

Today I bring you leopard bouffant and feathers, snapped straight from the défilé at Chanel couture not too long ago.

Thanks to Mr. Newton's impeccable photography skills, our subject truly comes to exemplify excess, yet in an undeniably beautiful way. A vision in a bouffant dress, she definitely makes us "normal" dressers look like buffoons. I mean seriously, not many can pull off the extra fun and outrageous look. And if you're extra curious about the origins of leopard print on dress, you can just give it a clicky and revert to an older post.

Motivational Fashion

bracelets, from left to right: skull: Lei Van Kash, evil eye: TAI (find a similar one here), ruby: BijouxBar, bangle: Jessica Kagan Cushman

Ever had a favorite quote that has always kept you going? Want to show the whole world how you feel? Okay okay, this may sound a bit too emo, but trust me, once you see how motivational Jessica Kagan Cushman's Never Give Up bangle can be, you'll understand what I mean. There, a historical moment forever placed like a talisman on my arm: inspired by Winston Churchill's visit to Harrow School in 1941, this quote goes as far back as when he advised the school's students to "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up." Churchill proceeded with the following reasoning: "The pessimist sees the problems in every opportunity. Whereas the optimist sees the opportunity in every problem. Never give in, never give in, never; never; never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." 

The Never Give Up bangle comes in two different color tones, pretty sweet huh?

If your vision is not yet convincing, you can hear the speech here. Perhaps then your senses will have you consider the purchase, or maybe play with your sense of urgency, which precisely will ingrain in you the idea that you must simply have it, or else...No but seriously, with everything said, you'd be flaunting fashion that has meaning. Alright, enough of me talking. You get the point.

Hawaiian florals: from vintage trends to modern catwalks & street fashion

left: Stella McCartney Resort 2012 ensemble via Vogue, right: blouse by H&M

Alright, you knew florals were going to be big this Spring, but did you know how big? Designers have certainly not shied away from reintroducing prints in the fashion spotlight, and in doing so they have placed an emphasis on flower power, reaching out to all that Mother Nature has to offer. Flower love is everywhere, ranging from poppy to rose and daisy, and even Hawaiian. 

At first glance, Stella's interpretation of the flower craze may be setting the tone for a Summer hothouse in the tropics. However, for the fashion savvy historian (or simply the fashion crazy like me), her experimentation with the motif definitely commemorates the tropical look's legacy. Hadn't you heard? Post-war 1940s Hawaiian print shirts became a hot commodity for women after being worn by soldiers returning home from war. These remained popular in the 50s and 60s thanks to designers like Alfred Shaheen. And for S/S 12, Hawaiian florals return stylish as ever via fashion masterminds such as Stella-- and did I mention they've hit the streets too with H&M on the bandwagon? Now then, I will let you ponder on these thoughts and let you share a comment (or two) with your own point of view!

The high-top sneaker: a comfortable canvas for high fashion

‘Tis the season to stand out whether it be spaced out, studded, or wild. 

sneakers, from left to right, top to bottom: Karl, Isabel Marant, Miu Miu & Pierre Hardy

You've most likely noticed the recent invasion of luxury designer branded trainers in the fashion scene, and of course trickling down to the streets of style. Brands such as Isabel Marant, Miu Miu, Pierre Hardy and of course our dear beloved Karl for Net-a-Porter, have used some of their fashion forward tricks to stir some unexpected and unique kicks in a new-found popular canvas: the high-top sneaker. And so the time came to rebuke all assumptions characterizing fashion as a purely whimsical art form: fusing forward fashion footwear with the active market definitely bridges the gap between  function and fashion.

sneakers: Karl for Net-a-Porter

Of course I could not resist Karl's edition of the high-tops. Like how they shine in the above snapshot? Let me tell you something: I love their comfiness even more. Got it? Fashion & comfort--now is that enough to convince you? Come on, you know you'd just loooove a pair!

The LBD revisited with a twist of pop culture

dress: Geren Ford (find an inspirational one here), pumps: Christian Louboutin  

Today's dissection inspects pop culture's influence towards fashion. Already examined in a previous post, the LBD well deserves a second view. This style necessity is way more than just an icon. Indeed, the Cocos of the world turned it into a fashion rule since the 1920s, but it has well developed into the mainstream to appear and reappear in different forms, and within different mediums. 

A closer look at this particular LBD style might refresh your memory and bring back those days of cinematic glory, when Hollywood movies were created under the preconceived notion that anything is possible in love. That is precisely how Pretty Woman came about, and of course, that unforgettable black cocktail dress, which not only caused all heads to turn but survived Vivian's (Julia Roberts) attempts at savoring a 6 course dinner. Of course in this case, we had our beloved Damla to model and add an extra modern touch with some pink Louboutins. A perfect youthful boost of color to her outfit, these lovely feet jewels give off a mischievous flirty feel to her elegant demeanor.

The LBD according to Pretty Woman

Aren't the design similarities particularly striking? Regardless, this is not a contest of who wore it best. They both inspire timeless elegance and youthful mischief. So go ahead and admire them and their wearers, and just an fyi, I'm sure they'd love a little comment, or two...

The Career Clutch Comeback

 from left to right, all from SS 12: Celine, Lanvin & Prada

The career clutch is returning this season. Judging by the above shots, Phoebe Philo, Alber Elbaz & Miuccia Prada have definitely put an effortlessly cool and modern spin to multicolor leather paneled envelope clutches and portfolio clutches. 

Once known only as an evening go-to in the 70s, the envelope clutch has grown to become an everyday staple. The Spring's palette of lighter hues and textured leathers add a modern touch to this piece. While the latter is purely designed to beautify its wearer's ladylike demeanor, the portfolio clutch serves a dual purpose: an accessory that once held paper files in the 60s and 70s now rides the wave of iPad-friendly accessories and carries the newest technological devices. Wait until you see this fine innovation, as ever-slimmer silhouettes have emerged, with envelope flap closures for Lanvin or sleek zippers for Prada. 

Often tinted in sandy beige or soft pink for Spring, these contemporary must-haves have yet to raid the streets. I'd be curious to see how well they become adopted as every fashion insider's arm candy. What do you say? Do you want a piece of that candy too?

Balmain Pre-Fall 2012

Staying true to those trademark sharp shoulders and fine tailored jackets, Olivier Rousteing's Pre-Fall collection for Balmain was filled with flawless--or in the 25 year old designer's own words, "comfy"-- French accents. Once more, the cult of the garçonne--or in more familiar terminology, that boy/girl thing--came to be glorified, this time with blazers in men's proportions, biker jackets and silk pajama painted pants. 

Even though I wasn't there (which theoretically discredits me from providing any semblance of an authoritative analysis here), the ambiance's minimalism did not seem to bother. In fact, it only served to better outline the androgynous visions embodied by model Kasia Struss. And if I shall remind you that vintage comes back to the runway every now and then, I will also stress that those oversized 1980s double breasted blazers handpicked from my mom's closet DO count for something.

Photos via Style.com

Finally, although Rousteing respected the strict and structured silhouettes which the fashion house is most celebrated for, he surely infused them with his own originality. Inspired by Russian czarist art, Fabergé eggs were recreated as head-to-toe watercolor prints, and Autumn inspired feminine colors such as blush pink and deep emerald green were included, relaxing the overall tone of his lineup. Call it French fashion à la Ruskie or Autumn in St. Petersburg, I'd be curious to know what you think. Do share some insight!

Revisiting the Turban {Take Two}

Turban: a London find, but you can find similar ones here and here

Back in November, I gave you a brief little history lesson on the Turban, coupled with a few inspirational pictures and shots taken on my trip to London. Well, here are some shots of me (tweeted here too if you remember, or not), sporting my own glamorous head piece. Call me bohemian, gypsy aficionado or Loulou lover, I blame my turban obsession on Winter. Seriously though, what other statement piece can keep your ears and head warm on a night out in the cold?

And if you wear a lot of black like me, you surely won't go unnoticed with a pop of color. Even better, pair that with a little rouge on your lips and you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd. So what's your take on the turban eh? How would you wear it out?

A cozy Winter outfit

scarf: Yarnz, cardigan: Zara, pants: H&M, slippers: Topshop

One good thing about Winter is the endless selection of comfortable yet fun looking outfits. Seriously though, what could be better than feeling warm and fuzzy in fashionable wares, resting on a cozy couch, perhaps sipping on some tea, safe from the outside winds? That's right my dears, and it looks like Yarnz, Zara, H&M and Topshop definitely get what I'm talking about! And if you're new to the blog and/or haven't seen my earlier posts, you can definitely see some of the same pieces featured here and here !

skull bracelet: LeiVanKash, double chain ring: Ha-Yeon Lee, double tour bracelet: Balenciaga

And where gloves are not required, one ought to bling it up a little. What do you think of my newest acquisitions?

Set your feet free with a towering bargain

sandals: Proenza Schouler

Don't you tell me that the above footwear is so passé. With a 70% off mark, these Proenza Schouler lovelies are appropriate for ANY season. The detailed back panels à la Aztec will especially remind you of your most ridiculous Spring break fun in Mexico - or should I say Cancun if I should lay it all out on the table. Indeed, not only does the trend of ethnic-style geometric shapes lend to sophistication, but its ability to be mixed and mismatched with any other kind of motif--whether animal, floral or digital--allows the wearer to evoke a sense of freewheeling individuality. Don't you just want to be free and relive those good old days of careless youth? I've ever been to Mexico personally, but boy do I fancy a little touch of freedom on my feet... 

Proenza Schouler seriously couldn't get any better with this amazing bargain, and if you're really into them like me, you can tell your friends (and jealous foes) about the designer duo's inspiring story and what they've concocted this Spring, if you just return to an old post here. Alright now, bye!

Yes, plaid & leopard can lend to Summer thoughts

scarf: Yarnz

You may find it quite strange and oxymoronic that I am wearing a leopard and plaid scarf next to summer inspired Mediterranean paintings. Well, consider it a deliberate display of my impatience for those brighter days. And funnily enough, the association of these patterns lends a wink to the D&G Pre-Fall 2008 campaign below. Didn't you know? Fashion is in a constant phase of reinterpretation. 

While the rest of my outfit is to be captured in a following post, I invite you to picture some similar uplifting landscapes while keeping warm at the same time. And perhaps that little Yarnz foulard will particularly convince you to do so...

A whimsical look book for Jalouse

Jalouse Magazine: Une Fille Comme Les Autres from Matthew Frost on Vimeo.

Thought you lovelies would like this great satirical look at fashion advertisements. Starring Ashley Smith, Matthew Frost spins an interesting narrative with an edgy Parisian 60s twist for French magazine Jalouse. Frost takes an interesting narrative route, which is well shot all throughout, funny at times and just very different from what you would expect. Have a look, and check for some backstage pictures here. Ok now, bye!

Uncovering Ida Lundberg

Fashion is an endless process of elimination: in and out, now  and then, new and old, right and wrong. Yet, with its transience in ever changing and shifting trends, fashion does welcome key staples that every now often take us by surprise, only to become indispensable pieces for our wardrobe. Ida Lundberg seems to have mastered the art of the staple, or more specifically the art of draping, which I find to be one of her most delicious contributions. 

                 

From delicate blouses to carefully crafted dresses, the Swedish-Malaysian designer's Prêt-à-Porter and Haute Couture pieces blend classic beauty with contemporary edge. Every drape counts, perfectly capturing the movements of a woman's soft curves and tracing her silhouette to resemble that of a Grecian goddess. Lundberg's SS12 collection goes as far as to incorporate elements from today's most coveted trends, precisely demonstrating how elegance can be timeless. Modern finishings such as enhanced shoulders and sequin trims give structure to the whimsical silhouettes. 

                

Although I haven't yet had the privilege of wearing any of Lundberg's pieces, I have already chosen my favorites: a taupe fitted blouse, a one shoulder corset dress in lavender, and a one shoulder cut out gown in white. Indeed, what more could help a smooth transition to Spring than a few neutral and pastel delights--and did I mention that this lovely young designer is being mentored by the one and only Mr. Jimmy Choo? 

If you're a lover of promising emerging designers like me, you'll be watching out for some upcoming Ida Lundberg fashion shows, namely the St. Andrews Charity Fashion Show in February, and the Islamic Fashion Festival in April, organized by Dato Raja Rezza and supported by the the First Lady of Malaysia. So while you intriguingly await the full-flown revelation of what promises to be an unforgettably unique collection, I suggest you sit back, relax and decide which of the above fairy tale like designs would best shape your silhouette and turn to reality. The website, currently under construction, ought to be bookmarked. So tell me, which one will it be?

Dissect My Style featured in Grazia Middle East

Dissect My Style gets a mention in the December 2011 issue of Grazia Middle East, thanks to the Boticca crew! It is an honor and pleasure to be included among some of the best up and coming designers & style icons!

Ride your rad red pants with a hint of leopard

jacket: H&M, pants: GAP, oxfords: Boutique 9, bag: Kelsi Dagger (find an inspired version here), necklace: Vera Wang

All chic experts know that the trick to a glamorous outfit isn't to show off more skin, but to spice it up with vivid colors and prints. And that's exactly what our beloved Melody did. Her gold oxfords are an intentional yet subtle reminder of her fabulous leopard satchel, and the red corduroys are definitely a crowd-pleaser in streets reigned by dark and neutral hues.

Evocative of Nantucket summers and preppy lifestyle, red pants have long been a hallmark of New England style. Yet when paired with a hint of leopard je ne sais quoi, they truly become rocker appropriate. And boy are they the trend these days, spotted on style icons such as Alexa Chung and Nicky Hilton--with a leopard satchel too. Damn Melody, you've got it all right!

Nicky Hilton

So what will it be--are you planning on wearing red pants this season, and if so how will you style them: preppy or rocker style, with a hint of leopard?

Jason Wu for Target: timeless elegance made for everyday wear

Just when you've started to wonder when Winter's dark abyss will fade into what now seem long gone sunny days, Jason Wu answers it all. You named it, sunny Spring's vivid colors return on Feb. 5 with a limited-edition collection of apparel and accessories by the renowned designer and exclusively for Target. Versatile in styles that easily transition from day to evening, the collection ranges from A-line silhouette dresses, tie-waist shifts and high-waisted skirts accented with Wu's signature detailing. The color palette skews nautical with a rich blend of navy and red, yet also a hint of mustard (seen in Wu's runway collections) and of course a healthy dose of black. Below are my favorite pieces...

Jason Wu for Target, all images via Fashionista

Trend-free and inspired by the idea of an American Girl in Paris, the collection stays true to Wu's modern sensibility and timeless style. Unlike his glamorous and delicate runway designs, however, the clothes evoke rather flirty and playful everyday looks. Indeed, Wu previously told the New York Times, "My goal was not to duplicate anything from my main collection... instead I designed completely new clothes and accessories that reflect my taste and have a voice of their own."

A personal favorite of everyone from the First Lady to Diane Kruger, Jason Wu's modern look at classic dressing will undoubtedly be ravaging the streets. And when you think you've seen it all, you'll meet Milu, a mischievous kitty and the collection’s mascot, who makes appearances as a print on a scarf and bag. 

Jason Wu for Target will be available Feb. 5 through March 6, 2012 or until supplies last at most Target stores and on Target.com. So tell me, which pieces are already on your wishlist?

A casual chic look...from runway models to fashion lovers

cardigan: et vous, t-shirt: Zara, legging pants: Joseph, ballet flats: Giuseppe Zanotti

Recognize those sparkling toe-cap ballet flats? Little did you know there was a sequel to Monday's post! It's not that I got cold feet about posting the rest of my outfit, no. I just thought I'd show those jewels off a little before I show you how they can be comfortably styled, on iconic models and fashion lovers alike. 

Now here's how I exactly sported them. Dressed down for a casual Sunday look, my Zanottis certainly made the best friends I'd ever want to take out on a date at the MoMA: quietly walking through the exhibitions and happily scintillating each time I look at them. Pairing them with a light and semi-sparkling grey top guaranteed for them to get even more noticed, amid the explosion of navy in my outfit. 

And there it is: the smile that follows with comfortable feet and chic. Conveniently enough, the above pictures well represent the evolution of style that trickles from model and fashion icons to style dissectors. If you don't believe me then see it for yourself below...

Kate Moss

If Kate Moss endorses the fabulously chic look, then you should too!

A BIG Balenciaga GIVEAWAY, right this way!

Balenciaga giveaway, via Fashion Chalet

Alright my dears, the above picture says it all: there's a pretty SWEET and GIANT giveaway happening on Fashion Chalet, a lovely blog by super stylish Erika Marie. Most famous for its motorcycle-inspired handbags and avant-garde structural pieces, Balenciaga continuously straddles the edge of fashion and forecasts ready-to-wear trends. And for this very reason, scoring a Balenciaga bag is just what I need (and believe me you need it too, it's just up to the fabulous blogger to decide which one of us needs it more). All you need to do is the following: 1) blog or post about this rad giveaway and feature a link leading back to Erika's post on any one of your pages: Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Tumblr...you get the picture, 2) Leave Erika a comment here confirming you have done so by including a URL link to your tweet/blog post, etc. so she can see it and also include your contact information (aka your email). 

The contest is open internationally and ends January 12th, so don't waste a second! Good luck my lovelies! Xoxo

The toe-cap ballerina flat, an invention turned into fashion staple

Exactly 55 years ago, Coco Chanel launched her famous two-tone showstopper pump: a sleek beige chassis with an trendy black toe-cap, inspired, like most of the designer's innovations, from men's sportswear. Now, a half-century later, the toe-cap has turned into one of Chanel's trademarks, featuring almost on every pair of shoes designed. The ballerina toe-cap flat is quite possibly the most popular piece out of them and reappears each season, as a classic or reinterpreted with added edge. Indeed, it is so dearly coveted that other fashion brands have borrowed the toe-cap ballerina concept and restyled it in their own way. This Fall/Winter season has surely welcomed Giuseppe Zanotti's reinterpretation of the staple, embellished with crystals and a T-bar strap. 

crystal embellished ballet flats: Giuseppe Zanotti

Now to you glamorous city girls out there, what could be more comfortable and stylish than a sleek pair of Chanels or Zanottis (like mine), equally laid back with well worn jeans and vintage tees, happy to attend midnight suppers, then get up early the next morning for a long trek to the office? I mean seriously, it is difficult to imagine any other single shoe that so seamlessly takes the place of both sneakers and evening sandals, while managing to look effortless and fabulous.