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!