Best Looks from Pre-Fall (part one)

You'd think Pre-Fall collections would be a time when designers embrace the casual chic girl, but Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and Zac Posen embraced the glamazon.  These three designers put out Pre-Fall collections that have red carpet written all over them, take a look for yourself, and try not to drool over the gold fringe de la Renta dress, the body conscious ball gowns Posen perfects, or the classy and sophisticated dresses with fun patterns that Herrera has mastered.

Carolina Herrera

Chanel Meets Bombay for Pre-Fall 2012

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of posting.  The last few months of my life have been beyond hectic, but I want to make a conscious effort to get back into the swing of things this month.  I know I never got around to posting all my favorite Spring 2012 looks, but I think at this point, it's best to jump into Pre-Fall, which is exactly what I am going to do, and I am going to start with Chanel.

Can Chanel throw a fashion show or what?  I adored the Bombay theme and the heavy eye liner and eye shadow that made the model's eyes pop even with the decadent head ornaments on.  I also thought the last 10 dresses or so were absolutely stunning.  Overall, I think the show had an awesome feel to it, and I loved the idea of India meeting Paris.

My only major issues are, as always, PLEASE STOP putting the models in those hideous boots.  It kills me that Lagerfeld consistently has put his models in the weird pants/boots for the last three seasons.  Also, why was Lindsey Wixson, one of the most popular and versatile models right now, put in some of the most unflattering outfits?  Compared with Daphne Groeneveld, Wixson looked almost frumpy.  However, aside from my two complaints, the show as gorgeous, decadent and definitely a work of art in and of itself.

MFW: Alberta Ferretti and Bottega Veneta

Here's some glamour done well from Milan Fashion Week.  Alberta Ferretti and Bottega Veneta both used bold colors and simple shapes to create gorgeous free-flowing dresses that are sure to be popular on the red carpets this season.  What do you think?

Alberta Ferretti

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Tonight's the night we've all been waiting for... or at least I have.  Tonight's the night when I decide it's time to get on a diet and possibly get leg-lengthening surgery if such a thing exists, and we all get to oogle the models and sing along with Kanye West and Nicki Minaj.  The most exciting things that will be going down tonight are Miranda Kerr's multi-million dollar bra, Karlie Kloss' debut and all the over-the-top costumes and kissing faces you could want in a fashion show.

A Breakdown of Gaga's Workshop

What I would give to be in New York right now and be able to buy totally unnecessary Lady Gaga memorabilia at the Gaga Workshop in Barneys!

Here's a breakdown of all the things you need to know and my wish list!

1.  Lady Gaga wore a custom Chanel dress to the opening:

LFW: Paul Smith and Marios Schwab

 I love these two collections from London Fashion Week.  Paul Smith's simplistic menswear meets women's wear style is amazing, and I love the patterned trousers, collared shirts and bold blue pieces.  Marios Schwab's collection is stunning, and I love the laser-cut dresses, which Kristen Stewart recently graced the runway in.  I also love the hard lines mixed with the cut of the dresses that accentuate the waist.

Paul Smith

LFW: Street Style (part one)

Favorite Beauty Looks from NYFW

3.1 Phillip Lim

Favorite Collections from Bridal Fall 2012 (part two)

While a lot of the trends from bridal week seemed to go toward embracing minimal and column dresses a la Pippa Middleton, Marchesa and Temperley London seemed to channel Kate.  Both created long sleeve and lacy dresses that resembled the gorgeous McQueen look Kate wore on her wedding day, and while I adored that dress, I was also happy to see a little less structure from the likes of Jenny Packham, who I think was inspired a little by Kate Middleton and Kate Moss.  With so many important weddings this year, I think that those are the three types of wedding dresses we will see a lot of next year, whether it's Moss's Galliano/Gatsby loose fitting silhouette, Middleton's traditional, structured and lacy long sleeved gown or Pippa Middleton's column, tight-fitting and minimal dress.

Marchesa

Favorite Collections from Bridal Fall 2012 (part one)

Jenny Packham

OBSESSED: Erdem Spring 2012

LFW: Christopher Kane and David Koma

I adore these two collections from London Fashion Week.  Christopher Kane's digital flowers are sophisticated but modern, and David Koma's cutouts are absolutely amazing.  I love how edgy the outfits are, and the simple makeup gives the models a very understated look.

Christopher Kane

Versace for H&M

It's finally arrived!  The Versace for H&M lookbook was released today, and I am LOVING the black dresses and the sequin dress.  The collection alternates between strong black-colored looks and minimalism to incredibly colorful and patterned pieces.  The only downside is that the prices are a little high, with the dresses ranging from $149 to $299.  The collection will be released Nov. 17, so save the date because it's going to sell fast.

NYFW Trends: Hello Sunshine

While red is fall's power color, get ready to start investing in some yellow-colored garments for spring.  Yellow in all sorts of shades made a huge statement on the runways this season making appearances in fashion shows from the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu.  I am foreseeing yellow working its way into the prom dress circuit and along with the pastel trend, high school seniors could look like an array of sweet-colored candies come May.  Anyway, back to the runway, in the words of Rachel Zoe, yellow totally "had a moment" this season, so what do you think?  Will you be embracing the new it color or letting it pass by?

LFW: Unique for Topshop, Acne and Roskanda Ilincic

OK, I am finally going to commit to discussing some of the spring collections that I loved this season.  Starting with Unique for Topshop, which I picture is something Cleopatra would have been into if she was 17 and trendy.  While a lot of the collection was not necessarily my style, I appreciate the interesting reference, and I like key pieces like the Elizabeth Taylor sweatshirt and the Egyptian cat dress.  Topshop also stayed true to this season's theme of pastels, and the shades of pink on the dresses is a really pretty look.

Acne and Roskanda Ilincic also showed some pretty strong collections, and although they are incredibly different, there are still some striking similarities.  Both made use of the full skirt trend and incorporated florals into their clothing, but they did it in very different ways. Acne, which tends to be the cool, edgy girl's wardrobe went a little harder with lines and fabrics while Roskanda created a wardrobe for a very feminine and sophisticated woman.  Acne digitized its floral prints for a more modern look and Roskanda went more traditional, but regardless of the differences, I think they both showed awesome collections.

Unique for Topshop

Miranda Kerr for rag & bone's DIY project

I can't believe Miranda Kerr had a baby.  Her body is out of control, she's motivating me to start dieting.  Check out these great photos of Kerr for rag & bone's DIY advertising project.

What do you think?  Love them or hate them?

 

LOVE: Alexander Wang Spring 2012

NYFW: Beauty and Backstage (part two)

Nicki Minaj at New York Fashion Week

As some of you may have seen, Nicki Minaj made her way around NYFW and attended shows like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Prabal Gurung. While she might have seemed a little out of place sitting next to Anna Wintour, she definitely made a statement.  Check out these great photos of her zany style from front row.

OBSESSED: Prabal Gurung Spring 2012

Prabal Gurung's spring collection was absolutely stunning.  I adore the cutouts and the patterns he incorporated into his designs, and can we talk about how stunning Karlie Kloss looks?  These clothes are sexy and chic, and I feel like these are the kind of clothes that make women look good, not just the kind of clothes models make look good.  Clearly, I'm in love, so what do you think of the collection?

Update, returning from my hiatus and American Apparel Halloween costumes

Hey everyone, first I want to apologize for my total hiatus during fashion month.  I was incredibly disappointed but with the approach of the LSAT and midterms, I had to take a break from blogging, pry myself away from the likes of Vogue.com and style.com and focus on school work.  Second, I want to make a promise to you guys to post my favorite collections from London, Milan and Paris and get back on track with my everyday posts.  So, with the approach of Halloween, American Apparel posted its annual Halloween costumes created from its merchandise.  It was actually really funny because before I went the images went up, I decided I want to be Cher from "Clueless" for Halloween, and as luck might have it, AA channeled her for the "it girls" costumes, so I might take a little direction from that.

Anyways let me know what your favorite costumes are and what you are thinking of being for Halloween!

OBSESSED: Lindsey Wixson for Purple Magazine

Shot by Terry Richardson.

The Art of Mixing Prints from Mary Katrantzou and Michael van der Ham

At London Fashion Week, a huge trend was combining and meshing patterns, and two designers I think did an amazing job were Mary Katrantzou and Michael van der Ham.  Both created dresses that are bold and vibrant, and while I think mixing prints can be risky and result in an overwhelming and sometimes tacky look, these two designers managed to create chic and edgy outfits that are eye-catching, elaborate and unique.

Mary Katrantzou

NYFW: Backstage and beauty

LOVE: Proenza Schouler Spring 2012

I am obsessed with the prints that Proenza Schouler chose for their collection this season.  The dresses that mix the sold tops with the print bottoms are my favorites.  I like their fun but grown up approach to style this season, I feel like it's more for the cooler lady than the cooler girl, which is awesome.  Proenza is one of my favorite designers, and after such an amazing fall collection, I think their spring collection lives up to the hype of how great this duo is.

LOVE: Band of Outsiders and Derek Lam Spring 2012

Band of Outsiders is one of my favorite collections from NYFW.  I would wear every piece in it, and I am not going to lie, it made me want to run out and fine one of those flat-top hats.  The floral dresses are to die for, they are so pretty, soft and flowy, and I adore the more structured, collared dresses.  As for Derek Lam, the clothes are wonderfully simple, and I really like the details and the structured jackets and the white dresses.

Band of Outsiders

NYFW: Backstage at Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera and Rag and Bone

Anna Sui

NYFW: Street Style (part three)

NYFW: Karen Walker, Rachel Zoe, L'Wren Scott, Lyn Devon and Sophie Theallet

Here's five collections that I think epitomize feminine style.  These collections were not heavy on street wear but focused more on sleek and elegant dresses.  With the exception of Rachel Zoe, who is now known for designing clothes that are funky, these pieces all feel very classic to me in shape and sophisticated in style.  Also, I am loving all the prints Karen Walker used, they are stunning, and the first two especially seem especially fun and girly.

Karen Walker

NYFW: Red Carpet Stunners from Marchesa, Reem Acra and Carolina Herrera

Here are some gorgeous dresses (and a few day dresses) that I really hope end up on the red carpet.  While I know some of the Marchesa ones are way too outlandish to make anything but the worst dressed list (ie: the dress Charotte Free is rocking), I put them in this post because they are gorgeous in theory, just maybe not at the Oscars.  Reem Acra's dresses are glittery and feminine, and one reminds me of the dress Cameran Diaz wore to the Oscars a la Oscar de la Renta.  And Carolina Herrera's bird print is to die for.

Marchesa

NYFW: Street Style (part two)

NYFW: Sweet Enough to Eat at Jill Stuart and Preen

Jill Stuart and Preen really did an amazing job utilizing pastels this season.  Both collections presented some gorgeous clothing, and I am loving the soft yellows and pinks, not to mention the palm tree print Jill Stuart put to use.

Jill Stuart

NYFW: Minimalism at Helmut Lang, Theysken's Theory, The Row and T by Alexander Wang

Three collections that I think used minimalism in great ways this season were Helmut Lang, The Row and Theysken's Theory.

While some of you might argue that Theysken's Theory isn't minimalistic, there are definitely aspects in the dresses where they are simple and edgy.  I think Theysken's Theory is my favorite collection out of these three and definitely my top five of NYFW.  I would wear just about everything in the collection, and I love the edginess and wearability that Theysken combines so well.  

Also, The Row's collection was an interesting display because it was all white and creams, and while it was simple in color palette, the details were stunning.  It never ceases to amaze me that the Olsen twins are the masterminds behind this collection, and I think they continuously show a style maturity and elegance far beyond their age.

Helmut Lang's collection was as usual amazing.  I loved the unique shapes and the black and white pieces below are loose but still manage to give a woman shape.  I think it's incredibly wearable and just radiates cool.

I think Alexander Wang presented a much more grown up version of T this season.  While it's still the wearable sportswear/street wear that made the line so popular, it seems to me to be more chic but still edgy.  I am really liking the white palette and the grey cut out dress.

Helmut Lang

OBSESSED: Pretty Woman featuring Nicole Trunfio for LoveCat

Shot by Aram Bedrossian.

LOVE: 3.1 Phillip Lim

I am loving the clean and simple look that 3.1 Phillip Lim went for this season.  The collection has great street wear in addition to some wonderful minimalistic dresses that could be worn out on the town.  I would love to have some of those simple dresses paired with leather jackets and boots.

NYFW: Street Style (part one)

So as always, fashion week has been pushed to the side for school, and I am feeling slightly overwhelmed at the fact that I have still yet to look at all the shows from NYFW, I haven't looked at any from LFW and Milan Fashion Week is almost here.  I am trying my hardest to get all caught up, so bear with me, please.  Anyways, here's the first part of the street style images I collected during NYFW.  Enjoy!

NYFW: Glamour done right by Alice + Olivia, Badgley Mischka, Anna Sui and J. Mendel

Alice + Olivia

OBSESSED: Rodarte meets Van Gogh

Rodarte is definitely one of the shows I look forward to the most, and with each season, I am continuously impressed.  While I felt that last season would be hard to top, I adore how the Mulleavy sisters channeled Vincent Van Gogh and incorporated some of his most famous works into their outfits.  While normally I wouldn't be a fan of the heavy eye makeup, I think it works for this collection, and the models don't look overdone because the rest of the makeup is very natural.

NYFW: Suno, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan and Narciso Rodriguez

So, first and foremost, my favorite collection of the four below is definitely Suno.  I love the prints and the shapes of the clothes, and let's just say I have already given my heart away to that polka dot dress.  It is absolutely gorgeous, and if someone doesn't wear that on the red carpet I will probably cry.  OK, not really, but please, someone wear it!

I might be one of the few who think this, but I thought the spring Marc Jacobs collection had more high points in it than the fall, although I think some of those dresses channel Prada's fall looks, which makes me detract a few awesome points from the outfits.  I like the plaid dresses, and the weird textures/fabrics going on in his collection that make me want to see them in person.  AND the shoes!  The shoes are amazing, I'll post on them later when I drool collectively over all the shoes at NYFW (not literally of course).

Donna Karan seemed to be channeling Africa, but I feel like her collection would work better in the fall than as a spring collection because of its orange, brown and black color palette.  I am also not sure if the necklaces the models are wearing are totally awesome or just weird and rooster-like (maybe they can be both).  My favorite pieces are the two patterned dresses that cross by the neck and form a V.  They are totally stunning and seem really flattering.

Narciso Rodriguez's collection is pretty with layered pieces that create a color blocking feel, but it's the white dresses at the end that had me going "aww pretty."  Personally, I think they are the show stealers, as I wasn't that crazy about his collection, although I do applaud is minimalistic approach to looking chic.

What are your thoughts?

Suno