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

Karlie Kloss for Life Magazine

I adore these photos of Karlie Kloss from Life Magazine.  The girl is stunning, and she is clearly one of the most sought after models on the runway right now, as she's walked in all the major runway shows like Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung and Marchesa.  There's more photos on the Life Magazine website that are definitely worth a look as well.

LOVE: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012

I adore Oscar de la Renta's spring collection.  The full skirts are to die for, the yellow trend is present and  I am totally feeling the hair.  It's semi-reminiscent of the '80s, but it's chic, sophisticated, fun and bright.  Also, I love how Oscar casts such great models in his shows, he really had them all: Karlie, Lindsey, Daphne, Frida... the list goes on and on.  Oscar, you never cease to amaze me.  Now all I need is one of those first three dresses to dance around in and those gold shoes!

NYFW: Jeremy Scott goes west

I am loving Jeremy Scott's cowgirl meets LA theme this season.  I also think (aside from the menswear) that he kind of toned down his craziness this year and replaced it with outfits that seemed fun but in a more grown up way?  I am not sure how to describe it, but something feels different in this collection.  His signature wacky style is still present, but it almost feels more refined.

I am loving the cactus dresses and the sunglasses prints, as well as the AMAZING shoes the models are wearing.  Where can I get a pair?  They are too cute.  Also, I really like how Scott had his models' faces painted with faux freckles.

NYFW: Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen and Jenny Packham

Sorry for falling behind in my fashion week posting, I, of course, got hit with a test and a lot of reading halfway through New York Fashion Week.  I thought I'd post about these three designers, and then throughout the afternoon Thursday, I'll try to get on top of the more recent shows.

I'll start with Monique Lhuillier's collection that really sort of surprised me this season.  Lhuillier is known for her princess dresses and red carpet after red carpet looks, and I felt like this season she went for a look with harder edges.  Although she did throw a few large evening gowns in at the end, I enjoyed her use of the black leather-looking straps on the dresses that played with hard versus soft.  I also liked her solid black dresses with the little details on the side and back.  Could Lhuillier be turning over an edgier leaf?

Zac Posen, who decided to return to New York to show this season, definitely knows glamour and likes to play with the curves on a woman's body with his clothes.  I liked the constructed look of his evening wear and how he styled the models.  Overall, it was very Zac Posen and very pretty, especially the dress with the lace and flower bottom.

This season Jenny Packham designed for princess.  OK, let's be honest, I think she designed for Kate Middleton.  Can't you just put Kate's head on almost all of the models and think to yourself, "Yeah, that looks like something Kate would wear."  I love the collection, though.  It's pretty in a simple and elegant way without being over the top.  Fingers crossed that the Duchess of Cambridge rocks some of this come spring.

Monique Lhuillier

Scored some Missoni for Target!

Today the Missoni for Target line came out, and I ran to Target during my break to get first dibs on some of the items at 10 a.m. this morning.  Now, I live in a pretty small town in Florida and I was surprised this morning when I went into the store and had to kind of battle some moms and some kids my age for the goods I wanted.  I did; however, manage to snag some items for myself.

While I would have liked to buy more,  I am super excited that I got the items I did considering the site was down all day, and I have been told my local Target has sold out of almost everything.  Overall, the collection is pretty great.  A lot of is not my style, but the dresses look better on than they do on the rack. The material feels nice and some of the dresses come with slips sewn in which is nice.  The home goods were pretty, and my only regret is that I held the throw blanket I wanted in my hands and decided I couldn't spent the extra $40 to get a blanket I don't really need.

Anyways, here's what I got!

NYFW: Altuzarra, Peter Som and Thakoon

Altuzarra, Peter Som and Thakoon all showed amazing collections at New York Fashion Week recently that featured some stand out prints.  While Peter Som's was probably my favorite of the three (not to mention definitely my top five so far at NYFW), I'll start with why I like Altuzarra.

First, the jungle print reminds me of a wallpaper I wanted in my room when I was little and my parents, thankfully in retrospect, refused.  Because of that I have always had a soft spot in my heart for tropical scenes, but what I think works for Altuzarra is that he combines the bold print with white, minimalistic dresses so it's not overpowering.  I love the simplicity of his line and the mixture of the fun, summery prints.  Not to mention the eyebrows on the girls are kind of cool.

Peter Som's collection is pretty.  That's right pretty.  It's just good, clean pretty.  I love it, and as I am a sucker for floral print, I think it's amazing and wish I could own just about all of it.  OK sorry, but it's true.  The bold colors and the blue floral skirt and dress (I DIE) are gorgeous.  I am totally obsessed with the dress Lindsey Wixson modeled AND the zebra-print bathing suit is too good for words.

Thakoon's collection is probably my least favorite of the three.  Although, I think it has its moments, like the incredibly decadent gold look down below, the collection to me felt a little like Marie Antoinette meets the wild west.  I love some of the prints though and think that worn separately and not with colored hair and hats they would be more statement pieces than just overstimulating.  That being said, I am totally into the colored hair.

What are your thoughts?

New York Fashion Week: Day two and day three

So, I am trying to post some of my favorite collections from the previous days of shows.  Let me know if this is working for you!  I'm obviously going to be doing some in-depth posts for collections that I have fallen madly in love with (like Jason Wu), so keep checking back for that too!  Also, can we just talk about how Christian Siriano has grown as a designer into making gorgeous AND wearable clothes for women, plus is it just me or does the new it-color appear to be bright yellow?!  Life is kind of awesome in the fashion world right now.

Here's a breakdown of collections I've posted in case you're interested:
Day 2 (part two) - Cynthia Rowley, Yigal Azrouel, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor
Day 1 & Day 2 - BCBG Max Azria, Mandy Coon, Nahm, Rachel Comey, Sachin + Babi
Pre-NYFW- Vena Cava, Organic by John Patrick, Steven Alan

OK on to the new collections!

Adam

OBSESSED: Jason Wu Spring 2012

If Jason Wu's collection is any kind of sign into the fashion future, it looks like full skirts are coming back into style for spring.  His collection was gorgeous and womanly, and I loved the collared shirts mixed with those printed skirts.  And the hair?  Let's just say if I had any remote idea of how to do that, I would be wearing my hair like that the next time I went out, because the models looked gorgeous with it.

New York Fashion Week Spring 2012: Day Two Collections

Here's some more collections from day two at New York Fashion Week that I am totally obsessed with.  So far it seems like collections are either going the structured way like Cynthia Rowley or the loose, flowy style like Rebecca Taylor.  I love both; however, I am more of a structured dress kind of girl because I find those look better on my body.  What about you?

Cynthia Rowley

New York Fashion Week Spring 2012: Day One & Day Two

Here's some of my favorite looks from the collections on the first two days of New York Fashion Week.  Let me know if you agree/disagree/like what you're seeing on the runways!

Also, I'll be posting more later once I've had more time to go through all the shows!

BCBG Max Azria

Fashion's Night Out

Check out these amazing photos of Vogue's coverage of Fashion's Night Out.  If you were one of those lucky people who got to attend FNO in New York, let me know how it was!

Nasty Gal Lookbook

Nasty Gal can do no wrong.  I am constantly in love with the lookbooks that it posts on its website, and this one is no exception.

Enjoy!

Carnival de Versailles

Check out these amazing photos of blogger Pandora at a party at Versailles.  It's so Marie Antoinette and SO pretty.  These lovely ladies basically got to live out my dream of attending a masquerade at the decadent palace.

Sneak Peak: Jason Wu Spring 2012 RTW

I can't wait for this collection!  Jason Wu is so talented, and I know this is going to be a great showing.  Check out these great photos of Lindsey Wixson showing off a piece from Wu's Spring 2012 RTW line.

First looks from Spring 2012 RTW

Here's some of my favorite pieces from Vena Cava, Organic by John Patrick and Steven Alan.  I think my favorite collection out of the three is Vena Cava because the looks are simple with an edge, and Vena Cava always puts out an amazing collection that is wearable but chic.  Enjoy and happy fashion week!

Vena Cava

Happy Fashion Month!!!

Oh, the things I do to be in New York right now.  Today is the start of New York Fashion Week and Fashion's Night Out, and if any of you are lucky enough to be in the city to do some great shopping or attend shows, I hope you enjoy yourself!

Here's an awesome video from NY Fashion Week Fall 2011 to get you hyped for the next month if you're not already, enjoy!

Miu Miu Face-off: Tavi Gevinson vs. Jane Aldridge

These two style bloggers and incredibly fashionable ladies are hosting an event at Miu Miu in New York for Fashion's Night Out.  In honor of the event, both girls were photographed wearing the Fall 2011 RTW collection.  I have to say, I lean toward Tavi's take on the collection, but both girls look amazing.  Let me know what photos you like best!

Tavi Gevinson

Design: Abigail Ahern's London Home

Can we talk about how much I am OBSESSED with the wallpaper meant to resemble a library?

OBSESSED: Muppet-Inspired Nail Polish from OPI

Although I am not the biggest fan of extremely glittery nail polish, I am loving the new Muppet-inspired nail polish from OPI.  I am especially obsessed with "Warm and Fozzie" and "Designer de Better."