suddenly craving a bowler hat and lots of eyeliner...
Rebecca Taylor's Fall 2010 show has given me some new things to crave... a bowler hat, liquid eyeliner, soft creams, leopard print, grey boots, sparkly tights, khaki jackets, tiered ruffles, textured croc prints and subtle embellishments. Is it possible that I am already craving next Autumn when this Spring hasn't even come yet?!
(images from here)
alexander wang fall 2010...
With a visible change of inspiration, Wang's collection started with the modern bankers uniform and exploded it from within. It was dark and moody with cut out pieces, shredded looking fabric, thigh high leg warmers, velvet, belled leggings, metal studs, grey, pinstripes, and plenty of wet-look hair. It is definitely a different look and feel to the Wang we have all gotten used to and come to love. I felt a bit suspicious at first, but I think the modified direction is a good thing. It feels more grown up... in an appropriate way. Here are a few of my favourite shots from behind the scenes, plus a few incredible details.
Alexander Wang and his collections are clearly a monumental force in the fashion world. I adore some of his pieces (what I wouldn't give to get my hands on his slouchy t-shirts and leather bags) but overall I wouldn't classify myself as one of his minions. I like it, but in small pieces. Actually I am kind of in love with the Helmut Lang Fall 2010 line. I think I prefer a bit more structure or lady-like-ness...? Maybe the wet-look hair puts me off a bit (I suffered a similar look once after trying a do-it-yourself hair mask that would not wash out, I am slightly scarred). What do you think? Are you an avid Wang-ette or is it not your cup of tea?
what to know: day two NY fashion week...
Jason Wu
He shot to centre stage after Michelle Obama wore one of his dresses at her husband's presidential inauguration ball. Wu doesn't want to be categorized as making frou-frou princess dresses... and I can't imagine he will be. His collection featured lots of wearable pieces, but with an uptown urban twist: fitted skirts, boxy jackets, and a unique use of colour and texture. While a couple of his evening wear pieces were a bit on the hideous side, overall a real dazzler and quite stunning set against a pink runway.
What else? Paint splattered outerwear, polka dots, mixed patterns, statement neckline necklaces, Irving Penn inspired.
Doo.Ri
Deep colours, feathers, suede, gorgeous prints, plus perfectly tailored and draped fabrics... this is one of my favourites from day two. Style.com said it lacked 'focus' and was 'difficult to engage in'... what?! Did we just see the same thing?! I think it is utterly and entirely gorgeous. It has a clear focus. All the girls share a similar moody but determined attitude, they look like city chicks who are either at work or out afterwards... it is dark, intermixed with bright oranges and iridescent blues. It has a grown up inner city feel with a bit of laid back safari added in - through the shape of military tailoring and soft caramel colours. Oh, I love it... and i adore the jacket pictured over the short draped dress below... uh, can I please get my name down for that now?
Costello Tagliapietra
Inspired by a recent trip to Japan these self-proclaimed math nerds produced an elegantly tailored and oh-so-feminine collection. The use of colour is quite simple but unexpected... with springs popular choices of pinks, and greens being warmed up to fit the Autumn mood. The shapes are so sexy in a an elegant sort of way. Not try hard, or over the top at all... there is something sort of old-school glamour about it all. I was utterly surprised by what the designers looked like when they walked on stage... but must say, their appearance makes the collection even more endearing.
Charlotte Ronson
These are my two favourite looks from the show... I wasn't overly blown away by the rest. Most of the models had a sort of turban-esque contraption wrapped around their head - which I couldn't help think clashed a bit with the long tailored leather and wool coats... it just looked a bit awkward and forced. Overall it wasn't bad and there were a few cool looks but overall it just looked a bit confused as to whether it was a spring or fall collection. The movement between outerwear and gypsy inspired see-through silks was a bit messy.
What else? There were lots of tight pleats, soft velvet, stripes mixed with florals, head scarves, bright oranges, pinks, and blues.
Bensoni
Quite theatrical and bold. I love their strong use of colours, mix of bold prints, and fur accents. I found the looks pictured below particularly inspiring and wish there was more that followed suit in the collection.
Generra
A bit of a love-hate relationship going on here I think. Definitely channeling a younger and more playful vibe than a lot of the other collections... but it felt a bit messy in some parts. They used bright pinks and yellows that looked quite fresh but somehow seriously reminded me of a DKNY spread? I like the mono-chromatic use of colour and the ski inspired jumpers worn with little flouncy skirts. The very supple velvet skirt and jacket pictured below right is by far one of my favourite looks from the show (fingers crossed it filters down to a shop I can afford!). But then they threw in some Latin American-esque samba dancing dresses that looked confused and misplaced... sure the colour fits in with the rest of the collection but the mood just some how didn't. Plus, the menswear was slightly shocking. The models looked completely miserable and all had pointy little hats on that reminded me of that guy from n dubz. Just saying... I can't imagine that is what they were trying to channel there. Anyway, I thought it was alright, and there certainly were some jumpers and dresses I would wear from it, but it didn't seem like New York Fashion Week material...
p.s. I have been suffering from a seriously nasty case of food poisoning the last couple days... hence my bed ridden posts on fashion week. I have (what I think) is a pretty fun giveaway up my sleeve which I will post about as soon as I can get up and put some normal clothes on and get my butt outside.
what to know: day one NY fashion week...
BCBG Max Azria Fall 2010 (10am)
The designers said about the recession: 'It's made us realists. It's not about our fantasy. It's about the customer.' And, it does feel entirely wearable and oh-so-chic. I would love to put on any of the outfits right now and go out for a romantic dinner. They look so feminine and beautiful to wear. Definitely what this customer wants.
What else? White tights, toned-down harem pants, sheer black/white sleeves layered under everything, geometric prints, plus sparkles and glitter that resembles some sort of night sky meteor explosion.
Richard Chai Love 2010 (11am)
Only the second time he has shown on the runway, he put forward a strong theme: nineties grunge with a bit of class. Luxurious furs and silks makes it appear ever more grown up than the trashy days circa Courtney Love. Each model wears a fierce look that exudes determination and strength... possibly channeled by the faded grey combat boots each is wearing. A visible contrast emerged between those in soft greys and those in darker military hues.
What else? Long ankle length straight skirts, layered greys, slouchy tweed trousers, berry red lips, cascading silk ruffles, military jackets mixed with luxurious fabrics.
Remember: Although his dominant print looks like classic liberty it is actually little origami cranes.
Toni Maticevski Fall 2010 (2pm)
Certainly not falling short of his 'red carpet' status Maticevski delivered a somewhat controversial show. There is a clear distinction within the collection: dreamy, floaty, dove like, iridescent versus dominatrixy, black, gold and cut out underwear. While style.com praised him for the former they accused some of the outfits that fell into the second category of needing to have the 'kinks' worked out of them. Quite the contrary... while they might not be for the feint hearted, I can picture Rihanna and Lady Gaga queuing up to get their names down on the list already.
What else? Poka dots, gold embellishments, pleated organza, underwear as outerwear, soft cashmere looking t-shirts paired with full evening skirts, butterfly looking extended waists and slips poking out from underneath dresses.
Here is a quicker look at the best of the rest starting with... Erin Wasson x RVCA: floor skimming dresses, thermal leggings, over sized slouchy tops, oatmeal coloured ankle warmers... what's not to like?
Jen Kao: fur, leather, lots of black and deep cherry red. Towards the end the models start to look like queens from another galaxy... but strangely in a wearable sort of way.
Lutz & Patmos: as if i needed another reason to continue the search for the perfect little brown (faux) fur jacket? (bellow left) I am loving their soft colours, slouchy shapes, light fabrics, and chunky hats and scarves. The idea of the nude colour palette carrying on from Spring 2010 into Autumn is highly delightful.
Organic by John Patrick: a bit of a different look than the other shows - more of a 1970s revival. Love the shape of the leather dress (also comes in a floral print), the grey ribbed tights, lace up heels, high waisted pink wool shorts... and once again - white tights.
Ports 1961: one of my favourite shows so far... there were so many different elements that it is hard to pin it down. Super deep berry shades contrasted with whimsical and luminescent blues. It started off with cool creamy balloon-esque coats and gradually got into warmer greys that made draping tweed coats, structured jackets and peg leg trousers look so desirable. At one point there were even deep rust coloured dresses that looked like liquified metal. Truly astounding.
(all photos from style.com)
This is only a run down of some of my favourites from day one in New York. There is still lots to look forward to. What are your favourites so far, and what are you most looking forward to?
p.s. If you have not seen the posts done on street style: pics by polka dot on the passing of Alexander McQueen i would encourage you to have a look. She has paid a beautiful tribute to him in an entirely appropriate way... to which I can only add amen.
reds, dots, and cashmere socks....
when i saw patrick and rachel the first thing i noticed was reds. red hat, red belt, red cords... and they just so happened to be coming out of a little red car. pretty adorable, and perfectly fitting as valentines day is just around the corner. the next thing i noticed was their cheeky little attitudes... but we'll get on to that later. i adore their look. there is something very old english gentleman and lady about it... her hat, his very thick cords, her sweet little polka dot dress, their glasses. a very fresh and different look than i have been seeing lately.
they were a little caught off guard about having their photo taken... patrick was loving it but rachel was a little more hesitant. i think he helped ease her into it with his crazy antics.
they are both doctors and they are engaged. it was so blatantly obvious that they were insanely in love... it was pretty hilarious actually. i asked them to tell me something about what they were wearing. she said, 'this dress is a size 18! but i just loved the polka dots!' and he said, 'i have on cashmere socks that were originally 40 pounds... but i got them for 8' (in a very triumphant voice). that's what we like... a man who knows a good bargain.
rachel just looks so lovely. i love the whole black, white and red combo. i don't know if it was intentional or not... but the hat with the little bow in it, the dress with the red belt, the black flecked coat. it all just really works and looks so perfect on her. i am so used to people looking so grubby and unkempt... i think her look is a breath of fresh air. actually... both of them were a breath of fresh air.
a disappointment?
british vogue march 2010 is a little weak. i was expecting something grand, to be blown away... one of my favourite girls is on the cover after all, spring is just around the corner, fashion week is almost here... i mean seriously there is plenty to work with here. but it all just felt a little meh... you know, standard, dull, uninspiring. take the cover for example, it's alexa, she is gorgeous, we all love her... she's had the most fabulous mulberry bag named after her for crying out loud, the girl is a legend. the jeans are awesome, she's got the statement chanel clogs on, a pretty rad skull necklace... but her hair and makeup looks drab and she is sitting on wooden stool looking like she is ready for the whole ordeal to be over with already. trust me, i love alexa, and i love vogue... and i want to give the magazine the benefit of the doubt, but the more i look at that cover the more i feel like they should have worked a little harder for it. actually, i only felt this way after i read the inside of the magazine and was sorely disappointed.
ok, lets start with the highlights.
'in vogue' (page 97): a look at the new raw materials being used on the spring 2010 runways. this is interesting and something i hadn't thought of before. the article is insightful and unique. so two thumbs up on that one. plus this calvin klein dress shown in the magazine is utterly delicious. not a standout piece from their runway show but when presented in this light (with a focus on thew new materials and casual wrinkled vibe) is actually pretty sweet and spot on the trend. i love the colour and the soft shape with the loose neckline and longish sleeves. plus, is that a pocket flopping open on the left side? adorable. i am all over that dress.
then there are some 'new talents' shown... none of which i was over the moon with. for example, david koma. you know, that dress that cheryl cole wore on the x-factor and simon commented that he could see straight into it. his designs are pretty inspiring but hardly budding news.
but then they point out maia norman's debut clothing line 'mother of pearl' - it is pretty intoxicating. each piece resembles a work of art and really is quite beautiful (page 113).
the 'more dash than cash' (page 216-221) section was quite good. you can see the whole spread online though here. they have got some sweet recommendations for things to buy that are reasonably priced. like these urban outfitters sunglasses. but again... this isn't the first time i've seen these. one of my friends was wearing a similar pair back in april 2009 so a little behind here. but nothing offensive and a decent editorial.
the 'small buys big impact' section (page 233-238) was also alright. although #44 out of 50 was a hideous leather river island driving cap which was less than impressive.... and i will be seriously sore if this inspires people to start wearing them because really why would you want to look like you drive a limo if you don't? oh lordy... turns out victoria beckham has already been spotted in one.
the whole 'china white' photo spread was also pretty beautiful and the 'boot camp' section was also alright... although most of the photos show a girl in combat boots and thermal underwear... hardly inspirational. i did also love the 'girls allowed' and 'cyber tribe' spreads. okay okay... so i guess i didn't hate it all.
low points:
'spy: who wears what and how' (page 139-142): what looks like an exaggerated depiction contrasting what girls wear who party at home versus those who go out to night clubs - i.e. pretty girls with lots of blush, florals, and what looks like their boyfriend's oversized sweatshirts versus leather clad vixens. a little try hard and resembles something that should have been placed in a weekly glossy.
'on a roll' (page 177) a look at wall paper (yawnnn); 'the hamptons' (page 194) a look at the location used in the january issue... why are you telling us about the january issue in the march issue? that was two months ago?!
'poo: the last taboo' (page 197) - three pages of full text on poo being the last taboo?! seriously? is this a joke. last month another uk magazine had 'abortion: the last taboo' and last year channel 4 did a whole week on 'race: the last taboo'. come on vogue. why are you trailing behind what so many others have already done? we have all heard about poo clinics and spas that charge extortionate amounts to help you poo better and to extract it all out of you.... this is lame, boring, and has already been done before. shame on you.
i suppose i was predominately disappointed by a few articles and the alexa chung spread/cover in general. i don't buy fashion magazines that often these days though, so when i do i want to be blown away. i've got hundreds of pages to read a week already for my masters so fashion magazines are a treat... i don't want to feel like they are just presenting old news or half hearted efforts.
what do you think? am i being too hard on vogue or do you sometimes feel let down by fashion magazines?
the taming of the lion...
i finally had my haircut on friday. at this lovely place called windle in covent garden. i had put it off for 8 months so it was seriously in need. they have these great chairs for getting your hair washed in, they go completely horizontal so you are lying down... not like most where you are at a weird angle with some plastic thing pushing into your neck. plus they give you an incredible head massage mid hair wash... not the normal kind where they just rub your head while washing it, but an actual little mini head rub... seriously, i was in heaven. anyway, the haircut was also wonderful. i got an upgrade without having to pay extra because the guy who was meant to cut my hair sliced open his finger earlier in the day and had to go to the emergency room... so i got a girl that should have cost 3o pounds more... without having to pay the difference. also exciting (but sad for Josh and his finger).
so, all this to say i have tried to capture my haircut... apologies for the slight bed head situation going on, these were taken just after i woke up sans hair wash. oh and i also got to meet jill from street style london at the hair dressers. she was seriously so delightful and charming. i am so glad i got to meet her. she has some better hair photos which hopefully i will get to show you.
fred said i didn't look like a lion anymore... but 'an animal with good hair... like a horse?' sheesh... boys.
some florals... in honour of yesterdays post.
jill getting her hair cut by collette.
one of jill's photos of the salon.
i also wanted to send out a big thank you to ballerina's closet obsession and culture & couture for sending blogger awards my way. it is the first time i have been given a blogger award and am really grateful. i am just pleased that there are people out there interested in reading (or just looking) at what i have got to say on here. i wouldn't be able to pick my top 10 blogs to send the awards on to. there are so many blogs that i love and check out often... if i leave you a comment or are following your blog you know who you are and consider yourself awarded.
thanks for the awards ladies, i appreciate it.
in bloom...
florals are not something i have traditionally been too keen on. i am not a massive print person. plus flowers are so girly you know, and i'm not a girly girl. well, that is all behind me now. i want to be a girly girl if it means i can wear beautiful floral dresses like these by Erdem. Once again, they are gorgeous from afar but the true beauty is in the little picture...
this is just insanely gorgeous. all the intricate colours and patterns on all the fabrics tabs are so mind bogglingly beautiful... it doesn't look real. you shouldn't be able to wear it. it's just too perfect.
i love this electrifying blue with black trim. the matching shoes are so great. also that shape is perfection.
close up you can see all the intricate detailing and the water colour effect sort of fades away.
in a sea of so many colours, most of them quite sharp and bright, this dress looks a bit out of place. it is so unexpected and all the better for it. black and white is always wonderful. grey is my favourite colour to wear and i adore the way the shades blend together to create a smokey grey. it is so elegant, i would wear it forever.
the laser cut out detail is so delicate and feminine. i honestly can not imagine wearing something so beautiful. if only i had a spare couple thousand pounds sitting around...
spring 2010 has modernized florals. they don't have to be overtly girly nor do they have to channel a sort of laura ashley circa 1987 vibe either. they aren't too little girl or too old lady... they are just perfect and there are so many choices that they can suit anyones preferences and personality.
my craving for florals was inspired by ada and darcy. there are always the prettiest things shown on their blog, and after drooling over countless pots of flowers and interior design photos that featured soft colours and feminine details i was driven to go buy some flowers.
they actually made me so happy and have lasted for a couple weeks. it is so cold outside and has been raining a lot... they have brightened up the house and my mood (i even have a few sitting on the edge of my bathtub). i now want to have flowers around all the time. but i don't want to just leave them in the vase i want to incorporate them into my outfits (not literally of course). since we can't all afford the beauty of erdem i have included a few of my favourite florals from the high street.
so are you in the mood for florals or will you be leaving them in the vase for now?
(photos from style.com & urbanoutfitters.com)
some street style...
a few things i've been seeing around a lot lately.
gold doc martins. i haven't been seeing gold docs that often, but i have been seeing black ones. i noticed a woman that must have been in her 60s wearing a pair yesterday... and i was pretty impressed. that's pretty hardcore.
fur... it is seriously everywhere. faux or real - either way, it is taking over.
spring fever is definitely in the air. it is only february and the temperature is still pretty icy but a lot of people seem to be ready to pull out their spring gear in defiance. i love seeing floaty florals poking out from underneath winter coats...
this on the other hand i don't like so much. it is a serious pet peeve of mine. no boots and cropped jeans please ladies. it looks stupid.
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colourful coats. black still dominates but i keep seeing people in bright coats... and they seem to be getting brighter.
i know her outfit is pretty low key but i still like it. black skinny jeans, green leather jacket, satchel bag, lace up brogues, bright blue scarf, and that hair. i love it.
these two guys are too adorable. i love the one on the lefts soft grey lace up shoes and classic black coat. the guy on the right is channeling such a retro vibe with his coiffed up hair, jean jacket, polo shirt buttoned all the way up and grey cardigan. love it.
what are people wearing on the streets of your neighborhood?
haircut... why must you haunt me?
i am finally getting my haircut. it is going to happen on friday in covent garden at 4:30pm. i have put it off for eight months... and i can seriously attest to the fact that everyday i look at my head and think 'what is wrong with you brown scraggly mop?! get it together already, we've got places to go and people to see... and this is not acceptable!!' but it does not seem to want to... so a haircut is in order. jill from street style london was sweet enough to book us both an appointment. i'm totally excited to meet her and just hope that my pre-cut hair doesn't manage to scare her away! basically, i am seriously looking forward to friday afternoon.
last time i got my hair cut i took in a photo of alexa chung and asked to have it cut in a similar fashion. remember the 'new look' advertisement that she featured in? that was when the hair obsession first started. it just looks so naturally cool... i am sure it takes some effort. but regardless... i still like it, and i'm still falling for the whole 'it just happens to look like this when i fall out of bed in the morning' - in hope that i will be lucky enough to also have my hair look like that when i fall out of bed in the morning.
so that is it. friday puts an end to the ghost of haircuts past willing me to give in and pay the 50quid to tame the mop growing ever more wild on top of my head.
(plus, hopefully this way my husband will stop telling me i look like a 'lion'...)
whispers of holidays...
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i am a little in love with the february j.crew catalog. the photos whisper the sweetness of holidays: flowers, bare legs, beaches, strolls in foreign cities while holding hands. warmth, relaxation, and free time... i am dreaming of such things.
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ruffles, nudes, rolled shorts, sequins, checks, summer hats, waves, sand...
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brogues, loafers, rolled up jeans, feathery cardigans, foreign cities...
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desert shoes, lace camis, nude socks, sea green, techno florals...
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i adore these little rolled up pink shorts and the scarf tied around her neck. i am equally in love with the denim ones worn with a black waist coat. this is pretty much what i would like to be wearing once it is warm enough. j.crew totally succeeds at selling me their 'lifestyle' through the images in their catalogs... i totally want to be as effortlessly laid back and cool as the girls in the photos!
i am a little torn between the reality of the current english weather (more in line with yesterdays darker post) and hoping that spring will come quickly. i am afraid this is probably going to be a problem throughout all of february. but, even if it's just a dream these outfits are just what i would want to wear on holiday right now...
channeling Changeling
Changeling came out in 2008 but I have only just watched it tonight. The filming is beautiful, the acting superb and the story is seriously moving. Angelina Jolie is a great actress in the film and her outfits are gorgeous. It made me want to crawl back to 1928 and adorn myself in pretty little hats, dark red lips, fur coats, lace dressing gowns, and florals. A lot of those things wouldn't be too out of place in February 2010.
Maybe I can work it into my wardrobe somehow.
Hats are worn by everyone in almost every scene... wish it was more common today.
Soft waves, long ribbed cardigans, pink stained lips and ditzy florals.
Fur, brooches, leather clutches, and mary janes.
Beautiful green lace dressing gown.
The story is dramatic and moving and so are the outfits. Highly recommended - both for the story and the fashion.
Plus, Angelina Jolie looks gorgeous and has very pale skin - which is making me feel a little better about mine while I am stuck inside secretly wishing for warmth and sunshine.
if you aint doing nothing lets fly away...
Although snow is still sporadically falling and the temperatures keep threatening to stick below freezing the new collections are starting to hit stores and it is impossible to resist their lure. While talk of holidays and the dream of white sand beaches is starting to creep into conversation the reality is that are all still grounded in our cold climates, for now at least.
Emerald perfectly shows how to mix new pieces with your winter favourites in order to create a totally chic and modern look that will let you show off your great finds without freezing your tush off.
I really like the soft neutrals in her skirt, snood, and bag paired against the black in all her other items. It toughens up the otherwise grown up and dressy skirt and makes it look perfect for a chilly Sunday.
The little picture. The details on the skirt make it so special. The fabric is divine and has a lovely little sheen to it. Little slit pockets with fringe and ribbon are so sweet. It totally reminds me of the Chanel Spring 2010 RTW looks where neutrals and gold were shown.
Climbing back in through the window.
I totally love Emerald's whole look. She demonstrates perfectly how to mix and match new items with ones you've already got. This way you make a transitional outfit that nods to the spring trends without looking like you are trying too hard. There is nothing worse than being too cold and looking like a muppet because you are adamant that you will wear that new item regardless of how inappropriate it is for the weather. So if you aren't able to fly away to a sunny location on holiday, and instead you are stuck in the cold, just follow Emerald's lead and you'll look ahead of the trends and totally chic.
Emerald wears:
Comptoir des Contonniers leather jacket
Jigsaw Tweed Mushroom Skirt
Jack Wills snood
Marks & Spencer shoes
now for a little dizzee rascal in emerald's honour.
a pop of colour...
it's cold, it's dark, it is (after all) still january...
but the women in the UK are busting out their brightest colours in honor of the sunshine and the spring weather that is surely on its way.
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personally i am a black, navy, or grey kind of coat girl. these ladies are pairing their bright pop coloured coats over neutral basics (predominately black). it is any easy way to boost your outfit without having to make too much effort, and i have to admit it is a pretty nice to see some colours on the street as opposed to the flatness of black against everyone's back.
have you noticed this pop coloured coat look or was it just a freak micro-trend that took over my town today? it seriously was bizarre how many women were wearing bright coats. i had three walk past me in pink ones all within 1 minute. maybe there was a coloured coat flash sale somewhere and i just missed the memo?