After seasons and seasons of camo, there's a new kid in town and Carven has taken the familiar print and done it up this season in brighter colors and welcome alternatives. The cross-my-heart neckline has been a huge trend that's been on the runway since Resort and it continues here for Fall in these different designs. So if camo insists on continuing its design reign, opt for an alternative that's fresh in its color and execution.
Last season he gave us a luxe interpretation of grunge, pairing see-through plaid button-downs with soft chiffons and made rock look faintly feminine. This season, Dries Van Noten is making tribal look "in" once again with layered looks that are going to be in demand this spring. The textured knits, the layered colors and pairing of light and dark, plus the intricate beading is something that keeps this collection interesting--and one that's going to no doubt inspire others as the season progresses.
This can be filed under "rad." The ever-iconic Hermes has just launched an iphone app that teaches people how to tie their iconic scarves. I've been to more than one apartment that's cast their scarves in a frame above a sofa, but if you could tie them this deftly, I think they'd have new life. Around the head in a wrap, as a knotted scarf around the neck, or as a signature sash around your favorite tote, these new knots are breathing new life into these hip-again scarves.
As I've been trying to make the summer to fall switch in my closet, I've been realizing just how crucial the stack of perfect t-shirts is to the seamless transition. A great tee, as I've mentioned, can save you from season to season with versatile wear that can update with just the simplest tuck or accessory. This updated version from LnA has a very on-trend neckline that almost looks like a necklace giving this top 2-for-1 appeal. It's in a great dark color that's perfect for the season and has that extra bit of edge to keep things interesting for a new season ahead.
If you've been peeping the runway shots of Spring '14 Fashion Weeks across the globe, you know that logomania is back. It's all of a sudden chic again to say something loud and proud across your chest. I like to think of this type of shirt as no different. Slightly cheeky and just about perfect underneath a forever classic boys blazer, this shirt is the type that you could easily swap out from season to season--or may want to wear whenever you get City of Light nostalgia.
In following fall's punk and grunge trends, one of the most in-demand accessories is an ear cuff. I like how though this one takes up the entire ear it still feels delicate because each "prong" is small. I think if your hair is down, casually tucked behind the ear with a loose wave, this look is great, particularly when the rest of your look is either super sleek or overtly feminine so the juxtaposition is incredibly strong.
Sometimes it's easy to go mass, after all it's everywhere around you. But sometimes, there's something so special about stumbling upon some real artisan brand where the heritage of the design dates back years and you feel truly special to be wearing it. Such is the case with Freda Salvador, a truly artisan take on footwear produced in family factories in Spain and Central America. The two founders have blended their unique design backgrounds with a fresh perspective on fit and feel to a exciting new take on footwear out of San Fran.
I love Amanda Brooks. I find her style so subtle and yet so amazingly classic at the same time. She's been spotted at London Fashion Week and I'm so happy to see a change in the street style from New York. Gone are the neons and short skirts and here are the knits and outerwear. Amanda's layered on not one but two coats for the occasion, choosing first a double-breasted navy blazer and then layered on the requisite trench as topcoat. Add distressed denim and the look's easy and cool.
I've always been a huge Mulberry fan, for their teatime prints and sophisticated approach to whimsy. But it looks as though the still-quaint English label is making strides before my very eyes. They've still got the prints that editors flock to but here are cleaner, more sleek silhouettes coming down the runway. It's a bit edgier, a bit less afternoon tea, more night on the town. And I love each and every piece.
As ubiquitous as the leather biker jacket may be, I still somehow don't have one in my closet. I'm always looking for an option that will give me a fit that's flattering (a little bit longer and more tailored) while adding a bit of oomph that lets it stand apart. This one certainly fills that void by pairing with edgy jewelry designer Pamela Love. Known for her intriguing take on sterling and the use of recycled metal, the coupling is nearly perfect. She's incorporated great beading detail on the backside and a belt that pairs her metal handiwork with deft detail.
No matter where you look, studs and anything rocker chic are a huge trend for Fall. Whether it's spikes, grommets or just an altogether tough look, it seems to be roughening up just about every design. This ensemble seemed like a perfect way to embrace studs, albeit with a more feminine approach. The soft grey is a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous black and these studs have crossover appeal, giving off a sequined effect. The look is soft, feminine and still completely on-trend.
One of the most exciting collaboration news that I've heard in a while comes from J. Crew (kind of no surprise). They released this week that they'd release a capsule collection with up-and-coming footwear designer Sophia Webster in time for Spring '14--meaning it was part of their presentation this week. Her quirky styles feature great punchy colors, exciting cut-outs and novel designs that are unique when all I keep seeing are a parade of pointy-toe pumps. This sneak peek doesn't disappoint and I'm already trying to figure out how to snatch a pair when they hit stores.
As much as the runway images are my favorite part about Fashion Week, the street style photos are nearly just as nice. This one struck me for its complete juxtaposition. You'd think that plaids and tartans, a huge trend for Fall, would be left to thick knits and flannels. But this woman does the unexpected and wears her in an ethereal fabric that flashes a hint of skin and gives the illusion of a lot more while still staying true to the trend.
September Fashion Week is in full swing which just may be my favorite time of year. And despite not actually being there, being glued to my computer watching the images and reviews stream in is the next best thing. Perusing the runway shows, these modified tomboy-ballet designs caught my attention first. Meant for spring, they've got the palette down and have that feminine silhouette that we can't help but find flattering. I'm into the high-waisted skirt, those killer heels, that jacket that I want and that addictive pink color. For designer Marissa Webb, it's all in the details.
It may be uncomfortably hot in L.A., but what's getting me through it is the promise of cooler, crisper temps ahead. I just keep staring at pictures like this hoping a reason to add on a sweater or jacket may not be too far off. This is the perfect entree into a blustery October or November. A crop top layered over a simple white tee, plus a military jacket keeps things simple with a bit of unexpected pop. Add in a deep crimson lip for day and you've elevated the ordinary.
Apparently the latest "it" accessory isn't a big bauble or bangle or friendship bracelet or stack. This one can be added on with just about anything and it's none other than a Nike Fuel Band. Designed to look like an oversized rubber band on your wrist, the band calculates your overall exertion during the day and holds you accountable to your fitness goals. Paired with a few of your other favorite gems and it looks pretty chic. Fashion may be into fitness after all.
Naturally there's room for interpretation, but this little video vignette brings you just a few steps closer to the action at Lincoln Center. Cue the belabored outfits, egregiously mixed prints and smizing (smiling with your eyes, but most definitely not your mouth). I for one cannot wait.
