Tao-rific

Tao Okamoto walked many runways for Spring 2010. The Tokyo native has a unique look but like Agyness who came before her, she gets a lot of attention for her hair cut. I guess bowl cuts will be popping up on more people in the style set. I hope for their sakes they have the bone structure to pull it off. I won't be cutting my hair that short. Here is an image from style.com of Tao walking in the Yigal Azrouel Spring 2010 show.

Falling in Love

I was browsing shoe sites because my leopard flats are dying (the sole is not connected to the upper part and they are about 2 years old) when I found some lovely shoes by L.A.M.B. and Belle by Sigerson Morrison. The price tags are a bit scary but these shoes are unique and well made.

(left to right) first three are Belle by Sigerson Morrison and the next three are L.A.M.B.

Spring 2010 RTW Day One (9/10)

(left-right, top row first) BCBG Max Azaria, Davidelfin, Elie Tahari, Jen Kao, L.A.M.B., Monique Lhuillier, Organic by John Patrick, Ports 1961, Prabal Gurung, Vena Cava, Wayne

I never see all of the collections. I probably look through about 60% of the images posted on style.com. I have plans in the next few days and start my new job on Monday but I am going to attempt to review all of the collections posted on style.com. Ready, set, go!*

BCBG Max Azaria: There are a lot of mini dresses, some sheer fabrics, and many bright prints sewn together with solids in a puzzle-like fashion. Scoring: pretty but not groundbreaking.

Davidelfin: David Delfin used toothpaste blues and greens (retro colors) to showcase his pieced together ensembles. The styling was very original. Men's dress shirts were half dress shirt, half blazer jacket cut and fabric. There were a lot of sheer fabrics used and layering (shorts worn over pants) demonstrated that the collection was more than some finely tailored basics. Scoring: good clean look with a twist.

Elie Tahari: Mostly casual colors (white, tan, and grey) with an orange accent here and there. There were some cute pieces but a lot of the paper bag waisted shorts just reminded me of Chloe Spring 09. The detailed gathering on the orange dress here is uncommon and beautiful. Scoring: cute but almost a yawn.

Jen Kao: Relaxed color palette, motorcycle jackets with cut-outs on the sleeves, imitation Proenza Schouler bustier dresses, and blazers. I do like the blazer dress (fierce shoulders). Scoring: I'm not surprised that this designer isn't well known.

L.A.M.B.: I have loved Gwen since middle school. She continues to impress me with this collection. It is frilly, punk, mature, and forward-looking. Gwen showcases overalls, draping, voluminous sleeves, a few motorcycle jackets, and one-shoulder dresses and blouses. Scoring: moving onward and upward (rock steady).

Monique Lhuillier: Draping, volume here and there, a Chanel-esque suit, and tiered fringe in yellows, reds, and blacks. It felt much more intense/grim than her usual pretty/light esthetic. The eye make up was scary and distracting too... This black dress was my favorite but the fedora has to go. Someone please fire the stylist. Scoring: Monique enters a dark period for spring and almost hits the mark.

Organic by John Patrick: I hear the forties calling. Cute separates with a few cocktail dresses. Mostly solids with some calming floral patterns. The shapes are retro but the fit and details are current. Scoring: easy to wear and classy. Side note- how ridiculously iconic does Shalom Harlow look in this suit?

Ports 1961:There was so much going on. Tons of texture with different fabrics, a beautiful peach hue, kimono/Asian styles that stop short before looking like costumes, metallics, watercolor prints, sheer tops, and much more. I had trouble picking a favorite look. Scoring: major league player hits home run.

Prabal Gurung: Sheer fabrics, bow detailing, draping & gathering, and some quality cocktail dresses. The collection was mostly black, beige, and white but there were pops of cobalt blue (one of my favorite colors). The pieces are cute but mature and the suits are functional but fashionable. Scoring: add me to your client list please.

Vena Cava: A little chain mail, some dizzying prints, sheer fabrics, mostly black with a splash of orange. Also, some high-waisted shorts and exposed zippers. Scoring: not my cup of tea- majority of the collection was not pretty or particularly flattering to the female form.

Wayne: There was the use of sheer fabrics, structured shoulders, cut-outs, leggings, and draping. All neutral colors except a punch of bright yellow. Can I say "I TOLD YOU SO!" There was a fanny pack on one of the models... (see previous post) Scoring: feels like Calvin Klein crisp/clean vibe but with some attitude infused.

*editors note: I'll be creating trend posts on Spring 2010 instead of reviewing every collection. It's more organized and less work!

I heart Anya Hindmarch

pictured (clockwise): a Betsey Johnson dress, my attempt at modeling a AH bag, pretzel yumm, FNO tee, Patricia Fields, me in my FNO ensemble holding flowers from my parents (I just got a new job!), and the lovely Anya Hindmarch.

Fashion's Night Out 09. Let me break it down.

First Stop: Uniqlo- bought FNO t-shirts for a friend and myself. Forty percent of the proceeds go to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Second Stop: Kiehl's - there was free popcorn, cotton candy, pretzels, and booze. I was there a bit early and my buddies were still working so I browsed, got a pretzel, and bought some hand cream (chapped hands have no chance this winter).

Third Stop: Betsey Johnson- there were live models in the window, a team of stylists giving free makeovers, pink punch & appetizers, and beautiful party dresses that are out of my price range. As I was browsing a woman in her late thirties came out of the dressing room in a tight black satin ensemble. She looked like a stuffed sausage (this could have been remedied by going a few sizes up) but the two salesgirls cooed over how "adorable" she looked. Never go shopping without a friend when commission is involved.

Fourth Stop: Anya Hindmarch- They had a photographer on site and customers had the chance to model with their favorite handbag. The person with the most creative pose gets to keep the handbag they posed with!!! I hadn't practiced a pose so I just took direction from the photographer. As I was sipping my Pimm's cup one of the salesgirls handed me the print out of my photo and Anya who was standing right next to her, told me that I looked like Julia Stiles. I said "thank you I hear that occasionally" and walked away when I really should have said "you make the most beautiful handbags EVER!"

Fifth Stop: Space.NK Apothecary- A make up artist showed me how to open up my eyes a little bit (sometimes they look so small) with a white/pearl eye liner pencil from the Sonia Kashuk line. I got it- only seven bucks. My friends met up with me here then we went...

Sixth Stop: Guess- One of us was looking for a dress. Let me set the scene. As you walk in the music is bumping. The energetic greeter is dancing in a way that looks like she might "break it" by the end of the night. To your right, up high on a shelf are two female models in Guess clothing dancing like they haven't had a drink tonight (you know, when your heart isn't in it and your movements are restricted). To your left, up high on a shelf are two male models in Guess clothing dancing in a most awkward fashion that you are confused. Apparently the casting agents did not ask them to dance before they got the job. Overstimulation from the lights and music and tourists taking photos of models and it is time to leave.

Seventh Stop: H&M- Perused the really nice fall line. No FNO activity so peaced out.

Eighth Stop: Payless Shoes- Poked our heads into the store to see Pat Fields addressing a group of fans. Decided we were too worn out to wait to get our picture taken with her and left to go get pizza.

Show Me What Chu Got Ann

Ann Taylor claims to be a "new woman" in all of her current ads. I have to agree that she is looking a bit more casual and hip than usual. The neckline on this dress is almost "flirty!" Strut your stuff Ann. Work it.

FNO = Halloween for Grown Ups?

Fashion's Night Out 2009 is quickly approaching and I'm a bit giddy. There are so many events happening at great stores! Anya is giving away a free handbag to the girl who does her best model pose with it, Behnaz is doing personalized sketches for customers, shoppers can receive free manicures at Chanel using their new Jade nail color, everyone is handing out bubbly and cupcakes... My itinerary for the night is getting longer and longer. I don't know if I can fit everything in before 11 PM. Plus, what is a girl to wear to this fashion night on the town?

Sister from another Mister?

Am I the only one that sees the resemblance? Is Burberry shaping Emma to be the next Carine?

Pretty young thing

You know what? Screw the Kate Spade pink patent leather tote I had on my Fall '09 wish list. Let the Kate Spade tote eat cake!! The new love of my life is the Louis Vuitton LV Monogram Vernis Alma in hot pink. It is ridiculously excessive, really too pink, and gorgeous. I'm sure Marie Antoinette would have had one in her possession in a hot second.

p.s. I hope I can find a knock-off in Chinatown.

"How you doin!?"

Have you started watching Wendy Williams yet? The woman speaks nothing but the truth, loves to wear wigs, and is very humble despite her accomplishments. Oh, and she is hilarious. I have started thinking about wearing a turban as a winter hat alternative. Wendy constantly reminds women that they don't have to wear their own hair everyday. For now I'm considering turbans but maybe Wendy will convince me to try a wig. It's just one more way to accessorize really. The turbans featured are all from ebay and only cost $20.

My 6 Muses

Karl has chosen many muses over the years. Coco's favorite number was 5. One of my favorite numbers is 6. (This is how things connect in my brain-scary, no?) If I had to choose 6 muses that influence me fashion-wise I would name Carine Roitfeld, Mariah Carey, Penelope Cruz, Chloe Sevigny, Susie Bubble, and Kate Moss. It's possible this will change by tomorrow. At the moment, I love Carine for her French chicness, Mariah for her over the top femininity, Penelope for her smoldering glances, Chloe for her quirky trendiness, Susie for her ability to normalize themed outfits, and Kate for her casual cool paired-down looks.

photo credits: style.com and stylebubble.typepad.com

Wardrobe Diary Hiatus

I am ready for fall clothing. I think that is why I grew tired of posting my daily ensembles. There will be more wardrobe diary posts when the temperature begins to drop. I LOVE FALL! (I can't wait to start layering.)