Glamour's NY Fashion Week Recap

Glamour.com has a surprisingly resourceful fashion section, especially considering that Glamour is a much more mainstream magazine. They've done a wonderful review of New York fashion week that's worth watching, if only for Robert Verdi's quote.



Quotes
Michael Kors- "Wear Day-Glo head to toe and you look like Barbie on acid."
Robert Verdi- "I think men have made a big mess of the world and women have to clean it. And so the female warrior is back."

His and Her Twin Looks for Fall 2009

If you and your hubby like to dress like twins, you're in luck. Hermes presented this clean cut suit for men paired with an unexpected bright yellow turtleneck, and Jil Sanders created a structured black outfit with a pop of color around the collar. Wearing these outfits will let everyone know you're together and look fabulous doing so.


Photo: Alessandro Lucioni, Giovanni Giannoni

Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte Shoes

As amazing as the Rodarte Fall 2009 clothes were, my true love goes to Nicholas Kirkwood's thigh-tall, slouchy, bondaged boots that graced the catwalk. Just look at its magnificence- the buttery leather, the straps bound up like ballerina point shoes, the studs, and the killer heel.

Of course this is a shoe lover's fantasy shoe, but how much does it cost in reality? Probably more than my first month's paycheck of my first (future) real job out of college. The backup plan?


Zucca Slouch Heeled Boots + Yards of black ribbon

Just wrap yards and yards of black ribbon around these slouchy knee high books and you can get the same effect. And you would have the option of wearing them normally. At $648.00, the Zucca boots are looking more and more like a bargain!

Hot Item: Grey Satchels

As the weather's starting to get nice and warm, the birds are starting to chirping at 4 in the god damn morning and my nose is itchy and runny because of allergies.　Oh and lest I forget, I'll be having many, many midterms and papers in the next few weeks, because the beginning of Spring is concurrent with the middle of the semester. The only thing I look forward to this time of year is wearing bright girly frocks and ruffled skirts. Lately my friends say I've been wearing too much black- but that's because most of my outerwear, my boots, and Ninewest tote are black! Once it's spring I can ditch my wool coat and dress in vibrant hues. To go with my bright Spring wardrobe, I'm looking into a grey satchel that would match anything and everything, as well as lend chicness and sophistication to any outfit.

Kale Palmer in Cement- $795.00
I really love the rotund shape and studs on the handles, that give a devil-may-care nonchalance.

Spiegel Patent Tote Bag- $69.00
More like a structured bowling bag, the Spiegel bag would work well contrasted with a flowy dress.

Zagliani Crocodile Puffy Satchel - $11,800.00
I died looking at the price tag，but grey and cocodile make a nice combination.

West/Feren Hudson Bag in Stone- $565.00
The hardware and utilitarian boxy shape reminds me of the Proenza Schouler PS1 collection, but a little more elegant.

Treesje Avalon II Mini Grey Patent - $595.00
From the first time I spotted this bag on Lucky Mag, I was struck by the use of pleats on this handbag.


Matt & Nat Portishead in Grey- $179.99
Not only does this bag has rock and roll style, but it's also made from 100% vegan leather. Feel good that there was no pain and suffering involved in the making Matt & Nat bags.


Miu Miu Matelasse Satchel in Smoke- $1,550.00
Absolute perfection. The unusual texture seems so organic, like tree bark. It would look beautiful paired with Rodarte's equally scrunched fabric, organic-inspired dresses for Fall 2009.

Helena de Natalio Leti Bag - $356.00
Nothing looks more body-hugging, slouchy perfection than this beautiful-in-its-simplicity Helena hobo.



Guess Demi Hobo in Grey- $118.00
Guess Large Demi Hobo in Grey- $135.00
Guess does Art-Deco, which I love.

Banana Republic Bridgeport tote in Dust- $260.00
BR always carries a line of eye-catching work totes. I especially love how the handles are attached at the side on this bag.

Project Runwayless Runway Show

Even though Project Runway has yet to appear on Lifetime, they have started shooting and even did a runway show with the top 3 designers showing for Fall 2009 NY Fashion Week. Unfortunately because of the delayed airing, the designers were anonymous and did not appear on stage. How horrible to not be allowed to put your name on your work and get the recognition you deserve! They probably weren't allowed to invite their families to see their work on the international fashion stage that is Bryant Park. Thankfully NY Mag has kindly covered the show. While the clothes great, the result of the PR fiasco is disappointing. Bravo, Weinstein Co., and Lifetime, stop acting like schoolyard children and settle things already!

Contestant 1 is going for the Alexander Wang 'cool girl' look with lots of chunky knits and leather, but occasionally shows off a polished side. There were definitely stumbles along the way and I don't mean models tripping here and there. The eveningwear felt weaker than the sportswear in that dresses were awkwardly draped.





Contestant 2 had the kind of girly-glamorous style that I personally aspire to dress. I found the silky dresses in rich jewel tone to be effortlessly chic. Most of the collection is really lovely and flattering on the female body. The style similar to brands like Rebecca Taylor, Milly, and Cynthia Steffe. However, the critic in me wants to rip apart looks 2 and 4 because they look cheap and groan at the awkward 'is that a shirt or a dress?' length of some the outfits.





Contestant 3 has a similar style to contestant 1 but does it better. He/she mixed things up with different fabrics and textures, but carries the criss cross pattern throughout the collection. The workmenship is impeccible, especially the work done to the leather pants in picture 3 below.







My prediction for the winner is contestant 3 because the collection really displays the person's ability to manipulate fabric. My personal favorite is still contestant 2's collection.

Peacock Hair Assessories

The first time I spotted these feathered hair accessories was on Lauren of Fops and Dandies. As much as I loved LC's style, I found them a little too eccentric but having seen more stylish ladies sporting the Flapperish accessory, I'm starting to like them. A quick browse on Etsy showcased some fabulous peacock headwear. Seems like the trend is really catching on!



Sweetgrassmill's Teeny Tiny Feather Clips
LovMely's Peacock Feathers on a Blue Headband
Topsyturvydesign's Peacock Feather Butterfly Hair Clip



Preenyourself's Peacock Feather Hair Clip
Mandiesuee's Birds Eye View Hair Fascinator
NevaPlume's Henley Peacock Feather Hair Piece Clip



YJdesign's Pica Peacock Applique Feather Cocktail Hairclip
Portobello's Chloe Peacock Fascinator Mini Top Hat
Alicehartcouture's Peacock Feather Pin

Speechless at Giles

I don't know what to say, except perhaps- "It's not just me, right?" Huh, fashion as a phallic symbol. Maybe Giles is implying that women are being masculinized. Women are protecting themselves in male-dominated industries by imitating men. Only Giles would create fashion that requires a dissertation which is why he's the enfant terrible of British fashion. Here are some less controversial looks.





Browsing the Giles collection is always fun because it blurs the line between fashion and art, ugly and pretty. I can only say that the clothes aren't very wearable but I can see the odd accessory being worn by a fashion editor. I loved the wide brimmed hat that resembles Japanese straw hats, the touches of fur, and the amazing, open-zipper, tall boots.

Jewelry Lust

Spotted: Giovanna Battaglia's ginormous gold earrings on Jak and Jil


I am in lust. Those earrings are perfection. Giovanna Battaglia wears no dainty studded pearls but hefty, angular works of art. Through the help of ShopStyle, which is a fashion blogger's best friend, I stumbled on Kara Ross, who I think is the designer of Giovanna's earrings. I also found some similar quirky earrings on giltgroup.com.






Kara Ross Flower Ring, Kara Ross Small Multi-Flower Earrings, Giles & Brother Pear Cutout Earrings, and Mimi So Gold Diamond Drop Earrings

Runway Walk Boot Camp

For your amusement, Modelinia has created the High Heel Boot Camp, where two models are getting a crash course in runway walk with a series of crazy challenges. Imagine walking in 5 inch skinny heels on a balance beam 4 feet off the floor. I can't even walk across a balance beam barefoot so I know this challenge is intense.


Episode 1


Episode 2


Also check out Heidi as the superhero Kluminador kick major fashion butt on Spiked Heel.

Deal of the Day: Target Travel Totes

Have you guys seen these? I haven't been on the Target website since getting my Thakoon cardigan so I haven't noticed these adorable totes until now. The best part is that they are 50% off so you can get a travel worthy tote for only $6.49. I can already see them stuffed with beach supplies.

Oscars Dresses 2009: The Rerun

I wasn't able to watch the Oscars on Sunday and make mental notes on the dresses that graced the red carpet. Thankfully, the internet has provided great photos of the Oscar dresses for my viewing pleasure a day later. I must say, the dresses are fantastic this year.


Natalie Portman glows in Rodarte. I'm glad not too many dresses were in black.


This Armani Prive dress is absolutely stunning. It shows Anne Hathaway's curves in all the right ways. My pick for best dressed.


I love when stars go for something unconventional, and Marion Cotillard does the best in this Dior Couture dress. I still love her fish scale Gaultier dress from last year better. That dress really took guts to wear but it fit her splendidly.


Instead it's Miley Cyrus that wore a dress reminiscent of fish scales this year. It looks so expensive, like there are thousands of diamonds encrusted on the dress!


Evan Rachel Wood looks amazing again! Not as awe-inspiring as her Elie Saab dress from the Acadamy Awards, but it's very close. She evokes such a timeless sophistication that makes her a joy to see on the red carpet.


Marisa Tomei wears a jaw-droppingly intricate Versace gown. Words can't express how much I love it.


Sex and the City has certainly endowed SJP major style. The bodice is intricately beaded and perfectly cinched on this princess gown.


My Ideal Oscar Dress


Most stars wear carpet-grazing gowns, but this intricate cocktail dress by Carmen Valvo is much more youthful. I paired it with the same hue Louboutin heels and dazzling Erickson Beamon earrings.

Zip Me Up, Lover

3.1 Phillip Lim Zipper Dress, Bebe Asymmetrical Zipper Dress, Christian Louboutin Zip-Detail Clutch, and Sergio Rossi Black Patent Leather Zipper Pump



Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 Look 3, Forzieri Women's Cream Leather Bomber Jacket, Alexander Wang Donna Denim Washed Hobo, and Secco Rissarossi Brooch

Breakout Designers Shine for NY Fall 09 Fashion Week

There's definitely a different atmosphere this year at New York Fashion Week. Everyone's grumbling over the recession and how designers are scaling back their shows and parties. While the big designers are trying to combat shrinking wallets by going for classics and cutting costs, the unknown designers are pulling all the stops to make their collection stand out in a difficult time for the fashion industry. Not to say the major designers didn't have a great showing, but for me, the smaller designers were the ones that really shined.

For example, Frank Tell's collection blew me away. I'm going to let the collection speak for itself.






With its fairly muted palette of black and white, the collection really focused on details and structure. The clothes manage to be both sweet/flirty and hard/edgy. As a personal preference, I love that juxtaposition. The knitwear is fantastic as well.




Another collection I really enjoyed was that of ChoCheng's. Named one of the top five Chinese designers to watch, the Hong Kong based designer has produced a collection of tailored blazers and coats. Although the collection is not on the cutting edge of fashion, it does have jackets that any girl would be happy to own. I am particularly eyeing the sky-blue winter coat which would make any winter outfit look fantastic. I did feel that the evening gowns were a much weaker showing. The last gown billowed out like it was made for maternity wear.










I am a recent fan of Bensoni so I was ecstatic that NY Mag covered their Fall 2009 show. Their clothes have a quirky lady-like sophistication, similar to that of soon-to-be-closing Mayle, that I adore. I admit there are both hits and misses but the odd pairing of different patterns and texture is what makes this clothing line fun and lovable. Nothing is super matchy-matchy.






Finally, I have to show love to the winner of Project Runway 5, Leanne Marshall. She staged a 9-looks presentation, with only 3 weeks preparation! She showcased more structural draping rather than just ruffles and pleats this time. The long column gowns are drop dead gorgeous. I also loved the grey coat and actually wish she made more winter coats in the collection. Leanne really set a high standard at the Project Runway finale that she doesn't quite meet this time around but that's reasonable considering she did the entire thing in three weeks.