Charles David Disappointment

I tried on these boots today at Charles David, and while they look AMAZING on the shelf-amply more amazing than you can tell in this picture, they made my knees look fat. WEIRD and disappointing. I'm not sure if all boots that cut the shin at this height are going to have the same effect...but I sure hope not. Still bummed that they are so amazing yet so awful.

P.S. They're cheaper online than they were in the store, so click the image if you're interested (maybe it's only MY knees that'll look chubby).

Missoni

I genuinely think that it's the color palette that makes this type of layering work. And I love it.

The Shoe Gods Smile Upon Us

I can't believe that these are Dolce Vita- and only $220. Did I mention they have a 5" heel!?

WWW.TOBI.COM

These LD Tuttle Boots that I'd salivated over earlier in a gray shade just arrived at Saks in black. At $565 they're pretty awesome as well...but I still think I like the gray shade better.

WWW.SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

Not Really A 'Pink Girl', BUT...

These are so awesome...

Marni Crossed Slingbacks
$735 at Net-A-Porter

Marios Schwab

I'm loving this Marios Schwab collection because the dresses are blatantly creative, unique and anything but run-of-the-mill - while also being wearable. I'd wear most of these in a heartbeat...the favorite being the white one...and the printed one to its right. Totally stand-out dresses, sexily body con but also brainily artsy. Love. And yes...I know I made that word up.


*Images from WWD.com*

Made for Walking

David Wyatt Shoes. Pretty lust-worthy.






Click-thru here, you'll also see the blue pair in your March '09 Elle Mag. I think I've posted the best of the lot here-although there are some pretty ones that lace up the heel like a corset.

I LOVE Erickson Beamon, BUT...

Having perused the Erickson Beamon for Target collection, I must admit that I'm unimpressed...with one exception.

At $39.99, I want to see and touch it in person first.
Regarding much of the rest of the line, WHY!? Why combine those colors? Why, why why why?!
Click Here to View Full Collection

Obscure Awesomeness

To those who have read the March '09 Elle Mag. I apologize, but I'm in love with it - SOOO much great and inspiring stuff so excuse if I post a few.

These are bizarre and awesome-I bet they look AMAZING on, elongating the legs and all that great stuff.

Phillip Lim 3.1

I had serious problems narrowing Phillip Lim's collection down to a few post-worthy favorites. SO wearable. Nothing overly inspiring going on but definitely wearable...I think that's what is still generally missing for me from the fall '09 collections...Unlike fall of '06 below.


*Images from Style.com*

Amazing Lace

Elle Magazine, March 2009
The detail in this amazing dress is somewhat lost in the resizing of this scan-but it's fairly incredible. The various pattern pieces are essentially composed of black lace of varying patterns. It's truly beautiful.


*Image source: TFS*

Phi

Pulling off 'sexy' without coming off as 'slutty' can mean walking a fine line- which is why I love this collection. SO sexy and no line in sight.

A Love Letter

Dear Fall '06,

You're still the one.
-Me




*ALL IMAGES FROM WWW.STYLE.COM*

So Far, Not So Good

Sooo, I'd love to be able to show you more from Nanette Lepore, but I don't like the rest. Between the browns, oranges and heinous prints, I'm at a loss- it feels carpetbagger-ish... Maybe if their colors had been different I'd have been more enthusiastic-can't say I'm even psyched up about this mustard shade, but it's basically the lesser of evils- thanks a lot PANTONE.

As has often been the case with the collections I've seen thus far, I AM smitten with the shoes though. WOW to the heels combining ankle bows and studs on the soles - That's pure 'pretty-tough' if I've ever seen it. Love, love love. That choker/bib necklace is pretty awesome as well.


*Images from Coutorture.com*

While You Were Sleeping

Or just not paying attention...
The awesome website appropriately named farfetch.com has been selling off some amazing stuff at some killer prices. Nearly all of the below has sold out, so this is the warning for next time around- KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR SALES SECTION. I'd KILL for that MCQUEEN military jacket.

P.S. The business model is pretty cool too, they move product for 20 reputable boutiques in 10 cities and representing a total of 200 designers. I don't know how I didn't find them sooner.

P.P.S. If you've got the dough, their non-sale sections obviously have insanely amazing stuff too.

On an Edgier Note

More of an artistic than wearable collection in many ways (those stiff, restricting looking dresses that remind me of paper mache and don't look the least bit figure friendly), I still found myself liking Rodarte and could definitely handle wearing a lot of the black pieces. The color of the gray leather boots/leggings seemed off to me though with seemingly yellow undertones. Conversely, I might kill for the black bondage-y leather jackets. This one is a definite favorite among the serious, edgy and dark collections thus far.


*Images from Coutorture*

Loving Matthew Williamson

I always love Matthew Williamson-so no shocker here. He's another one who stays very true to his brand regardless of trends. This collection was a bit 'librarian' with the recurring matchy-matchy twinset thing- but subtract a matching cardigan and leave a fabulously patterned dress with a pair of those amazing zebra print boots and the end result is to die for.
Fav. look: Second from left. Again, without the blue fur- and without the matching cardigan.

p.s. the leftmost leather 'thing' with an 80's/90's vibe reminds me of my Grandmother and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Plus, it makes the model look full in the hips, no? Or maybe it's the collar I dislike...I don't know...part of me likes this while part hates it.

*Images at Coutorture.com*

Globetrotting Prints & Inspiration Per Usual at Mara Hoffman

While there's nothing particularly groundbreaking going on here, I'm loving Mara Hoffman's take for fall '09. I love that for the most part, she stays truest to her brand yet nods to trends (ie. studs). I'm completely loving the patterned leggings, what appears to be a onesie could easily become my midnight grocery outfit of choice, and while I'm not a hearts wearing kind of girl, I love the oversized cardigan. Basically, a very retail-friendly, wearable collection. Favorite look-3rd from left...but I'd happily live around the apartment and run errands in that one-piece...therefore basically living in it.


*Images at Coutorture.com*

Because I Cannot Get Over Isabel Marant

I know I gushed about Isabel Marant's spring '09 collection about a month ago, but I just came upon actual video footage from the runway and it's just amply more delicious in motion - so I figured I'd share.

http://www.isabelmarant.tm.fr/

To those who can't decipher the french, click 'collections', then beneath 'printemps/ete 09' click 'defile' for the video footage as opposed to mere stills.

P.S. My bf just ran new anti virus software on my computer and found approximately 270 unique threats. Go me.

Some Winners at Tracy Reese

While Tracy Reese's brand of florals will probably never work for me, I did like the below looks (sans drab florals), particularly the one at far left. On the other hand, the piece at right was included because I simply loved the necklace.
P.S. I'm completely enamored with the 2-tone shoes.

*Images from WWD*

Click Here For Complete Collection

A Fall '09 Favorite to Date

While it's a little more polished than my actual aesthetic preference, Erin Featherston's collection is a clear favorite for me thus far. Before reading about her sources of inspiration (namely, the soldiers in The Nutcracker and other such toys that spring to life), I immediately looked at the tights at top left and thought "wow, those remind me of the pulls employed by a puppeteer". I absolutely love them. I adored all of the heels with straps buckling up the ankles and thereby running perpendicular to the stripes of the tights, the slouchy knit caps contrasting the polished looks (getting closer to my own style on that note), and the leather gloves throughout. The black leather jacket paired with the frilly white dress is also a clear winner for me - note the jeweled glove. The looks shown represent my favorites- therefore the exceedingly frilly has been exempt.
Click Here For Featherston's Complete Collection

Taking into consideration the state of the economy, I think her collection was smart. Like the nautical trend for spring, anything with a studious feel for fall (which this collection does elicit) tends to be a safe bet.


*Photos from Style.com*

Inspired: Unconventional Bags

I LOVE this idea. The shape of this bag is phenomenally cool. Never, ever would I have expected to have found this in Mara Hoffman's collection.
If I were to re-do it, it'd definitely be a more ornate and less simplistic piece. Nonetheless, loving - and my imagination is running wild with the possibilities.


www.MaraHoffman.com

Everyone's a Critic

The fall RTW shows of recent years have been my favorites, so naturally I've been psyched about the approach of fashion week. After a weekend of Valentine festivities, I finally committed this evening to catching up on the shows that I've missed thus far, and I have to be honest - I'm still waiting to fall in love (although in all fairness, we're still awaiting shows from all of the majors).

While the blogosphere is predictably buzzing about Alexander Wang, I can't say I was a fan...at all. Black leggings, black jackets, asymmetry - blah. Simplistic apparel for The Matrix. Not my style. While I love the rough, punked-out heels, bags and belts that are so prominent in fashion these days, I prefer to balance them with more feminine or hippie dresses, etc.



Almost everyone seems on board with this whole black, cutouts and sheer trend-and I admittedly like some of the pieces. I just can't get over my fear of what I KNOW the skankified knockoffs by Bebe and Marciano are sure to look like.
'I work the corner after 2am'-not a look I'm going for. Even scarier than the dresses themselves is that I KNOW how these unknowing consumers will wear them- with hooker heels instead of the demure or masculine alternative to take it down a notch. Unfortunate.
P.S. Cutout knee leggings at Ohne Titel, cutout leggings at Alexander Wang, cutout shoulders at Charlotte Ronson.

*Images @ Style.com*

Is it me or is Charlotte Ronson's line almost a complete departure from what I'd consider to be 'her own style'? It's like she lassoed all things trendy and put them together in her new line in it's attempt at edginess. Admittedly I like some of the studded boots...but would rather buy some from a brand where that image is authentic.
Click Here For Charlotte Ronson's Collection

I liked some of the pieces at Nicholas K-although I'd obviously be wearing them differently than they were styled on the runway- a little cleaner and more feminine.

*Images at WWD*

Lastly, I often love Diane von Furstenberg and when I saw the word "nomad" used in a review I got really, REALLY excited. Unfortunately, I didn't love most of the collection, save a couple of pieces, most notably the dress at left, and the enormous knit cocoon at right.

*Images at WWD*

To be continued as the week and shows press on...

Studded Jackets

Circa the discovery of Miu Miu's pre-fall collection, I'd questioned whether a jacket was studded and decided that whether or not it was, someone should be making some seriously studded jackets. Still no answers regarding the Miu Miu piece, however I did come across this studded coat by Burberry at Neiman's. While I'm in no way in love with it-specifically the shape, it does answer the question-"Is anyone doing this?". I still want one...just not one like this.

Angel Inspired

-David Lindbergh photo from TFS

I am a complete sucker for all things that reference angels, so much so that I've got a small, winged halo tattoo. The fascination started when I spent a couple of weeks in Italy one summer going from art museum to church and back again. Now, I see white feathers and I'm sold. Ever since a feature in Vogue a year or so ago, I've also had an image of my wedding dress involving white feathers (no desire for anything traditional here). Below are some of the designs I've saved to my inspiration folders over time:


*Elizabeth & James Feather Vest from Chickdowntown.com
*Your Slip Is Showing black & white ostrich feather slips
*Marciano headband
*Badgley gown
*Collette Dinnigan feather skirt
*Feather heel shoes- I think they were Zanotti?

What design references are you a sucker for?

Because We Cannot Discuss Fashion Without Acknowledging Lenny

No explanation needed.
I've decided my boyfriend's style is a muted version of Lenny's...a DRASTICALLY muted version, but reminiscent nonetheless. I told him but he didn't seem to have a mental image of what Lenny's style was like...perhaps luckily for me.




*Images from Absolutenow.com*

p.s. favorite part: the layering, and the necklaces-awesome.

Because A Girl Can Wish

This would be my 'practical' wish list, meaning they're things I'd get everyday use out of...No Ice Capades, blinged-out mini dresses here. The only thing I was specifically looking for and couldn't find was an adequately studded leather jacket-the closest thing I found was Rick Owens for men.

1. Vintage Balenciaga enamel sunglasses at Intermix
2. Elizabeth and James Harem Pants at Eluxury (*nevermind that my boyfriend will surely hate these*)
3. Gucci Darwin Backpack at Saks
4. Marc Jacobs Stone Applique Belt at Net-a-porter
5. Alex Monroe Feather Hoop Earrings at Net-a-porter
6. Isharya Daisy Filigree Earrings at Net-a-porter
7. Marni Leather Platform Sandals at Net-a-porter
8. Zanotti Leather Collar Ankle Sandals at Net-a-porter
9. Zanotti Cut-out Shoe Bootsat Net-a-porter
10. Ann Demeulemeester Wrap Boots - as seen on model. I could LIVE in these.

11. Although not shown, I mustn't forget the Versace Pre-Fall boots (in a previous post). Yum.

Loving

This controversial Daisy Lowe pic from the Pringle of Scotland campaign-styling too-looove:
*Image courtesy of Style.com*

Inspired : Nude Below the Belt

If you're like me, your complexion isn't best flattered by flesh tones-at least not when they're competing with your face. However, I'm loving nude/tan/beige footwear for spring and even more so, the nude thigh-high look (not necessarily styled as shown). With this post, I also confess my ongoing love of Shopbop.com's lookbooks.



Also check out the amazing footwear at http://omelle.com - just starting to make a preliminary appearance on shopbop in lookbook photos, not yet available for purchase.

Reinvention

Dear Giuseppe Zanotti & Balmain,

Take notes.




Love, D&G


Unlike the aforementioned fringe sandal by GZ for Balmain, D&G succeeded in the re-vamping of an enduring trend. Loving their take on the everlasting gladiator.

Shared Closet Space: Part 2

More to come as soon as I can photo them (for lack of net images)



Click Here

*Bwahahaha*

Gucci is hitting the 90's hard in their pre-fall collection...my boyfriend will surely be psyched about the prevalence of plaid on women.

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/#/slideshow/article/1963278/1963280

Miu Miu Pre-Fall 2009

I am ALL KINDS of smitten with these looks and more specifically, the jacket at far right...and the middle furry vest...aaannnd I never grow tired of the knee sock thing, especially not these, seemingly of the stirrup variety?

I'm now officially lusting after somewhat of a studded jacket-I can't tell if that's actually what's going on with the piece at right (doubtful), but it sounds like a good idea...although to be fair, it's current February in LA and I still rarely find occasion to wear my wintry wardrobe.

Dear Giuseppe Zanotti, Really?

I understand that most trends last farrrr longer than I ever really expect (or would like)-even the ones I genuinely loved... but really? REALLY? Isn't it only the lowest of the low end manufacturers that are supposed to be releasing things like this NOW:

And Balmain, you sanctioned this, really?

P.S. I truly love you both, REALLY. Send me something magnificent...*something ELSE, and I'll have forgotten by next week.


Unoriginal sandal courtesy of Guizeppe Zanotti for Balmain
@ a shopbop.com near you.