Fashion Week Favorites, Spring 2015 RTW: ODLR

Now I always love a little Oscar de la Renta, but this collection still managed to exceed my expectations. It included so many of my favorite things-- over the top pink florals, gingham, ostrich feathers, black and white, lace, Daphne (my favorite model,) the list goes on and on...

Fashion Week Favorites, Spring 2015 RTW: Lela Rose

For Spring '15, Lela Rose presented a collection filled with feminine, romantic details like floral prints, flouncy A-line skirts, nipped in waistlines, and lace. I really enjoyed the way modern additions like cutouts, transparency, and crop tops melded together with the more traditional girly elements. Two of my favorite looks are the kimono-inspired silhouettes, both the black and white polka dots and the blue and white floral print in silk. I think they are such a fresh take on the wrap dress! I also love the ankle strap shoes by Manolo Blahnik that accompanied many of the looks. I've been craving a pair like that for my closet!

Fashion Week Favorites, Spring 2015 RTW: Monique Lhuillier

Everyone already knows that Monique Lhuillier makes the prettiest gowns, so for her Spring 2015 RTW collection, she focused her attention on expanding daywear options for her loyal customer base. This collection is still anything but casual, but many of the looks can be broken down into separates that would make great wardrobe updates individually. Although she still included some of her quintessentially exquisite evening gowns in the lineup, many of the looks are well-suited for cocktail parties and garden weddings. The color palette, inspired by a tropical sunset, featured shades of blush and lavender, a combination that I envision increasing in popularity in the coming seasons.

Fashion Week Favorites, Spring 2015 RTW: Kate Spade

Every season, I find myself looking forward to Kate Spade's Fashion Week presentation. Fans can always count on Kate Spade for a fun collection that serves as a happy little respite when Fashion Week starts to feel too fashion-y.  

The theme of the Spring 2015 collection was "Escape The Ordinary." Featured looks celebrated those extra hours of leisure we like to squeeze in during spring and summer months. The Kate Spade team even went so far as to bring nature indoors, welcoming attendees with the summery scent of freshly cut grass, squares of which had been installed in the gallery space. Complete with PVC visors, wicker handbags and tropical straw hats shining in the accessories category, these looks recall simpler, more care-free times. 

Fashion Week Favorites, Spring 2015 RTW: Tadashi Shoji

Every September and February, I anxiously await the arrival of Fashion Week. Even though September's shows focus on Spring, to me they herald that we've finally made it to Fall! The sense of excitement leading up to Fashion Week slowly builds as the Instagram accounts of my favorite designers and bloggers light up with model fittings, sneak peaks, and migrations to NYC. By the time Day 1 begins, my husband is already prepared for this new priority to temporarily become forefront in my life. I usually stay up long after he goes to bed, eyes glued to my laptop, taking in the day's shows. As much as I love it, for the sake of me functioning properly in my day to day life, it's a good thing not every week is Fashion Week!

One of my early favorites this season was Tadashi Shoji. This collection was inspired by Venice, specifically Ca' d'Oro, the golden palace that sits on the Grand Canal. And after falling in love with Venice for the first time myself, just a couple months ago, I couldn't be happier to be transported there again!

Milan Fashion Week Favorites { Spring 2013 }

I've got a couple more Fashion Week Favorites posts left for you this week, beginning with Milan! I was so charmed by the collections in London that for me, Milan just didn't compare; but I did love the neutral black and white palette that was prevalent, and also the voluminous silhouettes, and Mod influences. Which designer or look is your favorite?

London Fashion Week Favorites { Spring 2013 }

It's time for more Fashion Week favorites! Looking over my favorite looks, I can definitely say that I enjoyed London more than New York this season. So many of the collections were so polished and feminine and right up my alley. I'm glad to see the peplum trend isn't over, and I'm really feeling the color palettes-- especially the creamy whites, silvery greys, and soft blush and apricot. Out of the designers who show in London, I always look forward to Burberry and Mulberry the most, but am also really excited about the futures of Sass & Bide and Christopher Kane! And my number one highlight? It's got to be the poodles on the Mulberry runway! Not even a question.

New York Fashion Week Favorites { Spring 2013 }

So, time to talk about Fashion Week-- specifically the Spring 2013 RTW season! I always look forward to the New York shows the most. It is one my life's goals to attend Fashion Week there one day, preferably with an invitation, but honestly, I'd probably settle for lingering outside the venues and people watching around the city. A girl can dream though, right? Overall, Spring 2013 has not been my favorite Oscar de la Renta never disappoints, and I did enjoy some of the emerging designers, most notably ex-J.Crew designer, Marissa Webb. In my opinion, most of the collections just fell flat, and even some of my favorite New York designers, including Jason Wu, Christian Siriano and Ralph Lauren failed to impress and left me feeling a little confused. However, once I narrowed all the collections down to just my favorite looks, I'm still left feeling inspired and optimistic.

Get the Runway Look: Colorful Separates

Another trend I just loved on the Spring 2012 runways was colorful separates, especially the explosion of sherbet shades.  Although it's not a new concept, not many women have a bright blazer in their closet. (I certainly don't!) I absolutely love playing with color, and am always up for a challenge, so pairing a bold blazer with an equally colorful pant gets me a little excited inside. But we all have those days when we're just not up for making a fashion statement, or the potential risk of looking like a clown... literally.  This is a trend that can definitely be approached in a more subtle way... like mixing a bright blazer or top with a neutral pant.  For example, some of my favorite combinations right now are coral/camel, turquoise/black, and mustard/denim.

Here are some more accessible pieces that will send you on your way to injecting color into your spring wardrobe, or if you're daring, maybe even your fall wardrobe! As always, accessorizing is subjective, but I like the idea of camel, nude, or cream shoes with delicate metallic jewelry.

1. Forever 21 Paisley Layered Necklace / 2. Forever 21 Multi-Strand Necklace / 3. Zara Metallic Stretch Belt / 4. Zara Metallic Plaited Belt / 5. Calvin Klein 'Olive' Pump / 6. Zara Combined Court Shoe / 7. Topshop Shrunken Textured Blazer / 8. J.Crew Cafe Capri / 9. Aqua Ponte Girlfriend Blazer / 10. Zara Skinny Trousers / 11. J.Crew Suzette blouse / 12. Zara Skinny Trousers / 13. Madewell Silk Spotlight Tee / 14. Asos Tux Cropped Pants / 15. Topshop Drape Front Blouse / 16. Zara Tab Trousers / 17. Kate Spade Supercalifragilipstick in Fuchsia Fete  / 18. J.Crew Crystal pennant necklace

Personally, I predict that this whole concept of playing with color, (color-blocking, juxtaposing unexpected hues, etc.) will be the defining fashion trend of this decade. What do you think? Do you see color sticking around?

Get the Runway Look: "Punk-Deco"

One of the trends I noticed on the Spring 2012 runways, especially in Milan, is what I will officially dub "Punk-Deco." Art Deco era silhouettes and architectural-inspired graphic designs were everywhere this season, and designers freshened them up with a slightly punk-rock edge.  Pull your hair back into a tight bun, smudge on some dramatic, smokey eye make-up, mix and match your choice of the pieces below-- and you just might be mistaken for a model at Gucci, Etro, or Roberto Cavalli!

1. Topshop Foil Block Tee / 2. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Peridot / 3. Lulu Frost for J.Crew Crystal and Resin Earrings / 4. Topshop City Devore Mini Dress by Unique / 5. Topshop Deco Scallop Embellished Top / 6. Topshop Shiny Faux Leather Skinny Trousers / 7. Topshop Deco Embellished Peach Tee / 8. Guinevere Fan Ring / 9. Robert Rodriguez Fringed Silk-Blend Mini Skirt / 10. MISS SIXTY Short Dress / 11. Zara Gold Tunic / 12. Lulu Frost for J.Crew Wide Deco Bangle / 13. J.Crew Deco Bow Bangle / 14. ASOS French Connection Art Deco Bracelet / 15. Yves Saint Laurent 'Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking' Mascara / 16. Yves Saint Laurent 'Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils' Longwear Cream Eyeliner

It's not very often that people describe my style as edgy, but when I'm feeling like having one of those days, these looks are right up my alley! Will the Punk-Deco look inspire your wardrobe anytime soon?

Paris Fashion Week Favorites

I'll admit that I've drawn out this series waaay too long, but do you have any idea how much time it takes to watch every single show from New York, London, Milan, and Paris... and still have a life? I probably shouldn't answer that. Well, we've finally made it to Paris, and I'm a little sad it's over. As I tried to determine which Spring 2012 Fashion Week I would declare my favorite, I kind of felt like a parent being asked to choose their favorite child.  But considering that this post contains almost twice as many designers as the previous three, I guess I'll have to agree that the facts don't lie.  My favorite is clearly Paris. I would apologize for the overabundance of images, but I think it's safe to assume that if you follow my blog, you like looking at beautiful clothes. :)

All Images from Style.com

If I could afford to order clothes straight off the runway, next spring you'd find me in an assortment of colorful suits from Chanel and Elie Saab, pants from Balenciaga, and cocktail dresses by Giambattista Valli.  But since it's safe to say that's outside the realm of possibility, make sure to check out my next post on which runway trends I think are worth incorporating into my (and your) closet... for less!

Until then...

Milan Fashion Week Favorites

I've loved following each Spring 2012 Fashion Week in its own way, but I've got to admit that Milan might be my favorite.  Some of these shows were almost impossible to narrow down to just two looks.  My favorite trends were Art Deco-inspired prints, over-the-top embellishment, delicate pleating, and the wide variety of experimentation with sheerness and cut-outs. The bold colors and detailed craftsmanship were so beautiful that I cannot imagine anyone viewing these images and not loving clothes, or at least appreciating fashion.

All Images from Style.com

This series has been far from my most popular, but these posts have been some of my very favorites to put together. So much fun! :)

I wish I had somewhere to wear the evening and party looks from Emilio Pucci and Dolce & Gabbana.
Which look, or designer, is your favorite?