NYFW : Lacoste, Mara Hoffman and Public School Spring 2015

September 7, 2014

After a busy couple of days, I’m working myself out of a whole when it comes to getting out there the coolest looks from the Spring 2015 Collections. It’s an interesting thing, how exhausted you can be – but when you love it, you can’t just let it go. Lacoste, Mara Hoffman and Public School each offered up some rather great things for Spring 2015 – and while munching on chips & salsa while watching the Dallas Cowboys struggling (3+ turnovers. What’s new?) I figured it’s time we give some shoutouts for awesomeness!

So, while I’m too rushed to give a thought-out full review of each of these collections – I am absolutely committed to giving praise where praise is do. Let the shout-outs begin!

LACOSTE

By nature, I don’t think anyone captures the sporty thing quite like Lacoste. Sure, others make a good effort, but when it comes to sportswear you wear around town, they run the show. For Spring 2015 Lacoste focused on jerseys and block stripes. The show opened with jerseys cut into dresses, except unlike Tom Ford‘s Fall 2014 Collection, these aren’t bedazzled. No, instead they’re morphed into dresses with caped add ons (and even a pair of overalls).

Perhaps the best looks though are the ones featuring chunky angular striped shift dresses. Angles come largely into play, be it in the hemlines, the stripes themselves or with sheer overlays.

MARA HOFFMAN

Mara Hoffman goes a hippie with these technicolor maxi dresses, perfect for next year’s Coachella and music festivals alike. Pop on a pair of shades, a floppy hat and you’re good to go. Cool, breezy fashion that’s perfect for those hot and humid days where you just can’t deal.

PUBLIC SCHOOL

I appreciate Public Schools commitment to menswear, even through their new womenswear collection. Their runway followed the sportsman trend – only this time, injected cool cobalt blues (and some quite interesting headgear). I love the way this collection reflects both a preppy and alternative style.

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NYFW : 5 Statements from Altuzarra Spring 2015 Collection

September 7, 2014

The Altuzarra Spring 2015 Collection makes 5 strong statements to get your wardrobe through the coming spring. The always one-to-watch Altuzarra fashion house continues their reign as modern, fresh women’s clothing extraordinaire with a collection with equal parts preppy and bohemian roots. After a very long, but exciting, night at work it was a refreshment for the eyes to browse through these looks. I always appreciate the fusion of menswear with a soft feminine touch that graces Altuzarra’s work and gives it that extra finesse.

Not to mention, us young working gals will be quite content in these fun – yet office appropriate – fashions. And really, isn’t it about pleasing us? 😉

Allow me to introduce you to the 5 statement looks from Altuzarra Spring 2015 that will keep you going strong, all spring long!

Statement #1: Checkered Prints

With The Wizard of Oz as my all-time favorite film, I was bound to fall in love with these Dorothy appropriate blue checkered pieces. But, of course, they didn’t stop there. The show opened with an array of checkered pieces, from pencil skirts and shirt dresses – to blouses and blazers. A notable detail is the narrow sash tied at the waist, which while small – makes a large impact at anchoring these prints and keeping them from being too much.

Statement #2: Vertical Stripes

Vertical stripes are all the rage at New York Fashion Week this season, and they were definitely not absent on the Altuzarra catwalk. The crisp black and white cotton is clean and classic for spring. Angular cuts, plunging necklines and brown leather belts work to take them from everyday classics to something of a bit more interest and pizzaz.

Statement #3: Wide Mesh

Mesh has certainly been having it’s run in the fashion world, but for Spring 2015 Altuzarra creates their own spin on the trend with these strappy vests and pencil skirts. I love that these looks are embellished with leather flaps. It gives them an added cool-factor, as if the design alone wasn’t coolness enough.

Statement #4: All Black Never Gets Old

For the ultimate statement of chic, Altuzarra brings breathable fabrics to these all-black looks. I especially love the tailored vests and blazers. They work well on their own, but when paired with sheer tanks and maxi dresses, have an added sense of intrigue.

Statement #5: Maxi Dresses with Movement

A flowing maxi dress will never go out of style. That is the message spread through these ornate looks. I love the continuation of the tassel fringe from the sheer black numbers onto these pieces. It’s a small detail that breaks up the fabric, keeping it from being overpowering. The metallic trend also makes an appearance as an accent do these floral designs. Quite honestly, these maxi gowns are so fantastic I’m wanting to go back to the start of festival season!

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Designer Fashion, Fashion

NYFW : Alexander Wang Spring 2015 Collection

September 7, 2014

I honestly believe Alexander Wang was sent here from 2,000 years in the future. Need proof of his time traveler ways? Look no further than his collections. Wang’s latest Spring 2015 Collection continues his futuristic story on the runway at New York Fashion Week – taking the ‘Sporty’ trend to a whole new level. Yes, I like to think of myself as a modern day girl – but come on! Wang makes me look like fuddy duddy pioneer woman. (Yes, I did say fuddy duddy!)

Basically, if you’re a young thang living in the Star Trek galaxy – you’re already familiar with Wang’s look of chic. But, if you’re living in 2014 like the rest of us, this collection will open your eyes to a whole new world of athleticism. It’s fun, sporty, colorful and as sleek as the slicked back hair of the models floating down the runway with ease. At times, the collection takes on a scuba look, with form fitting maxi dresses and tanks. At other times we see the pleated skater skirt make a return, this time in short dresses that combine mesh, cutouts and leather.

Designer Fashion, Fashion

NYFW : Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015 Collection

September 6, 2014

I write this with wet just-showered hair, in a sports t-shirt with yoga pants…and so I feel bit odd raving on about the gorgeous princess collection presented by Monique Lhuillier for Spring 2015. And yet, tonight – I will be slipping into princess-worthy attire, and already I can sense the change I’ll feel when I move into something more luxurious. There’s something about beautiful, feminine clothes. They possess an enigmatic energy that you can never quite grasp, yet totally comprehend.

Bottom line: We all need to dress like a princess on occasion; and I was excited to see Monique Lhuillier bring forth a collection fit for the inner-princess in all of us.

Designer Fashion, Fashion

NYFW : Jason Wu Spring 2015 Collection

September 6, 2014

It’s the second day of New York Fashion Week, and I confess – my energy is waning! It’s been a long couple days of life and work – leaving far too little time for sleep and browsing the new collections. But, today I was really excited to see Jason Wu retire the black and white trend in favor of cool, blues for his Spring 2015 Collection.

Not that black and white isn’t classic and fantastic in its own right. It was just a refreshing surprise to see Wu whip together a new color palette, this time featuring muted greens, blues and shimmering burnt orange along the way.

I confess, this collection started off with a few hurdles for me. The olive green print that was introduced at the shows open didn’t exactly win me over. Also, I was a bit underwhelmed by the unlined looks. Sheer torsos, legs, and such seem done to me and it was a bit disappointing to see them done once more. But, once we were over those small speed bumps – it was smooth sailing! In fact, Wu’s range of shimmering evening wear is so fantastic I’m already tagging at least one of the looks as my overall favorites of New York Fashion Week this round.

When it comes to movement, Jason Wu really just gets it.

Both closing gowns were exquisite and truly memorable pieces that are sure to make a statement no matter who wears them. (Though I do think the choice of footwear became a bit suspicious on a ballgown.)

Above all, I really just love the way these clothes beautifully drape across the body. It’s sophisticated, yet relaxed, glamour that’s elegant – but never ostentatious. Wu nails it when it comes to dressing the female form and I’m excited to see where he takes things next season for fall!

(Also, very excited to see just who will wear the gorgeous shimmering gowns on the red carpet. I pray for Cate Blanchett! And FEAR it will somehow be a Kardashian.) (Please, please don’t let that happen!)

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Designer Fashion, Fashion

NYFW : Marissa Webb Spring 2015 Collection

September 5, 2014

When it comes to cool-girls, Marissa Webb is the master at styling them to a T. There’s a signature air of sass and attitude to her clothes, and yet they’re also entirely inviting. For Spring 2015, Marissa Webb spins a tale of deconstructed shirt-dresses, leather leggings, army jackets, smokey eyes and messy side braids. It’s a new generation of cool girl, with cool tones – which offset last spring’s vivid reds. (See here.)

One things for sure, the Marissa Webb wearing girl is somehow cooler than the rest. In the past, her career involved the footprint of preppy classics at J.Crew. Now, the modern day Marissa Webb collection spins the classics into something altogether new. Reinventing the wheel – also, to a T.