Spring 2011 R-T-W (New York: Days 4-7)

New York is definitely rubbing off on me in terms of style. I just want to dress monochromatic and minimalist. 3.1 Phillip Lim's collection is totally up my alley: oxford collars with jumpers, sheer fabrics weaved with solid fabrics to create dreamy dresses, and tailored suit jackets. I want everything, please.
3.1 Phillip Lim Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
If Erin Fetherston ever decides not to design dresses for ladies, I will eat a hat. Seriously, how does she make every dress something to covet? Not to mention, the hats, light blazers and adorable accessories (C'MON A SEQUINED PARROT PURSE????) are just so lovely and quirky.
Erin Fetherston Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Jill Stuart should really be in the first Fashion Week post, but you can just deal with it. But in all seriousness, how wonderful was this collection? Using a neutral palette (like most collections apparently), each piece, whether it is a flouncy blouse or a dress with an A-line hem, was absolutely lady like. Let's not forget the contrasting (Peter Pan) collars and flattering outerwear. Love everything.

Jill Stuart Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Karen Walker is like the quirky older sister I never had. Paisley all-over prints in trousers and dresses are cut with blocks of bright blue and orange pieces, like outerwear. It's fun, a little wink to all the neutrals out there, and very Spring.
Karen Walker Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Marc by Marc Jacobs made sportswear fun with bold primary colors, lots of stripes (which you know I'm loving right now), and girly silohuettes. Although there weren't a lot of dresses that I just NEED TO HAVE, the blouses and 70's style bottoms totally made up for it.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Marc Jacobs was all about VOLUME this season. From billowing sleeves to gigantic neck and belt accessories, these pieces are a far cry from the mostly minimalistic collection we've been seeing lately. Not only are they voluminous, they are also very vibrant. Saturated purples and reds dominated the runway, giving Spring and Summer that extra oomph when you need it.
Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Tie-dye and fluorescent greens, yellows, and oranges make a comeback appearance over at the Proenza Schouler show. Instead of the neoprene of yesteryear, these are matched with tweed (also florescent!) and slightly oversize outerwear. Sheer fabrics in summer dresses also interplay with the bright palette.
Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Hold the phone...Rodarte made actual ready-to-wear separates? Woah. Everything is of course a little weird and out there, but in the best way possible as it IS Rodarte. The clashing of naturalistic and familiar prints (wood bark, blue china) really works for me. Also, can I just say I love the hair? Swoopy bangs held in place by wooden barrettes, and long-ish flowing hair. That's my goal if I don't decide to cut my hair again.
Rodarte Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Images courtesy of NYMag.com (via Imaxtree)

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Monochrome

Outfit 53
Perhaps you noticed, but I'm very fond of striped tops/dresses and monochrome at the moment. Grays and blacks and whites only, please. I'm not sure if it's in celebration of New York finally having some good weather (mid 70's, partially sunny with a breeze) and so I can abandon all my summer clothes that just weigh me down when it's 92 and humid. Or maybe I'm trying to look older than I really am. Who knows! I've just been really drawn to neutral colors lately and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight...not that I'm complaining!
Outfit 53Outfit 53
I really need to work on my enthusiastic smiling face. I will chalk that up to reading all night for class!
So I actually wore this to the MoMA so you can see my outfit in action here:

Top: Uniqlo (from a Pajama set, but they only had the top) | Pants: Uniqlo | Socks: Hong Kong | Brogues: Aldo | Coat: Calvin Klein

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Spring 2011 R-T-W (New York: Days 1-3).

This is going to be a long first Fashion Week entry, just a fair warning!

Adam
's S/S line was full of smart separates, great fitted blazers, gorgeous flowing dresses, and lots of beautiful lace. Such a perfect collection from beginning to end.

Adam Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Band of Outsiders produced a lot of tailored and adorable preppy looks, which is to be expected. the last few looks (all-white dresses and separates) were what really blew me away. So gorgeous and lady-like, they are perfect for the dog days of summer.

Band of Outsiders Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Band of Outsiders Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
There were some pretty far-fetched looks in Charlotte Ronson's collection. Unlike Jason Wu's play on sheer items (more feminine and bold), the sheer outfits in this collection were a bit more wack-a-doodle. Of course, there were some looks (90's grunge: plaid and floral) that were a bit close to my heart.

Charlotte Ronson S/S 2011 r-t-w
Derek Lam started his show with a few all-over denim outfits that actually made me grimace--not because it was denim on denim (because you know I love that) but the shade of denim was just so early 90's. It wasn't until the pieces got decidedly more feminine (long light dresses, skirts, and rompers) that I stopped frowning.

Derek Lam Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Jason Wu has proven time and time again that he can make beautiful clothes that flatter a lady. This season, he emphasized both the femininity (flower brooches, sheer tops, beautiful flowing gowns) and masculinity (smart tailored menswear: clean lines in jackets and suits)--sometimes both in the same outfit.
Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Knowing I'll never be able to sit and watch a fashion show irl, seeing it online in real time is my second best option. It really does make a difference seeing the fabric move with the model--you get more of a sense of what material things are and how things flow. After seeing the Preen show "live," I was blown away. I think this may be close to my favorite show so far (of the ones I've talked about in this entry...although Jason Wu is pretty high up there). Everything was just so strikingly clean and beautiful that it was hard to choose favorites...but I'll try.
Preen Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Rachel Comey has decidedly taken a more mature route compared to her last S/S collection. Gone are the more twee-elements of her clothing. Taking its place is a far more neutral palette (blacks, whites, tans, and army greens with only a smattering of some bright colors) in the vein of her F/W collection: more suits and smart dresses. This isn't to say that the collection isn't bad--it's all still very wearable and flattering. I guess I just miss the days when a lady can pull off a corduroy dress!
Rachel Comey Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Richard Chai Love looks like what a nice summer day feels like: easy and breezy. Gauzy fabric (sheer, naturally) over more fitted pieces give each look a relaxed feel, especially with the very neutral tan and off-white color palette, with just a smidge of denim and black to keep it from getting too one-note.
Richard Chai Love Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Whereas rag & bone* failed in their attempt to create something militaristic, Ruffian took it a bit more literally (and indubitably more successful). Tops (and coats) with broad shoulders are cinched with belts and the very clean lines are neutralized by flowy pants; ruffles offset the severity of military looks and grommet-like gold buttons keeps the inspiration throughout the collection without getting too heavy handed. The collection takes a turn away from military with more African safari-inspired get-ups. Ikat and cheetah prints adorn summer tops and chiffon-like dresses, giving the collection as a whole, more visual interest.
Ruffian Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Suno is known for their prints and by golly do they make fantastic prints. Everything was just head-to-toe deliciousness. I just want everything, except for things that resemble pajama pants. That trend really needs to die now, thanks.
Suno Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
Thakoon was brimming with whites, vibrant blues, and a few prints. Classic and clean, this collection was in the same vein as a lot of other Spring/Summer collections: neutral with sheers and lace/crochet, and everything structured and flowing at the same time.
Thakoon Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
The models of Vena Cava sported bright lipstick and an occasional head wrap for graphic interest which complemented the very print-heavy collection. It was such a welcome respite after all the neutral collections in this post (Rachel Comey, Richard Chai)! There's really nothing more to say: it is fun, girly, and resort-like.
Vena Cava Spring/Summer 2011 r-t-w
All images courtesy of NYMag.com (via Imaxtree)
*Every season, I gush over the rag & bone collection and I'm pretty bummed that I'm not doing that this season. Clearly, this was not designed for girls like me. Boob harnesses and weirdo crochet-y things, thigh socks with garters, and super contrasting and jarring colors...Oh boy, I seriously don't know what girl would actually wear this out--even to go to da clubz. You can see the full collection here or here and see if you agree/disagree with me.

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Tucker by Gaby Basora

Before I start my usual Fashion Week updates (y'know, collages and text about how much I ~love~ everything), here is something you should also look forward to. Gaby Basora's line Tucker did a Go International line for Target. It's print-a-palooza done with 1970's elements in a modern silhouette. I especially love the orange dress with the scoop back and ruffles. The line comes out this Sunday!

Tucker by Gaby Basora: Target Go line
See more images at Nitrolicious.com

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Denim on denim

Outfit 52
Last night I was calculating what percentage of my wardrobe was in New York and let me tell you, it is a very small number which can be seen as impressive (I'm living minimalistic, guys) or sad (I have too much clothes). Either way, it gives me an opportunity to be more creative like this ensemble which I wouldn't be wearing 4 years ago. Denim on denim? That's like reliving my elementary/middle school years! But with the ~trendiness~ of denim shirts, I thought...as long as it's got a modern silhouette, it's alright, right? What are your thoughts on denim on denim?
Outfit 52
Top: H&M | Pants: Uniqlo | Loafers: St. John's Bay

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My take on a Lazy Sunday

Outfit 49
This is what I imagine I would wear on a lazy Sunday. Slouchy tee-dress in thick cotton and some comfortable leather shoes. Now if only I had time to be lazy...
Outfit 49
Necklace detail:
Outfit 49
Dress: Uniqlo | Shoes: Clarks England | Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Zara TRF September

Zara TRF September 2010
Even though New York Fashion Week is officially here tomorrow in all its spring and summer glory, I'm SO READY for Fall. I had two nice days this past weekend--weather wise--and now it's back to a muggy 88 degrees (or warmer). Gone are the daydreams of finally getting to break out my light coats and cardigans! The new Zara TRF lookbook does not help matters. The sweaters and sweater dresses! The blazers! The leather jacket with shearling à laBurberry Prorsum! Not to mention the dresses adorned with adorable collar treatments and patterns.
Zara TRF September 2010
Images courtesy of Nitrolicious.com

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A.P.C. Autumn 2011

In honor of my buying a A.P.C. dress today (my second!) at the surplus store in Williamsburg, here are some of my favorite Autumn looks from their website. The weather today was so great and hopefully it will stay this way until Fall so I can actually wear jackets and coats and everything awesome.

A.P.C. Autumn 2011
A.P.C. Autumn 2011

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Inside "Mad Men"

Mad Men in Rolling Stone
It's almost become a weekly feature where I post something Mad Men related every Sunday. But I mean, who can complain? It's one of the best written shows in recent history and the acting is just superb. I especially love the attention to details in the props and wardrobe. This entry comes from Rolling Stone, photographed by James Minchen, who was able to get a sneak peak behind the show.
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
More after the jump.
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
This one is for Sarah:
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
This one is for Jonathan:
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Mad Men in Rolling Stone
Images courtesy of Rollingstone.com

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"You look so professional"

Outfit 51
That's what my non-fiction professor said to me, as I was sitting there panicking and sweating like I was in a sauna. I mean, I'll take whatever compliment I can get when I'm looking like a hot mess!
Outfit 51
Striped top: H&M | Skirt: Forever 21 | Wedges: Aldo | Wishbone necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Coat love

Outfit 50
In honor of Cecily's defunct blog Coat Love (last updated: exactly one year, BUT YOU CAN TOTALLY REVIVE IT!), here is a post about my newly acquired vintage wool coat. I bought this little gem at the Brooklyn Flea Market on Saturday, in 90+ degree weather. I was obviously not really LOOKING for a coat in that weather, but seriously, was this coat not made for me? Princess cut with a Peter Pan collar? I die.
Outfit 50Outfit 50
Lining:
vintage coat lining
Collar:
vintage coat

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