Saturday, September 10, 2011

NYFW Spring/Summer 2012 Part 1

NYFW (New York Fashion Week) Spring/Summer 2012 started on Tuesday September 8, 2011.  With technology & social media being at its finest, delivering the latest fashion updates on the shows has been at every blogger's fingertips (although nothing beats being at the actual shows).  Today was the highly anticipated shows of Prabal Gurung and Alexander Wang,  both delivering amazing shows. Here the 1st installment to my 3 part series of NYFY Spring/Summer 2012.

At the Prabal Gurung show painted latex, a jewel toned deep purple based floral print and mesh panel cutouts were the dominating factors.  Gurung which is known for his evening dresses didn't fail with a a floor length cutout dress that managed to be sexy but chic at the same time.  Although I loved the vibrant colors of the floral print Gurung showed, I wasn't too fond of the painted latex skirts that graced the runway.  Overall Gurung's collection seemed playful and airy but the cutouts and floral prints were more than enough for me.







At the Alexander Wang show people packed the event and was not disappointed with Wang's dramatic runway set up of maze-like mirrored walls which seemed a little bit confusing to many of the show's attendees attempting to find their seats.  All in all Wang's show flipped the script and decided to show a collection of motorcycle inspired gear consisting of zippers, mesh panels, pops of color and amazing leather cross body bags.  The hair on the models was worn slicked back with a wet effect.  The makeup was minimal and the clothes did all the talking.  The dark colored anorak style jackets combined with the dark floral prints Wang showed was a nice surprise to this season's shows, considering many designers were featuring loads of colors and prints. The show was effortless, chic and sporty, who can go wrong with that.





Friday, September 2, 2011

Expect the Unexpected

Labor Day weekend is officially kicking off today....bittersweet???? Most definitely.  Labor Day weekend is the last weekend before Summer is officially O.V.E.R., but on the other hand Fall is under our noses and NYFW (New York Fashion Week) is around the corner beginning September 8-15, 2011.  One other reason to be happy the Summer season is ending is that you get to shop for your Fall wardrobe.  Curious to know some of the trends that are taking an unexpected lead this season?  Take a peak at some of these surprising trends.


1. Do it up with Denim- Switch up the look from a denim button down, a pair of denim jeans and some brown or neutral colored booties.  You can also the denim trend by pairing wide leg denim trousers with a leather shell top layered over a light turtleneck.  Another option could be a denim shirt over a basic tank top, paired with a mini skirt with tights and booties of course.  The point of this look is to mix and match.  The outcome should be fun and not to matchy matchy. Just don't forget to balance out the silhouette when pairing pieces together.  You don't want to look like a big stuffed bag.


2. Big, bold Brights- Who would have thought that bright colors would be so chic and appropriate for the Fall season? But yes people saturated colors such as red, bright blue, green and orange are huge for the Fall season.  You can rock it head to toe or if you want to be more subtle about it pair a LBD (little black dress) with a pair of bright colored heels or with a brightly colored lip.  Have fun with it, but make sure the lines are clean and simple.  There's a fine line between looking sophisticated and looking like a red, hot mess!!!!!

3. Falling for Florals- Okay so it's obvious that for the most part that floral trends are reserved for Spring, but this season florals are making a nice debut with the colors being neutral, muted or dark.  If you're a little nervous about this trend try it in baby steps.  Perhaps pairing a basic tee with a warm coat some trousers and a floral printed scarf.  Or you can try a dark colored dress with a small floral print on the hem of the dress. Don't be shy, after all flowers bloom all year round.

4.The Magnificent Maxi skirt/dress- So this trend i'm totally loving right now.  The maxi skirt or dress has so many options.  You can belt it under a white button down shirt and throw on a cute hat, or you can rock it the way you see it here under a tank top layered with a asymmetrical cardigan and belt.  This trend is not only fun, but practical, comfy and surprisingly chic.  The clean lines of the skirt or dress elongates you making you look thinner and taller ladies.  This is a trend that looks great on everyone.  Just remember if you're under 5'4" throw on some clogs or wedges for a little height.


5. The Tie Neck Blouse- Okay so I probably would have never thought I would be writing about this trend below.  The tie neck blouse is a trend I distinctively remember my mom rocking back in the 80s, paired with a shoulder pad blazer a pencil skirt, pantyhose and heels...eeeeeeek!!!! Those were the Dynasty days, but this trend actually looks fresh and classic with a pair of jeans and booties like Katie Holmes is rocking in this picture, or you can try it with a pair of slim trousers or cigarette pants layered with a luxurious fur or faux fur coat and a floppy hat.  Voila...instant glamour at your finger tips.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Nail Color Cravings



Happy Sunday y'all just wanted to share with you some of my nail color obsessions for the upcoming Fall season.  After a quick necessary pit-stop at my favorite drugstore Walgreens I decided that I not only needed some body wash and lotion, I also had to pick up a fresh new color of nail polish for my weekly mani/pedis.  To my delight (as usual) I decided to veer over to the cosmetic/nail polish section and was temtped to buy 5 new hot colors I peep out, but decided to snag atleast two new colors from my favorite drugstore nail polish brand Rimmel London Rags to riches and Wild Orchid both $4 (which might I add has a great easy to apply brush and the polish stays shiny and put for atleast a week- a definite must-have) . After my self-made mani I got inspired and wanted to share some of this season's fall favorites. Check 'em out.

Rescue Beauty Lounge $18


Essie Wicked $9

Deborah Lippmann Supermodel $16

Chanel Peridot $25

Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance $18


Sunday, July 24, 2011

Pick your Sole Mate

With the 4th of July behind us and Labor Day Weekend fast approaching I hate to burst everyone's bubble, but the Summer is coming to an end and FAST (insert sad face here). With that being said there is a ray of light in this tragedy.....Shopping for the Fall season. So let me get you into the Fall 2011 mood by sharing with you what I think are great choices for your lovely pair of feet. I mean who doesn't love shopping for shoes??? They come in different colors, styles and guess what they always fit....no dieting or starving yourself for those pair of boots or heels you've been lusting over. Wedges, clogs, booties, heels and flats there's a selection for everybody....just pick your poison and rock those bad boys!!! Take a peek at my Fall 2011 favorites (along with where you can purchase them). Enjoy and happy shopping!!!!!!!!

Pick your Sole Mate


Giuseppe Zanotti leather shoes
$750 - couture.zappos.com

Prada pumps
$950 - nordstrom.com

Forever21 fold over boots
$30 - forever21.com

Ann Demeulemeester wedge bootie
$1,515 - saksfifthavenue.com

Alexander mcqueen shoes
€795 - colette.fr

Christian Louboutin platform boots
$1,695 - net-a-porter.com

Sam edelman boots
$314 - coggles.com

Miu miu heels
$630 - miumiu.com

Jeffrey Campbell wedge bootie
£120 - harveynichols.com

Jeffrey Campbell heel boots
$205 - nordstrom.com

Fendi round toe shoes
$995 - barneys.com

Oasis leather shoes
£35 - oasis-stores.com

Mulberry leather booties
£475 - my-wardrobe.com

Platform sandals
$156 - topshop.com

Miu miu boots
$750 - barneys.com

Mulberry flat shoes
$550 - mulberry.com

Minnetonka suede fringe boots
$90 - nordstrom.com

Fendi stacked heel
$830 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Christian louboutin heels
$995 - barneys.com

Elie Saab platform shoes
$401 - boutique1.com

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The City by the Bay's Love Affair with Balenciaga

As the 4th of July weekend approaches and everyone is making plans to lay on the beach, hit up BBQ's and relax in the company of family and friends on the top of my list is attending San Francisco De Young Museum's Cristobal Balenciaga Exhibit Curated by the world famous European editor at large for Vogue magazine Hamish Bowles before it ends on July 4, 2011.  Obviously I am the classic procrastinator, waiting until the last weekend before the exhibit ends to catch it, being that I have been flying back home to San Francisco back and forth from L.A. (where I now reside) since early this year.  So in homage to the exhibit and in anticipation of me catching it I wanted to share a few photos of the Balenciaga Resort 2012 Collection along with pictures of Spain's famous architecture ( which heavily influenced the designer).  If you happen to be in The  SF Bay Area don't miss out on catching the Balenciaga exhibit at the De Young Musuem before it ends July 4, 2011.

Balenciaga and Spain @ The SF De Young Museum until July 4, 2011

 
 Cristobal Balenciaga 1950
 
 Antonio Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelon, Spain
 
 One of several architectural buildings in the city of Barcelona, Spain
 
 Balenciaga Resort 2012 Collection
 
 Balenciaga Resort 2012 Collection
 
 Balenciaga Resort 2012 Collection