Fall 2012 Trends: Metal Plated Shoes

I know winter has barely begun, but as I was perusing GQ's 100 Best Pairs from Fashion Week,  I noticed quite a few pairs featuring metal for Fall 2012. Classic silhouettes paired with chunkier hardware accents provide for an edgier take on modern footwear.

From Costume National, to Louis Vuitton, to Salvatore Ferragamo, to YSL - there were plenty of options which were showcased down the runways.

 Costume National

 Salvatore Ferragamo

 Louis Vuitton

YSL

(images courtesy of GQ)

But to be fair, it looks like everyone took a page from Balenciaga and Louboutin - who actually introduced this in their Fall 2011 collections.

Louboutin metal capped wingtips (image courtesty of luxuryculture.com)

Balenciaga Fall 2011

Now Wearing…

When it comes to print on print action I'm a fan as long as the color families are in the same realm I think it works so today I combined a ditzy print dress with a pair of bold leggings and captured some of those color pops in my bright necklace and socks.

As for my hair, I've wanted a change for a long time and I've been thinking of getting an undercut...but the weather outside is so cold it makes me think if I lose my hair I'll find myself in cold regret.  I decided to sort of do an quick look inspired by undercuts by twisting my hair and using mini clips to hold it in place.  While it is far from perfect - note the errant strand twisting in the back - it was fun to change things up for a day.

Ditsy Floral Babydoll Dress - H&M via Clothing Swap
Long Cardigan - H&M
Rope Necklace - DIY in the style of Proenza Schouler
Printed Leggings - Versace for H&M
Socks - Uniqlo
Wedge Ankle Boots - Nine West Pinktorp

Runway Review: Dior Couture Spring 2012

The house of Dior still lives with or without the scandal that is John Galliano and in his second couture collection for the house Bill Gaytten has done a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of Dior with so many references to the past without being stuck there. Classic Dior silhouettes that make a woman feel like a woman – like the New Look of 1947 are in abundance but they are made fresh again being whipped together in translucent fabrics.  It’s almost like you’re have X-ray vision into something that from a glance should be very lady-like and the effect is quite provocative.

One of my favorite pieces is actually this tucked sheath on the very right that almost looks like pattern drafting coming to life with it’s almost muslin color and bold pick stitches.  I guess seeing the art of patternmaking dissected is very appealing to me.  As for color palette the collection was predominantly black, white and nude with a few pops of red and violet. Although monochromatic and without pattern I thought it was the best possible showcase for what Gaytten was trying to achieve.  Bravo for a collection well done.

First Look at Victoria by Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is one of those rare celebrities that made a smooth transition from being a world famous singer into a legitimate and respected designer.  Season after season her sleek and modern dresses embrace a sense of luxury and empowerment that women hunger for.  She is soon to launch a diffusion line called Victoria by Victoria Beckham to be revealed in a full short film next Monday along with a window display at Harvey Nichols.  And unfortunately, although the line is definitely more affordable than her namesake collection, dresses are still priced between £500 and £800 (which translates to $780-$1248 USD).  From this 20 second teaser I get a sense of playful pops of color, silhouettes that are more breezy and bold graphics.

Celebrate the Karl by Karl Lagerfeld Launch

Who: KARL by Karl Lagerfeld
What: The Kaiser's launching his exclusive collection for Net-a-Porter and with the chance to shop his collection at locations all over the globe!  Plust the first 50 shoppers at each location will receive a gift from the new line.  Kinda makes me wish I had a more flexible day job to check out the NYC launch.
When: January 25, 2012 at 10:30am in NY or see other cities below.  I would go early :)
Where: 375 Bleecker St, New York, NY

Check out what to expect from this highly anticipated collaboration.  In true Lagerfeld fashion the collection includes plenty of black, leather and a sharp sense of feminine tailoring.

 

Check out the App to preview the collection and for a chance to win $1500 from Net-A-Porter.

Instagram Diary

(Chicago at sunset from the Aon Center, no filter; my roommate's Jack Russell Harper)

Just a few weeks ago I finally upgraded to the latest and greatest iPhone, the 4S.  With a new phone came a bunch of new apps, including Instagram.  Wow, I'm kind of addicted.  I love how easy it is to share to Facebook and Twitter, and while a bit cheesy, I do enjoy playing with the filters.  I also enjoy browsing my Instagram feed, super visual and minimal reading.  It's a nice way to keep in touch with friends around the world and follow favorite designers and fashion bloggers.

(My bedroom; words to live by to the right of my bed)

You can take the girl out of New York, but you can't take the wedged booties out of her closet.  My Style Diary has been quite the same without James S. Rand in my life.  The exciting news is that he's Chicago-bound!  I can't wait for us to collaborate again.

I've also made a couple of great new friends here - Owen and Corey, and we had a small shoot the other weekend which was super fun.  Here's a preview; I'll be sharing the rest pictures soon.  With their help, I hope to get back into personal style blogging again.

(Photo by Corey Lillard with Owen Black)

Sample Sales This Week: Jan 23-29, 2012

Who: OAK NYC Sample Sale
What: In addition to the 30-40-50 Sale, OAK is a having a secret basement sale featuring one off samples, shoes from the styling closet and great pieces from our favorite designers that were hiding behind some shelves- all at drastically reduced prices.
When: Sale started Jan 20, 2012
Where: 28 Bond St, Basement Level (b/n Lafayette & Bowery St)

Who: 143 Ludlow Sample Sale
What: Up to 80% off Sophomore tees, dresses, tank tops, leggings, skirts, and rompers, plus Lindsey Thornburg cloaks, clothing, and accessories at deep discounts. Keep an eye out for local finds (Anna Sheffield jewelry), vintage discoveries (Portia & Manny), and fashion and rock tomes.
When: Jan 23, 2012. Monday 1pm-8pm
Where: 143 Ludlow St (b/n Stanton & Rivington St)

Who: Rent the Runway Online Clearance Sale
What: Over 400 styles from top designers at 50%-80% below retail (gently worn).  Labels include Milly, Nicole Miller, Missoni, Moschino, Preen, Proenza Schouler and more.
When: Jan 23, 2012-mid Feb.
Where: Online.  Stylists are available for consults at 1-800-509-0842.

Who: DanniJo Sample Sale
What: Snag bold and modern statement jewelry from this NYC based label. Jewelry will start at $10 only. Credit cards are not accepted for purchases under $100.
When: January 24, 2011. Tues 6pm-8pm
Where: 423 West 14th St, Suite 3R (b/n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: Built By Wendy Outlet Store Closing Sale
What: Deep discounts on past-season merch
When: Jan 26-29, 2012. 12pm-7pm.
Where: 46 N 6th St (near Kent Ave) - Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 718-384-2882

Who: United Nude
What: Snag architectural shoes from the Fall/Winter collection at 70% off. Pin Belt booties $124.50 (was $415), the Helix Hi boots  $75 (was $250),Step Mobius Velcro Hi boots $178.50 (was $595)
When: Jan 29-Feb 4, 2012. Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
Where: 25 Bond St (b/n Bowery and Lafayette St)

Ongoing Sales:
Who: Rothman's Moving Sale
What: Score 40-70% off menswear from labels like Hickey Freeman, Cole Haan, Z Zegna, AG Jeans, Earnest Sewn, and more.
When: Now through - Mar 1, 2012. For Store Hours click here.
Where: 200 Park Avenue South

Who: American Apparel Flea Market
What: Markdowns of up to 90% off warehouse stock. Merchandise will be replenished throughout the sale
When: Extended now through January 31, 2012. Daily 9am-9pm.
Where: 766 6th Ave (b/n 25th & 26th St)

Golden Globes at Style Coalition Lounge with Dove

Event photos by Ana Schechter

Just last week I was at the Style Coalition Lounge dressed up with some of my favorite blogger friends and watching the Golden Globes thanks to Dove.  We got to treat ourselves to mini hair touch-ups throughout the night and to make things interesting we all filled out a ballot guessing who we thought would take home the awards.  Since I don't have cable, I don't watch too much TV so my guesses were at times wildly off save for my guess for Downton Abbey (on my must see list) and Modern Family (how could you not love it?).

While having my hair touch-up the stylist mixed it up by giving my super cute mini braids and using Dove Style Frizz-Free Shine Cream-Serum to nourish my hair, prevent static and for light styling without any weight or sticky feel.  I loved the light smell (slightly reminds me of apples) and the fact that I am treating my hair even though it doesn't feel like I am using product.

I had a blast tweeting the night away while sipping cocktails and snacking on delicious appetizers.  One of my fave moments of the night was when the dessert version of Golden Globes were brought out.

As for the clothes, they were really the reason I watched the show and I noticed headbands on both Charlize Theron and Michelle Williams looking juvenile on one and adorable on the latter.  Another trend I noticed was the strong prevalence of blush on the red carpet which is not likely to go away anytime soon.

One of the predominant trends of the evening was the Fishtail dress it was all over the red carpet.  While some of the celebrities pulled off this trend looking amazing, there are others that I am not so sure made it happen.
Bérénice Bejo, in Gucci, with Chopard jewels and a Swarovski clutch looks classically movie star beautiful in her vibrant cobalt blue number. Kate Beckinsale looked lovely in her blush Roberto Cavalli.

Sofia Vergara was a knockout in peacock Vera Wang with Harry Winston. The fit and flare shape suited her voluptuous figure perfectly

Tilda Swinton was a stunner in Haider Ackermann's tuxedo dress with Fred Leighton and Pomellato jewels.  (More on this below)

I did not like Reese Witherspoon fire engine red Zac Posen - the Vampy look conflicts with her image and when paired with the big hair had her coming off as trying too hard.

I was on the fence about Rooney Mara in her sultry black Nina Ricci - while the bodice was definitely sexy, the stiff skirt didn't quite look like it belonged on the same dress and just looked kind of awkward.

One of the newest things I saw on the red carpet was a nod to the 1930s in terms of heavy Art Deco influences in gilded geometric shapes.

Shailene Woodley looks lovely in her fishtail in Marchesa with the shimmering beading that accentuated her silhouette.

Salma Hayek with the gilded bodice by Gucci looks every bit the glamorous movie starlet that she is.

Nicole Kidman her gold studded Versace with Fred Leighton jewels never looked taller or more powerful.

Claire Danes in her black and white J. Mendel dress with Bulgari jewels looks sophisticated and grown-up - a long cry from her awkward youth on My-So-Called-Life (how I loved that show).

As for my faves no one did it better than these ladies - sophisticated, unique and unforgettable.

Dianna Agron in Giles with Fred Leighton totally channels Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire (from Hunger Games).  While some said swans were so last year, can anyone really argue with the fact that her look stood out or that she looks beautiful without being trashy?  Wish I could say the same for her fellow Glee co-star Lea Michelle who looked like she was trying to channel Halle Berry from years gone by.

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu with Fred Leighton took a risk by wearing a textured velvet gown with sleeves.  It could have been potentially disastrous but fortunately the shape of the dress is simple and the clean lines show off her svelte shape in a non-obtrusive way.

Emma Stone in head to toe Lanvin spiced up her pretty 2-tone dress with her own touch - the eagle belt adds life and personality in a way that works perfectly for the red carpet while being true to herself.

Angelina Jolie is striking in her perfectly form fitted 2-tone Atelier Versace dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewels.  Never thought that matching lipstick and accessories to your dress would look so good - maybe it works because the bold red is in small doses.

My personal favorite of the night had to go to Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci Premiere with Fred Leighton jewels. The dress in the shimmering peacock feathers that transform into sequins was gorgeous, perfectly fitted and complimented the actresses coloring perfectly.

Last but not least I know I mentioned Tilda Swinton before but she really looks stunning and marches to the beat of her own drum combining feminine and masculine elements that some commented reminded them of David Bowie.