Living For...

If you're a long time Coco Canal reader, than you are fully informed of my unconditional love for DSquared (confidently proclaimed my favorite collection/brand), so whenever I get the opportunity to visit the showroom to preview the latest collection, I react like a kid anxiously awaiting Christmas morning! I calmly pillage the racks, at least three times, examining fabrics, silhouettes and fit, new design details...hoping that the genius and essence of the brand will somehow permeate into my very being.

***SIGH***

I walked away inspired, excited, and with a full memory card of images. When I got home I refreshed my memory (read went back to my happy place), and got to thinking about the pieces I wanted to use for work vs wear. I never thought of my style as being uniform, but I'm starting to notice familiarities (exhibit A below).

{Dsquared jeans & fur pullover:: Margiela sneakers}

Boyfriend jeans + an injection of fur + sneakers.

Yep, this is what I've been all about for..well, unapologetically, quite a while! Seriously though, those jeans with the bottom of a vest sewn onto them with a pocket square. Who could forget those high tops?! And PLEASE for the love of all things holy, do not overlook that fur pullover...Just saying fur pullover gives me a full heart and tear filled eyes! Perfect color combination, proportion, and casualness...you know just throwing on my fur sweatshirt to grab my morning coffee and walk my french bulldog pup!

Homme Edition:: Seeing Double Part II...

Earlier this week I picked up the latest issue of GQ to do a little research. While thumbing through the enhanced style filled pages, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Johan Lindeberg's "way-downtown" cool ensemble. A pair of everyday grey straight fitting jeans, crisp white t-shirt, and a pristinely pressed white double breasted jacket...Nailed It!

Post sartorial find, I took to the internets to find more.

The Caten boys sent down this luxe double breasted jacket as part of their Spring 2012 runway show.

For Spring 2011 Bottega Veneta showed a baggier version.

Here's a quick guide to get Lindeberg's full look::

Gents, maybe you want to think about giving this a go?! For you first timers trying a double breasted jacket, take note of one thing:: double breasted suits can come with any number of button sets. But no matter how many, they should all be buttoned with the exception of the bottom button set.

Seeing Double...

{Dsquared Spring 2012}

Quick preview of an upcoming blog post...stay tuned!

Lets Talk Fall:: My Look...

Wardrobe Diaries:: Previews, Pulls, & Parties, OH MY!

The last couple of weeks my calendar has been packed with previews, pulls, and fabulous events. I love getting to see the clothes, shoes, and accessories up close...touching, smelling, it's a very meditative experience for me. Last week I was heading to the Dsquared/Margiela preview and wanted to dress up for two of my all time favorite brands...yes I know the designers wouldn't be there but they clothes were, so inadvertently they were present in spirit!

{image by Nate Poekert}

Dress:: Lela Rose grosgrain stripe dress

Jacket:: Juicy Couture cropped leather jacket

Vest:: Old Navy DIY denim vest (introduced here)

Shoes:: Christian Siriano for Payless black side zip boots

Bag:: LoGo by Lori Goldstein bronze ruffle bag

Scarf:: Custom designed scarf by Roxy

Belt:: Lela Rose black patent belt

Mind blowing Margiela trench coat...

Front//Back

Margiela sequin open toe boots!...drooling!!!!

Three of my favorite DSquared pieces.

Return To Classic Prep...

A week or so ago I was at dinner with a group of friends (we constantly roll 14+ deep). At my end of the table we were of course talking all things fashion and the boys were joining in on the convo correctly pronouncing Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent (I like to think I've trained them well). We were talking about our personal style, giving our two sense on other's, and discussing our next wardrobe purchase. I realized after a comment was made that quite often I have an unrealistic view of my personal style. I am adventurous, often quirky, a little schizophrenic, and unapologetic...but not as avant garde as I think I am. I shrugged off the comment but it came flooding back as soon as I started flagging images from DSquared's Resort 2011 collection which reintroduces their vision for classic, quintessential prepster.

I love a polished look...especially when the silhouette is accentuated with energetic tones. The straight leg pant that is traditional "for the office" wear is made downtown cool by a blazer with an illuminated color combo and a "didn't even think about it, just threw it on" aura.

DSquared has a knack for taking the classic prepster image and injecting it with new life. The jacket in citrus orange is killing me, and the pairing with grey and white is equal parts genius and refreshing. The tuxedo jacket with boyfriend fit jeans is my style comfort zone. Classic pieces that have a slight tick to keep it from being monotonous.

The fit on men at the fashion house is unlike any other. This wool tuxedo is flawless. If I were seen with a man showcasing this suit, I would high five myself! In the last year I have welcomed high waist wide leg pants with open arms. Something about being this classic appeals to me every now and then. I always feel a rejuvenated air of sophistication, royalty, and hint of sex appeal when I slip into a pair. Loving the exposed skin top with a strategically placed jacket draped around the shoulders. A look I must replicate this fall.

{all images style.com}

Fashion Psychoanalysis: Designers~Session 1

As stated previously, I'm working on a project with a fashion website that will currently remain nameless. I'm super excited about the collaboration, but it got me thinking that I need to get back to my fashion roots. The last couple of days I have been looking through old/new fashion shows, established and independent designers, trying to remember why I love and respect the ones I do. Much like taste buds, my appetite for fashion and designers changes frequently. However I do have a handful of designers that has remained consistent throughout the seasons.

Phillip Lim could do no wrong! The women's wear prodigy has inspired and excited the fashion industry with a heavy hand in street elegance. Like many contemporary designers, Lim is about designing and creating garments/looks that are understandable. A huge inspiration to my personal style is Lim's knack for combining dressy elements with casual counterparts (exhibit "A" copper lame pants with a grey sweatshirt). The collections are always injected with an air of romance that is ambitious while remaining prudent.

{both images from style.com}

If Phillip Lim was Barbie, then Proenza Schouler would be her cute, hip, younger sister, Skipper! The Parson alum duo captured my heart seasons ago, and constantly appears on my "What I Want Now" list. They have branded their collection on "real clothes." There are no trick or gimmicks to their designs or aesthetic. They design around versatility and never lack in pizazz or charm. They are edgy without being obnoxious, and sweet without the tooth ache. The collection is perfectly balanced and exquisitely executed. Apparently, two heads are better than one in this design house's case!

{both images from style.com}

Last year I was introduced to Isabel Marant. I stumbled upon images of her Spring 2009 collection and fell in love with the patch work pieces and slouched boots with chains haphazardly wrapped around the ankle...which actually inspired my own DIY boots. Season after season she continued to send awe inspiring garments down the runway. It isn't just her apparel that I long for, Marant has put her best foot forward into footwear. Days after she presented her fall collection in Europe, editors at large were seen walking the courtyard to the next show in her famous footwear.

{elle.com & style.com}

DSquared was one of my first fashion loves! The first time I saw the Caten's collection was during cycle 2 of America's next top model. The brothers design with a sense of humor...gossip magazines, venti Starbucks cups, and cigarettes down the runway is in tune with Santino's "lighten up it's just fashion!" The collection is continually innovative and imaginative, but still retains an element that is polished. The collection always combines an aesthetic that is fun and effortless but understands that women like to get dolled up on occasion too with a dose of sex appeal.

{all images from style.com}

I could look at different collections and shows everyday and find something new to be inspired and moved by. Narrowing down to just a few was extremely difficult, but I had to choose the ones that have a hand in my love for the industry, design, and craft. One last designer that can't go unnamed and needs no explanation is Balmain....enough said and I'm sure you understand why!

Caten's Canteen

DSquared's show was posted on Style.com today and I couldn't be more excited. I'm always anxious and eager to see what the Canten twins will turn out. And, true to their twin designing form, it's always unexpected. Their Spring collection was inspired by the outdoors and camping trips, a concept they started with for their men's line which showed earlier this summer. The Canten duo always sends their models down with props to add to their theme...this season model's trotted down the runway clad in band aids and clutching Budweiser 40's!!!

Denim denim denim everywhere!! It's the easiest way to cover up and add a casual touch to any look. It's a must have piece for Fall and Spring. Looking forward to layering mine over and under pieces throughout the Winter as well.

I love the juxtaposition of having something sweet and dainty paired with a casual Saturday lounging piece. This is how I've been trying to dress the last couple of days.

I love the fact that these shorts have the rubber material from wading boots as the cuff. I chickened out on purchasing a pair of wading boots while I was in Tennessee and have been regretting it for the last three weeks.

I'm anxious to try wearing a t-shirt under a strapless dress. I've seen it done over and over again but always shy away from it. Also going crazy for the shoes paired with scrunchy socks. Definitely a look I want to try out for fall/winter.