Chiffon Long Gone

Oh the days of chiffon wearing are long gone with the sudden appearance of winter. However the spring collections give me hope for the bright sunny days of spring/summer that will eventually...eventually come. I was going through my spring folder pulls and came across these two great Chloe dresses.

Sans the caplet and this dress is all me.

Crazy for this dress... styling it with the right accessories, a great pair of earrings, gold men's watch, and a sexy pair of espadrilles. I would go skipping through the flea market streets!

I'll be tucking these away so that they can hibernate and come back out refreshed with the sun and heat!

My Therapists

It's completely evident to anyone that knows me that I have a problem when it comes to fashion. I try to deal with it as best I can but sometimes I have to use the assistance of others to help me get through my debacle. So, I would like to introduce you to those that help me...my therapists Christophe Decarnin and Karl Lagerfield. A perfect example of my schizophrenic style, I'm in infatuated with two designers who's aesthetics couldn't be more different from one another....

I'll begin with Christophe Decarnin from Balmain. While the collection is all the craze right now you can't help but love what Decarnin dreams up every season. His Spring collection is army recruit meets Italian glitterati topped off with caveman couture. I'm pining for one of his military tail coats. After shopping with Victor for one, I think it's my turn at a strong shouldered military jacket dripping in metal epaulettes. And really who does it better than Balmain?! Decarnin understands my "rebellious" hard edge side. The me that doesn't take things too seriously and is always up for anything, who's wardrobe is a little louder intentionally making a statement for attention, but doesn't give it a second thought. Laid back, fearless, gregarious, bold, strong willed, informal... The me that can hold my own amongst the boys, gains respect from my peers, disarming to women...that thrives in my independence while reigning in on my sense of allure and percolating confidence.

And then there is Karl. The man that can dress a woman flawlessly for any event in her life. He has a strong point of view but expresses it in a softer more gentle way. He is just as undoubtedly innovative as he is pristine. His clothes exude Parisian chicness in a blase way. Karl identifies with the lady in me. The one that wants to look pulled together in an effortless way. The lady that is well mannered, likes to softly draw attention to herself with things that are more tailored, buttoned up, classic while still coming across as sensual in an intellectual way. Karl appeals to the OCD me that wants to be sharply dressed, refined, and in control.

Both men understand a woman, her body, how she feels, what she wants, and how she wants to perceived...probably better than most women understand themselves. They have honed in on their niche, strong following, their skills and gifts. They have an imagination and eye that conjures up these couture master pieces. They can direct a mood or feeling with a simple look and transform an attitude and posture in any woman with their clothes. Karl is one of the reasons why I fell in love with fashion and Christophe is the reason I'm continually excited, eager, and inspired by fashion. For me, these two designers are the heart beat to the fashion industry.

(all images from style.com)

Spring is for Stella

What is a fashion week without the creative wonders and outpouring of Stella McCartney. She was bread from creative genes and the apples hasn't fallen too far from the tree. McCartney's Spring collection is exactly what I want to be wearing in the warmer months. Her color palette is always spot on, her layering is always in perfect proportion, and nothing is over styled. When you think of hitting the pavement in this concrete jungle with the scorching heat, the last thing you want to be doing is fussing with too many garments or accessories.

So fascinated with the trim detailing on this top. It was a key component in many of the silhouettes. Adds just enough volume without being overwhelming and the pants are a perfect match...not too skinny and not too wide. I'll take it!

This was exactly what I was looking for when I went on vacation in Maine. It's light weight, breathable, and obviously the perfect bathing suit cover up. Next time, you're all mine Stella!

I'm definitely a girl that loves a good romper or jumper and this is just another reason why. Clean lines, an easy silhouette, pockets, and great detail. I feel like Stella's underlying theme is all things in moderation. A philosophy I'm looking to adapt...occasionally!

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.

Lone Star Style

Within my group of friends there is about 7-9 of us that are from Texas. Most of us connected through various friends once we arrived in NYC. You'll find this true of most Texans... We are proud of our Lone Star State! This weekend I met three more Texans, and this time they were from my hometown, San Antonio. Of course we were ecstatic to find more southern companions and people that can understand our appetite for greasy Tex-Mex. And at the end of the weekend I have come to find out that D&G seems to have a special place in their heart for the South!

I loved the parade of denim they sent down the runway. Overall I didn't really feel like that completely branched away from denim, pearl snap button downs, or tiered ruffle skirts but none the less I wasn't ever bored. However, when I saw the distressed denim strapless romper I did perk up and move to the edge of my seat. The collection was cohesive, almost to the point of repetitiveness, but I think still in line with the whole western trend that Hermes touched on with their Fall 2009 collection.

(all images from style.com)

Do The Pony...Do The Pony

Something about animal prints reminds me of being 13 years old. It could been because I owned everything leopard print from Guess or that I had zebra seat covers in my first car in high school. Regardless for the source of my hesitation, I couldn't help but fall for these pony hair animal print open toe wedges at the Alexander Wang's Spring 2010 show. I wish I could get my feet in these now! Would love to wear with my new charcoal raw silk harem pants or with my sequin harem pants. Lets be honest, I would probably wear these with just about EVERYTHING! How could you not!?!?

Love Love Love LOVE!!! Just utterly phenom!

Do the Polka

I was surprised to see how toned down and, well... pretty Luella Bartley's collection was this spring. I'm used to seeing a bit more edge and this season it was more modern with a well edited and 5th Ave Sunday brunch image. With a nod to some sixties inspiration. For the last couple of days all I can think about is polka dots. I went to a 90's prom themed party this weekend and was dying for a polka dot top to finish my look (unfortunately/fortunately I ended up with a sequin top)!

Such a sweet dress...but to combat the cuteness factor I would wear this with a pair of combat boots. I like the look of a cognac boot, but would want to add some pyramid studs to toughen it up. Ok, maybe I'm just too used to Bartley's "regular" styling but it's all about contrast here.

I'm all about the shape of the top and the way it skims the hips. I would want to keep the volume simple on the bottom and pair it with midnight blue skinny jeans and Pour La Victoire Kelly green gladiator wedges.

Christopher Kane's Ice Capades

I was in Soho yesterday shopping with a friend for home furnishing and we passed by Topshop. I took a quick look inside and got the first glimpse of Christopher Kane's collection for the retailer. After the preview I went home to see if I could find any more and instead found Kane's Spring 2010 collection. A bit of a departure from his Topshop line. I feel in love with this nude, lace appliqued dress. At first I thought it might come across as a little too ice capades, but it quickly began to grow on me. The high slits keeps it uber sexy along with the nude color.

Gentlemen of Bakongo

I have immense love and admiration for Paul Smith's collection. He's designs and aesthetic are always so sharp and on point, and the quality is at a standard that other designers need to aspire for. I'm constantly up to date on his men's collection and pull from it for styling purposes, but for some reason, I always forget to check out his women's collections. I got a chance to check out Smith's Spring 2010 collection that was inspired by Danielle Tamagni's photographs of the fashion-obsessed Congolese dandies called Sapeurs. Smith couldn't wait to reveal his collection during men's fashion week, so his menswear inspired collection hit the runway clacking in heels!

I love this dress, the color combo, the pattern, and especially the casual rolled sleeve. It looks like an over sized men's oxford that's been nipped in at the waist to give every frame a defined shape.

These two looks are both a little more sophisticated then I would normally wear but the primary colors and layering make it a look I could adapt. The yellow checker board cardigans, striped ties, belts, tailored blazers, all pieces that work great together and lend to unparalleled creativity for more looks to be created.

I'm all for these cobalt men's inspired wingtip shoes. The collection showed them in an array of colors from rust red, split pea green, and cognac. I recently purchased a pair of raw silk charcoal harem pants that I would love to wear with any of these wingtip shoes.

Becky, this has your name written all over it!!! Love love love...jump on it!

Luck Be a Lady

I'm not the most graceful thing you've ever seen, but the pristine lady in me is definitely drawn to the comely aesthetic of Oscar de la Renta's designs.

It's no secret that I'm drawn to all things that shimmer and shine. I think this dress is an uplifting take while still being feminine and boisterous in an incredibly appealing tasteful manner. I feel like it's definitely a younger Oscar customer but he's found the perfect balance of intentional flirtation and class.

This dresses reminds me of an outfit Carrie wore in I believe season 2 of Sex and the City. I'm always attracted to metallic and this has the perfect dose of subtle color to add into the mix. An update version that Helen of Troy might wear!

"Love Me a Sequin!"

Love this sequin mini from Phillip Lim's Spring collection. The casual shape adds to the coolness factor, but it's the sparkling paillettes that glistened in my eye! Would love to have this today for my birthday celebration, or to ring in the new year!

All For Vera

I'm loving Vera Wang's collection more than I ever thought imaginable. She has somehow found a way to make dressy cocktail still come across as casual sportswear. The looks of layered tulle and net overlay are gorgeous. The volume isn't overwhelming and still allows the body frame and shape to be revealed. The draping seems effortless and somehow made me forget the fact that the collection is always styled around a severely minimalist color palette.

Freaking out! I'm in favor of every aspect of this dress. The length, color, volume...everything is in perfect proportion. Normally I would prefer some sort of waist definition but paired with the necklace I couldn't ask for anything better.

The nude underlay is the perfect undertone for this dress. I love the simple silhouette. I feel like this could easily be worn with the same easy and comfort as jeans and a blouse. There are no challenges, gimmicks, or obstacles to the shape. It's simple, understandable, and relateable.

What is not to like about this skirt. I was hanging out with my friend Erin a couple weeks ago and she pranced in with the same look...(she might have been a bit more inventive reworking an old prom skirt into the same rocked out ballerina style). I like that the skirt doesn't like so pristine in the draping and the hem line is a little disheveled all the way around. I'm not going to look so crisp and clean at the end of a night of dancing so why start out that way to begin with!

The accessories at Vera's show were mind numbing. The intricately beaded spiderweb necklaces are elegant without being too sweet or precious. Clean enough to wear for a cocktail party but still enough pizazz to accessorize any lolly t-shirt.

DVF's Nomadic Return

Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2010 collection picked up right where fall left off. Continuing with the nomad in the city theme DVF updated the look with reworked prints, colorful stacked bangles, ornate necklaces, and organic head pieces. True to DVF aesthetic, the collection was enamored with rainbows of color. The collection was true to real-world dressing...pairing t-shirts under dresses, understandable skirts with blouses, belts sitting up on the waist and low on the hips, and easy dress silhouettes perfect for any frame. My favorite detail has to be the feather trim that was on dress hems and skirts (feathers and fur, definition of luxury that can be interpreted in so many ways). I have so much respect for the design team...To use the same inspiration to follow the tails of an incredible collection and still present a unique and inventive point of view.

J. Mendel Spring 2010

I hold the J.Mendel collection in high esteem. It is the one collection that I measure all others up to. The collection is always the definition of refinement, exquisite construction, and luxuriousness.

The draping and adornment on this dress is perfection. The toxic yellow color is to die for. "Bananas" for this dress. I'm all about contrast when it comes to color, so I would pair this with cobalt or fire opal booties.

This is exactly how I would style my mom for a Christmas cocktail party. No white after labor day, erroneous!!!!! Paired with a great pair of jet black lacquer shoes and keep the jewelry simple with glistening studs.

I saw this look and it reminded me of an updated version of Carrie's suit she wore at the court house to marry Mr. Big. The jacket and skirt proportion are perfectly in line and a great complement to one another.

I want one of my friends to get married in this dress. It's clean silhouette makes it fuss free but the detail at the waist is enough for any lady on her special day. I would send her down the aisle bouquet free in this gown.

The draping on this gown is out of this world. Attention to detail is never overlooked. The lightness and airiness to the dress make it even more appealing. I can only imagine how incredible it feels on!

This fur is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. It is equal parts soft and supple with a Fifth Ave lady meets down town hipster cut. I feel like this is such a freshness in fur when the trend has been vests or full sleeve coats. A happy medium that I am lusting for to transition from fall, to winter, and welcome into spring.

A shorter version of the previous coat, and another reason for an additional fur! I would rock this with dark bell bottom jeans, wedge heels, and a silk white billowy tank.