Posts filed under 'Runway to Reality'
Photo Credit: Style.com
1. Transform neutrals from staid to stunning with a splash of color, as at Ports 1961.
For the second season in a row, neutrals were the big color story. But how do you keep your look interesting when your closet is full of beiges and greys? Add a pop of color. Brights look especially fresh against this neutral palette. If you want to go easy, try a shoe or handbag in an eye popping color. But if you want to up your style game a bit more, go bold and try a brightly colored pair of shorts or a skirt. Just remember to pair warm neutrals with other warm hues, and colder neutrals with other colder hues.
2. How to mix and match prints? Do as Peter Som does and try wildly different prints in the same color combination.
We’ve said time and time again that the secret to mixing and matching prints is to keep one element between the prints the same - be it the type of pattern (e.g. stripes with stripes, checks with checks) or the size of the repeat (e.g. small with small, large with large). But these two design details aren’t the only ones you can vary. Do as Peter Som did and keep the color combination of the print the same - and you can vary both the pattern type and the size of the repeat. Pretty snazzy.
3. Long belt? Follow Derek Lam’s lead and fold it over, boyfriend belt style.
The Boyfriend Belt, so named because it’s uber-long, as your boyfriend’s belt would be, made a stunning appearance on the style set for Spring/Summer 2010. If the runways of Spring/Summer 2011 are any indication, these boyfriend belts will still look posh next year. How to get the style right? Choose a belt that’s extra long in length, buckle it as usual, and then fold the end down under the belt and up and over, tucking the fold into the pocket created by the first fold.
4. Rock out with a statement necklace, taking inspiration from Proenza Schouler.
The statement necklace is here to stay for another season. Pendants, chains, bows, and other embellishments make these necklaces stand out. They’re a great conversation piece - and can add a bit of spice to an otherwise plain outfit. We love wearing statement necklaces with basics - a blazer, tee and skinny jeans look rather plain by themselves, but when you add a statement necklace, the look feels much more pulled together. But you don’t have to keep your look plain to pull off a statement necklace. Just make sure your top is plain to provide a blank canvas for these necklaces to shine.
September 24th, 2010
Photo Credit: NYMag.comLace at Catherine Holstein, Verrier, and Diane von Furstenberg.
Style tip? Catherine Holstein proves that lace doesn’t have to be feminine and sweet (though it so often is). Pair the loveliest of lace dresses with the right accessories, and it can take on a distinct edge.
What do you think? Would you wear lace? If so, how would you wear it? Share your thoughts in the comments!
September 9th, 2008
Photo Credit: NYMag.comYellow Green at Carolina Herrera, Catherine Malandrino, and Jonathan Saunders.
Style tip? Pair yellow green with yellow, green, rich brown, or even black.
What do you think? Would you wear yellow green? And if so, with what? Share your thoughts in the comments!
February 6th, 2008
As we’ve mentioned before, voluminous sleeves are going to be Huge this fall, as seen on the runways of Peter Som and Oscar de la Renta. A look at StyleBytes indicates that the trend is going strong in Europe as well–look at the sleeves on that plaid Balenciaga. These sleeves are a great way to experiment with volume. We’ve found that the key to keeping this look updated is to make sure the volume is not near the upper arm and shoulders, which will indeed make you look ‘theatrical.’
Inspiration: Lela Rose’s Fall 2006 Collection
C. Ronson Empire Cardigan | $150 at Active Endeavors
C&C California Swan Top | $88 at ShopBop
March 1st, 2006
Simply knowing the top 10 trends of Fall 2006 Fashion Week isn’t enough. You also need to know where to find and how to sport these looks outside the Bryant Park Tents. We did some searching and found inexpensive (yet still so cute) alternatives to the high fashion we all witnessed last week.
Trend: Puffy Shoulders
Runway:
Reality:
INC Puff-Sleeve Shirt | $79 at Macy’s
Yves Saint Laurent Peasant Blouse | $695 at Neiman Marcus
Trend: Voluminous Sleeves
Runway:
Reality:
Diane Von Furstenberg Elisabetta Chiffon Top | $198 at Nordstrom
Norma Kamali Everlast Peplum Babydoll Jacket | $225 at Nordstrom
Trend: Bubble Skirts
Runway:
Reality:
Rachel Pally Bubble Skirt | $154 at Nordstrom
Norma Kamali Everlast Rara Bubble Skirt | $275 at Nordstrom
Trend: Vests
Runway:
Reality:
Free People Washed Tuxedo Vest | $108 at Nordstrom
Double Breasted Shawl Vest | $24.80 at Forever 21
Trend: Long and Short Leather Gloves
Runway:
Reality:
Leather Gloves, Silk Lining | $85 at Neiman Marcus
Fownes Brothers Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves | $56 at Nordstrom
Trend: Knit Caps
Runway:
Reality:
Crochet Cabbie | $24 at Urban Outfitters
March 1st, 2006
Photo Credit: NY Metro
Key Takeaways: As always, Nanette Lepore enjoys experimenting with various shapes, sizes and colors, and isn’t afraid to try something new. This season, we think she was going for Granny Meets British Punk.
Color Palette: All shades of plum, complemented by black, grey, brown and purple. Silver lamé made a comeback. As far as prints go, polka dots were paired with plaids in an effort to achieve mismatch chic.
Silhouettes: Long blazers,
loose trousers, buttoned-down silk shirts, fitted sweaters, voluminous
skirt suits, flowy dresses, short trench coats and bell sleeve
boat-neck dresses.
Accessories Report:
NP incorporated patterned silk scarves into the collection, along with brooches in the hair and cuff bracelets to complement evening gowns. Red
tights also replaced the traditional black ones we’ve been spotting
everywhere.
What’s Wearable:
The evening gowns are red-carpet worthy. The knit sweaters, tweed skirt
suits and kimono-style silk dresses can also be translated from runway
to reality.
What’s Not Wearable:
The neck scarf looks more like a men’s necktie, and although we women
strive for equality, we’re not ready to alter our wardrobes. A plaid
pantsuit is flattering on the body but hard on the eyes.
February 8th, 2006
Key Takeaways: The sisters of “Little Women†gone wild – that’s the essence of Mr. Coviello’s Fall 2006 collection. As a co-worker of the famous Anna Sui, Coviello’s knack for the vintage focuses on the aspects of the sophisticated bohemian rather than the naïve school girl.
Color Palette: A prismatic bolt of browns take center stage, while supporting shades include hints of warm blues, greens, pinks and maroons.
Silhouettes: A combination of fitted and relaxed is shown in the various pieces. For the most part, fitted tops lead down to relaxed, draping slacks. Asian influenced tailoring is used nicely, and knee-length skirts give a pleasant shape to the troublesome female hip zone. The numerous mutated slip dresses with flowy capped sleeves and sporadic ruffles aren’t brand-spankin’ new, but the delicate material used gives an applauded feminine shape.
Accessories Report: Leather shoulder purses suit the collection very well, while wispy scarves give elongated necks appreciative texture. As always, Coviello adds his own personal touch of chic corsages that are beautifully urban rather than trendy soccer mom.
What’s Wearable: Each piece of Coviello outerwear (blazers, boleros and coats) promises to be the concept of many copycats out there. The multi-colored quilted cardigan is most appealing. The contrast of hard tweeds with sweet cascading fabrics is feminine with a hard professional edge, and the puffy sleeves are done in a tasteful way that makes them look wearable. The prints he uses are also great standing alone – they are both understated and stylish.
What’s Not Wearable: Mixing different types of patterns is a good trend, but some of the pieces go a little bit overboard. It’s no question that Coviello can do wonders with vintage style. Even so, some of his vintage-inspired clothing looks a little bit too old for general fashionista audiences. There was one patterned dress in particular that was unflattering and it looked like a table cloth/second hand house dress.
February 8th, 2006
Luxe clothing reflecting the Edwardian period made a splash on the runways for Fall 2005, with rich velvet button-up jackets, lacy tops and lace-up boots.
We want to know: What do you think? We think the Queen definitely would have approved.
Our inspiration: Peter Som’s Ode to England.
An Edwardian look at Peter Som.
Photo: New York Metro
Velvet Military Jacket | $169 at
bebe
August 17th, 2005
Ooh la la! With its rich hues and luxurious fabrics, the tailored Parisian chic of Lanvin’s past collection is a perfect transition from summer to fall. With its classic tailoring, our runway-inspired ensemble has a timeless polish.
Parisian Chic at Lanvin
Spring 2005 Ready-to-Wear
Photo Credit: Marcio Madeira
Diab’less Marina Circle Skirt in Black $135 at
Bluefly August 10th, 2005
