Pre-Fall is all about the feminine details

It can be uninspiring to look at the debut of the pre-fall 2011 collections while it's freezing and snowy outside.  The thought of doing it all over again with new coats and sweaters and layers is pretty daunting.  But the current outpourings from various designers is making the thought bearable--exciting, even!!  There are some absolutely amazing pieces taking hold in New York right now and some definite trends are emerging.  We especially love the femininity of the looks--so many designers are going for gorgeous ruffles, feathers, bows, and shapely silhouettes.  And, of course, there's plenty of pink, cream, red, and other wonderfully fun colors.  What an excellent antithesis to minimalism (though, of course, we love that too!!)

Below are some current favorite looks from designers like Nina Ricci, Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, and Valentino.  The billowy fabric is just gorgeous and we love getting swept up in the lovely details.

Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Nina Ricci, Valentino 

Pre-fall will be a chance to show off some luscious ensembles and we cannot wait!  For now, though, it's time to keep donning snow boots and plenty of cashmere...

Trendspotting: Stripes

From the photo diary of ioulex, via The New York Times Style Magazine

Stripes are everywhere at Fashion Week, from New York to Paris.  Stripes evoke classic prep, especially this past summer when everywhere we looked we saw nautical boat stripes!  This fall and upcoming spring, the style gets edgier from designers.  The stripes are still there, but in varying widths, colors, and fabrics.  Sonia Rykiel had stripes on top of stripes on top of stripes, while Marc Jacobs played with knits, diagonals, and color to evoke a more bohemian-inspired look:

Haider Ackermann, Marc Jacobs, and Sonia Rykiel 

Of course, how could we talk about stripes and fashion week without talking about PRADA??  The Milan show was stunning, and made us think of Futurism, Gatsby, and pop all at the same time.  The fabrics in the show--fur stoles, Japanese cotton--were luxurious while the simple horizontal stripes were simple, clean, and minimal.  Overall, the catwalk captured an artistic glamour, one that seems unattainable and commonplace at the same time.  Here are some of the amazing stripe looks:

Doesn't it make you want to be walking the beach in Saint Tropez?  Especially with that HAT!!

So eclectic and classic.  This look can definitely work in Fall as well with some updated stripes and great accessories.  Below, Kitty pulled a stripe top from AKA New York with beaded/jeweled detailing at the shoulder.  She paired it with an orange linen scarf from Love Quotes and a killer Kenneth Jay Lane necklace.  This look matches bold colors and patterns with intricate accents, so it's classic and fashion-forward at the same time.  It's casual and sophisticated, and works for anything from having a chic lunch with friends to cheering on the alma mater sports team at alumni weekend!  Swap out every color scarf for every mood.  The linen feels so fresh and young--perfect antidote to dreary fall days!

AKA New York top, Love Quotes linen scarf, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace

Hermes: Perfect ending to Fashion Week!

Hermes RTW Spring 2011

The Hermes show was a perfect end to Fashion Week in Paris, as it also marked the end of Jean-Paul Gaultier's 7 year tenure at the design house.  Absolutely loved the equestrian show, with a woodchip runway, dressage horses strutting at the end of the catwalk, and massive chandeliers.  Jodhpurs, bustiers, tan leather, suede ponchos, fringe, riding boots--the entire collection was like a dream in a Seville stable.  Neutral colors are all over the runways for Spring/Summer 2011, and we love the minimal cropped cuts matched with Gaultier's baroque sensibility.   Also, those riding school hats are amahze, no??

Here's the finale of the show:

The riding look is always in style, and luckily this is one trend that we can all start on early!  Caramel colors, leather, and tall flat boots are things to start wearing right now and throughout the fall.  Wear your hair in a long braid with a silk scarf for a classic Hermes look.  And of course, finish off the look with a buttery leather bag from Kage and some skinny black jeans from J Brand from Gramercy!

KAGE and J Brand...a perfect combo

Stay tuned for tons more Fashion Week coverage!  There's so much from Paris, Milan, and New York.  It's all wonderfully overwhelming!!