The 80's are back! And aren't they always? Every season some designer or another squeezes in an 80's inspired strong shoulder, or power suit, or even some big hair reminiscent of a junior prom photo circa 1988. Well this year Louis Vuitton committed the notorious fashion crime, and for good reason. The luxury brand is paying tribute to the late Stephen Sprouse, and has covered their Fifth Avenue flagship store with so much neon even that weird guy in your college dorm with the black light collection couldn't illuminate.
My thoughts on LV's neon style are enthusiastic - I find it bold in a good way, and I appreciate designers who are willing to take risks, especially in times when the rest of the world is so uncertain. So when the other day I was walking down 5th Avenue, I could not resist capturing some images of the store, decked out in all its fluorescent glory. If you are up for the trend, I suggest going with the hot pink patent Alma bag, it is to die for. Or in 80's speak, it's totally radical.
Want to make neon work for you this spring? Shop one of my looks below, which blend understated neutral tones with that perfect pop of neon.
So what are your thoughts on neon style? Cast your vote in the poll below.
After watching this year's Oscars, I found that some of the best red carpet looks were made special by the hair and accessories even more than the dresses. Angelina Jolie's emerald green earrings were my absolute favorite of the night, followed by Amy Adam's Fred Leighton necklace, and Kate Winslet's glamorous hair, which was reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Some actresses did hit the mark with the dress, however, such as Penelope Cruz,who shined in a vintage Balmain, accented by a simple diamond necklace and earrings. Another dress that needed only minimal accessories was that of Jessica Biel, whose pale pink/nude number was anchored by avant garde architectural draping.
While most looks of the night played it safe with mostly neutral colors, structured silhouettes and classic ballgown styles, one actress that stood out to me in a particularly cheerful color (despite the gloom of the recession) was Natalie Portman, wearing a dress in the most gorgeous shade of pink. Her look was refreshing, and I wish I saw more of it on this year's red carpet.
Big news in the socialite world...huge actually. Tinsley Mortimer just got...bangs! The likes of Arden Wohl, Poppy Delevigne, and Olivia Palermo must be so jealous. Bangs are a big deal for a girl, and let me tell you why.
Almost two years ago, when I began contemplating getting bangs (after watching Reese Witherspoon's fabulous bangs at several red carpet events), I went through a similar dilemma to Tinsley's. Keep the long, glamorous, uptown-girl curls, or take the risk and go all sleek, chic and sexy? I ended up with the bangs, and they looked amazing. Girls with bangs have the potential to really have that "statement" hairstyle (i.e., Anna Wintour, Betty Page, Elsa Klensch--whatever happened to her!), and I rocked it --until about a month ago when I got bored with what was supposed to be my own future trademark Anna Wintour-esque bob, and decided to grow it out. I am currently in the middle of my awkward growing-out stage, where my bangs are neither here nor there, swooped across the side of my face but not quite tucked behind my ears. And bang girls beware - the withdrawl syptoms from growing out your bangs include the constant urge to just trim them again and get it over with. But you must resist! As for me, just a few more months, and I am home free...unless Tinsley's bangs look just so incredible that I get the itch to trim again, I will be dazzling New York with my curled, pre-bang-cut Tinsleyfied locks in several months. But I still think Tinsley looks smashing in her new fringe.
Good news for New Yorkers - According to WWD, Topshop is planning on opening its Soho store on April 2nd. Yay! Topshop will be the cherry on top of the fast and cheap fashion purveyors in New York including H&M and Zara. Visit Topshop online to find out just what's in store for us when Topshop makes its jump across the pond this spring.
Last night I attended the Independent Fashion Bloggers Dress Up Soirée, and had the pleasure of meeting ever so many interesting fashion bloggers. Among those in attendance, there was Jennine Tamm (who was lovely!) of The Coveted, who is also the founder of Independent Fahsion Bloggers; there were the ladies of Sugar Rock Catwalk, the gents of Fine & Dandy, the author of Diary of a Mad Fashionista, and also the author of Swank Heights. With so many fashion bloggers out there, and just so many blogs in general, it is interesting to hear the diverse points of view that each can offer. Check out my party pics from the IFB event below. View even more photos at the IFB site.
Attendees at the IFB event, held during New York Fashion Week
Which celeb has the best style? Whose wardrobe do you wish could be cloned and added to your closet? Cast your vote below! Check out my next post this week to find out how you can get their looks for less $$!
Everybody who is anybody (and also a lot of nobodies, such as myself) knows that New York Fashion Week kicks off this Friday, 2/13. Although news stories abound citing that many designers are cutting back, and parties are being canceled, the show must go on. And the very lucky few will continue to attend. The rest of us with either stand outside the tents shivering in the February weather, waiting to catch a glimpse of the glitterati, or sit in our living rooms scanning through runway photos on style.com.
So what does it take to become one of those lucky few? A job in the industry, A-list status, or for some, an American Express card (cheaters). But for those of us who didn't score tickets this season, what would you do to see a show? How far would you go? Post your comments below.
Let's face it - your netflix queue is destined run out of popular box office movies, and the Devil Wears Prada isn't exactly an accurate interpretation of the fashion industry (although it comes close in some instances). So why not learn something about your favorite fashion folks? I've seen several of these lesser-known fashion films, most of which are documentaries, and the rest are on my queue.
My recommendations
1. Yves Saint Laurent: His Life & Times (2004)
2. Lagerfeld Confidential (2007)
3. The September Issue (2008)
4. Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens (2008)
5. Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton (2007)
6. Seamless (2005)
7. Coco Chanel (2008)
Have you seen any of these films, and what did you think of them? What is your favorite fashion film? Post your comments below, and I will add any relevant films to my list!
What can I say, I am a fan of the festive. Every Christmas I put on that key red accessory, every St. Patrick's Day I dig out that one green shirt bunched up in the back of my closet, and every Valentine's day I hunt for that piece of red or pink that will give the romantic holiday its due.
Don't get me wrong, I am not an advocate of costume-y dressing in garish head-to-toe holiday garb, but I think a small touch of the festive, a piéce de resistance, if you will, denotes the proper amount of festivity for Valentine's Day. Above I've chosen some key accessories that will make the perfect little black dress pop. And keeping in mind the current ecomonic conditions, every piece is under $100.
So go forth and enjoy the holiday. And if you just can't bring yourself to show your enthusiasm outwardly, buy yourself a bouquet of roses for your home or apartment. But at least make them red roses.
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