Fashion

Belt it out

I'm still loving the belt trend that's been gracing the runways these past few seasons. Especially when it's nine in the morning and I'm running out the door in a plain top and jeans. In a matter of minutes you can spruce up anything with a belt and the cost-per-wear isn't half bad either.

As trends go, it's a classic. Not overexposed like the chunky beaded necklaces we've been seeing for months or the long pendants and skulls. It's useful. And as every woman can attest, belts play a key role in creating waist interest.

When it comes to belts there are endless choices in style. The metallics and skins are lovely but I oh how I adore the patent leather. Check out this red version by Miu Miu. I pulled it for a photo shoot and ever since I cannot get it out of my head. There is just something so appealing about tomato-red-patent-leather. And the size! It screams 1950s screen siren. I imagine it paired with a pretty floral swing skirt or a smart camel trench like this. Quite the combination.

Of course if $250 seems a bit steep for a red belt then there are a plethora of alternatives. Urban Outfitters has lilacs and tans in a similar patent leather for only $34. And that's just the wide buckle. For skinnier versions there are knotted, roped, thin, fabric, printed, painted, contoured, cinch and even elastic, which I'm especially fond of. Have I mentioned that with the elastics you never have to worry about those fluctuating five pounds?

Modern Moves

Lately I’ve been noticing that the second floor of my Neiman Marcus is quite popular. And while this could be attributed to their ever-expanding shoe section and striking visual displays, it’s not. The second floor is home to contemporary fashion, an area so chock full of fresh and exciting talent that’s it’s a wonder any of us are still buying designer.

It’s known throughout the industry that the contemporary market is both highly profitable and extremely savvy. It’s the average woman’s answer to attainable designer clothing. And with the influx of new talent—not to mention second labels from established names like Vera Wang and Phillip Lim—it’s quickly becoming an industry favorite with its affordable prices, high-end quality and consistent style direction.

In the past few years the market has resembled a revolving door of names. Places like ActiveEndeavors.com and Shopbop.com have popped up on the radar to support and promote lines like Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Ella Moss, Rebecca Taylor and Catherine Malandrino, to name a few. Likewise, Barneys Co-Op, Bergdorf Goodman’s 5F, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom’s Savvy and a bevy of other stores, boutiques and online shops, have also been developing a presence with more space and better exposure. Even Bloomingdale’s, the venerable department store giant, has devoted itself to the movement. In a recent press release it was noted that the store was in the process of devoting more space and energy to the contemporary lines, which in turn was leading an expansion at the store's flagship on 59th Street in New York. This almost doubled the department’s space.

And this dedication is only the beginning. The talent drives the clothes and from the look of things it’s never ending. I was recently out shopping at a local high-end boutique. This place is filled to the brim with labels like Paul Smith, Brian Reyes, Miu Miu and Lanvin, so it’s incredibly rare to stumble upon anything that isn’t under $450. As I was wading through the racks of their new spring stuff I discovered (in plain view, next to a gown worth $2650) the contemporary line Sunner. Oh my, this was quite the find! For those that don’t know it, Sunner is an incredible company with the most wonderful feminine tops and dresses. They’re attention to detail is superior and their prices are worth noting. A white wrap dress with cascading ruffles checked in at $240, respectively.

Other labels that prove equally exciting and a lot more recognizable are: McQ by Alexander McQueen, Velvet, Susana Monaco, Twinkle by Wenlan and Nieves Levi, whose textile prints are truly inspiring. Each of these lines is affordable, fashion-forward and dependable. And just like they’re designer label siblings, they’re bold and glamorous. Which is just what us women need…another reason to spend.

Viva Italia

As the third destination in the international four-city Fashion Week schedule, Milan could arguably be the best. Not that I don't love New York, London and Paris for all their charms and champions. But Milan, for the true fashion follower, is always where it's at.

When I lived in London going to the shows was the highlight of the season. We'd dress up in smart jackets, large handbags, jeans and boots and wander over to Chelsea, where droves of revelers waited in anticipation. I remember my favorite show was Gharani Strok. The colors and patterns were blinding in vivid shades of yellow and this fall's palette of muted grays and blacks is just as alluring.

As the shows commenced so did we. Writing about every detail, from a sleeve or pleat, to a zipper or seam. It was great fun and quite exciting. Which is what lead me to this post. While the Italian catwalks usher in the newest collections, some of the most influential trends are being unveiled. There are themes of purple, monochromatic, fur, volume (again?), and slim, pencil silhouettes. So far fall is looking like a throwback to a time worth celebrating.

So who's making waves?

Well, Marni for one. I've mentioned them before and I'll mention them again. Marni is one of my all-time favorite labels because they continually deliver. Consuelo Castiglioni's lead the pack with PVC and shots of color and pattern. Simple, classic Marni looks took shape when layered on top of textured leggings and paired with vests and large webbed belts. The look is fresh, wearable and a bit daring. Exactly what we need come fall when floral is all but a distant memory.

Gucci. I always take note of Gucci because we use them in so many of our photo shoots. Lately there's been this glam rock vibe which I'm quite happy to see go. I missed the femininity, so when I read that Frida Giannini was taking the label back to its vintage-inspired roots I was more than pleased. Giannini embraced high waists and puffed shoulders with splashes of rich cherry red. Decadence still reigned supreme, however, as long fur coats edged out jeweled suits and minis, and a distinct 1930s glamour prevailed. It's a beautiful collection and one I hope to reference often in the coming months.

Alberta Ferretti. A woman's woman, Ferretti has guided us straight into fall with her palette of gray, jade, camel and black. Simple lines made sense along with belted coats, cocktail dresses and the always appealing princess silhouette. The use of trim accentuated her clothing with rich flavors, lending both a unique and re-proportioned feel.

It's also wise to note that fall is still championing the black opaque tight. I'm so happy about this - I love the trend and could not imagine giving it up. I'll wear mine with dove grey heels and a mint green dress, which will be lovely come mid-september when the last bits of warmth are escaping.

And the gown goes to…

I’ve been browsing through the spring collections and I can’t stop oohing and awwing over all the lovely gowns. From long and flowing to short and clingy, the options are incredible and never-ending. And that’s a good thing. Because in less than a week the Oscars will descend upon Hollywood in a flurry of glamorous activity and we’ll finally see who’s wearing whom and why. In the meantime the stylists are collecting, the designers are tweaking and everyone is in a massive state of stress.

Like most people I have been glued to the red carpet specials. I’m determined to uncover a distinct direction with regards to the current trends. And they’re wildly apparent. Short, long, empire-waisted, full- skirted, body hugging and bold, the variety is vast and the allure is endless.

So who’s standing out? We all clapped loudly when Reese graced our screens in her splendid Nina Ricci— oh the joy of having a label revived by someone as talented as Olivier Theyskens. Her look is fresh and modern and will most definitely prove memorable. And Renee Zellweger—the Queen of vintage couture—made quite the entrance. Her dress, a dramatic emerald Dior with a calf-length hem, was talked about for days after. So is short the new long? I can’t say for sure if this is Oscar appropriate but I for one would love to see it. Less fabric certainly does not mean less impact. Actually it could suggest more.

Naomi Watts shined in her teal Gucci with gold accents as did Kyra Sedgwick in creamy white J. Mendel. Ah, the empire waist! Now this is a trend I can embrace. The unforgiving shape lends to the romantic, billowy silhouette we’re all clamoring for while the finer points of this cut are commendable for their comfort. Not only will we continue to see this look on Oscar night, but it’s sure to be a constant on the runway for many seasons to come.

As with fashion, classics always please. And celebrities who aren’t vying for attention tend to stay true to tradition. You only need to look to the spring collections for a peek at what we’ll be seeing. Ralph Lauren has black crepe with plunging v-necklines, while the ever-graceful designs of Badgley Mischka include an array of white, silver and chartreuse so perfect it’ll be hard to choose one gown from another.

The appeal of this less-is-more sophistication is always tempting. Take Hayden Panettiere in her Monique Lhuillier at the Globes. The white and metallic gown was a standout amongst the wide, sweeping skirts on Cameron Diaz and Penelope Cruz. Likewise, Drew Barrymore in Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano shined in her simple pink Grecian gown. The clean lines further enhanced her figure instead of hiding it, which is what dressing up is all about anyway, right?

Oscar night continued

I just read that Giorgio Armani is planning to take his Privé spring/summer couture collection, shown last month in Paris, to Los Angeles later this month. The collection is to be unveiled to an exclusive audience the night before the Oscars on Saturday, February 24. Mr. Armani is doing this as a way to celebrate both his new couture line (which debuted in Paris earlier this year) and the many actors and actresses nominated whom he counts as friends.

Giorgio Armani debuted his first haute couture collection at Paris Fashion Week in 2005. After years of requests from women for “event dresses” he designed a collection around real women with real bodies and the press went nuts. Since then we’re seeing him at all the black-tie to-dos. Not only has he dressed Katie Holmes for her wedding but more recently celebrities like Mary Louise Parker, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Sandra Oh.

The actors and actresses will have chosen their gowns by the time of Armani’s show, but that’s not the point. Armani is catering to his clientele and I imagine in the coming years we’ll see a lot more of him on the red carpet.

Shoe-bang

I’m starting this blog off with a subject dear to my heart. Shoes. High heeled, round-toed, suede, skin, practical, impractical, wonderful, colorful shoes. And if this spring’s crop of designs is any indication, my accessory of choice is reining high on the list of this season’s most important must-haves.

It goes without saying that a girl simply can’t ignore the importance of a great pair of shoes. Evidence of this notion appeared recently when a top shopping magazine devoted 11 pages to shoes. Yes, 11! Can you imagine? In the world of magazines where pages are like gold, this speaks volumes.

And that’s just the beginning. A short time ago I was on a photo shoot where I had pulled an enormous amount of spring shoes. To say I was giddy was an understatement. I had silver Jimmy Choo stacked heels, hot pink Prada platforms and the most inspiring pair of sky-high espadrilles straight from the aisles of Target. And that was only the beginning. After diligently assembling them by color, style and row, I stepped back to discover that my carefully chosen assortment had a definitive theme. Bigger is definitely better.

Which leads me to spring. It’s no secret that some of the most predominant womenswear trends in 2007 are begging for scene-stealing shoes. Minis with pleating and texture—thank you Gucci— call for big, fat wedges done in fantastic materials like linen, PVC, and suede. Try these by Marc by Marc Jacobs. I cannot imagine a better treat then a pair of two-toned, patent leather sandals with a chunky, 4 ½ inch heel. Genius.

And then there are the metallics. Shimmering dresses with draping and ruching from the likes of Stella McCartney and Zac Posen. These looks call for bright infusions of color in the form of fuchsia, purple and red. Pair them with a neutral clutch and your shoes will really pop.
It bears mention that blending pattern on pattern has become a popular theme. Though it takes a little practice choosing what works, once you’ve found the right combination the outcome is fresh and modern. Take these woven, printed shoes by Betsy Johnson. Feminine and pretty they’ll enhance any of the new romantic silhouettes. The trick is to combine the print with a neutral background to ensure a pleasing combination of colors. And a quick note of interest: it’s best to keep similar trends together. For instance, these shoes would not work with the bold canary yellows and vibrant pink fuchsias were seeing in the stores.

How do these trends translate for day-to-day dressing? Let’s just say it’s all about the right pairing. If you gravitate towards full skirts and cotton fabrics than the canvas Christian Louboutin’s are perfect.

These rope-covered platforms are the quintessential season-to-season staple and remain a constant classic. And if $310 is a little steep, then take time to wander the stores, as there are an astounding amount of styles with a similar feel. Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s spring collection also bears mention. When a designer’s philosophy states that, “every woman should be desired” it comes as no surprise that his collection will draw attention. This season he’s offering a brilliant assortment of animal prints and criss-crossed strapping, which pairs perfectly with evening black and gold.

Whatever your need, fashion’s current mood demands height, drama and presence. Bring on the wedges and platforms. It’s time to clunker around town in the season’s best accessory. With dresses getting higher and pants getting wider you can’t ignore the call.