Designer Spotlight: Atelier Versace Fall 2011

I recently came across the look book for Atelier Versace's fall collection and I am entirely smitten with it. Its like wearable art. The collection has a little bit of everything - leather, satin, sequins, crystals, bright colors, nudes, eastern and Asian influences and avant garde cuts and shapes. Its high fashion couture, lavish and over the top, but strikingly gorgeous at the same time.

I love the combination of purple and green in the first gown and the sculptural details of the last three.

How beautiful is this skirt - I adore the way it falls wraps and is such an intricate pattern and design without being too overpowering.

The feathery leaf details on this first dress are incredible. I could see any one of these gowns on a starlet on the red carpet - the sleek black one or the glowing rose gold sequin one, especially. And the bright pink ballerina inspired dress? My favorite. Naturally.

Which dress is your favorite?

Fall Trend: A Little Love for Leopard

Via Carl Kleiner

I love seeing the new trends that come with each new season in the fashion industry. Beyond the jewel tones I featured earlier this week, one of the other trends I adore for fall is leopard print. Leopard has been around for ages, clearly, but its absolutely huge right now, and I am ready to add a touch or two to my own closet. I am thinking along the lines of a pair of amazing heels or a scarf.

There are so many ways to wear animal prints - it all depends on whether you want to go big, or keep things simple with just a hint of the wild. A skirt or sweater is a great option for something in the middle, if a shoe is too little or a maxi dress is too much.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Karla's Closet, The Glitter Guide, Caroline's Mode, Vanessa Jackman, The Sartorialist   

Again, maxi dresses are in for fall, so if you are feeling like a wild woman, go all out with a leopard print one. I don't know if a leopard print maxi is up my alley, but I do love the idea of an animal or leopard print coat - so fun!

The Red See, Source Unknown, The Simply Luxurious Life

I have to admit, I am kind of all about these leopard print tights - where have they been all my life?

Tights - ModCloth, Coat - TopShop, Pink Sweater - Crumpet, Gray Sweater - Rebecca Taylor, Dress - Dolce and Gabbana

Now, let's talk bags. I think a big, over-sized bag in leopard print can be a little hard to pull off, but a clutch is just the right amount of animal print for most outfits.

Like, Whatever, Source Unknown, Hook the Look

My personal favorite would be the little round Meli-Melo cross-body bag - perfect for a night out on the town!

Miu Miu, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Meli Melo

Finally, my personal favorite way to wear leopard print - shoes, shoes and more shoes! Give it to me in flats or heels - but, animal print on a pair of heels is undeniably sexy and bold, and I am all about it.

Privileged Bitch, The Simply Luxurious Life, Sterling Style

You know leopard print is truly "in" when you can see it on shoes from flats and heels to Tom's and rain boots. Can't avoid it this season!

Brian Atwood, Tory Burch, Dolce and Gabbana, Ivanka Trump, Toms

How are you going to wear the leopard print trend this fall?

Fall Color Trends - Jewel Tones

Image via National Geographic

Summer is drawing to a close, and fall clothing is starting to fill up the stores and magazines, and I've noticed that the rich, jewel tones are definitely in this season. In fact, the colors on the fall runways seem to mirror the colors of nature and autumn leaves themselves. From deep emerald and jade greens to mustard yellows and ruby reds - and everything in between. Jewel tones in general are big this season, but marigold, emerald and ruby red are definitely the number one picks.

Marigold

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Banana Republic, Roland Mouret, Lanvin and Fendi

I have to say, one of my favorite ways I've seen this color worn is as a warm wool coat - like Taylor Swift's, below. It's just such a bright and bold color for a season that can be so gray and dark - especially here in Seattle.

Beyond Beauty Basics and Fashion Copius

Frankly, I am a little intimidated by wearing such a bold yellow color like marigold or mustard, but done the right way, anyone can pull this color off. If its not the best shade on you, avoid sweaters and tops that are near your face and try a cute skirt or pair of earrings. It's also a great when matched with gray - a very chic and modern combination.

Cardigan - Splendid, Corduroys - Current Elliott, Earrings - Erikson Beamon, Skirt - Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Dress - Victoria Beckham, Skirt - Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, all images via Net-a-Porter

Emerald

Milly, Ralph Lauren,Valentino, Zac Posen, all images via Style.com

 The emerald trend first started popping up a few months ago on starlets on the red carpet at the Golden Globes, and its still going strong. It's a great color for a top or dress for an evening out this fall.

Stockholm Street Style, Source Unknown, Wit and Delight

Maxi skirts are still in for fall, so think about getting one in this rich color - it will definitely liven up your wardrobe. If you are feeling particularly gutsy and fashion forward this fall, think about doing fur in this color - fur is another huge trend for the upcoming season!

As for me, I want to wear these Oscar de la Renta earrings - I can't take my eyes off of them. I am also thinking about trying out the green Essie nail polish in "Going Incognito".

Earrings - Oscar de la Renta, Bag - Fendi, Nail Polish - Essie, Long Dress - Gucci, Short Dress - Roberto Cavalli

Ruby Red

Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Monique Lhullier and Prabal Gurung

Red has always been a popular color for fall and winter seasons, but I've seen more of it on the fall runways this year than ever before. If I had to pick one major color for the season, this would be it!

Victoria Rice and Mode Pass

Is there any combination more chic and ladylike than red and black? A red coat is a fall and winter wardrobe staple that I have got to get my hands on this year.

Another piece I'd love to get my hands on? This glittery red pouch from Marni - j'adore!

Red Glitter Pouch - Marni, Dress - Giulietta, Purse - Jason Wu, Sweater - Moschino Cheap and Chic, Dress - Theory

Which color is your favorite? Will you wear all of them this fall?

xoxo

Kate Spade's Fall Collection

All images courtesy of Kate Spade

I've fallen hard for the fall and winter collection from Kate Spade. As usual, it's filled with plenty of colorful baubles, sparkles and glitter, chic and ladylike silhouettes with retro flair, and cheeky accessories. I would love to carry the multi-colored glitter clutch - and not just during fall and winter, I would wear that baby out!

All images courtesy of Kate Spade

I am looking forward to the upcoming bedding collection from Ms. Spade as well - I can't wait to see what she does - her collections are always so bright and playful, I am sure I am going to love it - as per usual. In the meantime, I need to get my hands on one (or three) of her lipsticks...I can't get enough of the pretty packaging and that they all say "Pucker Up" on the side!

Kate Spade does it yet again!

xoxo

Style Report: Fall Shoes

Miu Miu Bootie via The Glitter Guide

One of my favorite things about each new fashion season is seeing the new shoe styles - because, quite honestly, I am a complete shoe addict. From stiletto's to flats, I love them all - love how many variations there are, how they are like little works of art for your feet.

This fall, the shoe collections are big on wedges, high-healed loafers, bright colorful pumps, satin fabrics, patent leather, booties, ankle straps and thick chunky heels. Here are some of my personal favorite picks for the season...

First up - booties! I love them paired with tights and short feminine skirts, or mini-dresses. They make me feel so rocker-chic and like a true fashionista.

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Plum Suede Boot - Alexander McQueen, Buckle Boot - Stella McCartney, Suede Camel Boot - Alexandre Birman, Blue Suede Boot - Chrisitan Louboutin, Blue Peep Toe Boot - Alexandre Birman, Brown Slip-On Boot - Bally, Black Lace Up Boot - Alexander Wang, Black and White Slingback Boot - Aperlai, Stitched Platform Boot - Jimmy Choo - all images courtesy of Style.com

Next up -wedges! I am a big fan of the wedge - mostly because I can get the height without quite as much pain as a stiletto. I am dying over the leopard print wedge - if I could only pick one shoe this fall, that could quite possibly be it.

Ankle Strap Wedge - 3.1 Phillip Lim, Loafer Wedge - Jill Stuart, Leopard Print Wedge - DKNY, Color Block Wedge - Pierre Hardy

Brightly colored pumps are next. I wish I had more of this kind of shoe in my closet - its such a fun way to jazz up an outfit and add a little punch to an all black ensemble during the fall or winter months.

Green Tweed Pump - Aperlai, Blue Satin Pump - Jason Wu, Red Ruffle Pump - Sergio Rossi

Since purple is one of my favorite colors of all time, I naturally had to pick my favorites in every shade of this lovely hue. The Jimmy Choo bootie is amazing and so glamorous, but I also love the D'Orsay loafer with the low heel from Oscar de la Renta - I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it before.

Bejeweled Bootie - Jimmy Choo, D'Orsay Loafer - Oscar de la Renta, Large Buckle Sandal - Roger Vivier, Peep Toe Heel - Yves St Laurent

And finally, a few simply stunning white and black options that make my little heart go pitter-patter. Especially the cream feathered ones from Christian Dior - imagine them under your wedding dress - be still my heart!

Feathered Platform Pump - Christian Dior, Patent Leather Ankle Strap - Christian Louboutin, Peep Toe Ankle Strap Pump - Pierre Hardy

Now, if I could just fill my closet with one of each of these fabulous pairs of shoes, I would be the luckiest fashionista in the world. 

Which one would you pick if you could pick only one?

xoxo

Fall 2011 Couture Collections - Elie Saab

Images courtesy of Style.com

 A few weeks ago, Elie Saab unveiled his collection for Fall 2011 in Paris and if its possible, its even more stunning than the spring collection I covered here. The fall designs seem to carry on seamlessly from spring - loaded with beads, crystals and gowns with flowing layers and spot-on draping. These gowns are fit for a fairy princess - diaphanous and shimmering, sheer and sexy, while remaining lady like and elegant at the same time. The palette is also incredible - moving from pale icy blue to white, pink, mauve, brown and navy. Le sigh!

Loving the new long sleeve trend in evening gowns, like on the pale blue number in the third row above - one of my favorites. 

Looking at these runway shots, I also noticed that many of his gowns are backless this season - sexy chic!

There were even a few short dresses in the mix with cute little cap sleeves and flippy skirts.

I would wear every single gown in Elie Saab's fall line - something I am sure I say every single time he brings out a new collection. What can I say? The man just gets me. 

xoxo

It's Electric: Cobalt Blue

Christian Louboutin heels and Alexander McQueen clutch

I think cobalt blue is such a dynamic color - I am so glad its one of the big color trends for fall - its such a bright pop of color for a season that is usually filled with neutrals, browns and muted color palettes. There was some variation of it on literally almost every single runway at the fall shows over the past few weeks...

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Stella McCartney, Rebecca Taylor, Karen Walker, Preen, Cynthia Rowley and Catherine Malandrino

If you plan on trying the bright hue, its a good idea to keep jewelry and accessories minimal. Simple gold or silver jewelry is perfect. If you're a little wary of wearing such an eye-popping color, try pairing a blouse in cobalt with cream or black slacks to keep things from becoming too overwhelming.

Cobalt is also a great choice for dressing up - I am loving the dresses like the Duchess of Cambridge's - definitely a bold look. Her sister Pippa's blue blazer is pretty fabulous too - so chic and classic paired with white jeans.

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Wayne Tippetts, Duchess Catherine in Erdem, Pippa Middleton in Zara, Kendi Everyday

So much pretty cobalt blue to go around...personally, I think the flats are the perfect choice for my fall wardrobe...

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Chair- Oasiq, Hexagon Compact- Swiss Lady, Bowl- Elsa Peretti for Tiffany, Nail Polish- Butter, Maxi Skirt- Rachel Roy, Ring- Andy Lifschutz, Patent Leather Flats- Zara, Flats- Tory Burch, Watch- Micahel Kors, Top- Leaves of Grass 

Are you going to add any cobalt blue to your fall wardrobe?

xoxo

Look-books: Christian Louboutin, Prabal Gurung and J.Crew

One of my favorite new discoveries is the website, Fashion Gone Rouge - a site that collects the latest in look-book campaigns, editorials and runway photos. Its a great way to keep up with whats new from all kinds of designers - big names, small names, ready-to-wear and couture. This week I came across two amazing look-books from Christian Louboutin and Prabal Gurung for J.Crew (that's a mouthful of fashion right there) - check them out, they are absolutely stunning!

For their fall 2011 look-book, Christian Louboutin collaborated with Peter Lippmann for a series of images combining the label's fall-winter collection with portraits that were inspired by classic paintings - its such an original idea to combine fashion - its own form of artistry - and true masterpieces of art.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

Whistler's Mother with a Louboutin boot

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

They both seem to be looking so longingly at the shoes...seems about right.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

Each shoe is so perfectly coordinated to the look of each painting - you can almost imagine the ladies wearing them under their gowns.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

If I didn't know better, I would think that bag belongs in that picture.

Recently, CFDA winner Prabal Gurung got together with J.Crew to create a capsule collection - some of which are available on the J.Crew website now, and its simply amazing. The folds, ruffles, bows and piping are so well-proportioned and sculptural.

I have a crush on the pink top with the bow and black piping - not to mention the white suit. Not surprising he won a CFDA award!

Which look-book do you like better? 

xoxo

Alice and Olivia Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection

I have been a long time fan of Stacey Bendet and her girly-with-an-edge collection, Alice and Olivia. She somehow manages to make glamorous party dresses that are sexy and a little rocker at the same time. Any of her dresses would look perfect topped with a leather jacket - let's just put it that way.

Her fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection showed at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC a couple weeks ago, and usual with her collections, I am completely smitten. There are plenty of sequins - my favorite - and chunky knits, a relatively new thing for an Alice and Olivia collection. Some of the dresses have a wonderful flapper-girl vibe, and there are some wild prints that would be fun to play with as well. Check out all of the gorgeous-ness, below...

All images courtesy of www.style.com

I am already imagining wearing that sequined silver long sleeved dress for Christmas Eve, and I love the juxtaposition of the ladylike Chanel-style tweed pencil skirt with a sexy little bustier top.

I love the way this lookbook was styled - I would never think to put those prints and textures together on the left - but they look fabulous as an ensemble. And the coat and boots? As Rachel Zoe would say, I DIE.

What a fun flouncy little skirt - a bit short for me, but love that its paired with a conservative look on top - a great little jacket and pearls. And speaking of pearls, check out that perfect flapper dress.

Yes, please to both of the above dresses. The gold sequin dress reminds me of an Oscar statue, definitely a winner. And the tulle overlay on the dress on the right is reminiscent of the ballet trend we've seen already this year. Sweet and lovely.

Great looking winter options - a chunky knit, a fun fur stole, and of course, more sequins. Oh Alice and Olivia, how I adore you.

xoxo