New York City
Housing Works Thrift Shop Fall Preview
What: Housing Works Thrift Shop Fall Preview Event, Tuesday, Sept. 16
The Lowdown: If you happen to by in the NYC area, tomorrow is the last chance to check out Housing Works Thrift Shop’s famous Fall Preview event, featuring special deals for budget shoppers and high-rollers alike! Every fall, Housing Works Thrift Shops empty their stores and restock them with unbelieveably cool clothes, accessories and home furnishings they’ve been saving up over the summer. Want a first look? Donate $500 and get VIP access, meaning 30 minutes of shopping before the preview officially begins! The final event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5-8 p.m., 306 Columbus Ave. (between 74th and 75th). The cost is a $10 donation at the door, and entry is free with the purchase of a Housing Works tote.
For more information: Call (212) 579-7566 or visit www.shophousingworks.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Ralph Lauren
What: Ralph Lauren Runway Show, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: With all the fedoras, khaki, olive, and safari/expedition flavor, we think it’s possible that Indiana Jones had a hand in the latest collection from Ralph Lauren, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And actually, there’s plenty more to be had here—shimmery gold, flowy dresses, satiny shine—so that the collection is probably one of the most cohesive we’ve seen. It’s gloriously retro, elegantly throw-back, and blends menswear-inspired styling and ultra-womanly gowns into one seamless vision. This week, it seems that collections have been either all about the color, or all about the pure neutral palette—and Lauren has opted for the latter. It’s the perfect choice, however, letting the garments themselves stand out. Our only complaints? The MC Hammer-inspired pants we’d rather forget, and all those crazy turbans . . .
Budget Solution: We love any excuse to wear a cool hat, so take inspiration and pick up a fedora (like this one from ArdenB), and create a long lean silouette that includes a little shine (with something like this layered-look sweater/blouse from Spiegel).
image courtesy of Style.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Calvin Klein
What: Calvin Klein Runway Show, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Calvin Klein is all about simplicity, and this collection is no different. The neutral hues, likewise, are just what we might have predicted, focusing more on shimmer, sheen and cut to convey the Calvin Klein vision for Spring fashion. Minimalist? Yes. But impeccable attention to shape, structure, detail make it more interesting than you might think at first glance. Like Vera Wang earlier in the day, we see a touch of 20s drop-waisted influence in the dress department, as well as more slim cropped pants and elegant intricate takes on the body-conscious dress. The one burst of color allowed into the beige-heavy landscape? That clear icy blue that just might be our go-to color for the season.
Budget Solution: The great thing about Calvin Klein is we know that there will be some reasonably affordable versions available to the masses in department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Nordstrom. For even more budget versions however of, say, the drop-waisted dress, Twelve By Twelve might have you covered. And for that blue? Well, we can come close right now with this satin shift dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA at Bluefly.com for $142.
image courtesy of Style.com
New York Fashion Week Spring 2009: Vera Wang
What: Vera Wang Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: We’re not sure why Vera Wang wants us in shapeless sack dresses and giant chain necklaces, but it appears that she does. This Spring 09 collection couldn’t be more somber, featuring black, gray, brown and a very drab dark olive, and a smattering of silver, gold, and orange that just couldn’t quite cheer things up. We did like some of the 20s vibe we felt with certain pieces, and we’ll give Wang credit for doing something other than all the cinched waists we’ve seen on other runways. The only problem? Well, we were kinda liking those cinched waists . . .
Budget Solution: If you happen to like a tunic or shift dress, or if it just suits your body type best, then this is a silouette you can make work for Spring. Hit Old Navy for this Sleeveless Satin Shift Dress in Stainless Steel, $25 or try Twelve by Twelve come Spring.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Nanette Lepore
What: Nanette Lepore Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Take note—this collection is how you do neutrals and subdued colors without a hint of boredom. Nanette Lepore has skipped the whole black-for-Spring trend, and gone with khakis, creams, and browns, punctuated by some gorgeous turquoise, pale green, and clear sharp red. It’s the cut and detail that makes this collection special—with lots of sheen, some cascading ruffles, sophisticated floral prints, thin stripes, and interesting shapes. We suspect after a long dreary winter, these are the kind of things we’ll want to slip into at the first sign of Spring . . .
Budget Solution: Something you could find right now? Neutral pieces with that satiny sheen we love—like this City Style Satin Tie Front Blouse on sale now at New York & Company. And there was an accessory or two in this collection that you might want to consider—big chucky necklaces, like this Double Strand Necklace at JCPenney, which echoes the Lepore’s chosen hues . . .
image courtesy of Style.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Milly by Michelle Smith
What: Milly by Michelle Smith Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Milly and Diane Von Furstenberg seem to be of a similar mind for Spring—bold bohemian prints, flowy 70s inspiration, and a general sense of fashion freedom. Milly’s take employs a slightly different color palette, however—highlighting turquoise and orange, against brown and white, with a bit of green, purple and pink in the mix. The pieces really run the gamut, from flowy pants, tailored shorts, loose boho dresses, and some safari styling that’s a throwback to last Spring. We like that Milly’s details take us somewhere that other collections haven’t for Spring—adding some fun fringe, lace and tassels to play with for the season. Accessories? At last, there were some—including the aforementioned tassels in necklace form, big chunky bead necklaces, and all kinds of handbags.
Budget Solution: Milly’s aesthetic for Spring is about loose garments that still maintain a waistline, mixed with classic, more fitted pieces. A lace tunic dress (like this dress on sale at Newport News) cinched with a brown belt (maybe this Fashion Focus belt at Bluefly.com, $25) is one option, and if you prefer the fitted aspects, try this Safari jacket at Forever21.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Richard Chai
What: Richard Chai Runway Show, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: We’re sort of on the fence with this collection from Richard Chai. What we liked: soft fabrics, neutral hues intermixed with just enough deep color to keep it interesting, and an emphasis on the hourglass female form. What we didn’t love so much: baggy rolled-to-the-knee semi-sheer pants, some sack-like dresses, and a couple of pajama-looking ensembles. Again, black made a strong appearance, and, in general, waistlines rule for Spring
Budget Solution: Honestly? There was no standout element here that we haven’t already covered in shows earlier this week. We do think, however, that this dress from Delia’s, the Mariella dress for $44.50, evokes this Richard Chai piece, for less.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Michael Kors
What: Michael Kors Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Holy Primary Colors, Batman! Michael Kors is not pulling any punches—or softening any edges—for Spring. We’re talking bright yellow, red, blue and—you guessed it—black. Big bold stripes, polka dots, and a 50s/60s influence (full skirts, sexy sheaths, swing jackets) run throughout—making this no collection for a shrinking violet. We have to say we’re knocked out, because fashion really should be this much fun. We particularly love this line, too, because Kors knows how to make a statement but still produce wearable pieces and silouettes. Go Michael!
Budget Solution: Our best advice? Pick the primary that looks best on you, and grab one piece that really stands out—like this Charter Club Swing Jacket on sale at Macy’s or this Lauren Ralph Lauren sheath on sale at Bloomingdale’s—and wear it with the confidence it deserves, and maybe some black and white horizontal stripes while you’re at it . . .
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Max Azria
What: Max Azria Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009
The Lowdown: After many many shows filled with bold colors and stark contrasts, Max Azria brings us soft and muted. The pieces are lovely, but quite frankly, not very exciting. But lovely nontheless. Max Azria has a way with fabric, for sure, relying heavily on draping and layering to give his very spare pieces their personality. Wide belts were a focus, but rather than the big black belts we’ve seen elsewhere, this collection kept its clean aesthetic with belts that were of the same or similar hue as the garment. The effect is elegant and sophisticated—but it didn’t set our world on fire.
Budget Solution: Just because we weren’t jumping up and down doesn’t mean there aren’t elements we want to take with us for Spring. The draping is beautiful and flattering, so look for drapey—and if you’re confident enough, clingy and body-conscious—dresses in muted hues like beige, cream, gray, taupe, and super pale blue or rose. We like this drapeneck jersey dress at Newport News for example - just $29 on sale now—and American Apparel and H&M might be great sources as the season nears.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Jordache
What: Jordache Runway Show, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York City Fashion Week, Spring 2009
The Lowdown: Color and frivolity were the keys to this collection, and the crowd was loving it. While Jordache has lost some of its popularity over the decades, they honored their legacy by clothing each model in a pair of their iconic-label jeans. Washes ranged from very dark to old-school blue to bleach white, and they were all skinny and tight. The high-waisted jean was just one aspect of the retro mood of the collection. Tie-dye, metallic body suits, short shorts, jumpers and a model who flashed the Peace sign all evoked the mood of the seventies. Jordache’s emblem, the horse, was emblazoned in Swarovski crystals across several off-the-shoulder shirts which were paired with the skinny jean of 2008. The hot pink, purple, silver, gold, cyan, and fuchsia colors put the crowd in a flower power mood. We weren’t in love with the back pocket embellishments nor the tiny metallic body suits, but this collection pleased us greatly. Unlike many other shows this week, accessories were plentiful—long, silver chain necklaces, pocket chains and a few cuff bracelets accented the clothing.
Budget Solution: Our favorite budget store when we want to look bohemian and laidback? Urban Outfitters. This loose-fitting fuchsia racerback tank would look at home in the seventies, while this high-waisted jean hearkens back to an era when low-rise denim did not exist. If you’d like to pump up your outfit with just a bit of tie-dye, consider this tie-dye scarf from Charlotte Russe. The jumpers in the collection were a bit iffy, but never say never—here’s one from Forever 21 that fits our budgets nicely.
Image courtesy of our friend’s personal photographs
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Betsey Johnson
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: Betsey Johnson Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09.
The Lowdown: You don’t go to a Betsey Johnson show expecting to see something you could wear to the grocery store—it’s kind of as fantasy/costume/dress up as ready-to-wear gets. Part pirate, part punk princess, part little girl playing dress up, it’s all about taking traditional feminine sensibility and turning it on it’s wild-haired blond head. This year didn’t disappoint; Betsey’s signature bright colors and floral prints made their appearance, put together in tiered, full skirted dresses, but we also saw the black, white and red that seem to keep recurring across the Spring runways this year—along with ruffles, horizontal stripes, and corset/lingerie detailing. Unlike many of the other collections we’ve seen, belts were non-existent, as were other accessories on the whole (but with Betsey Johnson’s ensembles, who needs accessories anyway?). Every look, however, came with a hat—mostly in the form of straw bowler styles, with wide grosgrain bands . . .
Budget Solution: Full-on florals are always very Betsey, and this Spring is no different—check out Forever21, Target, Victoria’s Secret for full-skirted, small-print florals—or take a look at this floral strapless dress on sale now at Newport News (layer it with a short floral jacket in complementary colors for a real BJ look). And the great thing about Betsey Johnson is you can actually buy a real live Betsey Johnson dress without spending a fortune. This striped number, for example, at Label Spree is on sale now for $102, and with its black and white stripes will be totally on-trend in the Spring.
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Cynthia Steffe
What: Cynthia Steffe Runway Show, Salon, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Pure white, pure clear colors (red, blue, green), and just enough balance of Spring’s favorite new neutral—black—made the Cynthia Steffe show a favorite of ours, even if some of the elements are things we’ve seen repeatedly over the last couple of days. The pocketed skirts, for example, and the cinched waists, and the bustier detailing, and the filmy ruffles. Which might seem redundant at this point if we didn’t pretty much love them all. So other than color choice, what stood out on the Cynthia Steffe runway? Lots and lots of flirty chic florals (red and white, in particular, and blue and white, for clean grown-up versions). The accessories, when there were any, were curious, however—dramatic yes, but we’re thinking that black sequined visors and black fingerless gloves probably won’t make it into most women’s spring rotation this time around . . .
Budget Solution: First, if you picked up a red and white floral dress this summer (as there were a few cute budget versions around, like this dress at Forever21 for just $24.80) keep it handy—it’ll be spot on for Spring 09. Likewise, those black patent belts from last fall and this fall will be put to good use, on said floral dresses in particular. Look now at Target for versions ranging from skinny to wide —all will work beautifully.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Gottex
What: Gottex Runway Show, Bryant Park Tent, New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009
The Lowdown: The model above embodies just one theme of Gottex’s varied Spring 2009 collection—the tropics: the colors of a sunset appeared again and again whether it was in abstract, almost painterly exotic lilies or orange suits adorned with gold or a chain of tropical flowers acting as a bathing suit strap. And as in Diane von Fursternberg’s show, there were also literally blooms in the models’ hair. But the tropics was only one thread running through Gottex’s bathing suits; there was also the omnipresent nautical theme—which we especially liked when designer Frazer Harrison cleverly used the symbol of an anchor to attach a top and bottom to make a cut-out one-piece or as part of a print. Most other suits were brightly colored with gold or ribbon-like embellishments, and cut-out bathing suits were prevalent, as were sheer, draped cover-ups. On the accessories front, we loved the huge, floppy hats, long, bold earrings, and dark-lensed sunglasses. Most of these suits are practical for haute couture models only, but we appreciated the one-piece bathing suits that left more rather than less to the imagination, and we fell for the skirted bikini bottoms.
Budget Solution: When it comes to bathing suits, we pay attention to practicality, comfort and confidence as well as price. With that being said, many of Gottex’s designs serve as inspiration for our shopping when swimsuit season arrives again. Target’s monokini helps us get on board with the cut-out one piece trend while saving our bank accounts from extinction. The orange of this bikini, again from Target, is reminiscent of the tropical motif in Gottex’s show, while this halter top bikini from Victoria’s Secret has some of the crisscross action we spotted on some of the Gottex suits.
Image courtesy of coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Peter Som
What: Peter Som Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: If ice blue wasn’t a Spring color before, it should have been—and for Spring 09, Peter Som has used it to great effect, in the midst of a mostly subdued color palette punctuated by some soft metallic shimmer, as well as bursts of bold orange and deep pink. The trend towards skirts and dresses for spring continues with Som, who showed skirts from short and straight to full and below the knee—many featuring the hidden pockets that seem to be so popular for the season. Strong structure runs though the pieces, with an emphasis on cinched waists and some bustier detailing. Gray and brown wide belts were featured largely by Som, but the highlight for us? The use of bold and dramatic graphic prints.
Budget Solution: We feel like a broken record (or skipping CD?) but belts are key—your waistline will be your best accessory this spring. Beyond that, keep the thought of those pocketed-skirts close at hand—and some linen pieces (particularly short sleeved jackets like this one from Banana Republic) on sale now could work well with this look come Springtime . . .
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Carolina Herrera
What: Carolina Herrera Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Strong color (primarily red) and plenty of black and white dominated Carolina Herrera’s runway, which featured body-conscious garments with an old Hollywood glamour sensibility. If we were a star of the silver screen, these are the things we’d want to be wearing. The collection focused heavily on dresses, with strong shapes tempered by sweet elements (like fluttery, filmy ruffles) that softened the edges. The rest of the collection? Slim cropped pants, fitted jackets, and lots of bare shoulders.
Budget Solution: We’re thinking color notes here, and bold red is our favorite in this show. The red dress for spring, especially if you have an event to attend, might be just the thing to evoke the kind of self-confident glamour Herrera’s bringing to the season, and of course black and white separates (like this Herrera runway look)—grab these City Stretch Ankle Pants from New York & Company right now to get a jump on the season.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Diane Von Furstenberg
What: Diane Von Furstenberg Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: If it’s spring florals you crave, then Diane Von Furstenberg’s Spring collection is for you. Von Furstenberg calls the pieces a combination of goddess and rock star, and that 60s and 70s sensibility comes across loud and clear, with flowy fabrics, bold color combinations (with a widely varied palette including pink, red, berry, orange, yellow, white, and more), offset by floppy hats and floral headdresses and some flapper-style details for good measure. It’s a fantasy collection in a sense, anchored with a few more tailored pieces (like a white pantsuit) and some of the more oversized handbags we’ve seen on the runway yet for Spring . . .
Budget Solution: We’re thinking for long floral flowy dresses and bold hues in the Diana VonFurstenberg strain, Victoria’s Secret might just come through for Spring . . . and for the oversized handbag, Target has some now, and will have more later no doubt. Key accessory elements to focus on? Brown belts at the waist, and while the floral headdress may not translate well to, say, dinner with friends, a flower pinned in loose hair might just add a little Von Furstenberg vibe without going over the top.
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Lela Rose
What: Lela Rose Runway Show, Salon, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: In the midst of lots of black and hard edges, the Lela Rose Spring 09 runway show came off like a, er, breath of fresh air . . . think feminine, think classic, think chic. But we really wouldn’t have expected anything else. The show echoed much of the asymmetry and ruffle details we’ve seen on other runways, but beyond that—soft, sophisticated, and definitely all-girl. Make that woman. And the colors? Delicious and soothing to the eyes, striking but not bright, in a range of deep blues (which we’re seeing a lot of), soft orange, muted red, pale spring yellow-green, creams and grays, in mostly solids with the occasional subtly-executed print. This is a collection with tons of functionality, from short skirts with simple lines and pockets, to swingy little jackets to easy dresses.
Budget Solutions: As real-life wearers of fashion, we kind of fell in love with this Lela Rose show—the pieces are simple, wearable, and yet special. It’s the details that make them such, the aforementioned ruffles, pocketed skirts, striking little daytime jackets. The jacket shape is something you could probably pick up now (like this Isaac Mizrahi for Target linen blazer, on clearance now), and layer with a basic shell in that sublime yellow-green come spring. We also love that in contrast to many of the chunky, gladiator inspired sandals we’ve seen on the runway, Lela Rose is showing with some super lady-like peep-toe pumps for a little change of pace (take a look at this pair—featuring the bow detail that run’s through much of Lela Rose’s collection—by Caparro at Endless.com, or just wait to see if there’s another Lela Rose collection coming at Payless . . .they’ve been teaming up since 2005.)
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: DKNY
What: DKNY Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: For Spring, DKNY is giving us easy shapes and a typically urban vibe painted with bold pinks, lime greens, and clear blues against backdrops of taupe, navy blue and, yes, black—with a little denim thrown in for good measure. Strong structure up top and lots of leg found their way to the runway, accented with more thin horizontal stripes (like we saw with Charlotte Ronson) and necklines were highlighted with thin fringed scarves and long swingy chains. The details? Drawstrings (some on anorak style jackets) and big bows (used sparingly and on just the right scale), adding to the 80s-but-updated feel of the collection on the whole . . .
Budget Solutions: The focus on black will make it easy to transition into these trends from winter, meaning from a budget standpoint (assuming you have a black jacket or, say, a short black skirt) you’ll really just need to worry about adding the pops of neon color and stripes if you want to stay on the urban DKNY trend . . . and Forever21 will probably be the place to do that. Hit up Claire’s for some long chain necklaces now, as well and for the scarves? Keep Urban Outfitters in mind as the season draws near. . .
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Rock & Republic
What: Rock & Republic Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: If Rock & Republic has its way, everyone this spring will be seeing things in black and white. Literally. This collection is all about edge, and it doesn’t really matter if it’s Springtime it seems—the rocker sensibility, in both palette and form, prevails. For the women, it’s all about super skinny pants (some apparently in spandex), body-hugging skirts and dresses, and a zipper here and a few strategically placed ruffles there for good measure. While a few dresses gave us something a little more flowy and feminine to hold onto, on the whole, the collection is about rockin’ the female form—assuming it’s long, lean, and moves with an attitude. Once again, the big black belt is front and center, and the clutch—in black of course—is always close at hand.
Budget Solution: While the Rock & Republic look isn’t for everyone, there are elements we can all bring to our Spring wardrobe. Black and white is dramatic and easy to pull together, especially here where it mostly takes the form of solid separates—so slim white pants and a black satiny blouse will do the trick. Add a black belt, a pair of black high-heeled sandals (check out the sale sandals at Aldo) and one of those ubiquitous black clutches (grab one on the cheap at Target) and you are rock-ready for whatever Spring throws at you.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Rosa Cha
What: Rosa Cha, The Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Rosa Cha wants us to look hot hot hot on the beach next summer, unveiling a glam swimsuit line sure to be a hit with fashionistas on every shore. The color palate was simple (red, white, green, brown – oh so Brazil), but the shapes screamed for attention. Bright and bold details like Swarovski crystallized necklines, monster sized gold earrings, and cutouts front and back upped the heat factor. Sheer cover-ups trailing to the floor provided some options for those not willing to let it all hang out.
Budget Solutions: Prints were nearly nonexistent in this collection, meaning we don’t have to suffer waiting for imitations from our fave budget retailers. Instead we can work with trusty solids, giving us a beautiful blank canvas to fool around with daring accessories. Stock up on big gold bangles and earrings from your local Forever 21, add a loose long-sleeved top for some lightweight coverage, and get ready to show those beach bums how its done.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
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