The Loss of a Legend.....L'Wren Scott

Losing L'Wren....  Mick Jagger will not be the only one forever mourning the loss of L'Wren Scott.  She was obviously battling with some very strong demons, one of which reportedly was....financial.  Although Scott had acquired a fantastic following of celebrities and movie stars, her clothes were never stealing focus from her colleagues.  She was said to be in financial trouble to the tune of 6 million.  Now that is a huge number to many of us, but she ran with the Rolling Stones, so I find it odd that she didn't think.she could access that sort of money. Her collaboration with Banana Republic was quite successful and I'm sure it would have grown exponentially. Whatever the details, this is a great loss to the fashion world. May she rest in peace now....

Slugworth...tis the season...


It always amazes me when several different designers come out with similar looking garments at the same exact time.  Oh I remember the tales of spies and moles planted in the factories and even outright thieves stealing patterns off the shelf.  I imagined the spy to be like Mr. Slugworth from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, infiltrating the design houses and making secret offers to those who looked weak.  Although it's probably not that dramatic, it still happens.  There is no way that seven different designers just happened to create black sheer dresses, high waisted bathing suit bottoms worn as pants and yards and yards of nude fabric covered in black lace.  Now, I believe that if you do not have your own original thoughts and need to steal from others more talented than yourself, well maybe you're in the wrong business. 

Fall / Winter

 Foliage and Icicles

The best advice for the upcoming fall/winter season is...buy a great wool coat.  A classic piece of outerwear is an investment.  It is what people will see first whenever you are walking past.  Many women think of the coat as an afterthought.  Just something to throw on to fend off the weather.  When a woman is putting together an outfit for a night out after the cold weather hits, she should be giving as much thought to her outerwear as she would her shoes or dress.  If you are wearing a Prada dress with Louboutin heels, would you really want to throw your ski jacket on over that? (don't laugh, I have seen it done).  Every woman should invest in a great new coat at least every two years.  Money is tight for everyone, but a fantastic looking and  stylish coat does not have to break your budget.  Department stores tend to buy too many, and lower the prices tremendously.  Also,  there are loads of online designer outlets with discounted prices and coupon codes.   A plain black wool coat with a flattering cut and nice lining is the way to go for your first purchase.  I would also suggest that the hem should reach well below the knee if it is to be your primary coat.  Secondly, everyone needs a camel wool jacket simply due to the fact that, like black, camel tones match everything and look good on all skin shades.  I personally like a hip length trench coat style when you buy your second piece. Next, I would invest in one bright unexpected color for winter such as orange or yellow. Maybe even a pastel like baby pink or mint green.  Winter can get gloomy, so a blast of an unexpected color once in a while could be fun.  For your final outerwear purchase, be brave and go with your favorite print.  Just because it's a coat doesn't mean it has to be plain.  A great hounds-tooth or black-watch plaid?  Maybe an animal print or a paisley?  This time you might want something a bit shorter like a waist length.  One thing I really love is a colorful lining.  A great interior has the ability to completely change the look of an item (much like a house). Thrift stores and vintage boutiques are also good places to find an inexpensive coat, as long as you remember to check the coat out for tiny moth holes, and to have it dry-cleaned.  This could also be a fantastic way to afford 2 coats at one time.  The other staples that every woman needs on hand next season are...gloves to go with your new coat as well as a hat and a versatile pair of boots.  A pair of boots that are super warm, but ones that look nice too.  Besides a bad coat, nothing can ruin a nice outfit faster than some bulky winter boots.  For those of you living in a less seasonal climate, you should buy a slouchy sweater or two in nice neutral tones like beige or chocolate brown.  It does get chilly once in a while in the southern and western states, so you should invest in a great pair of boots also.  Lastly, for those of you living where it rains a lot over the winter months, you can never go wrong with a classic pair of wellies and a belted beige trench coat.  Now you can go to the links page and start shopping!

Resort Review '14

Resort Review '14

Lets start by noting some good points about the 3.1 line by Phillip Lim. The bags were great, there were some very nice dresses and the drawstring pants were on point. The light blue vest was a good look and the short blue blazer with gold buttons is almost a must-have. The best pieces rocked a stained glass looking fabric and the white jumpsuit utilized the print best. However, the black & white print dress looked cheap as did the mesh fabric used in several different pieces. The sheer black striped shirt was cool, but the sheer white shorts were a bit too much. Overall...a decent show.

On to the Zac Posen line which is typically phenomenal, but he seemed to miss the mark a bit this season. Too much peplum. I hope we all hear less of that word in the coming seasons. Its a lovely touch ... until everyone is doing it. Also, ruffles, rouching and draping on one dress looked like overkill. The chiffon pleated gowns would have been better without the pleats on the sleeves and the lavender gown appeared poorly fitted, which is uncommon for Mr. Posen. Having said that...the mauve satin & tulle dress was worth it all. That dress looked like what one would imagine that the dresses made in heaven might look like. The toga inspired, belted dress is one that has been done many times before, but Posen made the design seem really fresh. The prints were all great but the butterfly fabric was by far the most original.

If you like a bold floral print dress with matching floral printed shoes, then look no further than L'Wren Scott. The collection is mostly made up of knee length dresses with nice silhouettes and clean lines. The matching hats may have taken the look a step too far though.

Marc by Marc Jacobs is branded as more youthful than the designers original signature line and the '14 collection lives up to it's hype. The black over-sized cable knit sweater is awesome by itself, but becomes even better when paired with the gray/black hounds-tooth mini skirt. There is a navy blue printed coat with a black fur collar that is simply beautiful as well as a lovely gray wool coat also.

Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week

July 2013

Well, fashion week has just begun and there have already been some interesting shows. Probably one of  the most theatrical and the most talked about collections would have to be Thom Browne's menswear show.  His fire engine red military inspired leotards were so far over the top that the red lipstick on the male models almost went unnoticed. It is certainly no secret that Thom Browne is always pushing fashion forward and this season is no exception. This particular look could really only work on the runway though, or possibly on a avant garde musician or other celebrity. The best piece of the entire collection, in my opinion, were the white leather gloves. They were bad ass.

Alexis Mabille had what could have been a strong collection if not for the overuse of seemingly unnecessary fabric and wrinkled dresses. Now, these dresses were obviously not made to be wrinkled, they were simply not pressed and/or steamed properly which is completely unacceptable when showing a collection in Paris. Below is one of the super-sized ruffle coat/wrap/gown pieces...you decide.

Another season...another flop from Givenchy. I have to admit that I lost a great deal of respect following their collaborations with Kanye West. He may very well be the genius that he claims to be, but that does not make him a fashion designer. He definitely doesn't display any real creative intention in his own wardrobe. A house like Givenchy is held to a higher standard than most, simply due to their longevity in the industry. These designs seem better suited for a more alternative group than the more classic lines of the past. Having said all of that, I am sure I will see some young fashion daredevils sporting this look before long. For me it's all about the fabric and this pattern is just unappealing and the lycra leggings seal the deal on my thoughts. The sandals read more like an afterthought, and that was quite possibly what they were going for, but I actually think they are the best part of this uneasy ensemble.

Just when I thought all hope was lost, out comes Naomi Campbell wearing a black Versace body suit. She was a 43 year old vision. Whoever thought she was too old to walk the runway definitely got the surprise of their lives when she strolled out. I'm not sure that "bodysuit" is the right way to explain this particular piece. It is NOT lingerie. Almost a bathing suit, held together with hooks and Swavorski crystals. She was also wearing a oversized cable knit sweater as a cover-up.  I'm not quite sure where one might wear an outfit like this, but Naomi looked HOT!

PRADA

PRADA 

So...if you haven't already picked up the brown weathered leather bowling bag purse, you might have missed your chance as everything is selling out over at Prada. Their Fall/Winter '13 collection is as classic as ever with just the right amount of edge to keep them relevant. For instance...the red quilted clutch is right on point for next season and the white rhinestone studded handbag is a bag that should be used far beyond Labor Day. The shoes are brilliant but too few. I would have preferred a few more choices in the ballet flat category. The sunglasses are great classic style but a bit too chunky for some people. The animal printed frame will always be in style but the rounded shapes were a nice touch.

McQueen

  ALEXANDER McQUEEN

a beautiful mind...

 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN WAS BORN IN LONDON ON MARCH 17TH 1969, THE YOUNGEST OF SIX CHILDREN. HE LEFT SCHOOL AT THE AGE OF 16 AND WAS OFFERED AN APPRENTICESHIP AT THE TRADITIONAL SAVILE ROW TAILORS ANDERSON AND SHEPHARD AND THEN AT NEIGHBORING GIEVES AND HAWKES, BOTH MASTERS IN THE TECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION OF CLOTHING. From there he moved to the theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans where he mastered 6 methods of pattern cutting from the melodramatic 16th Century to the razor sharp tailoring which has become a McQueen signature. Aged 20 he was employed by the designer Koji Tatsuno, who also had his roots in British tailoring. A year later McQueen traveled to Milan where he was employed as Romeo Gigli’s design assistant. On his return to London, he completed a Masters degree in Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin’s. He showed his MA collection in 1992, which was famously bought in its entirety by Isabella Blow.
Alexander McQueen shows are known for their emotional power and raw energy, as well as the romantic but determinedly contemporary nature of the collections. Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity. An openly emotional and even passionate viewpoint is realized with a profound respect and influence for the arts and crafts tradition. Alexander’s collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing.
In less than 10 years McQueen became one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. In October 1996 he was appointed Chief Designer at the French Haute Couture House Givenchy where he worked until March of 2001. In December 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was acquired by the Gucci Group, where he remained Creative Director. Collections include women's ready-to-wear, men's ready-to-wear, accessories, eye wear and fragrance (Kingdom 2003 and MyQueen 2005). Expansion followed and included the opening of flagship stores in New York, London, Milan, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
The following awards have recognized Alexander McQueen’s achievement in fashion: British Designer of the year 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2003, International Designer of the Year by The Council of Fashion Designer’s of America (CFDA) in 2003, A Most Excellent Commander of The British Empire (CBE) by her Majesty the Queen in 2003, GQ Menswear Designer of the Year in 2007. His mother died on Feb. 2, 2010. Nine days later, Feb. 11, 2010 McQueen himself was found dead in his London home. His death was ruled a suicide and his ashes were spread on the Isle of Skye. Following his death, his longtime assistant, Sarah Burton was appointed creative director and head designer at McQueen. The fashion world still mourns the loss of such an amazingly talented young man.