Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's New Arrivlas

I recently bought a pair of Guess boots that I've since worn practically every day. How does this relate to the post? Well, in honor of that, I've decided this week to revisit Guess, Bebe and Armani Exchange to see what they have to offer and I'm quite happy with the results :) The best part, all three are under $100!

First up, a very cute dress from Guess. It's silk and I can just see from the picture how wonderfully it would feel on. A perfect dress to show off your legs!

Guess Donna dropwaist dress $89

Something else that will show off those legs, this fleece skirt from Armani Exchange. I admit it's not terribly practical, though I can see myself playing tennis in it. I like the gathering and the white band at the bottom adds a nice touch.

Armani Exchange Sparkle Fleece skirt $48

These boots from Bebe are actually an old favorite. A year or two ago Bebe had a catalog with these boots worn by Eva Longoria. The only thing that stopped me from buying them is fear that I would fall over wearing them in the snow. But now that I see these pom poms, it's like I'm in love all over again :)

Bebe wedge boot $99 (down from $138!)

And finally I couldn't resist including this blazer from Elizabeth and James. The sharp shoulders are on trend, but mostly I love it because of the belt.

Elizabeth and James Elizabeth blazer $445

image sources: bloomingdales.com, bebe.com, armaniexchange.com, guess.com

Project Runway Recap: Season Finale

We all know the results already, but let me take you through a recap anyway because it's fun :) I can't believe how long ago this was filmed. It was great to finally see the collections that Irina, Althea and Carol Hannah put together.

Althea's collection came first. It was a great sportswear collection. Lots of separates, jackets, more of those voluminous pants we've seen all season long. What I didn't understand is her inspiration: what people in the future might wear today? The garments looked contemporary but definitely not futuristic. My two favorite looks were a long sweater and the green dress paired with a leather jacket.

Carol Hannah was up next. Jewel toned silks dominated the collection. There were many pretty dresses both of the short and long variety. Carol Hannah was very proud she made pants, though to be honest I would have rather her stuck to what she does best. Though I really liked the idea of a lilac dress with a tight fitting top and tulle skirt, my fave two looks were a short draped number and the bright blue 13th look she made while sick!

Irina's was the last collection. It was very New York, dark, modern, with chunky knits, leggings, and I loved the coats. It was a cohesive collection. The only thing I was not crazy about were the hats. They gave the looks edge but were a bit on the costumy side. The standout piece for me was the black pleated skirt and top, and the gray coat.

WINNER: The final decision had to be made. Though Carol Hannah made a great effort it was between Althea and Irina for the top spot. Irina's vision made her a winner so

Congratulations Irina!!!

image sources: nymag.com

Red Carpet: AMA Fashion 2009

The AMA' s left much to be desired fashion wise. It seemed like a lot of black and beige, but that wasn't the worst problem. What bothered me most was how ill fitting most of the dresses were. Luckily Rihanna was there to save the day. Here's the breakdown!

Simply Stunning

Rihanna is gorgeous in her Marchesa gown. It looks a bit avant-garde which suits Rihanna perfectly. I love the origami inspired shape. This was one my favorites from Marchesa's Spring 2010 collection so I'm very glad someone is wearing it :)

In the Middle

Shakira looked cute in her yellow Versace concoction and her hair and makeup was great, but something wasn't working for me. Maybe it was the black shoes, maybe because it was too much like the Balmain dress she wore to the MTV awards.

Carry Underwood usually glams it up, and maybe that was the original idea for this gold lame grecian mini by Theia, but it wasn't working. It didn't fit right, the draping was not flattering.

I like the idea of Kate Hudson's Versace dress, but there is definitely a problem of fit and proportions. The straps are way too long, making this dress prone to flashing. As a result the waist seems too high in comparison to where the neckline is. I can see how this would look fantastic on a super tall model.

I'm not quite sure about Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga gown. It's interesting, but not flattering. It's a bit too pale and hides her body. I long for the Nicole of old, remember the green Prada or the gold goddess Christian Dior?

All Wrong

I have a feeling people are going to hate me for this but I never liked Vivienne Westwood's wedding dress in Sex and the City. The exaggerated triangular neckline is not flattering. It may work on the runway but not on real people. And that's only half the problem with Leona Lewis' dress, the bottom looks like a disaster too, a strange 80's mini.

Kelly Clarkson, why oh why did you choose this dress??? It is consumed by sparkles, shapeless, and it is not helped by the sheer tights. Simply raising the hemline just a bit and wearing opaque tights would have helped.

image source: justjared.com

Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's New Arrivals

It's a mixed bag of treats this week. A couple of dresses that play on volume, an interesting shaped bag and recognition of the hotest trend at the moment: the thigh high boot.

I like dresses that leave something to the imagination and here's the first dress of the kind, a mini from Parker. I like the general shape of this dress. Loose like a tunic it has a great flowing quality to it. Careful with the length of this dress, if it's too long it can look a bit dowdy, so don't be afraid to shorten it.

Parker Flared Sleeve dress $209

And here's a pair of boots that will go great with the Parker mini. The thigh high boot trend is all over the place. Kate Hudson seems to live in hers. It's a great way to add some spice to an outfit. You can pair them with jeans like Kate and Penelope do, but if you're pairinig with a dress, make sure it's not too tight. The goal here is not to look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman pre-makeover.

Stuart Weitzman Hiho Thigh High boots $675

This Alexander Wang dress is quite a departure from the sleek, sophisticated garments that are so beloved by young Hollywood. What it retains however is the modern, urban feel that all Alexander Wang clothes have in common.

Alexander Wang Safari wrap dress $765

With the huge success and exposure of his clothing line it is easy to forget that Alexander Wang makes handbags as well. Here's a cute bag rocking the hottest trend - studs - with enough room for all those unnecessary items we all keep :)

Alexander Wang Diego suede studded bucket bag $795

image sources: openingceremony.com, shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com

A Dress Prediction

I predict this dress is going to sell out pretty quickly! It was about time for Alexander Wang to get on the sequin bandwagon. Now he's combined the sexy draping of his jersey dresses with the high glamor of sequins. There's no way not to look hot in this dress!

Alexander Wang Draped sequined mini dress $815

image source: net-a-porter.com

Project Runway Recap: Episode 13

Last night we got to see what collections Althea, Carol Hannah and Irina were working on for Fashion Week. There was lots to see and lots for Tim to comment on. We also got to see the hectic days leading up to the runway, and it wouldn't be Project Runway without an extra surprise!

Carol Hannah was the first one Tim visited and he seemed impressed. The collection definitely focused on evening wear. There were lots of silk fabrics in different jewel tones. There was one purple gown that I really loved.

Irina came next. Her collection was very New York, and by that I don't mean the Coney Island pictures on her t-shirts, but the black and gray that was 99% of her collection. She tried to incorporate knits and coats. Speaking of the Coney Island pics, she couldn't use them because it wasn't "her" design according to the show producers.

Althea was the last one Tim visited. Interestingly enough she also focused on knits, and Tim encouraged it as well. I really liked the hot pink dress that was in the background of some of the shots.

As usual there was lots to do in NYC. It never ceases to amaze me how year after year the designers come to New York with unfinished garments after all the weeks they have to make them. Wouldn't you want all that time to make sure everything fits on the models? Apparently not because Irina had a dress sprawled on the floor. I felt really bad for Carol Hannah because on top of this being the most important and most stressful week, she was also sick!

It was at this point that Heidi and Tim came in for the surprise. In seasons past designers were asked to create one last look for their collection. I thought they were done with that, but unfortunately for the designers I was wrong. On the positive side they get help from the last three designers that were booted off.

Can't wait for next week to see the 13th design, and Carol Hannha, Althea and Irina's collections!

Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's New Arrivals

I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was disappointed by this week's new arrivals. There was nothing truly great to grab my attention, nothing to fall in love with :(. Catherine Malandrino provided the only exception.

There's no denying this dress is very 80's. It's tight, short, vibrant. It's a strong look that begs for attention. It's almost sold out, but I'm posting it anyway because I hope it'll be reordered, and then I can get my hands on it!

Catherine Malandrino Draped silk-jersey dress $495

I would pair the dress with silver accessories. This J.Crew clutch is a great start. There is a wonderful natural quality to the way the stones are randomly placed. Not only does this clutch work perfectly with chic looks like the one above, it'll also add some glamor to a simple jeans and T-shirt outfit.

J.Crew Stone Garden Clutch $148

image sources: net-a-porter.com, jcrew.com

Project Runway Recap: Episode 12

So...after many grueling weeks we're finally down to the last Project Runway challenge! Who's dreams will be sadly disappointed? You'll have to wait till the end of the post ;)

The challenge this week was actually my favorite from a previous season, the Art of Fashion challenge, where designers had to create a piece inspired by something in a museum. The one in question this time around was the Getty Museum and there was so much to be inspired by. Carol Hannah loved a four poster bed with luxurious brocade fabric. Her gold gown was impeccably made, and the draping was reminiscent of the bed, though the judges didn't see a direct connection. Christopher fell in love with a fountain on the grounds of the museum. He tried to recreate the shades of gray and green moss in a gown with a beautiful neckline. His downfall was the stiff skirt. Irina tried to recreate the opulence in a painting of a woman dressed in a sheer garment, surrounded by fur. I wasn't crazy about the look she created, it was an interesting, knee length, semi sheer dress, with an open back. The fur didn't fit so she dropped it, but in trying to style the look in a "tough" way, it took away from the airy feeling of the dress. Althea bit off more than she could chew trying to recreate the architectural elements of the building in her golden skirt. The sheer top seemed almost like an afterthought and the skirt wasn't well made. Gordana went straight for Impressionist art, picking a painting by Monet of the Rouen cathedral. The color, texture, shape of the gown were all gorgeous. It felt like an angel was floating down the runway. The judges complained about the back and that it did not really wow them, however it was the closest representation of the inspiration that they had seen.

Winners and Losers: There were no real winners and losers this week. The judges had both positive and negative things to say about each and every look. In the end they decided that Christopher simply wasn't ready for Fashion Week and needed more time to develop as a designer. I would have been curious to see what he would have created. Gordana was next to get cut, and so the top three designers going to fashion week are:

Althea, Carol Hannah, and Irina! Congrats girls!

There are no gowns similar to Gordana's but, these are close in spirit: ethereal and light.

Notte by Marchesa draped gown $683.10 and Elizabeth and James Colette dress $182.50 (down from $365!)

Christopher made quite a few tops with pretty necklines so here's a tribute to that :)

Bebe Enchanted Forest top $39.99 (down from $79!)

image sources: bebe.com, bluefly.com, shopbop.com

Wedding: Bridal Gown Bliss

I don't think I've mentioned this on my blog before, but I'm engaged! And today was my first official wedding planning experience. In fact it's the one I think I will enjoy the most: finding that perfect wedding dress.

During my lunch hour I decided to pop into Saks, thinking I could skim through some bridal gowns just to get a feel for the materials and textures that are out there. I was also curious if they had a Reem Acra gown I fell in love with online. Gorgeous right?

When I walked into the Bridal Salon however I was quickly told that there are no dresses to look through and I would have to make an appointment. Here are a few other things I found out during my five minute conversation:

- a dress is a "her" not an "it"
- if you're looking for a particular dress, make sure to know "her" name
- When compared with the competition Saks has one of the best selections in the city (this is what I was told, and is not coming from experience). Bergdorf only carries top of the line brands and Kleinfelds has so many dresses its overwhelming.
- there is a trunk show the first week of December where approximately 150 dresses will be on sale in sizes 8 and 10
- a size 8 or 10 in bridal gowns is the equivalent of a 4 or 6 in real clothes
- you can ask a dress to be flown in to try on if you're willing to pay for the shipping cost, which will be about $45
- the Fall collection will be in around February-March, but some designers like Oscar de la Renta only make one collection per year

image sources: newjerseybrides.com

Fashion Matches: Best Finds from This Week's New Arrivals

This week, a study in contrasts. Dresses, a hat and shoes, each with a different feel and personality. I have to say I'm a sucker for pom-poms, it must be the 5 yr old in me, so I loved Diane von Furstenberg's beanie.

Love the color and shape of this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress. It's incredibly flattering, great for all skin tones.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Alexa dress $328

I keep on seeing beanie hats everywhere, Katie Holmes doesn't seem to leave home without it, and here's one with a twist, or rather a pom-pom. Diane von Furstenberg's collection has a bohemian vibe but this adds an element of fun that I really enjoy.

Diane von Furstenberg Jasmina Pom hat $150

I guess this is a sign that I've been watching too many dance shows because as soon as I saw these ballet pumps I knew I had to include them. If you've ever wanted to feel like a ballerina here's your chance.

D&G Ballerinas Doll pump $465

I love Preen, and am so glad there's a secondary line that is more affordable. This is a dress that plays on volume, with a billowy top and a ruffle skirt. It comes in black and gray, I personally like the gray more.

Preen Line Fountain cotton-jersey dress $350

images sources: revolveclothing.com, net-a-porter.com, forwardforward.com, shopbop.com

Project Runway Recap: Episode 11

It's always interesting to see things come full circle and that's what this episode of Project Runway is all about. The designers were asked to create a complimentary outfit to one that they have already made in the past.

Irina got to add to her wintery Aspen look, she created a brocade mini dress and an oversize sweater. Gordana wanted to make something elegant yet with an edge to compliment her rocker divorcee look, but failed miserably. As one of the judges put it, her black skirt and long gray blazer made her look like "an office worker from Warsaw, Poland". Christopher decided to make a long version of his winning party dress from the first episode. With a black halter top and layers and layers of volume at the bottom it was a bit disproportionate according to the judges. Althea created a look to match a suit of a blazer and mini skirt. The new look had pants and a voluminous gray sweater that Irina thought Althea stole from her. I'm not sure why the judges were crazy about this look because the pants were not flattering. They were of the big at the tom, skinny at the bottom, harem variety. The sweater really did look cozy though. Logan decided to up the ante and created a mini dress with zipper details. The collar was controversial, all zippers, which Althea thought resembled hers from a different challenge a little too much. Carol Hannah was struggling about whether to make yet another dress, and in the end decided to do just that. It was a flowy dress with pockets, very cute.

Winners: The winners circle included Irina, Althea, and Carol Hannah. I'm not really sure who I was rooting for here, I liked both sweaters. All three judges loved Althea's outfit and so she walked away the winner.

Losers: Christopher, Logan, and Gordana were in the bottom. I really thought Gordana would be going home. Her look was both boring and ugly. I was wrong, Logan was the one asked to leave. His look was too futuristic.

If you loved Carol Hannah's black dress here's one that is super cute and on sale!

Elizabeth and James Crossfront dress $194 (down from $495!!!)

And if you liked the chunky sweaters from Irina and Althea, here's yet another one :)

Elizabeth and James Cocoon shrug $525

images sources: nordstrom.com, shopbop.com