Accessory Trend: Statement Belts
If the spring shows are anything to go by, the new season will see us accessorizing to perfection, with statement belts being used to accent both dresses and coats. For those who are unafraid of going bold with their sartorial choices, follow in the steps of Balmain, who showed heavy metal creations on the catwalk, mixing golden buckles with chain detailing. Renowned queen of eccentric, Anna Dello Russo, styled up her metallic Balmain waist-cincher with an equally embellished mini dress.
For a more subtle approach, look to Céline and match your belt to the colour of your outfit, an understated way to follow the trend whilst also creating a perfect silhouette…
Runway Recap: Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012
Inspiration
Indian maharajas meets Charley Harper is Jason Wu‘s Pre-fall 2012 collection. His bold color pallet and chic designs create that “regal” look we all die for. With vibrant, intricate elements, Wu’s collection is elegantly twisted.
Top Trends
Form fitting and structured pieces paired with oversized jackets mixes a masculine design concept with a feminine touch. His red carpet dresses have a simple design but his color choice will turn you to the dark side, in a good way.
Accessories
Wu steers aways from jewelry in this collection and pairs his outfits with some seductive black leather gloves. Black opened toe heels are also a must to pull off Wu’s chic ensembles.
Favorite Looks
The green silk top with three black tear drop cut outs matched with the pencil green skirt balanced texture and pattern. You can never go wrong a black on green trimming and some killer black heels either.
Thoughts
The use of basic designs paired with bold color accents created a stylish yet simple look. All of the looks in Wu’s collection were bold and flawless.
Runway Recap: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012
Inspiration: Sophisticated tailoring and playful comic-strip graphics hardly sound like a match made in heaven, but this is exactly the winning combination behind the 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall collection and, crazy though it sounds, it totally works.
Top Trends: Razor sharp tailored pieces were a significant feature within the collection as was a bold use of colour blocking. These trends combined to provide a super sleek, minimalist approach which was then juxtaposed with the colourful comic pieces.
Accessories: Shoe boots with pointed toes, metallic sandals, skinny leather belts and handheld totes and clutches were used to accessorise looks. The key was subtlety to avoid detracting from the impressive cuts and silhouettes of the garments.
Favourite Looks: The appeal of the impeccably cut grey coat with deep v-neck paired with the comic strip clutch lies in its very simplicity. The leather and suede long-sleeved tee with knee length camel coloured skirt is a perfect ‘edgy yet prim’ look.
Thoughts: For pre-fall 2012 Lim has produced a collection which, although not breaking boundaries, plays up to his impressive strengths, the most noteworthy being his well-executed tailoring. The comic graphics add a much needed youthfulness which also brings the pieces bang up to date for 2012. This collection gave an exciting glimpse of a direction which Lim will hopefully explore further with the fall season.
Style Crush: Nicole Richie
Yes, yes, we know she’s a style veteran and all but Nicole Richie‘s recent fashion-choices have got our hearts palpitating all over again.
Bankrupt vs. Jackpot: Leather & Metal Bags
When Alexander Wang came out with his Marion Mini Sling Bag, I fell in love. With its small, cube-like structure, gold hardware and black leather, it is the perfect mix of classy and edgy. While I was still contemplating if I should dish out the $650, I came across this bad boy on from Asos. It’s almost identical and at the reasonable price of $118? Yes, please.
SHOP: ALEXANDER WANG MARION MINI SLING BAG ($650) ASOS LEATHER METAL CUBE BAG ($118)
5 Pairs of Shoes Perfect for The Holidays Under $150
Holiday shoes, in my book, should be the best of all year long. This is different from any other weekend. The family is together, you’re (maybe) back home –which means seeing old friends and whatnot. So go ahead and deck your feet with an amazing pair of shoes… perhaps one from this list, even.
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First up is this pair of beautiful Badgley Mischka heels. They really are a great option to complement a beautiful dress and for an elegant dinner. Plus, the detail on this pair is enough to remind anyone of a Christmas present… so at least you know you’ll remind others to give you a present –so that’s kind of like a win-win for you, beautiful shoes and a gift.
SHOP: Badgley Mischka Bryant Heels on sale for $63.
5 Perfectly Cute Holiday Dresses Under $100
We know, we know… broke after all the gift shopping and still can’t find a holiday dress. Well no worries! Here are 5 fabulous dresses all under $100 that will keep you and your wallet out of the red and in the holiday spirit.
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This red dress by ModCloth exudes some serious Holiday elegance. The front sash is embellished which means you don't really even need accessories.
SHOP: ModCloth Clink About It Dress , $90.
8 Badass Holiday Gifts for Your Hostess Friend
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UNDER $40
Nothing sucks more than spilling something on a great outfit right before guests arrive which is why you should totally get your hostess friend an apron. Cheesy: She will think of you every time she wears it which will probably be all the time.
SHOP: Tea-And-Cumprets Apron $32
