Bloodlust Beauty

I can’t say it’s a huge shock (or even a little one) that the country’s current obsession with vampires has begun to influence beauty trends; it was only a matter of time. When I came across this image, taken backstage at the Proenza Schouler Fall 2010 RTW show, I was immediately caught off guard by the model’s penetrating stare and couldn’t help but think that maybe she was trying to ‘glamour’ me. Once I came to my senses and realized that this was obviously impossible (right?!), I became enamored with her lip color. Though I usually feel too self conscious to wear anything this dark, I am truly inspired. This deep purple pout is a fresh re-imagination of the vampy red look and is sure to compliment all of your new fall fashion finds. Just be sure to avoid looking overdone by leaving the rest of your face muted.

Text Jessica Best

White as the Driven Snow

Growing up, it was drilled into my head early on that I should not, under any circumstances, wear white after Labor Day. This included white stockings, and to my complete chagrin white patent leather Mary Janes; though to be fair, the ban on white patent leather Mary Janes could have also been due to their uncanny ability to go from cute to tacky at the drop of a hat. As a result, for much of my adult life I have avoided winter whites like the plague. Okay, maybe not quite like the plague but definitely like a bad cold. Up until this season I have been sartorially crippled by the imagined consequences of violating this all important rule, i.e. that I would be cruelly shunned by my peers and forced to live in the New York City subway system like a mole person. However, since we have just crept past Labor Day and white has been seen on countless Fall 2010 RTW runways including Chanel’s, I am poised to face my fear by incorporating white into my fall/winter wardrobe. In the interest of creating some balance though, I will probably only wear one milky piece at a time.

Text Jessica Best

Camel Comfort

A few posts ago, I put the camel craze on the back burner to discuss my recent disillusionment with Lady Gaga. To be perfectly frank, I had no intention of picking the topic back up at a later date, but I quickly realized that this current obsession could not, no, would not be dismissed. I don’t think I could have continued, with any real conviction, to call myself a fashion blogger if I did not at least touch on what could arguably be considered fall’s biggest trend. With that said, how yummy does Chanel Iman look here? Although she was probably sweating profusely, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone look that cozy without wearing a snuggy. Not only does this image [taken at Michael Kors’ Fall 2010 RTW runway show] exhibit the color’s unbelievable richness but it also demonstrates the many different ways the look can be achieved, i.e. you could don a camel hued hat, scarf, boots, or all three if you like to live life on the edge. Needless to say, despite my initial indifference to this emphatic proliferation, it should be clear that at least one camel colored piece should be included in your fall wardrobe this season.

Text Jessica Best

Velvet Wonder

Among one of my favorite fall 2010 trends is velvet—it’s romantic, soft to the touch (if only all textiles could present such tactile pleasure) and very much reminds me of Interview with a Vampire. It also reminds me of a much beloved red holiday dress with a lace collar I owned as a child, and if you are a female who grew up in the 90’s you probably once had a similar frock in your possession. The dress pictured here is from Nanette Lepore’s Fall 2010 RTW collection and while I think both the color and cut are captivating, the overall look is perhaps a bit overwhelming for the every day. Try a shorter dress paired with black tights and ankle boots for a fresh fall spin on this classic.

Text Jessica Best

Getting Ready to Cover Up

I absolutely love this dress from Giambattista Valli’s fall collection. The black mummy-like sleeves matched with the ruffled skirt are nothing less than sleek and it gets me in the mood for the chilly weather up ahead.

With the end of summer swiftly approaching it’s easy to get sad about having to put away those strappy sandals and thin sun dresses, but this gorgeous ensemble is a reminder of just how sexy the fall season can be. Those black pantyhose mixed with the suede ankle boots makes cleaning out my closet a whole lot easier. After all, I’m going to need a lot more room for all the beautiful new boots and long-sleeved dresses the cold weather is going to bring on. Sayonara, summer.

By Carly Roye

Pretty Florals Make the Transition to Fall

Although I am in deep denial about this fact, sadly it is no less true: summer is quickly drawing to a close. I didn’t want to have to tell you that in case some of you were in deeper denial than even I, but I think it was time to rip off the band-aid. Soon our tans will fade and these wonderfully balmy nights will be but a distant memory. Most of our summer wardrobe will go into hibernation to make room for new fall and winter must haves and the weather will turn crisp and cool. Despite all this bad news though, we can rest assured that at the very least our flirty floral dresses will survive the seasonal shift. At Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2010 RTW runway show, black tops under floral dresses added both warmth and edge to a favorite summer staple. Be careful though, use of a turtleneck for this look has the potential to end up looking more dowdy and less chic.

Text Jessica Best

Such Great Heights

Initially used to create the perfect catholic schoolgirl look, thigh high socks are quickly making a comeback in the fashion world. This season, knee-high socks are being worn in new and exciting ways- so you can forget about dusting off your penny loafers and pleated plaid skirts. For summer, thigh high socks are being worn under chunky platform sandals and are being paired with everything from tap shorts to bohemian dresses. As the fall season approaches, thigh high socks look cozy and cute when worn over a pair of sheer patterned tights, or when seen peeking out of a great new pair of boots. There are a ton of styles out there; from the chunky cable-knit material made by Miu Miu to the basic, solid material sold at Target. I would suggest trying out a low end pair first, just so you can experiment with the trend’s different colors and textures before investing in a high end, designer pair. Make sure the way you wear them is flattering to your body type- those with bigger thighs may want to stick to socks that hit just below the kneecap, as these lengths are super slimming. If you’re toned and trimmed, try pairing just above the kneecap socks with a pair of your shortest shorts. The contrast that this creates is a fun and new approach to dressing up in the summer months. The best part about this trend is that it works for every season, so when you find a pair that you love, don’t hesitate to purchase them! Socks have been making appearances on the runways for both the summer and for the upcoming fall/winter runway collections. With that said, it looks like they are here to stay!

Text Ali Antonucci

Animal Prints RAWR

As I sit on my bed in decidedly unfashionable pajamas, attempting to write a post that is both witty and substantive, I realize that I can’t call to mind a single item currently or previously in my possession that boasts an animal print. Then I look up and notice my hidden in plain sight collection of formerly cherished Beanie Babies which includes a tiger, the name of which I’ve forgotten, and decide that maybe that isn’t the most accurate representation of my belongings. Nonetheless, while I never thought I was consciously avoiding the inclusion of animal prints in my wardrobe, I guess if you said, I’m not the pattern’s biggest fan, you wouldn’t be wrong. I often feel as if, like a past her prime beauty in a low cut top and tight jeans, it tries too hard to be sexy and fails. All the same, I indisputably have to hand it to Dries Van Noten for his inspired use of leopard print in his Fall 2010 RTW collection. It was sexy; laid back yet also polished, and spoke to the designer’s menswear roots. So, if you are going to try the leopard look this fall, I urge you to keep it simple and add a touch of masculinity to keep it from looking overdone.

By Jessica Best

Tweed

If I’m being perfectly honest, and I always am with you, tweed has rarely entered my consciousness when making significant style decisions. Or to be more precise, it has, on occasion, wormed its way into my psyche, only to be violently expelled with the imaginary fly swatter I often use to dismiss particularly unpleasant thoughts. There is just something about the fabric that makes me feel as if I should be sitting in a study, with a bookcase in the background, wearing glasses and smoking a pipe while enjoying Masterpiece Theater. To be fair, however, while perusing Rag & Bone’s Fall 2010 RTW collection online, I was surprisingly intrigued. There is something mischievous about the typically edgy brand’s overpowering use of the material. Instead of reminding me of a cranky old Englishman, the vibe I was getting, probably as a result of the cape and knee socks, was more vampy English schoolgirl—a look I would be more than happy to don. I may therefore begrudgingly revise my opinion of tweed in order to include the fabric in my fall wardrobe.

By Jessica Best

Alexander McQueen Ends On A High Note

Alexander McQueen's final collection showed in Paris yesterday in a small intimate room to personally invited editors. The show proved to be simultaneously bittersweet and epic. Bittersweet for the obvious and epic due to the tailoring and craftsmanship evident in his last body of work.

While only 16 looks, each had ornate detail and beautiful tailoring. Using brocade fabric in a rich red & gold color combination, a distinct silhouette, and headpiece with protruding feathers, McQueen's inspiration was clear and concise, as he looked to the Dark Ages for his Fall 2010 RTW collection.

His collection flowed effortlessly with each look building up to the next until the final look that combined romanticism and the perfect construction of a garment.

I'd say a great final viewing for a great designer. He'll definitely be missed.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Burberry Prorsum: Fall 2010 RTW

The Burberry Prorsum Fall '10 ready-to-wear collection is an amalgam of amazing outerwear and the perfect use of fresh fall colors. The jackets in the collection are all to die for- shearling with oversized collars, military trenches, classic fitted wool, parkas, and every hybrid thereof- Burberry has every occasion (and temperature) covered.

I particularly enjoy the over-the-knee and thigh-high snakeskin boots accompanying many of the looks: the perfect mix of edge and sex appeal. The height of these boots are perfect when mixed with cute wool shorts and lacy feminine dresses, which are prominent in the collection.

After the show, Christopher Bailey gave his thoughts on the collection's origins "I was thinking of uniforms and cadet girls—but it all started when I looked at an aviator jacket in the archive. Then, as I started designing into it, I realized it could be as versatile as the trench—strong and sexy, masculine and feminine...And I really enjoyed it!"

It shows!

-Erin O'Hara