The Denim Jacket Debate

I'm pretty sure we all have a denim jacket of some sort hanging in our closets. When was the last time you wore it? If it's collecting dust, maybe it needs an update.

Remember the boxy denim jacket of the '90s? If you can't part with it, bring it to your tailor and have it taken in for a more modern fit.

Maybe your denim jacket isn't even salvageable. Donate the old and update to a tailored denim blazer or sportcoat. Rock the look with slim fit chinos (for the men) or over a dress (for the ladies). Keep the color dark and one-dimensional. The faded, tattered denim look should stay on your legs.

Ready to toss the whole denim jacket idea out the window? Try a loose-fitting denim chambray shirt over your fall corduroys.

Text and Graphics Rebecca Baust

Photo by Scott Schuman via The Sartorialist

The Dream That You Wish Will Come True...

“The Dream That You Wish Will Come True” said Cinderella! We all love and know how the story goes, moving swiftly on to a modern day fairytale, you’re the princess and your choice of outfit will help bring you the happy ending, we kid you not.

First dates; we’ve all been there, a million things running through your mind, the most important being what to wear? Romance is big right now! You may be thinking, really am I missing out on something? I don’t mean everyone is in love, I mean romantic fashion. Yes, there is such a thing. Floral prints, soft pastel colors and floaty fabrics all have ROMANCE written all over them. Pick a feminine floaty dress, show a bit of leg, pair it up with strappy sandals and away you go.

Make sure you carefully select new items for your wardrobe, especially if you plan on being the next Cinderella! After all, who do you plan on chasing you with a slipper in hand once midnight strikes? ;)


Text Laura Woodbury-Smith

Sexy and Sophistacted

Everyone wants to feel sexy and sophisticated once in a while. Lace is a great way to show your feminine side, it also gives you that edge that everyone needs every now and then. Lace has changed tremendously since it first entered the fashion seen many years ago, designers are using great quality lace along very innovative ideas.

Add a little romance into your life by wearing a lace day dress, a cute and girly look. When night falls and darkness comes, go dark, think dark, look no further, the answer is something in black lace. Whether it's shoes or a top. Did you know there is even lace nails?! Feeling daring? Why not go for the sensual see through gowns that have been appearing on the runway. After all, what is our purpose? To live life to the fullest? Be daring? Take risks? The answer is all three, so start with something small and see how it suits your style and then take the risk and go for all things lace!

Text Laura Woodbury-Smith

The Revival of a Legend

After the tragic and unexpected loss of Alexander McQueen, one of the most creative and esteemed designers in the fashion industry, many believed that his essence was lost as well. However, after a glimpse of Sarah Burton’s creations for the Alexander McQueen pre-spring 2011 collection, I think that there should be a lot more hope left in all of us. Burton has done a fantastic job of taking McQueen’s signature style (dark glamour with a focus on structure) and giving it her own, more whimsical twist. Inspired by Hans Bellmer’s dolls and samurai warriors, this collection, as explained by Burton, attempts to “juxtapose the pale and the delicate with the bold and armorial. It’s about a highly structured torso that gives way to a more fluid silhouette or drop waists that lead to a finned trouser to skirt.” This vision comes across strikingly well through both the structure and the fabric of each piece. Burton perfectly captures McQueen’s classic tension between the structure and flow of clothing, while attempting to incorporate lightness and femininity. The contrast between pieces such as the armored bodysuit and the nude lace dress works magically, as it showcases an effortless mixture of each designer’s point of view. The pieces in this collection can be worn to events all across the spectrum (the blood-red gown to a Hollywood event, the structured jacket to the office), which makes it so much more marketable than previous collections have been. I am personally very impressed with the collection, and am especially impressed with Sarah Burton’s execution of her vision. She has done an amazing job of subtly weaving her own signature style into a brand that fashion icon Alexander McQueen had so strongly established before his sudden departure. I can’t wait to see what she does next! To view the entire collection, click here.



By Ali Antonucci

A Perfect Knit

Crochet is no longer limited to doilies and your grandmother’s living room; both high and low-end designers have been flocking to this fabric for their summer and fall 2010 collections. When most people think of crochet, they think of it as being homely and exclusively for plain Jane’s. However, don’t let this misconception fool you: when done right, this trend can be laid-back, bohemian, feminine, and even sexy. For the summer months, stick to lighter, layer-able vests and dresses or accent pieces such as sandals/handbags. Diane Von Furstenberg makes a gorgeous crochet cocktail dress with a black tie-waist belt that exudes romance and sweetness. Tory Burch and Elizabeth & James both succeed when experimenting with color- the shoes they have created with crochet are incredible. If you aren’t ready to dive headfirst into this trend, add a touch of it to your ensemble with a few small crochet hairpins. No matter what the occasion, a little crochet will add a homespun feel that looks surprisingly sophisticated.

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg
Vests: Mod Cloth, Sass and Bide
Handbag: Dolce & Gabbana
Shoes: Tory Burch, Elizabeth & James
Hairpins: Urban Outfitters


By Ali Antonucci

Drap Me

It’s all about the draping, and Kai-Aakmann knows all about just that. Keep it simple and keep it classic with nice shapes that hang on the body. Despite what one might think, draping takes some serious talent, as the garment needs to fall in just the right way. This designer does a great job at nailing both their draping skills, as well as making garments that are wearable and casual, all the while keeping it sexy at the same time. This shirt looks great with skinny jeans or leggings. Slip on some combat boots for an edgy look and you're good to go.

Shearling on the runway?

Spotted on the runway, shearling. If you were taking a bit of a liking to this tread you can rest assure you're not the only one. The fuzz is popping up everywhere, shoes, skirts, handbags, and of course coats. This is just a heads up too by the way! If we skip forward to fall/winter; expect to see a lot of shearling on the streets of New York City when the temp starts to drop. However, if you can't wait till the snow starts falling then you can jump on this tread in the accessory department. Pick up Prada's detachable collar that can be slipped into your wardrobe quickly. Otherwise, tough it out and save up till fall for some key winter must haves.

To the right shows a little peep of shearling, which I prefer. Keep it calm; this one could possibly go overboard. Who really wants to wear a full on sheep? Yikes.

Model wears Pollini's shearling skirts.

Jimmy Choo at H&M

Okay so I know it's a little early to start talking about this but I have to, I can hardly contain my excitement. And I feel it is my duty to share this incredible news with you. I mean you're going to need ample notice so you can make sure you're free on November 14th.

What's happening Novemeber 14th? I hope you're sitting down for this. Jimmy Choo is hitting 200 H&M stores worldwide!

Tamara Mellon, the creative brains behind Jimmy Choo, has designed an accessible collection for the H&M woman. This collection includes shoes, purses, accessories and even clothing.

I know most of us only dream of owning a pair of Jimmy Choo's, well now your dream can come true. With prices ranging from $29.95 to $200.00 Jimmy Choo has now become affordable for every fashionista.

Make sure you mark November 14th on your calender and get to your nearest H&M super early cause I can guarantee this collection will sell out fast. You don't want to miss this once and a lifetime opportunity.

-Erin Jones

Bust Out Some Neon

It's August. It's hot. It's raining one minute and humid the next. You want spruce up your wardrobe but you don't want to buy any more summer clothes.

What to do?

Buy some neon!

Yes, neon. The perfect color for summer and fall. Jil Sander and Tory Burch both make amazing colored flats and Nine West has very bright strappy heels. Both H&M and TopShop have amazing bargain priced pieces or, if you want to go all out, spurge on a Michael Kors shift dress and this amazing Nina Ricci ensemble (see insert).

If you're not brave enough to brighten up your wardrobe just yet, then you could always accessorize--Lulu Guiness makes fabulous bright pink lip clutch and Sephora makes an array of punchy eye shadows.

So don't be a fashion coward. Wear some neon. Go on, we dare you.

Proenza Schouler Sample Sale On Now!

If you live in New York or are just visiting, you can't afford to miss the Proenza Schouler sample sale that runs until Friday. And, unlike alot of sample sales that just have the dregs from seasons past, this one promises to be chock full of goodies. Although there's no air conditioning or dressing room, you could score the bandage dress from last season for less than $400 or even stock up on skirts for $60.

Granted, you have to wear a size 2 or 4 but hey, for $60, a PS skirt doesn't make a bad bday present for you skinny friends.

Partake in the pandemonium at:
Proenza Schouler Sample Sale
Today through Friday (July 31)
495 Broadway, 8th floor, 9AM-6PM

--Daphne

Do things with PASSION, or not at all.

I think most of you might agree with that statement, right? I'm sure there was a lot of passion in this designers mind when this ensemble was put together. I must say I love it ... and even more the person who has the balls to rock it. :)

That skirt is killer though! Live outside the box people, it's so much more fun!

Charlotte Ronson Poo-Poos "Silly" Fashion

While most designers try to build their brand by touting their designs, Charlotte Ronson told Britain's The Times, that she thinks getting all professional and stuff at work is just plain ridiculous. She goes on to promote not her line, but everyone else's:

"I most dislike the silliness of it all. The images you see of women who work in fashion through the movies and TV is totally distorted. Not everyone runs around in high heels. People probably think that I'm messy and lazy. I like natural hair and not too much make-up. If I have a meeting, I try to make an effort, otherwise I keep things quite relaxed. On the weekend, I'm even more slouchy - except for my Chanel 2.55 bag! What is my fallback outfit? A cute black dress from Elizabeth and James. It is easy to wear and looks like you've tried harder than you did."

As if her fashion ennui wasn't enough, Ronson then goes on to explain that she would never get plastic surgery. " I always look tired, " she complained, "I'd like bright eyes, but I wouldn't consider surgery. There is something about messing with your eyes that totally changes the way you look."

Indeed, indeed. What else should we know Charlotte? Is wheatgrass yucky and celebrity restaurants overrated? While her candidness is somewhat refreshing, this interview is a lesson to all young designers--stick to talking about your line if you want people to buy it.

Hot New Fashion Line: ellen&ollie

While I love New York fashion, it's always nice to explore and discover designers from other parts of the country. Over the past few years, more and more designers are choosing to create and work in cities that aren't the Big Apple and, in turn, the fashion mix is much more diverse.

Southern designer Molly Stevens creates one of my favorite new and fabulous lines--ellen&ollie. Named for the designer's great-aunt and uncle, the clothes have a very retro-chic vibe. Her big bow dresses are statement making and the fabric patterns are eye-catching. In fact, Stevens says that choosing fabric is one of her favorite parts of her creative process and it often inspires her designs.

What's unusual--but great--about ellen&ollie is that you can follow the designer's journey on her blog as she designs and sews her garments. Oftentimes, she'll get an order to design a dress but then challenges herself to try something she's never attempted before. The result? Really fabulous clothes that you know were made well and with alot of inspiration.

(If you are interested in purchasing ellen&ollie designs, please see the label's website.)

Dance Like No One's Watching

How does rocking out in the nude sound? Not realistic in most urban areas unless you plan on getting gang raped in the corner of Marquee, or better yet, kidnapped by two guys and never to be found. That's a true story too, happened recently. Creeeeeepy. Though I am pretty sure she wasn't wearing this dress, so rest assure. Yikes! One nights stands are risqué, I mean you can't possibly find out if the hot model dude you're talking to isn't a complete psychotic lunatic in the span of 2-3 hours. All right, moving on... 

How often do you get to dance around naked without getting uh, arrested? Yea, we don't do it. Well, maybe you would if you're on acid and at some hippie gathering called Burning Man (sorry) other than that, you'll probably be arrested. If you still want to let loose you can dance naked. Well, in this completely rad super sexy 100% silk dress by Vena Cava's Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai. This one is definitely a true collector's piece, you want it in your closet. The dress comes with printed hang tags together with edition number. Nude in color, slight cap sleeve, and obviously a nude female image, both from side and backside. Yea baby, you're naked all around! Sorta reminds me of those terrible swim suit cover ups you see older women wearing at the beach, yea,  you remember? Hah! This however, is more sexy and on a completely different level, I think I might rock it just to see the effect I'd have walking around the Meat Packing on a Tuesday night.

source one

Black Rats Leggings!

Sass & Bide, oh how we love thee! Remember these shinny ruched leggings that hit the runway in their Fall 2008 show? They were not even supposed to be released to the public but caused such a frenzy, from New York to Australia they started production.  Hey, I guess when you want something bad enough all you have to do is demand it! That is just what the public did and how nice of Sass & Bide to listen. These leggings are a must have, and let me tell you, SUPER hard to track down. They sell out just as fast as they stock them.  Despite their intentions, Sass & Bide struck gold with their "Rats Leggings". Yep, that is what they're called, after all they look a little rat tail-ish. They definitely turned out to be quite the hot commodity. These rad leggings will set you back about $145, a little more than your regular legging, but hey, all your friends will definitely be jealous. 

Peace <3

source:   My Catwalk

Chronicles of Never

The Aussies do it again, another dope brand pops up from down under. If you haven't heard of this brand, CHAOS is very happy to introduce you to Chronicles Of Never. Chronicles Of Never by Gareth Moody and a reference to Neverland started in 2006 doing jewelry, shoes and clothing for both men and women. The brand is influenced by architecture and geometric shapes and tends to be very angular, solid and masculine, definitely well suited for men. Even though most women may pass them by, the garments for the ladies look absolutely stunning on the frame of a women. The colors tend to stay strong, giving you an old meets new feel, even though the pieces are anything but old. The choice of colors influences the old and new feeling, as they tend to go for blacks with brass tones rather than the shinny gold look. Also, instead of polished silver they like brushed silver giving a nice pewter tone.

The "Skeleton Key Boot", shown in the image, is actually a unisex boot and just as popular with the men as it is with the women. This leather lace up boot has a sturdy 1 inch heel and pieced toe cap, black leather sole and leather inner lining, nice detail. This is a great winter boot that can transition throughout the seasons, get this one before it's gone.

check out Chronicles Of Never

For The Boy!

If you're looking for something cool to get the boyfriend for Christmas but not quite sure, check out Oak NYC. Doing the whole photo and frame thing is cute and all but lets be a little original here and get the man something he really wants. Maybe a few rad t-shirts? You can't go wrong there, well, that is if you know your boy.

Oak NYC is really cool, you can find some dope stuff on there. Trust me, your shopping basket will not be filled up with gifts for just him, you definitely won't be able to check out without a little something for yourself. They have some rockin' Pink Floyd, Joy Division, Blondie and Ramone tees for under $50, so how is that for a steal?

Boys & Girls and Girls & Boys- Crossing the Gender Line

So we've already stolen our "boyfriends jeans" and rightfully so, they steal ours! We are a culture where cross-dressing is accepted pretty much across the board. I mean, we have basically blurred the gender lines all to hell. Why not steal our mans dress shirts. I love a nice plaid mens shirt with leggings and boots. Or better yet, your boyfriend's over-sized blazer. After all I'm sure he won't be wearing it much anymore for that finance job. Oops, he lost it in the economic meltdown, I do apologize.

Maybe you're wondering when it become cool to steal your boyfriends clothes? I am pretty sure it was well before this time, but I do remember vividly Balenciaga taking us there in his Fall 2007 Collection with shrunken schoolboy blazer. Now, switching it up a bit we have gone to the over-sized blazer. Moving from your little brothers prep school uniform to your boyfriends work wardrobe. Even down to the oxford shoes, sadly... that's going to be a tough one to steal from the boyfriend. Hmm do those black and whites come in my size?

Image: Marcio Maderia

Designer: Rag & Bone