Sarah Burton Keeps McQueen's Collection Alive

From the late legacy of Alexander McQueen came Sarah Burton to help his ultimate brand live on forever, and she has done exactly that. In Sarah’s new pre-fall line for Alexander McQueen, she took hues of black, red, green, purple, and classic white and black to drawn inspiration for this wearable line.

Flipping through the lookbook of this year's stunning pieces, it was hard to find a favorite; they are all exquisite in their own way. Burton has come up with high-necked, full-sleeved Victorian confections in black mousseline that she says has brought in the spirit of Charles Frederick Worth (fashion’s first couturier).

One thing that most critics and fans alike are buzzing about is that this line is a great example of the museum-worthy pieces that contain the legend of the late McQueen.The strapless, flared cocktail dress in pleated smocked velvet is in shades of green so dark they seem to drain the light straight from the runway. Another favorite is the caped black emerald dress veiled in lace that had different angles of beauty.

Burton kept some pieces on the simpler side, like cropped pants with white poplin shirts, peasants blouses, and jackets inspirited by menswear. Sarah Burton has explained that she will always want to keep the McQueen drama, but with a new fresh outlook on the pieces. This line was remarkably genius, keeping everyone at the runway show on their toes.

Text Jordan Bossman 
Sources Alexander McQueen, WWD

New Way to Shine on New Year's

Ah, New Year’s Eve, the one night it’s actually possible not to stand out in a sequined dress. But there is one way to set yourself apart in that sea of gold and glitter without shying away from shine: a brocade cocktail dress. This opulent fabric is making its move from your grandma’s couch to everyday wear, and it’s definitely taking on a new life in metallic patterns. Just try not to turn heads in Michael Kors’ black and gold Ocelot Brocade dress — a New Year’s dress you may actually be able to wear again in 2012 (and not just in the wee hours of January 1).

If you don’t want to dish out too much cash on a dress you’ll likely spill some bubbly on — or if you don’t trust Bergdorf Goodman’s express shipping policy — there are a few thriftier ways to do brocade. Try ModCloth’s crinkly bronze brocade dress or Aqua’s reptilian black brocade tube dress. And just because you’re not a walking disco ball doesn’t mean you can’t bling in the new year — there’s always makeup and accessories, too!

Text Kara Solarz
Image Refinery 29

Party Provocatively: Rodnik Band's Cocktail Dresses

Searching for that perfect party dress that will get you noticed and have people talking? Well, if you have a sense of humor look no further than The Rodnik Band's quirky, sequin cocktail dresses! Known for their eccentric take on fashion their latest creations are sure to turn heads.

If you're more of the provocative type then the Nude Dress is right for you with sequined nipples and pubic hair. Or if you tend to be more of a potty mouth, the Urinal Dress is sure to fit your dirty attitude (CAUTION: Heavily Intoxicated Men May Try To Urinate On You While Wearing This Dress.) However, this funky finds do come at a hefty price a $2,500 a pop! But can you really put a price on laughter? :)

Check out more of The Rodnik Band's wild creations here!

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Nylon.com, Therodnikband.com

Twelve Days of Dresses

If you’ve already read my last post, you’re probably aware that I am on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress. However, I realized that all of the dresses that I picked were totally out of my price range. Marc Jacobs, Milly, and Juicy Couture are a bit too much of a splurge for a dress exclusively for the holiday season, so I’ve spent the last week looking for some more wallet-friendly options. I set my budget at $100 and began scouring the Internet, but I found that way too many of my favorite inexpensive retailers just didn’t have the kind of quality I was looking for. After combing through the selection at H&M, Topshop, and Forever21, I decided to check out Urban Outfitters. Last year around this time I was incredibly disappointed with UO’s holiday dress selection, so my expectations were low. However, as soon as I clicked on the website, a banner titled “The 12 Days of Dresesses” appeared and I knew that I had just struck gold. The first thing that caught my attention once I clicked on the banner was the way the page is set up. The 12 dresses are divided into four rows of three, and as you move your mouse across the images, the models in the picture begin to move! As a result, I was able to see the way that each dress looks on the body in 3D, something that Urban Outfitter has never offered before. 

'Tis the Season

Now that our turkeys have been carved, stuffing has been served, and stomachs have been filled, it’s finally time to start thinking about (and shopping for!) the upcoming holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or anything in between, finding the perfect party dress is essential. Since I know how difficult and frustrating it can be to create the perfect holiday ensemble, I figured I would spare you the agony of scrolling through page after page of options and present you with a few of my new found favorites.

The first dress is the perfect winter LBD made by Juicy Couture. Its mini strapless silhouette is simple and classic, while the draped velvet skirt adds a subtly luxurious touch. I imagine this dress being perfect for a dinner or cocktail party when paired with classic pumps, a red clutch, and the fluffiest fur coat you can find. The result is a sexy and ridiculously comfortable look that you will be able to wear for many winters to come.

The embroidered polka dot sleeveless dress made by Marc Jacobs is a serious must-have for this season. Its scalloped lace skirt and polka dotted bodice come together to create the perfect feminine fifties-inspired dress. Though its quite pricey, it is very high quality and the camel color makes it timeless. Try wearing this dress with a knee-length peacoat, shimmery tights and nude or black heels. If your style is edgy rather than super feminine, a leather jacket and smoky eye can easily toughen it up.

Milly’s Juliet cocktail dress is a perfect mixture of my favorite recent trends- camel, ruffles, and sequins. The mixture of textures is unmatched by any dress I’ve seen, and the colors will complement any skin tone. This dress looks best when worn with bare legs and some shiny patent booties. Top it off with a head full of cascading curls and bold, bright red lips.

By Ali Antonucci

Diana Dias-Leao: Dare to Wear

Should you happen to find yourself in my current country of residence (that's the UK) in the near future, take a trip up North to Liverpool to see the 'Dare to Wear' exhibition by former fashion designer Diana Dias-Leao at the Walker gallery.

Dias-Leao gave up fashion design at the age of 60 to concentrate on glass making. The end result is a collection merging both fashion and glassware, consisting of 14 glass dresses and two corsets made from barbed wire, each taking three weeks to make. The exhibition runs from 27th March 2010 until 30th September 2011.

Kay Weston

Twinkle, Twinkle

The Holiday season is approaching quickly, which means there will be lots of Holiday parties to attend. But what are you going to wear?

Don't stress about it too much because the ideal dress for a cocktail party is at a store near you.

This season it's all about lots of sparkle. Sequins are dominating the Holiday season. The sequin trend isn't about blending in, it's all about getting noticed. A sequin dress is a refreshing alternative to a plain little black dress.

If you're not too keen on an all sequin dress just try to incorporate a little sequin into your Holiday outfit. Whether you choose a shirt, leggings or a skirt you will be certain that all eyes will be on you.

-Erin Jones