Knot Your Average Clutch

Steering away from dark shades, which dominated the runways last fall, it was clear that Tomas Maier had a different agenda for Bottega Veneta this year. Opting for an alternative approach, the fall 2011 collection is peppered with pops of color and playful texture. While Bottega Veneta maintains a tradition of impeccable craftsmanship, this season's line of handbags sets a high standard for skill and creativity. Spearheading the new standard is the reinvention of the brand's iconic piece: the Knot clutch.

Since its reintroduction in 2001, the Knot has endured consistent transformations year after year — yet it remains a cherished staple in wardrobes worldwide. Unlike its predecessors, this fall's handbag demands attention, with its intricate detailing of woven velvet and python trim. By pairing punchy hues with exotic materials, this one-of-a-kind clutch carries a dramatic flair. Despite its metamorphosis, the Knot still incorporates the brand's unmistakable intrecciato pattern, as per tradition.

Available in four colors, ranging from stone to fire, each Knot follows a balmy color palette and radiates a different degree of heat. If you're looking to extend the warmth of summer through the fall and winter, look no further than this surprisingly chic quartet.

Text Jennifer Bernard
Image Style.com
Source Bottega Veneta

A Touch of Gold

A touch of an accent as bold as gold will bring life to any outfit. Neutral tones may typically dominate fall wardrobes but, to add a glam factor, gold is the go-to luxurious shade in high demand this season.

Metallics have been hot for a while, but gold has never been so prominent. With so many shades, textures, and styles to choose from, it’s hard not to jump on the gold wagon this season and add a little glamour to your fall wardrobe. The otherwise formal metallic can create a high-contrast look when paired with a simple knit sweater and khakis, or dark denim jeans and a fitted blouse.

Whether it's in a shiny gold leather jacket by Phillip Lim or in Jason Wu's slinky gold leaf tunic dress, the rare material is being used by designers to make strong statement pieces.

The decadent shade makes for a variety of options, from trousers in muted tones appropriate for the office, to mini dresses beaded in gold sequins, to gilded accessories that excude modern elegance and sophistication.

Text Tiffany Frasier 
Images courtesy of Balmain, Dries van Noten, Jason Wu, Phillip Lim

'Tis the Season for Cardigans, But are Prices Rising?

On a recent shopping excursion, a thought crossed my mind: Why are cardigans so darn expensive? Then I asked myself: Well, what can a cardigan do? A cardigan is one of — if not only — the most functional garment in your closet for fall. It’s great to throw over a button-down shirt when the weather is cool but not cold. It’s also an essential piece for layering when the real winter weather starts to beat you up.

Functionality meets versatility, because cardigans can be worn over a shirt and tie at the office or they can be worn casually out on the town with friends. Cardigans are made in different fabrics and weights but, no matter your decision — be it a chunky merino cardigan or a slim-fit cashmere one — your purchase is ultimately worth most selling prices. We've chosen a few great cardigans for your consideration.

More after the jump...

Monk Strapped Style

It’s high time to take a risk and step outside of your comfort zone, so go ahead and step right into a pair of monk strap shoes or boots. This fall, monk straps will be trending in a way American audiences aren’t accustom to just yet. Monk straps are not traditionally American shoes — not at all, to be exact — and most American men shy away from anything with buckles, let alone monk straps. Meanwhile, Italians (those international men of style) wear them with nonchalant ease. Conversely, there is nothing nonchalant about them.

There's no reason to be timid wearing these shoes; they are the crème de la crème and demand demeanor. You want to wear them with your best tailored suit on formal occasions, for they look their sharpest with a tailored pant. When you want to keep a more casual vibe, try a suede monk strap. Warning to readers: They are expensive — monk straps range from $300 for a basic pair to $750 for luxury labels such as Salvatore Ferragamo. But, like most serious style pieces, they’re a worthy investment.

More Pictures after the jump...

Ovadia & Sons Fall 2011 Lookbook

Ovadia and Sons is quickly emerging as a sought after contemporary menswear collection. The brothers behind the label are comprehensively classic in their aesthetic and offer sensible, timeless clothing for every man. The creative presentation of their fall lookbook takes a new direction from what we’ve recently seen from the brand. Yet again, there is an effortless style arrangement that is very organic and authentic — and authentic style is what men desire.

If you’ve been wondering who’s got your back this season, Ovadia and Sons has you covered. One great look is the navy double-breasted jacket over a gray turtle neck, paired with red trousers and suede monk strap boots — all fall essentials for your closet. Another fall fashion staple is the simple gray v-neck sweater with an oxford button down and camel shawl collar cardigan. Ovadia and Sons' classic layering and fashion options will make sure your style is still as hot as last summer's.

More Pictures after the jump...

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

Island Brights: A Wise Wardrobe Investment

Arak, Rag & Bone, Vivenne Tam, Creatures Of The Wind

Now there is one more reason to fully embrace this fall’s bedrock of brights. As the onpour of New York Fashion Week (SS '12) shows slows to a drizzle, we are left with a finely tuned rainbow of fresh bright colors to plan our future palettes around. So if you’re worried that the tangerine leather skirt you’ve been eyeing is an impulse splurge that won’t last beyond the next season, fret no more. Second cousins to the colors of the coming season, several of this fall’s colors will be as hot as the weather 8 months from now.

Truth be told, the era of throw away fashion may have already had its moment, and the return to a curated, more workable wardrobe is upon us.

 Spring’s colors may seem bold, but they can actually be worked seamlessly into an already existing wardrobe. Uplift your basic neutrals by mixing in a few key colors or brighten up your look by pairing them together for a surprisingly wearable color-blocked effect. Either way, the longevity of the coming color burst proves incorporating a few brilliant new pieces to be a worthy investment. Great colors to choose from are sunshine yellows, sea greens, bright blues and all shades of pink and orange reds.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson

Source WWD

Fall Trend Alert: Bright Pants

East coasters tend to live in black the minute the temp falls below 60 degrees. Fall comes and goes quicker than you'd like, and then we're left with 3 long months of harsh winter. Pants are the only thing visible once you've zipped up your knee-length coat and laced up your snow boots.

Want to stand out in a sea of black? Bring some color to your corduroys. Or your tights, wool pants, or jeans, for that matter. Just get some color on those legs!

Think jewel tones: red, royal blue, mustard yellow, or emerald. Save the pastels for spring and keep the rest of your outfit simple. Try bright pants with a neutral khaki or black sweater. For a night out, pair them with something (anything!) leopard print. Then wave at your entourage as they worship you for brightening up their winter. Ok, maybe not. But at least you look good.

Text Rebecca Baust

Image courtesy of Jcrew

Your Guide to Fall's Biggest Trends

The weather is starting to change and with every cloudy day -and the kiddies off to school- we are one step closer to fall. It's now the perfect time for a fall fashion round up to make sure you're updated and ready to go, but before you hit the mall check out our little cheat-sheet of all the trends you won't want to miss out on:

Polka Dots - Gracing almost every runway including Marc Jacobs, the retro print seems to be back in a big way. Luckily, the print is also very easy to come by since it works well for so many silhouettes. Everything from jackets to skirts to tights and back! Just make sure to keep the fabric light so the print gets to speak for itself.

Animal Print - An oldie but a goodie has found it's second breath this season. Featured in every magazine, like it's the second coming, Leopard is a print that never goes out of style. Whether it's a pop of print for effect or the full shabang, find a way to get it into your closet this season!

Color Blocking - Perhaps the hottest trend of them all, color blocking is rearing it's funky head in a major way this season. To keep it fresh choose separate, solid colored pieces that, together, create the effect, instead of single garments that may be passe in a few months.

Maxi - Go big or go home! The floor sweeping silhouettes aren't going anywhere for the foreseeable future. With the right proportions and accessories, this trend can work for any height and body type!

Suiting - Like many of the retro trends on the rise, female suiting is heading back with strong lines that are still kept ladylike and en pointe. Sets allow you to pair together, but also to play with other individual pieces which will keep the investment current for many seasons to come!

So, which trend will you be loving this fall?

Text Corinna Fabre

Clash Class: J.Crew's scholarly take on mixing it up

J.Crew's Fall 2011 line features the brand's standards: washed out boyfriend jeans and confectionery cardigans with a sophisticated twist. This season Lyons has delved into rich, contrasting bright solids and very little pattern. With a cult following of her quirky, old-timey pieces, Lyons has decided to move to something a little more sophisticated this time around. The clothes feel decidedly more mature than past collections with structured swing coats and pressed cropped pants.

In true Crew style, the models look slightly disheveled; their ruffled hair and coy smirks look like they were doing something way too fun just moments before. And those over-sized glasses! They take some of the edge off of grown up silk dresses. According to Style.com, the Cutler and Gross frames are the same ones that grace Lyons's own façade. Look to the line this fall for wonderful additions to your closet and some inspiration for coupling all of your favorite vintage hand-me-downs!

Text Hannah Morris
Source & Image: Style.com

St. John Fall 2011 Collection

Though it’s just past noon in the fabulous city of Manhattan, fashion week has already begun and six designers have presented their collections thus far. After looking at Rachel Zoe’s overrated tailored suits, Z Spoke’s slew of black dresses, and Gary Graham’s over-the-top mismatched ensembles, I began to view browsing through the Fall 2011 collections as more of a chore than anything. That is, until I saw the 25 looks that creative director George Sharp put together to create the first-ever St. John runway presentation.

Text Ali Antonucci