Nanette Lepore's Line for JCPenney

Designers really give back to the fashion community when they set out to design a line that is both innovative and inexpensive for department store shoppers. Nanette Lepore had created a fantastic line for JCPenney customers, alike. No photos or sketches of these designs have surfaced yet, but from the looks of her pre-fall 2012 runway show, it should be nothing but fabulous.

If you know Nanette like we do, which is on a completely impersonal basis, then you know her classic collections always have a cute edge that her fans love. Nanette's collection is great for almost all age groups. She will, without a doubt, create a wonderful and affordable collection for the women of JCPenney, giving us much to look forward to this spring. To have a look at what may come, check out her latest collection at NanetteLepore.com. Keep your eyes and ears open for her up-and-coming line for JCPenney!


Text Jordan Bossman
Sources Nanette Lepore, JCPenney, Crains New York Business

Matt Bernson's Stylish, Walkable Heels

Matt Bernson's fall/winter collection is to die for. His designs are always chic, simple, and just a bit tomboy. Not to mention they're actually comfortable enough for some serious walking.

If you're looking for a non-UGG(ly) shearling boot, check out these boots and these other boots, too!. Both claim to be hard-working snow boots, and the non-skid soles are genius.

His flats have proven not to pinch at the heel. Or, as Mr. Bernson calls it, the "dreaded cobra bite."

The Mesa and Jardin boots are perfect for the workplace or date night. Pair them with skinny jeans or a cute skirt.

Can we just say give a huge thanks to Matt Bernson for making stylish shoes that women can actually walk in?

Text Rebecca Baust
Image Matt Bernson

Feminine Oxfords for Fall

Exotic heels aren't the only shoes that ladies are slipping their feet into this fall – style mavens are upping the fashion ante and sporting old-fashioned oxfords. 

The traditionally solid-colored, laced-up men’s dress shoe, with a perforated pattern on the toe known as a "wingtip," has adopted a feminine appeal with bright colors, designs, and patterns.

Oxfords are the perfect complement to any outfit, as long as there is the right counterbalance of its masculine influence with a feminine silhouette or detail. Women are embracing this menswear classic, pairing them with anything from loose-fitting boyfriend jeans to cut-off shorts and dresses.

Oxfords are this year’s alternative to ballet flats – a comfortable addition to your fall shoe wardrobe that can be purchased at any price point.

Text Tiffany Frasier
Source: Style.com

Safe Risk-Taking at Kanye West's PFW SS'12 Debut

Considering Kanye West’s history, status, and notoriety as a trendsetter, his women’s ready-to-wear collection debut at Paris Fashion Week was hardly anything to be shocked about. The real anticipation, however, was whether or not his collection would be any good. Celebrities-turned-designers are often received in one of two very different ways — either with a great deal of scrutiny or with blind acceptance, depending on the celebrity and the audience.

What trounced down the first Kanye West runway was a cohesive collection of educated and thought-out quality pieces, which proved that, at the very least, Kanye had done his homework. The streetwear-inspired collection had plenty of leather, cutouts, and plunging necklines and backs that, with the help of draped pieces and boxy cuts, managed to remain just shy of taking the skin-baring too far.

Although there were several wearable pieces in the collection, the overall effect came across as a safe risk. Beautiful and mild, Kanye's collection was somewhat fashion forward; certainly palatable; and, at times, even interesting — but it consistently stopped short of being groundbreaking. Who knows, the safe-risk approach seems to have worked well for his music career, so it might be a prudent place for his first step into the fashion world, after all.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source WWD

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

The New Hue

Over the past few seasons, monochromatic looks have been created using minimalistic principles and hardly any color at all. The result was startlingly simple, but was well received by critics and consumers alike during all three major fashion weeks. As we move into the pre-fall season, I’ve noticed that monochromatic outfits are still very “in”, but they have taken a turn for the playful. Instead of head-to-toe black, grey, white, or camel, this upcoming season is filled with looks composed of multiple hues of the same bright color. For example, Oscar de la Renta‘s pre-fall collection showcased a plethora of single color, multi-hue looks using pinks, greens, reds, and golds. Standout looks included an emerald green sweater paired with a slightly lighter green knee-length skirt, complete with an oversized bow at the waist; and a neon pink ensemble which, though similar to the all-green look, managed to tie in feminine lace detailing and an always coveted boyfriend style blazer. The result of mixing the basics of monochromatic clothing and all of the eye-catching hues of the color spectrum is everything a great look should be- simple, yet detailed, and playful without being over-the-top.

By Ali Antonucci

Curves are in!

Yes! This is so exciting!

"What is?" You may ask... The answer is that I am so excited that a thin, but healthy woman is featured in this Express ad. Express is one of the big advertisers in most fashion magazines. This is a big deal. This woman is absolutely gorgeous, but she also actually looks like a woman. She has natural curves and genuine beauty. She isn't fake. She isn't trying too hard to fit this mold of the perfect model beauty. She has the whole package. This is inspiring.

This especially makes me happy because of this conspiracy I've been noticing in the media about eating carbs. In Christmas movies such as Just Friends and The Holiday, Anna Faris and Cameron Diaz say that the thought of eating carbs makes them want to kill themselves. This is absolutely sad. Why should we not eat carbs when our bodies need them. Without carbs, we do not gain the fatty tissue we need to be at least a little curvy, depending on our body types. Without these fatty tissues, we look like 12-year-old girls! This I can attest to! It drives me crazy. I have lost seven pounds in the past week because I never got around to buying bread. I didn't have the time and I ran out of money from buying Christmas presents. Some may say this is a good thing that I lost weight, but at 5'8", being a person with ADD and a person with hypoglycemia, losing that much weight isn't the best thing when finals are coming up. This affected my mood, strength, energy level and my attention span. I can only imagine what the models in the hottest runway shows for the hottest designer labels go through. This can't be good with having so many women in one place at one time. This makes me nervous.

P.S. By no means am I calling this Express model fat, I am completely complimenting her and am very proud of the advertising department and for the director of model casting to choose such a beautiful woman to represent them!

Text Alexandra Faye

Winter Beauty

Just as there are four seasons of weather, there are four corresponding seasons of beauty. In the spring, it’s typical to want to start experimenting with color. In the summer, it’s all about bronzer and barely-there eye makeup. In the fall, hair colors darken and makeup is left clean and simple. In the winter, many women aren’t exactly sure how to make the transition. I never really understood how to properly apply “wintery” makeup until I saw this photo, which has instantly inspired me.

To achieve this look, there are a lot of different steps that you’ll need to take. In order to create the perfect canvas on which to apply makeup, make sure to moisturize every day and every night before bed. The harsh cold weather tends to really dry out the skin, which can cause your makeup to flake and become extremely noticeable. So, once you have a smooth surface to work with, you can begin to create the base. Start with a foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone, dab concealed on any problem areas, and then set with a fine loose powder. While you allow this to set for a minute or two, fill in your brows with a pencil in a shade darker than your hair color. It’s important to not go too dark, because you will then look like you drew them on with a sharpie (which, in my opinion, is a cardinal sin of makeup). Next, curl your lashes and apply a single coat of lengthening mascara, and line the top lash line with a black kohl eye pencil. In order to make your eyes really pop the way Emma Watson's do in the photograph, apply highlighter or white eye shadow on the inner corners of the eye. To finish the look, swipe on some deep red lipstick and add just the slightest dusting of a rosy colored blush. The look is perfect for night time, but it can be worn during the day as well as long as you lose the lip color.

By Ali Antonucci

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. 

Falling for Zara

Most of the time, stores like H&M, Forever 21, and Zara can be very hit or miss. There are so many factors that go into what makes a great consumer friendly collection, from the materials used to the silhouettes that the designer creates. Fortunately for us, Zara’s November collection is a home run! Everything currently offered in the store is completely on point with this season’s most wearable trends. Not only that, but the materials used are soft, warm, and high quality, which isn’t always the case for such an affordable store. Nothing is worse than finding an item that looks good online, but feels scratchy or cheap in person. I’ve experienced this rather unfortunate situation far too many times, and I can tell you, with confidence, that you won’t experience even a hint of buyer’s remorse after purchasing any of these pieces. A few standout pieces from Zara’s November include cropped sweaters, silk blouses, corduroy shorts, and camel trousers. If you haven’t already done your holiday shopping or created your wish lists, I highly recommend that you add a few of these items on last minute. The best part of the collection is without a doubt the price range. All of the items featured in the image above are under $70 and available both in stores and online. Any piece on its own would make an incredible gift, whether it’s purchased for a friend or for yourself.

Text Ali Antonucci

'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

Necessary Knits = CHAOS Knits

It’s true that nothing is better than being completely cozy on the most frigid winter days. Most seasons, it’s hard to achieve that state of warmth without a ridiculous amount of layering or constantly keeping on a jacket. Luckily for us, this season, we’re being directed towards a trend that, if introduced just a few years ago, could quite possibly be scoffed at. I am referring the oversized, heavenly soft, and impeccably chic “grandma” knits. Cozy knits look pretty much exactly how you’re imagining them, and therein lay their arm. The perfect knit looks as if it came directly from an elderly lady’s closet- and feels as though it has been worn for years. It can be made of wool, cashmere, or anything in between, depending on your preference of material. It can be personalized with a pattern, or kept neutral in a solid, wintery tone such as crimson or oatmeal. A chunky knit accessory this season is the most bold item you can buy. Though it is possible to head to the nearest H&M and purchase a mile long scarf that will ball up and look raggy in about a week, the ones that stand out among the rest are those that are truly special. On that same note, I also won’t recommend splurging on a high-end designer’s version, either. Lucky for you, CHAOS has its own knit line! I highly suggest that you check out CHAOS Knits : trust me, it’s worth it. Finding that perfect, completely unique scarf, hat, or headband is just a few clicks away. You’ll also get to skip sifting through chaotic racks or visiting several stores before striking gold. The great thing about CHAOS Knits is that they can be reused again in the spring. Many spring RTW collections paired pastel shorts or sheer skirts with chunky knit accessories; so you will definitely get what you pay for after just a few weeks of wear.

CHAOS Knits
E-Boutique

Text Ali Antonucci

J.Crew RTW S2011

Though I’ve been less than pleased with J.Crew’s sudden spike in prices for trendy items that can be purchased for about $15 at Forever21, I am reluctantly starting to realize that the brand does in fact have high fashion potential. In the past, I’ve scoffed at the lace camisole being sold for over $300 and the sequin sweatpants for $600, but as I flipped through the Spring 2011 look book, I found myself swooning. The only thing wrong with this collection is that it doesn’t hit stores for another few months.

The vision: Jenna Lyons has always tried to incorporate her own personal style into the vision she has for the J.Crew collections. This season, she focused on a creative play on minimalism, a stark contrast with the billions of brooches presented on the fall collection. Lyons creates looks that may seem mundane if she followed suit with many other designers and used a strictly neutral palette. However, in typical J.Crew fashion, the line is filled with bright colors and dazzling patterns. With several different shades of hot pink, bright orange, burnt red, sea foam green, and cyan blue, it’s hard to imagine why the industry is so dead set on such a basic color palette.

The outcome: Bravo! Each look successfully masters the art of pairing several pieces of color together without looking insane. One look had three different pieces all in different shades of hot pink, while another played with color and texture using chambray, cashmere, and sequins. There honestly isn’t one look within this collection that isn’t completely wearable, whether you’re going to class, to work, or an after hours party. Hopefully, J.Crew’s RTW line will cause its customers to begin experimenting a lot more than they have in the past. After all, these looks will be sold as deconstructed individual pieces, so it will be difficult not to play around a bit and develop new, but equally fun outfits that fit a myriad of different styles.

Standout pieces: It’s hard to say which pieces deserve the standout title, because there are just so many of them. However, after careful consideration, I’d like to nominate the magenta paper bag shorts, the white and gold striped sweater, the pleated khaki skirt, and the sequined maxi skirt used in the final look. Though I love the way each piece was used in the collection (especially the skirt being paired with a chambray button up and leather waist belt), I can clearly envision at least 3 different uses for each one- which makes them well worth their estimated prices.

I’m still not ready to start adding J.Crew to my list of favorite high-end designers, but this collection has definitely stolen the prize for most anticipated spring collection. Perhaps this is because it is so on point with my own individual style, but I can totally see mothers and daughters alike purchasing (dare I say) the same pieces and using them in completely different ways.

By Ali Antonucci

Wonderful Waves

Effortless waves are a signature for super-cool celebs like Kate Hudson and Blake Lively, and have been coveted by beauty gurus for years. That ‘I just woke up but still look great’ look is unbelievably sexy, yet unattainable for so many women. I’m a straight-haired girl myself, so the prospect of getting beachy waves has always been more of a myth than a reality for me. I know that there are a lot of girls out there who feel my pain, who have tried everything to try to get the look that seems to come so easily to others. Whether they’ve gone to sleep with a head full of ridiculous braids, attempted to master the art of pin curling, purchased the industry’s best curling iron, or tried plain old Velcro rollers, none of these will produce that perfectly imperfect look. If you can relate to any (or every) one of these scenarios, then I come bearing great news. There’s a new iron that’s description and reviews claim it to be a miracle worker. It’s called the RSession tapered curling iron, and it’s available for just $50. What makes this iron so different from all the others, you ask? Well, it’s all in the way it’s designed. First of all, it’s marketed as a 4-in-1 iron, so it’s designed to be a multipurpose tool. You can create the look you desire depending on how much hair you use, how tightly you wrap your hair around the iron, and the way in which you hold the styling tool. Its tapered barrel ensures perfect curls with plenty of volume and bounce. It takes a little bit of practice to get it to look just right, but there are plenty of customer reviews and YouTube video tutorials to help you out. After a few practice rounds, you’ll find yourself looking in the mirror admiring the hairstyle you’ve been dreaming about for oh so long.

By Ali Antonucci

The New Black

The color black has been every woman’s best friend for as long as the fashion industry has been around. Designers are well aware of this, and have made sure to include plenty of black in every collection they produce. Black matches practically everything, it can easily be layered, it’s unbelievably slimming, and it never goes out of style. I don’t think I’ve ever suspected another color of attempting to steal black’s spotlight… until now.

Milan Fashion Week, New York, and Paris we saw look after look showcasing the color camel and it’s become clear that camel is trying hard to be the new black. To be honest, I expected a lot more resistance from consumers, but everyone seems to be embracing this foreign concept rather than rallying against it. In its defense, camel is an amazing alternative to its darker competitor. For starters, it’s just as versatile, if not more so. A pair of camel trousers is just as essential as a pair of black skinny jeans. The camel trench has almost entirely replaced the black peacoat, and nude heels are definitely popping up a lot more than basic black on the red carpets. Camel bags are appropriate for every occasion, and have become instant classics. What I love about camel is that it is a lot more neutral than black. It looks good with every skin tone, while black often seems too harsh on pale individuals and doesn’t always mesh well with alternative hair colors. Black is also a lot edgier than camel- it gives of a much darker vibe, while camel offers just as big of a statement without the gothic undertones. I’m not so sure that camel will wipe black out of clothing’s existence entirely, but I do think that everyone who is dedicated to their wardrobe should consider investing in a bunch of different neutral pieces. My suggestions are to buy an article from every department in a camel shade- a pair of pants, a skirt, a pair of city shorts, a winter coat, several tops, boots, heels, flats, and even a handbag. That might seem a bit excessive, but since the color is now so popular, it is available everywhere from Fendi to Forever21.

By Ali Antonucci

The Perfect Leather Shorts

Years ago, the term “city shorts” was coined when the fashion world introduced the idea that shorts don’t have to be retired once the weather starts cooling down. Ever since then, designers have been finding ways to reinvent what has now become a wardrobe staple. City shorts are looser, longer, and are meant to be paired with a pair of tights rather than simple bare legs. They are much more versatile than their super short summery relatives. As leather began making appearances in unexpected places like skirts and tops this season, it was bound to cross paths with the city short eventually. Once it did, it began popping up on more than just a few high-end designer runways. Since its debut, the leather trouser short has become one of the most coveted must-have items of the season. Whether your desired look is feminine, masculine, sexy, or sweet, leather shorts are versatile enough to cater to nearly everyone’s taste. Pairing them with black tights, booties, and a silk blouse is classic enough for the office yet sexy enough for a night on the town. Wearing them with high socks and a floral top will add the necessary punch to an otherwise overly feminine ensemble. It seems as though you simply can’t go wrong, and that if you haven’t already purchased a pair, you better get on it! However, the problem comes once you’ve made the decision to purchase the perfect pair. The best styles are by far the most expensive, and the discount store versions look way too cheap and  don’t sit right on the body. Buyers on a budget have spent months and months searching without success for an affordable pair that achieve the right look … until now. The second I stumbled upon Rachel Roy’s crinkled faux leather lady shorts ($99, www.rachelroy.com); I knew I had to have them. They are the only pair I’ve found thus far that is under $100 and still look just like the ones selling for thousands. They are high waisted, loose in the leg, and made with a light, crinkled faux leather that is still very high quality. I commend Rachel Roy for allowing girls with a realistic price range to obtain such a necessary item that’s just as good, if not better than, its competitors. Savvy shoppers, rejoice, because Rachel Roy’s leather shorts are within your reach! Go out and grab them now, though, before the word spreads and it’s no longer a well-kept secret. Trust me, they will sell out… they’re that good.

Text Ali Antonucci

The Optimal Illusion

If you’re lucky enough to be below a size 4, the fashion world is your playground. You’re able to pull off practically any trend, whether it’s cropped t-shirts, silk shorts, or the newly coveted denim leggings. However, you are also the minority. While skinny jeans have become a wardrobe staple, they are definitely not universally flattering. This season, many designers have noticed the issue- and have actually done something about it. Hallelujah! Finally, there is a jean that has the potential to look good on any body type. No, I’m not talking about the mysterious pair of Levi’s from “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”. What I’m referring to is the new style being embraced by the biggest names in denim, the skinny bootcut. It is, essentially, what it sounds like. The jean hugs the thighs without suffocating them, and then flares slightly just below the knee. I kid you not when I say these jeans are miraculous. Not only do they have a great slimming effect, but (unlike previous bootcut styles) these can also easily be tucked in to your favorite pair of fall boots without the bulk of extra fabric around your calves. Skinny bootcut jeans also look great with heels, flats, and flip-flops. All in all, they are the perfect everyday jean. For a cute daytime look, try styling a pair in a medium to dark wash with a neutral sweater and platform clogs. If you’re more of a party animal, wear a pair of skinny bootcut jeans in a super dark wash with a flirty silk top and your absolute favorite pair of heels. Embrace this season’s trends by tucking these jeans into a pair of military inspired lace-up booties, dressing them up with a faux-fur jacket in a leopard print, or by picking a 70’s inspired pair with more of a flared leg. No matter how you choose to wear them, these jeans will look just as good as your standard skinny jeans, if not better.

By Ali Antonucci

Spring's New, Cropped Cut

This summer, fashion brought new life to old trends, one of the most popular being cropped clothing. Crop tops, cropped trousers, and now, cropped hair. While the pixie cut has been around for quite some time, it’s never seemed so fresh or unexpected. Models such as Agyness Deyn and celebrity muses like Michelle Williams have had us loving shorter hair for a while now, but the rendition that supermodel Carmen Kass debuted on the Balmain runway in Paris is something we haven’t quite seen before. Kass, the face of Michael Kors, is known for her long, lustrous blonde locks, so the simple act of removing so much length caught may people off-guard. However, unlike the cropped cuts of the past, Kass’ new ‘do was sultry rather than spunky. Instead of cutting it super short, stylist Sam McKnight chose to give the Estonian beauty a more androgynous look. Opting for long, undone layers in the front, the cut gets shorter and more structured as it reaches the back of the neck. Many have started calling it the “backwards mullet”, but not a single person has seen the look without singing its praises. This hairstyle truly accentuates the trends of the season, as it gives off a more rugged, androgynous feel without losing its femininity. The best thing about this style is not just that it’s unexpected, but it is unbelievably versatile. It can add toughness to the sweetest floral frock, keep things casual with cargo skinnies or basic denim, and will complete a look rather than compete with it. Of course, just like any other haircut, it is better suited for certain face shapes. However, the look is spreading like wildfire, so any stylist should be able to see a picture and create a custom version for each individual client. With that said, no one should dodge the cut in fear that it will look too harsh. It’s daring, yes, but the long layers will accentuate feminine features and make anyone’s bone structure appear more defined- something that “too short” styles fail to do. After seeing this look pop up more than once at several different shows throughout fashion week, it’s safe to say that “the Carmen” just may be the must-have hairstyle this spring.

By Ali Antonucci

NY Fashion week: Christian Siriano

While his critics claim that his fame is based solely on his success on Bravo’s hit TV series Project Runway, Christian Siriano’s Spring 2011 collection proved that he is so much more than a fan favorite. Siriano’s show kicked off NY fashion week with a collection filled with exotic prints, dramatic shapes, and compelling eveningwear. His collection is best described as a “glam safari”, inspired by the exotic cultures of Africa, India, and China. In typical Siriano fashion, many of his best pieces incorporate ruffles, embellishment, and asymmetrical hems. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Siriano made sure that he included more than just show-stopping gowns, which is another major criticism of the designer. Short cocktail dresses, tailored suits, and bold trousers were all created using attention-catching fabrics such as snakeskin and tweed. While these pieces certainly did the job of proving that this designer is more than a one hit wonder, they failed to introduce any new or innovative ideas to the fashion world. The audience was craving something revolutionary, but the silhouettes were things that we’ve all seen before. However, these looks should not take away from the captivating collection of evening gowns that truly stole the show. Siriano’s eveningwear has always been nothing short of magical, and this collection was no exception. His gowns, while different in color (ranging from sparkly buff to shocking red), all boasted a sea of tulle ruffles, whether they created a full skirt emerging from a fitted bodice or a concentrated layer spanning from one shoulder to the ground. Aside from the clothing, Siriano also proved that he has staying power in the fashion world with his shoes. He created four major styles (Shanghai, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzi) that tied every individual look back to the collection’s ethnic and exotic inspiration. The shoes were all platform heels (sky high, of course), with wooden bases and intricately carved heels in different shapes. All in all, Siriano’s show was inspiring, glamorous, and high-drama.


By Ali Antonucci

My Kind of 90's

One thing I love about fashion is its ability to reincarnate pieces from previous time periods so that they seem fresh and new. This season, Urban Outfitters has created a collection that is inspired by the 90’s. I personally wasn’t a huge fan of 90’s fashion- something about jean overalls just rubs me the wrong way. However, I was sincerely impressed by U.O.’s rendition of popular trends such as grungy tops, blazers, trousers, unconventional fabrics, and platform shoes. The color palette of the collection is cohesive with the fall 2010 vision of many other designers- it's neutral heaven! Rather than sticking to camels, though, U.O. opted for slightly more variation, incorporating blacks, browns, greys, and greens to create a slightly wider color spectrum. The collection also showcased some other 2010 trends, including harem pants, lace details, rompers, and military jackets. A few standout pieces were the velvet dress with a borderline crochet pattern made of lace, the sleeveless pinstripe blouse, the maxi-romper (which is daring, but well worth the risk!), and the trouser shorts. The accessories were marvelous as well. They were very vintage-inspired and included knuckle rigs, messenger bags and corduroy knapsacks, over-the-knee socks, and plenty of wedges, platform heels and lace-up boots. Another thing that made me fall in love with this collection was the eclectic mix of designers- Dolce Vita, Nom de Plume, Sparkle & Fade and Jeffery Campbell were featured the most. I would recommend visiting the website, just click over there to the right on our main site and buying at least one, if not all of the pieces in this collection, as I am sure they will sell out quickly! It’s not every day that you find such a lovely mix of items all in one place, so you heard it from us first—Urban Outfitters knows good style.

Text Ali Antonucci