3.1 Phillip Lim: Incognito Super Heroes

At the 3.1 Phillip Lim show yesterday, the runway looks combined powerful contrasting neutrals with textures. Most of the looks had crisp, tailored jackets and pants with a razor-sharp crease. Although we’ve seen some very colorful fall 2012 lines, this was not one of them. The pops of color didn’t come up until later in the show, with a few orange and turquoise accents. Lim’s RTW line was made of mainly black, cream, beige, and gray. The inspiration? Lim said it was the “modern-day superheroes walking around us every day.”

Models walked the runway in pointy pumps and boots through a fog machine. Like the structured pieces, the patterns on the clothes were geometric. Thick, chunky sweaters softened the theme in some of the looks, but the show had an overall theme of power. Appropriately, plenty of caped jackets were part of the theme. This collection has plenty of subtle “day” looks for the modern super heroine.

Text Emily Thomas
Image WWD

Hats Off to Marc Jacobs

It’s impossible to predict what Fashion Week staple Marc Jacobs will send down the runway, but one thing’s for sure — it will be a can’t-miss catwalk. His highly anticipated showing at New York Fashion Week on Monday was no exception. Expertly layering floral brocades, knobby knits, and splashes of not-so-subtle sparkle, the line’s eponymous designer topped off each look with oversized fur hats created by milliner Stephen Jones. Even though they were totally yet wonderfully over the top (so much so that New York Times fashion critic Derek Blasberg affectionately referred to them as “furry, fantastical pimp hats”), they still failed to distract from each outfit, especially his to-die-for jackets, oversized paisley prints, and fall 2012’s new must-have: wool stoles.

Set on a delicate winter wonderland backdrop that screamed Tim Burton (read: Mad Hatter) meets Charles Dickens, Marc Jacobs played up his Victorian inspiration with tacked-on bustles, updated tweeds, and oversized shoe buckles. What can we say? Our Great Expectations were met.

Text Kara Solarz
Image New York Magazine

Band of Outsiders Bonanza at NYFW

The Band of Outsiders fall 2012 collection was recently debuted at New York Fashion Week, and the first word that comes to mind is “Yeehaw!” Somehow, the designers found a way to take traditionally Western looks and patterns and turn them into something cool and contemporary. Scarves with horses stitched into them and a suit with horses branded into it is an idea more easily digested if your grandmother was the designer.

But by some stroke of hidden genius, the collection pulls these looks off, and there is something delightfully rugged about these looks. The sandy western colors and the bold Native American prints stand out against the cactus greens and fiery sunset oranges that were so easily incorporated. It makes you think of Mr. Ben Cartwright from Bonanza with a refreshing 2012 edge. While it’s doubtful that you’ll actually go out on a wagon caravan anytime soon, you can certainly trick someone into thinking so with these great new looks.

Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image style.com

Looks By Larissa: Luxe Fur Jacket

I walked downtown with friends this Saturday and dropped into Nordstrom’s Rack. I was drawn to the coat section, permeated as it was with this season’s luxe furs, but this faux fur Democracy jacket stood apart; it is so soft and warm. I love the way it’s draped, and it is truly a unique piece. I wore it out of the store because I couldn’t resist waiting one more moment, and it was the perfect way to complete my outfit, an H&M basic black dress.

This dress is so simple, but the cut and lines are flattering. It can be dressed up with the right accessories or worn by itself for a super casual aesthetic! My leg warmers were also purchased at H&M. They are comfy and easily adjustable. To top it off, I wore my favorite boots from Dolce Vita. After my excursion downtown, several of my friends complimented me on my recent purchase, which only made me fall more in love with it!

See a close up after the jump...

Knuckle-Busting Love

Jene DeSpain's line of jewelry is minimal but packs a loud punch. His Sugar Comb Knucklebuster ring is more than just a ring; it's a piece that can turn any outfit into a statement.

This 14-karat gold three finger ring is handmade and a great addition to an already great finger pow wow. Who says that three of your fingers can't have fun? Add this handmade accessory to your life. Please.

Text Kia Chenelle and Christiana Greene
Source and Image Jene DeSpain