Category: TRENDS

Neons and Neutrals

 Summer calls upon colorful, cool silhouettes, and I’m quite taken with pastel at the moment. I like how this street-snapped cutie poses her feminine tones with streamlined silhouettes, ankle socks, and platform sandals. Get the look with my similar and exact picks from Super, Diane von Furstenberg, and Eddie Bauer.

Left to right: Eddie Bauer Classic Oxford Shirt ($35), Bedstu Steinway Belt ($64), Erickson Beamon Bette Davis Eyes Bracelet ($595), Sessun Malloring Pant ($200), Super Sunglasses Basic Rainbow Lens ($180), Diane von Furstenberg Sandal ($350), Cambridge Satchel Company Satchel ($153), Hue Socks ($7)

Though the weather has been on the unpredictable side lately, there’s one thing I know for sure: It’s warm enough that we don’t need to wear tights or a jacket all hours of the day. And we’re certainly savoring every minute of bare arms, legs, and open toes until it officially becomes too hot or humid to want to wear anything at all. I’ve put together three plus-size outfits that are perfect for those cherished spring outings—like al fresco dining and long, wandering park strolls, and casual bike rides. See ’em all below! 😉

Gallery Hopping—Cool and casual, the lightweight suedette pants bring an element of sophistication to an otherwise low-key outfit. Bright and architectural accessories like this structured yellow bag and awesome wooden heel make it perfect for an afternoon of art-viewing.

Brunch—This breezy, printed dress with a light color palette and ultra-feminine flourishes is essential for weekend brunching and shopping with friends. Strong accessories like a cross-body bag in a bright color or chunky heel add weight to the feathery materials of the dress and jacket.

Wine Bar—Spring evenings are one of our favorite things about the season, filled with outdoor dining and visits to wine bars that have their windows wide open. An airy black dress can easily transition from daytime picnics to those evening dates by incorporating bright accessories like a patent belt or a cute, fringed cardigan.

We already knew Vena Cava was designing a capsule collection for Uniqlo–designers Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock let that juicy tidbit slip at Fashion Group International’s panel on entrepreneurship back in February. But today brings word that New York designers Charlotte Ronson andCostello Tagliapietra will also be among the nine collaborators taking part in the Japan-based retailer’s Designers Invitation Project (the others are Zechia, Tiny Dinosaur, Suzuki Takayuki, Theatre Products, Nine and Double Standard Clothing).

Each designer will produce a six-piece capsule collection for Uniqlo, with each item retailing for just $29.99 WWD is reporting. Costello Tagliapietra’s collection hits stores on April 21, Charlotte Ronson’s on May 5, and Vena Cava’s on May 12. The collections will be available through May 21.

Ronson’s collection–the only collection we’ve seen glimpses of–has a casual nautical feel that’s making us crave warmer temps. “I usually do a lot more wovens, so it was nice to work around lots of different jerseys,” Ronson told WWD. “The feel was a seaside retreat, with coastal countryside as well as nautical influences and whimsical prints.” According to Style.com, Ronson’s capsule includes a striped lace-up tank dress, a striped boatneck three-quarter-sleeve drawstring waist dress, a sailboat print halter and a t-shirt dress with a henley front.

Is this what fashion has come to? Last night, host of America’s (and Canada’s) Next Top Model, Jay Manuel debuted his much-hyped collection for Sears. With top dollars spent on splashy campaigns and a media circuit run that would make your head spin, Manuel’s new line ATTITUDE left a lasting first impression.

The show, which ran an hour late, opened with a mini-montage that documented Manuel’s deep involvement with the label, from concept to completion. From sketching to sewing, the clip almost had us fooled that Manuel created the pieces himself, but alas his title still read “Creative Director.”

As the lights dimmed and music blared, the first look hit the glossy black runway and the show’s “special guest” arrived, veteran model Yasmin Warsame . What followed Warsame’s power strut were a string of work wear looks that spoke to the masses. From mundane to matronly, Manuel’s high fashion taste didn’t seem to cross the border.

But where were those references to “worldly inspirations” that influenced the collection? Perhaps it was Manuel’s nod to fallen star John Galliano and the boudoir make-up from his Spring 2011 show in Paris. Although the look was flawless then, Manuel paired the finger waves and penciled brows with oddly belted purses and faux-fur apparel.

After 37 looks, and a model who geisha-ed down the runway, Manuel (dressed in a Tom Ford suit) took his bow to an awe struck crowd. Although some looks weren’t to my liking, others were very striking and perhaps a great new look for Sears.

I am excited to see what looks he has in the coming seasons.  It’s been confirmed the silver-haired host will bring us many collections to come.

Photos by George Pimentel.