Fashion First
Color trends are as fickle as hem lengths, but there’s nothing like a shocking, unexpected It Color to get us thinking about our wardrobes in a whole new way. This season, I’m absolutely crazy with hot pink, and I think this cheery hue is the perfect pick . From beauty buys to frocks in the most delicious shade of pink, here are my favorite products to liven up your wardrobe.
Proenza Schouler is currently looking into launching fragrance, but it sounds like they’re entering another category first: costume jewelry. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez apparently hope to launch the line — which is still in a prototype stage — during the upcoming pre-collection season. The idea, they said, is to make it a seasonless, classic line that will be reprised every season in different colors and materials. “It’s nice when you’ve put so much time into developing a product for it to have a life. So much stuff that we put out there, three months later, it’s gone,” said McCollough. [WWD]
I’ve been dreaming about Isabel Marant dresses, Proenza Schouler heels, cool accessories, and the perfect one-piece suit from Zimmermann. Join in on the fun with all of the picks above!
Left to right: Isabel Marant Gusto Striped Dress ($420), Swash Quilt ($1,030), 3.1 Phillip Lim Box Necklace ($195), Proenza Schouler Sandals ($995), Alexander McQueen Western Leather Cuff ($345),Zimmermann Laughing Gull One-Piece ($318)
Celebs turned it out at parties this week and on the red carpet so I thought I’d give them their due. Celebs like Eva Mendes, Fan Bing Bing, and Blake Lively wore bold colors–Lively matched her seafoam Zuhair Murad couture gown with bold red hair, too. Emma Stone looked delicate and sparkly in Louis Vuitton while Kerry Washington shimmered in Catherine Malandrino.
As it turns out, all the McQueen rumors were true; Kate Middleton wed today in a stunning long-sleeved creation by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Burton and Middleton worked closely on the design of the dress, referencing English traditions and signatures of the McQueen brand. From the descriptions on the Official Royal Wedding Website, it is obvious that this design made full use of the unbelievable technique and skill of the McQueen atelier.
Of the choice, the official site says:
Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing. Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work..
The dress is made from hand-cut English lace, French Chantilly lace, and ivory and white satin gazar. The lace appliques were handmade by the Royal School of Needlework using a technique called Carrickmacross that originated in Ireland in the 1820s. The lace workers washed their hands every 30 minutes and replaced their needles every three hours to ensure that the lace remained pure white. The flowers designs in the lace are of actual flowers: rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.
If you thought Kate Middleton looked curvier than usual, you’d be correct. The silhouette featured padding at the hips, as a reference to traditional Victorian corsetry as well as a signature of the most dramatic McQueen looks. 58 gazar and organza covered buttons ran up the back of the dress, no wonder Middleton needed help getting dressed this morning.
On top Middleton wore a tiara belonging to the Queen herself. The Cartier “halo” tiara was made in 1936 and given to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday as a gift from her mother. Middleton’s veil is made of ivory silk tulle – nothing too heavy when she’s got to show off a vintage Cartier tiara.
Classic, demure, and elegant the dress is sure to please both the public and the fashion critics. WWD has already scooped up quotes from the fashion crowd about Middleton’s choice.
Karl Lagerfeld said “She is very elegant. The dress is classic and goes very well in the Westminster decor. It almost reminds me of (Queen) Elizabeth’s wedding, the royal weddings in the Fifties. The proportion of the train is good. The lace is very pretty. I like the veil a lot.”
If it’s a hit with Karl, I’m sure it’s a hit with everyone. He has very, very high standards. 😉
The warm weather is finally here and with all the rooftop and outdoor events/parties we all need a little something pretty to wear. Dressing up is fun but if you have a lot of events lined up it can get expensive. Remember H&M’s By Night collection that launched last year? Well, they’re back with a flirty new collection for spring/summer and this time for both men and women. I don’t think I’ve seen any of this collection in stores yet but it should be releasing soon if it hasn’t yet. Cute! Do you like?
With an extravagant furry hood hiding her face, she ducked down and dashed at full tilt from the car into The Goring hotel – doing everything in her power to avoid being identified.
But there were several clues that the mystery woman who ran into Kate Middleton’s hotel in Belgravia yesterday afternoon was Sarah Burton, creative director of the Alexander McQueen label and very likely the wedding dress designer.
The late McQueen’s 36-year-old protégée has previously been tipped for the most coveted fashion commission of the decade.
She also owns an identical silver-studded belt, and her designs at Paris Fashion Week this year also included oversized fur hoods. An onlooker said: ‘She ducked right down and ran in as quick as you like. The whole thing was in under half a second. It was very odd. If that’s not Sarah Burton, I’ll eat my hat.’
Kate, 29, has been determined to keep her designer and gown under wraps to ensure maximum surprise when she emerges from her Rolls-Royce outside Westminster Abbey at 11am today.
The designer is understood to be British and rumours have suggested he or she is a relatively little-known, upcoming couturier.
Sophie Cranston, Alice Temperley and Bruce Oldfield have also been mooted as possibilities.
Cheshire-born Mrs Burton was assistant and confidante to McQueen for 14 years – and was devastated by the East End designer’s suicide last year at the age of 40.
Kate is thought to have chosen Mrs Burton after being impressed by a £10,000 silk strapless wedding gown worn by her friend Sara Buys, who married the Duchess of Cornwall’s son Tom Parker Bowles in 2005.
She has also created dresses for Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Bjork.
Reports earlier this year claimed that McQueen’s chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd had told a colleague that the label had secured the commission.
Mr Akeroyd, Mrs Burton and a spokesman for the label all hurriedly insisted the story was untrue.
But Kate’s chosen designer is understood to have been sworn to secrecy, and royal aides did not deny the speculation.
One said: ‘Catherine genuinely wants to keep her dress and designer a secret until the day of the wedding, in line with tradition.
‘The details are top secret – even high-up Royal Household staff aren’t being told, especially the men.’
Kate is contributing her own design ideas to the process but if the designer is Mrs Burton – who lives in north London with her photographer husband David – we can expect dramatic tailoring, clinging fabrics and a flowing veil.
Sarah Burton was reportedly spotted going into the hotel where Kate Middleton is staying yesterday, and now word is floating around that Middleton’s dress is Alexander McQueen, but Sarah Burton didn’t design it.
Instead, the Daily Mirror‘s Mark Jefferies Tweets: “Sarah Burton seen in Goring hotel,but heard rumour from other journo design is by McQueen himself, so could be vintage or from his sketches!” And Telegraph UK‘s Bryony Gordon Twitteres: “Top fashion source just msged to confirm that [Jefferies’s] tweet. Apparently the dress is a vintage McQueen design.” Gordon adds: “Apparently Sarah Burton is only doing the fitting, not actual design.”
Colorful Separates/ Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse ($187) in Electric Blue
Vibrant hues took center stage on the S/S 11 runways, giving us countless ways to liven up our spring wardrobes. But instead of picking a single piece that has multiple colors and stripes in it, we’re partial to the idea of simple color blocking a la Jil Sander. As shown above, designer Raf Simons mixed and matched bright separates for vividly intense looks that were anything but boring. Of course you don’t always have to go for loud neon shades. For example, this vibrant blue blouse by Equipment is a strong color, but it’s not overpowering, making it a great foundation piece for any look. Wondering how to wear it? If you’re a bold-color novice, mix one bright color with a go-to white piece—like a bright top with a white skirt or flares, or a white t-shirt with a colorful pair of trousers—or a warm neutral, like khaki. For those of you feeling more advanced, create a look similar to those at Jil Sander and wear two or three brightly hued pieces together. If you’re not quite sure what hues will work together, just look to the runways for smart color coordination and styling ideas.
Tribal Choker/ Fallon Labyrinth Maze Short Chain ($170) in Gold/Black
Of all the notable accessory trends this season, we think you should try the most standout option: the tribal necklace! Fallon’s Labyrinth Maze Short Chain is particularly amazing, thanks to its cutting-edge design, which is both sophisticated and glamorous. Additionally, this tough-luxe necklace is incredibly versatile: use it to ground your ultra-feminine evening looks, elevate a minimalist ensemble, or add intrigue to an otherwise casual look.
Bold Shades/ Super Gals Sunglasses ($158) in Summer Safari
For your Who What Wear editors, sunglasses are a bit like bathing suits. Though we have about a million of them, each year we feel the need to stock up on some additional of-the-moment styles. So of course, a pair of sunnies inevitably makes an appearance in our annual spring essentials roundup! And though we still love last year’s sleek, cat-eye frames, we’re currently on the hunt for more bold, standout styles a la Fendi’s Sunglasses ($395, 212.759.4646) from the S/S 11 collection. While the runway’s oversized, colorful shades are certainly indulgence-worthy, we think you’ll also appreciate Super’s more wearable and affordable Gals Sunglasses. Though they have a classic shape, these standout shades have an intriguing yellow and brown marbling and ombre lenses that fade from dark to light, giving them a unique and modern look. In other words, they’re not your average tortoiseshell sunglasses!
White Flares/ Mother The Wilder Trouser Jean ($198) in Mirror, Mirror
Unless you’ve been living under a rock as of late, you know that the ’70s are back in a big way this season, especially wide-leg/flare denim. And while we are thoroughly excited by the plethora of dark and light washes available right now, we’re currently coveting the crisp and clean look of white flares. In my search for the perfect pair, I came across Mother’s amazing Wilder jeans in Mirror, Mirror. I am mad about these perfectly tailored jeans, which are not only incredibly soft and comfortable, but also quite flattering, thanks to the low-waisted fit. They beg for a tucked-in bright top and structured blazer, but of course that’s not the only way to wear them.
Coral Polish/ Revlon Nail Enamel ($5) in Siren
Transitioning into spring inevitably means we become infatuated with bright, eye-popping nail polish. And while last year that meant lively watermelon shades, this year we’re absolutely crazy for coral! Whether it’s on your eyelids, lips, or fingertips, this deliciously tangy hue is clearly having a moment this season. So what’s currently topping my go-to lacquer list? In addition to Dior’s fabulous Aloha ($26), which was used for the S/S 11 runway show, we’re smitten kittens for Revlon’s Nail Enamel ($5) in Siren. The polish is very wearable—it looks good with all skin tones—and is a great way to add a hint of color to your neutral ensembles.
Snakeskin/ Reed Krakoff Pumps with Double Ties ($795) in Black Multi
While fall had us obsessing over feline-inspired prints, this season we’re complete suckers for all things serpentine—especially when it comes to our accessories. As seen on such high-profile runways as Nina Ricci, Burberry Prorsum, and Altuzarra, this reptilian print offers a decidedly chic and luxurious look, whether it’s emblazoned on your bag, jewelry, or shoes. That said, it should come as no surprise our next essential pick for the warm-weathered season is Reed Krakoff’s Pumps with Double Ties. These sensual heels are a must-have for a few reasons: the mix of materials and textures gives them a wonderfully unique look, plus, the fusion of edgy details (the raffia double-tie ankle strap) and feminine silhouette (the sleek pointed-toe) make them the perfect complement to the season’s downtown-lady look. If this snakeskin heel doesn’t quite fit into your spring wardrobe budget, I highly recommend picking up either Kate Spade’s Licorice Snake- Print Pumps ($325) or Topshop’s Sense Cut Out Platforms ($145) today!
Neutral Leather Jacket/ Simone Nude Leather Jacket ($1095)
While leather jackets are a year-round wardrobe staple, this season, we suggest swapping out your tried-and-true black styles for a lovely neutral hue! Our hands-down favorite is the achingly chic Nude Leather Jacket from Simone by Katie Nehra. Made from wildly soft leather and boasting a cropped silhouette, this piece is perfectly cool and totally modern. Plus, it has a luxuriously edgy vibe that’s perfect for infusing your feminine ensembles with some subtle tough-girl spirit. Of course, you don’t have to invest quite so much to incorporate this must-have piece into your wardrobe. MoDN’s Detachable Hooded Faux Leather Jacket ($106) and Muubaa’s Cropped Leather Jacket ($300) in Blush are also excellent options worth checking out.
On the surface, today’s featured lines are vastly different—ADAM’s polished clothes versus Made Her Think’s girly-goth jewelry—but despite their contrasting appearances, these brands have enjoyed similarly inspiring journeys to the top. Both launched in 2004 by passionate designers (Adam Lippes and Meredith Kahn, respectively) who had previously worked with big-name brands (Oscar de la Renta and Gap) before embarking on their own collections. Seven years, a few exclusive collaborations, and many stylish followers later, these noteworthy lines have never looked better, which is why they should be celebrated and shopped!
Joining ADAM are the hauntingly beautiful baubles from Meredith Kahn’s supremely cool jewelry and accessories line, Made Her Think. Once a denim designer for Gap, Inc., Kahn’s now creating moody yet elegant pieces, like luxurious thorn cuffs and talon rings, that are adored by such stylish femmes as Leighton Meester, Emma Watson, and Rihanna. Additionally, Kahn has participated in noteworthy collaborations with high-profile brands like Club Monaco and Rebecca Minkoff—her jewelry was featured in Minkoff’s S/S 11 presentation and F/W 11 runway show—and has recently launched her men’s jewelry line, Dess Homme. Seamlessly interweaving punk sensibilities with feminine detailing, Made Her Think jewelry is the perfect complement to the season’s downtown-lady trend and minimalist ensembles alike!
Made Her Think
Moonlight Pave Thorn Cuff ($184 each, 212.872.8811) in Silver Ox, Rose Gold, and Matte Gunmetal
Incredibly versatile, these tough-luxe cuffs offer something for everyone. While the thorn details will give an otherwise polished look a touch of attitude, the Swarovski crystal rhinestones also make it a sophisticated and chic choice for those who err on the edgier side. We like the idea of mixing them with a few other bracelets or simply stacking all three to give your outfit some understated cool.
Horizons Necklace ($345) in Rhinestone Silver
When it comes to awe-inspiring statement jewelry this season, the Horizons Necklace definitely takes the cake. This glamorously punk piece is just the sort of bauble you need to take a simple look to the next level, thanks to its mesh tubular chain and triangle-tipped, rhinestone-embedded charms.
Double Mesh Gauntlet Ring ($554) in Silver
If you’re looking for a subtle way to add intrigue to your ensemble, we recommend investing in the Double Mesh Gauntlet Ring. The industrial-like design makes it a truly unique and practical piece! The two mesh rings are connected by small chains, allowing your finger to move freely and comfortably—perfect for texting, typing, and of course, tweeting!
Stoned Pendulum Earrings ($683, 630.920.8444) in Diamond
Punctuate your after-hours ensembles with these medieval-esque dangly earrings. They’re glamorous, tough, and a bit dangerous all at the same time, plus, they have a great fashion-editorial look. We can easily see Abbey Lee Kershaw rocking them on stage with her band, Our Mountain.
Wrapped Talon Knuckle Buster Ring ($149.50) in Rose Gold Vermeil
We were so excited by all the fabulous rings in the Made Her Think collection that we couldn’t help but include another one! The Wrapped Talon Knuckle Buster caught our eye with its elegantly tough-girl vibe. The rose-gold talon wraps around one finger and rests over two making it an incredibly clean and chic piece you can wear with both casual and dressy ensembles.
ADAM
Short Denim Dress ($245, 1.800.960.6797) in White
When we first laid eyes on this darling denim jumper, we knew we had to include it in today’s story. The overalls-like straps give the summery frock a youthful look, while the crisp white color feels fresh for spring. It’s just the kind of thrown-on-and-go piece we can imagine Chloe Sevigny wearing all season long!
Denim Bell Bottoms ($225) in Lava
We’re crazy for this season’s bevy of ’70s-inspired pieces, especially wide-leg/flare jeans, so it’s no surprise everyone in the office is flipping over these ridiculously cool bell bottoms. Though the high waist and wide flare give the pants a decidedly retro look, the vibrant red hue keeps them feeling modern and of-the-moment. We’re also quite fond of the pintuck details, which are very flattering and give the appearance of a slim, elongated leg. For an on-trend outfit that doesn’t feel too kitschy, we recommend styling these polished jeans with a pair of wedges and a silky white button-down blouse.
Basketweave Glass Beading Tank ($495)
Though we generally prefer to stock up on tons of basic tanks and tees for the summer months ahead, we always keep our eyes peeled for a few indulge-worthy tops. This season, we’re obsessing over ADAM’s elegant Basketweave Glass Beading Tank. The two-tone tank is a chic yet unexpected choice—we love the shimmering silver beading on the top half and sheer chiffon bottom—plus, it’s a piece you can wear year-round. Try it now with a pair of tailored shorts and heels and style it with a crisp blazer and slim trousers when the temps begin to cool down.
Crochet Lace Skirt ($495)
No spring wardrobe would be complete without a few key white separates. That’s especially true this year because this crisp and clean color perfectly balances the season’s array of vibrant hues. Accordingly, we thought this delicate A-line skirt would be a great addition to any wardrobe; the intricate crochet detailing and scalloped hemline make it a texturally interesting pick. Take a styling tip from one of Kate Bosworth’s recent outfits and pair it with an army jacket and ankle boots for a perfect transitional ensemble.—Jessica Baker
BubblesPop 