Tuesday, May 24, 2011

[Style Review] A Spring Trend Done Right and Oh So Uber Chic!!

I could not help but document this awesome Street Style Spring Ensemble!  In my past blog post, Lace Isn't Just Meant for Grandma's Dollies, http://chi-stylemaven.blogspot.com/2011/05/lace-isnt-just-meant-for-grandmas.html) I featured the revival of Lace.  This retro fabric was all over the Spring/Summer 2011 Runways from Erdem to Chanel.  Ari's vintage lace peach colored bolero with pearl accents is reminiscent of Ederm's SP/SU '11 collection, paying homage to the classic lace styles of the 1900's with a modern twist in shape and pairing. Ari not only hit a home run with the warm pastel color palette for Spring, but she makes it a grand slam in dressing down this traditional fabric with a pair of dark boot cut denim, a white t-shirt and accessorized with pearl accessories (earrings and bracelet).



Saturday, May 21, 2011

Queen B goes on a Fashion Rampage!

The song might be called "Run the world (girls)" but, in sartorial terms, it's a fashion marathon. Beyoncé's new music video, which was released this week, clocks up a number of luxury outfits selected from couture and mainline collections from the passed four seasons - a veritable feast of labels that would make even Lady Gaga blush.

Given the paces they are put through and the delicacy of the designs, how the garments make it through to the end of the five minute tour de force is anyone's guess. Lion-taming in a red Alexander McQueen autumn/winter 2010 printed mini and thigh-high heels, and walking snarling hyenas in a cream Givenchy spring/summer 2011 couture gown are just two of the tasks at Beyoncé's hand. Meanwhile, fires from exploding cars lick the back of a metallic Gareth Pugh autumn/winter 2011 minidress, and hoses soak a Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture tailcoat - and that's before Beyoncé has even started dancing.

Known for her supersonic moves Queen B puts a black Norma Kamali fringed jacket and two Emilio Pucci gowns from the spring/summer 2010 and autumn/winter 2011 collections to the test, throwing shapes so fast and furious I'd be surprised if there weren't burn marks on the fabric, post-routine.

In total, Queen B managed to squeeze no less than seven designer outfits into her new music video.  Not a huge fan of the song, but I'm defintely 100% a fan of those ensembles!

Cleopatraesque Crown
Alexander McQueen AU/WI 2010
Alexander McQueen AU/WI 2010 Gown/Thigh High Boots
Norma Kamali Body Suit
Norma Kamali Fringed Shorts
Queen B loves Chokers too! She even takes it to the next level with this Gold Choker & Belt Combo!
Givenchy SP/SU 2011 Haute Couture Bird Gown
Gareth Pugh Dress with Mirrored Booties
Gareth Pugh Mirrored Booties-WANT THEM!!

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Gown

Gold Pucci SP/SU 2011

Green Pucci SP/SU 2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

Are You Ready For Chokers?

Put away dangling pendants, long dainty necklaces and your multi-chains as well. For Fall 2011, Designers are hot under their collars for fierce, face-framing choker necklaces. Whether they came with door knocker-sized ornaments like Lanvin’s, Wilma Flintstone-esque pebbled jewels à la Bottega Veneta, or in fetish-y leather as they did at Emanuel Ungaro, it was all about achieving a snug fit that sits atop the collarbone. And chokers aren’t just for the runways. Street-style fixture Taylor Tomasi Hill repped a Masai-inspired number during fashion week.  I don't know about you but I can't wait for Fall, look for me on Damen rockin' my Rocker Edgy Chic Emanuel Ungaro Fall Choker!

Lanvin: It's a bling thing & door knocker-sized ornaments!

Chanel: Karl Lagerfeld plays it close to the nape.

Salvatore Ferragamo: Beautiful bejeweled and broken circle. Heart this one!

Emanuel Ungaro: Giles Deacon has a fetish for chokers. Who wouldn't? Especially since they are the best uber-chic accessory!
Bottega Veneta: A String of bulbous baubles.

I'm joining Taylor Tomasi Hill and sporting this awesome accessory now!  Fall is just too far away to wait...

Taylor Tomasi Hill: Moving along to a Tribal Beat

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Lace isn't just meant for Grandma's Doilies...

Who said that Lace was only mean for Grandma's Doilies?  Lace is popping up as a key fabric in many Spring/Summer 2011 Collections.  D&G to Christopher Kane are using this fabric in fun and innovative ways.  D&G didn't let the fact that this fabric is typically used in skirts and dresses stop them.  D&G's lace tops and palazzo trousers are a refreshing alternative way to take part in the trend.

D&G SS 11

Erderm's Spring/Summer 2011 English Country Garden theme at London's Fashion Week is a great homage to an updated and modern take of the fashions of the 1900's-and anyone who isn't ready to step away from this fabric's typical association with frills and florals.

Erdem SS 11

Christopher Kane's Spring/Summer 2011 collection is the perfect antidote to all the white lace seen in the rest of the Spring/Summer 2011 collections on the catwalks.  His Neon pleated lace shifts and skirt suits are definitely channeling granny chic with a modern and refreshing twist. 

Christopher Kane SS 11

Need an alternative the the classic LBD? Valentino gives us an uber chic play on the LBD with Long-Sleeves and Leather Trimmings for a Gothic Chic look.  This is definitely a look I will adopting this Spring!

Valentino

Proenza Schouler gives us another alternative to play up the trend: Lace printed Pumps.  At New York Fashion Week, the label paired their neon tweed-lace dresses with orange lace-printed pumps. 

Proenza Schouler

I will definitely be channeling my inner edgy chic voice in incorporating this trend this Spring/Summer.  Don't be afraid to pair this great trend in a pop of neon color or pair it with Edgy accessories such as spiked heels, leather clutch or leather trousers.  Gwen Stefani does a great job in toughening up her girly lace with her signature red lips and skinny leather trousers.

Gwen Stefani