Dries Van Noten: A Study in Sheer, Plaid, Structure, and the 90s.

One of my favorite high-fashion houses is Dries Van Noten. (Remember how much I celebrated Maggie Gyllenhaal in one of his dresses at the Oscars??) The Belgian designer (whose name is Dries Van Noten, by the way) creates women's clothing that is always as beautiful as it is artistic. The show for the Spring/Summer 2013 line was, simply put, relaxing to flip through. Every silhouette was easy and louche, with the only structure ever coming in with the pencil skirts or a sleeveless, peplum-hem jacket. Layering pieces like pull-over sweaters and button-up shirts were made in sheer fabrics, even shorts had a sheer, pant-length overlay. Practically everything seemed to be made in either organza, mousseline, or crepe. The over all effect was breezy and cool. It was easy to imagine his muse: a 90's girl about town who's grown up since.

I went through WhoWhatWear.com and nabbed my favorite looks to share with you. And in case any of you have ever thought, "Where do stylists get their inspiration and information from?" I can tell you, for me it's Who What Wear. That's my first stop.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the following hand-clicked selection of Dries Van Noten looks. They're my favorites :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My personal favorite.

 

Image(s) courtesy of WhoWhatWear.com

Stylist Picks: Wooden Accessories

Bright printed skirts, sun hats and maxi dresses... I'm loving so much of the boho chic clothing that's so popular again this summer (especially in San Francisco during all of the musical festivals). 

Not ready to dive straight into a look that, if not done right, could have you confused with the real hippies in Haight Ashbury?  A quick and affordable way to add that bohemian vibe to your wardrobe is through accessories- wooden to be exact.  Here are some of my favorite picks:

Stella & Dot "Casablanca" bib necklace $89

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "Java" wooden bangles $58

Yves Saint Laurent "Arty" wooden ring $275

Kenneth Jay Lane "Wave" bangle $45

Forever21 "Tribal Glam" bracelet set $6

Spring 2011: Matthew Williamson Arrives at Macy's Impulse

There's definitely a sweet spot in my heart for capsule collections. I remember my first purchase like it was yesterday: a green cotton tank top with a white, chain-link design by Proenza Schouler for Target. That was well over 3 years ago but I still have and love that top! Since then, I've thought designer collaborations were the greatest invention since sliced bread! These days I try to go visit- and purchase- a collection whenever possible. I love being able to have new, innovative designs available at my fingers tips and for a fraction of the price. Now, the king of the jet set has touched down at Macy's, just for us, bringing with him an orchestra of bold, boho-chic pieces.

Not a "basic" in sight...it's refreshing!

In an effort to bring their customer more fresh fashion, Macy's brought in Matthew Williamson, a designer with a penchant for bold prints and bits of glitz for round two of their burgeoning capsule series. Matthew's capsule collection is right on trend with loud color, easy silhouettes, and a 70's influence that's hard to resist, all available at the trendy/contemporary Impulse department of Macy's.

I am in LOVE with that yellow-shouldered, leopard top!

Some of these pieces are just too cute to resist! But that's the thing with capsule collections, they're "limited time only" situations. Better get there quick as this arrival has been buzzing around the internet for a few days now...pieces are sure to run out.

 

 

Matthew Williamson, man with the Midas touch

For now Matthew Williamson has the floor- no pun intended- but stay tuned as Macy's will continue shuffling in new designers every few months to keep their Impulse section up-to-date.

I wonder who will follow in the gilded footsteps of this great designer??

Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Seach

Spring 2011: Ear Candy

Sometimes it's not what's on your arm that counts as candy but what's on your ears. In time for spring, check out some truly sweet auditory ornamentation sure to make your lobes lovely the entire season through.

AKKAD, HSN, $49.95

Forever 21, $4.80

BaubleBar, $110

BaubleBar, $162

GLAMOUR, HSN, $19.95

Heidi Daus, HSN, $149.95

Justine Simmons, HSN, $29.95

Libby Edelman, HSN, $13.27

Hutton Wilkinson, HSN, $39.95

Sheila Fajl, HSN, $19.95

Telio, HSN, $69.95

Turquoise & Marcasite, HSN, $54.90

Are you salivating over the sweetness yet?!

Image(s) courtesy of baublebar.com, hsn.com, & forever21.com

Spring 2011: That 70's Trend

Though some of you may be remiss to admit it, the 70s are back! And in a big way. Of course we all know fashion is cyclical and nothing is new anymore but you should always expect to see the return of a trend, style, or look about every 20 to 30 years. That said, the return of flared jeans, platforms, jumpsuits, soft hair, floppy hats, maxi dresses, and round sunglasses are right on track.

athoughtistheblossom.blogspot.com

I was a little hesitant to get on board with this trend for fear of it leaving as quickly as it has arrived but then I watched The Towering Inferno...and fell in love with the 70s. What a wonderland of inspiration! Taking place in San Francisco and centering on the world's tallest building going up in a blaze (hence, the title), the movie cemented my new-found love for long, low-cut evening gowns, head-to-toe color, draped shirting, and soft curls. It also put a new fashion icon at the forefront of my mind, Faye Dunaway. I've never wanted to wear a matching, monochromatic suit more!

Faye Dunaway

Though the film revolved around more "society types" living in the San Francisco, there was definitely a moment for those on the street who were rocking long, printed jackets, wide-leg pants, and high shoes. In fact, that's more in line with what we're seeing on the runway and the streets today. People seem eager to move away from their skinnies to get a little breathing room.

stylecaster.com

The easiest way to embrace this new trend and avoid looking dated is by wearing the bits and pieces that you like. Making them your own allows your personal style to shine and topping it all off with a large brim hat is never a bad idea.

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

 Of course, if you can do it right, there is something to be said for trying everything all in one outfit. Floppy hats off to you, my dear.

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

Image(s) courtesy of stylecaster.com, carolinesmode.com, and google image search.

Update Your Look for Spring- Victoria's Secret makes it easy on your wallet!

We're back and living in post-wedding bliss- well not really.  We've both been sick and down, which probably has something to do with the fact that it snowed in Colorado, Paris, AND England... It snowed the entire time we were gone (45 days).  Fall/Winter is usually my favorite time of year, mostly because I love cold weather fashion.  But after all that snow, it left me with a major urge to buy some bright and cheery Spring fashions.

But post-honeymoon in Europe, we are a bit tight on funds at the moment.  So I turned to one of my trusted sources of cheap fashion: Victoria's Secret!  What surprises me is that there are still women who don't know that Victoria's Secret carries clothing, not just bras and panties.  Here are some of the pieces I am buying to update my Spring wardrobe.

One Shoulder Dress $88

Printed Strapless Sweetheart Dress $88 and High Collar Cardigan $29

Strapless Smocked Dress $55

Yoga Slashed Leggings $32.50

Soft and Sexy Wrap $39

Kimono Wrap Dress $108

There are so many more styles at great prices, worth checking out.  You can tell I am obviously a big fan of dresses, especially for Spring.  What's your Spring fashion staple?

Images courtesy of Victoria's Secret