StyleWhipped

Daily Devotion: T by Alexander Wang Cowl Back Tunic Dress

I normally go out of my way to avoid writing about the same brand/designer within a short period of time, let alone one post after the other. There are so many amazing designers and lines out there, it's just more  interesting to mix things up. But I'm clearly digging Alexander Wang's vibe this season, and I'll justify this  bending of the rules by calling out that this pick is by Alexander Wang's special T by Alexander Wang line that centers around, well, the tee. 

The T by Alexander Wang Cowl Back Tunic Dress is the kind of thing  that I really really love to wear. There are things that are comfortable but look sloppy, there are things that look great but take a little bit of work to wear, and there are things that are chic but make you look like you're trying too hard to be trendy. This dress is comfortable in ultra soft jersey, is super easy to wear (throw it on and go), is very casually but undeniably cool, and can be worn and styled a hundred different ways. I'd wear it with tights and a strong-shouldered blazer, I'd wear it with a casual low-slung belt and flat gladiator sandals, I'd travel with it, I'd wear it as a bathing suit cover-up...you get the picture. And the best part-- it's Alexander Wang with Alexander Wang attention to detail, at just $94! You know what? I take back my earlier justification. There's no need for justifying something this fantastic.

- Cindy   

Daily Devotion: Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle

After Fashion Week and related events, and working hard to look appropriately fabulous each and every day, I found myself going through my usual understated period. Red lipstick is replaced by lip balm, platforms with 5" heels are replaced by tall low-heel boots, and denim makes a big comeback into my everyday wear. I'm not saying that this trend will go uninterrupted, but it is a momentary preference. I just happen to be one of those people who enjoys plain vanilla every once in a while. But that said, it does need to be a stellar vanilla. And my stellar vanilla fashion pick of the moment is Alexander Wang's Rocco Mini Duffel.

On paper it's simply a black textured leather, top-handle bag. But in person, it's pretty amazing. Of all the fantastic bags at Barneys CO-OP, my eyes were instantly drawn to this little black bag with the studded bottom (studs Alison!), and I had a "gotta have it" moment. There's something about the all-black features-- black leather, black studs, black zipper, black lining, that makes it so damn cool. So while I call this my "vanilla fashion pick", don't misunderstand and assume that it's boring. With perfect quality, design and balance, vanilla can be quite extraordinary. Just like this bag.

- Cindy   

 

Fashion Week Review: Milly by Michelle Smith

Feminine, ladylike, and preppy with an edge, the Milly by Michelle Smith Fall 2010 Collection was brilliantly cohesive. Pointing to Jean-Luc Godard and his radical New Wave cinema as inspiration, Milly designer Michelle Smith provided a strong visual style in her sequence of looks, allowing a natural narrative to unfold.

Classic shapes and clean lines come together to create looks that are modern and bold. And while color has never been a problem for Michelle Smith, her mixing of primary colors with little pops of gold towards the end, radiated a refined confidence and sophistication. Lovely classic French accents appeared throughout by way of berets, stripes and checks. As with other Fall 2010 Collections, colored and textured tights, gloves and hats played a big part in the styling. And while I loved these accessories, admittedly they sometimes took my attention away from the clothes...but never for long. The beautifully cut pea coats will be making their way into many closets next Fall, and I adored the cream check mini skirt, as well as the belted red dress worn with bright pink tights. I loved so many pieces of this collection it seems unfair to play favorites, so just do yourself a favor and keep Milly on your radar for next Fall.

- Cindy

 

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Nanette Lepore

Nanette Lepore's Fall 2010 Collection felt like a bit of a departure from what I've grown to expect. Her usual flirty, impeccably tailored, and often ruched and ruffled designs took a more moody and romantic turn. A beautifully rich palette of deep reds, dark pinks, copper, olive, marine blue and carbon were presented in a collection of velvet, wool, silk and tweed. Prints were subtle and often monochromatic.  Slouchy dresses, sweaters and scarves were layered with slim pants, and structured jackets and coats building texture and depth. I loved a look that included a copper lace henley paired with a deep red plaid skirt, but of course my favorite was the glittering olive bead dress worn under a fitted olive moleskin jacket. While we did still see hints of playfulness, this was a decidedly more mature side of Nanette Lepore's modern femininity.

- Cindy

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Max Azria

In a follow-up from last season, Max Azria's Fall 2010 Collection gave us another palette of beautifully soft neutrals including cream, nude, grey and black. But instead of deconstructive tatters and slashes, the focus was on beautifully constructed folds and geometric lines. Tonal looks were kept from seeming flat with depth created from contrasting textures of silk, mesh, wool and leather. And while the collection was certainly minimalist, it was far from feeling cold or stark. Soft silhouettes and artful construction kept everything feminine and fluid. And a beautiful restraint kept the artful folds and drapes, asymmetry and contrasting fabrics from looking too fussy or overdone. Personally, I can't wait until this collection hits the stores. Until then I'll be making room in my closet for some of the buttery leather, boxy tops, and lighter-than-air knits. 

- Cindy

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Pamella Roland

Inspired by Venice, Pamella Roland's Fall 2010 Collection translated the history of unapologetic wealth and opulence for the modern-day, chic and sophisticated donna. Ornate details calling from the Byzantine Empire to the dark, glittering glamour of Carnivale pervade a collection of classic and elegant separates to dazzling dresses and gowns. Appropriately, we were presented with a rich palette of jewel-tones, midnight, black, white, gold and platinum. Favorites for me were the short beaded and sequined dresses, and a stunning one-shouldered dress in midnight with accordion pleating and asymmetrical hem. And while the clothes were undeniably gorgeous, I really fell in love with the styling. Looks were perfectly accessorized with sumptuous furs, fabulous boots, elegant leather gloves, textured tights, and quirky but lovely ornamented cloche hats. Even a simple classic black dress looked spectacular and exciting. There were a lot of looks in this show, and while some felt it could have been edited down and tightened up a bit, I was truly sad when it was over. 

- Cindy

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Jill Stuart

Jill Stuart has always appeased the young and fabulous who like to indulge in trends, but in a way that's just a little more glamorous and bold than everyone else. Her Fall 2010 Collection was a fearless mix of of jet-setter, preppy school-girl and club princess, sometimes orchestrated in a single look. Jumpsuits, military accents, plush chunky knits and sharp menswear tailoring never looked so feminine or hot! With a color palette of mostly black, midnight, mossy greens and grey with pops of red and purple, we were presented with plenty of extremes from big shoulders to narrow waists, uber-chunky cocoon-like layers to body hugging silhouettes, and floor skimming maxi coats to derriere skimming mini dresses. And while I found the tall head-wear a little distracting and some of the bulky layers a bit overwhelming, I adored the beautifully tailored coats, the tartan plaid pieces, the over-the-knee lace-up boots, and wide leather belts. Jill Stuart is never afraid to take her designs and styling a little further, and the result is always a collection that is strong, confident and sexy.

- Cindy

 

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Carlos Miele

Carlos Miele's collections represent my fantasy life. The Carlos Miele woman goes from sophisticated and feminine to glamorous and sexy in a snap. Sometimes she's flirty, sometimes she's edgy, but she is always fabulous and ready to hop on a jet, hit the latest hot-spot, or host an impromptu cocktail party.

The Brazilian designer's Fall/Winter 2010 collection was true to this woman, and instantly brightened moods with vivid colors and prints. Geometric shapes hug the body in a riot of purple, red, fuchsia and aqua, bringing energy and excitement to an otherwise understated palette of black, grey, light gold and taupe. Chain applique was present throughout the collection and was often used on seams of contrasting colored silk strips, bringing a fresh approach to the exposed zipper detail we've loved so well in past seasons. And adding some weight and warmth to this collection were luxurious jackets, capelets and vests in wool, fur and leather. If I had to pick a favorite, I would call out the short black charmeuse dress with a light gold bodice and lace applique that looks like a really cool tattoo. But this beautifully executed collection easily provides many close runners-up. 

- Cindy

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Twinkle By Wenlan

In true Twinkle By Wenlan style, Wenlan Chia delivered a Fall 2010 collection that was feminine and playful. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, the collection was a story of contrasts reflecting darkness and moodiness against lightness and innocence. In a palette featuring black, white, grey, inky blue, purple, mulberry, olive, cream and mustard, we saw a play of matte against shiny, airy against chunky, fitted against flowing, and structured against soft. While I loved many of the printed silk dresses, my favorite pieces from this collection were the chunky knits that included both dresses and cinched in sweaters that were sophisticated and flattering. And a review of this show just wouldn't be complete without mentioning the gorgeous Twinkle Jewels that adorned the models. Statement necklaces and bracelets were perfectly styled with their outfits without overpowering. They were just the right touch to show off the clothes at their very best.

- Cindy

 

 

 

Fashion Week Review: Nicole Miller

I've spoken again and again of my love for Nicole Miller. She designs dresses and gowns that are incredibly flattering and always seem to strike that sweet spot of both feminine and sexy. Her colors and prints are beyond lovely, and I swear she uses some kind of magic to manipulate fabric the ways she does. And while we saw some familiar shapes and materials walking down the runway of her Fall 2010 Collection, something was different...and excitingly so.

Nicole Miller's Fall 2010 collection was primarily black with notes of greys and dark green, and just a scant few pops of color. Silhouettes were sharp with sleek, body-skimming shapes and strong shoulders. This wasn't quite the Nicole Miller I had grown to love, but that made me love the designer even more. I had come to rely on this line for fun party dresses, but with this new collection, I now see Nicole Miller entering my everyday wardrobe in a big way. I wanted just about every coat that strutted by. It was such a pleasure to see these amazingly structured pieces in wool and leather. And I think I've convinced myself that I can totally pull off a skull cap, and leg-warmers with my booties. A little part of me missed the flowy prints and colors that I love, but like the urban jungle that she was inspired by, Nicole Miller managed to create a collection that is strong, energetic and utterly chic.

- Cindy