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Lauren Dimet Waters / May 1, 2012 3:00 pm
“It Don’t Matter If You’re Black Or White” …those lyrics may have been sung by Michael Jackson, but this spring it’s all about black and white worn together. Not just the two colors worn together, but patterned together. Try to think outside the expected black and white stripe or color block and look for more interesting patterns like floral, zebra or abstract. Designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Thakoon, Lanvin and Peter Pilotto to name a few all showed some black and white pieces that were drool worthy. So for those of you afraid of color, but still want to wear some pattern we can think of no better way to ease yourself into the trend pool. Here are 10 of our favorite black and white picks:
1. Pierre Hardy Two-Tone Leather Wedge Sandals, $775
2. Peter Pilotto Irene Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Dress, $4,240
3. Alaïa Laser-Cut Leather Clutch, $760
4. Gucci Cropped Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $695
5. Rachel Roy Pleated Striped Skirt, $78
6. Doo.Ri Sleeveless Top with Hi Low Hem, $550
7. Matt Bernson Delphine Beaded Wedge Sandals, $209
8. Thakoon Panel T-Shirt Dress, $1,090
9. Diane von Furstenberg Haircalf Minaudiere Tonda Clutch, $495
10. Alexander McQueen Medium Enamel Skull Bangle, $250
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Kristine Horton
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Simona Kogan / April 30, 2012 3:00 pm
Since the announcement that Prince William was engaged Kate Middleton and that legendary royal blue Issa dress heard ’round the world in November 2011, the blogs, websites, magazines and publications have said just about everything they could about Kate Middleton’s style. F rom her spontaneous shopping trip in sweats to the red Maple Leaf fascinator she wore with a white Reiss dress in Canada, everyone seems obsessed. We’ve seen the glorious Jenny Packham gown and the Rebecca Taylor jacket that sold out the day Kate was seen wearing it. And of course, there was that infamous Alexander McQueen wedding gown created by Sarah Burton and co. No one could ever forget that detailed lace extravaganza.Yet Kate in all her quiet stylishness, has made quite a stir in other areas of fashion. These are the ways in which she’s brought popular fashion trends to the forefront without even realizing she was starting something extraordinary. Sure, you can argue that every item she’s worn, every move she’s made in fashion has been calculated, but it’s her quiet and conservative way of doing so that has us all reeling in wonder and applauding the fact that she has kept her personal style intact without going overboard. Pippa, on the other hand…
Well, that’s another story. In the mean time, we celebrate Kate Middleton’s year of fashion highs, and her biggest surprises.
Peplums
Kate Middleton in LK Bennett
Kate Middleton in Matthew Williamson (left) Rebecca Taylor (right)
The peplum is of course one of the dominant trends of Spring 2012, and Kate has taken it on with a quiet power. Ironically enough, while it was on the runways at early as September 2011, for the upcoming season, not many of the celebs were wearing it prior and she was one of the first to really tackle the look. But she did so in a quiet way, making use of the peplum for fashion, but not calling attention to it as we’re so used to seeing from others who wear this look. Ironically, the first outfit she wore back in March 2012 wasn’t even supposed to be a peplum look but she made it so. She wore LK Bennett’s Jude jacket in teal over the brand’s knee-length Davina dress. But what she did was wrap a belt around the jacket giving the outfit a peplum look. She finished it off with nude tights, black heels and a James Lock hat. The way in which she cinched the belt over the jacket gave it some shape, but not so much that it overpowered the look.
This quiet dominance is exactly what makes Kate’s personal style what it is. Early this month, she wore a dove gray peplum dress with beaded embellishments by Matthew Williamson, but while the dress was supposed to have more of a sculpted shape, she did not call so much attention to it as she held her clutch over her stomach for most of the night. Later she opted for a tweed suit by Rebecca Taylor with a slight peplum for a royal reception, but again she did not go overboard.
Bright Colors
We’re not sure if it’s her role as Duchess of Cambridge or the fact that Kate Middleton’s style has gone softer, but we all know that Middleton currently dresses with a stylish but conservative nature. Unlike Pippa, who is more known for bright colors and bold patterns, Middleton is known to keep it tight, form fitting, and basically, monotone, often sticking to colors like gray, black, and blue. Perhaps that’s why it’s always fresh and interesting to us to see her in something bold and bright. She still keeps the looks streamlined and clean, often not going for more than one color in a garment, but she looks polished and pretty.
Kate Middleton in Diane von Furstenberg
Kate Middleton in Mulberry
The greens always get us! In July 2011, Kate wore a kelly green Diane von Furstenberg dress with printed clutch at an LA party and than wore the same dress AGAIN for a pre-wedding celebration for Zara Phillips. Besides the fact that it was pretty surprising that she wore the dress AGAIN (she must love her own clothing, which is fab,) the green was a refreshing change from the norm. Later she wore a $2200 peace sign print shirt dress from Mulberry, renamed the Duchess dress, most likely in her honor. It’s prim like Kate, of course, but still stands out.
Kate in Issa
This Issa dress worn by Kate during her Canadian tour isn’t so astonishing–except for the fact that its pretty tight for the princess, and also rather revealing in contrast to her typical wardrobe. Not to mention that it’s in a loud purple color, a surprise for the princess who typically sticks to navy and black. Another surprise in her styling? She wore her hair up to reveal her neck, but didn’t wear a necklace to cover the down-to-there neckline!
Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham
Just as astonishing as the purple was this flowy yellow dress by Jenny Packham that Kate wore on Day 8 when she exited the plane at Calgary Airport. Sweet, summery, and totally not typical Kate! That’s why we love it!
Other Things To Notice
Here’s some other things we’ve noticed about Kate! For better or for worse…
Ever notice how if she’s not wearing black or nude pumps, Kate’s shoes almost always match her outfits?
Kate Middleton Coat by M Missoni, Shoes by Rupert Sanderson
Sportswear Casual
Kate Middleton in Emilio Pucci Blazer, Zara Jeans, Team Britain Scarf
Kate Middleton in Smythe Blazer, J Brand Jeans, LK Bennett Wedges, Ruffled Shirt by Malene Birger
I just love when Kate dresses up her outfit with a navy blazer. Not when the blazer matches the dress of course, because again, that’s too matchy-matchy. But in these two cases, she is a winner! These are my two favorite casual outfits worn by Kate Middleton since her wedding day. Notice the lovely color of those coral Zara jeans (and the scarf for added effect) mixing well with the Emilio Pucci blazer, as well as the ruffled shirt under the Smythe blazer in the second outfit. Now that’s royalty!
Alexander McQueen
Not sure if it’s because Sarah Burton zoned in on trends (pussy bow blouses, cable knit, and military) or if it’s just my personal bias towards loving McQueen but these are my two favorite outfits worn by Middleton this year and they’re both from the high-end London brand that as we all know, designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress.
Photos: Dailymail.co.uk, What Kate Wore, People.com, MyFashionLife.com, The Cut – New York Magazine
- Simona Kogan
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Lauren Dimet Waters / April 27, 2012 1:00 pm
Until recently we thought jacquard was a bit old-fashioned and stuffy. Old-ladyish if you will. However, for Spring 2012 we have noticed embellished jacquard…jacquard mixed with metallics, sequins, lace, beading, etc. Guess what? Now we are crazy about it. Fresh and innovative embellishments to the otherwise stuffy material is brilliant! Here are 10 embellished jacquard pieces we are loving right now:
1. Vanessa Bruno Sequined Jacquard Cotton-Blend Tote, $285
2. Laundry by Shelli Segal Embellished Jacquard Cotton-Blend Dress, $120
3. Lela Rose Embellished Jacquard Dress, $1,195
4. Creatures of the Wind Floral Jacquard and Lace Jacket, $1,520
5. Proenza Schouler Metallic Jacquard Dress, $745
6. Giambattista Valli Metallic Patchwork Jacquard and Matelassé Shift Dress, $3,715
7. Preen Matilda Sequined Jacquard Dress, $4,565
8. Rochas Brocade-Satin Dress, $1,570
9. Isabel Marant Ilona Metallic Jacquard Silk-Blend Chiffon Dress, $1,355
10. Marni Metallic Jacquard Skirt, $225
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Kristine Horton
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Lauren Dimet Waters / April 26, 2012 12:00 pm
As I passed by the Louis Vuitton window display in midtown Manhattan yesterday, I literally stopped dead in my tracks when I caught a glimpse of these Louis Vuitton Merry-Go-Round pumps out of the corner of my eye. I think they are simply stunning. So as soon as I got back to the office I was looking for them. It turns out they are only available in Louis Vuitton stores for a mere $1,000. Have I become so desensitized that I no longer think $1K for a pair of shoes is asinine? I mean they are a classic stiletto style and I am sure I could get tons of mileage out of the metallic toe-cap. However, I love a challenge and took it upon myself to find the look for less and even in a more comfortable option of a flat. I am not going to say what I found was always dirt cheap because that’s not my goal. It’s just to find a similar look for less. All of these options come in at under $1,000. Here are my picks for the best pumps and flats with enviable toe-caps:
1. Giuseppe Zanotti Two-Toned Glossed-Leather Pumps, $595
2. Lanvin Two-Toned Nubuck Ballet Flats, $590
3. Zara Court Show with Metal Toe Cap, $89.90
4. Classiques Entier ‘Riley’ Pump, $139.95
5. Yves Saint Laurent Black Leather ‘Opyum 105’ Ponted Cap Toe Pumps, $532
6. Manolo Blahnik ‘Campari’ Cap Toe Pump, $735
7. Giambattista Valli Metallic Leather and Satin Pumps, $655
8. Jimmy Choo ‘Whirl’ Ballerina Flat, $375
9. Kate Spade Elina Flat, $225
-Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Katie Schmitz
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Lauren Dimet Waters / April 24, 2012 12:00 pm
I know I’m not the only one completely taken in with the “bring (or bling) it on patterns this spring/summer. The louder the better in my opinion. Besides statement making pants, you can also go the statement skirt route. Especially if you have great legs you want to show off…or a fabulous pair of shoes! When I saw the Dolce & Gabbana Crystal-embellished
jacquard skirt pictured above, I swear my heart skipped a few beats. It is totally fabulous. Well it should be. It costs $13, 760! Yes, that’s US dollars. That’s insane. So I knew it would be no great feat to find a skirt I like almost as much for a fraction of the price. Heck, even high-end design houses like Gucci, Burberry Prorsum and Jason Wu have statement skirts for the season that come in for much less. Or think about Tibi, DVF or Alice + Olivia for the contemporary versions. If you even want to spend less than that, look to Zara or ASOS. It isn’t hard to make a statement with your skirt at basically any price point so you have no excuse. Neither do I. Here are 10 statement skirts I would be proud to have hanging in my closet right now:
The one that started it all:
Dolce & Gabbana Crystal-embellished jacquard skirt, $13,760
1. Jason Wu Floral-Print Ruched Silk-Chiffon Skirt, $1,250
2. Marc Jacobs Draped Silk-Blend Faille Skirt, $795
3. Aminaka Wilmont Printed Chiffon and Stretch-Cotton Mini Skirt, $535
4. Tibi Geo Printed Pencil Skirt, $210
5. Derek Lam Peg Skirt with Leather Trim, $2,290
6. A.L.C. Eden Skirt, $894
7. ASOS Pencil Skirt In Mirrored Tropical Print, $36.36
8. ASOS Maxi Skirt in Statement Floral Print, $118.16
9. River Island Zebra Floral Skirt, $45.45
10. Marni Oversized Floral Print Skirt, $509
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Kristine Horton
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Second City Style / April 20, 2012 3:50 pm
FASHION & STYLE
Second City Style really desires to own an Alexander McQueen minaudière but found some fabulous options in Lauren’s Luxurious Looks For Less: The Minaudière or Box Clutch.
Shopping and Info loves the beaded Pierre Balmain dresses in silver and in black for weddings and parties this summer .
Find picking the right summer shorts hard? Stiletto Jungle explains how to choose the right shorts to suit your shape.
The Budget Fashionista knows we need fashionable options for when the heat (and humidity) begin to turn up and shows how to Beat the Heat with Festival-Inspired Apparel.
HANDBAGS, SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Factio Magazine dishes on a special edition sunglass line for the fall/winter 2012-13 collection Roberto Cavalli “Wild Diva” Collection.
With summer around the corner, or should I say, at our doorstep, guys everywhere need to switch out their cooler bags for something a bit more fiesta-oriented. Get your summer on with the Top 5 Summer Bags for the Man Snob at BagSnob.
V-Style shows you the perfect purse for rose gold jewelry.
BEAUTY
The Beauty Stop is loving her new matte + glossy “Black Swan manicure“.
The biggest music festival of the year is currently in full swing (last weekend marked the first half of the shows), so in honor of all the fun and festivities, I’ve narrowed down my picks for making it through a warm, wild weekend. Music Festival-Inspired Beauty: Crazy for Coachella at BeautySnob.
The Jet Set Girls check out Vera Bradley’s new line of cosmetics at Kohl’s.
ETC.
Allie is Wired takes a close look at Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential Celebrities.
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Lauren Dimet Waters / April 19, 2012 12:00 pm
Remember when the bib necklace was all the trend a few seasons ago? Well now it’s the Peter Pan collar. I wasn’t really gung-ho about it until I saw the Lanvin Beaded-Chain Collar Necklace pictured above. It’s absolutely stunning! However, at $1330 I will chose to pass, thanks. You know how I feel about paying that much for a trend. Marni for H&M had a beaded collar (one in black and the other in white) that for $30 was nearly impossible to snag. Now they are selling for more than double on eBay! So I got to thinking, I should search online for some on-trend Peter Pan collars that give me that Lanvin fix, without the Lanvin price tag. Here are 10 Peter Pan collars I found that top out at $656. Yet most are in the $30 range! Bingo!
1. Topshop Sequin Peter Pan Necklace, $28
2. Miss Selfridge Silver Chain Peter Pan Necklace, $32
3. ASOS Mesh Gold Tipped Collar Necklace, $27.27
4. Topshop Mesh Bib Collar Necklace, $30
5. ASOS Fluro Sequin Collar, $27.27
6. Dannijo Hixson Collar Necklace, $656
7. Fiona Paxton “A New Season A New Start” Jade Necklace, $312.50
8. ASOS Embellished Stone Floral Collar, $32.72
9. ASOS Pieces Florida Bead Collar, $32.72
10. Marni Printed Cotton-Poplin Collar, $250
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Katie Schmitz
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Lauren Dimet Waters / April 19, 2012 10:00 am
You don’t need seven dwarfs to channel Snow White. You just need some warm temperatures! Don’t worry about investing in white for the summer, because it never really goes out of style. You simply have to make sure you take proper care of your whites (don’t wear around the kids) and dispose of any items with stains or yellowing. Every spring I buy a slew of white t-shirts and a new pair of white jeans/pants as I have presumably purged the ones from last summer. For Spring/Summer 2012 I am particularly interested in flowing white dresses that resemble tissue paper. I adore the layering of sheer layers and asymmetrical hems for a dramatic effect. White lace is also very in-style this season. So go ahead and dabble in white. You really can’t go wrong. Unless of course you are planning to drink red wine or have some red sauce. Here are 10 white items I am craving right now:
1. David Lerner Draped Asymmetrical Dress, $176
2. Maria Grachvogel Boa Dress, $1,275
3. Only Hearts Petticoat Lace Maxi Dress, $187
4. Rachel Roy Maxi Dress, $448
5. BCBGMAXAZRIA Avery Dress, $168
6. Richard Chai Love Double Layer Skirt, $206.50
7. Equipment Mina Blouse, $178
8. RumbaTime Snow Patrol Delancey Watch, $45
9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Palmetto Broderie Anglaise Cotton Top, $230
10. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Eight Broderie Anglaise Cotton Skirt, $305
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Kristine Horton
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Lauren Dimet Waters / April 17, 2012 1:00 pm
I have to admit, I really desire to own an Alexander McQueen minaudière. In case you are wondering what that is, the Webster definition of a minaudière is a small decorative case for carrying small articles (such as cosmetics or jewelry). Yes, it’s a little affected, but they are also known as box clutches and tend to have a shell-like exterior and you are going to be seeing a lot more of these ornamental cases this season. Anyway, I was completely enamored of the black & white Alexander McQueen Punk Shell embellished minaudière pictured above. However, considering I would be lucky if it held more than a lipstick, 1 smartphone, 1 key, 1 piece of identification and 1 credit card, the asking price of $3,275 seems a little astronomical to say the least. Mind you, if someone handed it to me I wouldn’t turn it down, but I know that’s not going to happen. So I took it upon myself to find a few minaudières I also wouldn’t mind owning this season. Ones which cost significantly less. There are less expensive Alexander McQueen versions and House of Harlow has some really stunning box clutches for under $200. If you are an adept vintage fashion hunter, I’m sure you can find some fabulous finds. If you are like me and just don’t have the time to hit every vintage store in town, here are some minaudières I found online shopping:
1. Anya Hindmarch Marano Glitter-Finish Box Clutch, $595
2. Diane von Fursenberg Tonda Watersnake Box Clutch, $395
3. House of Harlow 1960 Marley Frame Clutch, $195
4. ASOS Perspex Clutch, $63.63
5. Rafe New York ‘Maryanne’ Wood Minaudiere, $495
6. Givenchy Python Obsedia Minaudiere, $1,945
7. Natasha Couture Crystal Caged Floral Clutch, $298
8. All Saints Quartz Clutch, $130
9. Bottega Veneta Studded Intrecciato Leather Knot Clutch, $1,780
10. La Regale Mesh Box Clutch, $98
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Katie Schmitz
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Second City Style / April 16, 2012 3:00 pm
Are you loving Pantone’s spring 2012 palette as much as we are? One of the boldest colors on spring’s spectrum highlighted in our trends series is Pantone 14-5420 Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a lively statement this spring. It was seen on the Spring 2012 lines of designers like; Tracy Reese, Ella Moss, Rachel Roy and Alice +Olivia. We love Cockatoo combined with Solar Power (yellow) or Sodalite Blue. Or for those truly not afraid of multiple color combinations try a trifecta and mix Cockatoo with Margarita Green and Sweet Lilac. More on those later! Here are our top 10 Cockatoo picks:
1. Sissi Rossi Fold-Over Small Clutch, $415
2. TFNC Chiffon Dress with Wrap Front, $63.63
3. By Malene Birger Calise Satin-Twill Pants, $315
4. Acne Ninette Shorts, $180
5. Feel the Piece V Neck Maxi Dress, $138
6. Feel The Piece Casper Tee, $88
7. Kate Spade New York ‘Idiom’ Ultra Thin Enamel Bangle, $32
8. Just Cavalli Snake-Print Strech-Satin Dress, $545
9. Foley + Corinna Lady City Tote, $345
10. Rachel Roy Tie Dress, $448
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Image Layout: Katie Schmitz
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