LOOKS I LOVE...black from head to toe!

Yes I do LOVE deep, rich colors, but a trend that I am equally obsessed with is head to toe black! The black used in many designers' collections is utilized in such a way that makes this so-called "shade" into a luscious color for me to drool over! Studs and leather are my guilty pleasure and are especially big on the runways for this Fall/Winter. Designers are finding new ways to use black with the innovative expression of textures, cuts, and shapes.

These models a little too dead for you? Don't love the brooding vampire look? Smack a smile on your face as you strut down the street (or incredibly fancy restaurant) in one of these fantastic ensembles!

Thomas Wylde is an absolute genius in every way; he is of one of my favorite designers and REALLY knows how to rock a harcore look. My favorite look in his most recent collection is the first dress. I LOVE how the grey snakeskin and leather ruffles are paired with another texture of patent leather to bring out the multi tonal look to this ensemble. These fantastic gloves are used in every look and add SO much sizzle to these already smokin' styles! Designers are finally beginning to get away from fluffed-out dresses and are delving into the dark and daring side of fashion (2011 Fall line inspired by the Underworld, anyone?). This look is tough, chic, and empowering enough to boost any somber lookin' ginger's day (juust kidding).

LOOKS I LOVE...bold simplicity

I'm seeing it everywhere! Bold simplicity is my catchphrase summation of this season ranging in collections from Lanvin to Versace. Right in this moment is when I feel modern everything will take over to completely change the runway as we know it. Out is the day when all dresses, coats, and pants looked the same except for their detail-now, silhouettes, modern cuts, and the utilization of SO many more fabrics are in for good and are taking new forms that I could never imagine before!

This is just a small sampling of this STUNNING collection made my one of my favorite and most innovative designers, Donatella Versace

LOOKS LIKE...an angry bird has chosen to nest on this head!

Birds, get your babies ready-we have a new home for you! I used to joke with my friends that my "nest" was out of control (hair), but in this case, that is an appropriate name to call it-without the jokes. I'm all for progressive styling, but if I see a runway hairstyle that looks like I've been on the electric chair for a few DAYS, there is something wrong. Do not try this at home and NEVER let anyone try it on you unless you plan on losing half your hair trying desperately to detangle it that dreadful night. :)

LOOKS I LOVE...Lanvin's Winter 2010 line

Lanvin's Winter 2010 collection is full of deep, dark fashion that I am obsessed with! He uses innovative and intricate layering, folding, and fabrics to come up with a line that, unlike any other line I have seen, does not use glitz and flash to stand out. Not into goth? Maybe you don't HAVE to wear everything with black leather gloves and in-your-eyes bangs, but I would!

This dress from Lanvin's winter line defies the laws of the LBD (little black dress) and its usual simple nature (Sorry, Chanel!). The plain looking fabric is manipulated in a way that makes this dress unlike any I have seen. It has a low focal point that is emphasized by the gathered, crinkled fabric and is layered together to add some flounce to the skirt. This look incorporates modern grunge and an incredible amount of hardcore chic to contrast the usually flowery and delicate nature of a dress.

This look makes me feel like I have been thrust into a time machine that I never want to get out of! I understand not all of us love the "straight out of Tron" look, but I couldn't resist! The simple lines and illustriously modern shoulder cut are beautifully accented by a muted yet impactful necklace. The stitching utilized emphasizes the natural hourglass frame every woman aims to achieve! Edgy shoes and sleek leather gloves are the perfect accessories to play up the modern twist on this incredibly forward-moving look created by Lanvin.

  

 This long dress is an excellent alternative to the usually dainty gowns available in the fashion world! Too Cleopatra for you? Change up the hair and accessories to bring this dress forward a few years. Its asymmetrical nature is subtle and unexpected. A high neckline allows room for a large accent necklace such as the one shown. This dress strengthens the shoulders with its unique sleeve cut. 

Who said you couldn't mix blue and black together? This model certainly does not look like a bruise to me! My absolute favorite part about fashion today is how everyone is mixing a touch of dainty with a bucket of intensity. The asymmetrical gathering of this fabric is complemented by an accented "fairytale" puff sleeve on the other side. Anyone up for this look? If not, I'll gladly take it off your hands. 

Asymmetrical everything seems to be a wonderful theme in this line! This rich purple takes a simple form with a large dose of personality. An overly accented shoulder is enough to give this dress a unique look without overdoing it. Though my mom had dye-to-match shoes with her prom dress, I don't think that was what Lanvin was going for with these shoes! Maybe he's compromising between the two decades (trends are recycled, after all!).

LOOKS LIKE...Sally Spandex has leaked into the world of jeans in the most distasteful of ways

I love jeans and leggings-even jeggings are alright, I guess, but Pajama Jeans are out of the question "redonkulous!" Comfort comes very high up on my list of things to consider when purchasing any article of clothing, but purchasing a pair of these pants is, to me, the equivalent of drowning myself in a pit of cashmere-too much of anything is no good.

The point of jeans is to complement your figure and enhance the features you have. If you have anything to hide, Pajama Jeans will be sure to let everyone know. The stretchy quality of any article of clothing will highlight features that thicker, sturdier kinds of cloth would normally conceal.

 Abide by a simple rule that will continue to stand strong through all of eternity-learn to love jeans!

LOOKS I LIKE...Stella McCartney's chain-strap bags

EMBOSSED PYTHON FALABELLA TOTE

ECO STUDDED FAUX SUEDE EAST WEST SHOPPER

CARET SOFT PATENT EAST WEST SHOPPER

SHAGGY DEER FOLDOVER FALABELLA TOTE

I was walking through Bloomingdale's this morning like many a crazy shopper hoping to find some great after-Christmas deals when I spotted these gorgeous/atrociously unattainable hand bags by Stella McCartney. Though the price of each of these is enough to finance my college living expenses, I will dream and pray to Nanny New Years that I may receive one of these in the span of my lifetime. 

I especially love the chain handles on the bags-just like a leather jacket, they add edge to an outfit. The chains serve as an extra accessory in a way that brightens up any outfit without any extra effort(easier to get dressed in the morning knowing you don't have to think so much about accessories!). 

The dark colors beautifully contrast with the illuminating metals and have a terrific but not overbearing presence. 

These bags can all fold over and are very versatile. They serve a multifunctional purpose and can transition from day to night with a simple flick of the wrist (literally, to fold it over!). I give them a triple thumbs up to these bags and anyone who would like to sell their home to invest in one :). 

LOOKS I LIKE...not too-sparkly bronzers and luminizers

I tried these two products out while roaming around in Sephora attempting to balance multiple items in my arms-this did end badly.
Regardless, the Inferno Bronzer and Luminosa Powder by tokidoki far exceeded my expectations. My sometimes-pasty complexion glowed like that of Beyonce and my facial bone structure appeared as though it was contoured by someone by the name of Michelangelo.

Use the bronzer effectively by employing two brush techniques. First, use a large angle brush to deepen your cheek bone line. Start from your hairline at the middle of your ear and sweep in a semicircular motion down to your cheeks to emphasize the distinction of them from the rest of your potentially scrunched-up smile (like mine). Use a fluffy brush to lightly color the center and top of your forehead, a little of the bridge of your nose, and your temples (just like the sun would).

Then, use the fluffy brush to put the Luminosa Powder on the top part of the apples of your cheeks and the top part of your cheek bones. Dust a very small amount on the center of your forehead and nose to create an all-around glowing appearance.

Warning: do not overdose on this product. You WILL look like an Oompa-Loompa (usually not a compliment). Use sparingly and do not fight with the brush-it will get you back.

LOOKS I LOVE...leather jackets

BCBGMAXAZRIA

Diane von Furstenberg

Elie Tahari

Though I would love to own about fifty different leather jackets, here are a mere three I saw and loved right on the spot. They all contrast each other in only the best ways possible!

The BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket employs the modern shoulder emphasis and asymmetrical zip-up to give it an edgy, updated look. The cream color is definitely not a usual shade for a commonly black leather jacket and gives it a more delicate feel. Transition this jacket from day to night with a simple change of accessories. Replace the white t-shirt with a metallic or jewel-tone top and add some sleek booties or pumps to make this piece of animal run all day.

This Diane von Furstenberg not-so-classic black leather jacket is anything but clean cut and simple. You can grunge up just about anything by slinging this over your shoulders. Make sure to add SOME clean cut pieces so as to not be mistaken for a hobo who happened to find a very fine designer jacket in the dumpster. Add delicate accessories or a tight mini skirt to incorporate some girly-chic contrast into this seriously hardcore look.

Elie Tahari put an unexpected twist on this leather jacket by slightly flaring out the ends of it in a classy and fortunately not-so-Jetson-like manner. This cut emphasizes the waistline and offers a feminine take on the oftentimes boxy and masculine-looking leather jacket. Its otherwise simple and slender cut makes this a very flattering piece to own! The deep teal color is my absolute favorite part of this look. I have NOT seen many accent-colored leather jackets that act as an outfit-altering accessory as opposed to an everyday layering piece. Thank you, Mr. Tahari!

LOOKS I LOVE...geometric patterns

Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2010 line just keeps giving and giving...like Santa (seemingly very appropriate considering today is Christmas)!

Another common theme I picked up in this line was his use of eccentric geometric patterns. They are flattering in that each look has a systematically worked out pattern and cut which makes sure it does not widen the appearance of the one who is wearing it. Too much horizontal detail could easily lead to an unflattering form. The fitted dresses are very elegant and curve conscious; they offer opportunity for colorful accessories to be worn if you decide to do just that!

Always a plus--> if you get bored....you may resort to solving the maze on each model's attire. Though you cannot yell "Bingo!" if you happen to solve it, you can boost your esteem with the satisfaction drawn from this activity.

LOOKS I LIKE...Red and purple...together!

My recent obsession with colors is mixing them! Who said you could only have ONE pop color per outfit, anyways? Why do that when two colors could collaborate to make a beautiful sandwich with YOU in the middle??

I specifically love this look from Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2010 collection for a few reasons: purple is my favorite color, the amount of fur on this jacket is not so much that I fear looking like I actually have an animal on my shoulders, and this jacket is STRIDES away from the basic black coat.

Warning: be careful not to add a third color into the mix-people will go from thinking you are stylish and that you know what's up to wondering if you had an electricity outage in your home that morning while getting dressed.

Thinking back...

I may be jumping to conclusions here, but this seems like an awfully appropriate song to be listening to if one desires to wear such shoes as the Louboutins below :).

A Hello of Sorts...

Hello All,
From me to you, here is my take on all things fashion and things that are OH so seemingly not. I aim to learn more about this creative and unexpected world through self exploration and by utilizing the critique and analysis of others. Fashion takes my breath away, baffles me, and excites me tremendously. Please look at the material I post and gimme a smile, frown, or even eyebrow raise to help me see what’s up and what should be thrown in the virtual trash can on my computer! I want and NEED to engulf myself in this fabulously exciting world and am looking forward to see what it leads me to.


Aaaaand…I’m out,
Katie

LOOKS I LIKE...Spikes

Stylish? Dangerous? I think so! These sassy spikes are sure to get you a few double-takes. I do believe they come with a surgeon general’s warning…*looks for label*

LOOKS I LIKE...Studded boots

Plain and simple, I’m slightly more than obsessed with them. ESPECIALLY this season, they are very “in” in a ridiculously amazing number of cuts, colors, fabrics, and styles.

These particular boots are different than many others I have seen-usually when people think of London grunge, black comes to mind. Sam Edelman decided this was not the only way to go and put out a beautiful pair of tan studded faux lace-up boots for us all to gape over. 

Enjoy!

LOOKS LIKE...a diseased cheetah was let loose!

I know animal prints are supposed to be in this season, but I am not a personal fan. Reinforcing the slight uneasiness I feel when seeing someone wear animal print are these Dolce and Gabbana models who sport vibrant shades of it. Animals should claim these prints as their own and guard them from human misuse and abuse, don’t you think

LOOKS I LIKE...Bright color pops

This is a skirt I absolutely adore! The vibrant, jewel-tone colors are rich and luxurious enough to make me pray a little to the fashion gods and goddesses. The strategic texture and curve lines make this an all-around flattering skirt. Black tights and some excellent black booties, pumps, or cage shoes complete this skirt and make the colors POP. Hurt your corneas a little? You might want to get your eyes checked because this is a definite “in” on my list!

DARE TO DELVE into...Cinderella length gloves?

Haven’t you always wondered if some crazy guy out there was going to try another one of those ridiculous-seeming trends? Well, my case is not quite as drastic, but I would love to try a few new things here and there. Good? Bad? Maybe I’m delirious, but I’ll try it on for size. 

One idea that has been popping into my dreams has been to re-live the era of long, up-to-elbow gloves. Why can’t we mix Cinderella classic with grunge once in a while? We’ve already gone sky-high with boots past the knee; why leave the other limbs out?

I see Vera Wang picked up the trend in her Fall 2010 collection drizzled with elegance. sleekness, and general fabulosity. 

LOOKS I LIKE...Electric Eyeliner

Enough about clothes for now…without makeup, these models would look like wrinkled raccoons struttin’ on the runway with their dark under-eye circles and not-so-fresh-looking faces.

A personal favorite makeup tool of mine is Urban Decay’s super-splendid 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. I own the “electric” shade-they don’t lie…it is QUITE electric, indeed. The color is magnificent and has a subtle sparkle in it to make your eyes POP. Users agreed that this product was fantastic and would buy it all over again. 

Warning: do not use the brightly colored ones on top AND bottom…you might as well add the pink hair if you’re going to do that.

LOOKS I LIKE...Statement necklaces

Aqua

Yves Saint Laurent

A HUGE trend on runways and on everyday people all over is the statement necklace. They go with everything and make your outfit ten times more glamorous without the extra effort. 

A favorite brand of mine is Aqua from Bloomingdales-they make exquisite clothing and accessories that look like they are straight off the runway. Though Yves Saint Laurent makes a markedly magnificent necklace, I was unable to tell which of these two necklaces was off the runway! The crystal detail on the Aqua necklace could be shown on any runway and passes as an original creation in my book!

LOOKS I LIKE...Mustard anything

I like it on my sandwiches and on my clothes. Mustard may be an acquired taste for many, but it certainly left me awestruck when it was shown on this Oscar de la Renta model in his Fall 2010 collection. Mustard can be used as a vibrant statement color or as a fashion-forward neutral on almost any accessory (I have a mustard peacoat on my holiday wish list!).

Once again, black tights, featured on almost every runway this season, are used to let this mustard bottle POP.

LOOKS I LIKE...Chain/wrap-around watches

Disregarding the fact that I am a fidgety percussionist who wears NOTHING on her wrists, if I was tied down and required to choose something to encase my arm in, it would be such an accessory as either one of these innovatively designed watches by La Mer that I found in Nordstrom. Never quite seen something like this-the layered chains and color options (I also saw purple alongside other colors) make this a watch-wearing experience even I may not want to pass up.

LOOKS LIKE ...many peacocks were harmed in the process of making this WEDDING dress

Yes, peacock feathers are an excellent trend that, when used in appropriate amounts, look very tasteful and brighten any outfit. BUT, when 2,009 feathers are collected from only the heavens know how many peacocks, I feel something has gone astray. Feel free to purchase peacock feather earrings, bags, and even some dresses, but if I spot anyone wearing this dress at their wedding, you might find me in a corner ready to pounce.
(This dress was found at the Nanjing wedding expo.)