LOOKS LIKE...I'm on a leisurely Lim spree!

     Gotta love the Lim. Though I disrupted the natural chronological order of my fashion shows by blogging about Fall then Spring, what breathing individual could resist such an action upon stumbling over another brilliant collection? I apparently have no self control, but once again, restraint and self-control are two words not deeply incorporated into my vocabulary. 

     The concept of layering and asymmetrical beauty are two concepts that Lim used in his Spring 2011 3.1 Philip Lim collection that I cannot get over. Aside from my having the mind of a four year old, I love to play with shapes even as a grown being. Matching oddish shapes in a beautifully cohesive manner catches my eye and screams "something new, finally!"The chic, sheer materials used float over the models' forms and lay oh so gently under these innovatively textured materials.

     Afraid you will appear as though you are wearing an apron if you try one of these pieces? So long as a bonnet or makeup-less face is not present in conjunction with it, you will most likely pass as a functional person who is flaunting her inner fashionista. Pair a breezy neutral with another rich neutral and some earth accessories or even with an off and unexpected color like the baby blue featured. Play up the color of your skin and let that exterior organ bust out a fashionable move for everyone to see :)!

A little somethin' extra...

     As I like to do, I was researching designers and how they arose from the midst of millions to make themselves known to all and stumbled upon a wonderful article about none other than the design team at Proenza Schouler. This article talks about Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez and exactly what their deal is. Check out what's up with one of my absolute FAVORITE design teams.

CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THIS POST TO BE DIRECTED TO THE LINK!

LOOKS LIKE...I need to fly over to China and get myself a little of whatever Phillip Lim's got goin' on!

    Simple. This one word describes exactly what I am not but what I would like to TRY to incorporate into my life and clothing. They aren't kidding when they tell you to take one accessory off before you run out the door. I, unfortunately, am unable to abide by this law and instead add one more accessory to my absurdly large compilation of such items each time I get ready. 

     Phillip Lim's use of clean cuts, the appropriately placed color, and a varied type of fabric allows him to soar above other designers who try with all their might to out-sequence one another. Each time I look at another collection in the 3.1 Phillip Lim archives, I gasp in amazement of how someone can make so many simple outfits, let alone whole collections, that are largely different from one another. How many ways can you tie a bow? Exactly...I didn't think you could think of more than approximately...two! 

     Each piece in this Fall 2011 collection is as luxurious as the diamond engagement ring I would like to possess. The simplicity of each piece is complemented by the perfectly fit ways they are combined. If you think about it, you wouldn't want your ring to be too ridiculously detailed either, right? You might come off as a little tacky and that 50,000, five pound rock on your finger might look a little fake. And how unfortunate would that be? 

     Want to try this look out? Take a luscious neutral, layer in a deep color that can pass as a toned neutral, and pop on a green (or other brightly colored) shirt, pair of pants, or scarf. Less is always more and people will take you a little more seriously than they probably do now (KIDDING) if you tone down your wackiness ;). 

LOOKS I LOVE...Lanvin in general, but more specifically, his Summer 2011 collection in all its glory

     Choked. Lanvin's Spring 2011 runway models were exactly this as they strutted down the runway in gorgeous collars, deliciously saturated colors, and lavishly adorned chokers. All of these tactics to allure individuals to this collection made this season for Lanvin made me rethink the company all together...just kidding...I was already in love with Lanvin ;).
     Bejeweled collars seemed to be a theme in this collection and though they were not as "spring-ish" as I presumed, I absolutely did enjoy these quirky collars. The futuristic fabrics used in the pop color dresses, though they sometimes made me view the model as a mutant marshmallow, were funky and exciting. Along with the collars and colors came the high-collared, sleek, black dresses that were worn with my favorite heels of the season. Black alone is incredible, but adding some "oomph" to that edge made those neutral basics pop even in the midst of those bright colors.
     Willing to try any of these ideas out? Make sure not to follow along with mutant marshmallow idea. As much as I love it on the runway, I cannot guarantee the general public would enjoy, appreciate, or understand this look quite as much. Play it safe-try out a bejeweled collar or a solid colored, form fitting dress. People will comprehend that you are in fact the stylish fashionista you claim to be :).

LOOK WHAT I DID...another sketch :)

     Just for tonight...a quick sketch will have to do! As you may have noticed, I am in love with mixing reds with purples and any shades in that color family! And...who doesn't love a retro platform shoe to mix with some "zipper-ended" puff sleeves?? I certainly have no problem with anything of the sort! The purple skirt has little gathered rosettes for an unexpected girly-girl twist. Just as Leather and Lace is the name of my blog, you might imagine that I LOVE mixing edge with froo-froo! This is the joining of two wonderfully gorgeous ends of fashion...and amen to that!  I hope you like this sketch!

LOOKS I LOVE...Balenciaga's NOT so down and dirty lookin' biker boots

    
     Who said biker boots had to be wrecked, damaged, dirty, and demolished-looking, anyways? Balenciaga knew what was up with that and decided to go against the grain and stray away from grunge while still adding in a full dose of biker into these beautiful retro-looking biker boots. LOOK-they even come in color! Attention bikers: you no longer have to drown in a sea of dirty blacks and browns; Balenciaga has decided to rescue you. Be grateful.
      These beautiful babies can go with just about anything. Always in with trends? These lovelies kill two birds with one stone: combat boots plus retro colors/everything are two items you can cross of your list! Only thing is, even though we love pairing regular biker boots with socks, these may not exactly mesh with that look. Wear these with black leggings and a pop color, flowy top with a few bangles or a chainy necklace. How's that for an easy outfit for a "too-early" time in the morning? Feeling daring? Wear these with a fitted dress to bring some edge to a girly look. People will move out of your way as you walk down the street. Add some retro Prada shades and you're ready for the catwalk...maybe.
     Here's to Balenciaga reinventing one of my favorite looks-amen!
    

LOOKS I LOVE...Rihanna's costume and makeup for her new song, "Who's That Chick?"!

     Yes-I sound crazy, but no-I will not budge on the fact that I am largely in love with the costume, makeup, and set design of Rihanna's new song, "Who's That Chick?" Though I realize combining highlighter yellow with candy pink all on one face is usually a tragic incidence waiting to happen, in the special case of Rihanna, it works incredibly well. The wildly exciting, optical-illusion like set design uses  my favorite brightly saturated colors to make even a stubborn pop-hater get on their feet and bop around a little! 

     Back to the makeup; my favorite thing to experiment with lately is one solid, pop color eyeshadow...with no shading (gasp!). This unicolor feat has been seen in spring runway shows all over the place! Who said colors were only for the corners? Take one bright shade and sweep it from brow to lashes. Finish the edges in a geometric shape or a round curvature. Whatever you do, add some red lips to the mix!!! I promise, only the fashionably uneducated will judge :).

     About this costume! What is better suited to Rihanna than an asymmetrical tutu paired with candy pink, plastic leggings?! Everyone got yet another brilliant taste of Rihanna's world with this look as she put her diva status into full swing with this number. Though I'm not sure the leggings are practical in any manner for real life, they surely work in this made up world!