Red Carpet Fashion: 2013 Emmys

So now that I’ve returned in Chicago it’s time to get back to real life (a life sans daily croissants and baguettes, unfortunately) and a regular posting schedule starts once again this week. I hope you didn’t miss me too much but if you did, I sure as hell missed you. I don’t think there’s any better “welcome back” post than some red carpet commentary. I did not watch the Emmys last night because I was enjoying one final hoorah in London but I did look at all the red carpet photos.  The Emmys are by no means the fashion event of the year but I haven’t seen dresses this bad since Facebook stalking my college classmates’ prom photos. Seriously.

 photo allisonwilliamsinralphlauren.jpgAllison Williams in Ralph Lauren 

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Red Carpet Fashion: 2013 Grammy Awards

Whether you’re sick of hearing about it or tired from all the shows, I’m sure we could all use a fashion week break. And what better excuse than the tackiest celebrity red carpet of the year? Well I guess the number one answer would be any awards show on MTV but number two — The Grammys. Was anyone special enough to get their hands on the brand new Fall 2013 clothes for the red carpet? Let’s find out…

PhotobucketAdele in Valentino Spring 2013 Couture

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Animal Royalty: Making It Reign

I recently met up and coming designer Chloe Mendel at an event in Chicago. I was immediately intrigued by her knowledge of fashion (being J. Mendel’s daughter will do that to you) and even more impressed that she’s still in school…and already coming out with her own clothing line. When she told me the line will be white t-shirts, I was already sold. I’m a huge fan of t-shirts and I love them even more when they make you do a double-take.

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Animal Royalty is the prodigy of friends Mat Devine and Chloe Mendel, with the debut collection consisting of 4 t-shirts along with fur accessories. I made my first Animal Royalty purchase just last week (keep reading to see more) and I am pumped about this collection. Best part? Chloe says they’ll be releasing new styles on a constant so be looking out for more from Animal Royalty soon.

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To really get to know the Animal Royalty brand, check out my interview with Chloe below.

First and foremost…why t-shirts? 
Mat and I create products that we both use and love. A good t-shirt is a good t-shirt; there’s no doubt about that. We wanted to create our ideal t-shirt which is flattering, comfortable, with a slightly dark and provocative twist (our inside-out stitching and cryptic sayings). Very much representing who we are.

How did you come up with the phrases for these t-shirts?
Well “Nice Shirt” was something Mat had sharpied across his tee while he was in college. This was the starting inspiration for Animal Royalty’s debut collection. We write down phrases all the time and have compiled a list which will never end. Anything that crosses as sarcastic, cryptic provocative or dark we write down or text each other. 

Where did the name Animal Royalty come from?
Our relationship of human to animal has always bewildered my mind. I saw “Animal Royalty” written across Mat’s mirror and it really resonated with me. The more we talked, the more it made sense that “Animal Royalty” represents what we both love about life and fashion. Animal being the raw and royalty being the chic.

What inspired the fur accessories?
As a kid my dad always let me design my own clothing and accessories and I loved fur. I even came out with a baby-pink fox bag called “The Chloe Bag” when I was nine years old! When I had noticed Mat wearing a raccoon tail on a key chain hooked onto his belt, I knew if we developed it well they would be perfect for Animal Royalty. Plus I am very fortunate to have access to high quality fur.

Are you looking to expand the accessories part of your brand?
Yes we are expanding on accessories for sure! These shirts and accessories are only a taste of what is yet to come from Animal Royalty.

Who is the Animal Royalty customer?
The ideal Animal Royalty customer is someone who is not afraid to be unique. We look for creative individuals with a good sense of humor; our friends, good people.

I have a feeling Animal Royalty is going to be huge, and you heard it here first! Already wore my t-shirt and I can’t wait to see what Chloe and Mat do next.

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Shop the collection at animalroyalty.com.

J. Mendel Fall 2012: Pure Luxury

Regardless of the season, Giles Mendel will always show luxurious looks with feminine silhouettes, and of course with the most amazing craftsmanship. This season, he really focused on soft shapes in a neutral palette (with of course some burgundy throughout the collection…stock up now because it’s Fall’s biggest color trend!),  along with gorgeous textured fur that appears voluminous yet light at the same time.

The eveningwear was stunning as per usual. Gold tones mixed with nude and the most intricate beading, these sure have a chance landing on the best dressed list at the Oscars next weekend. Another big trend seen on the Fall ’12 runways and also for J. Mendel are cut outs. I love this look because it’s a cool, subtle way to show some skin. And with the class J. Mendel brings to every collection, these cut outs were done perfectly.

When I was at this show I honestly couldn’t even believe I was there. The clothes were beyond stunning, the music was electric and there was a celeb-packed front row where I was even a little starstruck (which is not something I can say often). It was a surreal moment and I’m so thankful to be invited to see such an incredible designer’s collection first-hand.

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No you’re not seeing double…it’s Mary Kate and Ashley looking fierce in all black in the front row.

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Caught her as she almost fell (looks kinda cool though, right?)

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Giles gives out hugs after the finale!

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The look on the right (on Lindsey Wixson) is my absolute favorite from the collection.

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Some exciting J. Mendel news–this was the first time in-house designed handbags were shown in a collection. Yes, Fall 2012 is the debut year of J. Mendel bags! Crocodile with mink and alpaca fur lining? Would expect nothing less from J. Mendel.

Runway images via Style.com

NYFW Fall 2012 Highlights

Now that my feet have stopped throbbing and I’ve finally rehydrated, it can only mean one thing…fashion week is officially over (for me at least…not cool enough to go to London yet).

I had an amazing time, as always, and I wanted to share my highlights from this trip. Between the Fall ’12 shows, events, and catching up with friends I really couldn’t have asked for a better week!

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Just attending J. Mendel was magical. The collection was incredible and I was so honored to be there. After figuring out I wasn’t seeing double and it was indeed the Olsen twins in the front row, it made my J. Mendel experience that much better.

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Caught the model just as she [almost] wiped out…as the finale look at J. Mendel.

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Trying a really awesome Japanese restaurant called Village Yokocho in the East Village.

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Meeting Mario Batali and once again seeing the lovely Elettra Wiedemann at the Goodness Pop Up press preview.

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Seeing a piece of Prabal Gurung Spring ’12 in person (on Elettra after her wardrobe change). I literally could not breathe when she first came out.

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Hosting the GLSEN lounge presented by Elle Magazine with my friend Jonathan Valdez of Orange Juice & Biscuits.

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Such a personal (and delicious) little treat in gift bags from the Lela Rose show.

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FINALLY checking out Kirna Zabete.

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Watching Mr. Newton in action.

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Photographing the street style photogs.

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Seeing this amazing look at Christian Siriano Fall 2012.

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Picking up some new pieces at Opening Ceremony.
[left to right] Proenza Schouler, Opening Ceremony, Christopher Kane.

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Oh and I may have picked up a Muppets x Opening Ceremony sweater…

And overall to sum up the shows, here’s a few things you can expect to see for Fall 2012—burgundy, dark green, ink blue, monochromatic looks (especially in white) and textured leather detailing. Will you be sporting these trends next Fall? (if you’re pondering…don’t worry, because you have just under a year to think about it)