Sachin + Babi Fall 2012: Leather Love

On Valentine’s Day, the husband-and-wife duo behind Sachin + Babi held their first ever runway show during fashion week. The 2 1/2 year old label has shown presentations in the past but this year they decided to do things a little differently. Although this was my first Sachin + Babi experience, I’m glad it was shown in runway form because the clothes moved beautifully and deserved to be seen on models in motion.

The key material shown throughout this collection was leather. In a variety of colors, textures and silhouettes Sachin + Babi is all about leather for Fall 2012. The coolest part about this is that they wanted to show the softer side, which they did by pairing it with other materials such as chiffon. The contemporary label also expanded into more gowns, which would be killer on the red carpet with those magnificent slits.

One of my favorite things a designer can do is play with texture, which is exactly what Sachin + Babi did this season. Most looks were shown in black, speckled grey, deep red, teal and purple yet the way they were styled and constructed made them wearable and interesting at the same time.

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Images via Style.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

Grub With Me at Cumin

Want to eat some great food together and discuss the latest runway shows, red carpet hits and misses, and Chicago fashion? Then I hope you’re free this Wednesday!

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This Wednesday, February 22 I’m hosting a Grub With Us dinner at Cumin. For $25, you’ll get a 3 course meal (including dessert…obviously that’s important), get to mingle with other foodies/fashion enthusiasts, and hang out with me (please, don’t make be beg).

Click here to reserve your space and I hope to see you on Wednesday!

And if you want to find out a little more about me before you commit (just to make sure I’m not a serial killer or anything), check out this interview.

Street Seen at NYFW

I absolutely love street style so I always feel very honored when others like what I’m wearing enough to take a photo. Granted I don’t actually enjoy having my photo taken (I always feel awkward) but if it’s about the outfit, I’m okay with it. Thank you to everyone who told me about these! Really excited to share with you…

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On Style United (along with an interview–see slides 9 & 10) by Kristin Booker of Fashion Style Beauty.

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On Chicago Street Style.com, photographed by Amy Creyer.

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Honored to have my photo included with all these amazing bloggers, editors, and more on Refinery29!

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Interviewed about my outfit for Glamour.com. (click the image above to watch the video)

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This video has nothing to do with me, but hey…I made the cut. (no pun intended)

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Okay this was actually on The Cut. Chatting it up with the lovely Mr. Newton.

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On Style.it (they must have had a hunch I’m Italian…)

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Outside the Christian Siriano show, seen in Time Out New York (click to slides 10-12 to view).

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On the YaYa Publicity Tumblr…wearing plenty of neon.

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Those photogs can get sneaky…on Vogue.com.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AljA4xwu_c8]

And if you’re not sick of my Proenza coat yet, you can listen to me talk about it more on Net-a-Porter TV by watching the video above.

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)