January 5, 2010

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 Collection is my current obsession. I feel the collection has that laid-back California vibe because of the sunglasses, the hair styles, and the many separates shown (skirts and tops). The colors are absolutely amazing. I cannot get myself to look away from these unreal pieces of art I like to call Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2010 collection.

“We wanted something young, something that felt fresh, so we looked to surfing and skating, the things we grew up on,” Lazaro Hernandez said after the show (Full Story Here). Hernandez and his partner, Jack McCollough, are the geniuses behind Proenza Schouler which they started in 2002.

Here are some of my favorites from the show:

After going through numerous pictures of the many runway shows of Fall 2009, Spring and Summer 2010 (a hobby of mine), this is the one that really stood out to me and made me fall in love with Proenza Schouler…it’s also the background on my phone!

I love the model’s laid back look. The mix of prints and colors are amazing and the shoes…I have no words for the shoes. Basically, I would like them in my closet right about now (even though it’s too cold to wear them…but I would suck it up for a pair of these!)

For more information about Proenza Schouler, check out their website at www.proenzaschouler.com

 So, what do you think of Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2010 collection? What’s your favorite outfit/piece by them? I would love to hear from you!

January 4, 2010

Style A to Zoe

My very first post was about Rachel Zoe. She is so passionate about what she does, which is why I idolize her like I do. For Christmas, I received her book “Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour” which really gave me a new outlook not only about fashion, but about the smaller things in life. This post is partly a review of the book plus some of my favorite quotes and tips from Rachel Zoe.

The one thing this book continuously reiterates is to follow your dreams. Know where you want to be in the future and figure out how to get there. I think that’s a very important thing to keep in the back of your mind and never give up on anything you want in life.

My favorite quote from Rachel’s book: “I was always the overdressed one among my friends. But that’s who I was.” This quote really stuck out to me because I am definitely the overdressed one wherever I go.
But I get to wear clothes I love and personalize my outfit with various accessories which is what I love to do (why I want to be a stylist perhaps?) so I never mind being overdressed.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

  • If you know anything about Rachel Zoe, she absolutely loves accessories. This is most likely why the first chapter in the book is dedicated to accessories. This includes shoes, jewelry, handbags, hats, belts and everything in between. She talks about essential pieces, where to splurge vs. where to save, how to pick out good vintage jewelry and so much more.
  • The second chapter, “Life is a Red Carpet,” is all about looking at life as an opportunity to dress up and show off your creativity and personal style. You never know who you’ll run into so it’s important to look your best at all times.
  • The next chapter discusses looking appropriate yet fashionable in the workplace. This covers everything from appropriate clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. This is very important for the every day woman.
  • Traveling is something Rachel loves to do but she rarely has the time. She dedicates a chapter to jetsetting which includes how to pack, what to bring depending on destination weather, and much more.
  • Not only does Rachel choose the entire outfit (clothing plus every accessory) for her clients, she also has a say in makeup and hair as well. This is what the next chapter discusses. It’s important to know what makeup is essential for your skintype and what you feel most comfortable in. I personally could not live with concealer and mascara but those may not be essentials for everyone else.
  • Rachel used to have her studio in her home which can be very hectic. She dedicates an entire chapter to home décor and how to create an atmosphere at home to always make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Very important!
  • The second to last chapter is about entertaining at home which made me want to throw a dinner party immediately after reading. From throwing a cocktail party to getting dressed in the morning, Rachel really knows how to do it best.
  • Last, Rachel goes through each letter of the alphabet (hence A to Zoe) stating an important aspect of style for each. My favorite is “G” for Good deeds and Gutsy. It’s important to try and do at least one good deed everyday and it’s just as important to take risks in life and be gutsy.

Throughout the book Rachel gives numerous tips and checklists from “Inside the Stylist’s Toolbox” to how to pick out a fabulous vintage piece. If I still haven’t convinced you to get book, the pictures are just amazing. There are personal pictures of Rachel with her husband, Rodger, amazing photos of her clients in their gorgeous Red Carpet gowns and many more…you just have to wait and see!

This is my favorite picture (I took on my phone) of Rachel and Brian Atwood. I love it because she looks gorgeous and I think Brian Atwood makes some amazing shoes.

So what do you think? Have you read “Style A to Zoe” yet? Will you after reading this post? Let me know your thoughts!

January 2, 2010

American Fashion Defined: Michael Kors

Gucci, Fendi, Dior, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Chanel…any of these sound American? Nope…that’s because they’re not. Of course they are some of the greatest Fashion Houses in the world but who is going to represent America in this fast-paced world of fashion? May I introduce to you…Michael Kors.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Michael, he is a judge on Project Runway (and my favorite judge I might add). He’s also one of the greatest American fashion designers around today. His clothes are classic and chic but never boring. Something that’s difficult for a designer to do is to appeal to women of all ages. Not only am I a huge Michael fan, so is my 56-year-old mother…so I think he does a pretty good job with that. Putting on an outfit by Michael Kors makes you feel elegant yet sexy with a touch of luxury. Simply divine.

Michael Kors is one of the many designers trying to reach out to more women by creating lines for less. MICHAEL by Michael Kors is his way of doing that. Most items are under $200 and the quality is never compromised. The pieces are just as beautiful as the regular Michael Kors line. The best thing about the entire Michael Kors empire is that he not only makes fabulous clothes, but amazing shoes, handbags, watches and other accessories as well. He even has a fragrance called Very Hollywood. Is there anything this man can’t do?

Here are a few of my favorite items from MICHAEL Michael Kors and Michael Kors:

Left side (MICHAEL Michael Kors): Black Sweater Dress $180, Track Print Long Coat $140 (on sale from $200), Ponte Striped Dress $130, Kincade Slouch Boot $198, Faux Fur Coyote Vest $63 (on sale from $90)

Right side (Michael Kors): Coral Red Metal Tang Dress $930, Draped Coin-Dot Sheath Dress $768 (on sale from $2,195), Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Dress $791 (on sale from $2,635), Aviator Acetate Sunglasses $125, Gold Runway Watch $250, Runway Clutch, Neon Pink $417 (on sale from $595)

Interesting fact about the Runway Watch (besides the fact that it was love at first site for me and my favorite Christmas gift this year)…it’s called the Runway Watch because Michael gives it to his models after the runway shows. How cool is that?

Speaking of runway…this was my favorite Michael Kors moment. Fall 2009 Runway show:

The colors and the fur just make me smile. I first saw the coats and hats when I was in LA in August. I walked into the Michael Kors store and I was blown away by the colors. It was very un-Michael to do solid neon fur but I absolutely loved it. After I saw pictures of these pieces on the runway, I loved them even more. It reminds me of an 80s Aspen rave (only in the best way possible of course).

So, what do you think? What’s your favorite piece by Michael Kors? What was your favorite Michael Kors moment? I’d love to hear about it!

December 26, 2009

Can’t Afford the Runway? Rent It.

One of the most fabulous inventions of our time…it’s not the iPhone (although I’m obsessed with mine)…it’s RENT THE RUNWAY. Ever look in your closet and feel you have nothing to wear for that special day coming up? Whether it by a cocktail party, a wedding, New Years Eve, a date night, or whatever you’re attending, Rent the Runway has a dress for you! The best part is…you don’t have to pay the retail price tag of these fabulous dresses. It’s like hitting the jackpot!

So, how does Rent the Runway work?

First, you sign up at www.renttherunway.com (totally free by the way) and start browsing. Browse by Designers, What’s New, Trends, Style or Occasion. Rental prices range from $50 to $200 (depending on the retail price/value of the dress). Pick the dress of your choice (and a second size, just in case, for free) and pick a second dress for $25 in case your first option doesn’t work. Enter your shipping zip code and the day you would like it to be delivered, and in just a few days…you will have the perfect dress for your special occasion or fabulous event. If you live in New York City, there’s a plus…you can get same day delivery!

From the moment I came across Rent The Runway, I thought this was the best idea anyone’s had since Project Runway. I mean seriously…when you own a fabulous dress, you wear it once anyway, right? Even my [knows-nothing-about-fashion] boyfriend came across an article about Rent The Runway and told me about it right away…he thought it was a great idea too! He was slightly disappointed when I told him I was already signed up for it, but when you’re as obsessed with fashion as I am, what do you expect? 🙂

Some of my personal favorites Rent The Runway carries include: ADAM, Alice & Olivia, Gryphon, Haute Hippie, Helmut Lang, and Proenza Schouler.

New Years Eve is coming up girls! If you don’t have an outfit (or even if you do) I highly suggest checking this out at www.renttherunway.com

Ever used Rent The Runway? Let me know your thoughts. Even if you haven’t, I want your opinion!

December 20, 2009

Celeb Style: Rachel Bilson

I have loved Rachel Bilson since the moment I saw her on The O.C. (I miss that show by the way). I obviously think she’s gorgeous but I have always particularly loved her style. Whether she’s rockin the red carpet or running errands with a Starbucks cup in hand, she never seems to have a dull moment. Rachel’s day-time style tends to be boho vintage but she’s never afraid to try something new. A typical casual outfit for Rachel includes skinny jeans paired with a tank top or t-shirt with a great blazer or jacket. She accessorizes with a long-strap purse or hobo bag, some fabulous boots or ankle booties and often a light color or printed scarf.

Shoes: Brian Atwood, Shirt: MiH , Jeans: J Brand, Jacket: Theory, Scarf: Topshop, Purse: See by Chloe, Sunglasses: Rayban

Rachel’s red carpet look is different from her everyday style. No matter what the event, she always looks perfect.

Here is Rachel looking fabulous in Herve Leger:

Here is Rachel looking classy and quite stunning in Dior:

What do you think of Rachel Bilson’s style? Who is your favorite style icon? I’d love to hear your thoughts!