Hip Happenings

For years upon years upon years, there have been few choices for different ways in which to carry a bag. While certain styles are designed to accommodate a variety of methods, most typically, options can be a bit limited. A girl can most simply choose between a handheld approach, shoulder slung styles, or perhaps  even carrying in the crook of the arm. 

Though I first noticed the hip as a new method of transport a while back - and no, I am not suggesting dusting off a fanny pack any time soon - this latest progression has found its way onto the runways for Spring 2014 with prominence, it seems, during the Paris collections.

Fashion voyeurs, keep an eye out - such as the jacket-worn-as-cape was once before, and the shirt tied around the waist is currently, I predict this will be the latest street-style look du jour and will surely be cropping up on a sidewalk near you.

Top to bottom: Victoria Beckham in early 2013/Victoria Beckham Fall 2013/Givenchy Fall 2013 ad featuring Amanda Seyfried/Stella McCartney Spring 2014/Celine Spring 2014/Kenzo Spring 2014/Chloe Spring 2014/Maiyet Spring 2014/Fendi Spring 2014/Victoria Beckham Spring 2014

View From The Runway: Venexiana

With the NYFW Spring 2014 ready-to-wear showcase now just weeks away, I wanted to share my footage of one of the shows I viewed during the NYFW Fall 2013 collections this past February.

I had the honor of attending the Fall 2013 Venexiana show, and was able to view it up close and personal in the front row. Designed by Kati Stern, the line features elegant, sinuous eveningwear infused with a dose of the designer's signature rock n' roll flair - an indisputable choice for red carpet events and black tie affairs. Known for using only the finest fabrics and textiles, the Venexiana Fall 2013 collection was no exception. Featuring lush velvet, exquisite furs, glossy satin, and intricate lace and beading, the 76-look runway show saw floor length gowns, cocktail dresses and even a pant or two, in vibrant jewel tones, shades of deep black and cool metallics. Nodding to the 1940's and other bygone eras of high-glamour and sophistication, the collection's eclectic range and appeal read vintage inspiration with an edge. Stern's affinity for refined audacity in tailored design shone as brightly as the crystal embellishments featured throughout. Venexiana can be found domestically at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, as well as various high-end retailers worldwide.

See below for a few photos taken during the show, as well as my video footage for a view from the runway. 

(note: videography skills still a bit shaky!)

Enjoy!

images/video by me

Fall Travel Essentials

{Earlier this month, I was asked to submit a guest post on the travel blog, Sojourner's Sojourns highlighting fashionable Fall travel essentials.

You can find the finished product below, but be sure to also click here to view this post and more, on Sojourner's Sojourns.}

When choosing to travel during the Fall season, the decision can unfortunately be filled with gnawing questions of location, location, location. With current temperatures not quite low enough to warrant a tropical getaway - not to mention the summer heat having just wrapped, if yet at all - and conversely, a snow-filled ski trip still a few months away, deciding on the perfect destination can be a bit tricky. 

The consummate compromise? 

Look to a countryside vacation to satisfy any autumnal wanderlust. 

There's nothing like the pure, crisp air  and lush, kaleidoscopic vegetation during this time of the year to center oneself, and finally take a moment to simply relax. With this intention in mind, no suitcase will be complete without these 10 essential pieces for a fully-functional Fall travel wardrobe. Classic, versatile, and effortless, even for a fledgling fashion plate, these items can be mixed-and-matched to accommodate anything - from unpredictable weather to unexpected excursions - whether traipsing into town for a Michelin-rated dinner, or cavorting in the country for a vineyard visit or two. 

(note: a healthy dose of both are highly recommended!)

image created/edit  by me via Polyvore

1) The Scarf 
 Whether used as a blanket to fight the chilly plane air, or layered over a loose tank when temperatures rise, a scarf or pashmina is the #1 piece no traveler should be without during this time of year.
Pictured: Acne Oversized 'Canada' Pashmina in Camel

2) The Hat - Wide Brimmed Fedora 
 A chic choice to not only protect your face from the still-bright sun, but also provide a bit a warmth - especially during the evening when temperatures can take a drastic dip.
Pictured: Weekend by MaxMara 'Dentice' Hat 

3) The Pant - Black Skinny Jeans
This closet staple will serve endless outfiit options, time and time again. Whether paired with boots, heels, or flats, the sleek silhouette will keep you looking chic and streamlined.
Pictured: Mango Super Slim Jeans in Black Denim 

4) The Transitional Piece- Long Sleeve Jersey Dress 
 Easily fold-able, essentially wrinkle-free and able to seamlessly transition from casual to cocktail attire, this piece is an absolute must.
Pictured: 2nd Day Jersey 'Binca' Dress

5) The Sweater - Longline Cardigan 
Cozy and comfortable, a long cardigan is a perfect choice for when a light, extra layer is in order, whether wearing jeans and boots, or a dress and heels.
Pictured: L'Agence Long Sleeve Boyfriend Cardigan 

6) The Boot - Rainproof Boots
 Ideal for navigating both city and country terrain, a waterproof boot which looks equally at home frolicking on the English Moor as it does on strolling down Main Street is essential
Pictured: Hunter 'Regent Carlyle' Boots 

7) The Heel -  Single Sole Pumps 
A firm believer in the idea that you never know where the night (or day, for that matter) may take you, a  clean, classic pump is a fool-proof method for taking a casual outfit to the next level.
Pictured: Kurt Keiger London 'Cilla' Pumps 

8) The Jacket - Tailored Blazer 
Easily layered and always sophisticated, a sharp blazer is ideal for adding warmth without bulk.
Pictured: Zara Gathered Shoulder Blazer

9) The Shirt - White Silk Blouse 
 Light, breathable and classic, every closet - and suitcase - should contain at least one.
Pictured: Equipment 'Reese' Blouse 

10) The Bag - Crossbody Satchel 
This bag ultimately ties any ensemble together - the sleeker the shape, the more versatile the bag and therefore, the better!
Pictured: Topshop Embossed Satchel 

Beauty Bonus: Don't forget to pack these must-have items to ensure a fresh, dewy complexion throughout your travels - after all, nothing complements a great outfit more than great skin!

Evian Facial Mist - Spray to revive dull, dehydrated skin both on and off the plane.

Sea Buckthorn Oil - Apply topically to face to moisturize, protect against free radicals and combat signs of aging.
Try: Sibu Sea Buckhtorn Oil Topical Treatment 

Kohl Eyeliner - A multi-tasker's dream; draw a thin line to define eyes for a subtle daytime look, or for a smokier, evening look draw thicker line on top and bottom lash lines and smudge. No time for mascara? Dot in between lashes directly on lash line to create the illusion of fuller, thicker lashes.
Try: Laura Mercier Supreme Black Kohl Eyeliner 

Dior Creme de Rose - This luxe lip balm exemplifies the term overachiever, also highly effective as a skin softener, cuticle cream, and even solid perfume. 

Get The Look: Fashion Capitals

The time of the year known as Fashion Month is fast approaching. 

Aptly dubbed as such, the four weeks in which the ready-to-wear collections are shown during their respective Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks, is a whirlwind of creativity, passion and inspiration - seen both on and off the runways. Beginning in New York, and then traveling to the European fashion capitals of London, Milan and Paris, the hosting cities are flooded with a myriad of fashion-types from editors to photographers, and bloggers to buyers, each possessing a certain and definitive flair and je ne sais quois in their style. This September will once again mark the commencement of Fashion Month in which the ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2014 collections will be shown. To honor this upcoming occasion of international character and sartorial finesse, I present you with a rundown - by city - of the various faces and  looks sure to make an appearance.

Combining vintage elements with menswear-inspired pieces, woman-about-town Shala Monroque demonstrates the knack New Yorkers possess for mixing unexpected colors, fabrics, cuts and other components for an enticingly cohesive and timeless outcome. Get the look with a vintage-inspired coat, a bright blouse, slim-cut white high-waist trousers, quirky statement necklace, and menswear-inspired heels and briefcase.

Pictured: Vintage mink collar coat available at 1stdibs.com, Blouse by Stella McCartney, trousers by Giambattista Valli, Necklace by Holst + Lee, Heels by L'Autre Chose, Briefcase by Mandarina Duck.

Updated tailored classics nod to the storied history of the city's iconic Savile Row, while animal print and on-trend accessories add just the right amount of cheekiness. Designer and style icon Victoria Beckham knows the exact equation for a look that's in true Brit fashion - sensible, refined, and just a bit wild when you least expect it. Get the look with oversized round sunglasses, a classic-shaped coat with fur embellishment, a crewneck sweater, ankle-grazing trousers, animal-print single-sole pumps, and boxy leather satchel.

Pictured: Sunglasses by ASOS, Coat by Felder Felder, Sweater by T by Alexander Wang, Trousers by See by Chloe, Heels by Gianvito Rossi, Bag by Valextra.

Sweet yet sultry, and classic yet cutting-edge are certainly ways in which one could define Italian style. Heiress and Dolce & Gabbana muse Bianca Brandolini d'Adda, captures this quintessential and carefree quality in a dress from the Spring 2013 Dolce & Gabbana collection. Get the look with a white lace crop top, a sheer white lace skirt, a matching pair of briefs, a patent leather clutch and matching single-sole pumps, and a bit of simple gold jewelry.

Pictured: Crop top by Free People, Skirt by Nina Ricci, Briefs by Nookie Beach, Clutch by Ferragamo, Pumps by Sergio Rossi, Ring (top) by Jennifer Meyer, Bracelet (right) by Jacquie Aiche, Bracelet (left) by Kate Spade.

Though not part of the fashion week fare, the menswear tradeshow Pitti Uomo - held in Florence - is a street-style photographer's dream, and such a spectacle of personal style that the men of Pitti Uomo simply could  not be left out of the roundup. Hordes of  sleek and stylish ensembles hit the streets, from dashing and debonair to contemporary and trend-forward. Here, two show-goers demonstrate one clean, classic look in two ways. Get their look with a tailored two or three button jacket, a dark-hued tie,  slim sage trousers, a pocket square, and a finishing touch of classic, retro-inspired sunglasses.

Pictured: Jacket (left) by Boglioli, Jacket (right) by Reiss, Tie by Diesel Black Gold, Trousers by Kenzo, Pocket squares (both colors) by Gant, Sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

The French are notorious for their chic, un-fussy style and ability to look impeccably put-together, yet effortless. Resident Paris Vogue EIC Emmanuelle Alt, epitomizes this with her signature - the sleek, streamlined, slightly rock-n-roll silhouette.Get the look with a tailored blazer, casual T, cropped skinny pants, pointed toe single-sole pumps, and a sleek leather belt.

Pictured: Blazer by Theyskens' Theory, T-shirt by Theory, Pants by AllSaints, Heels by Saint Laurent Paris, Belt by Cole Haan.

Collages created/edited by me via Polyvore.

Luxe Links

images via nymag, v mag, russh, thisgirlwalksintoabar - collage created by me

In case you've ever wondered what your home would smell like if Karl Lagerfeld had anything to do with it, here's your chance to find out {WWD}

Natalie Joos raids the DVF archives and captures it all on film, with the help of models Elizabeth Gilpin, Tali Lennox and Laura Love {YouTube}

Art Imitating Life: Carine Roitfeld takes inspiration from her own modeling portfolio {V Magazine}

American Ballet Theatre's Misty Copeland talks dance, fashion and breaking boundaries {The Edit}

Missed Mercedes-Benz Miami Swim Week? Catch up with Mara Hoffman's Designer Diary {Style}

 A look back at a decade of Kiera Knightley throughout the pages of American Vogue {Vogue}

'Tis the season for...fall fashion previews. A look at what the NY-based collections have in store {W Magazine}

Esteban Cortazar introduces his second eponymous collection for Net-A-Porter {Russh}

It's hot. Make a cocktail. {This Girl Walks Into A Bar}

Fall Frenzy: Lanvin

images via trendhunter.com

Edie Campbell is at it again, this time in front of Steven Meisel's lens for Lanvin's Fall 2013 campaign. The Brit flexes her modeling muscle, showing her broad and chameleon-like range as she channels six very different, and very retro-inspired, personas for Alber Elbaz's eclectic collection. 

Fall Frenzy: Alberta Ferretti

     images via vogue.it

Italian model Mariacarla Boscono was tapped to star in yet another campaign for Fall 2013, this time for fellow compatriot Alberta Ferretti. Shot by Peter Lindbergh, the campaign takes on a romantic light, featuring the model throughout the streets of Paris. The collection's crystal embellishments,  tender fabrics and laces, and elegant silhouettes radiate against the night-time backdrop.

Fall Frenzy: Prada

images via fashiongonerogue

Prada enlists a slew of top models, rising stars and fresh faces for their Fall 2013 ad campaign - eleven to be exact - including seasoned industry veterans Christy Turlington and Rachel Williams. The roster also includes Freja Beha Erichsen, Fei Fei Sun, Catherine McNeil, Sophia Ahrens, Malaika Firth, Kristine Froseth, Caroline de Maigret, Amanda Murphy, and Cameron Russell. Photographer Steven Meisel captures a polished, yet slightly saturated and disheveled, semblance through a captivating and somewhat dark, mysterious and alluring patrician ennui.

Like many other design houses, Prada also released a short video campaign featuring the collection earlier this month.

  

Fall Frenzy: DKNY/DKNY Jeans

images via fashiongonerogue

Model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne, who starred in the Spring 2013 campaigns for the label, returns to the streets of New York for the Fall. Shot by photographer Mikael Jansson, Delevingne is featured in variety of looks and activities busy going about in the city, from downtown cool in West Village to urbane sophisticate - even pausing for a bit to cause a stir atop a taxi in Times Square.

Click below to view the Fall 2013 video campaign, capturing the contagious speed and energy of the city. The video and print campaigns also feature artist Curtis Kulig, and fellow British model Ollie Edwards.