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.