Pants!

It happened. I'm all excited for fall, and it's only March. I blame Fashion Week--there's nothing like parades of knits to make you want September all over it. Since these pants are cropped and rolled, they might actually be summer appropriate though...Anyways, we all know pants are back, and these trouser-style pants that taper just slightly towards the cropped/rolled ankle are a great (read: MANDATORY) alternative to the harem pants. Since they're not skin tight or super-tapered, they're much more flattering than skinny jeans, and I think that fact that they look like you stole your boyfriend's pants makes them way sexier than jeans so tight they look painted on. And they're comfier too.

J. Crew Summerweight Chino Cocktail Capri, $79.50 at jcrew.com, Organic Pleat Slim Pant, $157.50 at shopbop.com. How cute are the chinos on the right half of the J. Crew pic? I love how she rolled them to emphasize the cropped length, and how they're just a little wrinkly. These would totally work for summer and they're affordable. Love. The navy trousers are actually organic (always a plus), and I like the subtle volume the pleating gives. The lines on those pants are fantastic.

Acne Jeans Gin Pop Chinos, $249 at largarconne.com, Golden Goose Chino Pant w/ Pyramid Stud, $501 at lagarconne.com. These Acne pants you'd have to roll a bit more, but for those of you who are addicted to your skinny jeans, these are a looser, more flattering option. I am in love with these khaki Golden Goose pants (just not the price tag). First off, they're studded, and baggy, and cropped. Drool.

Madewell Sandstorm Khakis, $115 in Madewell stores, Ash Banyan Banded Wedge Sandals, $212 at shopbop.com. I know. I am addicted to Madewell (but the store near me opened #$&%& omg), and these pants are awesome. They hit both the cargo pant trend and the tapered, baggy trouser trend, but not so overtly that they couldn't become a wardrobe staple (and again, reasonably priced!). And what is that cropped, ankle-baring length perfect for but showing off some superhot heels? Like these 6" dominatrixy wedges (I need them). That means you have to buy pants and some new heels. Geez. Fashion is pain.

Image Sources:

J. Crew Pant: jcrew.com

Organic Pant: shopbop.com

Acne Pant: lagarconne.com

Madewell Pant: madewell1937.com

Golden Goose Pant: lagarconne.com

Ash Wedge: shopbop.com

Scarjo

While I'm still skeptical about ScarJo's secret marriage to Ryan Reynolds and sunset tattoo, I'm seriously loving her new brown do, leopard print dress, and makeup (the last two presumably Dolce & Gabbana). That auburn hair is a serious contrast to her platinum blonde locks in her D&G ad, so I'm assuming it was a wig. I just can't get over how gorgeous that red brown shade is (she's making me want to go redder) and that fact that her smoky eye matches her hair. It sounds wrong, but it looks so right!

Image Sources:

Long Shot: gofugyourself.com

Closeup: bellasugar.com

Dolce & Gabbana Ad: popcrunch.com

Confession: I love DSquared2

I have to be honest. I usually hate DSquared2. I think they're tacky, and kind of insane (even though I really love their new perfume). But this season...was beautiful. No, really. Some designers are way in the future (Miuccia Prada, Raf Simons, Nicolas Ghesquière), and while their clothes might not be wearable for everyone, they are where fashion is going. And some designers are still fashionable, still on-trend, not quite as directional, but infinitely more wearable. DSquared2 is that second kind of brand, and is completely shameless about it. They really don't care about being the trend-makers. They're just DSquared2, and that's they're amazing. The models were styled like Olsen twins, carried Blackberries, smoked, held Starbucks lattes and mochas, giant sunglasses, and all had giant leather It bags with US Weeklies stuffed inside. I honestly dress a lot like this...maybe that's why I like it...I want all these clothes RIGHT NOW.

Big shades, big scarf, mini dress, and little leather jacket? Yes please. Those rolled up khakis and that cropped jacket together are perfection, and that leopard mini is adorable!

It's kind of like a really wearable version of Missoni: lots of big, loose knits layered on top of each other, but here it's made a little sexier with belts at the waist and body con skirts/dresses underneath. DSquared2 actually opened with these dresses (thinking backwards, I like it) and I can't get over how wildly glamorous it is to throw on a silk gown, top it with a leather belt or jacket, and a big scarf. That juxtaposition of casual and luxe is so DSquared2 and so of the moment (and I need that blue dress).

One of the best things about this show is that you can dupe the look with stuff already in your closet. Take a big cardigan (belted) or a leather jacket, throw it on over a fitted top and a mini, shorts, or rolled up trousers, put on some big shades and a giant scarf, grab a latte, and look awesome. That's math I can live with.

Image Sources:

All: style.com

Milan Roundup #5

Milan Roundup #43463476 million trillion (okay, that's a little melodramatic, but that's what it feels like). Today I continued to strongly dislike Dolce and Gabbana (sorry Maudie), be mesmerized by pretty background colors at Versace, and discover that I actually secretly love Pollini (and Jonathan Saunders! who knew?). Enjoy.

All Versace: The background changes colors. So pretty...Versace's on trend with the neon pink, but I like the sparseness of this dress with just the tiny slash of black patent. It keeps the pink from being overwhelming. How adorable is that paillete mini dress? It totally reminds me of Anne Hathaway's Oscar gown, but in a much more wearable and flattering shape. Fish scales never looked so good. And it wouldn't be Versace without sexy goddess gowns--but how gorgeous is that blue?

All Pollini: Pollini was good. Like really good. I was kind of freaking out. There was the same puffed shoulder as Dolce and Gabbana, but done here in much more wearable cropped motorcycle jackets (that skirt and jacket are the perfect proportions). There was a swirly, blown up print slapped on a bunch of mini dresses that was part tattoo print, part swirly abstract waves, and part amazing. It's carefree and colorful, but the dress length keeps it from being cutesy (and I love that fur circle scarf. need).

Fendi, Fendi, Maxmara: I loved the blocked texture dresses at Fendi. The way that they emphasize the waist is really flattering, and the layering of different textures keeps the subdued color palette from being gloomy, and instead makes it really luxurious. How perfect are those pants are Maxmara? I'm in love. And I really like how they styled the wide-leg pants with the cropped blazer and buttoned cardigan underneath--instead of looking suity, it ends up looking totally relaxed and adorable.

Image Sources:

Versace: style.com

Pollini: style.com

Fendi: style.com

Maxmara: style.com

Milan Roundup #4

Milan Fashion Week is still going strong, and the heavy hitters are starting to come out (I'm counting down till the Miu Miu show. You don't even know). Anyways, here's today's wrap-up.

Luisa Beccaria, Luisa Beccaria, Marni: Luisa Beccaria is the hands down expert on super-girly, romantic looks. Last year it was densely layered chiffon ruffles, this year it was lots of scalloped lace, and a little more subdued than last year, but still fantastic. How freaking adorable is that v-neck dress? Yes, it's really girly, but the shape is great, the subtle ruffles are so cute, and if styled with edgier/more masculine accessories, it loses the Alice in Wonderland vibe completely. Oh, and Beyonce? That's how you do a mermaid gown. Perfection. I was really pleasantly surprised with Marni this season. Usually it's kooky and cute, but not entirely wearable. This year it lost the crazy vibe and became totally street chic. The color palette here is pretty subdued, but the layering of textures and finishes is so stunning, and completely elevates this simple look.

Pringle of Scotland, Roberto Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli: The grey and white on grey and white at Pringle was fantastic. Monochromatic never looked so good--and check out the wide collar on that coat. Love. Roberto Cavalli was very rocker chic (looks like it's going to be a big trend this year) and I'm drooling over that fur collared jacket. The huge fur collar on the tiny cropped jacket is unexpected, but totally works. The asymmetrical seams on that gold tank dress take it from plain to chic (and really wearable!). Just leave the suede thigh high boots are home.

Image Sources:

Roberto Cavalli: style.com
Roberto Cavalli: style.com

Pringle: style.com
Marni: style.com

Luisa Beccaria: style.com

Luisa Beccaria: style.com

Random Things I Want Right Now

I shop a lot. Like all the time. Especially the times that I'm not supposed to. You know, in class, while I'm doing my homework, instead of doing my homework, that sort of thing. Anyways, here's some stuff I'm craving right now.

Loeffler Randall Chain Link Dress, $645 at revolveclothing.com, DemyLee Catherine Button Up Boyfriend Cardigan, $327 at revolveclothing.com. That LBD is very Alexander Wang with the cutout detailing (s0 cute), and that stripey cardigan is comfy perfection with just a hint of nautical.




















James Perse Marble Relaxed V, $115 at revolveclothing.com, Smythe Boyfriend Blazer, $530 at shopbop.com
I love the subtle acid wash/tie dye print on that v-neck! The washed out gray palette keeps it from being too hippie dippy trippy. And a boyfriend blazer that comes with pre-rolled up sleeves? Sign me up.





















C&C California Roll Up Tunic, $110 revolveclothing.com, BLOCH Patent Leather Ballet Flat, $154 at revolveclothing.com. I'm in love with this tunic. It's so painter's smock, artsy, but comfy, easy, and really versatile. I could get sooo much wear out of this (needs it). And those ballet flats are gradiated rainbow stripes and patent! I'm drooling.




















Image Sources:
C&C Tunic: revolveclothing.com
Bloch Flat: revolveclothing.com
DemyLee Cardigan: revolveclothing.com
James Perse Tee: revolveclothing.com
Loeffler Randall Dress: revolveclothing.com
Smythe Blazer: shopbop.com

Backstage: Hair at Conventry

Coventry's Fall/Winter 2009 show featured one of the most spectacular braided updos I've ever seen. It looks super complicated, but it's actually not that difficult! And it doesn't look Milkmaidy. Win-win-win.












Step One: Apply Davines Defining Texturizer to the hair to give it body and keep it from looking overly polished, then comb all the hair back from the forehead, divide it in half, and create two ponytail fishtail braids.

Step Two: Take one braid and wrap it over to the other side of the head and back, creating a sideways 'U' shape. Repeat with other braid, wrapping it under the first.















Step Three: Pin both braids into place as you would a bun.

Step Four: Pull a few pieces out from the front, to give it that piecey, disheveled look, spritz with hairsp


Info Source: bellasugar.com
Image Sources:
Runway Shot: wwd.com
Backstage: bellasugar.com

Backstage: Makeup at Meadham Kirchoff

You may not have heard of Meadham Kirchoff yet, but you will. Their deconstructed, edgy clothes were matched by equally gorgeous makeup. It was all MAC (of course), and kept low-key while still highlighting key features.

Eyes: Blend together MAC Cream Color Base in Root, Tint, and Hush, and apply to the lid, concentrating the mixture on the center of the eyelid and fading it out towards the corners of the eye. This gives the eye subtle definition.

Face: Mix together MAC Strobe Liquid and MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation for a dewy glow, and rub the Root Cream Color Base into the hollows beneath the cheeks to emphasize the natural shadows. Apply MAC Blushcreme in Britwit to the apples of the cheeks.

Lips: Dab MAC Lipstick in Syrup on the lips, and blend Strobe Liquid and Nude Cream Color Base together, and apply lightly to the cupid's bow.


Info Source: coutorture.com
Image Sources:
Runway Shot: coutorture.com
Makeup Sheet: coutorture.com

How to Shop Online

I shop online all the time. I actually do like 50% of my shopping online. It's easy, it's fast, and there's a much greater selection than there is at local stores. I thought online shopping was a totally natural thing to do for shopaholics like me, but I was really surprised to hear that a lot of people I know flat out refuse to shop online because they can't try things on, they think they have a weird body type and nothing fits them (Maud), they can't see the clothes in person, etc, etc. And I just have to say that all of that is silly. Online shopping is easy and can work for everyone. And it's addictive, but that's another story.

For those who want to be able to see clothes in person, I have to say they really do generally look like they do online. If you're really unsure, look at the thing you want to buy at a bunch of different sites. If the color/fabric finish differs drastically on each site, email a customer service rep and just ask them what it looks like in person, if the blue dress is more of a green blue or a true blue, if the denim is a thick or a thin weave, you get the drift. Customer service is there to help you. That's what they get paid for. You can also ask customer service to measure something for you, so you can compare the measurements to your body and know you're buying the right size.

As for things fitting and looking flattering, you really have to know your body type. I'm just going to use myself as an example because, well, I'm right here, and I'm lazy. I sometimes have trouble fitting into dresses because I have really hourglassy figure, so my chest and hips/thighs are almost a size six, my waist is a small four, and my legs are on the thin size. So stuff that fits me in the chest doesn't fit me in the waist, and stuff that fits me in the waist won't zip over my chest or my hips. Not fun. Sometimes I'm a 2, sometimes I'm a 4, sometimes I'm a 6, depending on the cut of the dress. Now, I know it sounds like I really shouldn't be shopping online if I'm not a consistent size, but I have a strategy. First, look at the cut of the dress/skirt/coat/etc. If its a trapeze shape, AKA with very a-line shape and no waist or chest definition, I'll order a 4 because I don't have to worry about my hips fitting into the roomy shape. If it's fitted around the bust and tight over the hips, I might order up a size. I know what you're thinking. Ordering up a size means it won't fit what parts of you are the next size down. That's where my next tip comes in.

Get it tailored. I can't say this enough (if you watch What Not to Wear, you know where I'm coming from). Tailors are like the fairy godmothers of online shopping. So when I buy that dress one size too big, I can take it to my tailor and have it taken in at the waist, shortened, etc. That means if you're unsure about if the perfect dress you found online will fit, you can make it fit! Never, ever buy something in the smaller size, however. Clothes used to be made with lots of fabric left over in the seams (AKA seam allowance) for easy alterations, but today designers have gotten cheap and you'll be lucky to have a 1/4 of an inch at the seam. 99.99% of the time you won't be able to make something bigger where it doesn't fit you. 95% of the time you'll be able to make something smaller where it's too big. Buy big, not small.

Not everything is worth getting tailored, however. If your shopping on the Forever 21 website, or the Old Navy website, or somewhere that sells cheap, trendy clothing, it's not worth it. You'll spend more money on tailoring than on the clothing itself, and you'll only wear it for a season. Don't waste your money. Also, be aware of what can get tailored and what can't. Denim is easier to alter than pleated chiffon or intricate beading. Don't buy something you're not sure can be tailored. Some alterations, like hemming jeans, you can actually do yourself pretty easily, and save a bunch of money.

I have lots of examples of getting stuff tailored that I bought online, but the most recent is my graduation dress. I fell in love with this Abaete dress last year (the belt's not included). But the fit across the chest is so essential to the look of the entire dress, and I was worried about the four being too small. So when I saw it on eBay (AKA the best online shopping site EVER) in a 6 for a seriously reduced price, I snatched it up. And I love it. All I have to do is get the shoulder strap tightened and the waist taken in a bit, and it is perfection. Love love love.

PS: Don't be afraid to shop on eBay. I know, everyone always gets suspicious when designer clothes are being sold for way below retail, but if you do a little research and check out the seller's satisfaction rating, you can usually avoid being sold fake goods. I've bought probably 100+ things on eBay, and only one has been a knockoff (and I got my money back. eBay's really great about that). I got my grad dress $300 off, and I just got my prom dress $200 off. A lot of times people buy something, don't like it, lose the receipt, and can't return it. Or wear something once and decide they don't want it anymore. Or a few sequins fall off a dress and someone would rather get rid of it than fix it. That's where eBay comes in. It's a great way to take advantage of recession deals!

Image Sources:
Abaete Dress: style.com

Backstage: Hair and Makeup at Missoni

I loved the Missoni show. I just have to say that. LOVED IT. And it was really great to hear that not only is the hair and makeup look easy to replicate, it's even easier to do than my normal routine! This will literally take you five minutes of effort, leaving more time to work the new Hills trailer over and over again. Or maybe that's just me.

Here's the makeup routine: To make their skin glow, the models wore hydrating masks and got facial massages (why can't someone do that for me every morning?). Then a tiny bit of concealer was applied where necessary (try MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer), eyelashes were curled, some clear lip balm was slapped on their lips (try Aquaphor), and someone pinched their cheeks before they hit the runway. That's it. I know. I wish I looked that awesome with that little effort. Sigh.

Hair was blow dried straight, and then spritzed with Wella Ocean Spritz to add soft texture and volume. Then hair was parted down the center, spritzed again, and pulled up into a low, loose bun. Right before the show started, the models' hair was taken down, shaken out and randomly scrunched up to give it that "I spent the day at a windy beach look." Done and done.


Info Source: allure.com
Image Sources:
Backstage photos: style.com
Closeup: allure.com

Milan Roundups #3

I'm sorry the pictures are so small, Blogspot is trying to kill me. Milan Fashion Week is finally heating up, and it literally took me half an hour to decide what to post because I liked all of it so much!

Blumarine, Blumarine, Alessandro Dell'Acqua. Blumarine is always good for a goddess dress or two, but this year there was a bit of an edge with the neon hues and thigh-high slits. The asymmetrical strap is very on-trend, but the floor length and gorgeous yellow are an optimistic take on the red carpet dress. There was no shortage of short dresses at Blumarine either, like this cute sequined mini topped with this blazer. The pushed up sleeves on the blazer and the layered necklaces make this party dress totally day appropriate (easy styling tip!). Over at Alessandro Dell'Acqua there was a distinct Joan of Arc vibe. Check out the collage of metallic, woven textures on this dress. The variety is off-beat and interesting, but the unified pallette keeps it from going too over the top.

Pucci, Pucci, Pucci. This show was totally not what I'd expected from Pucci, but since Peter Dundas took over, Pucci's shed the crazy 60's prints and is moving in a much more modern, rock and roll direction, and I love it! There were lots of skinny pants, giant furry jackets, and adorable mini dresses. That bright pink dresses reminds me of the one-shouldered Alexander Wang dresses, but the bright pink makes it feel fresh and a little more rebellious. It's hard to tell in the tiny photo, but there's an amazing zig zag detail on the bodice of the middle dress that's not only completely flattering, but so interesting and new! And check out that sapphire goddess dress. Just...wow. I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta. The Gucci show was, well, typical Gucci. Not particularly fashion-forward, but there was lots of cute jacket/pants combos and some hot mini dresses, like this one-sleeved, silver detailed LBD (check out the amazing belt). Bottega Veneta was completely fantastic, on the other hand. A little retro, very streamlined glam, and the hair and makeup worked so perfectly with the complete look. Love! There were lots of little bustier dresses, some topped with big furry coats for a great juxtaposition of oversized and sexy, and a few absolutely drop dead gorgeous goddess dresses. They moved like water. Watching someone walk down the red carpet in one of those woud be killer.

Image Sources:
Alessandro Dell-Acqua: style.com
Blumarine: style.com
Blumarine: style.com
Bottega Veneta: style.com
Bottega Veneta: style.com
Gucci: style.com
Pucci: style.com
Pucci: style.com
Pucci: style.com