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Fashion

7 Fashion Trends for Spring 2011

March 22, 2011 By Emily Marucci Leave a Comment

Okay city girls, do you want the good news or the bad news first? Okay, Okay—the good news is that this years Spring and Summer fashion is about the “3 F’s”…feminine , flattering and flirty.  The bad news: You have a lot of shopping to do, and so much to choose from.  So here are my picks to help your sprees go as smooth as possible!

1.     Maxi dresses/skirts:  This floor grazing maxi dress is a hot trend for spring.  They are comfortable; flattering for all figures and make a statement evenwithout accessories! (Tip: long dresses are no longer just for nighttime, rock it during the day for a soft hippie look!)

2.     Lace:  You cannot afford this lace trend to pass you by this summer. It’s a feminine and fresh look, whether you wear it as a cropped top, dress, or tights.  Not to mention, super easy to throw on and automatically dress up an outfit!

3.     Jumpsuits: Fun and flirty, this trend is great when you need to throw something on over a bathing suit at the end of a sand-filled day at the beach.  Inspired from the 70’s, the jumpsuit has made the ultimate comeback. Throw on some heels and you’re ready to go out!

4.     Crop Tops:  Crop tops are back.  This 80’s style can be a great look as long as you pair it with the right bottoms.  It works best  with some high waisted shorts, skirts or jeans.

5.     Florals:  Nothing like some floral prints to ward off the memory of the long cold winter we just trudged through.  Florals brighten any wardrobe; try a floral clutch to add a touch of color to any outfit!

6.     High waisted everything:  Again, the 70’s are back and in action! Diss your low-rise looks and try a flared or skinny high waist look.  Trendy and chic, try a high waist jean short and pair it with our “number four” selection for an effortless look.

7.     Feather accessories:  There’s something about feathers this Spring; celebrities such as Nicole Ritchie and Vanessa Hudgens have been seen donning feather earrings and headbands for quite some time now and it looks like the trend is sticking around for the Spring and Summer.  It’s the ultimate Boho look for a summer city girl.

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Designer Rory Beca at Forever 21 Times Square

March 1, 2011 By Ashley Nuñez Leave a Comment

Rory Beca and Forever 21 are teaming together for a Spring/Summer line. The designer will be at the Times Square location on March 3rd talking about her collaboration with Forever 21. Linda Chang, senior marketing manager for Forever 21, told the LA Times that Beca’s line, “really caters to our Love 21 customer.” The Love 21 line of Forever 21 caters to the slightly more sophisticated and contemporary customers. “And [Rory Beca's] California aesthetic seemed like it was a great match for us,” Chang added.

Be sure to catch Rory Beca at Forever 21 by rushing over to the 1540 Broadway store location this Thursday March 3rd between of hours of 5-7 pm.

Who Won the Grammy for Best and Worst Fashion?

February 15, 2011 By Emily Marucci Leave a Comment

The Grammys is the hottest music award show; always unpredictable in all of its artsy and beautiful couture.  Vivid colors, shimmering sparkles, and elegant dresses were showcased by our favorite artists this year.  Here’s a look at my picks for fashion dos and fashion do nots!

Glee actress Lea Michele looked stunning in an Emilo Pucci ruffle gown.  It was a surprise she wasn’t in Oscar de la Renta since she is under contract with him, however, the choice was great and her lipstick was the perfect pick to add a splash of color.

Heidi Klum sparkled in a sexy gold Julien Macdonald gown.  Metallic dresses are always the way to go to the Grammys because its fun and young edge.

J.Lo shimmered on the red carpet wearing Elilio Pucci, Christian Louboutin shoes and Cartier jewels.

Selena Gomez was a vision in another metallic number in designer J. Mendel.  She had just the right amount of accessorizing with Schwartz jewelry, Brian Atwood shoes, and a Judith Leiber clutch. She said her dress made her “feel like an award!”, I’m just glad she didn’t go with Justin Beiber because his velvet suit could have taken away her great look.

My personal favorite was Julianne Hough in her flowy pink Malandrino gown.  The print was fun and vibrant, her plunging neckline was just enough sexiness, and her tousled loose hair made her look effortless.

Here are some more of my best dressed picks, including Bruno Mars, Drake and Naya Rivera.

Grammy fashion is always a little bit more eccentric than the other award shows and sometimes the over-creativity can backfire, result in tacky and over accessorized looks! (Sorry Gaga and Hayley!)

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Anna Wintour, Unknown to MSG Crowd even on a Fashion Week

February 14, 2011 By Caleb Galaraga Leave a Comment
[caption id="attachment_9827" align="alignleft" width="239" caption="Photo credit: The September Issue "][/caption]

Anna Wintour, known as the single most important figure in fashion went unrecognized at the first night of fashion week. Last Thursday evening, The Vogue editor-in-chief, inspiration to the The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly, and star of The September Issue, was with her 23-year old daughter Bee Shaffer watching the Knick’s play hoops at the Madison Square Garden.

The crowd was far from her usual Prada-clad, Louis Vuitton-carrying, and Jimmy Choo-heeled brood and nor did the game begin only upon her arrival. Wintour, at one point, appeared on the Garden’s Jumbotron and was even ID’d on the screen, but the crowd didn’t seem to recognize the magazine icon. It was reported, however, that there was no negative reaction to her appearance on the giant billboard, unlike Justin Bieber’s which elicited boos.

Wintour was also with her daughter’s College Humor co-workers (Shaffer is assistant to the College Humor editor-in-chief, Ricky Van Veen) and was seen talking to Shaffer’s beau, Jake Hurwitz, and comedian Amir Blumenfeld.

<via Daily News>

The Design Wages on For the ToySLDR

December 23, 2010 By Christine Degyansky 2 Comments

Dennis is an up and coming designer from Brooklyn. A childhood love for drawing  led him to a career in graphic design, and Dennis has been creating urban-wear for eight years now. His line of clothing, “ToySLDR,” consists of hooded sweatshirts, casual sweaters, and t-shirts for men and women that can be purchased http://www.toysldrs.com.

Dennis thought long and hard about the name of his clothing-line. Then, after looking back to his childhood and remembering his favorite toys, he decided what better then to call it “ToySLDR” Because money was tight growing up in a single-parent household, he couldn’t always get the toys he wanted.  However, for just a dollar, Dennis often bought a large pack of 20 toy soldiers. He reflects “Of course I had hundreds.  So essentially even while having a little, I had a lot.”  He adds “couldn’t think of a better way to represent myself, other than a memory like that, serving as a constant reminder of where I started, ended up, and planned to go.”

While his childhood inspired the “ToySLDR” moniker, his hobbies and interests serve as inspiration for his pieces. For example, music plays a major role in his work.  “Some pieces were created from phrases or how I felt when hearing a certain song that inspired a visual.” For Denis, his mind is always at work, picking up ideas both big and small.   It is from these racing thoughts that he carefully chooses which one actually “works” when putting an idea down on canvas. Dennis says “A lot of my ideas seem great in my mind, but just don’t translate well when putting it out there.”

Animation also plays a major role in Dennis’s inspiration for his work, stemming from his enthusiasm for comics, old Karate movies, and video games.

The piece that speaks to Dennis the most is “The Dream” sweater, imprinted with the words “Dream, Create, Inspire.” Though “The Dream” is probably one of the simplest items, it is also the most vocal to Dennis, as it speaks on a personal level for him.  It’s a message that he wishes to share with others: “Not necessarily with just art, but whatever it is you do. No matter what dream you set yourself out to achieve, don’t just do it well. Be great. Be incredible at it, no matter what that ‘it’ is. So much so, it inspires those who see it to WANT to do the same. That’s what great art does for me. Seeing something so well done makes me want to do better.  It serves as an inspiration to dig a little deeper, push ideas a bit further.”  As inspiration comes to him from the outside world, he aims to  inspire his customers with his products..

Dennis’s hard work and dedication will help him reach his goals and overcome the challenges that he faces: “Slowly but surely, I’ll get to where I need [or] want to be. If it all came easy, there’s no satisfaction.” This process takes tremendous dedication, involving late nights in front of his computer to develop new ideas. But even with the computer off, Dennis is up late sketching in bed, doodling, or even thinking about how to improve a certain piece.  He wouldn’t have it any other way and just wishes there were more hours in a day for his art.

Despite the challenges that he faces, what Dennis finds rewarding is the growing amount of appreciation and support for his work as both a designer and an artist. He further adds “It’s as if all those late nights and all day brainstorming ideas is worth it, because somewhere out there, there’s people who support what you do. I can’t stress enough how humbling a feeling it is to know that people are using their hard earned money on something you created.  He feels much gratitude for this experience and adds “The day I bump into someone wearing a piece, I’d probably stop them and ask to take a picture with me!”

Ultimately, Dennis would love to pursue his art as a fulltime career, instead of it being a something he does on the side. In the next two to three years, he would love to see ToySLDR be as it is now, but on a larger scale.  His goal is to reach the point where ToySLDR is on the list of common brand name street-wear. He would love to open up a flagship store here in the city while expanding to shops outside New York. And hopefully, someday Dennis will have the opportunity to work with the designers whose work he respects most. He mentions his wish to create alongside Nick Tershay or Nick Diamond from Diamond and Co., or to collaborate with Bobby Kim or Ben Shenassafar of “The Hundreds.”  He concludes “It’s not limited to just them however; I’m always willing to trade ideas with creative people to build something.”

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The Streets of NY: The People and The Fashion

November 10, 2010 By Emily Marucci Leave a Comment
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Here is a look at what is going on right now on the streets of New York when it comes to fashion.  As a street style blogger, I approached people who said New York influenced their personal fashion style.  The city is home to over 1,000 showrooms and couture houses, hundreds of the best designers in the world show their work here and the Fashion District, one of the fashion capitals of the world, is located in the heart of Manhattan; it is no wonder why NY residents find themselves embodying the latest trends in fashion, it is all around them!

Pairing slouchy trousers with flirty tops, casually carrying a chanel purse around, jean shirts, fur vests, fringe pocketbooks, cloth ties, suede lace up mens shoes… these are just a few hints of what people are wearing in the streets of New York.

Many more editions of fashion from the streets to come!

(Special thanks to Studentstylenyc.blogspot.com/ for contributing)

Review: Project Runway Season 8 Flat Finale

October 29, 2010 By Ashley Nuñez Leave a Comment
[caption id="attachment_5876" align="alignright" width="213" caption="From Mondo's Collection - Photo Courtesy of allprojectrunway.blogspot.com"][/caption]

Hip Hip or not! Despite Mondo Guerra being the fan favorite, Gretchen Jones was declared the winner on last night’s season eight finale of Project Runway. Many Mondo fans are crying robbery, but even the finale, as a two-hour whole, was a disappointment.

The show started off with a mini season eight reunion, which was really a chance for producers to recap the journey of the finalists while allowing eliminated competitors to chime in. It seemed entirely out of place. This is the second part of the finale and they open up with a season reunion? The winner hasn’t even been declared yet! And so the winding maze of haze and confusion starts.

In finales, there is usually a build-up, a great anticipation, the type of edge-of-your-seat drama that sends you screaming at the start of every commercial break because you need more. This season finale was like being on a sailboat without wind. I was left rocking with the waves and going nowhere. The process of selecting models, the model fittings, and the final alterations were all kept out. Instead, there was an emotional emphasis focusing on the journey, the lessons learned, and the dreams soon to be dashed (or for Gretchen granted) that was horribly repetitive throughout the show.

In Episode 10, where Andy South was almost eliminated for his horrible print creation and design, Michael Kors stated that fashion isn’t for sissies. Well if it isn’t, the sappy season finale editors sure didn’t take note.

The Runway Show:

[caption id="attachment_5898" align="alignright" width="213" caption="From Andy's Collection - Photo Courtesy of allprojectrunway.blogspot.com"][/caption]

Now, I never was a Gretchen fan. I’m unsure if the process humbled her or if she was just running on fumes at the end but her collection was very Gretchen. The color palette she chose was very earthy, and although her choice of patterns ran very similar to one another, she styled her girls perfectly. The hat hair look, with and without the hats, made the girls looked effortlessly dreamy. Even her choice of music was spot on for her Running with Thunder theme.

Poor Andy South never had a chance. I thought his first look, the one-piece Capris with the green bolero, was precious. I wish the model would have either opened it up or taken it off to really see the garment underneath. I admire what he was trying to do his headpieces, but the shooting stars he subjected his models to wear would have been better paired with a nymph fairy or celestial goddess collection. Concerned that he would go Warrior Bitch with his collection, Andy took a turn, and perhaps, as Michael Kors said, he turned the wheel too far. As a result, I lost what I loved so much about Andy. The green against the grey was luxurious, but my eyes felt cheated. I was left with styles and colors that made the collection forgettable.

Mondo Guerra, my miniature Mexican favorite, stepped back from his bright colors yet still executed a collection that was best described by Michael Kors as “Molto Mondo.” The crosses and skulls weren’t over bearing, and still he managed to balance color with design. I wasn’t so keen on his choice of shoes, but his skill for mixing patterns was evident. For me, he was the only designer that put on a show.

[caption id="attachment_5882" align="alignright" width="213" caption="From Gretchen's Collection - Photo Courtesy of allprojectrunway.blogspot.com"][/caption]

What I wanted from the lackluster runway show was more drama. Drama built up more by the showcase of clothing and less by watching the contestants watching their collection. I wanted more feedback from prior contestants and those in attendance at Fashion Week about who they thought put on the best show and taking guesses on who would win. I wanted more behind-the-scenes drama, more anxiety, more feeling like I was there with a backstage pass. I was unable to fully immerse myself in each collection. Instead the show kept pulling me away, having the contestants talk over the music and showing snippets of each designer with Tim Gunn watching the show that I wanted to watch uninterrupted.

The Deliberation:

Whoever thought Jessica Simpson was a great choice as the guest judge for the finale should be fired. Her opinion had no more depth than the opinion of teenager who picks up vogue for the model on the cover. I thank Jessica for defending Mondo and his line, but really, what does Jessica know about fashion when she showed up looking like a square disco ball?

The judges’ decision process was divided as followed: two seconds on Andy, 20 minutes between Mondo and Gretchen. Michael Kors and Nina Garcia thought Gretchen to be fashion as it is now, but Heidi Klum and Jessica Simpson were adamant about Mondo’s colors and patterns. Garcia made the argument that both collections were editorial, but Mondo risks looking junior with his choice of bright colors.

[caption id="attachment_5879" align="alignright" width="214" caption="Project Runway Season 8 Winner Gretchen Jones - Photo Courtesy of allprojectrunway.blogspot.com"][/caption]

The base of the arguments all rested on two questions: “Where is fashion now, and where is it going next?” I think the tie-breaker was when Michael Kors pointed out to Heidi: “I think [Gretchen]’s selling you a dream. It’s just not your dream.”

So, congratulations to Gretchen Jones for being the winner of season eight. Mondo Guerra was my favorite throughout the season, and his clothes for his collection held up to my expectations, but I don’t feel like he was cheated.

Final Thoughts:

The flat finale was a bore. Michael Kors was correct to compare the decision of selecting a winner like deciding between salt and sugar. It really could have gone either way, as made overly apparent by the two versus two arguments. If the judging were expanded beyond the runway for Fashion Week, then Mondo would have been the clear winner. Strong in his design aesthetic and choosing to stick to what he knows, he never faltered and never fell into the bottom three.

It takes a bold girl to wear Mondo’s clothes with his choice of styling. She has to know who she is and feel confident in the statement his clothing makes. But knowing where Gretchen came from and the failing-marriage situation she was forced to make her collection under, it is unfair to say that she didn’t deserve to win.

Overall, the season wasn’t the strongest season in Project Runway history. The eerie pre-season commercials should have foreshadowed the disappointed feelings I have as a loyal viewer. Each challenge should have produced multiple showstoppers; instead more times than not the top three outfits were judged

[caption id="attachment_5891" align="alignright" width="213" caption="From Ivy Higa's Collection - Photo Courtesy of allprojectrunway.blogspot.com"][/caption]

just as harshly as the bottom three. This season left me with no desire to watch the next season, but my love and loyalty will make me a viewer once again.

One more thing: what was Lifetime thinking with those Project Runway Fairy Job Mother promo skits?

YNY Extra:

Did you know that ten contestants from Project Runway season eight showed at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week? Ivy got her chance and so did my old lady, flamenco dress-making Casanova. To see pictures from their runway collections and more, click here.

Lanvin to the Masses

October 11, 2010 By Ally Covino Leave a Comment

H&M announced this past month that they will be releasing a collaboration with the internationally renowned fashion house Lanvin. The men’s collection will be designed by Lucas Ossendrijver while the women’s line will be headed by Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz. H&M has worked with many high end, haute couture designers in the past creating gorgeous collections that allow everyone a chance to own a piece of art. Previous designers have included Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfield and many others. Fashion is a right and should never be treated as a privilege reserved only for the wealthy. H&M is doing there part to make luxury something that is available to everyone.

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Feature: 50′s Fashion Forwarded to the Future

October 11, 2010 By Ally Covino Leave a Comment

The new millennium has ushered in the age of retro chic. The past decade hasn’t defined itself through innovation but rather through evoking styles of the past. “Old” is now vintage and many high end consignment shops are giving new meaning to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This theme is also being reinforced by period television shows like Mad Men. They seem to be piercing through modern culture with their retro vibes and re-envisioning a world of fashion lost to the flower children of the 60s and 70s, the tattered grunge of the 80s and 90s and the blasé jean and t-shirt culture that so many have fallen victim to. No longer do men don three-piece suits that reveal glistening cuff links as they slip their jackets off. Women no longer celebrate their figures in dresses that cinch at the waist and fall mid calf, revealing only a slender ankle and a peep toe mary jane.

But, Mad Men is trying to bring the elegance of its era back, influencing not just individuals but the fashion industry as a whole. The 50s was a major theme at this year’s New York Fashion Week. From Oscar de la Renta’s clean, lady-like silhouettes, knee-length floral cut out pencil skirts and classy cardigans to Caroline Herrera’s form fitting dresses a la Joan Holloway, designers are asserting their editorialized visions of an era gone by and bringing elegance back to the runway.

Feature: Top 10 Must-Haves for Fall and Winter

September 28, 2010 By Emily Marucci 2 Comments

Top 10 Must-Haves for Fall and Winter

1.  Statement necklaces

Turn an outfit into a fashion statement! A chunky, bold necklace can be an inexpensive way to bring runway style to your every day wardrobe.

2.  Military

This fall is all about the utilitarian trend.  Infantry-inspired jackets and cargo pants are the perfect pieces to contribute to an outfit. For the “military chic” look, it’s best to rock it on top or on the bottom and then pair it with a feminine piece to add contrast.

3.  Capes

Without a doubt, capes are this year’s most sought-after outerwear.  The look was seen all over the runways from Prada to Wang.  Since this look is baggier on top, it looks chic when you pair it with skinny jeans or leggings.

4.  Over-the-knee boots

A look for the brave. This traffic-stopping look is aggressively chic and was all over the runways this year. The look is bold and has an inherent sexiness, so it’s best to wear it with more modest pieces.

5.  Wide-leg trouser

Ladies all around are happy this look is coming back! Flare legged jeans and trousers add light to an outfit.  Not to mention it allows comfort when dressing up or dressing down.

6.  Leather skirt

It’s essential to introduce leather skirts into your wardrobe.  It’s the perfect way to conquer the rocker look: femininity with a side of tough girl.

7.  Animal print accessories

Best for clutches, shoes or bags, this trend adds a little something to your outfit.

8.  Leather jacket

Nothing says fall like a soft leather jacket. Wear it over a graphic tee, a white v-neck, or add a rock and roll feel by adding it to a gauzy soft dress!

9.  Thigh high knee socks

Great for the cooler weather, thigh high socks are one of this year’s most wearable styles.  They look fab with almost everything: flats, skirts, shorts, dressers.  And they can easily transition from fall to winter.

10.  Nail polish: beige

Beige nails are a perfectly simple compliment to an outfit.  This year’s most talked about nail polish “All Hail McQueen,” by Butter London, honors the late and great designer Alexander Mcqueen. It’s a neutral nude with tiny sparkles and can be found online for $14.00.

If you loved our Top 10 Must-Haves for Fall and Winter, check out our Spring closet must haves.

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