WEAR NOW BUY NOW

WEAR NOW INSPIRATION: Yoryu pleated chiffon skirts and dresses, tulle mounted fox furs, ballet style draping, and just the right amount of coral in the occasional dress, lip color, and grosgrain wrap Louboutins. Uptown classic meets downtown cool in Gilles Mendel’s magically light, ethereal, and painfully chic Spring 2011 collection. I have always loved Mendel’s collections, so much so that when the day comes he would be my top pick for wedding gown, but in the mean time I look to each collection for styling inspiration, especially when it comes to color, with every new season or special occasion.

BUY NOW: Parker draped front blouse, Lanvin Grosgrain espadrilles, Haute Hippie romper, Sandro pleated chiffon maxi, Alice and Olivia faux fur vest, Nars palette, Diane von Furstenberg Flyma draped wrap dress

Lighten Up

Torrey Pines & Proenza Schouler

Art and nature go hand in hand, so it’s never a surprise to me when I am strongly reminded of a favorite fashion collection while in Mother Nature’s presence. This week it happened to be when hiking in The La Jolla Mt. Reserve. All I could think was Proenza Schouler S/S 11. The combination of watercolored beach, dry cactus, sandy wood lined trail, and luscious flora screamed Schouler Spring Runway. 

Hyper Color

It has been a long time since we have seen color like this on the runway. The combination of wild saturated colors looks almost as if designers this year took out a crayon box, threw it against a wall of sketches and called it a day. Many designers incorporated color ranges in their S/S 11 shows that I have never seen before. Alexandre Herchcovitch showed a color palette so bright that his runway models had to wear sunglasses down the catwalk. The normally neutral Haider Ackermann incorporated vivid blues and intense reds with his usual blacks. Will hyper color stick around for seasons to come, or will it be a repeat of the neon fiasco of 2009?

Crochet and Cutouts

Geometrical cut outs, slashing, and interesting needlework are all hot new mini trends for 2011. Featured in S/S as well as Pre-Fall 2011 Runway shows. Designers like Emilio Pucci, Matthew Williamson, and Christian Dior are embracing the playfully bold look in creative new ways. The flattering new neckline is sure to make it mainstream in the near future. The look highlights the collarbone and adds a fantastic interesting edge to any simple garment.

Hot New Trend for 2011: The Floppy Hat

The Brigitte Bardot-esk seventies floppy hat is back again! A retro inspired Spring/Summer welcomes the timeless classic with open bangle clad arms. Spotted in Elle, Marie Claire, Bazaar, Louis Vuitton Ads, and countless runway shows, these oversized sun hats are a seasonal must have. A dark designer shade and floppy hat combo is ALWAYS glamorous. Pair it with nude polish, orange glossed lips, and a low chingnon bun or braid, and you’re ready to hit any swanky retreat in the world.