a winning combination

 

There's something about mixing textures that just screams "Fall," and there is no better combination than tweed and leather. A classic tweed jacket worn with a tweed jacket is the perfect outfit for Autumn. The ladylike blazer is juxtaposed by the edginess of the pants. The look can be worn with a basic top, to let the pieces speak for themselves. However, throwing in an extra element, like a chambray, or a neon, makes the whole outfit even more luxe. Pointed shoes elongate the leg, and oversized jewelry plays off of the "lady who brunches, not lunches" vibe.

Images via Pinterest

to see her is to take a sudden chill

Let me start by saying, I loved Ralph Lauren's Fall 2012 collection. It was majorly androgynous and had a great 1920s vibe, combining the English look of the Downton Abbey era with F. Scott Fitzgerald's roaring twenties style. It was full of rich fabrics, sophisticated ways of mixing prints (OBSESSED with the leopard with old school plaids) and classic, dark earthy tones, punctuated with reds and fuchsia.

Now, I feel weird about saying this, but when I was looking at the gorgeous pictures, my first thought was that it seemed like a high fashion, real-life version of 101 Dalmatians! It's well established that Cruella de Vil is a major style icon, but I never realized how sharp Anita dressed, too! She was killing it with the tweed, those gorgeous hats and check out her hipster glasses and those booties! Roger wasn't too shabby either. He was the epitome of manly sophistication with his man scarf, vests and pipes, and his collection of hats rivals his wife's. Obviously, Cruella was the scene stealer. Her figure flattering black gown is right off of Ralph Lauren's runway, and the fur hat and purse are to die for. Not to mention, those red leather gloves were all the rage at J. Crew's show.

What do you think? Is 101 Dalmatians the trendiest movie of 2012 or what? Was Mr. Lauren inspired by the classic British look with both feminine and masculine details of Roger and Anita and the luxurious, fur-and-leather-loving Cruella?  Even the dogs are style icons! Animal prints are hot everywhere, not just Ralph Lauren. Though spots weren't featured on this particular runway, the dog-inspired print has been a must-have item for a while now.

Ralph Lauren images via FabSugar.com

jenna's j. crew

How great is it that J. Crew has become a staple of Fashion Week? Very cool to see the development of a brand. Not to mention, the chain store's styling is some of the best in the game! It doesn't hurt that the look seems to be emulating Jenna Lyons a little more each season.

J. Crew's newest collection showcased major mixing and matching: tweed on stripes on chambray on jacquard, fair isle on satin and python, chevron on animal print, tweed on polka dots on plaid, bright pink with tomato red, tonal pinks and greens. The rest of the styling is also spot on, from the gloves and clutches, to the layering of jackets and blouses. The shoes are in collaboration with Manolo Blahnik and are absolute perfection. They continued the textural richness with tweeds, sequins, suedes and metallics and all perfectly contrasted with their corresponding outfits.

I basically want the entire collection, but I do have some favorites. The pink, sequin a-line skirt needs to be in my closet now. Same with the fitted fur jacket and the cropped pants and chevron top that it was paired with. I'm dying for the teal, animal print jacquard pants and the hairy, striped skirt worn with the top with the thinner stripes. I love all the accessories, especially the python cross body bag but I'm absolutely dying for the animal print one worn with the tan toggle coat. I can't pick my favorite pair of shoes, so don't even ask!

Images via Refinery29.com

getting going on the golden globes

Awards Season is almost upon us and I couldn't be more excited. I love seeing what everyone is wearing and giving my critiques, as if the stars or designers care are waiting for my analysis of their dresses.

In addition to these dresses, I would love to see some of the above pre-fall 2012 dresses on the red carpet.I think they're all beautiful, and not too risky, but definitely not the predictable choices.

All the dresses have an element of freshness and fun, balanced out with other classic aspects. Whether it be bright colors and a simple silhouette, or daring cuts or detailing in a very dark shade, each dress perfectly combines old-fashioned beauty with more modern trends.

christmas special

Another pre-fall 2012 collection. And guess what? I still have some more I want to talk about! Ah! I'll try to spread them out so nobody gets sick of them.

I thought this one was appropriate for today. It's Carlos Miele's collection of mostly gowns. While there are some in there that I wasn't really crazy about, a few of the dresses were to die for. They're festive and elegant but with girly shapes.

I really hope we see these four dresses on the red carpet soon. I could see so many celebrities in these designs, from Lea Michele and Anne Hathaway to Nicole Kidman and Gwenyth Paltrow.

Images via Style.com

it's an honor

 

I know I just did a post about another pre-Fall 2012 line, but I couldn't resist talking about this one. Honor is a label I'm not that familiar with. They have a beautiful Spring 2012 line, but their pre-Fall 2012 collection is putting them at the top of my list of favorite designers.

The clothes are very feminine. Every single look has a cinched waist. Even the outfits with blazers thrown on top draw attention to the cinched waist underneath with the interesting collar hitting at the smallest part of the abdomen. With the beautiful coats and ladylike dresses, I can see Kate Middleton wearing some version of almost every look that was presented. The collection keeps from being to stuffy with bright pops of color, short hemlines and wilder prints.

I had enough trouble narrowing down which looks to showcase, there's no way I could pick a favorite. I'm fantasizing about the equestrian printed dress as much as the bright pink trousers

 Images via Fashionista.com