Fashion Blog » 2008 » January

I love to see the runway shots from a fashion show in chronological order because they usually get increasingly eye-boggling toward the end of the collection. A good example of that is the recent Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 08 Couture show, which started out pretty interesting, but soon moved into the realm of very interesting .

Here’s what I mean. The show started out with these pieces:

and then things got very oceanic, very sea creature….

I love it.  Let’s all get aquatic this Spring.

Source.

Still on my suede kick! And here comes Sondra Roberts to the rescue. I’m loving this compact Verona bag with its minimal stitching and tassel detail. The leather adds just the right contrast.

I’m always skeptical about small bags since I’m so used to lugging big ones around. I don’t know, though, this one entices me. It’s so simple.

Sondra Roberts Verona Suede Handbag with Tassels, $79.97 (old price= $200)

Would you ride a bike to work? What about a DKNY bike?

Neon orange bikes, like the one pictured above, will be sprinkled around New York City courtesy of DKNY next week. The company partnered up with the city’s Department of Transportation for this pro-environment campaign that aims to promote bike riding.

The non-gas guzzling modes of transportation will be chained up at bike stations in various city neighborhoods.

Source.

SheFinds tracks down the top 5 newest classic pieces that belong in every wardrobe.

The Beauty Brains talk about the science of stilettos: why women wear high heels.

StyleBakery.com went on the hunt for cheap, chic black sweaters.

Girlawhirl’sspring 08 fashion trend collagehelps her shop for the season!

And this week on Smarter Fashion Blog, we… 

Counted down the Top 5 Handbags on sale.

Shared hot deals on Nanette Lepore Keds and Paige Denim Hillhurst Wide Leg Jeans.

Discussed Best Costume Design Oscar Nominations then and now.

Couture! Couture! We showed you our favorites from the Armani Prive, Christian Dior, and Chanel shows.

I’m all about the wide leg denim, which is not only my most flattering cut, but is pretty much universally attractive. Plus, this silhouette is so easy to dress up or down, so I can’t get enough. Classy! That is why I’m taking advantage of the wide leg revolution, and stocking up for leaner times–who knows the next time this denim style will come around?

If you empathize with my affection for wide leg jeans, then you’ll be happy to know that these Paige Denim Hillhurst Wide-Leg is finally on sale at eLuxury.

Paige Denim Hillhurst Wide-Leg Jean, $139 (Old Price=$198)

The couture shows are like candy to me. I just sit back and wait to be dazzled, and I haven’t been disappointed by the Spring 08 runways. Angles, symmetry and volume seems to be an obsession of many designers this season, and nobody is holding back, especially where texture is concerned. Colorwise the pallets have run the gamut from muted at Chanel to vivid (an understatement) at Dior.

Here are some highlights of the Spring couture shows:

Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld plays with the classic Chanel jacket, mixing it with ballet flats and short angled skirts that remind of the 80s. Nylons also make a comeback in this ethereal collection.

Christian Dior

Leave it to John Galliano to do it up. The Dior catwalk was teaming with lusciously grandiose and billowing pieces. And, oh, was the 60s vibe was palpable.

Armani Privé.

It was all in the details for Giorgio Armani, who took a “more is better” attitude this season, working with lines, large floral add-ons, and sashes galore.

The Oscar nominations were announced today, and one of my favorite categories is, of course, Costume Design. This year there were so many amazingly dressed films, so it’ll be interesting to see who wins. I have my eye on La Vie en Rose and Elizabeth the Golden Age, but if my Oscar knowledge is worth its salt, I’d say it’s between Elizabeth and Sweeney Todd, which were more elaborate. The groovy 6os costumes of Across the Universe and Atonement’s 1940s garb also earned nominations.

Oscar loves a period piece.

Past winners have included:

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane

Cleopatra

Romeo & Juliet

Star Wars

Chicago

Memoirs of a Geisha

Marie Antoinette

I have to admit, I didn’t even know Nanette Lepore was designing Keds and today, to add delight to discovery, I found out they’re on sale. A nice alternative to the ubiquitous flip flop, these slip ons are cute and look day-of-walking worthy. And leave it to Lepore to add a subtle sequin. Yeah, I know, who else could make a sequin subtle? I would pair these reformed sneakers with a skirt or a dress in Spring for a casual, but not too casual look. Love them.

Nanette Lepore for Keds “Nanette Mini” Slip On, $39.99 (old price= $85)

It’s been a while since I did a top 5, but by popular demand I’ve got one for you today. The subject: handbags. It’s the end of the season, and stores are dying to get rid of last season’s must-haves. Why not help them out? You can find some of the chicest bags around in the sale section of almost every store right now.

Here are my faves:

La Gioe di Toscana “Sophia” Satchel, $299 (old price=$500)

I find this bag absolutely delicious! Imagine what you can do with it–it has brown and black in it! It’s also very structured with eye-popping details.

Nordstrom Animal Print Portfolio Clutch, $46.90 (old price= $158)

Generally speaking, animal prints are best in small doses. And isn’t this zebra print clutch the cutest small dose? An evening bag like this is a great way to add personality to a little black dress, and a just-wild-enough way to punch up an ensemble with color.

JCrew Panama Bag in Suede, $49 (old price= $98)

The color combination is what makes this classic bag so eye-catching and sumptuous. This is the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic outfit or perk up a dark ensemble. It also looks like it would work for day or night.

Michael by Michael Kors Chestertown Satchel, $149 (old price= $298)

Simple and chic. This is a great bag that’ll always be in season. The details are fantastic, and it falls into that special not-to-big-not-too-small category. I have a black patent leather bag, and it’s definitely earned it’s keep.

Urban Outfitters Leather Patchwork Slouch Bag, $54.99 (old price=$78)

Patchwork! It’s time to bring this style back. I think if I had this, it would become my permanent day bag–it’s so cool, calm and collected.

• SheFinds wonders why anyone would pay $100,000 to lengthen their legs when a great pair of heels costs so much less.

• Red velvet aromatherapy. It’s the best way to have your cake without having to cheat on your new years resolution.

• The Beauty Brains defuse the mystery of Fuse Slenderizing Lip Gloss.

• Find your perfect bra with StyleBakery.com’s wear-tested Ultimate Bra Guide.

• A Splendid amorette top is just what girlawhirl wants right now.

And this week on Smarter Fashion Blog, we…

Showed you Kate Bosworth’s new Calvin Klein Spring 08 ads.

Brought you two great deals: Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Ace of Spades’ dress and DKNY hobos.

Broke it to you about Isaac Mizrahi’s big move to Liz Claiborne.