Fashion Blog » Designer Inspired

Draped silhouettes are a classic trend that has transcended through time. The grecian inspired garment is a modernized remake of the toga. Draping is a great way to create illusion to a womans body to hide some unwanted imperfections. In the September Issue of Instyle Magazine, they gave some great examples to take the inspiration from runway to real life. Below are some great alternatives for less.

Ponte Wrap Skirt: $29.90

Knit Drape Skirt: $28.90

Delphine Strapless Dress: $24.80

Leiko Bow Skirt: $39.90

Photo Credit: Instyle Magazine/September

Shop for more draped dresses at Smarter.com.

It really seems like Victoria Bekham’s got it all. Her new designs for Spring 2010 are really fitting of her simple, yet chic and classy persona. Her dresses are all very clean cut, and symmetric. I notice that a lot of tabloids and magazines still refer to her as “Posh” –even decades after the notorious Spice Girls movie. It’s been decades–I think it’s time to move on. Even though the word “posh” would be a very fitting description of her designs, her new collection is far from the 90’s girl band fashion trend. Here are some of her designs for the Spring 2010 collection:

I had heard that Justin Timberlake was planning on having a design hand in a runway collection that would debut at NY Fashion Week, but it seemed like that was mentioned forever ago.  I guess all the time in between the saying and doing was great opportunity to perfect the collection that premiered last September.  William Rast–designed by Trace Ayala and Timberlake (longtime friends), who also collaborated with design duo Johan and Marcella Lindeberg.  The line has debuted two collections, one Spring, one Fall.  Both have gotten great reviews by critics and editors.  The look?  The fashionable country girl that’s come to the big city and is bold enough to rock fringe and plaids.  Tomboyish, dangerous and sexy is the concept.  And it works well with the actual designs, which consist of a lot of soft leather, denim, and soft cotton.  I really like the overall look and theme of everything, I can understand the look and idea they are going with.  The best part is that these designs are totally wearable, although I was trying to think of what they remind me of and Diesel popped into my head.  I think perhaps it’s all of the denim, leather and some of white fur trim on some of the looks.

A few months ago, right before I left a second hand store I was working at for a short time, I made one last purchase just to make sure I had gotten my fill of all the obscure clothing I could ever want.  In that bunch of items, which included a black cardigan sweater, and vintage head scarf–I had picked up a white t-shirt with an interesting black, geometric design on the front.  William Rast, was on the tag and I thought I had heard of this designer before, but was unsure.  Perhaps I had seen it somewhere months ago in Nylon Magazine.  Low and behold, I see the same t-shirt on a runway model (the one in this post) while researching new designers.  Awesome!  I only paid $12 for that shirt and its on a fall runway.  I will say that the cotton is super soft and the fit is great, BUT the black geometric design–that I would say was roughly modeled after an American flag–has already begun to fade.  It’s ok, tomboy’s wear faded clothes don’t they?

Image Source: Style.com

Max Azria, the designer behind BCBG, has been doing his own singular creations for a while now. Although much simpler and basic, much of Azria’s eponymous designs are reminiscent of the BCBG “look” that you will find on the racks on runways.  I like both but if I was forced to choose would probably opt for Azria and his designs.  The style in which he designs is just a bit more straightforward and grown up, feminine but not overly girly.  Below are my three favorite looks from his Resort 2009 Collection…

In this collection, Azria was inspired by the needs of one of his design staffers who had recently gotten married and was preparing for her honeymoon on a remote island which was only allowing her to take a single suitcase that weighed 20 pounds.  So Azria followed with featherlight silk and and separates in muted solids and in this grayish watercolor print. There were long dresses with floor dusting hemlines as well as plunging necklines. These items all seemed perfect for any honeymoon…gauze dresses

Monrow Stencil Knit Racerback Dress $187

This dress would fold up nicely in any suitcase without probably getting to wrinkled…

Sam Edelman Greco Sandal: $89.95

I love the mustard yellow leather on these gladiator sandals, these would work well with the dress.

Delicately layered necklaces like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Double Strand Petal Necklace ($44) always compliment long dresses.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more racerback dresses and long dresses.
Discounts on women’s sandals and layered necklaces.

Missoni definitely knows how to do a Resort collection right.  The 2009 collection was full of great looks that make me want to go to an expensive champagne brunch in South Beach, Florida…or the Hamptons perhaps?  Well tailored, rich looking box coats, floral shift dresses, and crisp trousers in several different bold colors were the staple items in the collection. Here are a few of my favorite looks…

These girls look great!  The looks are chic, and well put together.  The bright color palette of pinks, teals and blues pop.  The colors are completely refreshing for a new season.  I love the idea of the teal trousers.  Missoni also did the trousers in khaki and a dark burgundy color complimented with one-shouldered tunics.  There was really only one look that had the signature zig zag print, something that’s been the Missoni trademark for years and always graced the designs on the runway.  But, just because the zig zags were missing definitely doesn’t mean the collection lacked anything.  If I were traveling to the South of France for the summer, I would pack all of it away in my expensive trunk and set sail.
Until then, I’ll hunt around for some like-minded looks and be sure not to wrinkle them as I pack it all away in my inexpensive red duffle bag.

These Joie Linen Pants ($198) aren’t quite as tailored as the Missoni trousers, but I chose them because nothing screams resort wear more than a pair of white linen pants.  These will always look great with a tank, or bold colored blouse.

The Brightened Deep Blouse ($148) has a nice contrast of striking pink floral against a black backdrop, a lovely top to pair with the pants.

Diane Von Furstenburg always does great resort wear too.  The bright orange ethnic print on this Jersey Band Dress reminds me a little of the florals from the Missoni looks, but yet is a completely different cut.  I prefer tunics when they are flowy and free looking like this one.

Diane Von Furstenburg Jersey Band Dress: $425

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for Missoni clothing.
Discounts on  jersey dresses and white linen pants.

Image Source:  Style.com

Fall 2009 runways in New York, Milan, Paris and Japan saw more than their share of architectural lines, zebra stripes, sensuous waves, polka dots and bold shapes this year.  While all of these magnificent designs will look spectacular on tall willowy models, for most average women all shapes are not made equal, in more ways than one!

It is probably best to keep in mind the rules that we’ve already been told like vertical stripes are lengthening, strategically placed color blocking/shading tend to be figure flattering and tastefully done polka dots can add whimsicality when not overdone.  It never hurts of course to check yourself from all angles prior to purchase.  All said and done, geometry can be quite the eye catcher and a sure way to get attention if you like all eyes on you, just make sure it’s the right kind!  Check out some of these fresh geometry inspired fashions to ride this trend for summer:

BCBGMAXAZRIA Banded Tank Top: $108

Retro Polka-Dot Glamour Top: $34.99 on sale

Polka Dot Top: $29.99

Diane von Furstenberg ‘Julian’ Wrap Dress: $350

Caranday Dress: $178

Dauntless Dress: $178

Photos courtesy : NY Fashion Magazine-Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 09 New York

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more BCBGMAXAZRIA tank tops and polka dot clothing.
Discounts on Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses.

Scallop edges were big in this collection, an interesting design element that Hannah MacGibbon (the design brains behind Chloe) kept as a main thread in almost every look.  Beautiful pastel shades of apricot, yellow, chartreuse, blue, beige and green were a refreshing treat for the eyes, and an unmistakable nod to summer.  High waisted shorts, jumpsuits, billowy blouses and coats all adorned with scalloped edges dominated the runway.  Every look had me pumped for summer!  I loved every single one, but below are my favorites.

The thing I really like about Chloe is that the designs are truly feminine, yet not overdone into a super-girly mish mash of things.  These designs are clean, simple, yet incredibly chic.  It goes to show that working with a little bit of color can go a long way.  It’s going to be hard to resist buying and wearing a one-piece jumpsuit this summer.  The trend hit hard last summer and will return again this year.  I love them!  Onesies are so easy to wear and accessorize with.  I have learned that going one size up is definitely not a bad idea, though.  This will allow it to fit baggier and not so tight around the crotch and rear…unless of course that’s the look you’re going for.

This Silence and Noise Ruffle Front Onesie totally reminds me of the looks from Chloe.  A way more scaled down, inexpensive version of course, but the thought is there.

Silence and Noise Ruffle Front Onesie: $68

And although this Kimchi Blue Strapless Tie Front Onesie is floral, the shade of pastel aqua is fitting.

Kimchi Blue Strapless Tie Front Onesie: $58

Take note of the fact that neither wedges nor heels were really seen on this runway, instead models wore beautiful sandals that laced around the ankle.  These OTBT ‘Libia’ Sandals ($77.95) have tasseled ankle ties and come in this fun shade of canary yellow.

I thought that this Nanette Lepore ‘Oracle’ Jacket would look great over either one of these onesies.  The linen blend is nice and lightweight for summertime, and the elongated shape of the jacket gives a more casual feel.  Although the price tag is steep at $425 , getting the idea for which shape of jacket to choose is good.  This would also look totally great over a tank and shorts.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more OTBT sandals.
Discounts on Nanette Lepore clothing and Chloe clothing.

If zippers, boyfriend blazers and watercolor florals are big this spring…Rag & Bone nailed the trends in their Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection.  Designing for both men and women, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright focused on the basics like well-tailored skinny pants and blazers while keeping the looks very punk influenced with exposed zippers, leather jackets, studded cuffs and belts.

My favorite look here is probably the gal with the mustard yellow leather jacket on.  I love the combo of that with the striped boy polo and short shorts underneath.  This show didn’t get great reviews unfortunately, but I seemed to find a few looks that I thought looked pretty great.  Neville and Wainwright, the design partners behind Rag & Bone, are originally from England a birthplace of punk culture–something the two were obviously inspired by for this collection. The twosome also opened their first ever Rag & Bone store in New York City last September.

Finding skinny pants these days isn’t quite the challenge it used to be seeing how they are a dime a dozen now.  A new challenge that I’m sure most of you have presented yourselves with is going on hunts for the best washes and colors in skinnies.  Switching it up is the fun part!  Remember when crayola colored skinny jeans were all the rage last summer?  They’ll make another comeback this season, just in some other kind of new wash.  I personally always go for gray skinnies.  I feel like I can never have enough, and nothing is more punk than tight gray skinny jeans.  J Brand makes awesome denim. They don’t mess around when designing skinny jeans–J Brands fit super tight like jean leggings, but somehow don’t sacrifice comfort since there is a little lycra in them as well.

I like these 910 Low-Rise Skinny Leg Jeans in Platinum: $187

Yay! A cheap boyfriend blazer that’s actually called the Boyfriend Blazer by Necessary Objects ($58).  It comes in black and navy and has a striped lining for extra chicness when you cuff the sleeves.

Wear the blazer over this floral print tie strap chiffon top ($15.80).

Now, as much as I love punk rock and the style that follows, I think some studded belts are a bit cheesy. The pyramid belts have been incredibly overdone but I have managed to find a few that I think decent.  I would opt for layering a couple of skinny belts on top of another, each of then differing slightly. See below for my picks:

Deena & Ozzy Square Studded Belt: $32

Skinny Studded Belt: $20

Double Braided Skinny Belt $38

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s belts and chiffon tank tops.
Discounts on boyfriend blazers and women’s kinny jeans.

Image Source: Style.com

When I think of Marni, I like to recall a trip taken to Italy a few years back where I tracked down an enclave of high-end designer “outlets” located on the outskirts of Florence.  I had entered designer heaven, I’m talking Dolce & Gabbana bikinis, Prada bags, Pucci scarves…all under $100 bucks.  I, of course, snatched up a few goodies from the places I just mentioned, but it was at the Marni “outlet” that I found one of my favorite handbags of all time.  Words will not do it justice, but it was a butter soft leather rectangular clutch with oversized silver handles. It was a steal at $148 American dollars!  I still have it in its sweet little canvas dust bag, and on occasion of course I bring it out and let it dangle from my arm.  But what I love the most about it is that it screams Marni…the color and shape are an eclectic combination that just work.  And this is the element that embodies the attitude of the Italian fashion house.

The Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection is full of these combinations, and layering, layering, layering.  Shades of chartreuse, rust, reds and lavenders are seen throughout the collection with large, sheer dot textiles layered in between, on top, and on bottom.  There’s a lot going on in these runway looks, but it all somehow works without looking kooky.  It was tough choosing which ones I liked best, so below are my top three.

I absolutely love the first look…probably the most. The combination of muted earthtones and bright jeweltones is genius!  Sequins at the bottom?  Perfect.  The nude belt and dot strip in the middle balance everything out.

The second look is a perfect example of something to get an idea from and then re-create in your own variation.  Imagine the one-piece underneath wide leg pants or an a-line cotton skirt.

The last look makes great use of color and texture pairing white, orange and chunky necklaces.

My suggestion for achieving an outfit that is inspired by these looks is to aim for bright color that really pops, layer bright pieces with muted ones…and accessorize with belts, necklaces and maybe even some tights, thigh-highs, or knee-highs.

The Ecote Canvas Lace Booties below have a funky combination of patterns and I think go with the theme of this collection.  Plus they are probably really comfy. $28 UrbanOutfitters.com

Okay, so these are a bit scandalous…but spice things up a bit and wear them with tights!  Silence & Noise sequin shorts $14.99 UrbanOutfitters.com

Couture Couture by Juicy Couture Bead & Coin Necklace $268 Nordstrom.com

Geo Shapes Woven Tunic $15.80 forever21.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shoes and necklaces.
Discounts on women’s woven tunics and women’s tights.

As one of the other fabulous Smarter Fashion bloggers has already alerted you (check out Shoulder Pads are Back from the 80’s), the 80’s revival is back in full force, with the return of leggings, neon colors and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. But readers, it’s shoulder pads that really seem to have fashion tongues a-waggin’ on this blog and others.  Fashion pundits like Vogue’s Sarah Mower have noted the huge influence of the work of Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin.  So, let’s look at the trend from this angle.

This picture from the Balmain runway (fall 2009, Style.com) shows the elegant side and, let’s face it, the staying power of the new shoulder.  I actually see less of the 80’s linebacker influence in this relatively dainty and somewhat oddly shaped shoulder; I get more of a 30’s feeling here mixed with a touch of Tom Ford for YSL.  Because this shoulder is a bit more refined while still throwing off that power silhouette, it will be more wearable on more figures.  Remember the story about Joan Crawford wearing a strong shoulder to make her hips look narrower?  Still works.

Pictured below is my recommendation for a slightly more wearable version. Yes, it’s lacking the power of the couture version and is more a puff than a pad, but this really sharp little jacket from Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line can be yours for a tasty $199.99. The Balmain version will run you a tad more. Come on kids, power (shoulder) to the people!

Emma Sillk Jacket:  $295 Now: $199.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.
Discounts on Ralph Lauren clothing.