Fashion Blog » Designer Inspired

For any of you who are back in school, it’s highly likely that you may be suffering from a classic case of back to school blues. But not to fret my friends, a good dose of fashion just might do the trick.

This week’s look is from Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2008 show. It was really the only thing that popped out at me from the collection, which consisted of some very masculine looks overall. I like the whole collared shirt under v-neck sweater thing for fall.

Although quite preppy, one can’t help but feel polished and pulled together when sporting such a style.

  Nic & Zoe “Dotty” Cardigan $119, Nordstrom.com

   Adidas by Stella McCartney knit golf sweater $180, Nordstrom.com

   The Oxford shirt by Gap $24.99, gap.com

   Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Marc’ scripted necklace $68.60, Bloomingdales.com

Our Heroine bootie by Seychelles $100, Piperlime.com

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Italian designed Malo is the opposite of bad this year. In fact, the collection was very, very good. Dark pewter and gunmetal jewels were infused in the collection’s cream, white and gray color palette. To the left are my two favorite looks.

I noticed inspiration taken from long, v-neck, button down sweaters…or as I like to call ‘grandpa’ sweaters, I found a couple at Uniqlo in NYC last fall and absolutely love them still. Just checked out a Barneys Co Op for the first time so I’m kind of hooked, the cotton tunic below is made from recycled cotton! So in the spirit of the grandpa sweater, Fall here we come!

Leroy & Perry by Lutz & Patmos for Barneys Green $109

Theory Ange Cardigan in Chartruese $345

Loomstate Shadow Stripe Cardigan $161

Vince Boyfriend Cardigan $325, all barneys.com

Nine West LoveNYC bootie $99 ninewest.com

Smokey Charm Necklace $49 bananarepublic.com

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So, as a storm was raging on back East this last week, New York Fashion Week did not subside. Dozens of designers have unleashed ready-to-wear collections, but alas…they are for next spring.  September is a funny leeway in between fall and the very end of summer. White season is officially over, but yet it is too warm to don sweaters and tights.

As somewhat of a rebellious girl, it’s tough to abide by such restrictive rules with fashion, particularly when you live in a rather warm climate. So instead, I like to pick and choose favorite looks that are intended for future seasons, i.e. Spring 2009, and get ideas from those to use for Fall. Band of Outsiders presented Boy with the lovely Kirsten Dunst as their spokes model.

Paper thin sweaters and pencil skirts hang on the indie princess’ slim figure, but rather than pointy toe stilettos on the feet, envision the looks below paired with some warm cognac leather boots, or a fringed scarf—an accessory that many a neck will bare this season. I can’t even imagine putting on a winter pea coat right now but slowly layering on top of light spring/summer pieces might just get me in the mood.

    Long Waffle Knit Cardigan $58, gap.com

J. Crew stretch vintage cord skirt $68, jcrew.com

Plaid fringe scarf $29.50 gap.com

      Frye Vicki Campus Boot in Cognac $398, thefryecompany.com

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There are times when a designer goes to ‘the other side’ and decides to design somewhat affordable clothing lines for major name retail corporations. Cynthia Rowley was one of the pioneers in this movement—she launched Swell-a pink, girly collection of home items- at Target stores several years ago.

Although Swell has since then been phased out, Rowley did pull yet another trick out of her sleeve– Whim, a collection of items geared for summer outdoor entertaining, clothing excluded. It’s obvious though that Rowley is certainly saving her design genius for her actual clothing collections. Her most recent is oh-so-pretty, she stuck to a soft blue and gray color palette—something very easy on the eyes. She even dabbled in the resurfacing tie dye look, a bit of a risk, but executed quite well.

     Aqua Women’s Ombre Halter Dress in heather gray $98, Bloomingdales.com

     Juicy Couture Faux Horn Cuff Bracelet $128, Nordstrom.com

 Jeffrey Campbell ‘Maze’ Sandal $99.95, Nordstrom.com

 Robert Rodriguez Black High Sheen Bouffon Shift Dress $184.99, bluefly.com

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Fashion Week is less than a month away…I’m counting down the days! It’ll be thrilling to finally get some new collections to take stock of and gain inspiration from. It’s 90 degrees here in sunny Los Angeles but I’m already dreaming of boots and sweaters. I combed through several Resort 2009 collections just to make sure none had slipped through the cracks when I stumbled across some Derek Lam creations.

And just so you know, trench coats aka “the trench,” which DL used a lot of in his Resort styles, become terribly trendy every spring, but I like trenches all year long.

They make for a perfect layering item and give you that Audrey Hepburn a la “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” look. Now what girl doesn’t want that, I ask?

Via Spiga Double Breasted Trench Coat in Khaki $73.90, Nordstrom.com

         Iola Cropped Cardigan in Tomato $165, anthropologie.com

Jersey Shirt Dress in Plymouth Rock $54, gap.com

Marc Jacobs Aviator Sunglasses $310, saksfifthavenue.com

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I’m at a crossroads with how I feel about fall approaching. If only summer’s were endless. Sigh. Anyhow, I found nothing inspiring on the runways this week and instead found colorful looks from summer music festivals far more appealing than darkish, bundled up, pale models. I even got some outfit ideas for my own upcoming, outdoor concert sprees, can’t wait! See below for some cuties from this year’s Lollapalooza…

Marie Tube Dress $27.80, forever21.com

Sweat Heart Sunglasses $16.00, urbanoutfitters.com

New York Dolls t-shirt $20.99, rocktshirtspunk.com

Matiko Ivy Sandal $48.60, 6pm.com

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So, I’ve always been a fan of Stella McCartney—she’s definitely mastered that effortless cool, which earned her the British Designer of the Year Award last year, and I love the way she’s always maintained that underground, slightly rock ‘n roll, hip girl look in each of her collections.

Stella celebrated her Resort 2009 collection this past June in a garden party sort of fashion, debuting in NYC’s Jefferson Market Garden in the West Village. The collection is yummy!

If your going to do the flower in your hair, always opt for fresh ones, pink carnations are not only cheap but a total retro throwback…love it!         

   Silence & Noise Ivory Silk Tux Tunic $68, urbanoutfitters.com

   Marc by Marc Jacobs Mini Pinstripe Shorts $93.90, saksfifthavenue.com

Adam single button wool blazer $186.99, bluefly.com

  BCBGirls ‘Cherie’ Bootie in Barley Water $84.90, Nordstrom.com

     Pink carnation: $1-2, Your local florist

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CD’s recent resort collection was a sight for sore eyes this year. John Galliano whipped up a bright, happy palette, sending his gals down the runway in corals, sunny yellows, pinks, and lime greens.

I’m a sucker for everything retro and this collection is what I like to think of as a Palm Springs dream in the swingin’ 60’s.

I found tons of cute stuff on Topshop.com that reminded me of the gloriously bold Dior looks, but everything is in pounds, so it’s a little pricier…definitely a well-kept secret though.

Floral One Shoulder Playsuit: approximately $120, topshop.com

    Castaner Peeptoe Slingback Espadrilles: $79.90, saksfifthavenue.com

Multi-Colored Geometric Necklace: $23.99,

Nars nail polish in Schlap: $18, narscosmetics.com

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This week’s look comes to us from the Akris Resort 2009 collection. If you have a moment, definitely check out the entire line, it is stunning.

There are some really sleek and classy cocktail dresses that have sheer organza neck and hemlines, but this dress was one of my favorites. I loved the pleated skirt, and the drapey, sheer colored fabric that was used. This look could be imitated with a vintage slip and low-slung belt, but it is very reminiscent of an Ella Moss dress as well.

Moss is known for her super-soft jersey designs that hang comfortably and delicately on the body, a perfect throw-on when everything else is feeling too tight or sticky.
                   

   Ella Moss Layla Tiered Dress in Ink, $155 revolveclothing.com

             
              Plaid Gauze Square Scarf, $20 urbanoutfitters.com
             

Jeffrey Cambell ‘Maya’ Sandal, $96.95 nordstrom.com

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Aside from the bony, angry-looking model…I love this Nina Ricci Resort 2009 look.

This look is achievable in every which way, the floral chemise will probably be the easiest to find, and I love the matching shoes and skinny belt in burnt orange. My work and I will soon be migrating to a swanky new office in a bourgeois part of town, and I’ve been struggling with the question: what’s appropriate to wear?

My wardrobe has undergone so many drastic changes in the past few years, but “office wear” was never of importance to me; this is because it can be challenging (for me at least) finding professional work clothes that aren’t drab and predictable.

This look my friends is exactly what I’ve been imagining, something simple yet feminine, stylish but not overdone.

Layfayette 148 New York Essential Bootcut Wool Trousers: $198 - Nordstrom.com

H81 Woven Floral Cami: $14.90 - Forever21.com

Juicy Couture ‘Vintage Estate’ Chain Bracelet: $128 - Nordstrom.com

Seychelles ‘Jive Turkey Nutmeg’ shoes in Nut: $90 - Seychellesfootwear.com

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