Backs 101

Bringing sexy back or is it bringing sexy backs into fashion?

Proenza Schouler seemed to think so for Fall 2013. With back cut outs on dresses and tops, it seems to be the new way to show skin on otherwise covered up fashion followers. 

Using new textures on previous sellers like the lunch bag, the boys know how to reinvent their products.

Proenza Schouler Fall 2013

Proenza Schouler Fall 2013

Have Street Style Looks Become The New Norm?

As Andre Leon Talley so famously quoted in the documentary, The September Issue, it's bleek street here in America. I must say that I concur.

Street style is something that so famously became the norm years ago. Other bloggers and photographers taking pictures of the show attendees and making the people going to the shows more famous than the actual show itself. 

I think we need to switch it up.

These days you can almost pin point what looks off the runway will fall onto the people outside, but since when has fashion become so predictable?
Isn't that the opposite of what is supposed to happen? 
Maybe that's the old school version of myself talking especially when I still await the next issue of Vogue, Elle or Marie Claire and still hope that a model appears on the cover rather than a celebrity promoting their next movie. 
Maybe this up and coming trend of designers not having an actual runway show will somehow diminish this predictability. 
Here's hoping....

Lessons in...Grunge

Back in 1992, Marc Jacobs caused quite the stir while showing his collection for Perry Ellis. With plaids, leathers and punk edge, the collection did get him fired from Perry Ellis and led him on his journey to his two namesake labels and one of the most watched shows, Louis Vuitton. 
Not since '92 has a fashion show caused the same kind of controversy in the same looks as Saint Laurent '13. Nothing but changes have occurred since Heidi Slimane took over the brand. Anywhere from changing the name of the label to actually moving the design studio to California, he has shaken up the brand and perhaps the customers. 
With the same plaid type shirts mixing with sheer stockings and short dresses, Heidi is once again reinventing the term 'grunge' and no doubt about it, will probably lead to even bigger things for the designer. 

Marc Jacobs Perry Ellis Collection '92

Heidi Slimane Saint Laurent Collection '13

When In Doubt- Black It Out

Now I am no stranger to an all black outfit. I actually get many comments about needing some color in my wardrobe but what's so wrong with all black?

For starters, anything goes with it. If you wear an all purple or all red outfit, depending on the actual pieces, it may look poorly put together but with black this rarely occurs.

Some misconceptions of black clothing are as follows:

1. No, I do not dress goth, not that there's anything wrong with that

2. No, it's not for religious reasons, not that there's anything wrong with that

Also, you can easily hide stains. I've recently discovered this with an all white blazer and how you basically should not move at all. Just sitting perched on a chair will suffice. Sorry all-back to the topic at hand.

Last but not least, black is probably the most chic color and I hate using the word chic. That's how chic it is.

So follow my lead ladies, put down that white, red or any other color outfit and put some black into it.

How Low Can You Go?

Once upon a time, probably two years ago, shoes were at their highest. By that I mean height. 
With celebrities like Lady GaGa and Nicki Minaj walking around in 7+ inch heels, everyone was drinking the cool aid. So this new discovery of lower heels, and the fact that they have been recurring over a couple of seasons, it seems as if the tides are starting to turn. The realism is setting in and people are starting to realize that longevity isn't necessarily a bad thing. 
Designers from Valentino to Miu Miu created their own unique versions of the kitten heel for Spring 2013. And we can't forget about Manolo Blahnik, who surely has a pair or two in his collections. 
So do what I'm doing and save up your pennies and cab fare and trade it in for some kitten heels. After all, what good are they to show off if they're stuck in a cab.

5 Finger Punch

There's usually one trend or piece that sweeps the runway and has everyone in it's path lusting after it. 

This season was the Balenciaga rings. 

Now with Nicolas Ghesquiere being famous for anything of luxury and trend right, there was no surprise that he came up with the smallest, yet one of the biggest trends for the season.

These gold rings came on every finger of models such as Liya Kebede and Tilda Lindstam. Some walked down with them stacked between the solid gold and open versions. Others just sported the open version for a less punk approach. In some cases, these rings went as far as completely transforming a quiet, reserved look into one of edge.

If you can find/afford these beautiful rings, I highly recommend them. 

Balenciaga Spring 2013

Fashion And Why It's The Worst Word In The Dictionary

Over the years that I have been interested in this billion dollar business of fashion, me however, never having any part of that money because I'm always shopping, I have come across some things that are stereotypical in our world.

1. Just because you are interested or work in fashion does not mean you are a snob. I have run into some people who automatically think this but they couldn't be further from the truth.

2. Just because I like fashion does not mean I am unable to have an intelligent conversation about anything else.

3. Just because I went to school for fashion does not mean I am dumb and unable to take "real" college classes.

4. Just because I do not typically shop at fast fashion retailers, also, does not make me a snob.

Even hearing myself tell people about this fashion blog, I feel the thoughts circling in their heads. It's time to stop the harsh thoughts of this word. Especially since everyone wears clothes and shoes and has ultimately been passed down from designer to discount store. So the next time someone has the word 'fashion' or anything about that world in a conversation, stop and take a step back at what you are really talking bad about. The answer will probably lead back to yourself.