VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Carrie Bradshaw has played a major role in fashion ever since she donned that adorable pink tutu dress on Sex and the City in the very first episode. From her over-sized flower dresses to her sophisticated Manolo Blahniks, this girl knew how to shake up New York City with her undeniably exquisite fashion sense. Take a look at these 5 memorable outfits that inspire the "Carrie" in all of us!
TRIBAL Exotic colors and graphically defined prints infuse tribal inspired designs that commanded attention on the runways. Sass & Bide achieved the look with ethnic beading in bright mosaics on structured tops paired with subdued skirts in contrasting draped silhouettes and solid saturated hues. More is more at Holly Fulton where varying tribal prints in the same monochromatic color combinations pair perfectly and fringe details also bring to mind global textile influence. Burberry Prorsum gives us literal tribal embellishment with geometrical shaped wooden beads adorning necklines and collars. Looks are finished with Far East footwear; braided raffia wrapped wedges with beaded strings draped around the ankles. Spring’s tribal trend is easily interpreted and you may find yourself moving away from the printed textiles (of previous seasons) to the tangible beadwork, which may even inspire you to handcraft a few DIY custom looks.
The phenomenon of mixing insanely expensive designer pieces with label-less bargain duds began when Sharon Stone appeared on the red carpet of the 1996 Oscars wearing a Valentino skirt paired with a plain black t-shirt from the Gap. It's been fifteen years (105 in fashion years) since the birth of the High/Low craze, yet it is still going strong. Quickly evolving from a trend to a necessity, High/Low fashion has come to mean that mixing a $3 tank top with a $300 skirt is more than acceptable. In fact, it's highly encouraged. Celebs and commoners alike are balancing their wardrobes with high-end designer pieces and cheap-o trendy clothes and accessories.
With sand at our feet and sexy clothes on the runway, the opening night of Funkshion Fashion Week can only be described as so Miami. We've already gushed about the seriously scandalous styles that were showcased, but the second night in the tent was a complete 360. Yes, the sand was still there (yes, we still wore stilettos), but Funkshion all but transported us to Italy with its swoon worthy sax player that opened the show; Italian spouting host; and live performances that we could only smile and bob our heads to because we had no idea what the artists were saying. The biggest switch, of course, was from the trendy all-American collection debuts of the previous night to the impeccable designs of Roberto Cavalli, Blumarine, and Stella McCartney, among others.
Look at a businessman- any businessman. He looks poised, polished, and professional, but what exactly gives him this look? It’s his tie- the most widely-used accessory in a man’s closet! Just like accessories for women, the tie pulls together the entire outfit.
The menswear-for-women look has come and gone countless times, but in my opinion, it’s always chic! If done right, of course. The best way to recreate any look is to “borrow” the key pieces and adapt them to the style of the wearer. If you haven’t guessed already, the tie is the focal point of the menswear style. Before a woman can adopt the style, she has to feminize it! And what better way than a tie-front blouse? Here are my top 5 designer picks for Spring:
I first fell in love with Vivienne Westwood after sneaking into the R-rated Sex and the City at the age of 16, and then rushing home to find the name of the beyond brilliant designer who created the magnificant dress that Carrie Bradshaw was destined to be wed in (although in the end, she wore a no-name "sweet little suit"). I soon discovered that the name of this designer was Vivienne Westwood, and I decided that I was destined to wear the Carrie dress as well.
Still awaiting that day, I discovered that on Melrose Avenue, there is now a sign up for Shay Todd, Vivienne Westwood's new boutique that is going to feature high-end swimwear, as well as other trendy, high-priced beach apparel.
Nary is there a better excuse to dress to the nines than New Year's Eve. It’s the last night of the old year and were it a good or bad one, it should be sent off in style. What better way to do so than by focusing on the linchpin of any great outfit- shoes. This year, forgo the gold lamé and sequins for the classic, little black dress and pair of shoes that are sleek, sexy and sky high.
Since not all of us have have the pocketbooks for a pair of Louboutin’s or Anastase’s, we can turn our attention to these equally sexy and much more affordable styles.
Get high fashion inspiration from Alchemist: the elite boutique and the hottest newcomer of the Lincoln Road strip. Located in the artfully designed, west end parking garage, owners Roman and Ericka feature top brands (for men and women), like Dior Homme, Givenchy, Rick Owens, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander Wang, Jil Sander and high-prized vintage Chanel jewelry. The ultra luxury store has a very sleek, minimalist layout with the couture as the main attraction. Overlooking the Miami Beach skyline, this glass covered space actually sits inside the car park on the fifth floor; a natural glow shines through and onto the latest featured collection, turning fashion into a modern, cubist, light installation-- day or night. Be ready to drop your credit card at the door and indulge in a look that will convert anyone from passé to wildly chic. Just make sure to save some cash for the parking on your way out.
Want to shop ‘til you drop this weekend? Check out these great sales!
STARTING TOMORROW
- All spring/summer clothing, shoes, and accessories are discounted at Zara's semiannual sale. Through 7/31. Various hours and locations.
- Hand-knit sweaters by Ideeen start at $10. Risto dresses start at $50 and tops start at $40. Sale ends 6/26. 325 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Ste. 401; F (11-8), S (10-7).
- Merchandise from Gryphon, Deviated, Gar-de, Lulu Frost, and more is 40 to 80 percent off at Sucre. The Gryphon sequin skirts are $207 (originally $345), Deviated necklaces are $138 (originally $275), and Margarita Sapala dresses are $155 (originally $310). Sale ends 6/28. 357 Bleecker St., nr. Charles St. (212-352-1640); F-S (11-8), Su (noon-7), M (11-7).
- Graphic-print tees, tanks, crop tops and dresses are discounted at the Mary Meyer pop-up shop. Sale ends 6/27. Beside Shoe Market, 160 N. 6th St., nr. Bedford Ave.; S-Su (noon-7).
EM & Co.
7940 W. 3rd Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-8155
www.emandco.com
Em & Co is one of the most eclectic boutiques I have ever been to. Upon entering, there are cases on each side of shoes and jewelry presented in what feels like small nooks, surrounded by walls of clothing racks. Each designer carried in the store is a local type of designer and can range from business wear with an edge, or sophisticated and classy "going-out" clothing. Many of the items are adaptable from work to night, as Eveline, the owner said, "People are looking for versatility... and value." She has noticed that most people this season are definitely more price sensitive and looking a lot at dresses, probably for the versatility aspect, and that leggings are still definitely in!
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