chanel spring 2011

Ah, to be in Paris for fashion week. Chanel is no doubt on the top of everyone's list. Because like it or not, everyone has a Chanel design in their closet. No, maybe not a caviar 2.55 or a string of pearls with diamond encrusted interlocking Cs (or maybe you do; good on you!). But if you own a tweed jacket, a pair of two-toned ballet flats, anything jersey, boxy suits, A-line skirts, or a black dress, you can thank Coco Chanel for introducing it to the world...and your wardrobe.

Somewhere along the way, Coco's original idea of simplicity and practicality got lost in the translation. And it's actually okay! Karl Lagerfeld has modernized the classic design house and made pieces that an edgy girl who knows and appreciate labels can wear. As for the rest of us who don't have it in our budget: we can admire from afar and recreate to our best abilities.

Carmen Kass has made a huge comeback this season, appearing in several shows thus far. Another supermodel who was a huge icon in the '90s: Stella Tennant. The queen of androgynous beauty with a bone structure that could cut glass, Stella opened and closed the show proving once a supermodel, always a supermodel.

photos: style.com

zac posen spring 2011

For those of you who played dress-up as a child adorning yourself in feathers and furs, you're in for a treat. Zac Posen found the feather boas in your dress-up chest and decided to incorporate them into a collection of elegant, old school glamour. With ruby red lips and strappy black shoes, Zac's stunning designs are indeed for every woman.

With last fall being the return of the "curves", many designers are taking the cue from the Louis Vuitton  and utilizing the models who have been otherwise non-existant in runway shows. Hillary Rhoda returned to fashion week this season, and it's a wonder we've been able to get along without her. And, by the way, the people have spoken: more Crystal Renn! Zac seems to be one of the rare designers who believes in dressing for all body types, not just one.

The garnet, champagne, and black were gorgeous backdrops that only Zac could create. Newlywed Coco Rocha, whose wedding gown was designed by Zac, had one of my favorite looks with a fur stole and floor-skimming gown.


photos: style.com

fall accessories, part 1

(Top left to right): Celíne leopard lady bag, Balmain ankle boots. (Middle left to right): Chanel faux fur bag, Deena and Ozzy pony hair satchels, Chanel tweed and fur boot clogs. (Bottom left to right): Manolo Blahnik zebra kitten heels, Chanel tweed and fur chain bag. 

Tweeds, animal prints, furs, OH MY! Not so groundbreaking for fall, I agree, but it is the greatest season of all, and I love making collages that are fall-focused. Plus, I have been lusting after that leopard Celíne bag for FOREVER! Notice how the clogs are morphing into boots? Me too. They're really wonderful.

It's very comforting to know that the classics are always here to stay. They stand the test of time for a reason. But the ways in which people renew and reuse is always fresh and fascinating.