Category Archives: Her Closet

Fashion Week, Day 4


In reviewing the runways from Day 4 here was some great real bursts of vibrant color and grounded by fall mainstays of muted greys and neutrals.  I also found a new love, Lela Rose.

Day 4: Victoria Beckham, Derek Lam, Timo Weiland, Alice Ritter, Lela Rose, VPL by Victoria Bartlett, Maison Martin Margiela, Preen, Simon Spurr, Malandrino,  DKNY, Yuna Yang, Tory Burch, Yoana Baraschi, Max Azria, Diane von Furstenberg, CYNTHIA STEFFE, Romas by Linda Rowe, Thakoon, Allison Parris, Bensoni, Cushie et Ochs, Custo Barcelona, Moncler Grenoble, Behnaz Sarafpour, Tommy Hilfiger, Katie Gallagher, Duro Olowu, Nomia, Zang Toi

I was never before a follower of Lela Rose, designer of Jenna Bush’ bridesmaids’ dresses, but that all changed in reviewing her Fall 2011 show.  It was everything I love about fall – sophisticated, glamorous, but grounded in comfort.  I love the pairing of a slim sweater with a gorgeous printed skirt, a wooly draped cocktail dress, a warm, aubergine evening gown and the plum lips on the models were fabulous, too.
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
Lela Rose
Another favorite fall trend was the pairing of bold colors within the same color family; sort of monotone 2.0.  Thakoon and DVF did a beautiful job of letting each color stand alone in its boldness.
Thakoon
Diane von Furstenberg
For fall traditionalists, one needs to look no further than Tory Burch and Victoria Beckham.  I liked Tory Burch’s play on the classic Chanel jacket with mixed media fabrics and the way that Beckham’s line continues to come into its own, with more grace and ease.
Tory Burch
Victoria Beckham

Fall Fashion Week, Day 3


Mark and I have been out of town and so therefore, away from the conveniences of home and more importantly I have only intermittently been able to keep up with Fashion Week to give you my favorites.  Fear not, I am going to bring you up to speed with the best of the best from Days 3, 4, 5 an 6.

Let’s do it!
Day 3, Saturday, February 12, 2011:Suno, Altuzarra, G-Star Raw, Band of Outsiders, Elise Overland, Gant by Michael Bastian, Vivienne Tam, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson, Erin Fetherston, ADAM, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Mandy Coon, Araks, United Bamboo, Prabal Gurung, Heart Truth, Kimberly Ovitz
I am digging really, beautifully, well tailored pants.  This pair from Prabal Gurung and the beautifully, sort of kissed with embellishment blouse are sophisticated, sexy and wearable.
Prabal Gurung
This doesn’t exactly feel fall, but the pieces from Erin Fetherston were so light, ladylike and sweet that I couldn’t resist.  Love the muted colors and hints of blush in the blouse and the kicky, mod style of the dress.
Erin Fetherston
Erin Fethrston
For the urban warrior in all of us, I really liked these pieces from Charlotte Ronson and G-Star Raw.  Fall is more appealing when you know you can be fashionably chic in warm and comforting chunk knits, tailored outerwear and tough girl boots.
Charlotte Ronson
Charlotte Ronson
G-Star Raw

Moving on to Day 4!

Fall 2011 Fashion Week – Day 2


Friday was Day 2 of Fashion Week, probably the day I would have wanted to wear outfit #1 from my packing wishlist.  Alas, I am not there, no big deal – still keeping up with each day and sharing my favorites!

Day 2 featured the following designers: Ruffian, Tess Giberson, Perry Ellis, Farah Angsana, Norman Ambrose, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, and Cynthia Rowley.

And, so, without further ado, my favorites:
I love this pop of bold color – the entire collection felt very dream wardrobe for a trip to Italy, but this simple dress was an especially a stand out.
Costello Tagliapietra
Jason Wu’s collection started with playful menswear and then went into sublime and beautifully feminine clothing and gowns.  These pants and lacy sweatshirt were a really example of completely wearable runway.
Jason Wu
Jason Wu
Jason Wu

So, I think it has been determined for certain that the skinny pant is OVER. And, Nicole Miller illustrated just how glamorous that change can be.  She showed bootcut pants, wide leg and these paper bag cinched oversized pants that looks as comfortable as they are fabulous.

Nicole Miller

On to Saturday’s Shows…

Fashion Week – Day 1


I am very excited about this week’s fashion week.  It’s a funny thing to be looking at fall clothes when it is still so cold out that I get angry when I receive emails about raffia and cork espadrilles.  But in any case, fall runways are glamorous, saturated with warm colors, and so far, so good.

New York Fashion Week started yesterday with the following designers: Lyn Devon, Nicholas K, Steven Alan, Porter Grey, Christopher Raeburn for Victorinox, BCBG Max Azria, Richard Chai LOVE, Vena Cava, Duckie Browne, Jenni Kayne, Whit, Wes Gordon, Luca Luca, Mara Hoffman, Marlon Gobel, Tadashi Shoji, Hyden Yoo, Rachel Comey, the Vessel. by lois, Alisha Trimble, Wayne, Dominic Louis, Kate Ermilio, Christian Siriano, Irina Shabayeva and Tim Hamilton.

BCBG Max Azria
Christian Siriano
Jenni Kayne
Luca Luca
Lyn Devon
Tadashi Shoji


Dressing for Fashion Week – Wishful Thinking


Today is the first day of New York Fashion Week, and no I am not going.  However that doesn’t mean I can’t pretend shop for a pretend trip to see next Fall’s fashion line up.  The positive side of not going, no packing and no blisters from running around “between the tents” <—- that, my friends, is silver lining.

Anyway, I have traveled for fashion related work to New York before, and so I thought about what made those previous packings successful when making this wishful suitcase.  New York, for as fashionable as it is, is also a really functional city.  It cannot be neglected that you are on your feet and in and out doors all day long.
Day 1: 
Day 2:
Day 3: 
Day 4: 
The only thing you can’t forget is cab fare, some granola bars (no, you really will never get a chance to eat), camera and iPhone.  
I’ll be posting my favorites from the runways.  See what I loved last Fall and Spring, too! 

SAG Awards Red Carpet for Less


I mentioned that I thought the SAG Awards, in terms of grandness of attire, is sort of like High School Homecoming.  That is said with no disrespect to the Homecoming Queen – it’s just that the Homecoming Queen is not a bride on her wedding day, and so the SAG Awards is not the Oscars.

Anyway, because it’s like the little sister there is a sense of attainability.  Let’s explore, shall we?


I raved about Sarah Hyland’s youthful twist on orange (cute pun!) and the strapless gown from Nicole Miller does the trick for $355

Loved Natalie’s chic mom-to-be white gown.  This look is easily recreated with the Vanilla Strapless Gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal and the addition of some sparkly pins and brooches.

Lea Michelle and Tina Fey’s straight from the runway Oscar de la Renta were a little difficult to recreate on a budget but I think we’re pretty close with a gold infused Sue Wong gown ($488) and the Nika gown (for a budget busting $788).

My favorite, in the category of “I would rock this anytime” was Julie Bowen’s pantsuit jumper.  She admitted it was risky, but she neglected to mention it would be a cinch to recreate.  Halter jumpsuit from TopShop ($90) and sparkly pins and you’re red carpet, or disco ready.

Shop Happy!

SAG Fashion Review


True confession: I did not watch the SAG awards.  I watched a political thriller filmed in the 1970’s instead. 

Due to the magic of the Internet and the fact that my sole interest was the pre-show, I am convinced I didn’t miss much, but I won’t make this a habit come Oscar time.

I have a funny perspective about award show fashion.  I tend to think of the SAG Awards as Homecoming, the Golden Globes as Prom Night, and the Academy Awards as the Wedding Day.  The grandeur and the glamour increase dramatically between the SAG’s red carpet and Oscar’s.  With that said, I think the fashion that we see on SAG night is a bit more theoretically attainable (price tag not included) and so much easier to say “I love it, I wish I had it!”.

On to the Red Carpet, shall we?  Images from Instyle.com
The best of the night:

Sarah Hyland looks as young as she is – and that is awesome.  Also awesome?  The color.
Sarah Hyland – Max Mara
I like that Natalie is sticking with simple shapes, and column dresses.  She looks comfortable and beautiful and is radiating in this dress, and still saying yes, I am pregnant, engaged, and will probably take home an Oscar in a month.
Natalie Portman – Azzaro
I included this dress in my Spring 2011 Runway favorites and I love it still.  I think this is the way for Lea to go – she already gets a bit of a bad rap for being a diva, so I think keeping her gowns simpler, and train free sort of diminish that “dressing for the part”.  I love the shine and the shape, and her more relaxed hair.  The only thing I would change are the shoes which seem a little overwhelming with this dress.
Lea Michelle – Oscar de la Renta
Call me crazy, but I love this.  I love everything about it.  I am sure Julie Bowen will get dumped on for wearing a jumpsuit, but I think it is pretty close to awesome on her.  Also awesome the major diamond jewelry and girl next door hair.  Yes, if this was my jumpsuit, I would wear it.
Julie Bowen – Catherine Malandrino
I am not typically a fan of Tina Fey’s sartorial style (or her thank you speeches when she wins, for that matter), but last night Tina Fey looked radiant.  I love the simplicity of the sheath, column dress instead of the more A-line, or retro fitting dresses she normally favors.  I love the texture and color, which has so much more pop and pizazz than her normal black, and her hair and makeup are beautiful.   
Tina Fey: you are the winner!
Tina Fey – Oscar de la Renta

In the Oops category:


Great face, great hair, wrong event.  I think Angie thought this was Oscar Night.
Angie Harmon – Monique Lhuillier
I’ve read quite a few interviews lately where Amy Adams (who just had a baby) has to feign laughter when the reporter asserts, “Who knew you even had sex, Amy?”  I suppose because Adams rarely plays the sexy leading lady role the press doesn’t think she could be sexy in real life.  I think Adams is great, and I think this dress would be great too if it was a half size larger.
Amy Adams – Herve L Leroux
I just wish these two had switched dresses.  The gothic black lace on Nicole feels too hard, and the prim and proper gold lace on Jones feels too stiff.  Please call each other first.
 
 Nicole Kidman – Nina Ricci  January Jones – Carolina Herrera

Congratulations to all the winners!  And now we wait for fashion’s biggest night, OSCAR Night!

Dreaming of a California Closet


I am on Twitter (@CRL26) and I follow Rachel Zoe (@rzrachelzoe) and the other day another fan, of hers, asked what she should wear for an upcoming trip to California.

This was her response: “the weather is gorgeous right now so maxi dresses, pretty blouses, flared jeans, wedges, jacket 4 night. think Cali cool XoRZ”

I have just survived DC’s first “Thundersnow”, and all I can really do is dream of being in California, and having these outfit sets in my California closet!

Have a fabulous, fashionable, foodie weekend!

Rock like an Egyptian


When I was doing my pre-Golden Globes fashion predictions I started to notice a trend from the Pre-Fall 2011 Runways; they were luxe, they were golden, they were Egyptian.

My rule for trend-spotting is three times, by three designers it’s a trend.  The evidence, please:

Images from Style.com
This look is easy to achieve without looking costume-party ready by shopping shapes and colors for the clothing, and jewels and more specific accents for jewelry, shoes and accessories.  Besides, this is as good of an excuse as any to wear a turban…

Find your inner Cleopatra!

Fashion, to boot


This weekend I saw this great NY style retrospective on the “new way” women are standing, walking and posing and the shoe that is leading the way.


New York Times
The ankle boot (bootie) is taking over for the knee high (or higher) boot and in the process is highlighting a woman’s long leg, or making a shorter leg look longer, or as Bill Cunningham says, more like a ballerina or a showgirl.  

The best part of this pictorial is that the personal style of the “street models” are all so unique.  They are uptown, or downtown, bare legged, black tights, or tattered stockings and they are all chic and like themselves.  They also look like they might have to find a bathroom… now – but even that beats the bowlegged look of a few years ago!

In any case, we are  not here to talk about stance, or posture, we’re here to talk about shoes!

Here are my favorite booties for under $100, under $250, and the sky’s the limit!  

Happy Shopping and stand proud!