NYFW Street Style Inspires...

I admit, I couldn't even bring myself to start sifting through all of the Fashion Week images.  The thought of Spring fashion is just not on my radar yet.  I am more concerned about getting my closet ready for Fall let alone worrying about what I will be wearing next May.  The other issue, while Fall trends can influence our Spring/Summer looks, it is much harder to translate new Spring looks into inspiration for Fall.  So, I will leave Spring trends for another day and focus on NYFW street style for inspiration.

I am a big street style fan.  I love seeing how different people make the season's trends their own.  It is a  perfect way for self-expression as well as inspiration for others.  You never know where your next great outfit idea will come from, so keep your eyes peeled.  

With that being said, I was a bit disappointed this go around.  While there are always brilliantly dressed women, it seems that most are just trying way too hard.  It's as though people are forsaking true style to be as outrageous as possible to catch the eye of the nearest photographer.  The obsession with becoming "famous" is leading to silly, ridiculous and not flattering looks.  Where has the style gone?

Uninspiring pics aside, there were still some great looks.  Oversized clutches seemed to be the bag of choice, while bold and edgy accessories were all the rage.  When it comes to clothing choices, anything goes...

Just remember... Keeps looks clean.  Do not overthink.  Be comfortable.  

                                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com.

Love, love, love...

I am so excited to share my latest fab find with you... Kirna Zabête for Target.  This collection debuted September 9th, and is full of fun pieces that you must own... trust me.

Let's just say that as I entered my local Target yesterday afternoon to pick up a few soccer things for my girls, I was immediately drawn to the women's section.  I spied some fun and colorful prints that were not Target's standard fare.  I quickly realized that I had completely missed the debut of a fabulous new collection, and apparently the entire marketing campaign that went with it.

I didn't have much time with my beloved G&E in tow, so I swiftly grabbed a super cute shift (they actually had my size!) with the intention of doing a bit more research back at the ranch.  My wheels immediately started turning about this dress that I had just scored... $35, made well, wearable fabric, could be worn to work, pick up or out to dinner... in other words, perfect!  

My dress...

I was so curious about the other pieces in the collection and who exactly Kirna Zabête was, that I had to get on the computer asap... Kirna Zabête is a boutique in NYC (Soho to be exact) that was started 11 years ago by two friends with quite a history in the industry.  KZ is fun, colorful and chic - known for its lavender floors as well as their fab high-end designer pieces - clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc.  I then discovered that Target has started targeting cool out-of-the-way shops to create collections that become a shop-within-a-shop at Target.  

The above was just my initial reaction to this a-mah-zing collection.  You can imagine my excitement when I actually tried on the dress (picture to come later)...  it fits so well, it feels like it is much more expensive than it is, it different and cute and I can truly wear it everywhere.  The funniest part is that after staring at myself in the mirror for a bit, I went to Kirna Zabête's website.  There I found a quote, which pretty much sums up my feelings about their collection...

The dream is to have the perfect outfit that can
take us through the daily schizophrenia of being
working mothers. Something above the
ordinary that can go the distance from runway
show to soccer field sidelines. We designed the
entire Kirna Zabête at Target collection to mix
and match together. You can get an entire
wardrobe of downtown cool. There are only
good combinations. It's a mini lesson in print
mixing. A lesson in MORE is MORE and accessory
madness. Wear a hat! Add a floral print trench
coat! Take a tiny risk! S T R E T C H.

They really did hit the nail on the head.  Even better, you can shop this collection on their website with free shipping.  

Here are some of my favorites....

Get out there and start shopping before it's gone... 

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                 - Allison

*Photos courtesy of kirnazabete.com.

NYFW: Standout Look Part Deux

As NYFW continues, so does my quest to find stand out looks that can transition easily into fab Fall ensembles.  Last week it was the little white dress, today it is a feather skirt.

In a season full of leather, sequins and lace, feathers are the perfect way to make your look unique.  The other plus, feathers also transition really well... trust me.

Let's start with the the Tie Dye Feather Skirt from Zara (fun, edgy and affordable)...

Skirt With Tie Dye Feathers

For the perfect fashion week look, or just a super cool work ensemble, I would add a tweedish blazer - the zipper detailing gives it a bit of edge.  This one is from Zara as well, actually, the entire look is from Zara... what can I say, they have great stuff this season.  

With the edgy blazer, I would add a basic white tank (it is still warm) and a perfectly pointy toe black heel.  C'est chic.

Fantasy Fabric Jacket With Zips

Basic T-Shirt

Leather High Heeled Court Shoe

For a cooler weather, less casual look, I love the idea of adding a chunky knit and motorcycle boots.  This is my "go to" for casual cool.  I must add this to my closet asap.

Detailed Knit Jersey

Biker Ankle Boot With Buckle

With looks like these, this is going to be a very fabulous Fall.
                                                                                                       
                                           - Allison

*All photos courtesy of zara.com.

NYFW: Stand Out Look

New York Fashion Week is back.  With that comes the barrage of street style shots, celebrity pics and descriptions of what every editor and buyer is wearing... literally a play by play.  That's before we even get to the actual shows being presented.  Everyone will be donning their chic Fallish looks vying for those coveted street style shots.

I can't wait to see what everyone is wearing... peplums, leather leggings, pencil skirts, tailored jackets...  oooh, the competition will be fierce.  That led me to think about what I would wear.  How would I make my mark on NYFW?  I suppose I would start by taking a completely different approach.

Think about it... it's still summer, it's hot and you don't want to be trying so hard that you are completely uncomfortable.  As many know I love dresses, especially dresses that can be worn many different ways.  With this in mind, wouldn't toughening up a white dress be the perfect option?

I came across this Alexander Wang Slip Dress that would be absolutely perfect.  Simple, versatile and forgiving... it should be a staple for everyone (now we just need someone to knock it off!).

The key question is how would you accessorize it?  I am thinking tough yet ladylike...

Alexis Bittar Siyabona Cushion Pendant Necklace

Alexis Bittar Bel Air Sculptural Cuff

Rachel Rachel Roy Tarrah Peep Toe Bootie

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag

If I were to get chilly, I would just throw a jacket over my shoulders...

Rachel Zoe Lou Double Breasted Jacket

Fresh, fun and chic.  Done and done.

                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of alexanderwang.com, shopbop.com and rachelroy.com.

Outfit Idea: Perfectly Perfect for all Occasions

I have become a bit obsessed with less is more since writing about Dior's New Look.  Tailoring, perfect fit, no fuss, polished... these words keep floating through my head.  The question is how to translate this into a chic summer/transitional look?  

Well, in my opinion, nothing is better than the dress.  It is hassle-free and does not require trying to figure out if what top you should wear with which bottoms.  There is much less stress involved as well a smaller chance that you are going to walk out the door as a fashion don't (believe me, I've been there!)  The greater the experimentation factor, the larger the chance of disaster.

More specifically, during this time of the year I would stick with a shift or something in a similar vein.  I have dedicated many posts to the shift because I wholeheartedly believe in it.  It lends itself to many different situations... such as a weekend in the Hamptons with a great hat, cool sandals and fab sunnies.  

New York Fashion Week is right around the corner.  A shift would be chic option with heels and some killer jewelry. Remember, it is still quite hot in September.

Or maybe you are just heading to work... a sexy pair of pointy toe pumps will up your style quotient in a heartbeat.  Add a cute jacket to keep you warm while indoors.

The nice thing about shifts is that they are everywhere.  There is definitely something for every personality... structured and edgy, whimsical/bohemian or straight up preppy.  I am currently fawning over to new J. Crew arrivals (what a shock!)... 

The Allie Dress (do you think they named it after me?!).

 Same dress, different look.

The Jules Dress...

Anthropologie offers a take on the polk dot trend... the Flocked Cobalt Dress.

The new Alice + Olivia Needle Punch Shift for the city girl...

My favorite Tibi Long Sleeve Dress couldn't be more perfect...

That's it.  Simple, chic and no fuss.  Isn't that what it's all about?

                                                                                                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of morningpassages.com, washingtonstylereporter.com, fathomway.com, cottages-gardens.cm, hamptons.com, blog.omghaute.com, jcrew.com, anthropologie.com, nordstrom.com and shopbop.com.

Sample Sale: The Brazilian Stylings of Osklen

It is once again time to strap on those sneakers and make your way to 97 Wooster St (Soho) for a sample sale that must not be missed.  This is where you will find Osklen holding a killer sale for men and women's clothing and accessories.  The best news - these pieces can be purchased for up to 70% off their original price.  So, as I said before, this is a sample sale that can't be missed!

Osklen is a lifestyle brand featuring the casual, cool stylings of the Brazilian surf culture.  Oskar Metsavaht's designs are laid back and perfect for those lazy days of summer.  You know what I mean...  when you just want to look fabulous without lifting a finger.  And, not only do you get an exceptional deal, you also gain pieces that will take you right into Fall with a little bit of layering.

The sample sale is being held at the Osklen flagship store in Soho (mentioned above).  The store is located at 97 Wooster St, NY 10012.  The sale is going on now through Wednesday, August 1st.  Monday-Saturday the hours are 11-8pm and on Sunday, they are open 12-7pm.  For more details you can give the store a ring at 212.219.8250.

It's time - go, run, sprint to Osklen's sample sale.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Just to warm you up, here are some pieces on sale now...

                                               - Allison

*Photos courtesy of osklen.com.

Currently Coveting: Tory Burch Pre-Fall

My goal has has been to try to focus on the season that we are currently in rather than jumping ahead to Fall... especially when it is still 90 degrees everyday.  However, that all went out the window when I spied a certain very gorgeous pair of Tory Burch shoes the other day.

I don't know about you, but I seem to have a very funny relationship with Tory Burch.  More of a love/hate relationship I would say... I absolutely love many of her jackets, dresses, coats, shoes, bags - I guess you could say everything!  But, I hate her prices.  And so this relationship begins again, right wear it left off this Spring...

I have been very taken with many of TB's pre-Fall styles.  It might have to do with her use of navy blue - navy is my signature color, you know.  Or, it might have to do with the sophistication.  Either way, I must share with you two standouts... shoes that are neutral and fabulous enough to look good now, in a couple of months or next year.

Watersnake Venice Sandal - Let's face it, this shoe would look perfect with anything.  I would tend to wear these with dresses and skirts... all types, long and short, slim or flowing.

Patent Leather Lolita Pump - Their is something very feminine and sexy about this shoe... it would also look fabulous with a wide variety of styles.  I do like the idea of it with a sexy sheath or pencil skirt.  Or, a great pair of cropped pants... baggy or with a slim fit.

I suppose it is time to start thinking about transitioning Summer into Fall.  These would definitely be great transition shoes, or maybe their will be a Friends and Family sale...

                                                                                                                        - Allison

*Photos courtesy of toryburch.com.