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.

Revisiting the LWD: A Summer Essential

As my life gets more and more hectic, I am all about simplifying my wardrobe.  I want to look good, but I don't want to spend hours agonizing over what to wear.  In keeping with my new summer theme of getting back to basics, I revisited my LWD over the weekend.

I was trying to figure out what to wear to an afternoon/early evening party and thought my white shift would be perfect (plus it had sleeves, which is a bonus on a chillier day).  I wanted my outfit to be fun, but not too dressy... I guess you would say I was going for "casual chic".

As I started to mull over accessories, it occurred to me how easy it is to change the personality of your look with a simple change in jewelry and shoes.  Just like the white tee, a great fitting white dress is the perfect canvas for many different looks.  Let's just say that the LWD is an essential piece for your summer wardrobe.

Option 1 -  I add my favorite frog necklace for some color and fun.  I will keep it sophisticated with the nude sandal.   My "luncheon look"...

 

Option 2 -  More preppy chic... navy pearls and Jack Rogers.  My "beach club look"...

Option 3 -  A tad more edgy. but still preppy... my "Palm Springs look".

I love the simplicity.  I love classic pieces that are made well, fit well and that you can wear again and again and no one will be the wiser.  Next time you are deciding between the really cool print dress that you won't be able to wear too many times or the basic dress, make sure you have the basic dress first.  Then you can add in the fun, fashionable pieces.  

                                                                                                           - Allison

Outfit Idea: Shifting Day to Night

Today's ensemble consists of a few of my favorite things... the shift dress (the most versatile dress), leopard print and my Viv's.  The story behind this one is that I needed a daytime look that was chic and comfortable, but I didn't want to look like I was trying to hard.  The same night I had a very fun dinner that I wanted to dress up for, but again, didn't want to look like I was trying too hard.  In other words, I wanted to look and feel like me - just not in jeans.

I started sorting through some old jewelry for some inspiration for my nighttime look, and eventually came across a great pair of earrings from a very long time ago.  Totally perfect!  And, when one wears green earrings, there is no better complement than leopard print.  Problem being, do I go with a bag or shoes???  Since I had my leopard heels on the brain, I opted for the shoes.

Once the accessories were decided upon, I just had to come up with the actual clothing.  I mulled it over for a bit and went with my LWD... I just love that dress.  It turned out to be the perfect choice.  My daytime outfit was a no brainer... white shift, my Viv's (in other words, the most perfect pointy toe flats), sunnies, a trench and a colorful bag.  Done and done!

The ease and versatility of the shift made for a hassle-free transition to my nighttime look.

Added my denim trench for some contrast, and I was out the door... 

                                                                                                            - Allison

Trend Alert: Lesson Learned - Met Ball 2012

The Fashion world's equivalent to the Oscar's came and went on Monday night rather quietly.  Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute's annual gala does not get the television coverage that the various awards shows receive throughout the year, and therefore, it was missed by many.  From a fashion perspective, it is the event of the year.  It is held to celebrate the opening of the new spring exhibit at the Met.  Last year it was Alexander McQueen, this year it is "Impossible Conversations" (running through August 10th) - an examination of the affinities between legendary designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.

With this being Fashion's big night out, it is a chance for the designers, models, fashionistas and celebrities to let loose and get all dolled up.  I find it hard to judge best and worst dressed, due to the fact that it is all about self-expression, right?!  However, I do believe we can take some pointers from the many different looks that were spotted on the red carpet.

As I glanced through the many photos online, the first thing that came to mind was the conversation that I had with Mark Badgley and James Mischka not too long ago...  They felt that the most important item a woman should purchase this spring is a colorful cocktail dress.  And, I completely agree.  Whether or not the dress is a true cocktail dress is based on your lifestyle, but you need a great dress in a bold (complementary) color!

Just take a look at how radiant these women look in their colorful dresses...

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Solange Knowles

Diane Kruger in Prada

Another fabulous choice is this season is a white (or whiteish) dress.  The LWD (little white dress) is fresh, classic and always chic.

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan Atelier

Their has been a big focus on silver this season, and now you see what all the hype is about... the silvery metallic dress is beautiful.  Softer than gold, it is has an ethereal quality that is quite breathtaking.

Sophia Vergara in Marchesa

Kate Upton in Michael Kors

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren

Sheer done right can be quite cool.  Sheer done wrong is just plain bad.  Some of the ladies on Monday night did it just right... 

Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu with Jason Wu

Renee Zellweger in Pucci

and some did it very wrong...

There is no elegance to this look - it seems very awkward.

Heidi Klum in Escada

I am not sure what to say about this... it probably would have been best to leave this as a runway dress.

Beyonce in Givenchy Couture

There you have it - a little inspiration for dressing up from the fashion set for the spring/summer season.

                                                               

                                                                                                                          - Allison          

*Photos courtesy of hollywoodlife.com.

Outfit Idea: The Return of the Blue Suede Shoe

They'rrre back.  My blue suede shoes have returned for another night out.  My leopard clutch and denim jacket are along for the ride - shocking, right?!  I can't help myself... I just love the combo.

The problem is - it's Friday.  A busy weekend is about to begin and I need a few fun outfits.  The weather is chilly and I am stuck.  What do you do in a sticky situation???  

I a firm believer that when in a rut, go directly to the pieces that you love and make you feel good.  Then you begin to build...

Add my LWD (little white dress)...

All thrown together, I have a fab ensemble for dinner and drinks!  

To be continued...

                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photos courtesy of my 5 year old daughter, Grace.

One Tough Sandal

I am head over heels for these ah-mah-zing Alexander Wang sandals!  I can't quite explain why I love these sandals so much... Is it the neutral colorblock with a touch of blue?  Is it a nod to the sportif look that is so popular this spring?  Or, is it just the fact that Alexander Wang created a very cool and different looking shoe?

The possibilities for this shoe far outweigh the price.  I love the idea of wearing these sandals with chic little shift (my LWD would be perfect!), ankle length pants, a cute pair of shorts or boyfriend jeans.  First up, I must pair these with a longer length silk dress.  The toughness of the sandal is the perfect complement to a delicate silk skirt.  Chloe High Heel Sandal, how I love thee... sigh.

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com.

                                                                                                                              - Allison

The LWD (little white dress)

My LWD look was inspired by the fact that I was attending a toga party in February.  It's a long story.  

Back to my dress, I wasn't really feeling the toga vibe, so I wore my LWD instead.  First I have been dying to wear this Tibi Mod Shift Dress (I had to purchase it after my post on Shifts - thank you NM gift card!).  When spending more money on a dress, I hem and haw over it for weeks.  I think about all of the different ways that I can wear it... I have to have a bunch. Usually the deciding factor is if I can wear it all year, or at least for 3 seasons.  This shift definitely met and exceeded all of my criteria.  It is a-mah-zing!  The fabric, the fit and the fact that you feel like a million bucks... totally worth it!

Besides the obvious choice of black for shoes and accessories there is animal print, python print, pastels, brights, metallics... it is literally like wearing blank canvas.  The possibilities are endless!  I have already planned my next ensemble... my fur "collar" and my brown riding boots... c'est chic.  I just have to wait for the dress to come back from the cleaners.  Note to self - the LWD is not the best choice to wear to an Italian restaurant.

                                          - Allison