CURRENTLY COVETING: Lanvin S/S 2010

Dear Alber Elbaz - 
How is it that you always know what a girl wants, before we even know ourselves?  Please tell me - do you have some sort of C.S.P (Chic Sensory Perception) that allows you to sense our needs and desires, before we are even aware of them?  I have come to the conclusion that this must be the case after years of viewing season after season of divine inspiration in your collections for Lanvin.  
This Spring/Summer 2010 was no different...especially when it came to the SHOES!  Sweet silhouettes of modern Mary-Janes, mixed ankle straps in leather and chains - decorating feet in a way that felt fresh and forward.  And every incarnation of this unique concept was perfection:  From patent leather to snakeskin, ankle jewelry to t-straps...each pair is more delicious than the last.
So merci Monsieur Elbaz, for once again anticipating our fashion needs - and bringing girls everywhere a modern alternative to the classic pump.  Our feet and wardrobes thank you, from the bottom of our soles.  
xx
Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Final Favorites

Well, New York's Fall Fashion Week has come and gone once more.  But just like the holidays, when the celebrations end - we're left with gifts and memories to last us ... at least until September.  But picking only one look per day does not do justice to the plethora of divine creations we saw this week - so here, a final look at many of the other highlights from this season's catwalk cornucopia.

-NATTY

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour VII

DAY VII
February 17, 2010

"Although less in-tents than Bryant Par, Lincoln Center will be a wonderful home for the inspiring and clothes minded" 

- Kenneth Cole

Day 7 of Fashion Week brought us plenty of color, with a bold combination of orange and blue at Tory Burch.  Candy colored tights shouted from under school girl skirts, topped off with cheeky berets at Milly.  Marchesa delivered a dose of gorgeous glamour with elaborate draping and perfectly tailored gowns in shades of white, red, cerulean, red and everything in between.  Michael Kors made me want to buy the entire runway, which was filled with louche chunky knits in camels and grays: a welcome return to the lux classics he does best after a strange attempt at the avant-guard in his spring collection.
My pick for today's Look du Jour comes from another of my favorite collections of the day: 3.1 Philip Lim.  Lim rarely disappoints, and this season was no different.  Streamlined shapes met graphic prints and rich fabrics with just the right embellishments peppered throughout.  His jackets and outerwear were to die for, and sure to be on everyone's must have list come fall.  I chose the look below which showcases one of the most recent trends of the season - patterned pants.  These are a fresh and modern take on a classic silhouette and 70's vibe, done in giant checks muted colors.

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour IIX

DAY IIX
February 18, 2010

"Bryant Park was a fashion feast, and opportunity for the established and emerging talent to be seen by the world.  We were thrilled to have a seat at the table.  And we look forward to continuing the excitement at Lincoln Center."

          -Leslie Stevens & James LaForce, LaForce + Stevens

On the last day of this fashion-filled week, even the most exhausted editors, stylists and buyers could find reason to get excited in these final shows.  Ralph Lauren surprised us with a more downtown take on evening wear: worn with elbow-length, fingerless lace gloves in his romantic collection of gypsy boho florals and velvets.  Minimalistic simplicity met dramatic shapes and unique tailoring at Calvin Klein, while Reem Acra played with metallics, jewel tones and oversized prints like polka-dots and stripes.  L'Wren Scott's sexy yet ladylike collection dropped jaws with thigh-high laced up boots and J.Mendel was furry and fabulous.  For my final Look du Jour, I've chosen this look from Tommy Hilfiger's collection of American classic separates.  The reason?  Four words:  Thigh.  High.  Duck Boots.  Footwear that's fashionable AND practical for New York's snowy season?  Done and done...where can I pre-order?

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour VI

Day VI
February 16, 2010

"What happened in Bryant Park was magic"

          -Judy Licht, Lifestyle Correspondent

This week of wonder is winding down to a close, with just a couple more days to go.  On Day 6 of New York Fashion Week 2010, we got a double dose of subtle luxury with straightforward and minimalist designs from both Max Azria and The Row.  Elie Tahari premiered a wardrobe for the urban sophisticate, filled with black, white and neutral tones done in elegant-yet-fresh fashions.  Narciso Rodriguez played with color blocking and draping, while Rodarte just piled on the floral prints in a layered fleshy-toned palette.  Sophie Theallet's much anticipated collection since winning the CFDA award painted a boho picture of prairie prints and a gypsy vibe.
My pick for Look du Jour comes (surprisingly) from the Upper East Side's favorite furrier - Dennis Basso.  I just love the way this full length fox fur coat manages to look hip 30-something girl-about-town, rather than dusty and dated, 70-something rich-lady - thanks to the pairing of skinny black pants and bitchin' knee high boots (did I just say bitchin'?)  And even MORE of a shocker, is that I had to include a 2nd Look du Jour from Dennis Basso - this uber chic dress.  I figured if it was from the same collection, I didn't count...

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour V

DAY V
February 15, 2010

Halston's ever evolving and much anticipated makeover of recent seasons was presented in a mirrored room, as models lay down the fashion law (literally) in solid color frocks with plenty of structure.  Zac Posen mixed tailored cuts with soft materials...right down to the furry shoes!  Marc Jacobs gave us something to talk about with his clever runway presentation, featuring a fleet of models boxed up in paper...though in my opinion, the collection itself was drab and shapeless in shades of grey with calf length skirts and loose tops.  My pick for today's Look du Jour comes instead from the mind of New York's own Donna Karan.  Her collection of black, black and more black felt strong and city chic as usual - and while it may not be breaking new ground,. this look is a dramatic take on a classic pairing of white blouse and black pants.

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour IV

DAY IV
February 14, 2009

"The Tents signaled and defined the moment that American Fashion became World Fashion"

          -Paul Wilmot, Paul Wilmot Communications

There was plenty to love this Valentine's Day: DKNY went back-to-school cool, while Thakoon flirted with fur from head to toe.  Both DVF and Rachel Roy married menswear with femininity, playing with the contrast of hard and soft and VPL was bold with spandex, color-blocking and texture (including human hair?!)  But my Look du Jour for day IV is from Benhaz Sarafpour's self inspired, tweed heavy and tailored collection.  Charming and classic with a touch of quirkyness:

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour III

Day III
February 13, 2010

"The inception of the Tents at Bryant Park in 1993 was a defining moment for fashion and the city of New York"

          -Yeohlee Teng

Peter Som returned to the runway with a bang, bringing us a marvelous melange of bright colors, prints and textures.  Alexander Wang will have us pining for pinstripes come fall, and Helmut Lang did black-and-white right, along with several shades of grey...  But my pick for the day is from Georges Chakra's evening-wear collection, which was a divine display of glamour with surprising back detailing like like a gown resembling a backward tuxedo.  The look below is an interesting interpretation of oversized separates - tied up in the back with a touch of shine.  Please forgive the photo quality, as I couldn't yet find his reviews online - and the photos are my own from the show.

GEORGES CHAKRA

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour II

DAY II
February 12, 2010

"Whether it's raining or snowing or the most beautiful day in New York City, I always look forward to getting inside the tents and settling into some good fashion."

          -Jim Moore, GQ

Rag & Bone went mad about plaid, Preen brought on the cacoon coats, and Wayne was simply fabulous with fur.  Yigal Azrouel brought his trademark comfort and softness to a more tailored collection showing a parade of pleated pants, and Ruffian double, triple and quadrupled up on double breasted coats and jackets.  But my pick for the day is from Cynthia Steffe's school-girl heavy collection: this wearable cape plus mini-skirt duo is perfect with over-the-knee socks - 2010's answer to the over-the-knee boot trend of  2009.

CYNTHIA STEFFE

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour I

Every season I declare that Fashion Week in New York City is better than Christmas: the stockings are silk and cashmere, Anna Wintour is much more chic than Santa, and what could be a better gift than the latest collections from our favorite designers? 

Thursday kicked off New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Fall 2010: the last to be held in Bryant Park before moving uptown to Lincoln Center in the September.  I'll be following the shows, recapping my favorites, and highlighting a "Look du Jour" all week long. And in honor of Bryant Park's last hurrah - I'll also include a quote from the fashion community, on their memories of the all important venue.  Think of it as "7 Days of Fashion" - like the "12 Days of Christmas" but with more stilettos and less partridges.

DAY I

February 11, 2010

"Bryant Park put the term 'The Tents' on the map and gave them a whole new meaning - one of unparalleled glamour and prestige that will forever be an integral part of fashion history"

          -Nina Garcia, Marie Claire

We had drapey color blocking from BCBG Max Azria, and layers, layers everywhere at Richard Chai's new contemporary line - Richard Chai Love.  Jen Kao rocked the runway with short and sexy styles in leather, fur and sequins, while Erin Wasson's collection brought a lighter palette to her typical silhouette of skinny pants and oversized sweaters.  In their third design season, Cushnie et Ochs showed a divine play on textures, with chunky knits and feathers sharing the runway.  But my favorite Look du Jour for Day 1 comes from ever cool design duo, Vena Cava.  Their collection of high waisted culottes and vintage feeling accessories are sure to be seen all around town next fall.  I adore the combination of modern lines and old school glamour in this darling LOOK DU JOUR!

VENA CAVA

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: A Royal Loss

Fashion week is always full of shocking news, though it usually centers around groundbreaking collections or fashion faux-pas.  Yesterday however, the fashion world was rocked by news of a much more grave nature.  Lee McQueen, founder and designer of Alexander McQueen and secondary line, McQ, was found dead in his London home.  At age 40, Lee hanged himself: one week after his mothers death, 2 years after his best friends suicide, one month before his own birthday, days before London Fashion Week, and the night before his McQ presentation in New York Fashion Week.  Anna Wintour had this to say:

"He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen's influence was astonishing -- from street style, to music culture and the world's museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss."

Needless to say, the fashion industry now mourns the loss of one of the most talented and innovative designers of our time.  But his unique creations will forever maintain his memory...

-Natty

INSPIRATION STATION: For the Love of Fashion

Whether or not you have someone special in your life, there are plenty of reasons to love this Valentine's Day.  Here, my Valentine to Fashion:

-Natty

BUY NOW WEAR NOW: Fleece Lined Leggings

For those of us who've given up on traditional pants in favor of the comfort and ease of leggings, the winter months can be extra cold...at least from the waist down.  While there's nothing better than a streamlined legging tucked into boots to balance out the bulky silhouette of winter sweaters and coats; they are not always the practical choice.  With nothing but a thin layer of a cotton/spandex blend between your stems and Jack Frost, it can feel as though icicles have taken root at your hips - swinging around where your legs should be.  Enter Plush's Fleece Lined Leggings to save your tush from an icy fate.

These soon to be winter closet-staples feature a cozy fleece lining, underneath a sleek and stretchy outer-layer to help you stay warm while keeping your cool.  Warning: once you experience what winter feels like without frostbitten knees, you may have trouble wearing anything else.  Luckily, Plush makes tons of other essential styles including fleece lined tights, footless tights, stirrup pants and knee highs - each and everyone of them guaranteed to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling...inside and out.  No more popsicle peg legs for you, take that, Jack.  

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: 52nd Annual Grammy Awards

Award season continues with Sunday night's 52nd annual Grammy Awards celebrating the best of a year in music.  But the Grammy's are always about more than the tunes.  With many of the artists and celebrities sporting two or more dresses throughout the evening, the Grammy's are a veritable showcase for some of the season's wildest and most sensational red carpet fashions.  More than any other, this award show allows attendees to have some fun with fashion.  And nobody had more fun this year than Lady Gaga who rocked not two, not three, but FIVE couture creations courtesy of Armani Prive.

This year the red carpet was littered with several spring hottest trends including several shades of nude, white, and most of all sparkle, sparkle, SPARKLE!  And the awards for best dressed go to...

KERI HILSON in D&G

Cinched in nude silk and sequins, Keri went strapless and statuesque 

LEA MICHELLE in ROMONA KAVEZA

What's not to love?  Lea was simply darling in this flattering navy silhouette fringed in feathers

KRISTEN BELL in ETRO

Though I wish she'd pulled her hair back to show the architectural cut of this dress, Bell's gown was both unique and simple

TAYLOR SWIFT in KAUFMAN FRANCO

The starry eyed star of the night sparkles in midnight blue

JENNIFER HUDSON in VICTORIA BECKHAM

I call this Beckham's "New Look" -a modern throwback to Dior's fashion revolution of the 50's

HEIDI KLUM in EMILIO PUCCI

Disclaimer - while this dress is divine, and so is Heidi's body, they're not a match made in fashion heaven.  This dress belongs on a frame like Kate Hudson's...

MYA in ?

Mya ushered in the evening with old school glamour 

CARRIE UNDERWOOD in GEORGES CHAKRA

Ethereal and on trend - Carrie was more of a Grecian than American Idol

BEYONCE in VERSACE ATELIER

A fierce performance outfit, for the stage or the page...nothing else

LADY GAGA in ARMANI PRIVE

My favorite of the 5 wacky ensembles created for the occasion.  And yes, you must be ga-ga to pull off this cheeky getup.  Luckily, she is.

-Natty