Alexander McQueen Pre Fall 2013

 

 

 

I was recently perusing the Pre Fall 2013 collections when I came across the Alexander McQueen show. I was struck and as I clicked through the looks, I couldn't help but think these are the chicest pilgrims I've ever seen. Ever. Large square buckles and priest like capes left little doubt as to the overall theme and influence. I did however feel a sort of contradiction between the highly detailed work and and a sense of austerity. The looks all featured a simple color palette, severe hair parted down the center, and minimalist make up that contributes to an impression of purity. I absolutely fell in love with the cinched waists and long chain necklaces, not to mention the high waisted pant that needs to find a home in my closet. So, are these woman travelers on a journey? Perhaps on a quest for a more fashionable religion? Well then, let us set a course for a new world! What time do we sail?


PHOTOS VIA STYLE.COM

New In: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

So I was slightly (read totally) obsessed with Dolce & Gabbana's 2012 Fall/Winter collection. Mostly because I have a dream of one day being a Sicilian princess who wears lace everyday, owns too many sexy pencil skirts, and dons a pearl tiara just to run mundane errands. I was so excited to snag a few pieces from the season. The first piece is a black stretch lace top with pearl buttons along the center back. It was the shirt featured under the coat from look 52. The bottom hem is scalloped so it's perfect for wearing with pants, but it will also pair well tucked into a skirt. The pearl buttons add the element of decadence that D&G is known for. I also picked up a pair of riding pants. They have zippered pockets in the front and back as well as zippers by the ankles, but trust me it's not too much. All the zippers work well and most importantly, with the perfect amount of stretch, they fit phenomenally. I will definitely be investing in more Dolce & Gabbana pants in the future. Many more.

My third acquisition from the collection is a black high waisted pencil skirt with embroidered lace panels on the side. I love pencil skirts. I love high waisted ones even more. The addition of lace makes this particular skirt quite perfect. The detail on the skirt is exquisite; it is what makes the piece special and not just another black skirt. I own at least three pairs of shoes that will look good with it. It was featured in look 23 with an even lacier white top. I will probably pair it with something maybe less lace-y, but I do want to wear it with a top that will maintain the original feel. I'm thinking a silk blouse...



PHOTOS VIA STYLE.COM, ADC 

Matte Red

For about the last 3 months, I've been completely obsessed with a matte red lip. This is mostly weird because I can easily say red is my least favorite color. It is not a shade to be found in my wardrobe. I just always felt it was a hue that didn't suit me. I don't know if it's something in the air, but lately I just couldn't get a red lip off my mind. I wanted to give it a try, so off to the MAC store I went. After trying a few options, I decided on a lipstick in Ruby Woo and a lip pencil in Brick. Now, I usually only wear shiny lip gloss, so this was a huge departure for me. The entire process take a bit of effort and commitment. Admittedly, it took some practice. I swiped on a layer of foundation (to reduce my chances of feathering), followed by a heavy pencil outline, and ended with a generous covering of lipstick. It takes a bit to get used to, but now I love it! If one is considering this look, be cautioned. You will most likely have to have reapply throughout the day. Might I recommend drinking through a straw whenever possible. 

*WARNING* 

Wearing a matte red lip promotes certain feelings of excitement in both the wearer and admirer. Be prepared for looks that last longer than usual. Apply with caution. 

PHOTOS BY RC

Valentino Master of Couture @ Somerset House

Somerset House is currently hosting the Valentino Master of Couture exhibit until the 3rd of March.
I am deeply saddened that I am not currently in London and have no plans to be so before then. The exhibit will focus on Valentino's work in couture, displaying over 130 garments that were worn by Fashion figures such as Jackie O and Sophia Loren. The presentation also features a collection of personal correspondence, photographs, and original sketches. I love the idea of Valentino being a collector, preserving as much of his distinguished career for posterity as he can. I love that he has kept so many pieces of his memories and that he is sharing them with the world.

This exhibit also got me thinking about Valentino The Last Emperor, a documentary filmed covering the two years prior to Valentino's exit from his namesake company. If you are a Valentino fan and haven't seen this film, shame on you. Go buy it now! The Fashion in the film is stunning and shows an in depth view into his life and work, but what I enjoyed most is the endearing relationship between Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti. A companionship that has spanned more than 50 years. The business of Fashion can sometimes be a treacherous, turbulent sea. It often can not be navigated alone. It is clear beyond a doubt that Giammetti is the mast that guides them home.

PHOTO BY ADC 

Gucci Fable Print Scarf

Next up in my accessories collection is my wool and silk blend Gucci Fable Print scarf. It was a piece included in the Fall/Winter 2008 collection that Frida Giannini largely referenced Russian Folklore. The show was full of billowy tops and suede tassels, with some tapestry added for good measure. This particular scarf features a snowy outdoor scene of prowling tigers, wide eyed owls, and smoking bunny rabbits dressed in fashionable clothing. It is tobacco, I assume.

At roughly 54 inches by 54 inches, it's rather large and I usually fold it in half before casually draping it around my neck. I sometimes wear this scarf with a blazer, but it works well with just about all my jackets. The lively print easily adds color and texture to my outfits whilst providing some warmth. I use the scarf all year round and always take it with me when I travel. Airplane cabins tend to get a bit chilly, but that's no reason for style to suffer. Now, this fine scarf was a little more on the expensive side in terms of neckwear, but it truly was one of those pieces that caught my eye and I fell in Love. I invested because it's a special piece that I'm glad to have apart of my collection. And because well, I liked the bunnies!

PHOTOS BY ADC 

For the Love of Fashion Books

As you all know, I am always in the process of collecting books to build a Fashion library. One of my favorite spots to acquire them is in Soho on the corner of Prince and Mercer. Meet Larry Ash, the owner of Soho Books Unlimited. I often stop by to peruse the selection and after a little bit of coaxing, Mr. Ash was gracious enough to grant me an interview. 

Originally from Sugar Hill, the historic home to such greats as Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington, Ash has been selling books for 17 years. As an English Literature and Photography student, he had dreams of becoming a photo journalist, but found himself working a dead end job. Along his daily travels, he would often admire men he says were selling great books along the street. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Ash was fired from his job and decided to take a different path. 

Soho Books Unlimited offers titles in Architecture and Photography, but I'm only interested in the Fashion. Ash likens his job of selling books to "coming out of a cave" and describes the whole process as "therapeutic". I asked him if there was any significance to being located in Soho. He explained to me that he felt inside that Soho was, and is, the art capital. That surrounded by culture and history, it was the place to do it. 

I love to buy his books and have a chat with Ash about what's new in the Fashion world, but what I love most is the fantastic selection. I mean this guy has books I've never even heard of, including one that was autographed by the author that was "not for sale". Ash offers the books at deeply discounted prices and says he does so to be competitive. If you're in the market for Fashion literature, make sure you stop by and see Mr. Ash. He can be found at the intersection everyday, weather permitting.  

PHOTOS BY ADC

From the Shoe Closet

These high heels are from a Gucci Fall/Winter collection. The Division pump was made available in a black iridescent patent leather, a navy hue, and dark gray. I tried them all on, but ultimately opted for the charcoal. I am quite fond of almost all shades of gray and it was a color I didn't have in my closet. They are leather, patent leather, and have a bit of suede around the heel. These shoes go with a lot of things, but I often find myself pairing them with something navy... 

I get lots of wear of these shoes with pants, dresses, and even denim. It's a sort of multi purpose shoe, and for an about five inch heel, they are relatively comfortable. The platform does provide a little extra support and allows for extended wear around New York City. I can easily hail a yellow taxi or skillfully traverse a cobblestone street to make my next purchase. I do believe it's a good idea to have a pair of gray heels in your closet as they can serve as a neutral option. The idea is to get a variety of shades to ensure there are always options. After all, a girl can't live only owning black shoes. We must try our very best to diversify all around. Ladies, this includes your shoe closet. 

PHOTOS BY JESSIYAH LIGHTEN