Sep 21

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Anna Sui

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imageAnna Sui has definitely kept herself busy this season, between her much anticipated Gossip Girl-themed Target collaboration and the stunningly rich circus-themed Spring 2010 collection she debuted just days ago at New York Fashion Week. Preppy separates like cable knit sweaters, pleated skirts, and coordinating jackets were given a playful spin with Peter Pan-collared tops, vividly printed silk shirts, and the most whimsical patchwork jacket imaginable. A steady stream of purple and grey looks gave way to splashes of pink, green, and orange for some eye-brightening variety. Patterns appeared to be haphazardly layered together at first, but with a more careful perusal, the mixing and matching produced an end result that was actually quite seamless- in some cases, it was difficult to see where one piece ended and another began! Purely intriguing, I tell you. My favorite look was the printed shorts and tie-neck blue peeking out from a marching band-inspired vest- and who could forget the sequined mask (worn as a headband- kind of brilliant, right?) on the always adorable Sasha Pivovarova? Click on my slideshow for more from Anna Sui at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!

Trends: pleated skirts, printed shorts, tie-neck blouses, florals, mixed prints
Celebs: Peaches Geldof, Patrick Demarchelier, Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 21

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Charlotte Ronson

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imageFor her Spring 2010 collection, Charlotte Ronson was inspired by the ballerinas of New York, specifically the way they look when leaving dance class and mix their dance attire with their regular clothes. To enhance this motif, hair stylist Allen Ruiz from Avon and makeup artist Charlotte Willard for Maybelline created just-walked-out-of-dance-class looks that were fresh and natural-looking. The hair was pulled back into chic, slightly undone buns and the makeup was kept soft, sheer and translucent. I got the chance to hang out backstage before the show to talk to the stylists and watch the looks come to life.

Click here to learn how to replicate the hair and makeup looks!

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Sep 21

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Ralph Lauren

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imageThis season, Ralph Lauren was back with the classically preppy looks we’ve come to expect from the designer (variations on the blazer, lust-worthy dresses), but included quite a few unexpectedly refreshing ones as well. I loved how many ensembles erred on the side of masculinity– for example, one was comprised of boyfriend jeans and a menswear-inspired shirt, then topped off with a blazer, beret, and chunky belt, only to be offset by a pair of glistening t-strap heels. Combined with natural-looking makeup and unfussy hair, each look was all the more believable. Quirky, tattered denim overalls were about as surprising to see as the head to toe denim look, but the “fresh from the farm” approach added a relaxed vibe to the typically put-together show. Crisp white layers were followed by sheer separates in cool blues, and a particularly striking iridescent floor-length shirt dress was just the thing to finish off a collection perfect for achieving that chic but not overly calculated country club look. See the slideshow for more from the Ralph Lauren runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!

Trends: menswear, boyfriend jeans, sheer layers, Western-inspired
Celebs: Janet Jackson

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 20

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Milly

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imageThe Milly Spring/Summer 2010 “Punk Meets Prep” collection was high on my list of Fashion Week favorites. This season, designer Michelle Smith mostly abandoned her signature bright shades and bold prints and opted for a palette primarily of black and ecru with the occasional pop of color. The collection stayed true to Milly’s signature femme aesthetic but the sweetness was offset by an edgy, punk-rock sensibility. Floaty silhouettes were toughened up with studs, embellishments, and layered jewelry (all from Milly’s new jewelry collection). There were plenty of signature Milly staples — mini shifts, elbow-sleeve coats, delicate blouses, metallic jacquard — but the rich shades and sexy shapes infused these classics with a fabulous edge and radiated a stronger sense of bold confidence. Some of my absolute favorites included all of the hand-beaded knit sweaters and tops, a strapless metallic jacquard corset mini dress, and a black silk gauze trapeze dress (I will definitely be snagging that one the second it hits the racks!). From uptown prep to downtown punk and everything in between, this collection was full of must-have pieces that are both modern and timeless — take a look at the slideshow to check them out!

Color Palette: black, ecru, pink, olive, orange
Celeb Sightings: Tinsley Mortimer, Amerie, Alison Brie
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 19

Which Front-Row Fashionista Looked The Fiercest At Fashion Week?

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imageEven from just a cursory flip-through of Fashion Week photos, it’s easy to tell which stylish starlets just can’t stay away from the Bryant Park tents. After all, when every dress, purse, and sequin you’ve ever worn is documented by the press, it’s easy to get addicted to front-row views of your next big-night red carpet ensembles. Certain celebs like Jessica Alba and Alicia Keys took breaks from their busy schedules to pop into designer favorites like Narciso Rodriguez and Giorgio Armani, while other fashion-infatuated gals like Jessica Stroup and Rachel Bilson flocked tirelessly to as many runways as they could handle, from Vivienne Tam to Brian Reyes. And whether you’re a celebrity, designer, model, writer, or shopaholic, there’s no pressure to look your best like there is at New York Fashion Week! Vote below on which star had the most polished runway-gazing look. Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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Sep 19

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Twinkle by Wenlan

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imageBackstage for Twinkle by Wenlan gave the nasty weather outside a bit of a run for its money. The colors were bright, the hairstylists used the rainy clouds to its advantage, and spring was definitely in the air. The hair was kept loose and wavy and the face was vibrant and fresh. John Ruidant of Redken and MAC makeup artist Gianpaolo Ceciliato gave us the rundown on what inspired them and how they created each look.

Click here for all the steps to re-create the looks!

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Sep 18

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: 3.1 Phillip Lim

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imageIt’s no big secret in the Stylehive office that I’m a huge fan of Phillip Lim so of course I jumped at the chance to cover his fashion show! His latest collection shown at Fashion Week featured a red runway with mirrored backdrop which set the tone for the looks. The models were all business with a modern suit in a deep red double breasted jacket and matching shorts. Lim featured many menswear inspired looks including a grey v-neck sweater over a long silky button front shirt with a bit of a lacy slip peeking out. The 3.1 Phillip Lim woman of next spring may be all business, but they are well aware of their femininity too. Asymmetrical dresses with appliques on the bodice or a sheer lace crop top in chartreuse paired with a matching high-waisted trouser breezed down the runway. Odds are that we’ll be seeing these looks again on the set of Gossip Girl or on the red carpet on the likes of Lim’s celeb fans like Camilla Belle or Kate Bosworth. Beauty looks to be aware of are side-parted hair and strong eyebrows. Take a peek at my slideshow for some of my favorite looks from the show!

Trends: muted neutrals, bold colors, business separates, multi-textured, menswear
Celebs: Lauren Conrad, Olivia Thirlby, Leighton Meester, Alexa Chung
Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benx Fashion Week

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Sep 18

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Narciso Rodriguez

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imageNarciso Rodriguez strayed away from the structured look that he’s presented in seasons past and opted for a more fluid look that comfortably hugged the female form for Spring 2010 at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. His signature structure was still apparent through interesting details, including mesh cut-outs as well as pleats and gathers and contrasting colors. A seriously sophisticated color palette of blacks, whites and nude neutrals were complimented with iridescent eggplant purples, dusty reds and grey tones. The collection overall felt like a minimalist revival punched up by daring billows of fabric, transparent details and modern trends such as a bubble mini, asymmetry, and innovative prints and tailoring. Simple, looser fit dresses showed nonchalant luxury while slightly exaggerated silhouettes and lots of legs gave his collection a more edgy vibe. Take a look at the slideshow for more from Narciso Rodriguez!

Trends: Interesting prints, contrasting colors, sleek silhouettes, mesh fabric
Celebs: Jessica Alba, Emmy Rossum, Courtney Love, Stefania Fernandez, Tory Burch, Isabel and Ruben Toledo
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 18

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer: Rag & Bone

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imageMarcus Wainwright and David Neville have been described as “an English hip, young Ralph Lauren” by no less an authority than Vogue’s Anna Wintour. Their Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010 collection for their label, Rag & Bone, was shown last Friday to an audience full of appreciative fans. Structured jackets took pride of place in Friday’s show, and they were shown in all lengths and styles, from military influenced to frock coats. The color palette of the collection was decidedly muted, with creams, olives, and chambray-like blues. Other than the jackets, the pieces included a heavy dose of skinny jeans and leggings with the occasional summer-weight long johns and work shirt worn as a (very short) dress. A flesh-toned silk jumpsuit was one of the biggest hits of the show, as was a navy dress topped with a light blue field coat.

See more of Rag & Bone at New York Fashion Week at Couture In The City!

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Sep 18

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Badgley Mischka

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imageBadgley Mischka is well known for their classic lines, luxurious fabrics and to-die-for detailing that makes the wearer feel like a statuesque goddess. Their Spring/ Summer 2010 runway collection at New York Fashion Week lived up to this high reputation. Simple, clean lines served as a feminine and flattering basic backdrop for silky rich materials and a luxuriously chic color palette of black, white and grey, punched up with deep reds and saturated hot pinks. Tiered ruffled skirts, meticulous pleating and contrasting colors gave sophisticated classics a modern twist, while floor length bias-cuts and sensual draping oozed elegant sexuality. Silhouettes were subtly Asian-inspired and metallic golds and silvers were used to add a little edge. Check out the slideshow to get a glimpse of this gorgeous collection for yourself!

Trends: ruffles, unique silhouettes, metallics, draping
Celeb Sightings: Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, Fran Drescher, Amanda Beard, Nastia Liukin, Heather Graham

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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