Band of Outsiders. S/S 2012

Of all the shows at New York's S/S fashion week so far, Band of Outsiders is standing out as a definite favorite. The collection has a beautiful vintage feel which stems from its inspiration - the 1975 Peter Weir film "Picnic at Hanging Rock".  The soft florals and toile are a wonderfully refreshing change from the more bright and aggressive prints we've been seeing in other shows. The collection's cuts offer a perfect mixture of flowy feminine and masculine inspired shapes that scream ease and comfort. The floral jackets (military and quilted) are just too cool and have inspired me to hunt down a quilted one for fall.  The last look however is the winner of them all for me and my favorite ensemble from the entire week thus far. I love the matching set and how the gorgeous fading treatment of the toile requires both pieces for its full effect. Just amazing overall, I will take one of everything please.

Images courtesy of style.com

Exposed. S/S 2012

ADAM S/S 2012

Alexander Wang S/S 2012

Rag & Bone S/S 2012

Helmut Lang S/S 2012

Altuzarra S/S 2012

Y3 S/S 2012

Derek Lam S/S 2012

Alexander Wang S/S 2012

The "see through" trend we saw emerge last season (sheer skirts, mesh tops) has returned in full force in New York's S/S 2012 shows. The runway has been filled with lots of mesh and sheer fabrics, exposed bra tops, even our pocketed hands are getting their turn in the spotlight (Alexander Wang). Although I do find it is a tough trend to navigate for the workplace, I am happy it is sticking around. It has made the sportier looks I love so much all the more edgy and fun.

Images courtesy of style.com

Hello fall.

It's that time of year again. We're all starting to contemplate our winter wears, pull our warmer coats out of storage and then oddly enough review what's in store for spring 2012 at NY Fashion week. I always find spring shows this time of year tough to digest, but they do become handy in December when the novelty of my winter coat wears off.

Image courtesy of citizencouture
Model: Xiao Wen Ju

Zara September.

Zara's September lookbook came as a very pleasant surprise this chilly morning. An amazing assortment of minimal, edgy, modern pieces that could all be easily dropped into my wardrobe. A good incentive as well for US peeps to check out tonight's launch of their US online store, as if they needed any.  Phillip Lim's fall 2011 collection is certainly reflected in the lookbook. Most obviously in the last shot. The leather sleeve detailing and track pants from his fall show (below) were most definitely an "inspiration".

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2011

Interesting.

Some people's style just radiates creativity and interest. She looks like a woman I would want to have lunch and a conversation with. It's a good look to have.

Image courtesy of weareyouneak.com

Electric blue.

I plucked these two shots from a bright colorful editorial from Glamour's recent October issue. I am not sure if it was the gorgeous electric blue that spoke to me first or the sporty styling of the hoodie and track pants. Either way I love how refreshing these looks are for fall.

Phoebe Philo Style.

One doesn't have to look to far past Phoebe Philo's own personal style to see what influences her modern, sharp, and minimal collections for Céline. She clearly designs for the woman that she herself is; modern, chic, busy. A woman who wants to have a life past her clothes. I think that's what I am most to drawn to in both the Céline collections and Philo's own personal style. Her clothes don't own the person as much as the person owns the clothes. Her calm and clean designs with their subtle creative twists really allow for the woman to be the statement. It's a very confident way to approach style and one that really stands the test of time. 

Images of Phoebe Philo courtesy of British Vogue, The Gentlewoman, Vogue Paris

Fall Zara Jacket.

I love the shape and cut of this jacket. I tried it on in black the other night, I think it's a fall must for me.

Fall Céline.

A beautiful Vogue China editorial featuring Céline's fall 2011/12 collection.  I think Céline's pieces hit every mark for fall. The maxi coat, the puffed shaped tops, the leather detailing, the color blocking, there is not an item here I wouldn't kill for. She dresses the modern, sophisticated woman perfectly.

Vogue China September 2011

Simple Olsen.

I love how clean and simple this look is. I think I might trade in my silver watch for a gold one.

B-Insider.

A fantastic, youthful editorial courtesy of the Hudson Bay's B-Insider style blog. The Bay's evolution continues to be more and more impressive.