Snake Charmer

Peep the python that paraded down the Prada runway for Fall.  Snakeskin is a luxurious classic and was a favorite among designers this season, especially for Hannah MacGibbon at Chloé.

The Prada boots may be out of your price range.  But thanks to Zara and Urban Outfitters, you have easy access to stylish looks for less. 

PS: Feel free to purchase a pair of the UO oxfords for me. Such a chic take on a "borrowed from the boys" staple. 

Mod Moment

There are a lot of retro trends popping up for fall, and the Mod look is no exception.  In addition to Peter Pan collars and shift dresses, when one thinks of Mod, one thinks of the poster girl for the style--Twiggy.

And it's easy to see the heavy Twiggy influence on Vogue Russia's recent editorial, featuring Natasha Poly and shot by Hedi Slimane.  I love how they exaggerated the signature fanned lower lashes Twiggy had:

Check out all the photos at FGR

Sidenote: I love musicals.  So, naturally, the return of Mod made me think of one of my favorite musicals: Sweet Charity.  One of the best scenes involves Fosse-choreographed dance numbers at a club.  The choreography and costuming are so fabulous, it was the obvious inspiration behind Beyonce's "Get Me Bodied" video.  Watch "The Rich Man's Frug" below:

The Sincerest Form of Flattery?

I adore ASOS and love shopping their online store.  But while checking out there dress selection, I noticed this particularly punchy striped dress...

...God bless the poor gal who unknowingly purchased this SS'11 Prada knockoff.  

It's one thing to garner inspiration from runway looks.  But this is just a blatant copycatting with zero shame.  Here's the original:  

There are slight differences, but they are outweighed by the similarity in colors, stripes, and even the ruffle at the bottom.  Less knockoff and more knock-out dresses, ASOS! 

(Prada runway pic via Style.com)

Such a Doll

The Dolly Necklace -- Topshop

Adorable.

The MI_I Skirt

If you were to fill in the blank, you'd probably put a N for "mini".  But for fall, try inserting a D.  The calf-grazing midi skirt is a happy medium between the mini and maxi options.  From Marc by Marc to Gucci (see below), designers served up ladylike looks with flair at the Fall shows.  And the Midi is a perfect fit.

For my closet, I chose to purchase a chic black version from ASOS:

I like how this look was styled with a simple brown belt.  But I think I'll pair it with my skinny, leopard print one ;)

(Pics via Style.com) 

OPI Fall '11 Collection:: Touring America

OPI's polish collection for Fall 2011 is out, and the colors were inspired by different cities across the USA.  Being from Baltimore, I was naturally excited to see my hometown being included in the collection: 

It's the deep plum color, third from the left.  Being a lover of purple and my Baltimore Ravens, I'm excited to doll up my digits with "Honk if You Love OPI." Check out the full collection on OPI.com and see if your city made the cut. 

Ad Love: Stella McCartney

When I first started to get into fashion magazines, one thing I couldn't stand about 'em were the ads.  I thought they got in the way of the important parts (editorials, articles, etc.)  But over the years, I have learned to appreciate the ads so much that I actually love them!

The image(s) selected to be featured in a label's ad represents the entire collection for that season and make major statements...As I perused the September issue of Elle magazine, one ad in particular really stood out to me: 

Natalia Vodianova is the star of this Stella McCartney ad in a dress that combines sheer seductiveness with polka dot sweetness.  The look showcases a little skin in such a creative and fresh way and ups the va va voom factor.  And the pose is strong, yet demure.  Between that and the black and white image with green topiary serving as a background, this ad is a fabulous contradiction.

PS: Polka dots = Major trend for Fall

Since I've Been Gone...

I've been on a major hiatus since my Junior year started last August.  But now that summer is here, I'm giving my neglected blog some much needed attention and TLC.  Soooo much has happened while I was gone.  For example, Carine Roitfeld is no longer EIC of French Vogue *tear*, Galliano is out at Dior and his own label bcause of his racist outburst, and Kanye shocked the public when he wore a Céline shirt made for women a a musical festival.

With all that, it would be crazy to try to play catch up, so I'm just going to focus on writing about things I'm loving in fashion, per usual, so stay tuned!

(Pic via Style Blazer)

Tom Ford- Visionary

So even though Oprah's show ended recently, she has a whole network now: OWN.  I'm already a huge fan of OWN programs like Master Class.  But I was ridiculously excited when I saw a commercial for a new show called "Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind."  The show will follow innovators in different fields and industries and the iconic Tom Ford is one of those people. 

I abosolutely adore the designer who brought sexy back to the runway in his Gucci days and now with his own namesake line.  Peep the video of his exclusive SS '11 runway show (love it) above.  How many celebs can you spot?

From Russia, With Love

Camel Craze

Furs, Knits, and Neutrals

Ladylike, Adrogynous, and Vamp (Coco is a posing pro!)

Sweet Seventies

Feminine Fifties

Animal Print

And I'm pretty obsessed with the shearling aviator jacket by Burberry Prorsum

Dree is wearing in the second pic:

Doesn't it look warm?

(Pics via FGR and Style.com)

Back To School Cool

Alexander Wang Amber Spiral Notebook Clutches ($625 each)

Genius!

(Pics via Shopbop)

Gray/ Gris

So, primarily thanks to Chloé, camel (or beige) is the "it" color for fall. While I love the luxe, feminine vibe it gives off, I'm actually quite smitten with gray for the season.  It's a neutral that simply oozes effortless cool.  See Marc Jacobs and Isabel Marant below:

And when it comes to the subtle shade, there's nothing more classic than the gray sweatshirt.  Lazy dressers and sweaty jocks have given it a sloppy rep.  But a gray sweatshirt CAN be chic.  Don't believe me?  Take a look at these stylish ladies:

Kate Moss

French Voguette Emmanuelle Alt

MK Olsen

I'm loving this option from UO so I'm adding it to the shopping list.  I'll team it with a strand of girly pearls and brown boots when it gets cooler outside:

Ahhhh, I can't wait for Fall!

(Pics via Google Images, Urban Outfitters, and Style.com)

You Can Get with This or...

So while doing some routine online shopping, I noticed something...

Topshop skirt: $70

Forever 21 Skirt: $17.80

Similar look, very different price.  Now, there are obviously some differences between the two skirts.  The color of the Topshop skirt is a punchier, pinky-peach color while the Forever 21 skirt is a dusty pink color.  Forever 21's quality can be a bit questionable, but does that justify the vast difference in price??  I don't know.

I scream, You scream

AnOther Magazine Editorial- SS '07

And speaking of Lara... 

*CFDA Awards*

This past Friday, the Council of Fashion Designers of America held its annual awards ceremony. Here's a list of the fabulous winners:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc Jacobs

Menswear Designer of the Year: Rag and Bone

Accessories Designer of the Year: Alexis Bittar

Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jason Wu

Swarovski Menswear Designer of the Year: Richard Chai

Swarovski Accessories Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Kors (NO ONE does American Glamour like Michael)

International Award: Christopher Bailey (He is doing some amazzzing things at Burberry, including one of my favorite SS'10 collections)

Eugenia Sheppard Award: Kim Hastreiter (Paper Magazine)

Fashion Icon Award: Iman

CFDA Board of Directors' Special Award: Alexander McQueen

To see some of the winners'/honorees' portraits featured in the CFDA Journal, read more:

Black is Beautiful

Vogue Italia's beauty supplement recently featured Black models Sedene Blake and Ayan Elmi.

Two things I love: 1) Vogue Italia has been making a conscious effort to diversify the world of high fashion by using models who are women of color (remember the famous "All Black" issue?) and 2) They passed on It models like Chanel and Sessilee and opted for lesser known models.

Gorgeous.  And I love that the models have dark nail polish on.  Spring/Summer tends to be filled with bright and pastel polishes.  But I simply can't abandon my darker shades just because the season has changed!

(Pics via FGR)

Mulberry for Target??!

So according to Louise Roe (you may recognize the name from The City) via Twitter and other sources, the British accessories brand Mulberry will be doing a handbag line for Target. This news was seriously music to my ears! I have been obsessing over their Alexa bag. This Alexa...

...was inspired by that Alexa::

I have really high hopes for this line, so I hope it's great. I missed Zac Posen for Target. I missed Jean Paul Gaultier for Target.  I missed Rodarte for Target. I will NOT be missing this one.

PS: It must be nice to have a lxury handbag named after you. Sigh...

(Pics via Wonderland and Elle.com)

Which Photo Showcases Prada's Crystal Dress the Best?

Prada's crystal pieces from the SS'10 collection have been featured in numerous magazines. Here are just a few photos. Which do you like the most?

Yes, that's a guy ^

(Pics via FGR, Pop, Style and Google Images)