I'm Blue Da Ba Dee

Proenza Schouler Fall 2008

Feeling inspired by the fabulous eye makeup at Proenza Schouler, I got a little creative. Its what I do when I've got nowhere to go and nothing to do! This looks intense but can be adapted to everyday life as long as it's sharp and controlled. By pairing this with an otherwise neutral face, the look is eighties-meets rocker-meets mermaid!



Here are some of my for an intense look suggestions:

Makeup Forever Flash Color in Turquoise, Bright Blue, or Pale Blue

L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Concentrated Shadow Duo in Spirit 218

For a more subtle take:

MAC Technakohl Liner in Smooth Blue

Cover Girl Eyeslicks in Blue Ice

what do YOU think?: Balenciaga's sporty stilletto

Balenciaga Fall 2007

A very odd trend appeared on the Balenciaga runway this fall season, no doubt making the audience question whether they were at a fashion show or the roller rink. This bright, clunky shoe appears to be the illegitimate child of a roller skate and a stiletto, a strange hybrid of sport and style. Perhaps the fierce athletic styling of the 80's is back with a vengeance after years of minimalism, boho-chic, and retro-glam.

So, what do YOU think, is it couture or just clunk?

picture courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2007RTW/detail/thumb/BALENCIA

Paris Fall Fashion Week 2007: Vol. 1

Chanel

Congratulations Chanel! You have finally broken out of your monochromatic phase! Although basic black was still well represented on the runway, Karl Lagerfield dipped his gloved fingers into the color box and whipped out acid shades and jewel tones to add life to the collection. One of my favorite details were the Grecian-disco hybrid dresses with sequin adorned twisted rope. Another interesting accessory were the bib necklaces, but will this trend catch on in the real world? Still, an altogether well-conceived collection.

Chloe

One of my favorite designers, and probably the first boutique I will hit once I invent the next equivalent to the Post-It note, impresses yet again with a reflective outlook for fall. As opposed to past seasons, the floaty fabrics were traded for sturdier, angular silhouettes, some even reminiscent of kimonos. Chloe's signature crafty ornamentation was interpreted as mirrors that carried the futurism trend into the fall. I can rest easily knowing that Chloe yet again created a look that I can take inspiration from.

Stella McCartney

No, I am not a spokesperson for Stella McCartney. I just love her aesthetic very dearly, down to the the sole of those ethically-produced, pleather stiletto soles. This collection further supports my adoration, with short hemlines and volume done in a very chic manner. One of my favorite trends from this collection is the beautiful mint hue of the last dress, which seems to be very strong trend based on the dresses seen at the Oscars. Clean lines, voluminous hemlines, and sleek layering were the key words for this collection.

all picture courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/

London Fall Fashion Week: Vol. 2

Burberry Prorsum

Just hearing the name Burberry conjure up images of the trademark beige, red, and black plaid into my mind. Although the signature Burberry plaid is a classic and one of the most quintessential symbols of Brit fashion, Burberry is so much more. Burberry Prorsum, Burberry's more high-fashion label, combines some of the brands classic shapes, such as the trench, with new designs, making the brand modern and very hipster-chic. This season was especially inspiring, with such rich textures as croc skin, paillettes, and satin. The season's new trench is updated in the new ultra-luxe dark mossy croc with shiny gold-toned hardware, very tough-girl with attitude to spare. One of the coolest styling techniques from this collection is layering a long, slim sweater over a silky dress or skirt, a very flattering and easy way to layer two staples of the fall season. The collection also included beautifully glitzy sequin-type embellishments on smoky grays, all topped off with a fabulous pair of leather gloves. A collection like this almost makes you forget that this was a brand that started off with items as simple as a plaid scarf!

all pictures courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2007RTW/complete/thumb/BURBERRY?trend=&page=1

New York Fall Fashion Week 2007: Vol. 2

Marc Jacobs

In an interesting fashion, Marc Jacob's Fall 2007 runway collection turned into a chic geometry lesson. Clean lines, a simple palette, and interesting angles all combined to create a modern minimalism. A key trend were the various wide brim, short brim, and tilted hats that almost obscured the faces of the models, adding mystery and retro mystique. Ladylike cuts met menswear tailoring. A departure from his usual urban-friendly aesthetic, these clothes carried a Katherine-Hepburn vibe, both strong and powerful.

3.1 Phillip Lim

3.1 Philip Lim further cemented his status as one of the best new designers in fashion with this collection. It was both young and effortlessly cool, which is part of Lim's trademark style. The short hemline reined, proving to be a persisting trend from spring. The mostly gray, tonal collection was punched up with the occasional glint of dirty metallic, hint of vibrant color, or pop of polka dots. A very chic collection for budding ingenues.

Luella

In trademark Luella fashion, this collection was bright and bold. The clothes made no apologies for being decidedly extroverted. Known for her rock n' roll aesthetic, this collection was for the fashion risk-taker. Two words to define this collection: polka dots and, what appeared to be, galoshes. Although the polka dots added fun spice to an otherwise basic black dress, the galoshes brought to mind Jack Sparrow and a band of mangy pirates. Meant for those with a sense of humor, this collection unabashedly demanded attention.

all pictures courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2007RTW/runwayshows/index.html

New York Fall Fashion Week 2007: Vol. 1

While millions will be sitting in a recliner, balancing a plate of cheesy casserole and a remote control on their lap, their eyes transfixed by the glow of the television screen as the Colts play the Bears in the biggest football game of the year, I will be watching a Super Bowl of another kind: Fall Fashion Week. This is one of only two times a year that the big-league designers pull out all the stops. Which collection will make the biggest touchdown?

This will be one of a few posts about Fall Fashion Week. As the new pictures are being added on the internet, I will be posting updates. Even though it is not even spring yet, I hope you find inspiration and begin thinking, or in my case dreaming, about all of the fabulous styles of fall!

BCBG Max Azria

When I first saw this collection, I imagined that this was a story about a Russian princess who goes turns away from the throne to become a glamorous hippie. The dark tones of the clothing were embellished with metallic accents, and the luxurious fabrics draped beautifully. A very luxe take on boho.

Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone is known for their chic approach to menswear. This season they pulled out all the stops with classics that were tough yet somehow pretty. A mix between adrogynous rocker, Oliver Twist, and Brit socialite. A key trend in this collection? Leather. The legging trend was continued with the newest leather verision, as well as leather legwarmers. A very interesting collection for the bold.

YIGAL AZROUëL

I had never hear of YIGAL AZROUëL, yet I was very impressed with this collection. There is an intellectual-chic that is a very fresh approach to cold-weather dressing. Loose, drapey layers looked beautiful in muted hues. I am especially coveting the off-white dress; it looks so comfortable yet so cool over black tights. This is a great collection for the girl who is both brainy and fashionable.

All pictures courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/

Couture Concentrate: Christian Dior Spring 2007

Couture. Its what fashion editors wait every season for. Magazines try to analyze it. But for most of us, its what we cock our head at, desperately trying to understand. Couture is the purest form of design creativity. It is the time for designers to exercise their imagination and explore new realms of fashion. Couture defies our perception of clothing from a necessity into an art form. Christian Dior Couture Spring 2007 was quite a spectacle. The resonating theme was the idea of a geisha, and taking that image to newer and greater heights. Among some of the styles, the masterful John Galliano added new volume to the kimono. Layers of flirty ruffles deconstructed beautiful dresses, their trains taking on the appearance of a luxurious river of ruby lava flowing behind them, as seen in the first picture. He also experimented with origami-style pleating, which is one of the most unique techniques I have ever seen. The last gown featured seems to defy gravity and morph from a dress into a delicate paper crane. If couture is like a passport to new worlds, then I'm hitching a ride on the Orient Express.

All runway images courtesy of

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2007CTR/review/CDIOR