Just when I thought I was finally catching up on all of the shows I have yet to see, couture season begins. Gosh darn you, fashion industry! The cycle never ends! But I freaking LOVE couture, because- in my humble opinion- couture is really where fashion shines. It’s not the practical stuff that someone might reasonably wear on a day-to-day basis. It’s the fun stuff that often leaves people not as keen on the art of fashion scratching their heads and asking “who would ever wear that?” (a sentiment that never fails to make me roll my eyes an entire 360 degrees). So here is the first of the couture collection I’ll be covering this season- Schiaparelli Spring 2019.
Usually, I choose the collections I would like to cover based on photos I have already seen of the collection, and while the first look in the collection did appeal to my whimsical sensibilities, what really hooked me was the Vogue review (yes I read these!) which included the quote from Elsa Schiaparelli that the collection was inspired by, and it was so dreamy and sweet, I fell in love with the collection before even seeing the rest of the finely-crafted looks.
Lamenting on how plain she thought she looked as a child, Elsa Schiaparelli had the imaginative idea to plant flowers in her ears and said:
To have a face covered with flowers like a heavenly garland would indeed be a wonderful thing! … And if she could make flowers spread all over her face she would be the only woman of her kind in the whole world.
ELsa Schiaparelli
My favorite look from the collection- so sweet! (Photo: Vogue.com)
So, the collection was inspired by childhood wonder and the magic of nostalgia that makes us long for the days of fairy tales and imaginary friends- displayed in a gorgeous arrangement of dresses fashioned in vibrant colors and embellished with constellations and lush gardens of romantic florals. Everything was soft-edged and fluffy, much like the world of a child should be- adorned in feathers and rendered in rounded silhouettes that accentuate the natural waistline and the curve of the hip.
One of my favorite looks is a matching blazer and shorts combo that features a precious cloud print that looks like it would be at home painted on a the wall of a nursery- perfectly sweet. Another detail I found strangely appealing was the addition of star-spangled cowboy boots that added the right amount of quirk, and almost evoked how a young girl might look if she put her daddy’s boots on.
And, as if to bring home the collection’s childhood sense of freshness and innocence, the final look was worn by an eight-months-pregnant Erin O’Connor, who looked absolutely stunning in the over-the-top, layered tulle dress. I love it, all of it.
Prada’s latest show, a Fall 2019 collection which combined men’s and women’s wear, was meant to be- above all- romantic. And while one usually pictures light shades and floaty silhouettes at the mention of romance, this collection presented us with a pack of alienated monsters decked out in dark, structural looks with bondage-like wrap belts, strong shoulders, and hardware-inspired heart necklaces. And while some looks featured a cute and kitschy heart safety-pinned to the chests of our walking monsters, the show hardly referenced styles that most would consider “romantic.” But the true romance came from within, in the understanding of the deeper, more complex aspects of the human emotion.
This sweater was apparently woven by old women in the remote mountains of Italy- how romantic! (Photo: Vogue.com)
These monsters really represented men and women struggling to carve a space for themselves in a world that often feels like a monstrous mess- this tougher side of reality was realized in the strong military inspiration, which included structured jackets, heavy shoes and utility pockets galore. The somber coloring of the main pieces of the show also nodded to the solemnity of the modern political climate, while also making for some highly practical work wear looks.
And while the collection did nod to the darker emotions in the human repertoire, it was also surprisingly whimsical, playing up the Frankenstein inspiration with vibrant prints that featured florals, dismembered hands and Frankenstein’s monster himself. Other playful details included fuzzy winter hats in various shades, matching fuzzy shoulders, thick-rimmed glasses, and comfy-looking sweaters worn on top of blazers for a refreshing look.
This collection definitely stood out with its unique inspiration and combined structured, serious, military garb with funky monster-ific details to fabulous effect. And with all of the different ways these looks were layered, it leaves a ton of room for Prada-lovers everywhere to create their own terribly terrific monsters with a ton of heart.
I’ve been absolutely obsessed with layering lately, and not just because it’s winter (though that has at least a little to do with it). Layering lets you reinvent your clothes and outfits in new ways each time you wear them, like adding a turtleneck under a dress, or a sheer, mesh shirt over a worn tee. Adding different layers to a look adds more dimension, substance, texture and style- so, needless to say, I am into any collection that presents me with new layering ideas, which is just what the Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2019 did with a collection that included all kinds of warm-toned, incredibly-wearable looks sprinkled with whimsical, sheer dresses layered over various pieces, all inspired by artist Sonia Delaunay.
Scrolling through this collection, I was absolutely delighted by all of the use made of these dainty, ethereal dresses- layered over briefs with knee socks or knee-high boots, layered over turtlenecks acting as a second skin, layered beneath jackets, adorned with gold and gorgeous, fairy tale-esque embroidery- my inner fashion fiend was practically salivating at all of the different ideas presented in this collection. Not to mention, it was all very romantic with a lot of throwback charm (which directly speaks to my old-fashioned asthetic), but made modern with the sheerness and the styling (isn’t the bare leg just so chic?). And it’s nearly all black, which I don’t usually gravitate towards when it comes to fashion shows, but works really well with all of the warmth and dainty detail of the collection.
I’ve always been a sucker for sweetness and fantasy, so these intangible-yet-tangible, dreamy dresses hit the spot and make me crave a good, sheer dress for my own wardrobe. Check out some of my favorite looks featuring sheer dresses and skirts below:
All photos from Vogue.com, courtesy of Christian Dior.
One of my favorite aspects of fashion is the story behind it. After all, it’s a visual art form just like painting or theater. The stories that can be told and the characters created with a simple combination of pieces of clothing is amazing, and it’s so much fun to image who might wear an outfit when I put it together.
The inspiration for this collection of outfits I styled comes from my deep love of sci-fi and dystopian literature. Sometimes we feel like our world is crashing down around us because our lives aren’t going exactly as we planned, which is why it’s fun to escape into universes where the world IS ending, so we don’t feel so bad anymore. Plus, it’s really interesting to see other artists’ and authors’ ideas on what they think the future may have in store.
Check out the outfits I created, which I paired with short stories to get your imagination flowing:
When the World Is Destroyed By 1000 Nuclear Bombs
The world is a wasteland, the air absolutely un-breathable. You walk through the wastes with two outer layers and a scarf to cover the back of your neck so the relentless sun will give your tired skin a break. You don’t have a gun, but your trusty knife always has your back, and a good pair of boots will always take you where you need to go. In the new world, there is no room for luxuries, you take what you need to survive and you do just that.
When You Live In a Perfect World Where Everyone’s the Same
You wake up to the sound of your television screen telling you it is time to do your morning calisthenics. Every morning the same, you take your ration of “vitamins” and wait for the blonde instructor to start her graceful movements. The girl next to you does the same, blonde hair up in a tight bun. The girl next to her is the same. They assign you colors to differentiate you, yours is blush pink. Your necklace keeps track of you and your bracelet bears your name, so you and the other identical girls in your wing can be told apart. You smile until your cheeks hurt, your arms unfurled, ready for the day to begin.
When the World Is No Longer Habitable, So You’re Travelling the Galaxy to Find a New One
They sent five ships out into the abyss, equipped with enough concentrated rations to last the rest of the crews’ lives. Their only objective was to find somewhere else humans may call home, as Earth is quickly becoming desolate. You dress warmly, carry a gun in the rare case you may find intelligent life that isn’t too fond of you. Your only personal possession you allowed yourself was a bracelet your mother gave you before you left and you never take it off, lest you forget about where you came from. Home.
It took me a surprising amount of time to style these looks and create the images, but it was also a lot of fun! I really want to keep creating these unique looks with fun stories, so keep an eye out for the next one!
It’s freaking 2019 people! And that means award season is once again upon us. While I hold the genuine opinion that awards shows are insufferable in general (they bore me), I usually take a cursory glance at the red carpet looks because fashion or whatever, so I figured I would compile a list of my favorite and least favorite styles of the night just for fun!
Red carpet glamour is supposed to be one of those things that the average person gets to see only but a few times a year, which makes it really special and fun to talk about. HOWEVER- now that I work at a company that makes websites for prom and pageant retailers, a lot of the dresses just look like overpriced prom dresses to me, so the red carpet has lost its appeal, to say the least.
But, enough with all that ~negativity~ – without further ado, let’s take a peep at these looks!
HOTS
Lady Gaga in Valentino Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co
Of course, my number one would be Lady Gaga in her incredible, custom periwinkle (there was some talk of lavender or “lunar blue” but P.P. Piccioli confirmed it is, indeed, periwinkle) Valentino Haute Couture gown. Just look at it! And that diamond necklace! The sleeves! The train! There is nothing I don’t love about this, except for maybe the hair. Anyways, Lady Gaga will always win in my heart!
Leslie Bibb in Schiaparelli
I love this look because it’s so simple- the straight hair styled with the neutral makeup pairs perfectly with the nude, tulle dress with black lace foliage cascading gracefully down. I would wear this to prom if my prom didn’t happen like five years ago!
Allison Janney in Christian Siriano and Roger Vivier
This dress makes Allison Janney look incredible! I love the sleeves and the classicly-draped neckline. She looks like an old Hollywood starlet, but the fresh blue makes it modern.
Gemma Chan in Valentino and Christian Louboutin
There is something so refreshing and appealing about this bright red lip paired with the rich, deep blue and luxuriously-draped dress paired with shorts under the skirt. She must have been a little chilly though!
Lucy Boynton in Celine
All that glitters IS gold in this chic look. I think my favorite part is her piecey, platinum bob with that crisp center part. As someone who recently joined the bob club, this look is major inspiration for sure!null
Saoirse Ronan in Gucci
Sleek, sleek, sleek! Saoirse shimmers in a silver gown from one of my faves. It’s not surprising that she’s on my hot list, though. She always manages to look great at every occasion! null
Indya Moore in Louis Vuitton
This dress is going galactic with its space-age inspiration and styled with the bod, red lip, everything pops! I love seeing stars choose looks that are a little more unconventional for their red carpet struts, and this look definitely has an interesting story to tell!
Laura Dern in Valentino
I’ve already written about how much I like the Valentino Pre-Fall 2019 collection, so I won’t bore you with the details. The red is just so crisp and cutting, and I love the texture of the skirt and sleeves- it’s so decadent that my eyes are lucky they don’t gain 10 pounds just by glancing at it!
Judy Greer in Alberta Ferretti
This look is my entire 2019 mood- power, power, power! I love the proportions of the jacket paired with the pants. It’s definitely a fashionable take on a menswear staple and she looks incredible!
Cody Fern in Maison Margiela
What can be said about Cody Fern that hasn’t already been stated by pretty much everyone else in the world? These are the kinds of champions we need in men’s fashion today. He dismantled the old expectations of the suit with high-waisted pants and a shirt with sheer panels to show some skin. And that hair? Simply fabulous.
NOTS
Amber Heard in Monique Lhuillier
Nothing against Amber Heard, this dress just goes down to such an awkward place and squishes her boobs up in such an unflattering way. Her smile looks gorgeous though!
Lili Reinhart in Khyeli and Christian Louboutin
As I said in my intro, I’m not too fond of dresses that look like prom dresses to me, so this poofy, tulle gown just didn’t strike my fancy. I do like the color, though!
Marin Hinkle
I don’t mean to sound rude, but there’s really nothing to like about this dress. The green seems a bit out of place and the gown itself lays in such a way that it looks poorly constructed. But her hair looks amazing!
Julianne Moore in Givenchy Haute Couture and Chopard
I freaking love Julianne Moore but this dress looks a bit matronly, especially in the way it fits in such an unflattering way. I do think she looks great in white though, to contrast her vibrant hair!
Julia Roberts in Stella McCartney and Chopard
Apparently a lot of people liked this look, and that’s all well and good. At the end of the day, I just found it bland, and it didn’t look like something special enough to wear on the red carpet.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Okay, hear me out. I adore Emma Stone and this look definitely isn’t bad, I just had some qualms with it. It seems like it doesn’t fit her well enough because it’s hanging loosely like a night gown, making it look cheaper than it is. That’s pretty much my only issue though, I love the color and the shimmering embellishments!
Well, I think that rounds out my list! Is the concept of having “Nots” too mean spirited? I can’t decide. I try to be constructive only in my criticism of the looks and would never attack a woman or her body, only the clothes! Until the next award show, this is Anna signing off!
Hot on the heels of their charming Spring/Summer 2019 show, which was presented in a diner with their bouffant-ed and prairie-clad models slinging plates of classic American cuisine (mostly french fries) and looking appropriately disruptive, the eyes of the fashion world are turning toward Batsheva. And if Batsheva is anything, it is that- disruptive, or a playful reprieve from the usual, all-too-similar sleek and chic looks that sashay down the runway season after season. Featuring whimsical, prairie-inspired prints and silhouettes, Batsheva manages to hearken back to fashions from various past decades, while still feeling fresh. But that might just be because I’m a huge sucker for brands that cash in on the playful aesthetic (remember Mira Mikati’s technicolor treats?).
Will “Dance Like A Mannequin” be the next “Dance Like An Egyptian?” Stay tuned to find out! (photo: Vogue.com)
This season’s lookbook saw supermodel Coco Rocha transformed into various jaunty characters/dolls/mannequins- and she imbued personality into each and every one. While the concept of the lookbook was, in and of itself, appealing enough to make note of (I mean, how fun are these photos??), the clothing and styling also left me utterly delighted with the charming vintage silhouettes and cheery prints/color combinations. One of my favorite looks in the collection is actually the very first one- a pastel yellow/powder blue dress with an exaggerated, nearly-humorously huge Peter Pan collar styled with only one leg covered in tights/stockings, something I definitely took note of for my own styling repertoire. The ’70s inspired floral print sprinkled throughout various looks also managed to draw me in, especially when paired with the Raggedy Anne-ish gingham.
I would definitely wear these clothes and gladly reminisce on the times I would play house as a little girl dressed in my mother’s kitchen apron and a pair of heels much too large for my little girl feet, all while rejoicing in the fact that this fashion exists not for daily practicality or professionalism, but to ignite the imagination and to transform you into a cherubic darling that belongs in the Swiss Alps, singing about edelweiss and searching for four-leafed clovers.
Check out my favorite looks from the collection below:
I haven’t eagerly torn through a collection as ravenously as I devoured the newest Gucci offerings in a very long time. And it’s not because it’s anything new or revolutionary, no- Alessandro Michele has an established style that he masterfully weaves into all of his collections, so you know there are a few things you are always going to get: boisterous prints, loud colors, interesting embellishments (this installment gave us cherries and cats) and an insane amount of layering. All of this to say- I don’t mind it. In fact, I can’t get enough of it. IN FACT, I would go as far as to say Michele’s ~aesthetic~ speaks to the very heart of this operation- eclecticism. The bringing together of many, seemingly-unrelated parts into one glorious, sensational whole.
And thus, my unquenchable thirst for gingham was born. (photo: Vogue.com)
Each outfit in this collection seemed more bombastic than the last, each image beckoning me onward through the massive 86-look lookbook. While collections this large usually bore me somewhere along the way, scrolling through these looks didn’t feel like a chore. I’ve been quite taken by the concept of innovative layering in fashion, and I’m always trying to think of new ways to wear my old clothes, so it was stimulating, to say the least, to see so many interesting clothing combinations in this collection. Blazers were layered over dresses were layered over pants, which were layered over tall, slouchy, tiger-striped or gingham boots. Even disparate prints were mindfully married within looks, inviting the eye to linger lovingly over every detail, including the crisp, ’80s-inspired tailoring (hello oversized blazers and broad shoulders).
And what can be said of the styling? Magnificent, of course. Enough giant sunglasses, brightly-colored socks and jaunty berets to leave you wondering if you can pull such silly, yet altogether pleasing things off (pro tip: you can.)
In the New Year, I vowed to myself that I would wear what I wanted, no matter how stupid the world might think I look, because I like it, because I dress for me and not to impress the ruthlessly-judgmental entity of humanity. And if this collection has given me anything, it’s more inspiration to continue on my path of sartorial bliss and eclectic dressing. And also an intense need for gingham.
Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:
I love the way this collection layered classic, preppy pieces like a sweater vest, over flowing, boho styles, creating titillating combinations that delight the senses. (Photo: Vogue.com)
While the flowing, print-laden styles synonymous with bohemian fashion have never really piqued my interest, this collection made me realize that there is so much more you can do with it, like pair a flowing, printed dress with a structured blazer, or throw on a lush, velvet dress over a clean white blouse and slacks duo. There is so much playfulness and freedom in these combinations- including the rich juxtapositions of deep colors and lively prints- that it excites and delights the senses.
The details of these outfits weren’t lost on me, either. The tiny, box bags have so much charm paired with the snakeskin block-heel boots and fluttering neck bows. Some of my favorite looks included high-necked lace collars that may have enticed Shakespeare himself, which is what caught my attention in the first place.
Everything about this collection screams “eclectic,” which is exactly what we’re all about- new and exciting marriages of styles, thoughts, ideas, art forms- there is no limit to what we can create and I appreciate that this collection reminded me of that.
Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:
Christmas is right around the corner- like 2 or 3 days away depending on what you consider to be the “real Christmas”- and that means you still have a couple of days left to find the perfect Christmas/New Years outfit to make everyone in your family (even those annoying distant relatives) think “man they look good- they must have their s*** together!”
If you’re looking for some inspiration to punch up your holiday outfit ideas, your search ends here! I’ve dug through the trove of outfit inspiration to end all outfit inspiration- the Fall 2018 couture collections! If you want to make an impression that will last a lifetime, get your pen and paper ready to furiously take some notes. You’re going to need them! Check out some of my favorite trends that would definitely serve you well during the holiday season:
Comfy, Chunky Knits
Winter is knit season, so what better addition to a cozy winter ‘fit than a good sweater? Except, this time, take your idea of a comfy knit and turn up the intensity like 3 or 4 notches. What have you got to lose by going bigger? Chunkier? Bolder?? The answer is nothing, so go for it!
Source: Sonia Rykiel Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com
Shimmery, Red Sequins
Your Christmas ornament should be flattered- get it? Because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Enough with the jokes! Red sequins will add so much festive fun to any look, you’ll feel like a party on legs! Anything with this much shine will also look incredible next to a well-decorated tree, so break out your Kira Kira app and get snapping!
Source: Left- Maison Francesco Scognamiglio, Center- Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition, Right- Zuhair Murad via Vogue.com
Get Into Green
We’ve given red a shout out, so we thought it would only be fair to do the same for the season’s other most iconic color- green! We’ve already spoken about why green is a huge color this season, but if that isn’t reason enough to get this color into your life, just consider how spirited you will look in green with red accessories!
Source: Left- Jean Paul Gaultier, Center & Right- Valentino via Vogue.com
Sugarplum Pink
The Nutcracker Ballet’s very own Sugarplum Fairy is taking note of these gorgeous gowns. Shimmery, feathery, light, sheer and romantic- these dresses are dreams woven into reality! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t wear a soft, Spring-y shade. You totally should! And look like a total cutie doing it!
Source: Fendi Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com
Sleek Black
The Little Black Dress has never looked so good. While every woman needs a good LBD, you should have a GREAT one with fun details like a dramatic slit, some funky bows, or a full, cupcake skirt that’s just too fun to pass up. Plus, you can add pretty much any accessory to a black dress, so go nuts and really make it your own!
Source: Chanel Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com
Oversized, Dramatic Silhouettes
Make sure that when you show up to the Christmas celebration everyone turns and thinks to themselves “She. Has. Arrived.” with a dramatic dress that’s only a little bit extra. Okay, a lot extra. But look at how fun these looks are! It will all be worth it!
Source: Left- Valentino, Center & Right- Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com
Prim Pleats
Posh, pretty, preppy pleats are the perfectway to dress up your holiday outfits- just look at how sharp and shimmery these are! If you want to look like an angel, or a mermaid, then this trend may be just the thing you need and were lucky enough to stumble across!
Source: Azzaro Couture Fall 2018 via Vogue.com
Even if you didn’t find what you were looking for, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! No matter what you wear to celebrate, you’ll look amazing! What are your plans gearing up for the new year? Let me know in the comments!
So, as you all may know, fashion moves at lightning speed. Collections are released almost a year ahead of time, everyone furiously writes about them for approximately a day, then they are forgotten, grains of sand blowing away in the winds of time. It is often this aspect of fashion that makes me the most sad.
A truly good collection should last longer than that, or at least cut through the cluttered “runway show” section of my memory. Many good collections do- they live on in collages I create, or articles I write. But one managed to slip my mind, a collection that combined a cheery, retro, ’60s aesthetic with a potent dose of fantasy- Moschino Fall/Winter 2018.
How could I have forgotten about it? Not only does the collection feature plenty of Jackie O hairstyles, prim pillbox hats and rainbow bright, matchy-matchy ’60s skirt suits, it also let loose a gaggle of adorable alien girls painted in nearly every hue of the rainbow. Like, honestly, how freaking cool is that? I’m actually pretty much obsessed with the retro-futuristic vision of aliens, so the fact that I had to be reminded of this truly bonkers collection by scrolling through Google Images is concerning to me.
Jeremy Scott, the creative director of Moschino, got his inspiration for this collection of intergalactic go-go girls from a conspiracy theory: JFK told Marilyn Monroe about the existence of aliens, a fact that she was going to bring to the press, which is what led her to be killed. He used this as a jumping-off point for his own bananas theory: Jackie Kennedy was an alien all along and killed both JFK and Marilyn Monroe. Whaaaaaaaat. How much more fun can a collection get?
Besides the obvious shining moment of the head-to-toe painted models, the collection also boasted some fun comic-inspired prints and vintage-looking satin evening dresses stitched together with glam sequin pieces to create some kind of retro-futuristic Franken-gown. All of these details brought so much fun and light into the collection, which I enjoyed from start to finish. While I’m not usually a fan of Scott’s collections (gimmicks don’t appeal to me) this one just happened to speak to my own personal aesthetic. So, if you also forgot about this gem of a collection, do yourself a favor and get re-acquainted with some of the best looks below:
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