Back To Black

Head to toe black is all over the runways right now. Granted black has never gone out of style (how could it?) but wearing black is one of those things that looks considerably easier than it is. A completely black outfit can look sleek and modern but it can also look bland and boring. Since there's a trick to doing anything right we've got a few helpful hints on how to get the most out of this trend.

Color Theories: Neo-grunge black at Alexander Wang & Preppy at Rag & Bone

Quality: The best way to look great in all black is to go for a higher fabric quality. Just say no to those evil polyblend black pants they sell (does anyone remember these from their misspent youth, I sure do) or the fade to grey blends that bleed out after one wash. Invest in something substantial - a nice wool, a shantung silk, or a rich velvet. You'll be able to get a lot of wear out of anything black so the higher price is worth it.

Tailor Made: When it doubt, have it tailored. This is a rule for life but its especially important when wearing all black. Black can be forgiving but any and all fit problems become even more evident once color is taken out of the equation. If tailoring isn't your thing, look for pieces that are cut well. A good cut is a girls best friend.

Texture: Black offers you an incredible opportunity to be fearless with texture. The monochromatic look calls for added interest and playing with texture is a great way to do it. Go for an unexpected material. You might not do a completely patent coat were it electric blue or red but in black it can look stunning. Have fun with it - sequins, wools, even lace looks good in black.

Detail: Whether it be exciting texture, unusual shape or unique accents always look for black pieces with a little something extra. This rule could apply for all neutral pieces - you always want something that takes the basic color and pushes it in a unique direction.

The Slimming Myth: I hate this. Wearing all black won't make you look thinner. Its a silly reason to wear black as far as I'm concerned. Wear black because it goes with almost everything or because its a great backdrop for color. Don't wear it due to some random rule.

Care: Nothing is worse than faded black clothing. It almost always looks bad and once your clothing has faded the only way to bring them back to their natural color is through dyeing. Even then you've only got a 50% success rate. Its far easier to prevent the problem by using a special detergent for dark colors like WOOLITE® Dark Laundry. It helps your dark clothing maintain its color.

Accessorize It: Since black is so neutral you can really go nuts with the accessories. As a rule I think wearing all black makes its so important to have a great shoe or bag. Look at the styling at Alexander Wang. The colors are muted but the shoes are wild - custom Manolo's if you're looking for em. With an all black background people will notice your accessories even more so wear your best.

As always we present an outfit that combines a few personal favorites pertaining to this look. I loved the laid back look at Alexander Wang (as if you couldn't tell) so I sought to create something that matched that vibe - a little minimal, a little rock n'roll and very urbane.


First we have a great top with subtle detailing. You don't want your black top to be plain - choose something with unique details or texture like this great Sweet Pea shirt with tied sleeves. . Its little touches that really make the outfit. Next up we've got an amazing Old Navy pencil skirt. Now of course you can choose any pencil skirt you like but this one has great button detailing on the front. Of course no outfit is complete with out a great pair of shoes and a bag so we have an a great pair of ankle boots and a gorgeous patent bag. The Cynthia Vincent Ankle boots are a bit of a change from the basic pumps and the patent Anya Hindmarch Jourdan bag is a real treat. It has a great mix of patent and suede as well as this really subtle navy detailing. In keeping with the theme of minimalism the jewelry is similarly pared down, just a simple Bing Bang locket, on thin gold chains.

I can't do a look without a couple of covet worthy beauty products so we've got Sue Devitt's Lash Line Enhancer, perfect for giving the absolute thinnest line possible and giving the look of incredibly thick eyelashes. Miller Harris' Coeur de Fluer, a fresh, airy mix of mimosa and sweet pea to counterbalance the severity of all this darkness. And of course Bumble and Bumble Surf Hair for that "I roll out of bed looking this fabulous" bedhead.

How do you like to spice up your basic black? I'm sure you guys have some interesting hints of your own.

Hips Don't Lie

Interesting phenomenon sweeping across the runways lately - as models lose their curves clothes gain them. From S/S right through to F/W Couture week we've been seeing an influx of nipped waists and padded hips - the sorts of exaggerated hourglass proportions that we almost never actually see on the runways.


Hippy chic at Dolce, McQueen, Armani Prive and Lacroix
Now while we have yet to see any change in the aesthetic physically I find it interesting that designers are playing with proportion in this way. For so long the ideal has been a sort of straight up and down column or oversized draped sacks- very boyish and boxy overall. It almost seemed as though fashion had forgotten about the very idea of the curve but now its returned but in these surreal corset and bustle-esque dresses. Granted, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that most of us do not require extra hip padding to fill out a McQueen frock but its interesting that he's added it.

It would seem as though the focus is going back towards the idea of a body that has shape - even if that shape is created via padding. Every magazine from Vogue to Bazaar is talking about the return of sex (because according to fashion lore Tom Ford confiscated sex and took it with him once he left Gucci) and a curvier silhouette would certainly be a sign of such a resurgence because as we all know curves are sexy.

How do you feel about this look? Is it just the fleeting fancy of a few influential designers or a sign of a shift overall?

Elena Miro F/W 07

Elena Miro is back! Another season, another gorgeous collection full of clothes I'd really love to wear. I'm loving the colors they chose for fall, that shock of mustard yellow looks really fresh right now especially when paired with grey and black. The styling/feel of this is very reminiscent of Burberry Prorsum S/S 06, which suits me just fine as Burberry Prorsum is one of the most wearable labels around. It seems the designers at EM are taking a few more risks with this collection: look at the tartan cape-coat (I must find a way to buy this) and sequin mini dresses, very right now but adapted to suit curvier figures. The loose sweater-dress over skinny leggings and chiffon blouses are lovely as well. These are modern clothes and if there is one thing the plus sized fashion market could use its modernity.







What were your favorite looks from Elena Miro? You can view the full collection at The Fashion Spot

Old Gaurd / New Guard : Classic Dressing F/W 07

Clothing for grown ups. What a novel idea!

Across the board this season we are seeing the kind of refined elegant looks that hark back to the nonchalant, ladylike glamour perfected by women like Jacqueline Onasis and Lee Radziwill. Every where you look you there are shades of grey, chic gloves, furs, extended hemlines and other trademarks of classic American sportswear. One might say that after seasons of baby doll frocks and frou frou fashion has finally grown up. Or at the very least realized that no matter how big the youth market is the true spending power lies with the parents.

Of course with every trend or in this case movement, there are different interpretations. On the one hand we have the true master of American gentility, Oscar De La Renta who tweaks and alters his flawless formulas each year to provide us with a visions of perfect taste. And on the other hand we have the new guard led by the king of grunge himself, Marc Jacobs who oscillates wildly from unexpected trend to unexpected trend with a foundation rooted in classic sportswear.

1. Oscar De La Renta
You can't really complain about an Oscar show. Its always gorgeous, his atelier is astounding, the details are ravishing and everything looks just as luxurious as it should. This season was no exception. Everything screamed "polished" it just screamed it. My notes on this collection read Pants = Kate Hepburn, Dresses = Audrey Hepburn and I think that sums it up nicely. These are classic clothes that bring out the star within. There is no gimmick save the idea that you'll look glamorous without ever being fussy. Look how unadorned the styling is. No poufy hair, no bling, no extreme makeup. just some simple gold necklaces and a few clutches. Perfection. There may have been very little in excessive adornment but the details more than made up for it. Fur and sequins were everywhere as well as bold flashes of color like the hot pink jersey dress and royal blue floral print number. Check out the gorgeous detailing on the cowl neckline of gown Vlada is in, I just love how it swoops over her shoulder for that perfect drape and the print itself is so bold, so rich that it practically leaps off the dress. It was unexpected much like the the subtle metallic jacket over the evening gown look that struck me as an almost Ralph Lauren-esque touch, very Hamptons. Both practical and impractical at the same time. Say what you will about his clothing but there is something remarkable about his consistency. Best of all Oscar goes up to size 20 and you know I love that.







2. Marc Jacobs
I love when Marc does classic. As fun as it is to see his technicolor metallic jackets and mod acid toned dresses, there is something much more intriguing (at least to me) about the times when he keeps it simple. My all time favorite Marc moment would have to be his Secretary inspired collection way back in F/W 04. It was everything a collection should be; inspired, innovative, chic and most of all wearable. There wasn't a single piece in that collection I didn't want in my closet. I'm feeling that credit card breaking urge once more with this collection. What's not to love? Once again Marc is taking classic elements; the oxford shoes, dainty cardigans, over the knee skirts and he's making them his own. This time around the ideas are very 1920s/30s I see hints of Chanel (Coco, not Karl) and touches of Art Deco. I love the oversized circles on the leather belts and the dramatic edges on the collars of the shirts. Unique little touches that let you know its Marc. For me the coup de grace was the burgundy cocktail dress on Shalom Harlow. Its like something out a dream; the color, the draping, the gathering it all works And I can't talk about this collection without mentioning the accessories. Who would have ever thought we'd see so many beautiful classic hat shapes again? These are brilliant. As trendy as these hats will no doubt become there is something adorably grandma about them. Each season the MJ team really out does themselves in terms of accessories. Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on the bags. The clutches and shoulder bags are to die for!