ZZ Tops...and Dresses: Salon Z's Latest Offerings

Maybe its just me but I've always felt like Saks' Salon Z was a little lacking. They've long been held up as one of the recommended plus sized high end outpost but lets face it things can be little (or alot) matronly. Which is fine if you're older or have a more conservative look but what if you want something a little younger or hipper? Contemporary wear is the largest gaping hole in the plus sized market as far as I'm concerned and Salon Z has been dragging behind its main competition Nordstrom Encore in the coolness department.


Salon Z looks from Amanda Uprichard, Alice & Trixie and Lewis Cho

Not one to be outdone Salon Z seems to be stepping up its game - with new editions from popular designers like Alice & Trixie, Lewis Cho, Maiya and Amanda Uprichard they seem to really be trying to update things. While these aren't full collections - only about three pieces per designer - I like that some of the hip labels you'd see on Shopbop or Net-A-Porter are adapting their popular styles for larger sizes. Its about time don't you think? Though I do see a bit of my pet peeve jersey fabric I'm happy to see even more silks. Everything Salon Z goes up to size 24 but the good stuff goes quickly. Everything is available for pre-order at the moment but it should be in stores / ship out soon.

See anything you're interested in? Personally I'm jonesing for the Alice & Trixie Cassandra Dress in the Moroccan black color but I find myself tempted by quite a few of items. I really hope Saks expands these collections and continues them -all of these designers have larger collections for straight sizes so it would be nice to see all the same options for plus.

Elena Miro S/S 08

Now that its officially freezing and bitter cold I think its time for a little touch of warm. What better way to channel the heat of summer than by looking at the gorgeousness of Elena Miro S/S 08. Granted its probably too icy to even think about wearing a little cutout swimsuit or minidress but keep these styles in mind for the future. Everything presented this season was very silvery, I couldn't help but be reminded of Fendi's S/S Collection last year in terms of the colors and textures presented. The use of the light chiffon and silk is also lovely this season. Those tied at the neck blouses are sure to look great with anything.







I'd have to say that my very favorite look is the first one - there is something unique about that snakeprint jacket. It can see it being paired with jeans just as easily as I can see it being paired with that skirt and blouse number. What were your favorite looks? View the full collection at The Fashion Spot

The Clique Five : S/S 08 Collections

The S/S 08 Collections have come and gone with all their hoopla and excitement. We've had plenty of time to review and reflect so its only fair to look back on all that was and see what lessons can be learned. I like to think of the collections as a template for what's coming and while there were a few shows that made me scratch my head (Vuitton, anyone) there is a great deal worth talking about. As such here are my personal top 10 shows this season complete thing things I feel every woman at every size can incorporate into their wardrobes. Ignore the bobblehead models (Natasha Poly, what happened) and focus on the great tips and tricks to be learned from these sartorial flights of fancy.

1. HERMES | COMPLETE COLLECTION

This was the absolute show of the season for me. To be honest I found most of the S/S 08 offering to be a tad boring but this was completely and utterly beautiful. Sure Gaultier has done Indain inspired collections before but I'd say this ranks among his absolute best. Everything from the colors to the exquisite detailing worked for me. Look at those silks! Don't you just want to touch them!



Trend to Try: Layering. The best thing about Hermes this season was the ingenious layering and draping. Its hard to go wrong in that direction when you're being influenced by saris but we can all take a page from the book of Gaultier on this.

2. LANVIN | COMPLETE COLLECTION | VIDEO

Alber Elbaz is my favorite so I'm completely biased but I can't help but think that this was an exceptionally strong collection. Everything was feminine and unfussy not to mention refined. I loved the beautiful ruffles, the satin dresses in those incredible jewel tones and the parade of must have accessories. I love how the heavy charmed necklaces and brooches provide a subtle alternative to bling and the shoes were as decadent as ever.




Trend to Try: Shine. The Lanvin show contained several dresses that were very heavy on the sequins. The effect was lovely and completely non-Vegas showgirl. Sequins can interject a little glamour into an otherwise normal outfit and now is good time to try them especially in these monochromatic combinations.

3. 3.1 PHILIP LIM | COMPLETE COLLECTION

I always love Phillip Lim because the clothes look like things one could really put together themselves. There's never anything so over the top or ridiculous that makes you go huh. Its all just young, wearable, sportswear. I really loved the color pallate this time around The mix of neutrals, neons and metallics was really beautiful. These are just things you want in your closet - a great trench, the perfect cardigan, a couple of choice mini skirts, items every girl can appreciate.



Trend to Try: Brights. Lim highlighted the usual beiges and greys will wild pops of red, yellow and orange. This is another cool way to spice up your outfits and also really inexpensive. It doesn't matter whether your brights come from Target or Barneys, as long as you pair them with nuetral colors they'll look amazing.

4. BURBERRY PRORSUM | COMPLETE COLLECTION | VIDEO

Christopher Bailey called the women that inspired his collection "luxury warriors" and it absolutely shows. From the shield sunglasses (the better to protect you from paparazzi flashes) to the studded almost military coats the models looks ready for battle but in a good way. I love how strong all the clothes were - there was nothing girly or prissy just a lot of hard lines and high heels. Add to this the fact that Bailey touched on every single current trend in one show. Thorough as always.




Trend to Try: Belted. Almost every single outfit at Burberry was secured with a thin studded belt. From the dresses to the coats, even the blouses - everything was paired with some variation of this belt. It just goes to show you how one solid belt purchase is all you need. Go for something unusual and you can pair it with almost anything.

5. VIKTOR & ROLF | COMPLETE COLLECTION | VIDEO

This is my wild card pick. Personally, I loved every minute but I know some people hated it. I thought it was an incredibly romantic and paired down collection especially for Viktor and Rolf. Remember last season? The conveyor belt and the wooden clogs? Yeah, I repress the bad memories too. This on the other hand was just splendid - black, white, pink, loads of adorable little violin appliqués. Just lovely. Completely reminiscent of the harlequins that inspired this collection. I wouldn't advocate a giant violin necklace in every day life but on the runway it was just too dreamy.




Trend to Try: Ruffles. Every other piece V&R sent down the runway had some variation of a ruffle on it. From the subtle detailing at the collar to a full blown ruffled jacket. There is something very delicate and youthful about that sort of detailing and we'll be seeing a lot of it in the near future.

What did you guys love/hate this season? I was quite taken with Nina Ricci and even the much maligned Balenciaga collection. Vuitton didn't do it for me but it was lovely to see a few of my favorite supermodels on the catwalk again.