DALMATIAN PRINTS & OXBLOOD REDS: 20 REASONS TO SAY YES

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s been a ton of fashion-y internet talk focused around this fall’s polarizing Dalmatian print trend, first made popular by the runways of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Topshop Unique; and we, for the life of us, can’t figure out what all the fuss is about! Through the fashion ages, leopard has easily established itself as a perennially pleasing print, even despite its high-risk-for-tacky factor. So we ask, what’s the difference here? As with any print motif, the important thing to keep in mind when incorporating ‘busy’ pieces like these into your everyday ensembles is to exercise a bit of restraint. If it’s the dreaded Cruella factor that’s got you in a tizzy, our word of advice is to rid that poisonous thought from your head immediately. You can minimize your risk but still show your adventurous side by donning these pieces as accents, sparingly. In fact, we may even be leaning in favor of a little fresh doggy style over the standard leopard for this fall, ourselves… Luckily for us, and for you, the trickle-down from runway to retail has already commenced; we hope you’re poised and ready for it!

DALMATIAN PRINTS
1. Vero Moda Dalmatian Gathered Bow Back Dress, $33*
2. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Dalmatian-Print Knitted Cardigan, $375
3. Topshop Dalmatian Spot Box Bag, $66
4. Matisse Hysteria Boot, $198*
5. Dr. Martens 1460 8-Eye Pony Boots, $270*
6. Senso Latrice Wedge Bootie, $245*
7. Leifsdottir Piebald Satchel, $398*
8. Eddie Borgo Dalmatian Gemstone Cone Bracelet, $375*
9. Dolce & Gabbana Dalmatian Print Gloves, $300
10. Unique Dalmatian Nail Wraps, $15

If there’s one shade of red that literally anyone can pull off, regardless of skin tone, occasion or personal hang-up, we’d have to say it’s oxblood. While bright, vivacious reds will always hold a very dear place in our hearts (and closets too!), we think it’s safe to say they’re not always fitting for daytime wear. By contrast, a deep, rich oxblood can be worn during any time of the day, never appears out of place, forgoes the need to beg for attention, and complements a wider range of complexions than its flashier counterpart. Something tells us we’re not alone in our admiration of oxblood either, as recently we’ve come across an endless barrage of gorgeous oxblood articles in almost every form fathomable. Of those, we’ve selected a few winners here that are sure to be crowd hits–among friends and foes alike.

OXBLOOD REDS
11. Topshop Fit and Flare Tunic Dress, $40
12. Lover Henna Serpent Dress, $870*
13. Steven Alan Marlow Skirt, $178
14. MinkPink Sheer Indulgence Chiffon Blouse, $66*
15. Alice + Olivia Wide-Leg Pants, $198
16. Miu Miu Waxed Stretch-Leather Skinny Pants, $1,495*
17. Free People Knit Slim Bootlegs, $78
18. Topshop Angie Heeled Chelsea Boots, $150*
19. Messeca Cri Platform Boot, $190*
20. Rebecca Minkoff Buckle M.A.B. Mini, $525*

*Items pictured
–STEPHANIE KAO

IT’S A MAN’S WORLD…

But it would be nothin’ without a woman. Sung by the great James Brown and brought to life by all you fine ladies out there who don’t hesitate to stop traffic while sporting your favorite boyfriend blazer…

I’ll be the first to profess my love for men’s clothing and I tend to covet menswear pieces just as much as women’s. It can all be as simple as a men’s watch on the tiny wrist of a lovely lady or a boxy, oversized coat thrown over a sexy mini dress. Here, we’ve laid out some ideas for you all you gals who have always wanted to try this look but were afraid to give it a go. Take a hint from the guys: Less is more!

INSPIRATION: Dolce & Gabbana. I love love love this suit. I also love the fact that it’s made of velvet, paired with wingtips and topped with a hat. Try this ensemble at a friendlier price point for your man’s total approval.

American Retro Velvet Pants, $140
ASOS Satin Lapel Blazer, $128
Fitzwell Justice Wingtips, $27
ASOS Shirt with Contrast Placket, $55
ASOS Velvet Bow Tie, $15
Vintage Fedora via Etsy, $49

INSPIRATION: The Row. Flirt with masculine color as only The Row can (and now, you). Quite simply, The Row is pretty much the sickest young brand out there right now. The Olsens sure know what they’re doing when it comes to design seeing as though their label is only four years old and is continuously cleaning out every fashionable bank account around. Let’s take a spin on one of the label’s looks for fall, shall we?

Topshop Boyfriend Blazer, $130
Topshop Mustard Ankle Grazers, $76
ASOS Sleeveless Pocket Front Blouse, $46
Vintage Colorblock Belt via Etsy, $23
Vintage Leopard Loafers via Etsy, $18

INSPIRATION: Valentino. This ensemble from Valentino’s fall 2011 runway show is the epitome of combining menswear with women’s. I love the straight-leg trouser, velvet overcoat and sexy sheer blouse. Here’s our take on the look for those of us who can’t quite afford a $5,000 ensemble just yet.

ASOS Vila Twill Tailored Trouser, $64
Black Sheer Satin Striped Blouse via Etsy, $30
Vintage Velvet Coat via Etsy, $55
Lord & Taylor Isola Wren Studded Heels, $150

And, while you’re at it, go ahead and take a gander at Zara‘s September lookbook for some more inspiration and budget-friendly menswear-inspired finds. You can thank us later.

–SARAH MUHL

TREND SPOTTING AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

It’s always an odd feeling to get excited about a new spring wardrobe when I haven’t even packed away my open-toed shoes yet. Every year, as soon as the last model steps off the runway, the collections are already dancing around in my mind like the light at the end of a dark, long tunnel. We know what to expect to see–tons of white and pastel pieces, floral patterns abound–the same as always. However, this year, London Fashion Week introduced some fresh, new concepts that I can’t wait to experiment with. Here’s the round-up of my personal favorites.

PRINTED PANTS
Brightly colored denim reigned supreme over the trouser all summer long, and continues to do so into fall. For spring, this bold look goes one step further by transitioning into prints. Channel your inner rock star by teaming up a pair with a white tee, a structured blazer and a bottle of whiskey.

FULL SKIRTS
I’ve got to be honest–I’m so glad that hemlines have finally come down. While I do love a good miniskirt, it’s not always the most comfortable or work-friendly option out there, so I’d much rather save them for cocktail hours. These full skirts are elegant and make you feel sophisticated and ladylike the moment you slip one on. Actually, you don’t even have to wait until spring to get a jump on this look–these will look amazingly chic with boots too.

METALLICS
These impossible-to-ignore fabrics were popping up all over the runways, including those of ACNE, Christopher Kane, Felder Felder and Giles, just to name a few. A no-brainer option for a night out, or even to add some sparkle around the holidays, these key pieces also look great toned down with a cozy sweater.

NAIL ART
There were some crazy manicures coming down the runways of London this year. I am totally obsessed! From hieroglyphic-inspired designs at Topshop Unique to adorable teddy bears and characters by Nail Rock at Meadham Kurchhoff (see the gallery of photos here), there are plenty of inspirations from which to choose the next time you head out to the nail salon. While some of these manicures were clearly done by hand, some were actually nail wraps, like those from Nail Rock or Minx. Where has this concept been all my life!?

Runway photos provided courtesy of style.com
–JENNIFER CARDILLO

TEN FEROCIOUS FAUX FURS TO SNAG FOR FALL

If you’ve peeled open a recent issue of Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar, then you’ve definitely noticed an abundance of fun, luxurious faux furs featured in editorials, advertisements, and just about every other glossy mag page in-between. This year especially, there tons of affordable and equally lovely faux fur options ripe for the picking at your ‘local’ online retailer(s). You can instantly glam up any fall ensemble with a sexy faux fur vest, coat, or accessory. Not only are these pieces excellent wardrobe staples in which to invest, they’re versatile, perfect for accenting both day and night looks, and are guaranteed to be in vogue for many a fall season to come. That said, we’ve rounded up ten killer (but cruelty-free) pieces that we think you’ll look absolutely ferrrrrrrocious in!

1. Alice + Olivia Faux Fur Vest, $330*
2. Kensie Hairy Faux Fur Vest, $20
3. Hawke & Co. Faux Fur Vest, $98*
4. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Arizona Faux Fur Vest, $249
5. BB Dakota Festival Fervor Vest, $83
6. Blu Moon No Fur Vest, $154
7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux Fur-Trimmed Cotton Trench, $500
8. Halston Heritage Faux Fur Jacket, $625*
9. UNIF Chelsea Shearling Faux Fur Coat, $178
10. Ana Konder Faux Fur Hat, $29*

*Items pictured
–DIANA MAMLIEVA

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

I have two weaknesses (among a few others) when it comes to clothing: pieces that epitomize comfortable luxury and pieces with a rock ‘n roll edge. French label Zadig & Voltaire combines these two aesthetics effortlessly, which isn’t necessarily the easiest thing to do…

It all started with Thierry Gillier, the brand’s founder (and son of the founder of Lacoste), in 1997. Gillier sought to create an edgy collection that incorporated luxurious fabrics. In 2003, he took on Swedish model Cecilia Bonstrom as an assistant, and a mere three years later, Bonstrom became Artistic Director of the label, all the while staying true to Zadig & Voltaire’s mission of churning out luxe pieces with personality.

As you can see, the lovely Erin Wasson posed for Z&V’s SS ‘11 campaign, a collection which she also helped design. Oh, and did we mention Kate Moss is also a fan? It becomes clear rather quickly that this label holds a fair share of caché, especially on this side of the pond, as it’s not readily available on a large scale geographically (NYC, LA… that’s it), or even online; but perhaps even more importantly, Zadig & Voltaire is still an it-name on the streets of London and Paris. The price tags may be up there, but when it comes to the Euro-hip-reliable-wear factor, you’ll be getting some serious mileage on these items, which are well worth hunting for. It’s all in the thrill of the chase, isn’t it? At your marks…

Clockwise from top-left: Ana Cardigan, Caro Deluxe Caraco, Peace Pant, Heart Gold Bracelet, Christy Bubble Deluxe Handbag, Ceramique TDM Watch

Not pictured: Cora Dress, Roberts Print Dress, Tribal Silk Top, Perfia Leather Coat, Anyta T-Shirt

Zadig and Voltaire is available for purchase at Net-a-Porter.com and MyWardrobe.com (limited selections). Z&V also has four NYC locations and one in Los Angeles.

Photos provided courtesy of zadig-et-voltaire.com
–JEAN CANDIDO

THE COAT COTERIE: THREE SHADES OF COOL TO COZY UP IN

Even though it hasn’t really dropped below 50 degrees over the course of the past few weeks, my brain can’t seem to get off of the coat caravan.

Admit it: I’m not the only one looking forward to cozying up in something super cute and warm as we start the transition from hot to cold… to colder. Last spring’s runways offered up three great possibilities for trend-worthy coverings: faux fur (in numerous color options), dusters, and parkas. Let’s dig in a bit deeper, shall we?

Talk about psychedelic! No more boring, normal colors as far as fur is concerned. These choices are all a ‘horse’ of a different color. And don’t you worry, no animals were harmed in the making of the following coats:

Topshop Faux Fur Pom Pom Duffle Coat, $190
Blackheart Epic Colored Faux Fur Coat, $293*
Evil Twin In For The Kill Coat, $162

You may remember duster sweaters making an appearance in the early to mid 2000s. This time around, they went the full distance and turned into coats. Worried about something too long literally dusting the floor? Go with these slightly more practical options inspired by the runway.

Elizabeth & James Duster Coat, $329*
New York & Company Long Wool Trench Coat, $78
Creenstone Long Faux Shearling Coat, $415
Uscari Forbidden Lullaby Wool Knit Coat, $355

A go-to classic that never gets old, this year, the parka went through more than a few variations. From printed to puffy to the olive green standby, these babies will keep you warm for years to come.

Ralph Lauren x Denim & Supply Navajo Print Snorkel Canyon Coat, $439
Anthropologie Flounced Pintuck Parka, $198
Patagonia Women’s Lidia Parka, $199
ZARA Parka with Buttons, $90*

*Items pictured
–AMBER DANESE GRANDFIELD

VG EXCLUSIVE: BEHIND-THE-SCENES COVERAGE AT ERDEM S/S 2012 RTW

Erdem Moralioglu brought forth many a luxuriously wearable delight during his Spring/Summer 2012 presentation at the Savoy Hotel in London last week. Well-known for his acute ESP of what ‘real’ (stylish) women want to wear, Moralioglu’s expertly honed tailoring skills and topographic familiarity of the female form shined through brilliantly in this well-articulated collection of precious floor-grazing gowns, prim wiggle dresses and crisp, slim-tailored separates. Printed and embroidered cornflowers, primroses, delphiniums and marigolds invited onlookers to take a whiff of the fresh, spring air that seemingly permeated the hotel’s Wedgwood ballroom, as they danced serenely down the runway to each model’s stride. Sheer lace panels, knife pleats and boyish dress shirts made another triumphant return in this collection, this time, painted in muted blue and yellow hues–it could have been boring–but to us it was anything but. After all, you can’t argue with perfection like this; it would be a waste of everyone’s time.

Photography by Eliott Waters
–STEPHANIE KAO