TAKE A WALK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

Winter, I’ve had it. Consider this an act of protest. Ladies, let’s talk spring. Unless you’ve been hiding under a pile of salty, snow-covered rocks, you know that spring means BRIGHTS–especially bold oranges, yellows, and reds (although greens and blues will do too). Pair a shocking shade with your white jeans and some throwback gold jewelry and you officially embody everything there is to love about spring 2011. How easy.

BUT WAIT. The idea of a poppy orange piece got you panicked? I hear you over there all, But I’ll look like a walking hot dog stand! No need to fret–you can still embrace brights without going full-on Big Bird. SHOES TO THE RESCUE. Sandals, platforms, (or flatforms!) and pumps—oh my! No matter your skin tone, I guarantee that at least one pair of these babies will work for you.

Spring’s multicolored rainbow of sunny goodness is just a few clicks away and spring itself, a mere matter of months. So why don’t we all collectively close the chapter on infinite clouds, endless apathy, ceaseless sinus infections, and freezing commutes and begin to embrace the dazzling future that is our destiny.

1. Anita Abella Polka Dot Suede Flat, $84
2.  Donald J. Pilner Pump, $184
3.  Cole Haan Air Bacara Ballet Flat, $158
4.  Jessica Simpson Acadia Pump, $80
5.  L’Autre Chose Wedge, $59
6.  Kate Spade New York Cheeky Flat, $62
7.  Gabriella Rocha Quirina Flat, $36
8.  Topshop Orange Suede Platform Court Shoes, $125
9. Glitter Pink Wedge Flatform, $98

–JEAN CANDIDO

TRENDING: FLOWER-EMPOWERED FEET FOR SPRING!

If we start wearing shoes adorned in nothing but beautiful flowers, do you think it’ll drop a hint big enough to Mother Nature about bringing on some mood-enhancing spring weather? We’ve consulted with the Magic 8 Ball and it says… Chances are slight. But hey, at least these flowery footwear choices will put a spring in your step as you anxiously await March 21st. Floral feet are shaping up to be a popular choice for the coming months and, honestly, we’re not complaining! From wedges to combat boots and oxfords to sneakers, you’ll be showered in limitless options when it comes to picking and choosing for your own shoe bouquet!

Clockwise from top-left: Forever 21 Flower Field Shoes, $10; Dr. Martens Black Victorian Flower 8-Eye Boot, $130; Cooperative Floral Print Oxford, $49; Irregular Choice Bonnie Bonnett, $129; Jeffrey Campbell Swansong Wedge, $120

–AMBER DANESE GRANDFIELD

CREED AVENTUS: ONE WHIFF AND YOU’LL WANT TO EAT HIM

That being said, I recently gave into the temptation of its uber-fabulousness and finally purchased my first bottle. Having been a fan of these fragrances for over 20 years now, I had always desired to go all the way, but the prices really are beyond ridiculous. The teeniest 1-oz. bottle of any one of these fragrances will set you back at least $130. So, as you can imagine, I had to choose wisely, ultimately deciding on the Caribbean coconut-flared VIRGIN ISLAND WATER. MMM. And since I am such a virgin, I thought it only fitting that this become my new scent. (wink)

Trust me, one whiff, and you will literally be stripping the clothes off your man in an attempt to eat him. It’s… just that delicious. No joke! I came across this little paragraph about the brand’s latest cologne that sold out worldwide for Christmas and, well, it kind of turned me on:

Olivier CREED, sixth-generation master perfumer of France, presents in America—before all other countries—his latest creation, called AVENTUS, a fragrance for men (and adored by women) honoring traits of strength, power, vision, and success. CREED Aventus is inspired by the dramatic life of a great, historic emperor who waged war, peace and romance on terms he set, riding to power on horseback. The superb ingredients of CREED Aventus become, in the hands of Olivier CREED, a worldly and must-have blend for the man or woman who treasures enduring value in fragrance.

Tell me you’re not impressed.

Licks,
Matt

ALEXANDER WANG F/W 2011 RTW

Mr. Alexander Wang was up to his usual tricks with his 2011 Fall/Winter Collection, which recently made its debut at New York Fashion Week. Wang more than made up for any lack of black in his Spring 2011 Collection, but also managed to throw in some greys and nudes to keep things interesting.

Overall, this show was one of great juxtapositions–voluminous coats with drainpipe pants. Legwarmers with stiletto heels. Fur-lined sunglasses. Asymmetrical hemlines with well-balanced tops. It was a true testament to Wang’s ability to design simple clothing with enough complication so as not to bore buyers or spectators. Delving even deeper, this collection was also a poke at the world of fashion and its obsession with over-the-top decadence and luxury (Wait, fur blazers aren’t a typical part of everyone’s wardrobe?!).

Perhaps, though, the reason that Wang’s clothing speaks to me so much (and I am 110% sure I am not the only one who feels this) is the fact that he seems to understand a very specific type of woman–one who wants to be comfortable, yet fashionable. Feminine, yet edgy. Sound like anyone you know? Well done, Mr. Wang, well done.
–AMBER DANESE GRANDFIELD

MANIC MODEL BUZZ: CHARLOTTE FREE

My God! The first time I set eyes on this woman (albeit, on a computer screen) I heard the Hallelujah chorus sing down from the heavens, as a backdrop bearing the words, FINALLY. A model who looks REAL swung down before me. Well, real in terms of my styling and standards, which—disclaimer–does not include immersing myself in the usual runway rundown, so please pardon any ignorance, for it is bliss.

At just 18 years old, and at a diminutive (ahem) 5’7″ (as is Kate Moss, also signed to IMG–look out!), Miss Free is already making quite the name for herself, strutting the runway for the likes of Charlotte Ronson, Richard Chai Love, and United Bamboo. I think Free’s shocking pink hair adds a lovely breath of fresh air to the mainly muted palates put forth during this week’s RTW collections, and, obviously, makes her a bit hard to miss. This also makes me miss my bleach blonde hair with a heavy splash of bright turquoise…

Anyway, considering the Chai show was her first walk, ever, there isn’t much floating about the interwebs on Charlotte just yet, but I have a good feeling the best is yet to come for this budding badass. And, in that regard, let us now dissect two of my favorite looks, straight outta NYFW and into your closets.

For both: Manic Panic Cotton Candy Pink Classic Hair Dye, $13

Richard Chai Love RTW Fall 2011
Nasty Gal Draped Knotted Tank, $38 (Layer a cami underneath… or don’t.)
Free People Pleated Maxi Skirt, $168
Threadsence Buckled Steps Oxford Bootie, $37 (Use promo code 10OFFAR3 to save 10%!)

Charlotte Ronson RTW Fall 2011
Madewell Explorer Cardigan, $85 (Layer a nude AA body suit underneath!)
Forever 21 Ditsy Floral Skirt, $17
American Apparel Super Opaque Tights, in Truffle, $25
Forever 21 Contrast Combat Boots, $36

Runway photos courtesy of style.com
–NATALIE OPSITNICK

RODARTE LIGHTENS UP FOR FALL 2011

I’ve always considered Paris Fashion Week to be my ultimate fave, but I must say that this season’s New York shows are giving every fashion house in the world a helluva run for their money. My favorite show so far? Rodarte. With sweet styling and superb tailoring, the Mulleavy sisters knocked Fall 2011 straight out of the ball park. High necklines accentuated floor-length coats and dresses that are sure to make any woman feel ten feet tall, while neutral pastels brought forth a breath of fresh air countering the more typical dark palettes customary to fall. 

I can’t decide whether I like the precisely tailored outerwear or free-flowing silk gowns better–both present such a wonderful juxtaposition. By now, you all know I am a sucker for sparkly embellishments, but the beautiful embroidery in these pieces has me yearning for crisp mornings in country fields. There is, of course, just enough bling to offset any predictability from Rodarte’s previous collections, which is what caught my eye in the first place…

Overall, this collection leaves me feeling both refreshed and encouraged to incorporate a bit of glamour mixed into/with the more practical pieces in my wardrobe once the weather begins to change again next fall. Until then, though, I’ll be looking forward to many a futuristic Native American-inspired print this spring!

All photos courtesy of models.com
–SARAH MUHL

PLEASE PLEAT ME!

Pleats, glorious pleats! Here me when I say, nothing renders a garment more feminine than a generous portion of pleats. Lately, I’ve spotted them gracing the usual likes of dresses and skirts, but I’ve also laid eyes on some gorgeous pleated scarves and seen them tucked into smaller design details on tops and shorts—even lingerie. And let me tell you, I like what I’m seeing…

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a few jumbo pleats placed on a skirt as much as the next gal (tulip skirts!), but what really gets me going is a fully pleated piece. You know… accordion pleats. Oh yeah. True, some may be scared of verging on grandma territory, but accordion pleats can be delicately beautiful—and youthful. Don’t believe? Check out some of the fresh looks I’ve picked out for you below. And hey, what about all that fabulous orange? I hear some of these pieces calling your name for spring…

Clockwise from top-left: Lipsy Pleated Rosette Dress, $99; ASOS Pleat One Cold Shoulder Dress, $81; Chloé Pleated Silk-Crepe Dress, $2,115; Burberry Pleated Silk-Crepe Dress, $850; VPL Dispersion Bra, $145; Fossil Raven Scarf, $20; Furla Scarf, $56

Clockwise from top-left: Dion Lee Knife-Pleated Silk Crepe Skirt, $730; Rag & Bone Pleated Silk Maxi Skirt, $450; Topshop Satin Pleated Skirt, $58

Clockwise from top-left: Nanette Lepore Tuckered Out Pleated Top, $278; ASOS Pleated Ruffle Blouse, $54; Theory Sylvain Skirt, $255

Extra credit: Topshop Pleated Lace Dress by Rare, $78; Urban Outfitters Cooperative Pleated Babydoll Dress, $59
–JEAN CANDIDO