Kate is Seeing Spots: Why Moss is Boss

Here you have it: quintessential Kate Moss, and all the reasons we love her. Headed home in London on January 18th, she reminded us of why she’s our seemingly eternal muse.

It’s her effortless way of wearing loads of leopard spots (on another, they might look fussy and overly glam), the perfectly shiny yet undone mane, the tossed-on scarf (notice the amazing feather detailing!), unfussy leg-wear, enviable – yet wearable – boots, and ladylike top-handle bag. I’ll have what she’s having!

When it comes to emulating the supermodel’s day look, there are a few key points to remember: she loves her fur, she keeps her pants casual (think leggings or slouchy-skinny jeans), and she doesn’t seem to spend too long thinking about how she’s going to put her fabulous designer pieces together.

Since we mere mortals need a little assistance, here’s how to steal the ultimate off-duty Moss look, from head to toe:

Sandro Majestueux Leopard-Print Goat-Hair Coat. On Net-a-Porter for $968.80 (from $1,730).

NOT READY
Alexander McQueen Lace-Up Bootie. On Zappos Couture for $717.99 (from $1,205).

NOT READY
David Lerner Leather Pocket Leggings. On ShopBop for $132.

Ralph Lauren Collection Fringed Lace Scarf. On Net-a-Porter for $495.

NOT READY
Hotel Particulier Minktail-Trim Wool-Cashmere Knit Scarf. On Luisa via Roma for $561.

Oliver Peoples Shean Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses. On Net-a-Porter for $360.

Fendi Peek-a-Boo Small Bag. At Barneys New York for $3,920.

Givenchy Spring 2012 Couture Collection: The Dark Horse

A basketball court gone eerily ethereal. This set the tone for Riccardo Tisci’s take on Givenchy Couture – and it’s not the gauzy, floral, effervescent Spring collection most designers have in mind. And we wouldn’t have Riccardo any other way!

Inspired by the groundbreaking 1920s film Metropolis, there were industrial touches like bold metal spikes, not to mention models sporting ornate nose rings that covered a hefty portion of their faces and earrings so massive they had to be supported with headbands. Despite the striking headgear, most awe-inspiring is Givenchy’s way with both skin and beads.

Gowns of crocodile skin? I think my bag may have just taken a backseat. Scales were individually cut, dyed, and sewn back together for the most hedonistic confection of exotic you can imagine. Lighter and more wearable, though, are the eccentrically beaded creations. Sequins and sparkle can look disco-glam, but not in Riccardo’s macabre world of high style. An haute couture collection for die-hard fashion fanatics and imaginative eccentrics who yearn to push the envelope.

Top 5 Furs: Let’s Make the Fur Fly

Fur certainly has its enemies (even Bottega designer Tomas Maier calls is “vulgar”), but say what you will about the controversial accoutrement, I find it simply irresistible. Whether it comes in the form of a vintage find or a brand-new addition, fur is meant to be treasured. Because, really, is there anything more decadent? Toss one of these jackets or vests on and I promise, you instantly feel like a queen, even if you’re still waiting on that diamond tiara.

 

1) Marc by Marc Jacobs Hayworth Fur Vest: Youthful and so plush it’s positively yummy, this chunky, wide-lapeled vest will jazz up any outfit, from flirty floral dresses to T-shirts and jeans.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $398.

2) Michael Kors Dyed Rabbit Fur Jacket: You know when Kors does rabbit fur it is going to be uptown-sleek with just tinge of downtown flavor. This streamlined jacket, ideal for both wide tweed trousers and super-skinny pants, is also wildly on sale, so don’t miss out!
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $538.49 (from $1,795).

3) Valentino Fur-And-Lace Collar Coat: Deliciously refined, Valentino does fur with understated class. A mink collar gets a touch of tenderness with sprinkling of lace.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,396 (from $3,490). 

4) Kay Unger New York Fur-Trim Satin Jacket: Navy duchess satin is all grown up – and perfect for cocktail parties – but the breezy cut of this lamb-trimmed jacket will give you some swagger.
At Neiman Marcus for $750.

5) Theory Lamb Fur Vest: Big fur vests can feel played out when you see too many of them, but none have the curly-cue appeal of Theory’s fuzzy lamb. It’s all about the texture here, so keep it slick and smooth everywhere else.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,215.

 

Snob Worthy Links January 24, 2012

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, we got to thinking about Chinese women and their tricks for looking gorgeous. Read more about the Chinese Beauty Secrets for a Happy New Year at The Fashion Spot.

John Hardy at JewelSnob crafted a stunning collection of jewelry inspired by the blessed symbol, the Dragon.

Jessica Alba looked tres chic wearing a Chanel Resort 2012 at Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

butter LONDON™ and Founding Creative Director Nonie Creme introduces the new Spring/Summer 2012 nail lacquer collection. At The Find.

FabSugar delves into Gossip Girl‘s best looks so you too can get a piece of the series’ covetable season five fasion!

The Budget Fashionista: Helmut Lang Sample Sale!

The crowning jewel: the Nina Ricci Embroidered Jewel Clutch is so stunning it’s worthy of any red carpet. At BagSnob.

ShoeSnob advises you to is to capitalize on the deep discounts with year-round wear-ability. Here’s her list of Top 5 On Sale at Luisa via Roma: Priced to Please and Built to Last.

Think Geek Huey the Color Copying Chameleon Lamp will show your tot what a fantastical world we live in, in which science sometimes (almost all the time) seems like magic! At TotSnob.

Mally Beauty‘s Evercolor Startlight has just about the same effect as By Terry‘s Crayon Kohl Terrybly for less than half the price! BeautySnob is dazzling everyone with her sparkly eyeliner.

Revenge-Inspired Style: Guilty Pleasure – and Even Guiltier Fashion

Full-disclosure: I am completely obsessed with Revenge. I was a fan of Dynasty as a kid and I’ve been waiting decades for another guilty pleasure that stands up to the drama and fashion of the eighties soap opera.

There’s a lot less shoulder padding and everyone seems to be about 90 lbs., but I can’t stop watching it! I bought the entire season on iTunes and find every opportunity I can to indulge while I veg out with a glass of wine or soak in the bath. Now I’m officially inspired by the clothes – which impeccably dressed character most suits your style?

Emily Thorne: The best-dressed of the bunch is, of course, our leading lady. Seeking, you guessed it, revenge, she keeps it classic and uses her wardrobe as a weapon to fit the part she’s playing (if you don’t watch the show, she is an impostor whose real name is Amanda Clarke). Her strong and sensuous dresses give her confidence as she weaves her web of vengeance and deception.

Ruched red, complete with cutouts, by Roberto Cavalli ($1,215); Notte by Marchesa’s deceptively innocent ivory ($750); and Fendi’s deeply chic jacquard swing-skirt ($2,860) are all cocktail numbers that do our heroine justice.

Victoria Grayson:  The reigning Queen of the Hamptons is the best villain since Joan Collins’ Alexis, and actress Madeleine Stowe blows any soap star out of the water. She’s working hard to keep her world from unraveling, so everything she wears is fitted, fitted, fitted. And why not? At her age with that body, I wouldn’t hide it under too much fabric either.

Herve Leger is right up her alley, and this scoop-shoulder variation is extra-sexy($1,150); nobody does sublime structure like Roland Mouret ($2,435); and Carolina Herrera’s stunning metallic gown is fit for an evil queen ($4,990).

Lydia Davis:  Portrayed by Amber Valetta, Lydia is the victim on the show. She’s being played by everyone around her, but at least she looks good! Her favorite designer is Michael Kors and she sticks to a specific look of form-fitting dresses, complimented by sharp waistlines defined with thin belts.

Her beloved designer puts a graphic spin on pebbled lame ($2,395); Rachel Gilbert’s glittering gown will have our ingénue sparkling through the night ($1,600); and Gucci’s crepe dress is a crisp white classic ($1,595).

Ashley Davenport: As Victoria’s assistant, Ashley the rebel who is working her way up in the world of the Hamptons elite. She’s the only one who shops for herself instead of through a personal shopper, so it’s no surprise she dresses with a sense of fun and edge, mixing prints and sporting bold, aggressive accessories.

She would shake things up by pairing Chloé’s hot-coral camisole ($595) with this flouncy metallic-knit skirt by Nina Ricci ($2,190), topping it with a chunky-sleek belt by Alaïa ($1,535). Or picture her causing a stir in Alexander McQueen’s opulent barnacle-embroidered dress ($1,760).

Top 5 Sundresses: Sweet Stuff

You know it’s really spring when girls shed the hibernation of their wool coats and heavy parkas and suddenly appear, like bloomed flowers, in little sundresses. A breath of fresh air! The sundress is a quintessential springtime staple that can be dressed up with embellished platforms and clutches, toughened up with motorcycle boots and leather jackets, or relaxed with breezy flats and straw totes. However you wear the feminine classic, you know it’s not really a new season until you have a mint one in your closet.

1) Vanessa Bruno Silk and Striped Cotton-Blend Voile Dress: A raised waist exudes youthful sweetness. This softly pleated and mixed-print frock is so breezy and easy, it’s a walk in the park. On Net-a-Porter for $425.

2) Richard Nicoll Striped Striped Silk Crepe de Chine Dress: The modern girl’s approach to the sundress, Richard Nicoll also presents us with a fresh take on the enduring nautical stripe. Wear this eye-catching dress and you’ll feel free as a bird. On Net-a-Porter for $2,015.

3) Proenza Schouler Georgette Dress: Three tiers of small scale-to-magnified flowers make for a whimsical sundress that’s a pure afternoon delight. Wear it with bold cuffs or an unexpected shoe to heighten the look. At Barneys New York for $1,650.

4) 6 Shore Road Bonfire Mini Dress: Take an instant vacation with this perky floral pattern. A sweetheart neckline and full, swingy skirt make for maximum girlishness. On ShopBop for $145.

5) Roberto Cavalli Broderie Anglaise Cotton Dress: Nothing says fresh like crisp white cotton. Cavalli is showing a softer side this spring with tender broderie anglaise – and so should you. On Net-a-Porter for $1,940.

Paris Mens Fashion Week: Days 3 & 4 (Au Revoir, Mon Petit Ami)

So for my final piece on the third and fourth full days of Paris Fashion Week for men, I figured I’d take a stab at stronger collections. Overall, it was a great season, with a lot of hits, a few poorly-aimed misses, and a need for even more outerwear (not at these shows, but in my closet)!

Define: cool. For me, that is Maison Martin Margiela. It was one of the first lines that actually managed to get my attention and respect when I was a child, and it still does to this day. While my taste is slightly more relaxed nowadays, I still look forward to what comes down this runway. Margiela doesn’t tend to show the most practical of attire, but it’s fun, and it showed us this season that we better be looking forward to a lot of camel, red, and black. Oh, and looking like a marshmallow. That too.

And then you have Kenzo. The oddest and most interesting gem in the LVMH empire. It was skewed towards the Opening Ceremony customer, which is good thing. It was without a doubt a quirky collection, and oozed sheer masculinity. Apart from giving me good vibes, it makes me want to join the coolest of hipsters who hangs out at the Chateau or the Boom Boom Room, drinking scotch, of course.


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HUGO BOSS campaign

HUGO BOSS’s fashion show aired live on the HUGO blog  and it was quite a show! They are starting a sweepstake on January 19th, 2012 on the HUGO BOSS facebook page. Facebook fans of HUGO BOSS will have to answer a question that has to do with the live stream of the fashion show and can win vouchers to spend at the HUGO BOSS Online Store. The sweepstake is only available in the following countries: Austria, France, Germany, United Kingdom and United States. So if you’re in these countries, good luck!

Sponsored Post.

For the Person Who Has it All…

Including $165 to waste! I’m all for over-the-top indulgences if you have the means, but there are limits, no? The only justification for this Jimmy Choo coffee sleeve — and it’s a stretch of a justification at best — is that it can be seen as less wasteful and more eco-friendly if you’re a coffee addict. That said it takes a lot of energy to make leather so unless this is a scrap piece left over from a pair of shoes or you drink a seriously insane amount of Joe, this maintains its place as an absolutely ridiculous indulgence!

To boot, Couture Snob Kelly had a great point when she noted that she, like many of us, would probably accidentally throw the sleeve away with the cup! Plus it’s not even adjustable so it would not necessarily fit all your re-usable or your everyday throw-away cups. I completely understand that not everyone can afford a pair of $700 pumps and many women would still like a piece of the Jimmy Choo brand in their closet and to them I say…wait for a Choo sale! I have seen Choo shoes for less than this coffee sleeve discounted on sites like Bluefly and at sale events (like Super Saturday in the Hamptons – where to boot proceeds go to charity).

What do you guys think about this indulgence?

Paris Mens Fashion Week: Day 2 (From Beautiful Balmain to Grizzly Givenchy)

Today, Paris played hostess with the mostess to several shows. Some were amazing and incredibly sexy.  Others were eccentric or rather unremarkable.

So if you read this blog, or any of its siblings, you’ll know one thing: we love our Balmain. It’s true. We love it, and lets face it, it is snobby. It’s pricy, but fun and worth it! For FW 12, the house brought out looks that were wearable, durable (yay!), and masculine. This is what you’d like to see on the young, handsome guy who works hard, and plays just hard enough.

Balenciaga brought out a minimalist collection that was simple, but the presentation was rather unfortunate, since it made the clothes look unremarkable. I don’t know what’s going on here, because I cried tears of joy last season! I’m hoping for a better setup in the future, since it’s really difficult to see what is going on here.


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