Recently in Runway Category

Guest blog by Julia DiNardo -- the founder/editor of Fashion Pulse
We noticed that the Fall 2009 runways were rife with over-the-top, oversized necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Necklaces, in the form of layered chokers and bib styles were most popular, yet other forms of jewelry held their ground.  We particularly loved the jewelry from Elie Saab (necklaces), Andrew Gn (earrings), Camilla Staerk (broach), Reem Acra (necklaces), Blumarine (bracelets), Vera Wang (necklaces), Christian Siriano (earrings), and Oscar de la Renta (necklaces).

Especially prevalent on the runways were the stunning designs by Subversive Jewelry, seen at the Rachel Roy. J.Mendel, and Trovata shows.  To truly appreciate these stand-out pieces, consider how effortless they make getting dressed, adding style to the most basic of basics! Just think of how the perfect necklace can spice-up an oh so classic, yet oh so boring white oxford button-up!   We've picked some really fabulous budget-friendly options to help you get the oversized, statement jewelry look. Let's start with the bracelets: our favorite options were bulky, angular, and without a ton of ornamentation, such as the Tux Bracelet by Nicole Romano, $120, both at Vivre.com.

I love the monstrous looking styles that stomped down the Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 runways! It was fashion theatrics at its best and may be the only show that remembers no matter the economy, "the show must go on!". Of course if you peel away the strange masks,utterly bizarre hats and horror flick make up-- you get beautifully cut jackets, dresses and slim cut pants that are not only wearable but are absolutely gorgeous!  I love that McQueen didn't insult our intelligence with any false pretensions of modesty.  Yes the economy is bad, yes the era of blind consumption is over but our love of fabulous fashion hasn't dwindled with our bank account!  What do you think of the Fall 2009 collection from Alexander McQueen?  

Nicolas Ghesquière constantly surprises and amazes me; I did not expect this girly and fem collection but I love it! "High tech is over," he declared before showing his Balenciaga collection. "And the clubbing." In its place are softly draped skirts and prettily folded dresses with meticulous tailoring; very "Parisian" as Ghesquière describes it. The Hôtel de Crillon offered a sophisticated backdrop for Balenciaga Fall 2009 collection that is probably the most commercial one Ghesquière has ever shown.

I am intrigued by the draped skirts; I'd have to try it on to determine its wearability but from the photos it looks they'd hide flaws and accentuate waists. I am not as crazy for the floral dresses with wide shoulders like the one on the left, it's not flattering on 6' tall and tres slim models so I can't imagine what it will look like on an average girl. For those who are shopping the shows-- I'd stick with the draped skirts, pick up a cinched jacket or sequined dress and call it a season.

Guest blog by -- Julia DiNardo , the founder/editor of Fashion Pulse

We couldn't help but notice that capes were all over the fall 2009 runways, with our favorites being from Marc Jacobs, Project Runway, DKNY, Thakoon, Ralph Lauren, and Erin Fetherston. It's fun to go a little wild with the fabrication and the print, but for the most part, you'll end up getting the most mileage out of a cape in a neutral color palette. Plus, you want to make sure you get a cape that fits you; be sure to pick the right size for you, as extra fabric in the wrong places can give the appearance of weight, opposed to an air of coolness. Also, you don't really want to channel the poncho look of seasons past, so make sure the cape is more of a jacket, instead of a sweater.

Marni bags were nothing to write home about for Fall 2009 so I will focus on the shoes; the fabulous drool worthy sky high platform shoes that Marni is known for!  For Fall, Marni took retro 40's designs and reworked it in to a futuristic 21st century rendition.  As high as they are, Marni shoes are always so comfortable as the platform and support are rock solid and well made.  Love the mis-matched tights with the shoes; it's like how I dressed myself when I was a 9 year old immigrant from Taiwan-- who knew my nerdy style would be in vogue!?!?

Milly showed a dramatic and sophisticated collection last week in New York; with smart and chic designer Michelle Smith at the helm, it's no wonder the line is a best seller worldwide (I have a Parisian girlfriend who lives in Lugano and is obsessed with Milly-- she will text me every so often with "anything new from Milly?" it's not everyone who can appeal to Americans and Europeans alike!).

Drawing inspiration from Manhattan's Gallery Girls, the Milly Fall/Winter 2009 collection is a beautiful, modern mix of textures, hues and silhouettes. The collection's rich palette of chocolate brown, black and charcoal is accented by gold, spice, petrol blue and candy pink. Splashes of color in the linings and underpinnings add unexpected, luxurious touches. City-chic and sophisticated, the collection's true edge is its ability to present modern yet timeless looks while juxtaposing sleek lines with soft, feminine shapes.  In a recent interview, Smith said that she "designs clothes that are happy, I like sleeves and ruffles that bounce when I walk!" Check out Shopbop for the best Milly stock! (Jump for more!)

Photos from Style.com -- from left Narciso Rodriguez, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson

By far my favorite runway trend this season was cut-outs. They were literally everywhere from pants, to shoulders, to the chest-area -- such a chic way to show-off a little skin! Does anyone remember when bag designer extraordinaire Rebecca Minkoff designed clothing (she's actually re-launching her clothing line soon)? She was totally ahead of the times, because she had some great tops/mini-dresses with cut-outs -- I just dug-up two of them from my closet after seeing the Alexander Wang show! Was totally inspired:) For those that can't wait till fall to start rocking cut-outs, jump for some options you can get now!

It was totally worth waiting out in the cold for 30 minutes to check-out Leanne Marshall's (pictured on the top right), latest nine-piece collection. The Project Runway alum was running late and so the dozens of people that had gathered to check-out her show were huddled shivering outside the space where she was showing..thankfully I didn't give into my instinct to hop in a cab and head home! Leanne is super-sweet I spoke to her a bit about her inspiration -- she told me her collection was inspired by NYC's architectural shapes and her move to the city. In fact Leanne just moved to Manhattan a month ago and she whipped her collection up -- in Project Runway-esque style -- in only three week!

We apologize for the lack of updated entries, our schedule has been insane this week! We have so much to share with you and will try to get all the entries up this weekend. Meanwhile, how about a little snob quiz giveaway?

We spotted this pair of insanely fabulous shoes at the tents and looked up to see our famous and very chic friend! All I can tell you is that she is a Fashion Director at a well known magazine and is also a judge on a wildly popular tv show. Uh oh... I think I've given it away! So tell me, who is wearing this pair of gorgeous Louboutins?

Leave your answer in comments please. Quiz will end on Monday, Feb 23rd at Midnight EST. US residents only, winner will receive a purple Mulberry eco chic shopper!

One of the great priveledge of the week is always Oscar de la Renta. It is a fantastical experience of luxury and beauty and this season was no different. Throughout the week, we start to see trends form - shortsleeve jackets, one shoulder, the 80's, leopard print, economically "gentle" - and it is always interesting to see how someone like Oscar will translate these trends into classics. One of the first looks was a long fur vest that was young, hip but undeniably uptown stylish - but it was Nutria and not something like sable. It is good to know that even Oscar is looking out for our bank accounts but of course without compromising our outer appearance. The combination of deep rich bright vibrant colors shown together is all it took to get me out of any funk I was in from being reminded of financial distress. And with the one shoulder asymmetrical neckline, it was right on point with this season's aesthetics but still staying true to his clientele. It was when the leopard print asymmetrical gown came down that I became completely giddy by his daring to do something that is so off course in a time that would be prudent to stick to the same.