Is This the New TV Fashion Obsession?

September 24, 2015

Emma Roberts as KKT sorority president and HBIC Chanel Oberlin in Fox's Scream Queens
I'm not really one for horror movies (I couldn't watch Halloweentown all the way through until I was like, ten) but give me a horror-comedy television show that takes place in a sorority and stars Emma Roberts as a bitchy girl named Chanel, and I'm already hooked! Scream Queens is as outrageous and campy as one would expect, and I am all about it. (But seriously, check out the two-hour pilot if you haven't already)

The characters are silly and over-the-top, and I love the distinct style of Ryan Murphy shows (voiceovers, cool camera shots, and quick-witted quips, check!), but what gets me really going is the fabulous style of the Chanels (Chanel Oberlin refers to all of her minions as "Chanel" because memorizing their names is sooo below her). Dressed in 90s-tinged pastel tweed skirtsuits and an absurd amount of fur—not that I'm complaining, but seriously, I've never seen so much pink fur in my life—the Chanels are the Plastics meets Clueless meets a ladies-who-lunch wardrobe. The forced cutesy style of the Chanels, of course, undercuts their ruthlessness. These girls are downright horrible, and one of them *SPOILER* straight-up murders a woman in the pilot (possibly two? She claims both were accidents, we'll see).

Evil or not, the girls dress to kill (pastel has never seemed so devious!) and boy is it great. Chanel #3 wears earmuffs for some unexplained reason, Ariana Grande's character Chanel #2 dresses like a preppy space alien, and OG Chanel Oberlin rocks pastel gloves and oversized sunglasses like no other.

I'd place bets that dressing as the Chanels will be a big group costume trend this Halloween. Evil sorority girl murdering aside, we should aspire to dress like the Chanels; just maybe don't, you know, aspire to be like them.


 Get the Look:


What are your thoughts on Scream Queens' outrageous fashions?

Red Carpet Review | The 67th Emmy Awards

September 21, 2015

Viola Davis wins the Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Last night the biggest stars of the small screen gathered at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate another great year in television. Veep and Game of Thrones took home most of the big awards, with a well-deserved Best Actor win awarded to Jon Hamm for his work as Don Draper in Mad Men (the last chance he had to finally get the win!) and Viola Davis winning the big award for her role as the complex and fascinating Annalise Keating in Shonda Rhimes' How to Get Away With Murder. Basically, it was a great awards ceremony where (for the most part) everyone who won was incredibly deserving.

The fashion was incredible, too! Sequins and embellishments ruled the red carpet, along with blush pink (a trend that's been big on the Spring 2016 runways as well) and saturated colors. Let's also give major props to these ladies for rocking evening wear in 100 degree heat; I was wearing shorts and a tank top all day and I was sweating. 

Anyways, here are some of my favorite looks from the evening!

Blushing Beauties

Gwendoline Christie in Giles | Joanne Froggatt in J. Mendel | Kiernan Shipka in Christian Dior Couture | Joanna Newsom in Delpozo | Tatiana Maslany in Bouchra Jarrar

 Cool & Colorful

Taylor Schilling in Stella McCartney | Zoe Kazan in Miu Miu | Laverne Cox in Calvin Klein Collection | Jessica Paré | Sarah Hyland in Zac Posen

 Sparkle & Shine

Sarah Paulson in Prabal Gurung | Claire Danes in Prada | Ellie Kemper in Naeem Khan | Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs | Jaimie Alexander in Armani Privé

Who was your pick for best-dressed on the Emmys red carpet?

Garden Parties, Monks, and Prairie Girls: NYFW Spring 2016

September 16, 2015

The finale at the Oscar de la Renta show via Vogue Runway
And the shows continue on! Peter Copping showed another stunning collection for Oscar de la Renta, Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang celebrated 10 years of their respective lines, and Coach debuted it's first-ever runway show.

Let's talk about New York Fashion Week!

3.1 Phillip Lim


Phillip Lim, how does your garden grow? To celebrate 10 years of his namesake line, Lim presented a collection that was inspired by the earth, by dirt, by how things grow. Models maneuvered around giant mounds of compost dirt in earth-toned ensembles like high-fashion gardeners. Paper bag waists, forest greens, and floral motifs dominated the show. It was the perfect celebration of the Phillip Lim style, both modern and romantic, pretty and tough. I love the idea of growth and nature as a starting point for an anniversary show; if not a bit literal of an analogy of the brand's growth over the past decade, it is clever.

Coach


Coach has been in the process of revitalizing their brand image, and the next logical step after relaunching their ready-to-wear section was holding its first-ever fashion show. Based on the number of Instagrams from influential bloggers and fashion people at the show, it was a success! For Spring 2016, head designer Stuart Vevers conjured up clothes for a modern-day Laura Ingalls Wilder with a dream to start an 80s-style all-girl rock band. Leather jackets met calico print, Western suedes were paired with neon and leopard, and so on. It's very much on-trend with the Wild West trend of NYFW thus far, and I know the fashion crowd is going to eat these clothes up.

Prabal Gurung

When your fashion show begins with thirty monks from Nepal chanting, it is expected that the ensuing collection will be peaceful and serene. Prabal Gurung displayed a stunning tribute to his Nepal roots. When a huge earthquake struck Nepal back in the spring, Gurung launched a social media campaign to raise money for relief efforts, using his influence to do some good in the world. Since then he's gotten a lot of inspiration from the country of Nepal, and this was such a stunning collection that combined the influences of nature, monks, culture, and history with Gurung's unique approach to fashion. I've never thought that orange could be so calming, but you could tell that there was a sense of synergy and connectivity between the clothes and Gurung's points of inspiration. This was by far one of the most refreshing shows so far, and I hope these clothes get the recognition they deserve.

Which show was your favorite?

What I Wore | Sunday Brunch

September 15, 2015

POSING AGAINST AN AWESOME GRAFFITI WALL WEARING Silence + Noise tank top | Anthropologie skirt | Juicy Couture wedges | Rebecca Minkoff purse | Madewell sunglasses
The great thing about living in a big city is that even after four years there are still so many places left to be explored. Downtown Los Angeles alone is growing and changing each and every day, and every time I travel to a new restaurant or bar or lounge, I am struck by how exciting and beautiful this city is.

One of my friends has an unfortunate summer birthday, meaning none of us were around to celebrate the big 21 with her, so we did a belated birthday party at The Must, a trendy DTLA spot with a delicious brunch menu and a great twist on the usual bottomless mimosa (instead of OJ, they mix their champagne with raspberry or mango sorbet). After toasting to senior year and eating our weight in eggs benedict, we ventured outside for an impromptu photo shoot against a gorgeous graffiti wall of rainbow hearts and a portrait of Audrey Hepburn by Free Humanity, a local graffiti artist. Naturally, I had to snap an #OotD post!

Turns out we hit up the area at the perfect time. Only yesterday, the mural was still being repainted due to another rude graffiti artist tagging the wall right over poor Audrey's face. Rude. So we literally were taking pics with a freshly repainted wall. The artist was so stoked to see us admiring his work that we even ended up on the Free Humanity Instagram!

It's really cool to be able to explore the city, find great food and great art in places you wouldn't expect, all the while rocking a fabulous outfit.

Bell Sleeves and Tie Dye: NYFW Spring 2016

September 14, 2015

Backstage at Altuzarra Spring 2016 via WWD
It was a busy weekend for me—parties, blowout football games, birthday brunches, etc.—but I still had plenty of time to check up on the latest shows from New York Fashion Week! Here are some of my favorite collections that debuted over the weekend:

Altuzarra 

Altuzarra is always a season favorite, and this season was no exception. Tie dye and California motifs are already appearing as a dominant trend, but Joseph Altuzarra always has a way of turning a simple idea on its head. This collection was totally a "California surfer girl grows up and moves to the Upper East Side, spending her summer in East Hampton" kind of vibe. The use of asymmetrical toggles was exciting, and the mixing of T-shirts and crocodile is the kind of high-low luxe look that the fashion industry goes crazy over.

Derek Lam

Another fashion favorite with another knockout collection. Derek Lam still has a bit of an obsession with seventies motifs, but this season it was all about combining the wild west with the New England prep set. A predominantly red, white, and blue color palette with lots of stripes and and prim lace hinted towards the later, while suede and prairie skirts suggested the former. One thing's for certain: too-long bell sleeves are going to be everywhere. Who needs gloves!?

Jason Wu

Everyone's favorite glamorous designer turned out a gorgeous collection for spring, with looks that were both light and airy and dark and mysterious. Wu always makes clothes for the society woman with a bit of a dark side, and the abundance of burgundy and forest green alongside lacy whites and Warhol-style floral prints emphasized this dichotomy. I love how Jason Wu always brings a touch of darkness to his collections, and this season the end result was phenomenal.

Rosie Assoulin

During New York Fashion Week, there are plenty of gorgeous clothes, but very few designers have the guts to let creativity take the reign rather than the consumer. Rosie Assoulin is perhaps the most creative designer around, always showcasing inventive new silhouettes and combining colors and textures one would never think to put together. Ruffle dresses over flared pants, sequined bras over crisp button-downs, bodysuits with low-rise pants...these are just some of the ingenious layering ideas that Leandra Medine & Co. are sure to adopt immediately. I hope Rosie Assoulin gets some more red carpet recognition, because her garments are truly amazing.

Sally LaPointe

Designers who appeal to how we actually dress are just as important. Sally LaPointe knows what the modern woman is wearing, and right now it's all about length and comfort. Flowy pants, floor-trimming trench coats, and comfy knits rocked the LaPointe runway, but there were plenty of sequins and touches of dramatic red to spice things up. I loved the clear plastic accents on shirts and skirts too; there's a futuristic vibe to it that is really cool and adds to the intrigue of a look.

What fashion shows have been your favorites so far?

Are Fishnets Making a Comeback?

September 11, 2015

& Other Observations from NYFW Day One

Bucket bags at BCBG
Labor Day has come and gone and now we might as well leave the rest of 2015 behind, too. The fashion world is already looking to 2016 thanks to the beginning of New York Fashion Week. Designers started showing off their collections for next spring on Thursday (with a few smaller presentations occurring earlier in the week) and already there are some pressing questions:

Are fishnet tights making a comeback?
Have bucket hats crossed over from ironically tacky to actually fashionable? 
Will we ever tire of the 70s?
How many designers are going to reference Cuba as an inspiration? 
Why are there so many brands with the word "Creatures" in the title? (Okay, there's only two, but it gets way confusing when they show on the same day)

Let's look to the best shows and collections from the first day and see if we can definitively answer these questions by the week's end.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

BCBG went full-on California hippie surfer girl for Spring. Tie dye, palm tree prints, baja ponchos, and lightweight knits in pastel colors dominated the runway in this explosion of cool girl tropes. On the runway these clothes are perfectly eclectic, but it will be interesting to see how they translate to real life. Bucket hats, though? Really? Let's save those for fishing trips and Urban Outfitters catalogues. 

Creatures of the Wind

Creatures of the Wind is the ultimate in eclectic cool girl style. Mixing pop floral prints, brocades, and fishnets, the CotW girl has a lot going on and isn't afraid to show off her unique take on fashion. The rich palette of reds, olives, and golds gives for a decidedly autumnal feel for a spring show, but I'm vibing it. 

Halston Heritage

If I had a dollar for every time a fashion writer predicted Cuba would be a huge source of inspiration this season, I'd probably be able to buy Cuba. Halston Heritage always harkens back to the 70s heyday of the disco party brand, and for Spring 2016 HH went totally Havana Nights with an incredibly fun collection. Glam party girls and disco divas will flock to the fun maxi dresses and jumpsuits in springy peach tones, and a Bianca Jagger-style suit will have fashionistas begging for Studio 54 to re-open its doors. 

Tomas Maier

Tomas Maier has become one of my favorite designers as of late. He certainly knows how to make fashion fun, but he also makes his exciting pieces extremely wearable. Whether that's by pairing a bandeau with a midi skirt and cardigan or bringing a slip dress into the daytime with sandals and a straw hat, Maier provides inventive new takes on old classics.

What were your favorite shows from Day One of NYFW?

10 Fashion Rules That Were Made to be Broken

September 9, 2015

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On Monday, we celebrated the official end of summer and the beginning of pumpkin spice latte season. The day afterward, we returned to work or school, already dreaming of summer barbeques and rosé wines that are now just distant memories. Labor Day also serves as an important marker in the fashion world, for it is supposedly the last day of the year when it is acceptable to wear white.

Because I am a *natural rebel* (hint: I'm not) I wore a white skirt to class today. It was 95 degrees and is going to be sunny and hot at least until mid-October. At least in California, summer is far from over, and even when the temperature does start to drop (into, you know, the 60s) white is a chic color, and one should not be prevented from wearing it just because some stuffy society ladies decided back in the day that white after the first week of September was passé. Wear white whenever you want!

Seriously, there are some whacky fashion rules out there that just don't make sense. And, after all, rules were made to be broken, right? (Not really, I'm a rule follower through and through, but fashion risks won't harm anyone, I hope)

So here are some more fashion "rules" that I say are okay to break. Go ahead, be rebellious!

1. No White After Labor Day 

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Colors shouldn't be restricted to certain parts of the year. Wear white whenever you want—a white winter coat is incredibly chic and so Olivia Pope.

2. Blue and Black Never Go Together

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Yves Saint Laurent and countless other designers have made navy and black look amazing. Just make sure the blue is significantly different from the black (too dark of a navy and it will just look like you can't tell the difference between dark blue and black).

3. No Plunging Necklines AND High Hems—Pick One

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If you've got it, flaunt it, and if you feel good wearing clothes that show off your rockin' bod, go for it.

4. Don’t Show Off Your Bra

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It used to be a major faux pas to let anyone but your SO know you were wearing a gorgeous lace bra, but what's the point of spending money on La Perla if no one can see it? As long as you're not wearing a sheer top and pink bra underneath to your next office meeting, it's okay to show off your cute bras.

5. Only Invest in Classic Items

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Personally, I like to invest in classic, versatile items that I can get a lot of wear out of, but if you feel like dropping a couple thousand on a uniquely-shaped Chanel minaudiere, be my guest! As long as you are spending responsibly and within your means, it doesn't matter if you buy a classic LBD or a trendy designer piece.

6. Less is More

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Minimalism is cool, but don't feel like you have to stick to basics in order to be cool and fashionable. If you want to wear five necklaces atop a sequin mini dress, do it. Besides, maximalism is totally back, thanks to brands like Gucci and Lanvin.

7. Don’t Mix Prints

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The key to mixing prints is mixing proportions—oversized polka dots with tiny flower print, thick horizontal stripes with thin vertical ones, etc. When done well, mixed prints can be such a good look.

8. Embellishments Are For Nighttime Only

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A sequined dress is a great night out look, but don't be afraid to bring that look into the daytime. Just swap out your party heels for chic flats and daytime accessories, and you'll look absolutely dazzling.

9. Faux Fur and Leather Are Tacky

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Even a few years back you could obviously tell the difference between real and fake leather or fur, but thankfully brands like Stella McCartney and Shrimps have made faux look fab. Not only are you a friend of the animal, but faux leather and fur products can be significantly cheaper than their real counterparts. Double win!

10. There Are Items That Don't Look Good on Certain Body Types

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I absolutely hate when magazines tell girls what they can or cannot wear based on what fruit their body most closely resembles. Wear what you want to wear—as long as you feel good in it, that's all that matters! Petite girls can wear maxi dresses, curvy women can wear tight skirts, etc. You do you and ignore the haters.

What style rules do you think were made to be broken?

September Wishlist

September 7, 2015

Saint Laurent Over-the-Knee Boots | ASOS Suede Dress | Forever 21 Suede Skirt
Madewell Leather Motorcycle Jacket | Clare V Purse | Alexa Chung for AG Jeans
Happy official End of Summer Day (aka Labor Day) and hello, FALL FASHION!!!

As you can see from the above collage, I am feeling the love for leather and suede, as well as rich, autumnal colors. I'm seriously so obsessed with button-down skirts after getting this one from Urban Outfitters. But actually, if you don't already have one hanging in your closet, add one now. They are so cute and on-trend but also timeless and they are just amazing.

I'm loving the resurgence of the crop straight leg jean, and I pretty much want everything from Alexa Chung's latest collaboration with AG Jeans. I'm always on the hunt for the classic leather jacket, too, and I love that this one from Madewell is classic and high-quality while still clocking in at less than $500 (a rarity in the world of nice leather jackets). I'm also totally feeling the over-the-knee boot, and while this Saint Laurent pair may be a bit out of my price range, a girl can dream! Sam Edelman also has some great thigh-high boots if you're looking for a more affordable option.

What is on your September wishlist?

A Farewell to Style.com

September 1, 2015

Goodbye, style.com

If you type in style.com, you'll already be redirected to the Vogue Runway website. The end of an era is officially here: style.com is no more.

Of course, the website will be relaunching next year, but it's going to be another dumb e-commerce site. It just isn't the same. Meanwhile, Vogue Runway will be the new home of runway coverage, videos, and photos. I'll let you know how that goes next week once NYFW begins, but for now I'm a bit sad. I've spent the last two weeks in a sorority bubble, consumed by hair flips and color schemes, so I didn't even know that this morning when I went to check on style.com like I do every morning, it would be gone. Pour one out for the now-deceased runway fashion website, destroyed by the evils of internet capitalism.

Style.com is how I became a knowledgeable member of the fashion world. I devoured runway coverage, scoured the archives for past season looks, read up on the It models and the experimental designers. I loved Tommy Ton's inventive snaps of street style looks from outside the fashion shows. I've never sat front row at a fashion show, never even been to Fashion Week, and yet I felt like I was right there with the insiders thanks to style.com's almost-instantaneous coverage.

I know that Vogue Runway will mostly be a continuation of the qualities I came to know and love with style.com, but there is one part that makes me truly sad: Tim Blanks' reviews will not be there anymore. More than any other famous individual in the fashion world, Tim Blanks is the one who has inspired me to become a fashion writer and combine my loves for beautiful clothing and writing. The way he talks about fashion is so unlike anything else I've ever read, and it truly is inspiring. He sees runway shows as expressions of creativity and complex themes, juxtapositions of different ideas and themes all culminating in one awesome experience. It is because of Tim Blanks that I went into Art History, still with the idea that I would continue on into the world of fashion. The way he connects Prada dresses to German abstract expressionism in the 1930s, or Christopher Kane collections to obscure art films, has made me realize that fashion is just another art form and that it is related to all sorts of culture. The way we write about art and the way we write about fashion are actually quite similar, and it is thanks to Tim Blanks that I have had this epiphany.

Tim Blanks will now be writing for the Business of Fashion, and I'm thankful that he will still be active in the fashion world because I seriously live for his reviews, but I'm still sad that the style.com that made me feel connected to the seemingly exclusive world of fashion is gone. It's a brave new world. Here's hoping it's a good one.

What do you think about the "death" of style.com? Will you be using the new Vogue Runway?