On Saturday January 25th, twenty Los Angeles museums opened up their doors free of charge. I was absolutely delighted by Los Angeles Museum Day and the huge turnout at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (aka LACMA), and as an art history major, I couldn't help but to take advantage of free admission to an otherwise costly cultural institution.

The fact that the LACMA West was currently hosting "DVF: Journey of a Dress" only further inspired me to make Saturday one of culture and fashion, and my Big (sorority sister) and I ventured to West Hollywood to learn all about the wrap dress.

If you are in the Los Angeles area (or visiting before April 1, when the exhibition ends) I highly recommend stopping by the Diane von Furstenberg retrospective. It's free (!!) and it is very well done.

Filled with the punchy prints and bold colors that Diane is known for, the visitor is lead through a visual timeline of the iconic wrap dress, with a series of images from magazines and pop culture emphasizing the far-reaching power of the working woman staple.

A society girl and one-time princess (yes, you read that right - Furstenberg was married to a German prince once upon a time; when they divorced, she decided to keep the last name) may have been an unlikely candidate for everywoman fashion icon, but if the last forty years have taught us anything, it's that DvF knows how to make a woman look beautiful and powerful.

Her signature quote, "Feel like a woman. Wear a dress!" perfectly resonates with her iconic dress and the motto of the seventies, but the quote is just as relevant in the twenty-first century.

After walking through the timeline hallway, one emerges into an expansive room filled with archival dresses, punctuated by loud geometric patterns and prints that wrap around the floors and walls. The collection of wrap dresses is separated into five categories (black & white, animal print, geometric, nature, and multicolor) and includes both pieces from the past and present.

Another room served as an art gallery, with paintings, drawings, and photographs of Diane or her clothes. The standouts - a series of Warhol screens and a group of portraits shot by Chuck Close. It was all beautiful, though, and it made the point that I so often stress to others - that art and fashion are quite closely interrelated - perfectly evident.

Go see it if you have the chance. You won't be disappointed!

Geometry is actually pretty cool when you think about it. Different shapes and patterns can make the coolest clothes; throw color into the mix and you've got loud statement pieces.

Color blocking is back and better than ever with the in-store arrival of Resort 2014 collection items, so whether you're spending your winter break tanning it up in St. Tropez or roughing it in the snow back home, add some POP! to your winter wardrobe and (color)block it out!

Nothing is quite as classically sexy as a lip print. A little provocative without being too provocative, a lipstick mark on a napkin can be a coy and flirtatious move.

The same could be said for lip prints and shapes on clothing and accessories. It's a fun and flirty motif that can be applied to any outfit or style.

Feeling bold? The primary-colored Au Jour Le Jour skirt is loud and cheeky, as is the oversized red snakeskin Lulu Guinness lip-shaped bag. Or, if you just want a whiff of sassiness, the Mallarino bracelet or DVF clutch would be perfect!

Either way, lip shapes are an awesome and fun trend to try out when wanting to make a statement.

(images from style.com)

 

As a high school student, I often run into the dilema as to how to best carry all my needed supplies. Sure, I would love to be the girl who forgoes her binders and books for a stylish purse, but alas, the type-A in me cannot go without her organizational skills. This Diane Von Furstenberg backpack is the perfect solution to all my schoolgirl woes! The canvas is wonderful for practicality, and the vibrant yellows and modern floral print give it a cool surfer girl look. 

(backpack from net-a-porter.com)