he sees everything, everyone.

I enjoy menswear, obviously I must dress myself, but womenswear has always been my forte. There has always just been something about it ; the constant excitement, the spectacle, the poeple and models, and above all the constantly modern clothing that has always been so exciting. Menswear, though, doesn't seem to share this same appeal. Obviously it is for men, so it's toned down and less frilly, but why did it always remain so dull and boring. I mean, I understand it's a gorgeous suit but who needs to see a runway show of fifty suits? where has all the drama gone? the interesting details? the modern designs? Well, this season, they appeared. Many menswear designers have pumped it up this season with top notch collections that, to my extreme excitement, referenced womenswear in many ways. Men in skirts, a-line draped army jackets, harem pants, and even heeled wedges worked and stomped the runways to the new extreme. Men's fashion is back, and has never seemed so refreshingly modern and undeniably cool. My favorite menswear collections were as follows, adding that extra something to keep it fresh and incredibly new.

Lanvin

I almost cried when i first saw this collection, sad i know, but when such a brand as Lanvin, with their PERFECT craftsmanship and amazing image, takes it even a step forward, it can never disappoint. Military severity and easy cool came together to create this stunning show that gave way to some of the most gorgeous men's pieces I have seen recently. Flowy trenches, and over-sized sweaters were an incredible highlight, especially when paired with the lovely army pants and accessories (headbands? yes, please). This is one of the first men's collections by Lanvin that i could say rivaled the women's. Bravo.

Raf Simons

Raf Simons, head designer to both Jil Sander and his own namesake label, showed a beautiful menswear collection that took both beautifully crafted men's essentials and slight womens cuts.

Starting the show off with beautifully classic, yet not boring, suits soon progressed into gorgeous jacket and sweaters made from the most pristine fabrics. Suits and trenches were made modern with cinched waists and tighter fit, while long sweaters were paired with gorgeous 'skirts' and skinny black pants. Overall, the collection was an exciting blend of classic and modern that won't be leaving men puzzled in front of the Raf Simons rack at Barney's, but wearing their clothes with a new confidence and ease. Or in this case, strictness.

Ann Demeulemeester

Ann always has that fabulous gothic quality in her menswear collection that is neither cliche nor too vampire inspired (but vampire in a good way). Her mix is a perfect blend of layered chic; complimented with tons of textured black, leather collared jackets and over-sized white shirts. Flippy long-haired models glided out with chained belts dangling with their leather biker boots and ostrich gloves. To use the tackiest word in fashion, this collection was, indeed, 'Fierce.' a finale of feather embellished collars was extreme and of course beautiful, sealing the collection into a perfect black, goth, vampire, present for next fall. Wear with caution in the full moon.

Best Accessory of the season- Rick Owens heeled wedge boots

The men's Rick Owens show was rather repetitive and weird but, the shoes, oh my god...I have mentioned these glorious boots several times before, but I just can't get over how delighted I was when I first saw them! Wedges for men? genius. In lizard skin? beyond.

(Photos courtesy of Style.com)

undercover

In Cathy Horyn's latest blog post she talks about her experiences in the New York Fifth Avenue stores in comparison with today's economy. Feeling the 'temperature' as she would say. The other day I wanted to try my own version. Being the shopaholic I am, I took a Friday stroll through the 'elite' (snobbed out) stores of Chicago's gold coast. Here's what I found.

I started my shopping trip with a manicure, I chose a silver color inspired by Chanel's most recent Haute Couture show. I thought, then, that I should start at the Chanel store on Michigan Avenue. Walking into the then deserted Chanel store was intimidating, sales people and bodyguard-like doormen stared but greeted me friendly, I strolled though the monochromatic space akwardly yet nochalant. I spotted the new 'Nouvelle Vague' polish, a creamy turquoise that would have already sold out elsewhere. I considered buying it at first, but it was a tad too tacky for me. I proceeded to look through some of the spring merchandise, their selection was rather disappointing but a few stunning jackets and delicate blouses made up for it. On my way out of that weird shoe department, a salewomen commented on my Nice Collective shirt saying it was "odd" which I took as a compliment. I then left headed towards Barney's.

Stepping into the airy, equally deserted space at Barney's I immediately headed up to the second floor women's shoe department to scout out some new Spring merchandise. I entered, surprised and delighted to see the floor fully stocked and rather busy. I scouted out some beautiful shoes; those satin Miu Miu wedges, Givenchy studded flats, and the Proenza surfer wedge were just few the great finds. As i walked around, their nice salepeople wrapped up some rather large sales and women left with several bags each. As i looked in horror at the gaudy Christian Louboutin stilettos, the calm at Barney's was roared over by a group of valley girls on a shopping spree. One tried on a horrendous 7-inch Louboutin wedge that was studded over with glittter and patent that had to easily cost +$1500. The rest of them screamed out 'how fierce they were' and pleaded her to buy them. I eavesdropped for several minutes, laughed loudly at them, and then left for Ikram. I picked up a beautiful pair of neon socks at Ikram ala Comme des Garcons, recieving great sales help from the oddly nice (usually cold) salepeople. My trip being wrapped up nicely from the mecca of all stores.

My day was rather nice, and it was incredibly comforting to know fashion is not headed as far left as was predicted in dreary 2009. People shopped, laughed, and had fun like they used to. Keep it up, I'll be right there with ya.

. let's go .

Have a lovely and fanciful week!

more posts coming very soon....

paisley sky

My current inability to post is due to my long spring trip to Texas with my friend Rebecca. We've been all over Houston and took a long road trip through the dry Landscapes to Port Aransas, an island along the Gulf of Mexico. The scenery, water, trees and flushed landscape of the island was a far stretch from city life, and felt incredibly refreshing. Out of Houston's rather tropical landscape, we drove through the flat lands where odd palms mixed beautifully with grassy lands abundant with windflowers and filled with abandoned homes or old cars. The dreamy land was so innocent yet haunting, reminding me much of the Rodarte fall collection. It was incredibly inspiring, pictures from the trip as well as inspiration boards will be up when I come home shortly. For now, let's breathe in the Texas air for what It's worth.

hidden place

Powerful yet emotional~ Inspiration board