Stella~fresh faces

Runway

This was the only show model Natalia Vodianova (below) agreed to walk this season

Miss Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney, Daughter of Sir Paul, is one of those designers that fashion turns to for that positive, fresh, cool vibe that is lost through weeks of grueling fashion shows. From this Central Saint Martin's grad, flamboyance is the key word. Color, vibe, beauty, and plenty of Beatle's energy always following. She is the designer woman turn to if they want to look fabulous, fun, and fresh while staying eco-friendly while doing so (Stella uses no fur nor leather in her collection). Although these clothes may not be cutting edge, it is kind of refreshing to see a designer not trying to make some incognito statement about politics or the current economic situation. If there is one thing fashion is good for, it is getting lost in the moment and remembering why you love clothes in the first place.

This collection, set to a colorful backdrop of Paris with bold words spelling out 'yes', was about bold beauty and nostalgia. Making woman feel happy again, which seems rather easy if they are wearing the tan shirt dresses, nude blazers, and bold frilly pleats that strutted with a smile down this Paris runway. The palette was easy and beachy, sandy neutrals, rich blues, and latin corals . The models strutted out rather light on accessories except for crepe sandals on their feet, making the show seem effortless. Front row socialistas and cold editors broke a rare smile when the finale of bold prints, seemed ruffles and impossibly easy frocks cascaded down the runway worn by energetic and beautiful models smiling and glowing with excitement. This show was one that practically paved out what confident women everywhere will be wearing next summer. This one reminded us why it is her that keeps us smiling, and humming to the Beatles' classics, season after season. Women everywhere will once again be saying, 'yes.'

(All photos courtesy of Style.com)

26 is ancient

It was my brother's 26th birthday this Saturday! He was horrified. My gosh, isn't 26 practically DECAYING. About time to retire and take up things like crocheting and making stew.

Here were our outfits to celebrate in:

Shirt has tiny strands of metallic fibers in it, very beautiful.

My prized DIY Comme des Garcons toes shoes:

Shoes found in a box at a downtown thrift store.

Me(top): plaid button-down(Marc by Marc Jacobs). wool over-size pants (Comme des Garcons for H&M). jacket(vintage). scarf(La Fiorentina). toe shoes(custom)

My brother(bottom): shirt and tie(Jil Sander). cardigan(Calvin Klein). pants(Gamma Player). alpaca coat(Jil Sander). lace-up shoes(vintage)

Try-on

Recently, in the cold climate, i have been more than longing for the faraway summer or just for someplace warm where i can dance in the street and enjoy the sun. When in this tropical climate, it would be more than preferable to wear a piece from one of my favorite collections. The recent Proenza collection said all things summer; cool, laid-back fun with tons of colors and no boundaries. When I finally came across the collection at Barney's, my shrill scream and far jump to grasp the Proenza rack caused horrified expression on several shoppers and employees to my enjoyment.

The piece I walked away with was an early spring long-sleeve shirt, hand-dyed in an electric blue made from a soft light cotton. The tie-dye detail in the shirt was lovely and one of a kind, very fresh and very cool. When the piece was on you could tell it was constructed beautifully, it hung in a way that fit but was still draped and loose. The color was very pretty and It was so precious to feel like part of the cool crew that would no doubt be jet-setting it as of summer. I was craving this shirt, but the investment price tag said otherwise. For now, I decided against this hope for sane reasons. When spending hundreds of dollars, of one's own own money, on a shirt you must be positive to wear it often in every season. Not running the risk of looking like a nostalgic hippy come next fall when this pretty piece would be forced under black wool through seven months of snow. Putting the shirt back on the rack caused glare from sales people, like they must throw it out now that i tried it on. I walked away confidently, still feeling the shirts cool glow in my mind and under my jacket. I will wear this baby in my dreams.

(Because of the so-called store 'policy' there is no picture included, but the print of the shirt was very similar to this dress from the collection:)

Balenciaga~Thinking of the future

Nicholas Ghesquiere

Balenciaga is a label that was turned, by it's designer Nicholas Ghesquiere, into a full-thriving fashion house at the peek of the fashion division. Each and every season, for years, Balenciaga takes a new turn and unfolds a new layer of fashion that is coutlessly studied by other designers. Nicholas is a cutting- edge fashion designer who's work makes the fashion industry plan their whole year around a seven minute show held twice annually in Paris. The looks within that show guaranteed to be featured on every celebrity and in every editorial for the next six months.

This season was a full turn from last season, Fall's parisian madame was turned into an edgy street girl for the summer. His techy urban collection was a turn of the era, his fabrics were undoubtedly an incredible highlight. What could seem like a gray denim was actually a hand-engineered leather foam, or even a hand loomed hemp weave was lazer cut to be as precise as possible. The Actual show progressed from a street edge to more of a put-together urban. The beginning was an exploration of leather hoodies, neon pops, and textured pants that progressed onto fabulous lazer cut skirts, layered leather dresses cut over sheer chiffon, and porcupine-like skirts that change colors as the girl struts confidently by. His accessories were brilliant, the shoes, made out of a combination of woven fabric and 'play-dough'-like melted leather, cuffed the ankle and lower calf in a warrior stance. And the shadowy makeup with an electric flash of neon in the eye corner was beautiful. The components of this collection are elements that could only be executed by a fashion house like this, but are sure to pop up in collections and stores of many others. Although Balenciaga comes with a steep price-tag these clothes are sure to be seen in pieces all around the city or completely put together on some full throttle girl stepping out. Nicholas Ghesquiere is now, and has been for a while, a renowned fashion god whose creativity cannot even be touched by his competitors. Balenciaga is at the forefront of the industry for fashion and styling because of his true references that are never from an outside source, but always from the soul being of where fashion is going in the new decade. Welcome to the future.

(All photos courtesy of Style.com)

!~Happy New Year~!

Live every day like It's your last

Do what you love 'til the end

Make 2010 as fabulous as you are