playing runway catch up... NYFW

I am a bit late in the game to be posting this but I was reviewing a few of the NY fashion week shows / presentations and there were a of couple collections that I thought were worth sharing here.  

First up, Erin Fetherston...

I have always been a fan but some seasons I do find that she plays it a little "safe" or, perhaps, the slightest bit too polished for my taste.  Though this collection isn't necessarily wild or super edgy it does live up to it's name: "Charmed, I'm Sure." How could I resist those quirky 50s silhouettes and beautiful fabrics... yes, please!

Karen Walker

Another NY designer that caught my eye this round was Karen Walker.  Even though it's about 20 degrees too hot in LA because we've been robbed of a winter (I know, I know... boo hoo. I can hear those east coast violins serenading me!) anyhow... despite that, I would like nothing more than to wrap up in that amazing structured wool coat or that gorgeous chunky sweater.  And once again I'm smitten by the prints which are, admittedly, a little all-over-the-place...

Rodarte 

Another one that ebbs and flows for me - I love the Mulleavy's and the degree of thought that goes into each of their collections but it doesn't always translate for me.  That said, I really liked this latest offering...I can't say that I was absolutely "in love" as I have been with some of their past shows but it's a lot of fun. These were my favorite looks (yes, I would quite happily wear the Death Star dress - the Yoda one...perhaps less so)...

I've been looking at London and Milan and, honestly,  I haven't been inspired by any of that, apart from an occasional pretty dress here and an amusing coat there. I am looking forward to Paris and will report back should the fashion muse strike!

For more on these collections click the designer's name above or visit style.com 

rodarte archives / grey magazine

Editorial posts have been few and far between here as of late... mainly because I had been waiting to be moved by something I'd seen enough to post it and that hadn't happened for ages. When I came upon these almost candid, uber-relaxed but still quite dreamy photos Nan Goldin took of the Rodarte Archives (for Grey Magazine) I knew I would have to share them because I just really loved this work.  It reminds me a cool post-runway after hours girl party. It also rekindled my love for Rodarte.

I'm not that familiar with Grey Magazine but judging from their website I would be a whole lot more inspired to post Editorials if I stopped by more often!



images via fashion gone rogue

rodarte :: states of matter

On Friday night I was thrilled to be able to take an opening night peak at Rodarte's first West Coast Solo Exhibition at the MOCA Pacific Design center. “Rodarte: States of Matter”...

Beth Jean came along too as did "The Brit".   He thinks I should have titled this post something like "States of Matter - undercover at the Rodarte exhibit" because, unfortunately, there was kind of a "no photography" rule.  I was way too terrified to bring my DSLR inside and instead took some shots on my iphone and a couple on my point & shoot when no one was looking! phew...

The exhibit included several tutu's from The Black Swan, as well as select pieces from Rodarte’s Spring 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2008 collections.  I absolutely loved how they arranged everything down to the spooky ever changing lighting.

I think because I was a little bit nervous about being kicked out of the show (a show by one of my favorite designers, no less) the phone shots honestly came out better than the point & shoot pictures! I guess I felt like the phone was easier to explain to the guards if they asked. haha. In any event...

And here are a few photos taken by someone with permission! 

borrowed from here


If you are in LA or will be here between now until June 5th and have any interest in Rodarte, I highly recommend going to check this out. It really is art installation meets ready to wear fashion.  In my opinion seeing the pieces in person is truly incredible. more information here
 

the holidays bring with them the sporadic post

Hello, my dears.  I trust everyone had a calm relaxing weekend and is pretty much done with their holiday shopping? ...no? Wait, you mean you had a crazy busy weekend too? At least, I assume you did. The pre-holiday buzz is pretty palpable in Los Angeles this week; it feels like everyone is on the verge of skipping town (myself included but not for a little while still). In all my busy-ness I did manage to snap a few shots of this outfit which included my tried and true dress purchased at Topshop over two years ago. Worth every penny and I can't believe it's never made an appearance here until now because it's a staple.  Here I've paired it with a Rodarte for Target blouse (which is actually a little big on me so I don't wear that as much as I should) and some sparklie shoes.

outfit details:
dress: topshop (oxford circus)
blouse: rodarte for target
shoes: uo

I will try my best to keep up with my posts during the next week despite the holiday rush! xdjrd

PS: In case you missed it, I was featured on Blaubuska talking about all things Christmas.

fashion week(ness)

Ah, Fashion Week NYC...no matter how I try to ignore you, in the back of my mind I know you are there.  Suddenly, I find myself lurking on the pages of Style.com for hours on end to see what you have to offer this time around. It's true, I can't help but get excited about at least a few shows every season and, of course, then I want to share my favorites here on this blog. Since this is a fashion-focused blog I think it's only fair that I get to post my FW favorites! There are some people out there who believe that to "cover" fashion week you have to be there.  I believe that, with all the runway and detail shots available, the internet is a much easier way to get a really good look at the pieces in a collection because there is not a time limit. Just my thoughts. Obviously, I wouldn't turn down a chance to attend a Rodarte show (for example) but I would not be surprised if I used the internet to get a better look afterward.

Anyhow, that being said, here are a few of my favorites from NYCFW F2010...

 

Rebecca Taylor is one of those designers who's collections I expect to like but this one was especially lovely.  She has a way with prints and even managed to make leopard print seem fresh.  I also love the length of her skirts and the subtle yet eye-catching colors scheme.

Rodarte is a favorite of mine. I love the futuristic yet romantic aesthetic their line consistently coveys.  I found this collection was much less abrasive than the previous one though. It was easier for me to connect. oh, and it would be perfectly ok if someone bought me one of the white floor length dresses. I promise I'd figure out how to wear it to work :) update* see video of the entire show HERE

The first thing about Zac Posen's collection that I noticed was the bright red velvet pieces, next it was the flirty skirts and finally the statement coats.  It's the perfect mash up of  the 40s and 60s.  But let me state for the record that I would only wear that fur if it was fake. so please, no angry comments!! I heart animals.

 
Julian Louie... I don't know much about this designer at all but this entire collection is right up my street. I could live in these! so very cute with an edge.

I also loved:

• dark blue velvet and knee socks from Karen Walker
•  lace, dresses and carpet shoulder bags at Marc by Marc Jacobs

I'm sure there will be more! I do promise to mix it up a little and not overload you with runway collages!  

*all images from style.com - collaged by djrd

a little scary but oh so beautiful: Rodarte takes Paris

Anyone who has heard of Laura & Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte has also probably developed a secret girl-crush on this incredibly talented duo. Here's a little video from their recent exhibit at the Colette concept store in Paris to add fuel to the girl-crush fire...

As soon as I can embed it I will for now:

NYTimes - The Rodarte Sisters Come to Paris

The  Sisters Mulleavy have also updated their site recently with a video of the Spring/Summer 2010 collection...find that here

money, money, money

I have a love/hate relationship with the stuff.  For this reason, while I sat there sorting out my taxes (weeks later than I had intended) I needed some serious distraction from les finances...

did you ever see this?


Jenny Lewis & Rodarte...does it get any better? Well, I suppose a $1000 tax refund would be nice too...if only! 

fall 09 picks

a few of my favorite looks from a few of the NY fall 09 collections...

in particular the item I have named "the June-Bug skirt" and those amazing yarn skirts & sweaters.

*please note the gray jumpsuit (image 3) and then take a look at my vintage jumpsuit on chictopia...interesting, marc. have you been rummaging through my closet for inspiration again?!

Jason Wu has been getting his 15 minutes due to Michelle Obama's inauguration ball gown but despite the hype, I actually quite enjoyed his collection.

karen walker, cool as ever. I couldn't help but think of the clothes horse every time those gilded legs walked down the catwalk!