Tag Archives: derek lam

asked and answered: what to wear with leather?

Yay, reader question! Being answered in a timely fashion! I’m pretty proud of myself. Amy asked such a great question over the weekend, I had no choice but to answer straightaway:

All the leather out there reminds me of my unresolved question from last fall: how do you match leather tops/skirts to boots? Do we avoid leather boots completely? Do the boots need to match the color of the leather top/jacket/skirt? If not boots, then what kind of footwear, especially in the colder months? Thanks! ~ Amy

Amy, you’re so not the only one wondering about this. Matching leather is a hurdle it took me years to master – and finally, I realized I was worrying too much (as usual). In general, the only rules I stick to are these: Read on →

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summer sales make me feel fine

Everyone talks about Memorial Day sales, but not me…I wait until the day after, when the fun really starts. Today: Net-a-Porter and Shopbop. Tomorrow: Barney’s. Let the games begin!

A few ideas to get you started at Net-a-Porter…remember, they only hold sales twice a year, so this is an event! Anything that doesn’t sell now will head over to The Outnet, but the best pieces are definitely snagged this week.

Rag & Bone blazer, $225 / Day Birger et Mikkelsen linen dress, $100 / Etoilé Isabel Marant jacket, $247 / Alice by Temperley dress, $182

MiH Marrakesh shorts, $56 / Tory Burch Camelia espadrilles, $129 / 10 Crosby Derek Lam printed pants, $167 / Equipment silk blouse, $145

On the other hand, can we all collectively agree that no one will ever buy these frightening pants? Terrifying, even on a model!

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friday finds: fashion week!

Friends, I’ve missed our Friday Finds fun, so I’m resurrecting it today. Which means I’m pre-empting Kim’s usual spot…so you’ll see her here on Monday instead. Rude, I know. Forgive me?

Every year when Fashion Week (or NYFW, as it’s called in the biz) rolls around, I get excited to see what’s in store. But mostly, I get incredibly jealous that I’m not there. Because, you know, the only thing standing between me and a front row seat at Marc Jacobs, Rachel Comey and Proenza Schouler is a plane ticket and a hotel room.

Since (sniff!) I’m not there, I thought I’d daydream a little about what I’d pack for my fantasy NYFW experience.

First, I’m going to need an amazing carry-on. This new tote from Hayden-Harnett stole my heart the moment I spotted it last week, and hasn’t let go. Navy and black used to scare me, but now it’s one of my favorite color combos – and this crazy-practical version happens to be reversible! Fashion Week or not, I may need this as a consolation prize.

Menswear flats are everywhere right now, and I’ve been dying to splurge on a pair of Dieppa Restrepo loafers. This metallic tasseled version would be just the thing to get Bill Cunningham to snap my pic, as I stylishly leap from one cab to another.

Of course, I’m going to need some pretty amazing apparel to compete with all of my cohorts on the front row. Fortunately, Lauren Santo Domingo has nothing on me. Sure, I could go with the obvious and dress in the designer whose show I’m seeing, but it’s infinitely cooler to show up in a piece from a up-and-coming label. This Jasper jacket from Veda isn’t available until next month, but I’m sure I could pull some strings and pick one up early, just like all the celebs do. It’s easy, right?

And really, it’s time to admit that those printed pants I’ve been coveting are totally necessary – at NYFW, it’s all about trends, after all. These from Derek Lam have been in every fashion magazine this season, so they’re sure to pave my way to success. Or, I could go the “understated chic French” route and opt for these Vanessa Bruno cropped silk trousers instead. I do love that colorblocking!

To go along with all this edgy apparel, I’ll need a little something extraordinary in the jewelry department. Yes, I’m thinking a piece from Iosselliani is just the thing to help me bump up the style quotient of my everyday attire. Add a white tee, leather jacket and a great boot, and really, I’m ready for just about anything.

Finally, I’m going to need an amazing bag to carry to all of these events. I’d be nothing at NYFW without at least one piece of Proenza to my name, but absolutely everyone will be toting the ubiquitous PS1. Instead, I’ll opt for this neon yellow clutch (which I’ll wear, ever so coolly, crossbody by day). This bag alone is sure to get me into Anna Wintour’s most exclusive fete.

Phew! I’m exhausted, friends. All that wistful shopping was too much….I think I need a nap. Especially since I’ll be heading to all those after-parties this week. Have an amazing weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week!

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daring drapes

i’m so very glad to see that all of that gorgeous (but severe) pleating from last fall has transformed into piles of soft draping and grecian-inspired looks this year.  besides looking sophisticated, soft and effortless, all of those flowing pieces translate to some seriously perfect camouflage just where you’d most want it.

even though i’m dreaming of the positively perfect version from derek lam’s fall collection, shopbop has very lovely (and much more budget-friendly) options, so i thought we’d indulge in a little tour.

i don’t do the mini-dress as a rule, but these are so lovely, i might have to make an exception.    what i love about these dresses (besides all of that lovely drape) is the fact that showing a little leg really is all you’re doing.  dresses that are cut low on the bodice and high on the hem can end up looking cheap, but both of these are subtle enough to stay sophisticated.  i’m definitely least bothered by the hem of the berry-hued version, which (thoughtfully) hits at the slimmest part of your thigh – i could see the hem on that lovely green gown being a challenge.  (left, $220 by rachel pally; right, $242 by alice + olivia.)

since my life is less packed with cocktail parties and late-night outings than you’d think (ha!), these lovely grecian tees are far more likely to make my fall must-have list.  kain’s version (left, $93) is about as perfect as i could hope for – i even love the color.  but i’m always a bit skeptical of the one-size-fits-all tee.  the style from monrow (right, $88) is one i think i’d have to see in person…i can’t quite decide if all of that draping on the front is flattering or maybe a tiny bit sloppy (particularly in the boysenberry shade i’d be most likely to fall for).  i’m guessing it’s all in the fit, as usual, and i do think this one has serious potential.

just remember, the trick with drapes is a goldilocks kind of thing.  too few, and the look is messy, not draped.  too many, and that camouflage turns into serious extra baggage.  and definitely keep those folds from piling up in the tummy area!  you want the look to be light, flowing and (seemingly) effortless…and, naturally, slimming.

so, will you be indulging in a little grecian inspiration this fall?

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on a positive note: shopbop’s designer boutique markdowns

while i’m definitely lusting from afar this time around, there are some truly covet-worthy pieces in the shopbop designer boutique sale this morning.  care to do a little window shopping?

how can you not love the reid dress from rachel roy (50% off, down to $597.50)?  it would hide a multitude of sins, look fabulous on most anyone, and work for every season.  definitely investment-worthy if the budget permits…it’s the most versatile dress i’ve seen all year.

that sergio rossi pump (50% off, down to $440) is the ultimate summer neutral for everything from dresses to boyfriend jeans.

and while i’m no serena van der woodsen, that bronze derek lam cardi (50% off, down to $295) would definitely help me look the part.  i love that it works with everything from a tank to a cocktail dress…not to mention being the perfect accent for those fab sergio rossis.

if all this retail (non)gratification has you weeping into your cappucino, i’ll give you one bargain you might be able to swing: this sweet little clutch from anya hindmarch comes in three gorgeous primary hues, and will cure even your worst case of retail envy – all for less than $150.

i’m curious:  are you skipping the high-end sales this year, or are you taking full advantage of all of this recession-style retail?

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