Tag Archives: proenza schouler

gift guide: alle fister’s finds for the cool cali girl

{Editor’s Note: This year, I’ve asked a few of the people whose style I spend all year admiring to share their holiday wish lists. Stay tuned – we’ll have a new expert every day for the next two weeks!}

Back when I was but a wee fashion blogger, knee high to a grasshopper, Alle Fister was the very first PR person I ever worked with! Since we first met all those years ago, her career has skyrocketed. From being Shopbop’s first PR Director back in their startup days to her current role as the founder of one of the most successful PR firms in the biz, Alle and her team at Bollare represent everyone from VANS and Timberland to Rachel Palley and Kevyn Aucoin.

As you might expect of someone with this level of insider access, Alle has an undeniably cool sense of style, and an innate ability to spot (or set) a trend from a mile away. A Malibu girl through and through, Alle knows her way around a surf shop, but she’s tuned into every single trend, and always, always knows what’s next. She exudes California cool from every invisible pore.

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trend to try: oversized outerwear

Chloé, via Style.com / Proenza Schouler, via Style.com / Céline, via Style.com

Erin ~ Winter is not my season. As soon as that cold weather blows in, you can barely see me under the layers of sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. So a trend that is both stylish and warm? Sign me up. The oversized trend from Fall 2012’s runways can look architectural and very “model off-duty”, while allowing you to layer a few extra sweaters underneath to combat the cold.

Of course, the runway looks are incredibly theatrical and larger than life. So how do you wear this trend without looking like you just bought the wrong size or are impersonating the Michelin Man?

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friday finds (sort of)

I have been a derelict of a blogger this week, friends – forgive me? The truth is, I’m house-hunting (which you’ll know all about if you’re hanging with me on Twitter), and it’s not something I do terribly well. I can shop for just about anything, but the hunt for a new home stresses me out beyond belief. Finding the right place, in the right location, with the right amenities (hello, closet space!)…and no return policy?? Too much pressure for this girl.

But yesterday, I gave myself permission to switch gears for a few minutes, and de-stress by fantasizing about one of my favorite splurges: handbags! I’m nearing the danger zone with my Chanel bag fund…in which the purchase is actually within reach, and I’m starting to have serious pangs of yuppie guilt about spending that much on something. That said, look how pretty that “something” is:

This is the new Quilted Boy Flap from Chanel’s latest accessories collection. It’s pretty fabulous, right? And, don’t worry, not as shiny in person.

But, just for the sake of argument, I could also have any one of these pretties:

YSL studded Muse Two / Proenza Schouler PS1 (crazy, I know, but this girl is inspiring me) / One more Muse Two

Could you just die for that studded YSL? My heart skips a beat every time I see it.

Anyway. I could even add on one of these:

Michael Kors Benbrooke (a total steal, by the way) / Mulberry Lily (also pretty amazing in bronze)

And, in some cases, still have enough for plane tickets to Maui. You see my dilemma.

So, talk to me, friends. What would you do? One massive splurge you’d have for a lifetime, or multiple lovelies to make you happy for at least the foreseeable future?

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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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styled alternatives: cardigan fall 2011

Have you seen all of the goodness going on at CARDIGAN this fall?

Sigh…I’m pretty sure it’s love. But, truthfully, I’ve always been smitten. Designer Lynne Hiriak has a way with creating the most covetable, classic cardis and striped sweaters – her styles have become a staple in my closet. But this season seems especially wonderful – all of those cozy, chunky knits and bold colors have me ready to curl up by a fire with a hot cup of cider.

While I’d happily snatch up absolutely anything from this collection, a couple of favorites may have made their way to my closet recently. This pretty polka dot Stella crew ($198) is the perfect step forward now that I’m feeling a bit stripe-weary. Wearing it feels just like pulling on your favorite menswear sweater – thick, warm and comfy – but this packs an infinitely superior style punch. Wearing it with jeans and a tee (you’ll want to layer, since it’s wool) is a no-brainer, but I love the idea of taking this up a notch with some warm fall colors.

Paired with: Rachel Comey Mars boot, $385; Rag & Bone Malin pant, $290; Old Navy chambray shirt, $29;
Botkier Brinks shoulder bag (again, I know- it’s just so good!), $425

As is always the case with this brand, the cardigans steal the show. I’ve gotten a compliment (or three) literally every time I’ve left the house in this beautiful Daphne cardigan ($298) – the fair isle knit is so perfect for cold weather, and oh, is it warm! I’ve paired it with everything from summery silk dresses to an all-denim look (it works, I swear!) with my Frye Engineer boots. Since casual is a cinch with a piece this classic, I thought I’d show you how to dress it up a bit.

Paired with: Linea Pelle clutch, $195; Oasis leather skirt, $160 (loving the leather skirts this season!);
Proenza Schouler silk tee, $187; Scout & Catalogue scarf, $118; Frye Naiya platform moc, $173.

You’re feeling warmer already, right? One little tip: these are built for a very oversized look, so if (like me) that doesn’t work for you, you’ll want to size down. (Always a nice ego boost as well, right?)

Do yourself a favor and peruse CARDIGAN’s fall lookbook…if nothing else, the pictures are transportingly lovely, and it will give you oh-so-many styling ideas for the season.

Mostly, though, it’ll make you crave sweaters. Lots and lots of sweaters.

random friday finds: fashion week edition

now that fashion week is behind us (let us all heave a collective sigh!), i thought i’d share a few looks that caught my eye. not an exhaustive study by any means…but there were some pieces worth pointing out.

to sum up: flirty little dresses, florals, ruffles and pastels galore (especially lilac and all shades of yellow), nothing new there. more black, white and tan than i’d expect for spring – am i the only one who wants color when the sun comes back in april? in other news, the jumpsuit seems to have exited stage left (thank god), and hemlines are finally inching slowly back toward the knee. those bold shoulders are more subdued this season, which means they’re on their way out (another fashion blessing). and blazers still abound, though not nearly as much as they did for fall.

the bad news? i spotted biker shorts throughout, and bare midriffs at thakoon (his dresses, however, were stunning). here’s hoping they aren’t here to stay.

all photos courtesy of style.com

the moment i win the lottery, stop one will be at the oscar de la renta boutique for a beautiful dress. there is simply no one who does what oscar does. the shades of bold lapis, orange and chartreuse running through his show were a welcome change from the pastels, and i love that my favorite shade of blue will be the star of the season!

we’ll still be raiding the closets of the men in our lives, but i like the look much better for spring. consider grabbing an old pair of your dad’s pleated trousers (the baggier, the better), chopping them off at the knee (your drycleaner can easily hem) and folding over the waist – you’ll have the chicest shorts in town, not to mention the cheapest! from left: look 8, isaac mizrahi; look 5, 3.1 phillip lim.

keep mixing those patterns – the anna sui show was one of my favorites of the week (i highly suggest a full view here), and the bold, crazy pattern-mixing was definitely the highlight of her show.

neither here nor there, and i normally detest the shorts-suit, but anna sui’s version is utterly perfect. it would even be perfect as separates (note the shorts on the model in the pic set above). definitely splurge-worthy!

last spring, it was all about pairing your floral sundress with gladiator heels to create the girly biker look. next spring, designers have done the dirty work for you, and the results are undeniably feminine silhouettes done in big, bold prints that will make even the girliest ruffle feel bad ass. from left: look 16, diane von furstenberg; look 12, proenza schouler.

so, that’s my take. if you’re after a more serious synopsis, i loved refinery 29’s take on the hot trends from the runway. and if it’s eye candy you’re after, i think love made visible did an amazing job picking the best looks from the best shows.

happy weekend, everyone! and don’t forget our fab contest this week – entries close sunday, so get those comments in!