Designer Thursday: Muted Florals by Erdem Autumn Winter 2012/2013

Florals aren't the first pattern that come to mind when one thinks of winter.  But winter shouldn't just be about muted earth tones.  I love the subtle pop of color from the floral prints for Erdem Autumn Winter 2012/2013.  Flowers are in abundance, but can be seen in subtle ways like on the shoulder of a trench coat.  There are also undeniable pops of color and the pairing of a rich cobalt blue with a lemony yellow make any cold day a little brighter.  But the same florals could also easily combine with neutral camels and classic blacks for a more toned down look.  Erdem is definitely on my list with these timeless cuts and lovely prints!
I also think I need some yellow pumps now (I never would have thought about Ivanka Trump shoes before, but the shape and price of these are really tempting)...

Designer Thursday: The Row Spring 2012 at Bergdorf Goodman

A silhouette is one of the first things that draws my eye to a piece of clothing or outfit.  Long, lean silhouettes are the signature of the Row, the high end fashion collection by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.
These ladies have created a line of "New Minimalism" chic.  I never necessarily thought I was a minimalist dresser, but I increasingly find myself drawn to these modern, yet classic shapes.  It is all about investing in beautiful, timeless pieces.  While the prices are a bit more than what I'm comfortable paying now, I do see myself partaking in a few pieces from this collection some day.

The Spring 2012 collection continues to evoke a relaxed, yet incredibly feminine and edgy air.  I'd definitely love a patterned pencil skirt, classic fitted wool shift dress, and asymmetrical leather skirt some day.  Here are a few favorites.

Sheer-Panel Tank & Asymmetric Leather Skirt

Stretch-Wool Dress 

Gazar-Sleeve Blazer, Crepe-Back Satin Tank & Wide-Leg Pants

Boxy Blouse & Long Striped Pencil Skirt

Mingston Draped Cardigan 

Designer Thursday: Kelly Wearstler Edgy Metallic Jewelry (and clothing!)

Design for some people enables them to segue into many different areas of design (I wish I was one of those people but I do at least appreciate great design).  Kelly Wearstler, interior designer extraordinaire, is an example of someone who can just transform shape, color, and texture into different visual components first for the home and now for the human form.  Her collection is exactly as she describes it: bold, sculptural, and dramatic.


What do you think of her pieces?

Kelly Wearstler Perforated Burnished brass cuff, Net-a-Porter, $225

Kelly Wearstler Brass and Quartz pyramid necklace, Net-a-Porter, $425

Kelly Wearstler Pyrite-embellished brass cuff, Net-a-Porter, $395 

Kelly Wearstler chain necklace with cube, KellyWearstler.com. $325 

I'm also in love with this printed maxi dress (though not the price).  I'd be more willing to splurge on the jewelry than this dress.  But you never know what will end up on s sales rack!

Kelly Wearstler Palladian Printed Maxi Dress, Neiman Marcus, $725 

Designer Thursday: Hand in Hand for Kate Spade (by women in Bosnia and Herzogovina)

I have a soft spot for shopping that benefits a cause.  Hand in Hand was an organization that I briefly worked with in graduate school; we helped them develop a marketing plan for one of their regions.  They are an organization dedicated to promoting the native handicraft skills of underprivileged women in different areas all over the world.  Now their artisans in Bosnia and Herzigovina have partnered with Kate Spade for a line of hand-knit collectibles.

Hand in Hand rose gold bangle, Kate Spade, $58

Hand in Hand Pom Pom Scarf, Kate Spade, $175

Hand in Hand hair pin, Kate Spade, $48

Hand in Hand knit necklace, Kate Spade, $98

See the full collection here.

I'm definitely thinking about the rose gold bangle (also available in white and yellow gold and 25% of the proceeds go towards the organization).  The other items are a bit pricey, but I definitely admire the artisans and cause so this would be one of the first places I would turn if I wanted a knit necklace!

Designer Thursday: Emilia Wickstead and English country chic LFW Spring/Summer 2012

Country chic prints.

Muted colors.

Clean lines.

Those were the first thoughts that popped into my mind when I saw pictures of the Emilia Wickstead Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  I hadn't heard of Emilia previously, but was happy to discover her designs.  She doesn't use create any color blocking effects, produce vivacious prints, or design elaborate structured, shapes.  But her collection does have mod lines that will remain classic pieces in your wardrobe.   The subtle Paris prints are also sweet and unexpected.

Maybe I'm really captivated because this clothing epitomizes a Kate Middleton aesthetic - sweet, subtle, and ladylike (though slightly edgier with some of these lengths and cuts).
That and I love a fun print or a jacket with a great shape!

What do you think of this collection?

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Designer Thursday: Kate Spade and Current Elliot create Westward

You wouldn't necessarily think to combine preppy chic Kate Spade with boyfriend jean queens Current Elliott (stylists and designers Emily Current and Merritt Elliott), but that is exactly what happens in the new collection Westward.  These two sets of designers meet in the middle to create a collection of leather goods that isn't perfect, but still lovable (how could you not love purse names like wanderlust and runaway).
Texture and sparkles collide in Westward making this an unexpected collection for Kate Spade.  The prices are a bit higher than typical Kate Spade, but I am intrigued by the slightly edgier feel and use of ostrich embossing.  Of course I'll also wait and see if prices end up coming down as well.

What do you think of this collection?

Westward ingénue clutch, Kate Spade, $545.00

Westward adventurer satchel, Kate Spade, $795.00 

Westward curiosities satchel, Kate Spade, $1,095.00 

Westward runaway duffle, Kate Spade, $1,295.00

Designer Thursday - MZ Wallace bright summer essentials

Color can instantly captivate me.  I came across NY based MZ Wallace's site and was instantly smitten with the bright colors of their summer essentials collection.  What a great place to shop for weekend getaway essentials including a perfect printed skirt, passport cover, and scarf.  Proceeds of some products like the skirt below are also given to charity (Uganda pediatric patients in this case!)

Here are a few favorite items:

Passport cover, $75

Ball and tassel charm, $45 (sold out but hope it comes back soon!)

Small neon metro tote, $175

Wrap up Africa skirt, $75

Love quotes linen scarf, $75

Designer Thursday/{Runway Inspiration}: Lanvin Pre-Fall 2011 - Animals abound

"It's not about Marilyn Monroe moving to India and having an acid trip, it's about real women's needs and desires."

Alber Ebaz

Maxi length skirts/gowns, luxurious layers, and clean coverage are all part of Lanvin's pre-fall 2011 collection.  Day and evening looks seamlessly come together and many pieces can be mixed and matched to be worn any time of day.   While I don't spot any signature large ruffles or bows, the pieces are versatile, easy, and cool in an almost casual way.

It's the perfect collection to wear when you're hanging with your pet flamingo.
I guess you could wear it for other occasions too.  I thought this was a pretty unique photoshoot and of course the clothing is lovely.

I commend H&M for really opening my eyes to Lanvin.  While I may not immediately buy this collection, I have developed an appetite for the slinky jumpsuit below and can at least set my sites on Lanvin shoes or handbags (the Happy crossbody is too cute!)

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Funky. Ridiculous.  Luxurious.  Lanvin.

Designer Thursday - Comme des Garçons (coming to Singapore Jan. 31!)

Comme des Garçons, French for "like boys", is a Japanese fashion label created and maintained by Rei Kawakubo.  I've always been fascinated with the label because it has such a cult following and is one of the few successful Asian brands.  They started out using (and still use) a lot of black and distressed fabrics.  Currently, they have a range of lines from Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man (menswear) to Tricot Comme des Garçons (women's knitwear) and Comme des Garçons Edited (accessories).

  {Source} - I don't wear t-shirts but would totally rock one with a bear on it!

Here are some of my favorites across their current collections.  I like the mix of patterns, textures, and basic colors with a little edge. I find myself drawn to the first double breasted jacket with different textures and lengths.  I think Mr. Spend 'n Chomp would like the contrasting patterns and subtle skull motifs on their menswear line too.

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Comme des Garçons (via Club 21) is opening At Hilton Singapore 02-39/40 (tel: +65 6304 1362) Jan 31 and I'm excited to stop by.  

What do you think of Comme des Garçons?

Designer Thursday - SF(2): Glass and Metal Design Jewelry

There's something so chic and timeless about the teardrop shape.  It is seamlessly created in modern and colorful ways by SF(2) -  a design team composed of a guy who has mastered traditional glassblowing techniques and a gal who can really work her metal.  I'm really loving the cool contrasts and hope they make more styles soon!

Steel veil over white drop, Supermarket, $30

Red drops, Supermarket, $30

Gray drops, Supermarket, $30

Orange, brown, white, twist drops, Supermarket, $30