{Fashion} Highlight: Corto Moltedo Handbags in Singapore

Are you someone that likes classic black clutches or do you go for something a little more edgy and unusual (I am a bit of both!)?

If you are someone that identifies with the latter, you should check out Corto Moltedo - a contemporary and funky brand designed by Gabrielecorto Moltedo (sons of Bottega Venetta founders Laura and Vittorio Moltedo) - talk about a great family history in fashion design!  I was curious about his purses after seeing one on Anna Dello Russo (who so fittingly carries the bags) and attended a preview at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in late April.

Corto's handbags are definitely quite a departure from those of his family.  There is a familiar play on texture with the perforated bags, but I liked the edginess of some of the clutches.  Neon colors, unexpected add ons (aww don't you love the ladybug!), and a combination of textures make these clutches modern and totally Anna Dello Russo appropriate.   I didn't love the multicolored exotics, but veered towards the unexpected classic styles.

This was my favorite clutch - I love how the classic gold touches peek out of the more rustic cork material.  

I also liked the boldness of the Susan Shock style - gotta love the edges and see how it reflects the neon pink clutch that is the same style as the one carried by Anna Dello Russo!

The bags range from 250 - 1400 Euros and are available in Milan, Paris, and NYC.

Fashion Highlight: Color Blocking Craze by BCBG Max Azria Autumn/Winter 2012 (with some year round looks)

Is color blocking just a trend?

Well think again because when a collection like BCBG Max Azria is devoted almost entirely to color blocking, it is a fashion statement that will be around for a while longer.  I was fascinated that the colors and designs explored color blocking in many different combinations - it ranged from vertical and horizontal combinations in different neutral colors to a fun mix with different textures. The same color (white) paired with a sheer white to create a different textural view or a simple color blocked coat was mixed with fur sleeves for a modern spin on a retro look.  I thought that this was also a look that works for warmer as well as cooler weathers.

It is definitely a wearable and simple collection, but one that enables you to experience a new take on a familiar favorite.  I also love that BCBG is relatively affordable (watch those sales lovelies!) so many more of us can rock color blocked frocks.

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Fashion Highlight: DVF and Current Elliott and a guest post about wedding planning

Everything is coming up florals!

Or at least everything is coming up florals in the new DVF and Current Elliott collaboration.  This capsule collection celebrates covetable Current Elliott denim, but re-imagines it in fresh floral prints for spring.  There are only a few staple pieces - skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, skinny skirt, shirt, shorts, and dress.  The prices range from $229 for the skinny skirt to $398 for the denim wrap dress - a little pricey, but within standard DVF prices.

What do you think of this collection?

View the collection here.

p.s. On a more serious note, I have guest posted at dear blogger buddy Anna's blog - Far from the Wedding Crowd (formerly of Anna and the Ring) about what a wedding means to me.  I do love pretty things and the wedding is the ultimate celebration of all things lovely.  But I also kept a few things in mind so it wouldn't just be a party about lovely things, but a party about love itself.  Enjoy!

Fashion Highlight: Sunbursts via Tony Duquette collection for Coach

Old Hollywood glamour always brings to mind screen sirens like Elizabeth Taylor with perfectly coiffed hair, impossibly chic clothing, and larger than life accessories.  Tony Duquette was one of the artists that created beautiful clothing, furnishings, interiors (like the Hilton Hawaiian Village - I stayed there, the complex was lovely!), and jewelry for this era.   It was only natural that his designs would be tapped and brought forth again today.

Coach has peeked into the archives of Tony Duquette and created a few statement pieces with his signature sunbursts and starbursts.  A few pieces, like the gorgeous stone necklaces have sold out already, but there are still a few accessories in a wide range of prices.  If I could only pick one item, I may pick a pin - imagine a sunburst on a basic blazer!  The stone ring is gorgeous as well, but oh it would be quite a splurge!

What do you think of this collection?

Sunburst stone pin, Coach, $58

Sunburst Pave ring, Coach, $98

Half inch hinged Starburst bangle, Coach, $118

Stone Flame ring, Coach, $695

LOTC: Marni for H&M - European Bohemian meets the masses

Fashionistas, mark your calendars for March 8 because that is the day Marni for H&M hits stores.

  

{Source: H&M Press}

This Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration definitely bring a label with a different aesthetic to the masses.  This label is usually well known by the well-dressed and well-financed set and makes clothing that is more loved by women than men - think billowy, well-tailored (but not necessarily very fitted) silhouettes.  Bold, but necessarily bright hues (think blues, yellows, blacks, and whites) are a trademark of Marni, as are vintage and African prints; these really create a European Bohemian feel.

I wasn't sure I loved this collection at first, but the quirky, yet refined prints are growing on me as are the reports of well-made construction.  The prices are about $60-$80 for most pieces as well (including coats!) so it is also a great buy.

Will you be checking out this collection?  Oh and when, oh when, will hm.com have online shopping available?!

Check out the video as well of the launch party in LA - isn't Drew Barrymore so cute!

Fashion Highlight: Floral Mod Elegance via Nahm Autumn/Winter 2012-2013

Sometimes a single image can captivate me.

I was browsing through NYFW photos and actually got drawn into the background of these photos for Nahm Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 (I know, it should be about the clothing!)  But this small, curated collection is both distinct, but pretty and wearable.  I love the inspiration of floral touches even if it is only in the sleeves or a patch of a skirt.  It also reminds me of how much more versatile floral prints become when it is done in a sheer fabric.  Trends come and go (hmm Marc Jacob, oversized Mary Poppins hats - not sure how long I'd rock that!), but elegant silhouettes remain.

Now that is fashion I can really appreciate (and is inspiration that can be found at a variety of price points!)  After all, sometimes don't you just want to wear something that is just plain pretty, and not just fashionable for the season?

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LOTC: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop on February 17

There is nothing meek about Mary Katrantzou's prints.  Ever.

The rising designer will continue to put forth her bold prints and designs in a collaboration with Topshop launching February 17th; this Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration.  The colors and designs are vibrant and in your face (so think twice before you wear it to a conservative office, but oh yes please do shine in this in a more creative office!)

The prices are a point of interest though because while the leggings are  ₤40, the satin dress seen on the model is ₤350.  Would you pay this much for a designer collaboration piece?  Or it is a worthy investment for a designer whose prices will continue to rise?

 

 

More details of the launch here.

{Fashion} Highlight: Christian Dior Couture Spring Summer 2012

The 1950s are in.

Or at least the fashion of the 1950s is in.  It began with the styles seen in the ever popular series "Mad Men" and then briefly "Pan Am".  But it continues off the screen and onto the runway, especially in the designs seen on the runway for Christian Dior Couture Spring Summer 2012.

I love the full skirt, opera length gloves, and cinched waist of the first look.  This is definitely a great look to replicate and celebrates the lady in all of us.  I would also love a severe A-line skirt with a lovely petticoat peeking through - it's brazenly feminine and unapologetically fun as is a traditional pencil skirt in an unexpected print and color.  The last few pieces were retro and modern at the same time.  The gradient coloring and luxurious layering made these classic styles new.

I didn't know until now that I needed a fun pencil skirt and now I can't wait to get one (ahh and to have this  one!)

{Fashion} Highlight: Chanel Spring Summer 2012 takes flight

Ahh to have sat in one of the "first class" or even "business class" seats at Chanel Spring/Summer!  The airport runway was recreated with this show and the clothing was somewhat of a 1960s homage to flight attendants (err if flight attendants wore Chanel of course!)  Jackets and cuts were boxy and waists were undefined.  While the silhouette wasn't fitted (I normally don't' even take a second glance at dresses with a boxier shape), the detail was typically Chanel and typically divine.  I loved the large beads on the bodice of the dress below - they make a bold statement on a simple dress.  I also think a gradient tweed jacket should be in the works for me some day.
The mixed sizes of the stones and the tulle cape also make the first dress a quirky and wonderful wedding gown alternative no? It is all in the details (hmm or a fab DIY if you had the time)...

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{Fashion} LOTC: Jason Wu for Target apparel and accessories

I've fallen in love with Jason Wu slowly - from the dress he created for Michelle Obama for the inaugural ball to the wallpaper newspaper in his apartment to his close connections to his (Taiwanese, go Asian men!) family.  I am also loving him a bit more because his collection for Target is getting closer by the day (I'll be setting a calendar reminder on February 5th!)

These Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) designer collaborations can certainly be hit or miss. But I like that Jason Wu has stated that he didn't just want to make designs from his runways in more affordable fabrics.  He created new pieces for this collection  - "an American girl in Paris" - and while they retain his touch for delicate details, they are also more casual and whimsical.  I love the brightness of the striped pieces and the fun prints (the cat tote is both cute and chic!)  These looks definitely translate from a more casual work outfit to the weekend.  I'm just crossing my fingers that Target's website is prepared for the traffic!

I've included my favorite picks from the collection below:

Textured Pleated from Gold Peplum top - $32.99, Pleated skirt in black - $29.99, floral lace clutch in black - $29.99

Straw and Canvas clutch in cream - $29.99

Short sleeved tee in navy/red stripes - $19.99, cuffed shorts in admiral blue - $26.99

Flared dress in white with black patent belt - $59.99

Cat tote in cream - $39.99

Poplin dress in navy - $39.99

Trench coat in black - $54.99, Flared dress in black with nude patent belt - $59.99

Long-sleeved sheer blouse in white with black ribbon - $34.99, Pleated canvas skirt in Belize blue - $29.99

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