Spring 2013 Looks to Love

Band of Outsiders

Camo green + tailored suit + laced sandals

Although the spring runways have closed and the four major fashion weeks (NYC, London, Milan, and Paris) have come to an end, I have a lot of catching up to do in terms of posting about the events. And while I was a little heartbroken to see such an absence of color on the catwalks compared to last spring's abundance of pastels and neons, I can't be too forlorn--there are still countless looks I've fallen in love with. Here's the start of them...

Balenciaga

Red + knotted texture + delicate necklace

Bottega Veneta

Tattered sequin stripes + netted cardigan + butterfly belt

Chanel

Classic tweed + bold purple

Chloe

Metallic ruby heels + dainty straps

Dennis Basso

Ethereal lace + ivory + cord belt

Altuzarra

Wrapped scarf dress + gold tassels + sandal boots

Badgley Mischka

Sultry cut + silver accents + peachy pink hue

DKNY

Caramel leather + black contouring + deep side part

Jason Wu

Unapologetic lace/leather combo + red lips

Marchesa

Dove gray + Sari-inspired design + asymmetrical midriff cutout

Jill Stuart

Impossibly silky sheen + salmon pink + burnt orange + deep crimson + middle part

Zac Posen

Strong gems + inverted sweetheart neckline + pointy pleats

Proenza Schouler

Bright lime + netted leather + ring zipper + chunky black sandals + thick choker

Reem Acra

Ball gown + spiny metallic embroidery + wash of hot pink

All photos via style.com

xo Heidi

NYFW '12: Rebecca Taylor-Vivienne Tam

Already shoulder-deep in the fashion shows taking place across the pond, I have yet to finish discussing the best looks from New York's shows. Well, it seems like this is going to be one chic fall!

The final installment of my favorite NYFW trends:

 Rebecca Taylor

[The perpetually feminine Rebecca Taylor continues impress with her understatedly unique pieces. Always wearable but never bland, her clothing stands out with cool details. This season, sheer-paneled slits and fuzz-adorned sweatshirts delight my girlish eye. But what sticks with me most are the perplexing sheer pants layered under shorts in the third picture. A more comfortable alternative to tights, perhaps?]

Suno
[When Rachel McAdams wore this blue dress last year, I hurriedly set out to find who was responsible for such a fun, offbeat look. That's when I first learned of Suno, and the name has been on my mind ever since. And after seeing the label's latest collection, it goes without saying that its designers are the masters of print. Mismatched florals, stripes, or botanical scenes, it's all good if it's Suno.]

Tadashi Shoji
[Having burst into the fashion scene after Oscar nominee Octavia Spencer wore his gowns this awards season, Tadashi Shoji didn't hurt his newfound popularity with his recent fall runway show. Emerald sheer, two-toned tulle, gold glitter, and floral silk all sashayed down the catwalk ready to be worn to the next big awards show (Oscars, maybe?)--you would never guess the maker was fairly obscure until now.]

Thakoon
[If I had to describe Thakoon's fall line using only one word, it would be "fresh." With the models' clean makeup (save for bold red lips), the shiny red and black fabrics, and the minimal accessorizing, Thakoon makes being chic look so easy. But my favorite part of the new collection is the 3/4 sleeve sheath dress (1st and 3rd pictures). It calls to mind the mid-20th century but at the same time looks so untried and original.]

Tory Burch
[Sometimes I fear aging; not for typical reasons like wrinkles and menopause (hey, I can say "menopause" on here if I want), but because I'm afraid I'll have to forfeit stylish dressing. But Tory Burch proves that is surely not the case. She clearly doesn't design for a set age group, because I fell in love with each one of her pieces as a 20 year-old--everything from the tight plaid trousers to the chain-strap, flower-adorned purses--but I can also see myself wearing the same ensembles when I'm forty.]

Tracy Reese
[Wow, does this woman have a way with color! Turquoise and purple, orange and gold, green and royal blue, she somehow assembles her pieces to make any combination work. Another relatively wearable line, I can see myself wearing her t-shirt/skirt combos with flat sandals to class and with heels and added jewelry at night. Bonus: with hues this bright, my friends would never lose me in a crowd.]

Vivienne Tam
[Whether the task is creating a party-ready LBD or a lazy Sunday brunch outfit, Vivienne Tam is up to it. She can make sexy, slinky gowns with cutouts along the torso and soft, printed sweatshirts look equally appealing. Right now, though, I'm really just wishing I could crawl into those loose gray trousers, a much more polished alternative to my uniform of sweatpants.]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Through the Dark" by Alexi Murdoch. Available on iTunes.] 

NYFW '12: Jason Wu-Oscar de la Renta

New York Fashion Week is over (the shows continue over in Europe), but I'm still reeling over the all of the beautiful sartorial creations debuted last week. So, naturally, my list of favorite collections continues.

The second set of reasons I'm looking forward to fall:

 Jason Wu

[The young newcomer continues to stun with his unparalleled designer's eye. This season he took cues from the far East, boasting colorful brocade pantsuits and draped silk skirts. Red and black add a major dose of sex appeal to an otherwise conservative gown, while a simple cape is made exotic with heavy embellishment.]

Jenny Packham

[After seeing Kate Middleton strutting around in Ms. Packham's design last year, I can't help but picture the Duchess wearing each gown sent down the runway this past week. While the elegance of the dresses are an obvious choice for Kate, the interesting details (like choker necklines and sequin-studded shoulders) remind me that Blake Lively and Carrie Underwood are also fans of the brand.]

Marchesa

[Ever the connoisseurs of intricacy, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa yet again baffle and woo me with their complicated, one-of-a-kind confections. Gilded satin ball gowns and ethereal, feathery mermaid silhouettes can really make a Midwestern girl wish she had some fancier weekend plans. And hey, check out the eagle on the third dress pictured! The trend lives on.] 

Michael Kors

[Oh, how this line makes me want to cuddle up next to a fireplace in a cabin in Aspen! But since I have neither a Colorado chalet nor the money to buy these lustworthy Kors pieces, I will commit to memory this coziness--turtleneck sweaters, relaxed checkered trousers, long-sleeved maxi dresses, and long menswear vests--and hunt it down at more reasonably priced retailers.]

Milly

[Bright and eclectic, the ensembles at Milly can easily add a pop of fun (and neon pink) to any girl's everyday wardrobe. The flouncy metallic skirt, the tweed short suit, the lace print frock--all of these are totally wearable with a pair of black tights and a layered coat or tee. Best part: there's no way an inexpensive seller like Forever 21 will be able to pass up recreating such lively looks (with much lower price tags).]

Monique Lhuillier

[Red, black, and gold are the go-to colors for Ms. Lhuillier this year. Although she exhibited a darker, sultrier collection than typical, she didn't leave behind her signature romance, as proven by the floaty gowns, sheer panelling, and lace trim. It's the blood red and use of heavy metal that are fresh for fall. Bravo! She's invented a gothic I want to try.] 

Oscar de la Renta

[Oscar de la Renta has purely amazed me this season. I've really only regarded him as a gown designer in the past, but with working-girl sets and Jackie O-worthy shifts, he has clearly proven his talent extends beyond the realm of Red Carpet. How a man can design such unapologetically feminine, ladylike pieces, I don't know, but looking through his collection, I am oh-so happy to be a girl.]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Only If for a Night" by Florence + the Machine. Available on iTunes.] 

Deeper Cuts

[Gel pasties, a little tape, and a lot of confidence is all you need to rock the deep v-neck.]

The fashion industry seems to always be coming up with new ways to show bits of skin in their designs. The latest way to be revealing (as seen at J.Mendel this past week): the deep v-cut neckline. While it's nothing we haven't seen before (does JLo's 2000 Grammy's dress ring a bell?), the extreme v-neck is now unexpectedly elegant when done right. However, hitting only a few inches above the belly button, the trend can understandably be tricky to pull off. They key in avoiding looking too scandalous is balancing the open chest with long skirts, sleeves, or a pair of tights. And preparation is important too--without stylist tape, you're only one slouch away from indecent exposure. 

Overall, though, it's essential to feel good in what you're wearing. The plunging neckline acts as a perfect example of a trend to pass on if it's just not you. But if you're feeling a little daring and aren't afraid of showing a little sternum (not the sexiest name for such hot place to leave uncovered), consider taking the plunge.

[At $36.90 and $39.90, respectively, these Akira minis are affordable and on-trend. I'd wear tights under or a maxi skirt over either for extra coverage.]

Deep V-Neck Knot Dress in Cobalt Blue & Deep V Knotted Long Sleeve Dress in Black, 

both available at shopakira.com

[Gel petals and stylist tape are super handy and crucial to this malfunction-prone look. Victoria's Secret is the go-to place for lingerie adhesives. And isn't that altoid-like box of tape just the sweetest thing?]

Style Secrets Gel Petals, $20, & Double-sided Stylist Tape, $10,

both available at victoriassecret.com

[Like the trend but feeling apprehensive about showing so much skin? A dress with the same plunge but an added sheer panel lends extra security, as do long, layered necklaces.]

Embellished Fringe Shoulder by Dress Up Topshop, $110, topshop.com, 

& Layered Neon Necklace, $4.80, forever21.com

Celebs Who Took the Plunge

Sienna Miller, Charlize Theron, Julie Bowen, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Rachel McAdams

[I very much prefer their looks to Jennifer Lopez's. Sorry, JLo, but when you're showing belly button, you're showing too much.]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz. Available on iTunes.] 

Cheeky by Nature

[The models at Michael Kors looked like they had just stepped in from braving the winter's cold. If only a little harsh weather could make us all look this good.]

While some girls look so prettily flushed after a stroll in the brisk outside, I always tend to look more drippy and disheveled. Thankfully, Michael Kors's recent runway show exhibited that makeup can feign this cold-weather effect, and it so perfectly fits with chunky knits and windblown hair, two things dear to me at this time of year. Here's how to get the same look with makeup if you lack the lucky genes that allow you to naturally do so:

1. Benefit Benetint in Rose, $29, sephora.com// 2. Fresh Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50, sephora.com// 3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35, about $10 at drugstores// 4. Sephora Collection Lush Flush Lip & Cheek Stain in Red Wine, $12, sephora.com// 5. Revlon Fabulash Mascara, about $8 at drugstores.

The most important step in achieving this effortless look: moisturizing. With dry skin, red cheeks can make your face just look irritated. Liberally apply an oil-free (if you tend to break out like me) moisturizer to your entire face, allowing it to soak in before putting on the cheek stain. When you do put on the stain--a long-lasting, more natural looking alternative to blush--apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending outward toward your temples and jawline. Quickly dab with a damp tissue afterward to avoid looking overly flushed. Finish the look with an equally stained lip (most cheek stains work double-duty as lip colors) and minimal swipes of black mascara. 

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Green Eyes" by Coldplay. Available on iTunes.] 

NYFW '12: Altuzarra-Diane von Furstenberg

At risk of posting too much about designer clothing, I cannot allow New York Fashion Week to continue without noting the many amazing trends being created for this fall. Although names like Marc Jacobs and Armani seem far-off and too idealistic for the typical girl's wardrobe, the ensembles they develop inevitably end up inspiring and dictating what lands on the racks at stores like Forever 21, Macy's, and even Target. So instead of writing the runway shows off as inapplicable to your own life, consider yourself "in the know" of the fall trends to come.

Here's the first installment of my favorite autumn looks:

Altuzzara

[Easily one of my favorite collections yet, I can actually picture myself wearing these outfits; they're relatively practical for a Wisconsin coed. The black leather boots cap off easy cargo pants and embellished sweaters, while a bohemian coin-adorned frock is thrown into the mix for fun. Having grown up on Disney movies, I couldn't help but think of The Hunchback's Esmeralda. Who knew gypsy could be so couture?]

Badgley Mischka

[The duo's done it again. While the ultra-glam gowns are always expected, the cutout shoulders and vest toppers are not, though they are completely welcome. My favorite facets of the fall line: the liquid gold maxi, blush mauve colors, and hair evocative of the 1930's.]

Band of Outsiders

[I surely wasn't at Woodstock, but this collection is what I imagine would surround me if I was. Decidedly hippie meets Laura Ingalls Wilder, the lineup boasts long dresses and ditsy floral prints as well as floor-dusting coats and generously tufted fur vests. 1800's or 1900's? Doesn't matter what century the inspiration came from; it's all very now.]

Carolina Herrera

[Always the lady, Ms. Herrera impresses with layered turtleneck blouses and calf-length pinafores. Varying textures and patterns add interest to monochrome outfits. The hue of choice is navy blue, but I'm not a bit blue about it--if those headband-bound bouffants don't lift your spirits, I don't know what will.]

Diane von Furstenberg

[In a sea of dark sequin sparkles, DVF manages to inject her line with plenty of doses of color. Brilliant colors, at that. Baby pink and eye-popping red on a pantsuit spice up a boring day at the office while the aforementioned black shimmer is a no-brainer for night. Always thinking of the working girl, aren't you Ms. von Furstenberg? Thanks!]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Walking On a Dream" by Empire of the Sun. Available on iTunes.]