Fall Trends: Velvet

I have spent my entire adult life (so far) swearing to the fashion gods that you would never in a million years find me wearing anything velvet. Time to eat some crow, because I'm officially obsessed with this trend, and I'm SO excited that it is in for fall again (especially since I just bought my fall 2010 dream shoe....2 seasons too late but better late than never)! You still may not find me in any velvet clothes, save for the perfect velvet blazer, but I love this look on shoes. Check out some of my favorite finds for fall below.

Aldo Hessling Pump- $89.98

Charlotte Olympia Ostrich Wedge- $895

Sam Edelman Marina Platform Pump - $130

H by Halston Rachel Shoe- $85

Steve Madden Pammy pump - $99

Keep in mind that these are definitely statement shoes, so pair them with something simple like a black dress or skinny jeans.

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Marchesa

I feel like I need to preface this post by telling you that there are TONS of images to follow because, well I just couldn't bear to cut many looks out of this absolutely beautiful collection. I mean this is the stuff of dreams... quite literally in my case. This season as always, Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig played with volume but mixed it up with leather cut-outs on lace, intricate beading, and deconstructed silk. What appears to be beautiful lace details and inserts throughout the collection, is actually elaborately embroidered crystals and pearls-an expensive choice, but so worth it. Victorian influences were apparent here again with high-neck collars, and, like Prabal Gurung, Chapman and Craig have said that they were inspired by Great Expectations this time around. Colors included lavenders, cream, and pops of red and black. Shades of porcelain tulle layered to create ruffles, and skirts effortlessly pooled on the ground were the highlights of the show. Sky-high Louboutins were paired with dainty beaded socks to finish off the decadent looks. The drama was out of this world, and the beauty of this collection will be lost on no one. Their A-list clientele will not be disappointed, and we can definitely plan on seeing some of these dresses again on the red carpet very soon.

NY Fasion Week Fall 2011: Rebecca Taylor

The 1970's was the name of the game at the Rebecca Taylor show this week, from the hair down to the brown nail polish the line screamed retro chic, and I for one am loving it. As a side note, OPI painted the model's nails in none other than the shade "Suzi Loves Cowboys" which, if you read my earlier blog is one of the 12 colors in the Texas line from OPI (score one for Tejas)! The Parisien nightclubs of the seventies was where Taylor drew inspiration for this line, creating looks that were cozy enough for fall, yet insanely chic. Her nod to the decade included shear organza trousers with floral prints paired with long lurex tunics, chiffon maxi skirts, and shearling details. Chunky, sometimes barely there, knits were prominent, as were sparkly tops. The color palette was filled with cool blues, smoky grey, magenta, and lavender. I can't find a single thing wrong with this collection. Now if only I could get my paws on a few of these pieces for myself...

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Doo Ri

Doo Ri Chung brought back her signature draping this season, but managed to mix things up a bit with some more tailored pieces paired with felt coats all of which fit in well with her "linear structure" concept. She really hit it out of the park for the most part...aside from a few coats that seemed far too long and a bit of layering that was off. Sheer and leather inserts adorned silky floor-length jersey gowns, while others had cord macramé details that were to die for. Fur made an appearance again on this runway, as side long, chunky knits. Overall the collection was full of edgy elegance that at times was quite dramatic, but at the same time it seemed totally accessible and really something any woman could pull off (I mean aside from some of these dresses, unless you are 5'11" with a bangin body in which case I would like to know your secret immediately).

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Cynthia Rowley

Geometric patterns paired with rich, feminine fabrics like velvet, chevron, and silk charmeause ruled the runway at the Cynthia Rowley show this week. One of the stand-out looks, a skirt with a prism print had a 3-D effect, while others included sequined skirts and glittered sweaters paired with silky high-neck blouses. Prominent colors included mustard yellow, cobalt blue, deep teals and greens and of course the standard greys and blacks. A really great color palette if you ask me. Rowley's designs this season were simple and sophisticated which is something she does quite well.