Vogue’s Boot Guide for Fall 2012
One thing that was made clear in the fall collections (remember those back in February?), was that accessories are making a power play this season. The runways were stocked with shoes and bags that commanded attention, but a slew of boots stood out for their ability to easily transform any look. From over-the-top, over-the-knee designs that exude a cool, authoritative mood, to embellished or embroidered boots that transform shoes into wearable works of art, here, we sorted through the endless varieties from the shows and found the best ones in stores now to bring you the ultimate guide to the fall staple. For Branding and Prices visit Vogue‘s Website HERE!
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Raw Denim: Why No One Knows You Better Than Denim
Have you ever walked through a store’s denim section and found that none of them were quite right for you? Some are the right length but not the perfect hue, some are the right hue but not the perfect cut. Well there is a solution to this problem. Raw Denim. What is Raw Denim? Raw Denim is a style of Denim that has never been washed when sent from the factory to the retailer. Most Denim bought today has had at least one wash to achieve the look of a fade in them. The difference and advantage of Raw Denim is that the jeans and their own have ‘a relationship with one another’ and a uniqueness of fit and feel that cannot be duplicated in any factory. The Process There is a general way to treat Raw Denim so that you can maximize the ‘wear and tear’ of the denim. It may sound a bit crazy to do but there are no limitations when striving for perfection. 1.The first step is to Soak the denim. Where you sit in a bathtub for 1-4 hours and allows the dye to loosen and the jeans to shrink. 2.After soaking the denim the next step …
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Fancy huh?: Leather Party Hats and T-shirt bags: Otaat
Growing up designer Albert Chu’s mother would often remind him to slow down and work through tasks one at a time. This mindful approach to reducing stress made a lasting impression on young Chu’s creative mind, so much so that he’s named his most recent endeavor, Otaat, after the acronym for the saying, “One thing at a time.” At the heart of the limited-edition leather bag and accessories line is the inspiration of counterintuitive logic, with Chu asking himself the questions “What if?” and “Why not?” with the development of each piece. With a Masters degree in architecture from Harvard and professional experience in the field across Europe and Asia, Chu’s current aesthetic is heavily influenced by his past, resulting in supremely clean lines, soft textures and explorative designs. Through these underlying details Otaat pouches and pieces come about from the combination of curiosity and meticulous process, whimsy and function. Case in point is the leatherParty Hat that speaks to the brand’s focus on what it calls the “post-eureka” moment. The unexpected but ingenious party hat showcases Chu’s sense of humor and clean aesthetic. Another strong example of Chu’s end goal of offering detail oriented, inventive, logical and thoughtful design …
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H&M to Launch Line with Maison Martin Margiela
VOGUE- As if in a postmodern fairy tale, the Maison Martin Margiela princess is swathed in an ankle-length skirt fashioned from a pair of trousers, a vastly oversize men’s suit jacket, and—look down!—because she is in fact half ethereal beauty and half wild beast, on her tiny feet she sports a pair of cloven-toed ballet slippers. The designer Martin Margiela, and the house that still bears his name, has been overturning sartorial assumptions since 1989, questioning preconceived notions of feasibility, functionality, and even basic attractiveness—jackets are chicer for having been crazily exaggerated and turned inside out; an enormous bracelet is, in reality, a watch without a face.Since he began showing his first collections, the notoriously elusive Margiela (he has rarely if ever been photographed; interviewers were forced to question him by fax) had much in common with the new wave of Japanese designers—Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, et al., and the Antwerp Six, a stunning roster of revolutionaries that included Ann Demeulemeester and Walter Van Beirendonck. Although Maison Martin Margiela was acquired in 2002, and the master is no longer associated with the house, the tradition of radical reinterpretation remains—who else would show an evening cloak composed of vintage baseball gloves, as the house did in its couture …
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FOR THE DAPS: VANTAGE VINTAGE
Ever notice a dapper gent and thought… “His attire reminds me of a retro TV or movie character, but with an updated look of sophistication?” We’re beginning to see tons of old-fashioned men’s styles reappear possibly attributed to television shows such as, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, AMC’s Mad Men or the 2012 Shia Lebouf film Lawless. We’ll look at some of the vintage pieces that have made a resurgence into modern fashion, are resonably priced and easily incorporated into your wardrobe. SUSPENDED SOPHISTICATION Suspenders may receive a bum rap nowadays because of guys like Larry King and Steve Urkel! But when it comes to modern fashion, suspenders are a great way to pull an outfit together. Think of going with a pop of color or patterns to really maintain suspense! SADDLE UP “The shoes make the man”, if this statement proves true, be selective when choosing to go vintage for footwear, that’s why the saddle shoe is a great option. Saddle shoes have been around since the 1800’s and you may have even had a pair as a kid. They’ve made a strong comeback and are no longer available in just drab black and white. A few great designers to help you get started are …
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RIGHT NOW: On Point. Pointed Toe Heels.
Fashion’s newest shoe style crush… There is only one way to walk in the smartest pair of structured pumps, and that is to strut. Whether paired with a tailored trouser or a loose-fitting leg, this well-heeled staple is seriously bitchin’ in the best possible way. Here are some looks that stand out in sharp relief and get right to the point.
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Can You Wear White After Labor Day?
While you might still think white is a post-Labor Day no-no—Kim Kardashian clearly doesn’t—it’s time to kick that old-school fashion rule to the curb. In fact, you can wear this crisp shade come fall, you just have to wear it the right way. Here are a few rules to dress by: If you’re going to wear white, make sure the fabric is suitable for fall. Look for a white leather dress (like Kim’s), a chunky sweater, corduroy pants, a pants suit, etc. Skip the really white items (for the most part). One shade off is best; for example, egg shell white, cream, and ivory are the way to go. But, if you do already have white jeans and don’t want to purchase a pair of ivory ones, you can still wear them—just be sure to pair them with appropriate fall pieces, like a chambray shirt and caramel-colored, closed-toe boots. Mix your whites with deeply colored accessories, scarves, and cardigans, so your entire outfit doesn’t scream spring or summer. A jewel-toned blazer (think: emerald green, magenta, or even black) thrown over your favorite white dress will also make it look fall-ish. If it’s really starting to get cold, slip on black …
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FOR THE DAPS: Astounding Autumn Accessories: Men’s Must Have Fall Essentials
Whether you prefer to call it Autumn or Fall, it is finally here! Let’s take a look at the four pieces that complete the Man. Protect Ya Neck! Affordable and stylish, scarves are a great way to enhance a look. Scarves come in a variety of fabrics and an array of colors and can be easily paired with a button down shirt with jeans and a blazer or a simple tee. A Tip of the Cap: Snapbacks are all the rage now, but what about when you need sophistication? Here’s what to look for in a DAPPER cap for the fall. Fedora’s, Newsboys, and the classic Kangol are always in style when it comes to covering your noggin. The Anti-Mr. Rogers Cardigan When it comes to a cardigan, many people may think of Mr. Rogers! But cardigans have become highly stylized and are a great alternative to a jacket. These are a far cry from Mr. Roger’s neighborhood. Stomping with the big dogs When it comes to getting a pair of boots, think outside of Timbs and Rockports. Nothing wrong with rocking a pair of Timbs but explore some other options. There are boots …
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WHAT A DAME: ’90s Naomi Inspiration
No one does it quite like super model Naomi Campbell, especially when she was at her peek… here’s a little inspiration for your inner DAME courtesy of Ms. Campbell!
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ADVICE FROM A PRO: Fall Closet Cleaning
People always think of the new year as the perfect time to clean out closets, but professional organizer and declutterer Nicole Anzia of the Washington DC’s Neatnik prefers to do it after Labor Day. “I always think of fall as a new beginning. Summer is over, kids are back at school and everyone else resumes a “normal” schedule in September. Plus, the weather is about to turn crisp, so what better time to clean out your closets?” Below the jump are Nicole’s tips for cleaning out your closet as we move into Autumn. 1. Take Inventory. First, take everything out of your closet so you can clean the floor and baseboards. Meanwhile, pull out all your storage containers and piles of winter and fall stuff from last year and spread them out on a bed or put aside. Place empty storage containers to the side (these will be used for storing your summer things!). Then, start sorting clothing into piles: • to keep, • to store for next summer, • to donate and • to toss. 2. Know When To Say Goodbye. Swimsuits, beach cover-ups, shorts, linen skirts and pants and sandals can all be stored in bins. But …
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