Faux...Pas?

So I hate to get trend happy, but lately I've become obsessed with finding a pair of faux leather leggings. I know, I know...at first I didn't think I even liked them but my fashion sense seems to have done a complete 180 on me and now I'm loving this look.

Which one of these is not like the other?

Now I find them cool, sleek and just a bit edgy AND I have about a million ideas in my head as to what I could be wearing with them! Ahhhh, hotness. Perfect to wear out and about to partayyy! Hahaha. The pair on the left are the "Motorcycle Pants" by The Row at Barneys, the pair on the right are by Alice + Olivia at Shopbop. Unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for splurging on $1,700 leather pants, so I'll most likely be going for super cheap versions from Macy's and Forever 21. Besides, who knows how long these will be considered "in style" so why waste more money than is necessary in these times of economic hardship, right?

Thoughts?

-B

Fall Fashion In Focus: Lace

With just about a week away from Fashion Week and September's fall madness, my wish list for the season continues to grow. Currently I'm lusting after lace.

The intricate details that lace creates are absolutely beautiful. I can't say I've ever worn too much lace before, but I'm eager to try out some looks for fall. Unfortunately, I can't afford the lovely lacy Prada numbers that were so prominent on the Fall '08 RTW runways. Hmm, must figure that out. The orange-lace dress shown above on the runway and worn by Miss Maggie G. at one of The Dark Knight premieres looks very much like the Prada designs, but in fact is from Jean Paul Gaultier's '08 Couture collection.

Lace was also a prominent design feature in Philosophy's Fall '08 runway show. Although still utilizing the lace here, a very different look was achieved. The vibe I got from this show was romantic, yes, but it's more of a gothic, romantic feel. The lace combined with the other pieces really creates that style.

I love the romantic yet sort of sexy quality it can add to an outfit. In the Prada and Gaultier shows, you have the prettiness of the lace, but the way they used it as a see-through layer over other pieces, such as the way Maggie wore an orange bra under the Gaultier dress, which adds a more daring sexiness to the look. After looking through various designs, I also think that lace is much more versatility than one would imagine. It's a great trend that can take you from day to night. For example, the Prada look above (far left) could be for day, perhaps even with a blazer or long cardigan instead and then simply peel the layers off going into evening.

Full collections via Style.com:
Prada
Jean Paul Gautier
Philosphy

And for other lace looks featured on the runways:
Style.com

Later!

-B

A Haiku For You

Dear Alexander Wang,

A haiku for you:

Your designs are true.
Edgy and modern as you,
Sad, I can't buy this.

P.S. I heart you. Wrap this little number up and send it to me, won't you?

Yours truly,
B

Ok, not my best work of poetry, but considering I've not written any kind of poem, let alone a haiku since I can't even remember, not a bad attempt I think.

Have a fantastic weekend! Plans? Anything exciting do let me know. I'm seeing Vicky Cristina Barcelona ce soir, but will likely be apartment hunting the rest of le weekend. Ughh, the dread.

Ciao,
B

Photo [Shopbop]

Trend: The Jean Roll

I'm sure noticed and/or read about Katie Holmes' latest trend of wearing super unflattering jeans and then rolling them up to her ankles.

Now, I do roll my jeans sometimes, but I do so with skinny jeans and more in the fashion of creating a capri style. How unfortunate it is then that other celebs have started following Katie's style.

Photo [E! Online] L to R: Katie Holmes, Amanda Peet, Rachel Bilson

This is all wrong! Rolling your jeans is fine if you do it the right way. These three ladies, however, have chosen to wear unflattering jeans as far as fit and style and their overall look just doesn't come together for me. Did a stylist put Katie up to this? She was doing so well, look oh so classy in Armani and other lovely, well put-together looks. Now it has all come undone. Quelle tragédie!

Apparently Ms. Homes has quite the following since even retailers seem to have taken notice of this trend.

Photo [J. Crew]

Above, J. Crew has added the look to their Fall preview. I'd hope J.Crew would at least try to improve the look, sadly they copied it right down to the baggy, worn jeans. I appreciate that they added color and also that they used a darker washed jean, which certainly livens it up, but honestly, did they have to go there?

Photo [J.Crew]

At least here the idea is more subtle and certainly more appropriate and flattering. They used a simple, straight leg, super dark washed jean, just slightly rolled at the ankles. They also kept up the color, and I like the contrast of the yellow on top and the blue/green shoes on the bottom. This is a much better look if you absolutely must follow this trend. The model looks casual but pulled-together. Perhaps Katie and pals need to flip through a J.Crew catalog?

It's quite amusing to follow celebrity trends and look at those that make it big and others that, thankfully, were killed. I think we all remember Uggs and Trucker hats? Cameron Diaz was one of the first to show off her Uggs, in Cali no less, where I doubt she'd actually need them to keep warm. Sorry, but Uggs are just plain ugly. Ugghh, and unbelievably, Justin is actually arguing about whether he or Ashton started that hideous trucker hat trend. Seriously Justin, I love you, but NO ONE should want credit for that. Hahaha, oh, how you make me laugh...

What will these crazy kids come up with next? What do you think? Yay or nay for rolled jeans?

Yay! Almost lunchtime and I'm hungry! Food food food...

-B

Trend: Single Shoulder Silhouette

Lately I've been really drawn to more asymmetric styled dresses, particularly the single strap dress. On my last shopping trip to Barneys I noticed several of this style that I absolutely loved.

Photos L to R: Theory [Barneys], Madison Marcus [Shopbop], Lanvin [LuisViaRoma], T-Bags [Shopbop]

I saw the above Theory dress when I was in Barneys and I love its simplicity. The white is simple but classy and I think the single shoulder asymmetry keeps it interesting without being too boring. Of course, how I could anyone not love that little Lanving number. So beautiful. Sigh...

It seems some starlets are also taking notice of the trend as some of them showed it off at this year's Teen Choice Awards.

Pictured: Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively [I Am Fashion]

Both Rachel Bilson and Blake Lively showed off the look in bright, fun colors and Blake with the addition of a belt for a defined waist. Both simple yet stylish.

Pictured: Natalie Portman

The always classy and fashionable Natalie Portman also showed off this trend back in May at the Cannes Film Festival in a stunning Givenchy dress. This also combines my other fav trend of the moment: ruffles!

I remember the single shoulder being popular for a time when I was in high school, and like all trends, has come and gone throughout the years. I'm happy to see that it seems to be making a strong comeback now because it seems sort of refreshing. Love it!

What do you think? Do you like this look?

Later beautiful!

-B