In the Green

I found a Christmas tree in February. Then subsequently proceeded to sit under it and wish it was covered in snow. 

Beanies are my favorite kind of hat, and this Free People beanie has seen a lot of wear since I bought it in the summer. While the weather in SoCal is technically pretty warm compared to the wrath of Nemo in New York, I decided to pay homage to the blizzard by wearing my favorite beanie (again) since I styled this outfit during NYFW. Not very original, I know, but any excuse right? 

Threadsence Birthday Bash

American Apparel V skater dress, Jeffrey Campbell Tardys (are you sick of me wearing these yet?)

About a month ago, I attended the Threadsence 3rd birthday party at Studio 1342. The tartan-themed party was a blast, with a photo station, make-up station, nail art table, and pop-up shops from Threadsence and BB Dakota. At the party, I got to meet Jenn Im, of Clothes Encounters, Raych of That's Chic, and a ton of other amazing people from Sugar & Fluff and BB Dakota. It was definitely a fun night, though I truly believe that Maya and I were almost killed by a hobo with a knife as we were walking back to the car (moral of the story: don't park so far away from the venue and don't wear platforms that inhibit your ability to run). It was nice to finally get to break out this American Apparel dress for the party. To be honest, it was a complete impulse buy during my trip to Vegas in January. –practicality was not a factor in that purchase. While it's a touch risqué for daily wear, I found it quite fitting for this party. Now to figure out where else to wear this...

NYFW 5

Alexandre Herchcovitch

A sumptuous range of layers and botanical floral prints engulfed this collection. The use of volume made for an interesting runway collection, but seems a bit unrealistic for daily wear.

Badgley Mischka

All fitted silhouettes, the looks were all very curve-hugging and feminine – brocade and embellished jackets and dresses, fur-collared cashmere sweaters, and Grecian-inspired white gowns with gold shoulder tassels.

Bibhu Mohapatra

Entirely very geometric, this collection was an eclectic take on 1930's fashion. Starting off with a monotone color palette, the collection slowly turned towards supple jewel tones and ended with my favorite cream silk gown embroidered with beads and a fur stole.

Carolina Herrera

Classic with a touch of vixen. The collection was inspired by the 1940s with an emphasis on fur and a tiny waist. Fur was used both as a collar embellishment and on a fur-trimmed belt. 

Custo Barcelona

A hot mess of concepts turned so very right. The collection was a jumble of prints, textures, and colors that somehow balanced out to become impeccable chic outfits. While the pieces, embellished with beads, trims, and furs, paired together in the runway looks were gorgeous, yet would look stunning styled separately as well. 

Karen Walker

Tough yet sophisticated. Each look was youthfully quirky and wonderfully aesthetically pleasing.

Jeremy Laing

A collection of interesting prints and silhouettes targeted towards the "mother and daughter." The mother: smock tops, funnel necks, and midi lengths. The daughter: tunic blouses with black and white print, casual hoodies, and hardware-inspired necklaces.

Nanette Lepore

Those. holographic. shoes. What? Those ankle-strap platforms and leather bags were the highlight of the collection. Asymmetrical necklines and sheer cutouts made the otherwise basic green dresses into stunners. Green is going to be such a big color for fall.

Thakoon

The use of strategically-placed sheer polka dot fabric between strips of solid fabric took the concept of femininity and sexiness to a new level. Despite the half-bang hairdos, the collection oozed with femininity with the delicate dandelion prints and slim silhouettes.

Theyskens' Theory

I'm a sucker for oversized, slouchy anything, which is everything this collection is. Quilted, embossed textures transformed once basic shift dresses and A-line skirts. Confidence was a big element; sending the message that you don't have to dress sexy to feel confident. 

Thom Browne

Incredibly fantastical and Alice in Wonderland-esque, Thom Browne could not have showcased a more whimsical collection. The a medley of textures, strong, sharp shoulders, wide hipped silhouettes dominated the runway, adorned with crowns of thorns and three dimensional rose tights.

NYFW 4

J. Crew

Always polished and refined, the J. Crew fall collection utilized rich hues and dazzling prints and patterns that will take anyone's look up a few notches. This collection screams encouragement to never shy away from mixing contrasting prints.

Marc Jacobs

Finally pajamas are now considered high fashion. Itty bitty little silk pj suits and pants-less sweater ensembles were seen on the runway at Marc Jacobs, alongside the models' short pixie hair dos. 

Marchesa

Marchesa gowns are always the perfect blend of luxuriousness and elegance. I'm positive the hot pink number will be making a red carpet appearance.

Milly

Cool and chic. The play on textures with the sleek holographic sweater shirt skirt suits and liquid leather pants paired with fuzzy cropped sweaters was amazing.

Porenza Schouler

An almost entirely monotone collection focused heavily on textures and interesting silhouettes.

Oscar De La Renta

Stunning stunning stunning. Oscar De La Renta never fails to impress. With a collection ranging from every day pieces to jaw-dropping evening gowns, everything was a success. I particularly loved the grey wool hooded cape.

Ralph Lauren

Equestrian chic. Little cropped boleros, rich velvets, and polished silhouettes.

Michael Kors

I'm finally posting a men's collection. I'm dying over that army green trench with leather sleeves. The looks were polished and styled, with an interesting twist of edge from the typical men's looks. More men need to be rocking trenches with leather accents.

NYFW 3

3.1 Phillip Lim

This collection is so bad ass. With the inspiration drawing from bikers' girlfriends, the looks used leather, patched denim, textured fabrics, and comfy sweatshirts. While there are a lot of layers, the looks emote a cool effortlessness.

Alexander Wang

Those fur mitts and knitted caps! While so impractical for our California winters, I commend A. Wang's creativity. I really liked the drop waist silhouettes and interesting cut-outs, but my favorite part of the collection was the asymmetrically-cut black heels.

Altuzarra

The cut and fit of the garments was impeccable. I was surprised with the use of vinyl in the hourglass side-slit dresses and super cropped jackets, but according to style.com, Altuzarra said it was rainproof and ages better than leather.

Band of Outsiders

The sweep of eyeshadow across the models' eyes (and temples) are a rather striking complement to the large, floppy hats. I adored the use of silk, particularly in the dual color nipped-waist pencil dresses. My favorite piece is the oversized, strong shouldered double-breasted blazer/dress.

Calla

Spring invaded Calla's Fall collection this year. The vibrant colors and bright floral prints were stunningly beautiful and feminine – this might just reinvent the colors of Fall.

Hervé Léger

Those abs... Okay now that I've gushed over that, who knew dresses over pants could be so chic? Hervé Léger is definitely making a statement with the midriff exposure for Fall.

Jonathan Simkhai

Collegiate chic. All the pieces remind me of what I would see a tremendously stylish college grad rocking after she ripped off her graduation gown on her way to a cafe lunch.

Mara Hoffman

With the vibrant colors and gorgeous beadwork, all of the pieces in this collection would be perfect for a tropical vacation.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

So incredibly polished and librarian-secretary chic. I see tons of 70's inspiration with the loud, fluffy hair, knee length hems, satchel bags, oversized boxy outerwear, and prim silk shirts. With the funky, collegiate feel of Marc Jacobs, this collection was a bit sexier.

Prabal Gurung

One of my favorite collections: It's sexy meets tough, the ultimate juxtaposition of silk dresses against leather harnesses. Prabal Gurung expertly utilized contrasting fabrics with impeccable tailoring and deep peplums at the waist. I've never seen cut-out shoulders in a thick knit turtleneck, yet it looks so right that I wonder why no one's done it before.

Rodarte

The Mulleavy sisters have been known for their intricately-constructed DIY-esque garments. This Fall collection is no different. The gorgeous tie-dye and acid-wash silk prints and crystal-studded sweaters were so unique and 'Rodarte'. The Rodarte aesthetic is so idiosyncratic and distinctive, and this collection is no different.

NYFW 2

Charlotte Ronson

With a presentation format, Charlotte Ronson's collection was full of tweeds and prints inspired by the English schoolgirl meets mod tomboy. The looks came off very sharp and polished, with cropped turtlenecks and A-line minis. I enjoyed the earthy tones and smart silhouettes.

Costello Tagliapietra

Costello Tagliapietra is different from the aesthetic that I'm normally drawn to. However this collection, with its clingy fabrics and messy-chic up-dos, was immensely appealing to me. The looks were very  quirky and granny chic, with its modest silhouettes, obi belts, and thick knits. I found the collection to be oddly refreshing with its eccentric touch.

Kate Spade New York

Am I the only one thinking of Homer Simpson and his infamous donuts here? All jokes aside, despite the obvious 80's influence in this collection, the silhouettes stayed clean and polished to showcase the statement prints.  The collection was cute, quirky, and fun – the epitome of the chic New York girl  with a wicked sense of humor and ready to have a good time.

Lyn Devon

Here's a collection of luxurious, polished garments with an air of New England chic. The models donned richly wavy locks and sensible shoes in each look. The ankle-skimming trousers, in both a high-waisted cut and bold floral print, burgundy tones, and thick wools struck a balance between luxuriousness and wearability.

Nicole Miller

To me, this collection screams Erin Wasson. The looks consist of sheer fabrics, luxe furs, tight (leather?) trousers, wide-brimmed hats, and buckled boots. The collection emotes immense nonchalance and rock 'n' roll chic.

Pierre Balmain

Balmain's getting rebellious this fall, and I guess the fishnet stockings are making a comeback. With approachable silhouettes and polished, slicked back hair, this collection has a little something for everyone.

Rachel Comey

Donning boyish haircuts and mysterious sunglasses, the models strutting down the runway gave off a minxish air at Rachel Comey. There was a definite menswear influence in this collection as the looks gradually transitions from masculine to feminine. My favorite look was comprised of a printed blue skirt, a dark sweater with oversized printed flowers, and slouchy boots.

Rag and Bone

Minimalist, clean, and chic. The classic houndstooth print was blown up to bold proportions and showcased on oversized sweaters paired with sexy sheer thigh highs. According to style.com, this season's Rag & Bone silhouette was a very abbreviated hemline, elaborated throughout the show by fitted and flared miniskirts and graphic A-line dresses.

Rebecca Minkoff

The combination of textures and patterns is stunning... STUNNING. I'm going out on a limb and saying that this is my favorite collection so far. My three favorite adjectives to describe NYFW for F/W 2013 is: luxe, chic, and urban. The contrast of textures between the use of leather, fur, tweed, wool, and knits strikes a note of perfection (topped off with a beanie!).

That leather mini dress is my favorite. It's everything.

Suno

Suno showcased a lot of bold, allover prints and ethnic silhouettes in this collection. The make-up and hair was very simplistic and minimalist to focus the attention on the looks. The palette was entirely made up of strong prints that really popped against the minimal setting. 

Yigal Azrouël

The entire collection has an air of sexy eerie-ness with a ghostly quality. The silhouettes were very architectural and structural. In addition, the high side slit made a statement on the runway of Yigal Azrouël. My favorite look was the leather peplum dress topped off with a soft fur stole.