Fall Picks Part 2 - 90's Minimalism

I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty tired of the 80's inspired looks that's been going strong now for a while. Back in May, I thought the 90's were back, but I was more along the early 90210 vein. Strangely enough, Alexander Wang was recently quoted that Saved by the Bell is among his style inspirations.

Thank goodness Fall 2009 is not about channelling Kelly Kapowski or Zack Morris. Instead, designers like Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, and of course, the master of this era, Calvin Klein, have taken to a clean and slim silhouette for the season.

We've already seen grunge grace the runways, but the minimalistic 90's look is about streamlined sheaths, slim pants and jackets, and tower-high heels. Sharp tailoring is key, and palettes are kept to simple shades with no patterns. To punch up the look, I suggest pairing accessories in bold colours with clean, almost masculine feel to mix things up.

Above: Jil Sander White Dress and Red Polished Leather Clutch
Below: Jil Sander Beige Sheath and Elizabeth and James Jolie T-Strap Pumps

Ashley Olsen has been wearing this trend for quite some time now, and pretty much anything the Olsen twins touch turn into a massive following. I expect no less here.

Above: Elizabeth and James Laurent Shirt and Bop Basics Cashmere Tube Scarf

Above: Roland Mouret Navy Coat and Alexander Wang Cut-Out Jersey Top and Skirt

Alexander Wang, as I alluded to in my Part 1 post on the biker look, has taken to this look whole-heartedly. Cut-outs, another key look for Fall, is rolled into the clean cut looks above and below.

Above: Alexander Wang Rivet Trimmed Wool Jacket

In my teen years during the 90's, I thought this look was really bland and boring. Now wizened, I know it's anything but.

How, and will you, wear the 90's? How do you suggest keeping it current?

Above: Alice + Olivia Exposed Back Minidress

Images courtesy of Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, Helmut Lang, Style.com

Fall Picks Part 1 - Motomania

We're two days away from September - can you believe it? As sad as that is, I am excited about putting away the flip flops and slips and trading it for boots, leather, and layered scarves.

By reader request, I present to you part 1 of 4 posts with my fave fall 2009 trends. The first: Motomania.

Biker chic for means plenty of leather (jackets, shorts, pants, skirt etc.), zippers and studded everything, destroyed and skinny jeans, and lots of boots (take your pic: flat, spiked, ankle, cut-out). Although hard-edged, this is a more feminine and luxe motorcycle look that has plenty of sexy pieces which cling to the female body.

Immediately Above: Preen Shrunken Leather Biker Jacket and Frye Engineer Boot
Opening picture: Vintage leather shorts from Rock Paper Vintage

I wasn't sure about the whole harness trend until I saw the below one from Norwegian Wood - paired with the blouse, it's a lot more tamed.

Above: Norwegian Wood Punk Ballerina Leather Harness from Shrimpton Couture and BE+D Garbo Tote

I've been looking for a bustier for a while now, and this one is definitely on the wild side. I'd love to pair that with a slouchy blazer.

Above: Kettle Black Studded Bustier and Luxury Rebel Kelsey Open-Toe Booties

I had to include this Diesel helmet because it's actually damn sexy. I'd so wear it with the leather shorts.

Since Alexander Wang single-handedly brought back zippers and the buckled boot, I've included pieces below from his inspiration. And he'll do it again with my next Fall Pick.

Will you rock any of these looks for Fall 2009?

Above: Preen Line Stretch Miniskirt and Alexander Wang Buckled Booties
Images courtesy of Shop Bop, Net-a-Porter, Shrimpton Couture, and Diesel.