Fall Picks Part 3 - Globetrotting Gypsy

If my Fall Picks Part 2, 90's Minimalism, was too sparse, you might fall in love this next look which I am very fond of: Globetrotting Gypsy.

Boho has been hot for a long time now, and this Fall, cozy up to multiple layers, textures and patterns and become a globetrotting, free-spirited hippie. Summer boho looks, such as fringe, feathers, and florals, can carry right through autumn if layered correctly and worn with the right tones.

Above: Mexican poncho dress by Rock Paper Vintage
Below: Matthew Williamson Printed Georgette Silk Blouse and Cleobella Danielle Ikat Fringed Bag

Bright, punchy colours work particularly well, and suede boots are a good alternative to leather for those dry days (oh-so-rare here in Vancouver but one can hope).

Above: Marc by Marc Jacobs Ruffle Suede Boots and Anna Sui Matchstick Dress

This look does require lots of accessories - the more the better! I totally love the dramatic feather necklace and Native-American inspired beaded earrings. Both are statement pieces.

Above: Norwegian Wood Feather Storm Necklance and Jacqui Aiche Beaded Earrings

Above: Tibi Printed Silk Dress and House of Harlow 1960 Ring

Surprisingly, I actually like the fuzzy vest below. A perfect throw over a printed, loose blouse.

Above: Antik Batik Hima Mongolian Vest and Nanette Lepore Magpie Shirt

On a grey day, the gorgeous colours of this mohair jacket would lift my spirits up.

Above: Matthew Williamson Mohair Cocoon Jacket and Foley + Corinna Perforated Bag

To add some glamour, I would pick up one of the vintage reconstructed necklaces by The Glamourai (I am obsessed with her jewelry right now, sold through Shrimpton Couture and Etsy) and slip on a pair of hot boots.

Above: Drizzled Nectar Reworked Vintage Necklace by the Glamourai and Chloe Leather Boots

And lastly, who can do without this gorgeous, crystal encrusted parrot handbag? The perfect globetrotter's companion.

If you're Captain Hook I mean =D.

We're heading into the Labour Day Long Weekend here, and I'm soo glad. Will have some outfit posts hopefully over the next few days. Have a Happy Friday!

Images courtesy of shopbop, net-a-porter, shrimpton couture, rock paper vintage

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.

I Wannabe a Stella Girl

I know it's hard to look ahead to fall when it's still so warm out but it's the inevitable. The good news: lovely fall clothes and boots to look forward to! And that includes Stella McCartney's Ready-to-Wear Fall collection, for which the designer wanted to bring back the "Stella Girl" of the nineties.

Playing with classic lines and fabrics, McCartney re-invents the basics and adds a modern yet timeless elegance. Taking a transition from her sporty yet feminine spring collection, her fall line takes a cue from menswear influences while balancing the pretty Stella girl. The result is a mix of clinging houndstooth sweater dresses, drapey men's jackets and de-constructed lace, tulle, and silk slips for the evening.

Some of my favorites includes the red boyfriend blazer (very eye-catching), the faux-fur coat (so luxe and cozy) and the lace-sleeved slipdresses (meow!). I also liked McCartney's take on the strong-shoulder trend; she plays it soft and loose with her blouses, and she extends the eye down the arm with exaggerated sleeves. Sequined leggings are big this fall, and MCartney has taken that one step further and created a whole sequined suit - very elegant.


All pictures courtesy of Style.com