Favorite Fall 2011 Looks: Yigal Azrouel + Anna Sui

The crème de la crème have gathered to display their Fall 2011 collections at Fashion Week. As with any work of art, these masterpieces have been checked and double checked to make sure every seam, sequence and bobble are where they need to be. Well, I would like to take a look at two fashion designers who recently took their walk down the infamous runway. Anna Sui’s and Yigal Azrouel’s collections really stood out amidst all the silver and taupes (Micheal Kors, cough, cough).

 
Yigal Azrouel. Sigh. I really love this collection and wish every piece was hanging in my closet right now. What I loved about Azrouel’s collection was the use of separates. The coats were gorgeous, but the real show stoppers, for me anyway, were the use of my two personal wardrobe staples, the traditional button-down and the sweater vest. Azrouel mixed both elements with pencil skits and slacks, showing the versatility of these two pieces. My favorite of this collection is the shown above. I adore these tangerine capris with the loafers, button down and sweater vest. This look feels so effortlessly chic. J’adore. See Yigal's full collection HERE.

Anna Sui’s collection was combined whimsical lines and patterns with structured shapes and seems. As seen in the image above, Sui masterfully mixed a caftan with a cape, mini skirt and traditional Mary Jane shoes.  See Anna's full collection HERE.

Trend Watch: Skinny Belts

While the black sash trend has peaked our interest, the sassiness of the skinny belt still has our hearts. Wear it at the thinnest part of your waist or through the belt loops for a hint of chic. Spring 2011 looks like it will bursting with our favorite skinny belts:

White Denim?

Let’s talk about white denim pants for summer, shall we? I think that the white denim look gives that beachy, Hamptons look that summer really owns. From what I have seen thus far, they look utterly fantastic on all the models and manicans wearing them throughout the stores and on the runway.

Here is my issue with white denim: IT IS WHITE DENIM. As I mentioned, these whity-tighty jeans look fabulous on 6’2, 120 pound women. The rest of us (as I look in my bathroom mirror) cannot pull off white denim. Holy rolls! Right?!

Let me voice another concern I have for white this summer: White is unforgiving. Not only will it show every bump, roll and cellulite crevice on my thighs and butt, it will also show every dust spec or grass stain. But, I must confess...I personally may go to my local department store and secretly try on these jeans, but unless I can get them for under $10.00 (you know me), it’s not happening.

HOWEVER, and that's a big however, I do think that when accessorized correctly, anyone can pull off this look. I especially like the matchstick white  jeans paired with a loose top, fitted blazer and brightly colored pumps.

Tell me what you think? Yes to white denim or no?

Trend Watch: Button Downs

OK, so this may seem arrogant, but I know that I am the one that has inspired one of spring’s hottest looks: the classic button down. I have been pairing button down blouses with anything and everything for years and this spring, I will totally own this look. Designers across the board have reincarnated the traditional shirt and has made it a spring staple.

When you think of button-up, your father’s work shirts may come to mind. Push those thoughts aside. This year’s button-ups are getting a fabric face-lift.

Low Key – If you are going for a casual look, a cotton button-down is key. I love to wear my cotton shirts with straight or skinny dark-washed jeans and flats. If you are looking for low-key, pair your shirt with shorts and converse.

Work Appropriate – Button-ups are a work staple for men or women. I personally love pairing a bright blouse with subtle pin-striped dress pants and heels for an easy, but fabulous look.

Night Out – Ooooh, yeah. Work is over. Slip on a pair of fabulous heels, accessorize with a chunky beaded necklace, do the smoky eye and you are ready girl!

If you are looking for a designer button down for spring, however, expect to pay designer prices. As I am not a fan of paying for a label, I have a few suggestions to help you find these buttoned beauties.

1) Second-Hand – Thrift store, thrift store, thrift store. Yes, I just sounded like broken record, but you would be surprised at the quality of button downs you can find. If you are not finding a blouse you love in the women’s section, skip down to the men’s. You will find an plethora of fabulous dress shirts beckoning for your woman touch.

Three of my favorite button-up shirts hanging in my closet right now came from a second-hand store. The first came from Salvation Army for $.50. The second, Goodwill for $2.00 and the third, Savers $.99. I know, right? These are the kinds of prices I am talking about! You could buy 30 of these shirts and not feel guilty! Plus, if you buy this many, you can wear them all through spring and then pair them under a cardigan or sweater during winter and still look totally chic.

2) Go Western – One of the looks this spring is also Western. So, go to any local western shop. You will know a western shirt when you see it, but just in case: Look for a button-down with pearl buttons (love, love LOVE), angular front pockets and a seam below the shoulder.

3) Retail – As the snow melts, J. Crew, Anthropologie and others, are throwing out the sweaters and stocking up for spring. You can find dressy, flirty and casual button-ups almost in any department store. Just keep your eyes open.

Button downs have been on the fashion radar since Fall 2010, but are just now spreading like wildfire. As many may not know about this reincarnated trend, be on the lookout NOW for button ups. You may get a better deal now than you will when they are the “it” item. Good luck!

Emma Roberts + Floral Prints

I've had my eye on the fashionable Emma Roberts for awhile now and I'm embarrassed to admit I had no idea who she even was until I searched her IMDB page. While her movies may not be show stoppers, her red carpet looks are. Floral prints are hot for Spring, but sometimes I think they can look a little mousy. Roberts definitely knows how to rock the print without looking boring.

Her floral ensembles have me searching all over for a equivalent substitute that agrees with my pocket book. If you see one, shoot it my way!