LBS Runway Report: J. Crew Spring 2013

J. Crew nabbed the ultimate stamp of approval when First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed the retail giant several seasons ago. We’re reminded of the spunkiness of J. Crew every time Michelle O. steps onto the White House lawn in one of their designs. But even without the paparazzi snapping MO in J. Crew, the commercially-viable brand is still a couture fashion contender.

There’s so much love to give here. J. Crew nailed their Spring 2013 collection, honey! I am still geeked with excitement over how “sophisticated-chic” these digs are. The clothing is fresh, upbeat and funky with a signature quirkiness that separates the brand from all the imitators.

I’ve been asking where traditional spring and summer colors are in these unveilings. There have been tons of darker hues that are common in the fall and winter. With their psychic-like intuition, J. Crew effectively balanced the fashion closet with their preppy blazers, pastels and pajama-esque prints. Pinks, greens, festive yellows and royal blues ruled this collection.

Lovelies, there were neon-green Peter Pan dresses with an undeniable 1960s vibe, large thick-rimmed glasses, printed ties and even paint-splattered jeans with baseball hats. It was signature J. Crew – vibrant, fun and youthful – with a retro aura.

There was no traditional catwalk. Instead the models, with their light makeup, sleek ponytails, and orange lips stood stoic as photographers and celebs, including our beloved Solange, fawned over their looks.

Solange Knowles, Jenna Lyons

Tom Mora, the head womenswear designer, referred to the collection as an “Instagram-like palette.” She’s right. I’ll be purchasing some of these pieces and snapping photo after photo of my gorg outfits.

So, here’s what I know. We need to be bold in our spring and summer wardrobes! Invest in lots of contrasting, but flattering prints that can accent one another. And neon accessories are still the rage. When will April be here again? We cannot wait.

Thoughts? Did J. Crew nail this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Backstage Beauty: MAC for SUNO Spring 2013

For the SUNO Spring 2013 collection, MAC Cosmetics partnered up with Suno for the collection's makeup look. Makeup artists channeled dusty desert chic with beiges, taupes and just a hint of tint. The makeup was definitely focused on fresh faces with a light bronze. 

"The face is fresh, with moist lips, no strong brows and no exaggerated eye. We wanted the look to give a feeling of freedom," said head Makeup Artist Carole Colombani. Artists used MAC Cosmetics Face and Body Foundation, Studio Finish Concealer, and Shaping Powder on the face. 

For cheeks, artists used Paint Pot in Groundwork to contoured the cheeks, and Quite Natural was used to add depth.

Fawntastic and Shell Cream Colour Bases were mixed to add highlights on cheekbones.

For eyes, artists mixed Emphasize and Accentuate Shaping Powder on the lid. 

This girl was so gorgeous. Love the soft, desert-kissed glow they gave her.

Thoughts on this beauty look? Would you try this at home?

LBS Runway Review: Fotini Spring 2013

The Fotini Spring 2013 show focused on the decadence of the rococo. The designer overindulged in Swarovski, silk, lace, and organza to bring you a watercolor spring. The collection sprang from the watercolors of Watteau and the boudoir of Madame Pompadour and trust us, the collection did not disappoint. 

The pieces spoke to a time of decadence, and the setup of the show gave a museum feel. The models stood in the middle of “the box” and we moved around them. After all, paintings do not move, art admirers do. The garments were of a different time.

The trend to watch happens to also be one of my favorite RTW pieces of the collection, the printed dress with Swarovski Crystal buttons. 

I love how Fotini’s inspiration led to her use of organza and lace. In one of my other favorite looks, which I am hoping to see on the red carpet this season, she added a lightness to a high slit gown by accenting it with wisps of organza at the shoulders.

I really adored the accents of this collection. The 3-D effect on all the pieces allowed the dresses to come to life with light and movement.

One thing that dawned on me as a I nibbled on the multi colored macaroons severed at the show and watched as her models stood atop a white platform as easels for Fotini’s masterpieces was that the collection brought me to Wisteria Lane. You Desperate Housewives stans know that I could instantly imagine Brie Hodge wearing the beautiful embellished white gown, the centerpiece of the show, as a wedding dress for her third or fourth marriage. It had a sensuous, reminiscent elegance.

Are you in as much love with this collection as I am?

- Chrislande Dorcilus

LBS Runway Report: Michael Kors Spring 2013

A ticket to a Michael Kors show is one of the most coveted invites in the business. He’s a go-to designer for celebs (and me, since I’ve spotted a few of his bags and pumps in TJ Maxx. Hallelujah!) So the stars aligned – as usual – for his Spring 2013 reveal. We spotted Catherine Zeta-Jones and her hubby, Michael Douglas, Katharine McPhee (who I adore!) and Olivia Munn in the front row.

The who's who packed into the Theatre to gauge trends for their spring and summer wardrobes. With this elegant, classic collection, there are tons of pieces to choose from and be inspired by!

Kors offered up a signature blend of sophistication, modern aesthetics and simplicity that are his earmarks as a designer. He relied on primary colors paired with bolder accents to continue the stripes  and color-blocking fashions of past seasons. There was a chic punch packed into the solid blacks, reds, yellows and blues that were present in almost every piece on his runway, from bodysuits to light sweaters.

It wasn’t flashy or overtly sexy. Instead, the sexiness was subliminal. Elegant swag is attractive, after all. The whimsical 60s have been on constant display this week. Michael Kors relished in that era. He offered up mod silhouettes in sexy separates for the office, late nights with the gals or even a business casual dinner with colleagues.

One of the looks I’m most fond of is the white trench coat with the gold-buckled waist. It screams retro chic! I know these are spring and summer collections, but I want this now! Let’s hope he releases a similar piece to the TJ Maxx racks soon. Lovelies, if I stumble on one during my deep bargain dives, I’ll be sure to share it with you first!

 I’ll also be picking up a few inspired pieces for my hip-hop meets prepster boo. 

Overall, I’ll give Michael Kors an "A" for maintaining his signature, while also giving us something to look forward to in the spring. Bravo, Michael!

What do you think of this collection?

- Evette Dionne

First Look: Rachel Roy Spring 2013 Presentation

So I just came back from the Rachel Roy Spring 2013 Presentation and although I didn't have my good camera with me, I snapped a few Instagram shots so I could show you guys some of my favorite looks from the collection. I'm OBSESSED with this season's collection. From the bright pops of neon to the mixed prints and and functional silhouettes, Rachel Roy showed a wearable yet standout collection.

Here are a few of my favorite looks:

This Skull and Bird Abstract Spotted Print Crepe de Chine Caftan was one of the first to catch my eyes. From the amazing mix of prints to the flattering silhouette. This one's a spring/summer staple.

It's not a spring collection without a pop of color. Loved this Nectar Knit Cardigan with piping.

So remember on NYFW Day 1 when I gushed about taking the leap into mixing prints? Rachel Roy makes it look so easy! I love this look featuring the Abstract Geo Print Crepe De Chine Blazer, Peony and Champagne Knit Cardigan, and the Geo Tile Print Crepe De Chine Short.

I would LIVE in this Geo Tile Print Crepe De Chine Palazzo Jumpsuit for spring. It's lightweight, and the perfect 70's print to pair with a curly 'fro and wedges. Love, love love. 

 And these are no doubt red carpet stunners for the spring season. I could totally see Solange in the Flax Linen Asymmetric Soft Peplum Dress with Peony Raffia Edge on the right.

Thoughts on the collection? Are you dying for these as much as I am? Soundoff!

Kickin' It: Cocktails & Couture Party 2012

 On Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending this season's Cocktails & Couture shindig during NYFW. It's the quintessential blogger meet-up party every season, hosted by beauty blogger extraordinaire Lianne Farbes. This season, the esteemed co-host was big-hitter Patrice Yursik of Afrobella.com (love her!) and the presenting sponsor was BlogHer.com. In true blogger meet-up fashion, there were cocktails, cameras & cute outfits galore. Check it out:

Danielle Gray, Lexi Felder, Eboni Ife and Merli Estime

Hostess Lianne Farbes and Jessica Andrews

Lianne hosted some awesome giveaways throughout the night. The cocktails were flowing courtesy Hpnotiq and there were on-site blowouts & makeovers by Christo Fifth Ave and DDF.

Me and Lianne Farbes

Love these girls!

Lianne's arm party - so cute!

Ty Brown, Patrice Yursik, Sharontina Brightman, Ro

Patrice was in town this NYFW season and I got to spend time with her - LOVE this lady. Check out her blog Afrobella.com, you'll fall in love too.

Stylish editors Geneva Thomas & Chastity Saunders

SanTara of TheGorgeousIngredient.com

Me & Sharontina Brightman of TheRunwayTimes.com

Cece Olisa, Alissa Wilson & I

Danielle Gray of TheStyleandBeautyDoctor.com - always with the perfect red lip!

Good times! Looking forward to the next C&C Party.

My Insta-Week 9.10.12

Happy New York Fashion Week folks! It's been a busy week. So much so that I almost forgot today was Monday! Here's what I've been getting into since NYFW started.

- I attented the Lucky FABB conference last Wednesday which was an amazing start to my NYFW. I got to hear from influencers like Rachel Zoe and Lauren Conrad. I also ran into some of my favorite fashion & beauty bloggers. It was a blast!

- Fashion's Night Out 2012 was a night to remember. Best part? Hearing Solange Knowles DJ live and sipping cocktails at my favorite designer DVF's store. Two of my faves under one roof? Priceless.

- My necklace is here! A few weeks ago, I ordered this @LoveBrownSugar necklace from Shame on Jane and it arrived right on time for Fashion Week! I've been getting so many compliments. LOVE it!

- Yesterday I co-hosted a NYFW Social Women brunch with Angela Simmons and Yoli of Yoli's Green Living. Pics from the brunch coming soon! It was a blast.

Make sure you're following me on Twitter @LoveBrownSugar and Instagram (username: LoveBrownSugar) for all the up to the minute nonsense I'm involved in this week. @ me so I know it's real!

Until next week!