Shoe Candy: Sergio Rossi Spring 2013

So, I’m a shoe fiend prone to unexpected shoegasms at the mere sight of a bold pair of wedges or killer platform stilettos. I believe that no outfit is complete without a flawless shoe. Now that I’ve got that admission out of the way, let’s move on to the Sergio Rossi S/S 2013 Collection, shall we?

These strutters are fun, bold and wild, which makes them perfect for the Spring and Summer. If I had to sum up the collection in one word, it would be vibrant. Lovelies, there are fringes, straps that will kill a pinky toe and even zebra prints. Metallic and leather is blended together, making the shoes edgier than those from past collections.

To highlight their inspiration for the Spring 2013 collection, Francesco Russo, the creative director, joined forces with super-director Drake Doremus to produce a mini-film about a woman using the summer sun to guide her out of a forest. I need to get myself to a locale where summer is still happening. These cold fronts are not the business! Anyhoo, check out the vid below and leave some feedback in the comment box.

Tell us - are you feeling these wild stilettos?

- Evette Dionne

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: DKNY Spring 2013

I’ll admit it: I haven’t anticipated a DKNY collection in ages. Their designs scream “prepubescent preteen with no fashion direction” and I matured out of the juniors department almost a decade ago. But I tackled this recap because nothing tests passion more than perseverance. That’s my positive message of the day. 

Moving on … if there’s something we can take from this collection in the distant spring and summer seasons, it’s the need to find our inner inhibitions and unleash them in our wardrobe. That seems to be Donna Karan’s goal. She’s reminding us that fashion is joyous and we should be entertained when we open our closets in the morning. 

DKNY aimed to redefine the traditional New York uniform for the street, work and sport, with a monochrome color scheme accented by yellows and silvers. The Spring 2013 collection is hip, fresh and perfect for the college student who wants to blend youth with professionalism. DKNY struck an excellent chord with the adorbs sneaker wedges gracing each model’s feet, the offbeat leather jackets and bathing suits worn as shirts. 

DKNY paired basics, like denim skirts, with versatile pieces that could easily transition from the office to a late night Thai dinner. There was mesh, nylon and fanny packs galore. Even camouflage made a guest appearance on the runway. This collection reminded me of how amazingly fun fashion can be when you stop following rules. 

A-listers present in the first row included Louise Roe (who was also at Herve Leger), Kelsey Chow and Lianne La Havas decked in chic onyx digs. I won’t be rushing to the racks for a DKNY blouse, but I’ve developed a fresh regard for the brand.

Has DKNY "wowed" you with this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: Hervé Léger Max Azria Spring 2013

 You haven’t met a workaholic until you’ve witnessed Max Azria release two collections in one week. Pulling one reveal together is exhausting. You’ve watched Project Runway. Most designers spend months organizing the details. But one show is child’s play to Max.

Hervé Léger Max Azria consistently draws some of our fave chic celebs to the first row. And we were not disappointed with the wealth of gorgeousness and influence in the front.

There was Jessica White adorned in Cleopatra gold, Petra Nemcova, Daisy Fuentes and Louise Roe among others. 

Here’s a creation tale: Spiderman met a roman gladiator. They procreated. Wahlah! We have Hervé Léger Max Azria Spring 2013. Gracefully slender models stormed the catwalk in quilted monokinis and sexy body-conscious jumpsuits that were perfectly nipped with leather at the waist.

Intricate patterns dominated the collection, which used lots of neutrals (blacks, beiges, etc.) and blues to showcase a love for patchwork and decorative quilting. What was stranger than the appeal of these clothes was the muse.

Max Azria was inspired by the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, who spend their afternoons detailing quilts. He wanted to paint a “story of the sultry South through handcrafted embroidery, patchwork and applique."

I envision sweet tea and dainty ladies with gloves and sun hats when I think of the South. But I get Max’s vision. I think. If nothing else, I adored the side braid that all models rocked and the range of neutrals selected. Lovelies, here’s the takeaway: Invest in lots of beiges and leather belts.

What do you think of this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: Nicole Miller Spring 2013

If Rebecca Minkoff was aiming for luxe and tropical glow with her showing, Nicole Miller was the perfect contrast. Her “good girl meets bad” collection is stunning. There’s no denying that. Who can resist a leather and floral combo? 

But we usually don’t think tailored bombers and denim trenches when we visualize our spring wardrobes. Maybe that was Nicole Miller’s goal. If so, mission accomplished. 

She proved her point with the juxtaposition of Rihanna-esque downtown edge with uptown elegance. It seems impossible. But clearly, Nicole Miller nailed it!

From the sleeveless leather tops to black peplum skirts with wedding trains, Nicole’s “Batteries Not Included” collection is wearable, versatile and full of surprises. Keeping up with the androgynous trend this season, silhouettes varied in Miller’s showing. I especially adored the pleated navy shorts paired with a crop top decked in geometric shapes. Other notable pieces included a floral print dress with a tailored leather jacket and pleated shorts.

Nicole Miller’s reputation for creating collections that are original, wearable and sophisticated is still intact after this showing.

Thoughts on the collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2013

Heads up, I’m a Rebecca Minkoff stan. After all, she is my fashion mentor (in my head). So, I’m super excited to recap her S/S 2013 collection for you guys!

One sentence: She’s done it AGAIN! Eleven years after the debut of her iconic “I Love New York” tee, Rebecca Minkoff still has it. Whatever that magic is that allows her to produce collections like this, we need some of it.

Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2013 Collection is loud. Vibrant, even. She used a hue scheme reminiscent of the classic Crayola box. There were fire hydrant reds, rich greens, smooth grays and bright indigos. I would pack her entire collection into a travel bag for an island vacation. Seriously. It has a “jetsetting in the tropics” vibe. Chic floral prints, tropical patterns and even moto vests raged down the runway to Jay-Z tracks. 

Olympian Ryan Lochte – sans his colorful grill – gawked at premiere fashion from the first row. He was joined by Lauren Conrad and Tika Sumpter, who both looked gorg! I’m jealous. 

Rebecca took special time to craft the electric details of these pieces. She described it as “sexy tomboy with a bit of bon vivant” to Style.com. I agree. There was clearly an element of menswear in the silhouettes – everything flowed loosely – but the accessories and details had a preppy, feminine edge. 

One of the only blazers in the show was combined with a graphic tee and comfy white shorts. Bizarre, but somehow, it worked. I’m noticing a trend in runway makeup this season. It’s all very minimal, which makes the clothes the focal point. It’s interesting, but it definitely worked for BCBGMaxAzria on Thursday morning and for Rebecca Minkoff tonight. 

So lovelies, what can we take away from another fab collection from Rebecca? Spring is in the distance, but look forward to lots of playful prints that can be paired together. For inspiration, just look at Christina’s choice for her first day of NYFW S/S 2013!

- Evette Dionne

Are you loving this collection or what?

LBS Runway Report: Erin Barr Spring 2013

The ferocity of femininity seemed to be designer Erin Barr's obsession this season. The New York based makeup artist turned designer took our favorite things about being a woman and turned them into the very things that can make us run the world. Yes, her Spring/Summer 2013 Collection had me feeling that powerful.

It has a lot to do with the structure of the garments. The cuts are very geometic, the pantsuits have wide legs and some of the dresses feature straight modern silhouettes. Yet, from the blazers to that magnificent white mini dress with the elegant cut-outs, Barr finds ways to be whimsical using her own parameters with color, fabric and her only pattern - the stripe.

This isn’t your everyday overused pattern. the fabric seems to be imperfectly painted with parallel stripes that give the garments a “badass” form of vulnerability. A defiant, “I know the stripes aren’t quite even but this fabric is practically hand painted.” vibe. 

She mixes fabrics by adding an unexpected piece of leather on a beautiful trench coat and messes with the stripe pattern of other pieces with a painted overlook. She layers. She grounds her collection in color by using just four; black, red, silver and white.

Her use of white is magnificent. Remember the dangerous femininity that I spoke of? Well the white garments are where it speaks the loudest. The models are archangels in Erin Barr. The silver stripes of the white pieces, uneven and without any particular set congruence in their repetition, are where the designers vision shines and sets her collection apart as one of the best I have seen so far this season.

There are (of course) repeated trends for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection like the use of see through fabric, button downs, and sharp collars, but their appearance isn’t over handed and they add an ethereal quality that brings a touch of familiarity to the edge of ErinBarr’s designs.

I really dug the beauty looks on the models. Who dislikes a statement purple or red lip? No one. Erin Barr’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection is all about feeling and being powerful. And power is something that looks good on all women!

What are you favorite power outfits? Which of the Erin Barr Spring/Summer 2013 collection pieces did you like most?

- Chrislande Dorcilus