NYC FASHION WEEK-SPRING 08- MEN READY TO WEAR September 10, 2007

Men’s fashion for spring 08 equals effortless style: your outfit should take you from the beach to the city and then back to the sand dunes. However, all this is done with style, no slouchy, ragged pants or anything boho or unkept. Finally, it seems that khaki cutoffs + T-shirt combo is a look of the past. Thank heavens. Lots of tennis-type shorts paired with sleek tops and jackets, neutrals, white & black, and a smart pinstripe suit will give a breath of fresh air to any wardrobe. Also look out for colored denim paired with charcoal and black jackets and a white shirt, very cool. Check out the men’s collections here.

Michael Bastian

Everything looked relaxed in this collection, from blazers to jackets to karate pants. However, the materials used were luxurious; a lot of linen and luxe cashmere, made those simple designs simply wonderful. This was one of my favorite collections so far.

Perry Ellis

There were some key items in this collection, which truly would help a somewhat dull summer wardrobe get some funk. I loved the linen cargo shorts and colorful nylon jackets in warm summer colors. The pinstriped jeans are a must-have.

Tony Mellilo

This collection celebrates one of the most basic rules that every fashionista follows: pairing classic basics with a couple of fun touches. Colors are either neutral or black and white for endless combinations. Also, this year pairing a black jacket with matching shorts is something to be admired. Personally I am not a fan of shorts and jackets unless you’re tall like a basketball player. Bermudas and hoodies were also big in this collection which sometimes seemed that the guys were all borrowing clothes from one another.

More collections to come!

NYC FASHION WEEK-SPRING 08- WOMEN READY TO WEAR September 8, 2007

The feel from the first couple of days of fashion week, is that collections are full of fun stuff, but not all that original. Again designers got inspired from the 30s, 50s and 60s, and the colors varied from washed out neutrals, black and the occasional jewel tones. The good news is that we got almost rid of tent dresses, very low-rise waistlines and leggings. PHEW!!!Clothes are soft and are meant to worn everywhere. Pretty dresses will come our way and it is up to you to choose the height of your hem - as everything goes. Bohemian chic was added to the mix, and the androgynous style has a comeback. Women will be dressed like ladies again. Ladies that can combine work, fun, downtime and play but in a sophisticated way.

I am only commenting on the shows that I thought were interesting and will guide me for my summer 08 shopping. Click here to check out the collections. Here are my favorites so far:

1. ABAETE: 30s and 40s inspired dresses and separates, great tops, palette of beiges, black and white with the occasional emerald frock and soft yellow. Everything can be easily worn in the city or at your vacation spot of choice. Lovely fabrics and very flattering designs.

2. ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH: An androgynous collection with the deconstructed tuxedo inspiring the collection, giving it a cool and sophisticated vibe. Some stuff seemed a bit too warm for summer. Some great tops, which liven up any basic pant or skirt. Colors are mostly black and white with hues of fire red to give the clothes an edgy feel.

3. BCBG MAX AZRIA
Beautiful sheer layers constructed the dresses, which are for the sophisticated, artsy yet strong woman. Everything was belted; Neutrals are big in this collection.

4. BILL BLASS
50s inspired dresses in neutrals and washed out pastels, nicely done and pretty, but nothing new. The feel is quite vintagy.

5. JASON WU
50s inspired frothy frocks and pencil skits, very ladylike, but again nothing new.

6. L.A.M.B.
A 60s inspired collection with hues of Gwen’s everyday wardrobe of tartans and checked jackets. I liked the mini dresses, provided one has legs to show off. There were a couple of floaty animal print dresses, which are ladylike sexy yet cool. What I didn’t like was Kingston participating in the show…He is a toddler. Not an accessory.

7. RAG & BONE
Basics with a polished and cool feel, which will remain hip in the next couple of seasons as well. Nicely constructed jackets and pants, a little bit safari, a little bit Great Gatsby, with a dose of St. Tropez of the 60s. Stripy shirts top it all off.

Keep this list handy when you go shopping / TRENDS
- Neutrals, black and white, hues of jewel colors
- High Waists are back, the real waist is defined by belts
- 30s, 50s and 60s inspiration
- Thin belts wrapped twice around the waist
- Bohemian chic
- Safari pants paired with stripy tops.
- Fedoras
- Kaftans

More collections tomorrow. Stay tuned!

NY Fashion Week / Spring 08: SEPTEMBER 5 - 12, 2007 September 6, 2007

NY Fashion week is finally here and we are all going to find out what we’ll wear in the spring and summer 2008 - I know you have boots on the brain, and I am talking summer fashion!

Here’s a schedule for those of you who don’t want to miss a beat. For the others, I’ll look out for the more representative styles and what we can most wear and keep them posted on the blog. Short and sweet to keep things simple. You will thank me when those sales are on and you’ll know what to look for. I AM SURE OF THAT!

Dashing off to the first party - stay tuned for news. XXX