Runway Report | F/W 2010 London Fashion Week

Once fashion week in New York was over, I was ready to breathe a sigh of relief. Even though I was only able to attend a couple of shows, the whirlwind of following all the goings while my day job hit work overload was a little overwhelming. Taking this mental break, I unfortunately missed a good portion of London Fashion Week. The horror! Luckily I was able to immerse myself in all of the runway reviews and bring you my favorite looks from the London Fall Winter 2010 shows:

Matthew Williamson - Loved this collection! The dresses in multicolored prints, the leather accented pants.

Burberry Prorsum - I definitely want the over-the-knee boots and the bomber jackets, but I know I'll pick up one of the wool military-style coats.

Issa - I have always loved Issa's dresses and this collection offered some great options, along with leather pants and knit jackets.

Sass & Bide - A great mix of prints and rocker edge. Lots of black and white, with leather and textured accents. Loved the leather above-elbow length fingerless gloves.

Mulberry - Bright colors ruled the runway at Mulberry - turquoise, fuschia, yellow and orange - infused with texture.

The Look | Nude Gladiator Sandals

I've been a huge fan of the modern style gladiator shoe, also known as the "cage." I have several pairs of caged sandals, my favorite being a pair of studded Boutique 9's, ALL of them in black! Since the cage is here to stay and the color palette for SS 2010 is much softer, I went searching for this fashion forward shoe in neutral tones to wear with Spring's safari/military inspired looks.

I first fell in love with this ankle-tie cage from Tory Burch, which retails for $325, in a magazine spread about a month ago. This 4" stiletto is a perfect mix of classic and sexy. Wonder if I can get away with it for work if I pair it with a wrap dress and an ivory cardigan?

Another option is Max Studio's "Xenix" sandal in waxed calf, a pale tan. With a heel that is just over 3" and a 1/2" platform, they'll be really comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

These two shoes come from Stuart Weitzman, a designer whose shoes have been on the feet of fashionistas for decades. I'm always impressed with his ability to adapt and remain current year after year. LOVE the snakeskin "Airforce" platform sandal, for $425, and can already see myself in them. Likewise the "Fetish" shootie in tan at $430, which is just begging for a flowy white minidress.

All of the above shoes are available at Nordstrom.com. Happy shopping!

My Favorite Things: Chloe Satchel

From time to time I like to share my favorite wardrobe items with you, because I'm so in LOVE with them I can't keep it to myself. I am not trying to be a show off, I just have a genuine love for fashion and truly covet every item in my closet. Especially my handbags and shoes ... oh the obsession I have for these. I swear you can make ANY outfit look super chic with the right bag and the right shoe.

A favorite, favorite piece from my bag collection is this Chloe satchel. I purchased it at a Billion Dollar Babes sample sale a few years ago and I've been in love with it ever since. The muddy grayish-brown color, military-style cargo pockets, hanging coin purse ... its an awesome rugged piece that I carry everywhere and use with just about any everyday outfit.

And the size of it is perfect! it fits everything I might need on a non-typical day and came in handy during NYFW. It holds my Netbook, wallet, notebooks, phones, Smartwater, camera, speakers, gloves, makeup ... everything. I've even used it as an overnight bag once or twice.

Unfortunately, I recently looked down at my beloved Chloe to discover a huge tear in the leather near one of the handles. Agony! I have no idea how it got there and I'm so upset about it. I may have to take a trip to the Chloe boutique and ask them, beg them, to fix it. I still rock it anway, I just used some Jimmy Choo "flair" buttons to hide the tear.

In the meantime lovelies, I can't wax poetic about my favorite things and not share the wealth. My Chloe is no longer sold, but here are some similar styles that you can pick up for your very own from Shopbop.com:

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Farrah Ruched Messenger Bag ($395),

 Juicy CoutureFairfax Tote ($398), Botkier Brooklyn Hobo ($495),

Foley + Corinna Jet Setter Jr. Tote ($528)

Style Moments | June Ambrose

Those in the know are privy to the daily fashion dossier's of June Ambrose, the style architect. A-list stylist to the stars and spiller of "haute tea," she lets everyone in to her daily schedule and what she's wearing as she takes on the city through her Twitter handle - @juneambrose- and her Facebook Fan Page. Today's look was just too fabulous and I had to share it with all of you.


On her way to an afternoon meeting, Ms. Ambrose hit the pavement in a Gaultier jacket, YSL turtleneck, Marc Jacobs skirt and Prada belt ... her always present Hermes bag and oversize black sunglasses in tow. I love that this is a classic work look, but the animal print oversize belt and the bright blue skirt make a serious fashion statement. Style, class and fierceness all wrapped up into one.

THIS is how a modern day professional woman should look. You CAN be professional and have fun with fashion at the same time. No excuses my lovelies ...

Fashion's Night Out on CBS!

The buzz around the fashion world today has been the confirmation that Fashion's Night Out will be broadcast on TV. A documentary style behind-the-scenes program will air on CBS a few days following the event in the Fall, focusing less on fashion and more on the day-to-day work of pulling off this grand event. I'm certain we'll get an inside look at the planning, preparation and execution of the the event. Just imagine ... Anna Wintour and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg strategising over traffic patterns for getting from Bergdorfs to Saks.
Jokes aside, this is great publicity for what I believe is a good cause. The economy has hit the fashion world really hard and that affects more than just the fancy designers who have their names on labels. Think about the seamstresses, assistants, IT, maintenance and I could go on. So if I have to shop until my Amex card is setting off smoke detectors to save their jobs then I will.

The program is scheduled to air on September 15th at 8pm. Setting my DVR in 3...2...1

Lust of the Week | Jimmy Choo Summer Sandal

These definitely make me long for lazy summer days ...

The Jimmy Choo Summer sandal is the perfect mix of edge and function. The cut-outs and studs make it an instant statement (elevating the most basic of outfit choices), but the fact that its a flat means you can wear it comfortably.

Summer retails for $795, which is quite the pretty penny. I'm so obsessed with this shoe, that I may just have to spend it.

You can purchase the shoe on JimmyChoo.com.

Red Rooster Comes to Harlem (in the Fall)

When Chef Marcus Samuelsson was announced as a contestant on season 2 of Bravo's Top Chef Masters, listed next to his name was the name of a restaurant that no one was familar with. Flash forward a few weeks and the questions have been answered - Chef Samuelsson is set to open Red Rooster in Harlem later on this year.
 
This is one restaurant I'm really looking forward to. Chef Samuelsson's understanding of flavor is unmatched and I truly believe he'll be able to create a fine-dining establishment with some soul. The concept will focus on New American cuisine made with fresh local food, definitely inspired by his New American Table cookbook.

No word on where the restaurant will be located, but the rumor is it will be on 125th Street. I plan on being there opening night.
 
 
Image courtesy of HarlemCondoLife.com.

Runway Report | Backstage at DKNY, Prabal Gurung and Moncler

At s+s we always aim to bring you an personal view of fashion and we loving giving you a behind-the-scenes look from industry insiders. Here's an insider's view at on some of our favorite FW 2010 Fashion Week shows from Malika Lecole of Nunu Taught Me:


Lights, Camera, Action
It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, it's not the holiday season, it's Fall Fashion Week. Since its inception, New York Fashion Week has long been considered an ultra swanky, ultra exclusive event, privy only to fashion editors, buyers, the elite and the famous.

If you didn’t make this season’s list of invitees, lament not. I’m here to bring you a behind the scenes glimpse from 3 of the hottest shows this season, Prabal Gurung, DKNY, and Moncler. As a dresser, I’m lucky enough to see all of the pieces before they hit the runways. Mayhem and pandemonium go hand in hand backstage, but the end product is always a seamless parade of fashion must-haves from designers old and new.

Prabal Gurung
To most, Prabal Gurung isn’t a well known designer, but he’s definitely one to watch.

If his garments are any indication of what to expect this fall, then expect only the best. Black, gray, and red are just some of the colors that we’ll be seeing in the fall. Before the models hit the runway,the queen of fashion, Anna Wintour graced us all with her presence backstage as she gave the line her personal seal of approval.


DKNY
Donna Karan has always been more than just a designer. She’s a brand that is synonymous with class, timelessness, and quality. Fall Fashion Week came alive at Weiss Studio as Donna Karan previewed pieces from her DKNY line. Showcasing a mix of rich fabrics, assorted patterns, and men inspired suits, the line is guaranteed to take you from the day to night. And don’t put away those sequined tops and dresses, and booties because they’ll still be a haute commodity this fall.

Moncler
When it comes to outerwear Moncler definitely has the game on lock. For their fall preview, the Italian brand opted for a non traditional approach to the traditional runway show. Models donned the new Grenoble line as they were stacked onto four story scaffolding for three hours at Chelsea Piers’ Golf Course. The line,comprised mostly of black and grey pieces for both men and women, can be best described as ski chic. Small suggestion—if you’re thinking of purchasing one of these trendy jackets, start saving. They could easily run you $1000.

Lust of the Week | Marc Jacobs FW 2010 Sequin Dress

When this look came down the runway at the Marc Jacobs show on Monday I was stunned. The fit, the gloves, the neckline, the ankle boots ... chic and gorgeous!

Image courtesy of The Cut

Runway Report | Rachel Roy FW 2010

Rachel Roy has been one of my favorite designers for a few seasons now, having followed her career from her days at Rockawear to being taken under the wing of icon Andre Leon Talley. Her eponymous line exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. I also love the youthful spirit of her diffusion line RACHEL Rachel Roy.

FabSugar was able to talk to the designer backstage before her show about what inspired this collection:



It's great to hear a designer talk about the woman she designs for as if she actually exists (or could exist.) Its clear that Rachel Roy has an idea of who this woman is at heart - her desires, interests, travels, lifestyle - and how she evolves season to season. This season the RR woman was all about "opulence."

Elegant dresses, tailored suits and separates were elevated via fabric - velvets and brocade - and pops of color. All looks were accessorized with elbow length leather gloves and shoes from her collaboration with Manolo Blahnik (LOVE them.)

The evening looks included burnout velvet gowns, metallics and gold brocade. Some of the more elaborate pieces near the end of the collection included sheer delicate lace and netting. You could clearly see her vision in this portion of the line.

I liked the overall collection and can see these pieces appearing at major events all over NYC. For me ... I'm really excited to see what Fall 2010 will look like for RACHEL Rachel Roy.

Check out more looks from the Rachel Roy Fall 2010 collection on The Cut.

Runway Report | BCBG Max Azria FW 2010

The shows in Bryant Park are tailored for ready to wear ... and for me, BCBG is always a go to for straight of the runway looks easily incorporated into everyday life.

The work-attire appropriate collection was awash in white, shades of gray, brown, navy and black with occasional pops of color or sequins. Color-blocking was a theme, appearing on cardigans and dresses, along with layering, sheer shirts under draped tops and cardigans over pants or skirts. Some of the later pieces included sheer netting layered over sequins, one of my favorites being the final look in black and gold.

I believe Max Azria does a great job of creating contemporary chic pieces that remain stylish year on year. Any of these looks could live in a fashionista's closet for seasons and worn time and again without it appearing dated. 

Check out more looks from the BCBG collection at The Cut.

Runway Report | Ports 1961 FW 2010

Ahhh ... Fashion Week. I love NYC this time of year. The buzz in the air is electrifying and StyleSaveur has definitely caught the fever. So many shows to keep track of in so little time! Unfortunately, we're a very new blog and were not invited to attend shows in the tents this season. However, with more and more designers using the web and adapting to social media, we've been able to immerse ourselves in all the Fall/Winter 2010 collections and report to you what's happening on the runway. We'll also be linking you to The Cut blog from NY Magazine for slideshows of each collection.

The Ports 1961 show was streamed live online via Vogue.com. The show opened with designer Tia Cibani calling for a moment of silence for Alexander McQueen ... a fitting start given the immediacy of the news (his death was reported that morning) and the somber mood of the day. What followed was nothing short of amazing.

Ports 1961's collection opened with lots of heavy fabrics, including leather and suede, and knits in neutral tones of camel and charcoal. Texture was key and different fabrics were layered together tone-on-tone. There were a few cape-style jackets and structured, some with jeweled accents on the shoulder. Pants were slim fit and included some beautiful silk styles paired with more structured pieces. Models were accessorized with aviator-style leather hats and gloves in leather or suede.

The collection then moved into fluid dresses and jumpsuits. Silk draped dresses in pops of autumn color and structured metallic and velvet shifts. The last few looks were classic New York black on black. By far my favorite was the final look - a printed silk gown paired with leather gloves and a to-die-for jacket with an oversize collar. LOVED it!

The collection was elegant and feminine, despite the clear masculine influence. It is definitely one of my favorites coming out of the tents and I can't wait to purchase some of these items in the fall!

Check out a slideshow of the full collection via The Cut.