fashion blab: fall 2012 - drenched in black

Go ahead and disregard my previous post regarding my efforts to incorporate more color into my wardrobe. I could not be more please with the amount of black that came down the runway at NYFW 2012. Designers such as Prabal Gurung and Kimberly Ovitz created awesome looks complete with only one color. The use of different textures, fabrics, and lines gave way to interesting and appealing looks despite the singular color.

Kimberly Ovitz

  I am absolutely obsessed with Prabal Gurung's lace and feather dress over black slacks. 

Bill Blass played with a lot of different textures to create these structured and straight foward looks. 

 DKNY kept with their tradition, and used feminine silhouettes and wide belts to create a very attractive and slim figure. 

 I LOVE Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2012 RTW line. Her throwback collection was definitely darker than usual, which only added to the crazy sexiness of all of the pieces. Hints of leg, sheer fabrics, and sleek silhouettes seemed to be underlying tones of the collection. 

All images from Style.com

me blab: where did the weekend go?

Hello, all. I hope this past weekend was extra long and extra lovely for you. Mine was filled with family, wine, oreo fudge brownies, and more. Friday night began with an attempt to eat healthy, and then inevitably resulted in my sister-in-law in and I splitting a bottle of wine and testing out a new oreo-fudge brownie recipe found on Pinterest, which was amazing. 

{ recipe from Kevin & Amanda }

Fortunately, my niece wakes up at about 5 am everyday, so we made up for it with a loooong walk.

We had a fun little meeting Saturday morning, played personal shopper for my brother and then led to a couple bottles of wine I won from One Hope Winery and pad thai. 

One thing I love most about where we live, is that we are in walking/biking distance from all our favorite eateries and cocktail spots. 

{ bike ride to The Porch for cocktails }

My boyfriend and I have been dying to try Portola Coffe Lab at the OC Mart Mix, and it did not disappoint. I love how unique the setting and coffee choices are. We will definitely be heading back there, especially since a Nice Cream will be opening soon. What  a tough decision that will be!

All in all, it was a great weekend, and I am just a tiny bit sad it is over. Until the next ... 

fashion blab: fall 2012 - I want you Helmut Lang... all of you!

One of my favorite designers showed their true colors this past NYFW. Nicole and Michael Colovos of Helmut Lang seem to know how to create one hell of a dark, enticing outfit. Their Fall 2012 RTW line consisted of touches of fur, lots of layers, subtle and not-so-subtle seductiveness, leather, and of course, LOTS of black.  

I love how they always manage to create pieces that layer so well. Winter-wear can often be bulky, so I love how Helmut Lang creates interesting and flattering outerwear and sweaters that still lend to a more feminine silhouette. 

FUR: As aforementioned in my previous post, I am a bit enamored with the unique fur additions to most designer's Fall collections, with Helmut Lang being no exception. I especially love the use of the red fur caplet over a fitted, graphic dress. 

Speaking of graphics... I really enjoyed their use of natural elements to create a unique element to, seemingly, simple pieces. 

And the suits.. oh my. My favorite being the not-so-suit, suit featuring some seriously skin-hugging leather leggings and a simple white blazer. 

All images from Style.com 

fashion blab: fall 2012 - in the name of FUR

I have obviously been stalking Style.com, and those alike, for the low down on all that NYFW Fall 2012 RTW has to offer. This will be the first of a couple posts dedicated to the most predominate trends strutting down the runaway. 

One common thread spotted among most of the shows is FUR. While this is no far leap from the present, it is one that I am most excited about! Particularly, the abundance of fur scarves and wraps. I love the idea of adding a bit of luxe to a seemingly, casual outfit. Band of Outsiders did this perfectly, in that they paired fur scarves and vests to create a fabulously bohemian ensemble.

However, my soul tends to lean closer to the ultra-luxe element that utilizing a fur piece can add to an outfit. Especially, a piece that still allows a woman's shape to be highlighted. I love how Altuzarra, Catherine Malandrino and Jason Wu incorporated fur without swallowing one's shape whole; creating a gorgeous silhouette. 

And then, of course, the fur coat or coat with fur...
Billy Reid

DKNY

Nicole Miller

Peter Som

Peter Som

All images from Style.com

me blab: where did the weekend go?

 my niece loving her grandma's hat ... 

 loads of milk glass at bountiful on abbot kinney

 mas vino por favor... at the other room in venice

 accouterments 

celebrated Valentine's Day with the family... complete with Lobster, Filet, Champagne, Heart shaped ice cream sundaes, etc... 

fashion blab: in the mood for shoes

Much to my despair, all I have been able to think about lately is SHOES. I have a pretty decent collection sitting pretty in my closet currently. However, none compare to those I have been recently, and not so recently, lusting over. It's like Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler teamed up with Brian Atwood and Lanvin to haunt my thoughts with shoes, shoes and more shoes! Here are just a few of the little devils I have been lusting for ..

Jill Stuart (here)

DVF (here)

.

Alexander Wang (here)

Pierre Hardy (here)

Christain Louboutin (here)

Proenza Schouler (here)

Karl (here)

fashion blab: in black and white

Skirt: Volcom (here). Sweater: Hinge (no longer available). Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita (here). 

Sunglasses: Chanel (here). Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here)

photos by Scott Davis