Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Runway to Real Way. C’est L’Amour!

 

Alia Rajput for Second City Style Magazine

Fall is here, and as the temperatures start to cool, the fashions are still heating up. For the past few seasons, designers have been using the concept of romance as a predominant theme throughout their collections. Every facet of the feeling has been tapped — from tenderness to lust — and always, Aphrodite is the underlying muse. To fan these flames of desire, collections unfold on the runway in swaths of velvet, ruffles and lace. And as fashion week season draws to a close, it seems fitting the final installment takes place within the stylistic Tour de Force of Paris, fashion capital and the best place on earth, to fall in love.

One of the fabrics being revitalized most these days is the enchanting quality of lace. As commonly affiliated with romance as flowers and chocolate, lace is one of the few fabrics that can be pulled off as either naughty or nice. Though it can be found on the dainty gloves that a gentleman will kiss, or threaded through the bodice of a white wedding gown, a more modern take on lace has been shown in black, barely there styles. Dolce & Gabbana provide a fierce peek a boo look that would make any man’s heart melt. But for a more realistic, less exhibitionistic, take on the trend, try the modern yet feminine stylings of DVF instead.

Read more "C’est L’Amour!"

Runway to Realway. Fall Fashion Through The London Lens

Alia Rajput for Second City Style Magazine

This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of London’s Fashion Week, a milestone that marks the progress the British fashion capitol has made over the past few decades and all the innovations its seen. Despite the lukewarm response the event has received the past several seasons, (resulting in labels taking their runway shows elsewhere), many British-bred designers are returning to their home turf this year to honor the venues of their native culture. Legendary names like Burberry Prorsum, Matthew Williamson, Jonathon Saunders, and Pringle of Scotland have all signed up to attend; as a result, Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has also decided to make an appearance, which can only mean that London’s fashion scene is fully and officially back.

And it seemed that many designers, British or otherwise, had an inkling of this imminent comeback. Various trends made famous through London’s influential fashion history appeared in venues all over the world in recent seasons — especially in the form of the time-honored classic, the fall coat. So for the chillier upcoming season, there is truly no better way to pay homage to 25 years of London fashion (and its signature blustery weather), than by donning one of these unique yet elegant cover-ups. Cheerio!

Read more "Fall Fashion Through The London Lens" here.

Runway to Real Way. Dressing In Drape

Alia Rajput for Second City Style Magazine

Every woman has had that dream at some point where she is lying on a bed, enveloped in soft folds of velvet, satin or silk and reveling in the feel of luxe fabric on her skin. It seems today more and more designers are taking cues from this secret little fantasy by creating confections that drape, fold, cloak, hang and generally enswathe the body. Draped styles are seemingly fun for a designer, who allows the garment to become his playground as he twists and turns fabric to create a signature look. But wearing draped pieces can be fun for the consumer as well, as the soft folds hug parts of the body as well as it conceals others. With inspiration ranging from screen sirens of the 1930s to Greek mythology, garments that drape and fold methodically combine time-honored ideas of the female form with the high-style aesthetic of the future .

Channel your inner goddess with a skirt of Romanesque proportion. Soft folds drape gently from the back of this form-fitting shape creating a gathered front reminiscent of a light, ethereal wrap (think: Helen of Troy, not sorority mixers). Styles spotted on the runways at houses like Costello Tagliapietra lapped at models legs like liquid in swaths of satin, chiffon, and silk shantung. A suitable style for daywear (and something that could transition easily to night) would be an above-the-knee version in a breathable fabric like cotton or jersey. The typically higher waist of the drape skirt (while blessedly covers the mid section) calls for an appropriately shorter top so belt it, tuck it in or layer it but don’t hide the beauty of those fabulous folds!

Read more "Dressing In Drape" here.

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Runway to Realway. Bottoms Up!

Jenn Scott for Second City Style Magazine

One of the most exciting parts of piecing together looks is mixing and matching. Not only does it help to diversify your wardrobe, it’s a whole lot of fun to get creative! Sometimes creating combinations can be an overwhelming task, but the easiest way to go about is to start with great pieces.

This season the trends tend to be a bit bottom heavy...in a good way! Shoes have had their turn, refined, structured dresses have been in the spotlight, and now it’s time to showcase the part of your wardrobe that often gets overlooked.

When looking to make a statement, the easiest route is usually shoes or accessories. This summer, think outside the box a little and build your outfit around your bottom wear.

With many options to choose from, it won’t be hard to find something you love. Since it is so hot outside, think about the classic mini with a twist. Sequins are a sure way to shine at your fabulous summer cocktail party. Vena Cava has created a covetable mini that rocks. If that’s not in your budget, check out the stylish and sleek sequin mini that bebe has rolled out. It’s just as sassy chic and quite a bit more affordable.

Read more "Bottoms Up!" here.

Runway to Realway. Cooler Colors, Hotter Looks

Jenn Scott for Second City Style Magazine

The Spring 2009 runway collections are quite covetable. This season has produced so many lovely looks to sport during the warm months of the year, that I almost forget how much I miss fall.

After a run of bright, structured and bold looks, the runway has calmed but not cooled off. Interesting necklines, dresses and classic color palettes have all claimed their hold on the summer months. The focus has now shifted to classic, clean and simple beauty.

One of the most classic looks of all time — black and white — is popping up all over the runway from Paris to New York and London to Milan. Oscar de la Renta has a way of creating classics, and this ruffled, light fabric dress is no different.

There are so many different ways you can wear the versatile combo of black and white — stripes, plaid, polka dots, ombre, and the list could go on. Even though it may seem meek in comparison to previous brights that have dominated the runway this year, don’t overlook the understated elegance of an ever-winning combo. Keep in mind that adding any black/white combo to your wardrobe will always be something you can pull out and wear. It is an iconic style, and although it can be toyed with by mixing fabrics and patterns or changing hemlines and necklines, this classic will always be a dependable beauty. If you are looking for ways to stay on budget and update your summer wardrobe, this look is a sure bet!

Read more "Cooler Colors, Hotter Looks" here.

Runway to Realway. Staying Cool In The Heat

Jenn Scott for Second City Style Magazine

The days are longer, and are gradually getting warmer. The days of thick scarves and long sleeves are few and far between as spring quickly becomes summer.

That means it is time for a wardrobe update! Whatever you do, don’t get overwhelmed with wardrobe transitions. You get to revamp your closet. To some this means shopping; and to others it feels like an overwhelming task to complete.

Just like any season, there will always be a few staples to rely on and build from. This summer will be no different.

First, you’ll need to fill your closet with sexy, ruffled, and lightweight tops. Fun and flirty fabrics are a must-have this season. Stick with fabrics that are more comfortable and breathe better in the hot, humid air. You can beat the heat by pairing these tops with a skirt for work. Or, for a night out, try a dressy top with jeans and pumps. You can even get away with shorts and sandals!

Another staple this summer will be interesting skirts. From bright minis to modern, asymmetrical styles, make sure you keep things colorful! If you are making your skirt the focal point of your outfit, pick shoes and jewelry that do not compete for attention. When you decide to show off a pretty summer skirt, let it stay in the spotlight.

Read more "Staying Cool In The Heat" here.

Runway to Real Way. Hot For Spring

Jenn Scott for Second City Style Magazine

As the days gradually get warmer, your wardrobe is undergoing some serious changes! Thicker, warmer fabrics are being pushed to the back of the closet, and those light, cooler fabrics are now getting some face time.

With any season change, comes the exciting and somewhat daunting task of updating your wardrobe. Luckily, the fashion industry does an excellent job of directing us to what’s hot and what’s not.

This spring, the runway is full of bright colors, light fabrics, and flirty florals. Having a few staples for spring will ensure that you stay looking hot no matter what the temperature is outside!

First things first — every good wardrobe needs a light trench coat for those cool spring evenings and light rain showers. Since bright colors are hot for the spring, don’t hesitate to add some sass. You can never go wrong with black or white as well. In fact, but two.

Read more "Hot For Spring" here

Barneys for Sale...Again?

Even through the economic turmoil, Barneys New York, has managed to keep a low profile under the cloak of private ownership — until now. The luxury chain is said to be up for sale again and close to naming a new chief executive officer.

WWD has discovered a ceo has finally been selected (after months and months of searching) and might need to fulfill obligations on another job before officially joining Barneys. The identity of the individual could not be learned.

David Jackson, ceo of Barneys owner Istithmar, would not comment on whether the chain is for sale or that it’s found a new ceo.

Meeting both objectives would be a feat for Barneys for several reasons. The deteriorating economy has decimated the luxury sector — both Saks Inc. and Neiman Marcus Inc. have been saddled with excess inventories and double-digit sales declines — and has dried up the market for mergers and acquisitions.

“Barneys New York’s taste level has not been widely accepted elsewhere, as they built stores across the country,” said Joyce Greenberg, an investment banker, formerly with Financo Inc. “The market for Barneys merchandise does not appear to be as broad as originally anticipated.”

Selling Barneys for anywhere near its purchase price of two years ago would seem almost impossible at this point. Jones acquired Barneys from Whippoorwill Associates Inc. and Bay Harbor Management in 2004 for $397.5 million.

U.S. luxury retail executives are not likely candidates for Barneys since most would have non-compete clauses in their contracts, eliminating such individuals as Saks Fifth Avenue’s Ron Frasch, Jim Gold of Bergdorf Goodman or Karen Katz of the Neiman Marcus stores. On the international front, names that have surfaced are Vittoria Radice of La Rinascente; Mark Lee, formerly of Gucci; Caryn Lerner of Holt Renfrew, and former Topshop chief Jane Shepherdson. Barneys also could choose an individual from outside the retail sector.

Source: WWD

Runway to Real Way. Fashion Forecast

Jenn Scott for Second City Style Magazine

As the winter months drag on, even the most die-hard cold weather enthusiast tends to grow weary. That is, until Fashion Week comes into view. It may be a month away, but it allows for some excitement for the otherwise dull days.

As the fashion industry prepares, every fashionista waits with baited breath to see what will come down those long runways.

Although some things may be predictable, there is always an element of surprise, which inevitably triggers a wave of new fashion that trickles down through the masses.

This year will be no different. Will the upcoming Fall '09 runway sport brand new, completely redone looks, or will it be a fusion of past-influenced threads?

So, let’s make some predictions, shall we?

One of the things I’ve noticed a lot again lately — and may I mention, love — is plaid. I like it as an accent, an oversized shirt (belted), shoes or a handbag … what have you. Will plaid reappear on the runway, even though it already showed up on the runway heavily in Fall of 2006 … or has it run its course?

Read more "Fashion Forecast" here.