Favorite Looks from Spring 2011 Fashion Week, for Less

In September I featured my favorite looks from the Spring 2011 Fashion Shows, and now that Spring 2011 is almost upon us, it is time to revisit those inspiring looks.

I have taken my stand out favorites from September and searched the Internet to find affordable and wearable version inspired by the real thing.

Marc Jacobs - Spring 2011 was like the most glamorous, 70's inspired, color infused show. 

This look is completely wearable, and probably could be assembled with items you already own, but if not...

Carolina Herrera - Spring 2011 was a favorite of mine, and while I don't have the need for an evening gown currently, one can't help but be inspired by the painterly details of this beautiful dress.

Carolina Herrera - Spring 2011

This look is admittedly DIY but if done right it's a major wow.  And again, I think the larger aesthetic point here is painterly details in a black and white color palette.

Oscar de la Renta - Spring 2011 was for the ladies who lunch set.  The important rules to follow here are texture: tweed and silks and colors within the same color family.

Oscar de la Renta - Spring 2011

With such a ladylike and refined shape and staples, you can really go bold with the color and have fun playing with spring's best and boldest hues.

Ralph Lauren - Spring 2011, this show was Rancher Fabulous if there is such a thing.  It is certainly difficult to imagine wearing beaded cocktail dresses on the farm, but somehow Ralph Lauren, as the master of Americana pulls it off.

Ralph Lauren - Spring 2011

To attempt the same look, on a budget start here:

Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2011, know for red-carpet worthy evening gowns, it was fun to see Monique Lhuillier play with different shapes and pieces, and I really liked the belted, sophisticated look of the high waisted trousers and refined bustier top.

Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2011

To build this look on a budget, you can assemble pieces that are completely wearable in a variety of ways. 

 What trends are you most excited for?

Day 8: The End of Fashion Week

Yesterday was the end of Fall 2011 Fashion Week and it has been quite a glamorous few days.  Yesterday was no different. 

Day 8: Malan Breton, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Son Jung Wan, L'Wren Scott, Calvin Klein Collenction, Adrienne Landau, Joanna Mastroianna, Stephen Burrows, Bill Blass, Elene Cassic, WTB by Nikki Lund & Richie Sambora, Naeem Khan, Lublu, L.A.M.B.

A favorite from yesterday was the beautiful gowns by Naeem Khan, a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, the cast of SATC, and many more.  His gowns had classic shapes but were elevated by their intricate detailing and beautiful fabrics.

Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan

 Within Khan's collection, I noticed two rivaling themes an ode to old art-deco glamour and an appreciation for full bodied Bohemia and exotic prints.  Those themes were also mirrored in the L.A.M.B. (Bohemia and prints) and Ralph Lauren (art-deco) shows.

L.A.M.B.

Ralph Lauren

Another dress worth highlighting was the beautiful colors in the column gown from Oscar de la Renta, whose show was on Wednesday.  

Oscar de la Renta

In reviewing eight days of fashion shows and looking ahead to Fall of 2011 a few recurring themes seem to stick out: plunging neckline gowns and their counterpoint of high collar/crew neck dresses, jewel tone shine and rich burnt yellows, reds, oranges and plums, a playful mashup of sportswear with dressier items, complete looks in varying shades of one color in either neutrals or big bold hues, suiting, ladylike dots, sequins and feathers.  What an inspiring and exciting season ahead!

Day 7: Not Basic Black

Day 7 was a great reminder of the many, many ways to wear black that is anything but simple, boring or staid.  On Sunday's runway's black was full of volume, sexy, daring, masculine, feminine, classic and strong.

Elie Tahari

Milly by Michelle Smith

Michael Kors

Day 7: Yigal Azrouel, Reem Acra, Vacca, Helmut Lang, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Douglas Hannant, Oscar de la Renta, Jeremy Scott, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Vittadini, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly, Marchesa, Reed Krakoff, Helen Yarmak, Christian Cota, Bebe, Anna Sui, Odd Molly, Elie Tahari, The Blonds, Proenza Schouler, Indashio, Susan Cianciolo

Day 6: Just Vera

Day 6 was full of variety, but for me one designer really stuck out, Vera Wang.  Wang's style is consistent season and after season, and I really enjoyed her entire collection of pretty pleats, diaphanous chiffon, and gentle muted colors. And besides, you know I am a sucker for a deep v-neckline.

Vera Wang

Day 6: Kate Spade, Helmut Lang, Rachel Roy, Trias, Badgely Mischka, Karen Walker, RAD by Rad Hourani, Vera Wang, Rodarte, Diesel Black Gold, Jen Kao, Bibhu Mohapatra, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Risto, TSE, Dennis Basso, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sophie Theallet, J. Mendel, Juan Carlos Obano, Concept Korea, House of Waris, Halston, Tibi, Daniel Vosovic, A Detacher, Frank Tell, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Bouwer, Mackage.

Day 5: Evening Glamour

Day 5 was the day of the dress for me - lots of glamor, glitz and shine! 

The runways featured the following designers: The Row, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Carolina Herrera, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Carlos Miele, Woolrich John Rich & Bros, Theyskens' Theory, Tracy Reese, Ohne Titel, Barbara Tfank, Donna Karan New York, Sachin +Babi, Monique Lhullier, Yeohlee, Chris Benz, Pamella Roland, Alice + Olivia, Chadwick Bell, Betsey Johnson, Chado Ralph Rucci, Marc Jacobs

And here are my favorites:

In the category of full on color evening wear, I love the subtle shine and fully saturated colors from Alice + Olivia, Carolina Herrera - a longtime favorite, Pamella Roland and Tracy Reese.  These looks were full of real lady like glamor and major color.

Alice + Olivia

Carolina Herrera

Pamella Roland

Tracy Reese

For golden glamor I loved the soft color and full on beading from Donna Karan, the Grecian goddess from Jenny Packham (anyone else noticing that hip twist is showing up EVERYWHERE?!), and Monique Lhuillier's retro, textured, golden gown.  Also, of note, Lhuillier's runway featured dotted stockings - cute trend to watch, perhaps?

Donna Karan

Jenny Packham

Monique Lhuillier

Fashion Week, Day 4

In reviewing the runways from Day 4 here was some great real bursts of vibrant color and grounded by fall mainstays of muted greys and neutrals.  I also found a new love, Lela Rose.

Day 4: Victoria Beckham, Derek Lam, Timo Weiland, Alice Ritter, Lela Rose, VPL by Victoria Bartlett, Maison Martin Margiela, Preen, Simon Spurr, Malandrino,  DKNY, Yuna Yang, Tory Burch, Yoana Baraschi, Max Azria, Diane von Furstenberg, CYNTHIA STEFFE, Romas by Linda Rowe, Thakoon, Allison Parris, Bensoni, Cushie et Ochs, Custo Barcelona, Moncler Grenoble, Behnaz Sarafpour, Tommy Hilfiger, Katie Gallagher, Duro Olowu, Nomia, Zang Toi

I was never before a follower of Lela Rose, designer of Jenna Bush' bridesmaids' dresses, but that all changed in reviewing her Fall 2011 show.  It was everything I love about fall - sophisticated, glamorous, but grounded in comfort.  I love the pairing of a slim sweater with a gorgeous printed skirt, a wooly draped cocktail dress, a warm, aubergine evening gown and the plum lips on the models were fabulous, too.

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

Another favorite fall trend was the pairing of bold colors within the same color family; sort of monotone 2.0.  Thakoon and DVF did a beautiful job of letting each color stand alone in its boldness.

Thakoon

Diane von Furstenberg

For fall traditionalists, one needs to look no further than Tory Burch and Victoria Beckham.  I liked Tory Burch's play on the classic Chanel jacket with mixed media fabrics and the way that Beckham's line continues to come into its own, with more grace and ease.

Tory Burch

Victoria Beckham

Fall Fashion Week, Day 3, 4, 5, and 6, Oh my!

Mark and I have been out of town and so therefore, away from the conveniences of home and more importantly I have only intermittently been able to keep up with Fashion Week to give you my favorites.  Fear not, I am going to bring you up to speed with the best of the best from Days 3, 4, 5 an 6.

Let's do it!

Day 3, Saturday, February 12, 2011: Suno, Altuzarra, G-Star Raw, Band of Outsiders, Elise Overland, Gant by Michael Bastian, Vivienne Tam, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson, Erin Fetherston, ADAM, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Mandy Coon, Araks, United Bamboo, Prabal Gurung, Heart Truth, Kimberly Ovitz

I am digging really, beautifully, well tailored pants.  This pair from Prabal Gurung and the beautifully, sort of kissed with embellishment blouse are sophisticated, sexy and wearable.

Prabal Gurung

This doesn't exactly feel fall, but the pieces from Erin Fetherston were so light, ladylike and sweet that I couldn't resist.  Love the muted colors and hints of blush in the blouse and the kicky, mod style of the dress.

Erin Fetherston

Erin Fethrston

For the urban warrior in all of us, I really liked these pieces from Charlotte Ronson and G-Star Raw.  Fall is more appealing when you know you can be fashionably chic in warm and comforting chunk knits, tailored outerwear and tough girl boots.

Charlotte Ronson

Charlotte Ronson

G-Star Raw

Moving on to Day 4!

Fall 2011 Fashion Week - Day 2

Friday was Day 2 of Fashion Week, probably the day I would have wanted to wear outfit #1 from my packing wishlist.  Alas, I am not there, no big deal - still keeping up with each day and sharing my favorites!

Day 2 featured the following designers: Ruffian, Tess Giberson, Perry Ellis, Farah Angsana, Norman Ambrose, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Tommy Hilfiger Men's, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, and Cynthia Rowley.

And, so, without further ado, my favorites:

I love this pop of bold color - the entire collection felt very dream wardrobe for a trip to Italy, but this simple dress was an especially a stand out.

Costello Tagliapietra

Jason Wu's collection started with playful menswear and then went into sublime and beautifully feminine clothing and gowns.  These pants and lacy sweatshirt were a really example of completely wearable runway.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

So, I think it has been determined for certain that the skinny pant is OVER. And, Nicole Miller illustrated just how glamorous that change can be.  She showed bootcut pants, wide leg and these paper bag cinched oversized pants that looks as comfortable as they are fabulous.

Nicole Miller

On to Saturday's Shows...

The Most Important Dress to Date

When I reviewed Spring 2011 Fashion Week I touched on how the fashion cycle is a full season ahead; in the world of bridal it is a full year ahead.  Brides are instructed to always have selected their wedding dress no less than six months prior to getting married.  I bought my dress on June 6, 2009 - my wedding date was January 23, 2010 and you wouldn't believe the shock from the store attendants.

Anyway, as we are fully into Fall 2010 it is time to look towards Fall 2011.  This week was Bridal Market in New York, and through the power of the Internet it's like we are all able to attend.

Here are my favorites, so far:

Seriously, I love this dress.  I love the structure, the cut outs, the keyhole at the bust.  I would love it even more Red Carpet in a metallic, or a black.  I'll take it in my size; thanks Angel!

Angel Sanchez

I love this dress.  It reminds me a glamorous swimsuit with an even more glamorous sarong wrapped just so elegantly at the hip.  I like the metallic sheen and the delicate tied bow at the hip.

Priscilla of Boston

The following bridal gowns are for the following brides:

This reminds me of the punk rock princess.  The dress is all princess, and the styling has just enough edge to keep it fun.  I hope she is secretly wearing a pair of Converse under all of that.

Jewel by Priscilla of Boston

This is the dress I pick for the White (as in Snow White) Wedding.  I can't ID for sure the fabric of the skirt but it reminds me of fresh, powdery snow.  The simplicity of the bodice is a perfect balance to the drama of the skirt.

Lela Rose

This is so classic bride.  I love simple shape.  P.S. what you don't see is the intricate cut outs across the back.

Angel Sanchez

I love this shape for bride who wants to walk on the edge.  She wants to play with fashion, she wants an awesome pair of shoes, and want to show of her legs all night long.  It also doesn't hurt that it reminds me of the skirt Carrie wears when she bumps into Aidan in Morocco, err, Dubai.

WToo

The simple bride with an appreciation for the classics gravitates towards this dress.  It is a modern Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, or even Courtney Cox Arquette.  I love the simplicity, and the light puddle of silk at her feet.  If there has to be a puddle at your feet on your wedding day, I'll hope it's a puddle of silk.

Kevan Hall

For the dreamy bride, this dress is a dream come true.  The layers are whimsical and ethereal.  She looks like she is floating in style.

Monique Lhuillier

For the bride with aspirations to float down the aisle like Marion Cotillard, a la her John Paul Gaultier 2008 gown.  Love the scales down the skirt.

Rivini

No matter the style, it is great to see bridal taking a cue from high fashion.  On her wedding day a bride is any thing: a movie star, a model, a princess, and luckily she'll have no trouble dressing the part.

What style do you favor most?