Fashion Style

The wide array of flattering new season options expands thanks to the fabulous fall 2012 collection put together by Club Monaco. Sharply tailored pieces with a distinctive preppy touch all combined to reflect the easy Californian style, the looks are sure to appeal to those who want to inject a little refinement into their looks without trying too hard. The sources of inspiration definitely proved fruitful for creating superb combos. These were: “Linda McCartney’s Life in Photographs, Sonia Delaunay’s masterful block prints and the leading men of the Silent Generation.”

The desire to blend the desire for modern vibes with versatile classics is beautifully reflected throughout the collection with pieces and accents that will not become obsolete as soon as the season will be over. The feminine perspective is still intensely reflected by the multitude of beautiful pleated skirts, fun dresses and a host of other creative details which never fail to deliver that polished vibe we constantly crave. Striped blouses, versatile cardigans, structured blazers, beautiful pea coats or parkas along with several abstract prints are just a few of the pieces that can easily land on the new season must have list.

Contrast and proper layering are equally important for creating the delightful ensembles presented, but maintaining clean structured line is essential for creating that gorgeous allure that simply exudes confidence and dare we say, glamor. Though neutral heavy, the collection manages to satisfy our cravings for color with gorgeous green, navy, orange or red tones and even a few very subtle color blocks. This way, visual interest is ensured while even the remote possibility of boredom is completely eliminated from the picture.

Aside from the multitude of tailored dress shirts, gorgeous skirts or seductive chocolate colored handbags which are the ultimate expression of style and versatility we must take a closer look at the perspective from which accessories are presented. Most of the time they are meant to add extra contrast to the looks without necessarily becoming the main point of attraction. Gorgeous wedges continue to dazzle while the ankle socks trend makes a quick comeback. Silk scarfs, silhouette enhancing belts, headbands or sunglasses complete the fabulous combos.

Apparently, Donna Karan is simply mesmerized by the impact of masculine fashion on her style fantasy. Concentrating on sharp silhouettes along with a limited and rather gloomy chromatic spectrum, the label aims to build up an ultra-sophisticated and at the same time cosmopolitan chic apparel parade. The Donna Karan fall 2012 shoe collection is packed with lace-up and ankle boots along with chic high-heeled shoes glammed up with a refined ankle strap. Architecture met a cosmopolitan style vision in the creative project which gave birth to this amazing set of footwear designs.

According to DK, the collection was inspired by the work of her late husband, Stephan Weiss. The highly-acclaimed creator revealed that, “This collection is very much about the sculpture of his work and how it affected my life,[...]He empowered me, and he’s always with me.”(Vogue.com)

Embrace your fiery fashionista side and let these dapper high-heels bring out the most of your silhouette. Sport the latest Donna Karan shoes for special events or incorporate them into your office style ensembles. Browse through the impressive selection of must-have accessories below and feel free to consider these ankle boots and high-heeled shoes the perfect style investments for the upcoming rainy season.

Add definition to your figure with the ultra-refined Donna Karan lace-up boots. Explore the impact chic and comfy booties can have on your silhouette. Enter the new realm created by the beloved style godmother and see how various masculine elements find their well-deserved place a flirty wardrobe. Showcase your creativity by experimenting with different trends and accessorizing ideas. Elegance at its highest form that is what the latest Donna Karan collection radiates.

The combination of soft fur and refined fabric with statement leather is the secret weapon to win the heart of fashionistas who are lusting after edgy yet extremely wearable accessories. The color palette is dominated by classy neutrals with a few extra dark and ultrafemme hues. Crown your cold season outfits with these outstanding footwear styles.

No need to purloin pearls and diamonds like her Dark Knight Rises alter ego, Catwoman – Anne Hathaway's Friday shopping spree in Miami was entirely on the up-and-up.

Still sporting her super-short haircut for her role in the upcoming movie adaptation of Les Miserables, she indulged herself at the luxe South Beach boutique The Webster, where she bought a cardigan sweater and her very first Azzedine Alaïa dress. The actress, 29, was accompanied by her lovey-dovey fiancé Adam Shulman, legendary fashion designer Valentino, and polo player Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina Balquier.

The night before, the group had been out celebrating Valentino's surprise 80th birthday at The Setai South Beach Hotel. Hathaway's plus-one that night was her mom, Kate McCauley Hathaway – part of an early Mother's Day gift, according to a New York Post report. Definitely good-girl behavior.
– Becky Randel and Michael Y. Park

For many in fashion, L.A. is a full coast away from where the real action is. “Style in L.A. is sort of an oxymoron,” admits former L.A. Times writer and journalist Melissa Magsaysay. “It’s jeans and it’s T-shirts. But what’s wrong with that?” In hopes of changing the conversation surrounding style in the City of Angels, Magsaysay penned City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion, from Bohemian to Rock.

While following the contemporary market in L.A., the author realized that mass market brands were referencing L.A.’s ease and attitude as inspiration—without necessarily wanting to admit it. “No one will acknowledge it because it’s not Dior and Vuitton. But to me, it doesn’t have to be those labels and brands to be stylish, per se.” City of Style combines street-style photography with interviews with some of the city’s reigning tastemakers, ranging from Monique Lhuillier and Trina Turk to Phillip Lim and even Slash. Magsaysay makes the case for L.A.’s own native style archetypes, which need no reference to Paris prêt-à-porter or New York cool: its skaters, surfers, rockers, cholas, bohemians, and glamour-pusses of the old Hollywood screen-star mold. “They’re not trends but actual looks that came about from subcultures, music, and counterculture—what I think are inherent and totally unique to the city,” she says. They hint at an L.A. beyond the old jeans-and-tees cliches, and according to stylist/designers (and City of Style subjects) Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, they may prove more influential than many yet admit—even outside city limits. “In the past decade, L.A. has really come into its own in having a distinctive and relevant fashion sensibility,” the duo tells Style.com.

City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion, from Bohemian to Rock is available at Barnes and Noble May 22.

—Alexis Brunswick

 

Lensman Ari Marcopoulos doesn’t consider himself to be a fashion photographer. “The last time I photographed a fashion designer must have been Marc Jacobs over 20 years ago when he still had really long hair and no tattoos,” he tells Style.com. “I think he was fresh out of school and he just came over to my studio for a shoot—actually, I never published those. Oh, and I did a similar thing with John Galliano after that.” But the fashion set just keeps on calling upon the surf-and-skate photog, who got his start working alongside Andy Warhol; in the past few years, Marcopoulos has been commissioned by the likes of Adam Kimmel and Stefano Pilati.

His latest solo exhibition of large-scale pigment prints and smaller photos, Wherever You Go, which he debuted last night at New York’s Marlborough Chelsea gallery, is less of a fashion-centric affair and instead focused on his familiar subjects, including graffiti-scrawled walls and skate-sessioned architecture. The most famous of these subjects is New York Knicks player Tyson Chandler, who himself is attracting some fashion interest and spent Monday night at the Met ball in Calvin Klein Collection. “I did a fanzine on him when he was on the Dallas Mavericks and they won the championship, but I made it so he appeared to be wearing a Knicks jersey and it said ‘We wish,’ ” Marcopoulos explains. “Six months later when he was signed to New York, he called me up and we just became friends.” Just like that? “Usually athletes are bigger-than-life figures, kind of literally, but I think we assign too many superhero qualities to athletes,” he says. “I don’t see him any different than my son, who is also in this exhibit; they are all just normal people.”

Wherever You Go is open through June 16 at Marlborough Chelsea, 545 W. 25th St., NYC, (212) 463-8634.
—Kristin Studeman

As the Battleship world premiere tour continues, so does Brooklyn Decker and Rihanna's whirlwind showcase of red-carpet style. So far, we've seen them donning luxe evening creations from the likes of Giambattista Valli, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Emilio Pucci, and last night, the chic duo donned gorgeous long white dresses for the LA premiere. Brooklyn chose an ultraromantic Christian Dior strapless gown, complete with tiered ruffles at the bodice, a sheer floor-skimming skirt, and peachy-hued Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Meanwhile, Rihanna channeled her inner vixen in a modern white, cowl-neckline Adam Selman number and sleek Manolo Blahnik sandals, choosing to show off some leg via one thigh-high slit. Now that you've got the facts — whose white dress ensemble wins your best dressed vote?

by Marissa Tom

The key to an amazing wardrobe is owning basics you can constantly recycle, and restyle, over and over again. To help you achieve Spring fashion success, we created over 35 outfits out of 15 must-have pieces. Think white skinny jeans, that perfect warm-weather LBD, day-to-night sandals, and a classic nautical-stripe t-shirt for starters. Trust us, you'll be amazed by the sheer versatility of these pieces; we were. Whether you're looking to style up your bright denim shorts with something silky on top or you're not sure how to make the most of your slick white boyfriend blazer, take a look inside for over 35 ways — we also included a few accessory suggestions to complete the look — to maximize what's in your closet. Just click inside to see how to narrow down your Spring-to-Summer shopping list to its must-have core and get to the fun part: styling. Then, let us know which outfit you like best in the comments! by Marisa Tom ·


The Key Pieces

For day-to-night dressing, you need a slick LWD that can handle a glamorous upgrade but won't look out of place with just a pair of sandals. For everyday wear, stick with classic separates like a cozy oversize cardigan and a nautical-inspired striped shirt.


The Key Pieces

Every girl should have a white t-shirt (slouchier fits are perfect for Spring), a pop of color (these denim cutoff shorts will do the trick), and a slightly flared blue jean in her wardrobe. These three pieces are easy to mix and match, plus they'll never go out of style.


The Key Pieces

Inject a sense of femininity and sexiness into your Spring closet via flirtier pieces. A wear-with-anything LBD, pretty nude sheer button-up, and bold floral-print skirt will translate into gorgeous warm-weather outfits.


The Key Pieces

Spring calls for lighter wares, and we're all for embracing this monochromatic palette. A white ankle-cut skinny jean silhouette can be dressed up with dark sandals or worn casually with flats, while an ultratailored white blazer is a refined basic that adds polish and sophistication to any outfit.



Outfit #3

Want to put a nighttime spin on your white dress? Just don a pair of woven heels and add on a cool-girl purse, preferably in a bold hue, and sparkly stud earrings.

• Trina Turk Bernice Split Sleeve Blouson Jersey Dress ($268)
• Theyskens' Theory Small Frame Arni Clutch ($195)
• Sorrelli "Snow Bunny" Neutral Crystal Floral Cluster Silver-Tone Studs ($55)
• Zara Platform Sandal ($90)

 by Marisa Tom ·