pre-fall favorites

The world of fashion often confuses me by being two seasons ahead. So while I'm lamenting the freezing cold, somehow I'm still wishing it's Fall/Winter because I want to try out the F/W 2011 trends... It's a contradictory world, but I can deal with it.

Karl Lagerfeld and his teddy say, "Deal with it."

I'm aware that F/W 2011 shows are coming up, and I really wish I could go to NYFW, but I think I'll manage this year by watching the shows online. Even though it'd be really amazing if I could go one day... Something for the future, maybe. (Or, the truth is, I'm really just not cool enough. Insert crying face.) But before we get ahead of ourselves, there's already plenty to feast our eyes upon with the pre-fall collections...

Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2011

First, the PS boys bring us this amazing print-ful pre-fall collection. Even as a supposed minimalist myself, I find myself slowly gravitating towards the idea of print mixing (okay, I'll admit it, I'm easily persuaded). Whether or not I pull it off is another thing, but this printastic collection has me wanting to try (and, well, most likely breaking myself in the process). I really love that long dress that I have pictured in the middle - it's a really nice Bohemian look! Again, blowing my expectations away. But these are the geniuses who brought us the PS1, so...

3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2011

Next, the 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall collection. This was a collection that catered more towards my minimalism-leaning tastes (but, let's be honest, my tastes change pretty much season to season anyway so...) Lots of neutrals shades, earth tones, etc. I like how it's put together on the left. Oh, and the cape-jacket-blazer thing, you know, where you don't actually wear your blazer or your jacket, and instead leave it hanging off your shoulders, leaving open sleeves. Something we saw street-style do at the S/S 2011 shows. I've done it.. it leaves sore shoulders the next day if you have a heavy jacket. Rather painful (but I'd still do it, because it looks cool!.. story of my life).

Helmut Lang Pre-Fall 2011

Next! The Helmut Lang pre-fall collection! It was very utilitarian and I liked how they experimented with lengths (length indecision for the win!). Also, this collection spoke very "fall" to me with its earth tones, the suede, the boots, everything. Made me want to go trekking in forest trails and step on fallen leaves, you know.

rag & bone Pre-Fall 2011

Second-favorite pre-fall collection. I love the asymmetries. The experimenting with no sheer then, surprise!, sheer! But, to be honest, this collection spoke more summer to me than fall - but then again, I think in fall we'll be wishing for summer again, so why bother anyway. Because, in reality, in fall I'll still be wearing summer clothes. rag & bone can read my mind too well.

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011

Automatic favorite. Chanel pre-fall hit me spot-on. The theme of the show itself was a sort of Byzantine influence already, but the elegance and aristocratic feel it gave off was overwhelming. Part of this may be due to my deep-seated liking for things that are "royal" or "aristocratic." Blame it on Disney princesses or whatnot, but my favorite color is still purple, no, royal purple. Anyway, the gold + charcoal thing really, really worked for me. Karl Lagerfeld = forever genius. Enough said.

Photo Credits: Google Images for the Karl Lagerfeld picture, and NYMag.com for the rest

school days revival

Alexa Chung looking fab as always

In high school, we had to write these persuasive essays on the ACT about whether or not schools should have uniforms. The purpose was to gauge our writing skills, so I didn't actually give the question a serious thought, but now... I don't think I actually would have minded if we did have school uniforms. I mean, just look at the English schoolgirl look Alexa Chung is channeling... The collar! The knee-length skirt! The pull-over! So! Much! Schoolgirl!

Alexa Chung for Madewell.. looking prim &proper&chic!
 

Now, before this turns into an Alexa Chung appreciation post (though it might as well be one), I'd like to say that even if school uniforms of the chic-est kind were to be employed in some public high schools, the amount of fashion disaster occurring there would still be the same. I mean, this is high school we're talking about - girls who think leggings + uggs = fashion. Or $40 Abercrombie shirts. See what I mean?

The original school girls that popularized the look

In the midst of this revival of "menswear womenswear" (see what I did there?), a nice middleground between is the territory of the schoolgirl - the blazers are still there, the button-ups are still there, but there's the added effeminate touch. This obviously doesn't mean all of us should start dressing like we are 16 and still in the "ohmygod!" and days of idle gossip (okay perhaps some of us are still guilty of such things), but I like this touch of nostalgia influence!

 

UO's DIY Decorative Collars

One thing I love best about this school girl revival is the more effeminate collar - how they've rounded it out or made it more decorative, to give it a cuter look. I love the decorative collar the best - it adds something interesting to the classic button-up. Click here if you want to make yourself a cool DIY decorative collar.

Rochas S/S 2011 and PFW Street Style Snap

So, go! re-live those days of carefree innocence!

Photo credits: Google Images for first three, UO Blog, NYMag.com, Refinery29

indecision much?

 Chopsticks or... chopsticks?

I am an indecision wreck. It takes me at least thirty minutes every day before I go to bed, to decide on my outfit for tomorrow (granted that I wake up for classes or even decide to go out.. I feel like I've become more and more unsocial, a la college academics).. And shoe shopping is a complete disaster.

But it's good to know that I'm not alone! Designers seem to be suffering from it too..

Long v short or refined v... meditating swimmer?

Diaper pants and long dresses. It's like after last season, certain designers couldn't decide between going long or going short, so now we have both. Long and short. (To be fair, I think diaper pants or extremely-short-shorts-that-aren't-even-shorts-'cause-they're-swimwear can be tastefully pulled off. Not sure if I would jump onto that bandwagon right now, but it's possible.. maybe... Don't judge me.)

Clash of the prints v clash of the color schemes

On days where it's tough to decide between one print or another, or one color scheme or another, no worries, because.. you can just mash it all together! Although, I wish I had the skills to creatively mash together prints and colors stylistically (it really is an art), but upon further inspection of my wardrobe.. it's not very colorful. Nor very print-tastic. Needs further improvement (and wallet dents)..

Speaking of wallet dents (and other uncontrolled spending habits), I'm only just beginning to realize how much money I will (probably) indecisively spend for indecisive pieces... Great.

Photo credits: UO Holiday Catalog, Valentino S/S 2011 via NYMag, loverunway.tumblr.com, Suno & Jil Sander S/S 2011 via NYMag

bonjour, chicas

 Fashion blogging, just like all the cool girls

I think it's about time I get serious about my blogging. Which is why I've deleted all previous posts, so now shreds of my past dilettante ways are erased!

After all, that's what the new year is for, right? Goodbye, past. Welcome the new!

Until then, auf wiedersehen!

Photo credits: Nylon Mag