RUNWAY TO REALITY

This post is sponsored by Visionworks

If there is one dream I have always had it is to attend NYFW. I have had two chances so far, and they both happened when I was a week away from having a baby. A good reason to miss out, but bittersweet nonetheless. One day it will happen, and in the meantime, being the fashion lover that I am, I'll be translating the runway looks of my favorite shows to everyday life. This past week models strutted the catwalk wearing the latest designs of iconic fashion labels such as Zac Posen, Lacoste and DVF. I've partnered with Visionworks to showcase eyewear designs from these designers and translate these styles to the concrete catwalk of Arizona.

DVF's latest show was full of rich colors and interesting layers. You can always count on Diane to show women as sexy and strong every time. I love these teal glasses with a femme cat-eye. They frame my oval shaped face very well, and the color is complementary to my olive skin. After seeing the pictures from her show, I gravitated toward the rust color, and the masculine trousers. I also enjoyed the new ideas of putting skirts over pants and dresses over skirts. So, I put a lace slip dress over my slacks and a rust colored sweater vest on top.

Lacoste is the perfect example of high fashion sportswear. There is always a classic and timeless quality to what they make such as these brown frames, but you can always expect a sporty twist. In their show they showcased a lot of hoodies mixed with full feminine skirts. There was also a lot of dusty blues and purple pieces to see. I created my version of their runway look pairing this dusty blue hoodie and purple skirt. It's a bit out there and yet really cool.

Zac Posen's runway shows are always inspiring to me. He really celebrates the frame of a woman, and even his fabric choices speak volumes of femininity. Everything he puts on the runway makes a statement that you can't miss just like these red glasses. I feel so artistic and memorable when I wear these frames. I loved that he styled the models with curls and bit of frizz for the runway. That's my hair everyday. I also love that he had the models wear one color or pattern head to toe. He showed a lot of jackets and a lot of red. I was so surprised to see that for spring, but I love it.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; all clothing was found at thrift stores; glasses were provided by Visionworks.

THE TRENDS OF NYFW F/W '16

Not to get ahead of ourselves (as it's merely warming up to spring temps), but after the New York Fashion Week shows this past week it's apparent that we have a LOT to look forward to for Fall/Winter 2016. NYFW is typically the most casual in it's Ready To Wear fashion, so it's usually the best indication of what we will actually be seeing on the shelves and the streets this August. While there were many standout shows, I noticed quite a few overwhelming trends that intrigued me... 

CLEAN SLATE

Minimalism is still going strong. Designers are encouraging whites for winter and giving us a nice selection of garments with clean lines from strapless flowing dresses to robe-style fur coats. As a stylist, when I see simple pieces like these I think of them as a perfect clean slate. My mind starts running wild with ways to accessorize them with funky jewelry or a bright shoe.

Brock Collection, Brandon Maxwell, Dion Lee

FLAPPER FRINGE

Bohemian fringe has a new counterpart, it's cooler older sister: 20's inspired flapper fringe. We're getting major Gatsby vibes from these looks and can't complain one bit. 

Rachel Zoe, Zimmerman, Jason Wu

PINK AND YELLOW

Being one of Pantone's colors of the year, it's no surprise that rose quartz is gracing the runways left and right. However, select designers are taking a unique approach by styling their pinks with shades of yellow varying from bright neons to subdued mustard-y hues. This traditionally spring/summer color combo works surprisingly well with F/W fashions. Who knew? 

Creatures of Comfort, Marissa Webb, Delpozo

PATTERN PLAY

Here to contrast the stark minimalism we're seeing in fashion, pattern play is full of whimsy and color. So why not throw a leopard print coat on top of your floral silk pajamas? J. Crew did it...

J Crew, Clover Canyon, Coach

ON THE GRID

Plaid is pretty much a no-brainer when it comes to fall and winter fashion. Although this season we'll also be seeing a lot of clean, gridded patterns. The grids are a little less hectic and look more modern than your traditional lumberjack plaid. 

Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Kaelen

All images from Vogue.com. To see more trends I am loving right now be sure to follow my "Trends I Love" Pinterest board. 

IIDA Couture Competition

Well, I've entered my very own Project Runway challenge along with seven other Arizona architecture professionals - the Southwest Chapter of  the International Interior Design Association's 2010 Couture Competition!!! I'm SO excited for this opportunity to work alongside creative professionals that are passionate about fashion and design. Keep reading for details and video of last year's runway show... The challenge is to use interior design materials from your assigned sponsor, ours is Sherwin Williams, to create a couture look within the given theme and color palette. The theme this year is southwest and our color palette consists of earth tones such as sage green, tans, golds and pale blues...every team has a different sponsor and different color palettes.

Most other teams were matched with sponsors that manufacture carpet and other textiles, but we got paint. We already have some cool ideas though! I can't post about our ideas or the process until we're finished, but we're all pumped.

Each team gets to send their winning look down the runway at the Phoenix Art Museum this February. Below, is video from last year's competition. Over 600 people attended! Wish us luck!

Project Runway's Sister Show

Project Runway has launched a sister show called, "Models of the Runway," premiering on August 20, 2009 on Lifetime. The show is a look at Project Runway from the model's perspective. (Hmmm...I'm intrigued). The models are still competing to be paired with the winner of Project Runway, but the prize is a lot more this year. $25,000 cash, a spread in Marie Claire and a special prize from L'Oreal Skin Genesis.

When I first read the blurb that there was going to be another modeling show I rolled my eyes, but the fact that the whole show is another look at Project Runway and the designers could potentially separate this show from Top Model, etc. Regardless, you know I'm going to watch it.

Oh...almost forgot...I watched one episode of The Fashion Show to give it a chance...and that's the only episode I've wanted to see. Anyone else have the same thoughts?

Asymmetrical Clothing

Last season on Project Runway Natalie Portman was a guest judge, and she made a comment that sort of surprised me...She said that she didn't like asymmetrical clothing. Personally, I love one-shouldered dresses and tops! I think there's an elegance about them. What do you think? Do you agree with Ms. Portman or do you enjoy asymmetrical fashions?