FAVOURITES | Preppy Pairing

Justifying myself to get a pair of new shoes just because they exist in most pre-fall collections I see is a credible act, right?

I am not going to bother you with an essay explaining why I fit in the criteria of a person who can get one more pair of shoes despite of his/her wardrobe is overloaded full with some 20 kinds of them already. Because more importantly, I am frankly enticed by how a pair of manly shaped shoes can change the whole ladylike look--and even elevate it to certain level of cool. The oxford/loafers cover the feet almost entirely, leaving the feet fetish little to imagination (I know I obviously digress here, but you get the idea). The shoes in this case, take away some femininity and inject some attitude to the styling, thus killing the notion of literal sexiness and instead delivering effortless tomboy aura every girl wishes for. Especially in this millenial era, I think we all agree that girls, or women, should I emphasize, are all aiming for that I'm-sexy-in-my-own-way persona, and this could be their answer.

There is still one problem for me.

This preppy pairing might not work for someone with ahem, rather large feet like I have. How would you let your calves being exposed and later turned ravenous for attention since they are parts of your body that are seen? But it all boils down to confidence and styling. I consider pairing the shoes with shorter skirt to balance the proportion (I now sound like an ol' magazine fashion writer--wait, I am!) or to go for a monochrome look to even out everything. And before I keep on talking to myself in this blogpost, I'll let you go through several pre-fall inspirations (the season might not arrive yet, but the style is there for us to think about, or adopt) of how to wear these beautiful babies, because possibly, I will get myself a pair.

Alto

Lanvin - Theory

Stella McCartney

Sea - Helmut Lang

images are from style.com

SATURDAY REMIX: Shine

As Saturday is the time to lounge or laze around, I find myself busier on this day--meeting friends, learning (more) German, and working on my project (which I am excited yet anxious about). Life has indeed taken another turn for me but I would not give up so easily. Enough with the ramble, I am stumbled upon this marvelous (another) pre-fall collection by Prabal Gurung. I mean, man, he's still a newcomer but his collections are almost always impeccable, delivering that je ne sais quoi within the prints, cutting, silhouettes, and even the styling.

images are from vogue.com

And.. two RnB songs that I recently hear and love.. I used to listen to this kind of song a while ago, but later I have been pretty much in search of alternative music and sort of resistant to "popular" music, anyway just listen yourself and decide which one you like better.

PRE-FALL MASHUP: Something Straightforward

So some designers have released their small collections to have customers wanting more clothes even before the sun in summer sets. They name it pre-fall, but, hey, we all always love something new right? At some point, I wonder how they cope with all the hectic design and production schedule, while somehow balancing the creative and commercial creation. I have previously reviewed some brands whose pre-fall collections are absolutely wearable yet stark in either details, cutting, or silhouette. This time, the second batch offers us something equally straightforwardly lovable.

Phillip Lim brings out superheroes, in literal manifestation, within the collection. I would have never thought that such prints--that usually appear in kids' school supplies and play-date shirts, can make it to the runway. The leather skirt and blazer are a win (beside that playful clutch, you know how much I love clutch :p)

Alexander Wang, as lately, has been into sporty look--especially the jackets and anoraks, therefore I am quite surprised that within that awkward silhouette, which I am not really into, I found sheer-embroidered pieces and a body-hugging dress. The dress drapery has been going on my mind lately, so this is my ultimate favourite of the whole collections :) That embroidered fabric is a total eye candy and spice the whole rather boring collection perfectly.

Band of Outsiders, the newcomer, on the other hand, pretty much translates 1979 Manhattan into the brand overall laid back chic aura. Talking about 70s, it will definitely involve some velvet going on, which is for me, interesting to see, but unflattering to wear. However, the cutting is impeccable, the minimalism with a twist is my absolute style and this brand so far has excelled in bringing simple pieces alive.

images are from vogue.com

P.S. That BOY shirt (or boys?) look so vintage-fun! Want want want (consumerism alert).

Pre-Fall Mashup: Sweet vs. Badass

Although Fall 2012 seems like around less than a year away (we still have Spring and Summer to enjoy in between), I find that the Pre-Fall collections this time offers something more than just a pre. The fact that many designers explore their inspiration further and articulate it really well throughout the collection excites me. My favourite collections are Thakoon and Helmut Lang, neither have I expected such a neat elaboration of the concept nor standout pieces, but these two have definitely won my heart.

Thakoon//Sweet
The designer comes up this time with sweet, warm tone that is well executed in each piece. I particularly love the wool (ball of wool?) accent on the pockets, skirt layers, and even jackets that makes them look so warm yet chic at the same time. The trench coats and blazers have simple, minimal structure with sweet little details, while Thakoon also sprays some lined prints on the dresses and coats, just the right amount. My favourite pieces will be the white shirt dress with cable knitted sleeves and pockets, and the cozy-looking mini skirt with wool layers. I can't wait to see the upcoming Fall collection following these sweet galore of coziness!

Helmut Lang//Badass
On another pole, duo Nicole and Michael Colovos come out with dark palettes that is the signature colour of the house. They acquire the inspiration from spider webs, how each species spins differently in such various intricate patterns. The translation comes out as prints on the tops, pants, and skirts, being accentuated with the cutting play. I can feel the contemporary yet classic aura for every look, and another reason why I love this collection is a pop of neon that twists the gloomy shades in an interesting way. My favourite pieces are the spider tops, neon pants, and that flowing skirt with high slit (!), as well as their signature pieces--structured blazers and jackets.

images are from Style.com

Crisp Uniform : Reed Krakoff Pre-Fall 2012

I first stumbled upon the brand Reed Krakoff around three years ago, when someone in a blog that I read daily mentioned about a boxer bag. As the image wasn't so clear, I rushed to google it and enjoyed the stiff, sharp, intricate structure of the notable boxer bag from my room. From that moment, I am so determined that one day I will grab myself this edgy baby. Well, it was another story then until I read that Jane Aldrige, the eclectic blogger-turn-taste maker is December guest editor in Krakoff's website.It was a hype for me, imagining how she can pull off the tough Krakoff looks, yet the end result is simple yet immaculate.

Later when I was browsing through Reed Krakoff's Pre Fall 2012, I got excited I didn't precisely know why. How he put together such elegant, minimal pieces is something pretty much expected as his signature--however, the luxury yet effortless air in each piece remarks his advancement in being a ready-to-wear designer. 

The "cameo pink, vibrant green, and cordovan brown," the colour terms I borrow from style.com blend together in loose blouses, pants, structured blazers, and coats with neutral palette. Additionally, the uniform concept is well defined throughout the entire collection, as this is exactly how women should look during fall. With some leather accents, and right amount of sheerness, the collection does not offer an entirely new concept--but by strengthening the signature, the brand continues to set different bar for itself.

images are from style.com