NYFW Recap: Rodarte

Some fashion shows are no more than charming diversions; a fleeting event, enjoyable but as memorable as Paris Hilton's singing career. Others leave powerful imprints, forever haunting our lingering minds. Ten days ago, the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte exhibited their Fall/Winter 2016 collection at NYFW, and I can't stop thinking about it. 

Rodarte is no stranger to the fashion week conversation. In fact, over the past few seasons, their shows have led the colorful discussion (If you need a refresher see eyebrow-pierced-mermaid here). Last week's show set the bar higher than before. Uneven hems, voluminous ruffles, shaggy fur and floral appliqués served as reminders of the Mulleavy sisters' sheer prowess in the art of fashion.  Rodarte has an established style––a dark whimsicality curated through layered, mixed-media. Their hands are palpable within the essence of each piece. Everything they design is without equal.What amazes me is their ability to consistently shock the audience without changing this signature style. Their secret is in the subtlety. 

Each ensemble is slightly different than the one before: a sequined blouse changes from black to white, a leather belt becomes a choker. At first, the viewer watches comfortably. The opening pieces, while stunning, follow a familiar narrative. Then, the collection's metamorphosis gets into full-swing: gorilla-esque coats undergo color transformation, lace becomes fishnet, tule skirts evolve from pants to skirts to a gown, and orchids sprout from the models' hair.

At the shows end, I needed to immediately watch it again, to try and comprehend the artistry that unveiled before my computer screen.

And I couldn't. Because, that's the Rodarte magic. 

New On The Scene: The Crop Kick

The day is finally here. After a long-standing career on the top of the charts, the skinny jean has been demoted by a cooler breed of denim: the crop kick. And, we can rejoice.

Of course, skinny jeans are a classic staple for any occasion. Our celebration is not for the death of the skinny jean, per say. Instead, we shout from the rooftops in pure elation for the arrival of an option of equivalence. Those exhausting, early morning, skinny jean shimmies and aggressive, end-of-day, denim evacuations don't have to be as frequent.

The crop kick is essentially a shortened straight leg jean. I, for one, have never really been a fan of straight leg denim; its styling confuses me. Do you tuck them into boots? Can they be cuffed? Are flats or sneakers even an option? By the time I can even process these questions, I am about ten minutes late for class, struggling to pull on a standard pair of skinny jeans as my solution. The crop kick answers all of these age old questions because it goes with everything. Unleash your ankles from the confines of the skinny, and pair a crop kick with sneakers. A fringed hem or baby cuff adds an unexpected personality.  Or, for a night out, let them compliment your best pair of mid-calf booties. 

Is the crop kick here to stay? Time will tell. As of right now, embrace the freedom of a denim suitable for endless cartwheels and high kicks, and toss your skinnies in the back of the closet for a later date. 

NYFW Recap: Erin Fetherston SS RTW 2016

To the general public, runway shows are often characterized as over-the-top, "who would actually wear that" explosions of trend-vomit donning the hairstyles of Whoville. 
Those types of people haven't watched an Erin Fetherston show.

The runway at Fetherston's SS RTW 2016 gently guided the audience through a romantic dream. An array of blues, vermillion, olive, and cream presented in fluid fabrics felt familiar; reminiscent of that perfect summer day. Her pieces were predictable in the best way possible, with each look effortlessly flowing into the next. The show featured a variation of silhouettes—high collars, plunging necklines, maxi dresses, mini frocks—as well as equally oppositional fabrics—knits, denim and organza. Each model sported undone hair, fresh faces, and minimal sandals, reflecting Fetherston's simplicity.

Erin Fetherston's aesthetic reminds us of the timeless wearability of intelligent fashion. Smartly tailored silhouettes can speak volumes louder than trendy chaos.

Oh, did I mention that she graduated from UC Berkeley in 2002? Go Bears.

Watch the show in its entirety here. 

Mom Jeans: An Ode to the Fashion of our Moms

90s fashion is great. Mom fashion is great. 90s mom fashion is the stuff I live for. 

First, a little back story...

As I was perusing through old pictures, looking for something suitable for Instagram, I came across some snapshots of my mom, rocking Adidas tracksuits, running shoes and thick Oakley's. Growing up, I remember being so enamored with my mom. I sincerely believed she always looked amazing, that I needed to dress the same way. I would sneak into her closet when my parents were out, and try on all of her clothes––the turtle necks, chunky earrings, color blocked ski jackets, hush puppies––hoping that her greatness would somehow rub off on me. 

My mom was undoubtedly my first fashion icon, sadly replaced by Avril Lavigne circa Sk8er Boi, once I became "too cool" for her. 

A variety of today's most popular trends can be directly linked back to 90s mom fashion:

High waisted jeans

First seen on your mom (or in this epic SNL Clip) 

Now $90 at American Apparel

Overalls

Worn by your mom on a trip to Disneyland (probably with a fanny pack)

Now the single most popular item on every street style blog 

Running shoes and jeans 

A classic staple for a mom-on-the-go

Now worn by every hipster who hopped on the normcore bus a little late

Birkenstocks 

An item from your mom's "college days" praised for their comfort, often worn with socks

Now on my feet, with socks, of course 

90s mom fashion, a dominating force in the present day fashion scene, reminds us of three things: our moms are always right, certain clothes will "get fashionable again", and deep down, all of us got it from our mamas.  

So, if you are ever upset with your mom, just remember, she showed you the beauty of the Gap and bargain shopping. You wouldn't be the fashionable person you are today, without her. 

How to Look Fresh to Death at Coachella

rachel zoe knows what's up

Coachella Weekend One is fast approaching, bringing with it thousands of feather headdress clad, Flash Tat-ted bohemian girls, sitting upon the shoulders of shirtless frat stars in Chubbies, all vibing to live music in the scorching Indio heat. Ahhhhh, festival season. To make sure you stand out this weekend, here are some trends and tips you may want to implement in your packing list: 

1. Don't underestimate the power of a dress. 
What can withstand the pressures of high heat, long porta potti lines and hours upon hours of frolicking around? A killer dress. It's a
functional and versatile base piece for any outfit. Pair a maxi with gladiators and a cropped moto jacket, or layer an open back sundress with a detailed bralette and your favorite pair of booties, and you are destined for a comfort level of like 110. Also, twirling dress pics can make for some pretty rad instas. 
2. Accessorize your little heart out. Festivals offer a platform of fashion expression unlike a typical concert, so why not go all out? An event like Coachella calls for outfits of equal amplitude and energy. In other words, it is virtually impossible to over style. If you feel confident in a body chain, Flash Tats, wide brimmed hat, 70's sunnies and turquoise arm candy, then go for it. Festivals give us the opportunity to move outside our comfort zones. 

3. Boho isn't everything.
Trends such as flower crowns and hair feathers have become "basics" of the festival fashion scene. This year, step outside the Free People catalog. Bohemian looks are fabulous and all, but not a necessity of the festival dress code. Find some new inspiration. Channel your inner Gwen Stefani in a sporty bra top and tartan printed skirt, or even create a twist on your favorite Wes Anderson character. A graphic tee, vintage windbreaker and classic sneakers make for a cool 80's hip hop look. Inspiration is everywhere, and a stage like Coachella illicit fashion with the creative effort of Halloween. 

4. Lastly, and most importantly: do you.
Rules are meant to be tested and broken. Wear what you want, and what makes you feel confident. You, beautiful reader, are #flawless, even in a gigantic flower crown. 

Oscars 2015 Recap

Although Ellen selfies and a tripping Jennifer Lawrence were replaced with Neil Patrick Harris in tighty whities and hella-creepy-bulldog-chain-wearing John Travolta, the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards was anything but subpar.  

Here's a mini recap:

Proving her prowess as a fashion icon, Lupita Nyong'o continues to set the bar high with unforgettable red carpet moments. The justification of world-wide oyster genocide came in the form of her absolutely exquisite custom Clavin Klein number. Simply put, she looked like royalty. Pearls seemed to cascade down her body with an exuberant elegance. It was a classic silhouette with an unconventional twist; a double-take demanding combination that is becoming Nyong'o's trademark. 

Naomi Watts debuted my favorite look of the night: an embellished silver and black glitzing Armani Privé gown with black bandeau. Watts was styled to perfection with effortless waves, drop earrings, and edgy berry lipstick. Youthful, sexy, and unique, this dress was a knockout and Watts's confidently rocked it like a pro.  

A pregnant Keira Knightley looked as though she spent the afternoon frolicking in meadows in her ethereal Valentino with floral appliqués. She resembled a whimsical garden fairy goddess in all the best possible ways. Similar in aesthetic to the critic-hated Chanel gown she wore to the Golden Globes, this whimsical, champagne colored garment completely hit the mark. In fact, it deserves to be written about in a few fairytales.  

Notable mentions: 

Jennifer Aniston completely slayed it in a slinky nude dress–courtesy of Versace–further proving the fact that the woman is immune to ever looking less than perfect. 

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Emma Stone reminded me of a green/gold tigress in her sleeved Elie Saab gown. Her signature red locks and makeup complemented the dress impeccably. 

Until next year! PS: Check out some behind the scenes details of Lupita Nyong'o's pearly dress here. 

NYFW Review: 50 Shades of Grey at Wes Gordon

It's a sunny, crystal clear, 75° Friday in the Bay Area , and, naturally, I am spending my afternoon basking in the live-streaming glory of New York Fashion Week. The hectic, colorful atmosphere and brisk temperatures of NYFW seem much more intriguing than yet another perfect California day–especially with the ability to be in virtual proximity to such amazing talent. 

If you read my blog, you know that the 90s are kind of my jam. Thus, it should come at no surprise that my favorite show of the day originates from the brilliant mind of Mr. Wes Gordon. At the mere age of 28, Gordon has already established a trademark in his craft: timeless sophistication. If we were talking music, Gordon's designs would be a Paul McCartney in a room full of Iggy Azaleas and Aviciis. The guy just doesn't disappoint. 

Wes Gordon's Fall 2015 show lived up to the high standards of his young career, with looks evocative of the Calvin Klein minimalism that made Kate Moss famous. In an interview with the Washington Post, Gordon hailed the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as a major source of inspiration. The consistency of clean lines, exquisite tailoring, and even sensibly pulled-back hair played tribute to the fashion icon. 

boss moss and cbk

The most captivating aspect of Gordon's Fall 2015 RTW was the way he stayed true to the classic 90s aesthetic. He didn't add dramatic alterations or overwhelming silhouettes. In fact, within a black and gray palette of color, Gordon smartly balanced knits, furs, print, and translucent fabrics––quintessential 90s textiles–– with ease. Chunky turtlenecks, shirt dresses, spaghetti straps, pea coats, trench coats, even silk palazzo pants were all accounted for on that runway. Gordon didn't reinvent the wheel because he didn't need to. Good clothes are good clothes; it's that simple.