Fashion Week F/W 14: A Breakdown for the Everyday Gal

The stars aligned this year and I made it out to Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York City. Although I'd been to a few shows several years back as a guest, it's a little different being there as a credentialed attendee. Access to designers' PR, lounging in the infamous vendor-laden tents (although a little dry this year compared to previous ones), and the opportunity to attend show after show and absorb all the different collections was not just physically but mentally overstimulating - in a great way. Add to that being constantly surrounded by celebs (while maintaining a poker face), figuring out what to wear at the height of the Polar Vortex, attempting to document or atleast photograph each moment, remembering to eat..let's just say it was an exhausting week!

My peek at how the shows are executed seamlessly - a model board backstage at Rebecca Minkoff

The Instagram Wall - a constantly changing collage showcasing all pics hashtagged #mbfw

Waiting was worth it :)

My take on the new styles? There was a common theme of added color and texture, more than the typical, repetitive fall/winter collections past. Designers seem to be layering on the notions of colored leather, multiple textures (feather and fur as prime examples at Nicole Miller) and techni-hues by combining several of these concepts into one, wearable outfit.

A plethora of fall colors, prints, furs, and embossed leather at Nicole Miller - the designer who once showcased her work on Linda, Christy, and Naomi (aka the Big Three). Spotted: Daisy Fuentes, Carrie Preston, Rachael Harris, Olivia Culpo, the Lohans

In the ridiculously fast-paced world of fashion, what was once considered too high-brow or out-there for the average woman to wear in real, everyday life is morphing into the mainstream lineup faster than ever.

These once over-the-top notions of exaggerated menswear, boxy shapes, multi-color leather and fur, futuristic fabrics and silhouettes, all open the door to trying a bit of it all on a smaller scale in real life without looking like a runway caricature.

Up-and-coming Russian designer Katya Leonovich showcases strength in tailoring with these futuristic designs - the movement of which were striking in person. (Not a great collection to take on in real life - these looks are definitely best left to the runway!)

More color, print, and fur at Saunder

 Leather, fur, accordian pleats, and bling at a more approachable Pamella Roland - a visually stunning collection said to be inspired by the architecture of New York city. Front row faves: Nigel Barker, Miss J Alexander, Michelle Hicks, Lydia Hearst

Not a fan of Dennis Basso's theatrical designs, I enjoyed being in close proximity to his front row lineup much more - Olivia Palermo, Debra Messing, Carol Alt, Mary J. Blige, and Andre Leon Talley 

Just a few of Basso's front row guests

So if you are often intimidated by what you see on the runway - this is for you.  If you never thought you could do fur - try a small, neutral touch in camel or the always safe-yet-chic black. If you were afraid to mix prints or textures- try it out on a less sensational level by using a smaller scale and a neutral color pallette.  Afraid of volume? Get over it! :) Every single collection boasted something or other in a boxy cut, menswear inspired or otherwise. The trend is here to stay.

Alexander Wang - need I say more?

Always remember, the eye gets accustomed to the new and the bold. Keep moving forward in an attempt to stay modern and current. In an age of democratic, fast fashion, where new styles are now accessible to anyone and everyone vs. only those in fashion's main capitals - take advantage of living in an era where you have the current and coveted at your fingertips!

Soo Joo opened for Rebecca Minkoff donning a boxy coat, buttery leather, fur details, subtle print, and a wee splash of color while looking perfectly effortless and on trend - not over the top!  This picture exemplifies my point beautifully: don't be scared to pile on different textures and trends! When done correctly, it can yield great results!

Want more from NYFW? Check out my posts and tidbits on Instagram: @sbd_style

Fashion Week SS14: A Closer Look Into Spring's New Style Collective

Fashion week has wrapped up in a whirling New York minute, and the highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2014 ( (or #ss14 if you speak hashtag) collections are making their way into the mainstream psyche as designers, models, bloggers, socialites, actresses, and minions gathered for what is perhaps the most anticipated event all year.

A few concepts spotted early on in the week drew inspiration from confection in blush pastels (rose, lilac, butter) and stark white in women's wear. The soft colors were balanced with strong asymmetrical lines in silhouette from powerhouses such as Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham, Tadashi Shoji, and Prabal Gurung. On the contrary, last season's statement patterns grew bolder in all their animal, tribal, floral, and pinstriped glory on soft, minimalist shapes at Diane Von Furstenburg, Donna Karen, and Tracy Reese.

The overall verdict? Styles seem to be drawing consistently from last season's spring collection, yet pleasingly topping their predecessors with added oomph in graphic prints, structured cuts, and modern aesthetic.  This was embodied best in the prevalence the full, flouncy skirt, which made a stunning comeback (in varying lengths) at collections across the board, from department store favorite Alice-and-Olivia to Spanish-darling designer Delpozo.

Delpozo

3.1 Philip Lim

The full skirt is also a key example of a startling shift.  The continuing movement away from the ultra feminine, bodycon apparel of the past seems to be here to stay. Cool-girl uniform master Philip Lim stunned with boxy shapes orchestrated in rock and fire prints as well as subtle embellishments, a collection so dazzling in itself that the models were sent down the runway with shades, wet-looking hair, and barely-there makeup. Lim is just one successful example of the widespread appeal of a more restrained approach to fashion, where something is being left to the imagination. What started out as a natural shift last year due to the see-saw nature of the industry has been fully embraced, and is now being recognized as a conscious international effort on part of several designers to to tap into the infamously conservative emerging markets of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.  One look at Valentino, now owned by Qatari royalty, and it is apparent that the brand has traded in skin for lush fabrics and demure necklines which are equal, if not greater, parts glamorous than their skimpier predecessors.

DKNY frontwoman Rita Ora

Other luxury brands are trying out voluminous yet structured shapes, not just with large winter coats, but in fresh spring concoctions of roomy knitwear and boxy jackets as was apparent all over the Spring/Summer 14 collections. While lush, full silhouettes in heavy, rich fabrics were the epitome of high-end couture for fall, the notion is just as relevant on the street-style side for spring.  DKNY's 25th anniversary collection, featuring large logo'd nods to decades past, as well as a closing strut by trend setting pop starlette Rita Ora, epitomized this notion with tailored staples, billowing trenches, and clean neutrals that were young, edgy, and anything but dowdy. Such conservative approaches as seen in menswear, grunge, and throwback 90's looks like DKNY's (think of the consistently popular hi-tech, roomy sweatshirt) prove that covering it up is quickly becoming mainstream.  Blame it on the comfort and ease of movement, those with their eyes on the prize of conservative yet lucrative fashion markets, or a natural progression from bodycon, the restrainted aesthetic seems to be here to stay, and the all too pleasing #SS14 collection further proves across the board that this is the case.

                                                             90's Menswear at DKNY