Backstage At Jason Wu's Chinese-Inspired (Yup, Emperor Hats Included) Show
Ominous music, long, swinging, aggressively blunt-cut ponytails bound with bondage tape, the most obvious Chinese influence yet, and a real nod to luxury defined Jason Wu's fall '12 production. And make no mistake, this show was a real production.
The designer is clearly ready to announce to the world that he's made it, and is ready to mix up his cinched-waist-teadress look he's most known for. Everything about this show, from the mink, lace and brocade accents to the sky-high stilettos and don't-mess-with me makeup, made Wu's point quite clear: He's ready to be known as a designer beyond the maker of Michelle Obama's inaugural gown, though we're not too sure Archean emperor hats and Mao-era jackets were the subtlest of inspirations.
Want more than just our word for it? Take a trip through to show with us (a better look at that bondage tape hair-do is worth it) after the jump.
Photographed by Nina Westervelt/MCV Photo
14 Rad Plaid Pieces To Wear And Love All Season Long!
Sure, the plaid flannel trend has come and gone several times over the past few decades, but there’s something about this classic and rustic print that we just can’t get enough of. With the holidays—and winter—right around the corner, we're especially invested in it. Thanks to a bunch of updates by some of our favorite labels, there are fresh options ready for the taking this season. From J.Crew's mega-sophisticated hunter green-and-navy cropped trouser to dramatic capes that are equal parts prep and lumberjack, check them all out!
9 Oh-So-Cozy Winter Dresses To Pair With Your Most Bangin' Boots
We don't know about you, but this is the time of year when we get really excited about getting dressed every day. The art of piling on layers, the lure of cashmere, the search for the softest, snuggliest fabrics ever — these are the things that get us jazzed about throwing open our closet each morning.
But, despite our enthusiasm, we're always stumped by one cold-weather conundrum — finding winter dresses that work with our favorite go-to boots. At least for now, you can pull out last summer's sundress and add thick tights and your best equestrian-inspired kicks. But when it gets really chilly, you'll want a serious shift that can pull its weight against freezing temps and look adorable with your favorite ankle booties or over-the-knee stunners. And so, with that in mind, we've gathered up our favorite heavy-duty (but super-chic) winter dresses that will pair perfectly with your best boots.
11 Best Sweaters To Layer Over Everything This Winter
Finally, the SoCal weather is beginning to resemble something like winter. Possibly that means you're feeling a bit under-dressed for the chilly temps? No worries. We’ve got everything you need for the ultimate wardrobe warm-up. From on-trend turtlenecks to chunky knit cardis, L.A.’s top boutiques have racks and racks of chic, cozy sweaters that will keep you looking haute and feeling hot. Layer them over a polka dot blouse, a printed dress, or just jeans and a tee. There's really no place these cuddlers can't go.
Tough Grandma + Urban Jungle = An R29 Exclusive
R29 is beyond thrilled to get our hands on an exclusive editorial from Tom Hines. With a client roster that reads more like the contents of our dream closet — including Proenza Schouler, The Lake and Stars, Katie Gallagher, and Samantha Pleet — Hines' shots have the ability to capture incredibly beautiful moments that beg for an extra-long gaze.
We're crazy for Kathryn Typaldos' (who we also revere for her work in W and Nylon, to name a few) styling in the featured project, conceptualized as a mix of high/low, runway/thrift, and what they're calling "tough grandma." Featuring model Kate Kosushkina, we invite you to lust over the soft looks set against barren backgrounds in six snaps you'll see here first.
6 Weird Fall Trends You Might Actually Like
The last thing you want to be is a fashion victim, but sometimes, trends are an opportunity to test your sartorial boundaries. Because what's fashion without a little risk, right? Last February's fall runways had a wide variety of wackadoo looks that left us scratching our heads, as per usual. But, now that we've had a few months to mull them over, we've decided on six that we feel good about trying out. Leave your inhibitions in the closet… here are the six weirdest fall trends worth trying out. Who knows, you might end up loving them!
Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV Photo"
Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV Photo"
L.A.'s Top Celeb Stylist Dishes On Her Fave Fall Trends
Simone Harouche is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is this super stylist responsible for the always-gorgeous Nicole Richie’s red carpet looks, Miley Cyrus’ transformation from tween queen to style sophisticate, and Christina Aguilera’s glam turn during the Back To Basics era, but she’s also a handbag designer. Her line, Simone Camille, is filled with eclectic, ethnic prints and colorful embroideries; the saddlebags, messengers, carryalls (and so much more), are already getting serious attention here in the Southland and beyond. This L.A. native always imbues her work with a glam, bohemian spirit that is totally fresh. So, you know we were over the moon when we picked her very-fashionable brain re: trends, accessories, and her fave beauty looks. Thankfully, the lovely Miss Simone broke away from coordinating show-stopping ensembles and drafting up designs to share her top fall picks from the runways to the makeup chair—you know we're paying it forward to you.
R29 Giveaway:
If you’re desperate for a new Simone Camille Skins handbag, get in line! Just tell us in the comments of this story what you’re most excited to wear for fall, and the answer that has us layering up the quickest will score a Fringe Black Bucket bag from Simone’s killer collection.
Tell us a little bit about the expansion of Simone Camille and your new Skins bags.
“With the launch of the SKINS collection—my new line of leather and suede bags, I wanted to create handbags that are more attainable and cost-friendly, while still maintaining the bohemian whimsical spirit that the one-of-a-kind vintage bags have.”
How would you style your Simone Camille bags for a casual event and for a more dressed-up party?
“I may be biased here, but I wear my bags with everything! You can pair the Carpet Bag with jeans and a T-shirt or a night-out look. The Saddle Bag is super-cute for a night out with a little black dress and amazing boots. The feedback I get most often from women who wear Simone Camille bags is that as colorful and crazy as they are, they find a way to complement whatever they are wearing with their bag—I find this to be a major achievement!”
What are your top trends for fall?
“I love the 1960s, so I am really into ‘60s silhouettes and bold prints for fall. Shift dresses, color blocking, vibrant colors, you name it…. I dig it!
“I also love the more sinister dominatrix-inspired fashion looks that were on the runway for fall, especially from Louis Vuitton. I love a bit of leather incorporated into a look.”
Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV Photo
What To Wear To The Marina's New Frat-Free Bar
Reed & Greenough Photo by Naseema Khan
Boozing in the Marina? Yeah, it doesn’t sound all that appealing to us, either. But there’s a new and relatively frat-free cocktail den in the co-ed-heavy area, and it's looking to change your mind. Meet Reed & Greenough, the brainchild of Paul Owens (he also owns Tortilla Heights), nestled on Scott Street, just off of Chestnut. Housed in what used to be the cringe-worthy Gravity bar, the space has transformed into a lush, old-school spot, featuring a gleaming copper bar, tufted leather sofas, rich mahogany walls, antique bookcases cast in romantic lighting, and a game area that boasts a 20-foot shuffleboard table, dartboard, and pool table. Add to that the libations, which include 20 beers and wines on tap (and plenty more in bottles), five classic turn-of-the-century cocktails, and four signature in-house versions. Our favorite: the crispy-topped (really, they light it on fire) Pisco Brûlée. Just how should you dress on your first (or second!) Reed & Greenough outing? Take a look at our picks below, and pull together an awesome, atypical Marina outfit.
Reed & Greenough, 3251 Scott Street (between Lombard and Chestnut streets); 415-913-7021.
Clockwise from top left: Rainbow Bangle Set, $10.80, available at Forever 21. Asos Midi Dress in Spot Print, $87.30, available at Asos. Madison Harding Francis Heel, $219.99, available at Ashbury Skies. Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color In Punch Drunk and Sephora By OPI Glee Chic Print Nail Decals, $15, both available at Sephora.
We're Feeling Velvet, Here Are 12 Ways To Rock It
We know how hard it is to say goodbye to your woven flatforms and crocheted whites, but to ease the blow, let us introduce you to a cold weather trend you'll actually be psyched to wear: Say hello to velvet in all of its luxe, crushed, and jewel-toned variations, cuz we have a feeling you'll really cozy up to its warmth this winter. Nothing is more lush than a little touch of this classic fabric— be it on a scarf or a full on berry blazer, incorporating velvet into your everyday wear is a sure way to feel rich this fall and add texture to your wardrobe all the way into winter. Take it from us, you don't need to be dancing along to a harp at a renaissance fair or doing triple axels on the rink to feel like you fit in with this trend; Whether you grunge it up on the L.E.S with some McQueen skulls or keep it chic on the U.E.S with a Lanvin bow tie, there's no wrong way to feel the velvet vibe….well, almost (cough, cough Hugh Hefner). So go ahead—substitute your corduroy and suedes and hop on board the velvet train, which makes the booty-hugging white jeans we just can't seem to pack up seem a little more weather acceptable.
The Craziest Runway Looks From The Month
There are many breathtaking ooh-and-aah moments at Fashion Week, but we also enjoy an equally resounding, "What the?!" New York to Paris, we've tilted our heads and mulled over several looks that take big, giant leaps outside the box. Beautiful? Ugly? We'll just say brave. Amazing, even. Perhaps you don't need a flesh-tone cocoon ensemble or a headdress that only Darth Vader would envy, but there's no reason why you can't enjoy the view.
Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV Photo
Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV Photo
Perfect Office Outfit: From Corporate To Cocktails
When your sartorial wiggle room is as big as a cubicle, it's hard to stay on top of your fashion game. But fear not, office goddesses—we're working to figure out how to crack the corporate dress code without falling victim to a five-day pantsuit. For this edition, we looked towards Financial Consulting Analyst Margot Beldengreen, who doesn't let a strict level of professionalism get in the way of her flair for the glamorous. Read on for Margot's tips to mastering two Perfect Office Outfits (as well as tips for hopping from boardroom to barside, without having to do an entire outfit switch!).
On Margot: Robert Rodriguez Dress (rented from Rent the Runway), All Saints Trench Coat, Forever21 Shoes, Forever21 Purse, Hue Tights, Lanciani Watch. Products, from left to right: Joie Mary Jane Pumps, $124.31, available at Bloomingdale's; Old Navy Skirted Trench Coat, $49, available at Old Navy; Miss Selfridge Snakeskin Clutch, $27.98, available at Miss Selfridge; Robert Rodriguez Embellished Silk Dress, $207.90, available at The Outnet.
"You know that designer dress you have dreams about wearing, but costs as much as this month’s rent? I like to think of Rent the Runway as my fashion Fairy Godmother—a fantastic resource for finding that perfect outfit for special occasions without breaking the bank. While I usually do not wear anything short to work, I had an event that night, and found that adding opaque tights and a blazer helped to make the Robert Rodriguez dress more office-appropriate. I love the detail on this dress so much, it's really comfortable and versatile for day or night."
On Margot: Pins and Needles Blazer, Elie Tahari Top, Clavin Klein Skirt, Forever21 Belt, CC Skype Purse, Charles David Shoes. Products, from left to right: H&M Blazer, $23.30, available in store at H&M; Diane von Furstenberg Belt, $175, available at Stylebop; Fiorelli Warhol Ziptop Grab Bag, $137.21, available at ASOS; Alice + Olivia Pencil Skirt, $240, available at Nordstrom.
"As a consultant, I work on-site at the clients’ office. It is imperative, therefore, that I adjust my office attire to reflect the client’s culture. As a general rule, it is always better dress more conservatively at work than to not. In other words, if you have to think about whether or not an article of clothing is appropriate for work, you are better off wearing something else.
"I enjoy the way this outfit provides a contrast to the standard white top with black bottom everyone regularly wears. This look is feminine without being inappropriate, but I’ll usually wear it towards the end of the week when I don’t have meetings, just in case. And the blazer is an absolute wardrobe staple as the strong shoulders help to elongate my proportions. It’s just soooo fetch (Yes, I am trying to make 'fetch' happen)."
On Margot: Robert Rodriguez Dress (rented from Rent the Runway), All Saints Trench Coat, Forever21 Shoes, Forever21 Purse, Hue Tights, Lanciani Watch. Products, from left to right: Joie Mary Jane Pumps, $124.31, available at Bloomingdale's; Old Navy Skirted Trench Coat, $49, available at Old Navy; Miss Selfridge Snakeskin Clutch, $27.98, available at Miss Selfridge; Robert Rodriguez Embellished Silk Dress, $207.90, available at The Outnet.
"You know that designer dress you have dreams about wearing, but costs as much as this month’s rent? I like to think of Rent the Runway as my fashion Fairy Godmother—a fantastic resource for finding that perfect outfit for special occasions without breaking the bank. While I usually do not wear anything short to work, I had an event that night, and found that adding opaque tights and a blazer helped to make the Robert Rodriguez dress more office-appropriate. I love the detail on this dress so much, it's really comfortable and versatile for day or night."
On Margot: Pins and Needles Blazer, Elie Tahari Top, Clavin Klein Skirt, Forever21 Belt, CC Skype Purse, Charles David Shoes. Products, from left to right: H&M Blazer, $23.30, available in store at H&M; Diane von Furstenberg Belt, $175, available at Stylebop; Fiorelli Warhol Ziptop Grab Bag, $137.21, available at ASOS; Alice + Olivia Pencil Skirt, $240, available at Nordstrom.
"As a consultant, I work on-site at the clients’ office. It is imperative, therefore, that I adjust my office attire to reflect the client’s culture. As a general rule, it is always better dress more conservatively at work than to not. In other words, if you have to think about whether or not an article of clothing is appropriate for work, you are better off wearing something else.
"I enjoy the way this outfit provides a contrast to the standard white top with black bottom everyone regularly wears. This look is feminine without being inappropriate, but I’ll usually wear it towards the end of the week when I don’t have meetings, just in case. And the blazer is an absolute wardrobe staple as the strong shoulders help to elongate my proportions. It’s just soooo fetch (Yes, I am trying to make 'fetch' happen)."
Kick It In Fall's 18 Best Boots Ever!
After months of waiting, it's finally our favorite dressing time of year again. That's right, pack up those sandals, as our beloved boot season has finally kicked off...which makes us (almost) more excited than if we found out our desks were made of chocolate. Now comes the hard part: What kind do you buy? Ranging from modern combat clompers to classic suede pistol boots, the choices of women's boots for fall are seemingly endless, but trust us, it's that perfect mix of utility and sophistication that scores top honors in our book. Right here, we've done some fancy footwork and rounded up the best boots of the season to keep your tootsies warm and dry while also putting a whole lot of extra style in your stride. Your only challenge: Choosing just one pair.
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