Category Archives: Fashion Shows

More Likely: Perforated

Posted on March 19, 2015 | 5 comments

Michael Kors Spring 2015

Another spring look from Michael Kors 2015 runway this week that hits one of fashion’s current trends — perforated. I like the way this perforated skirt is reminiscent of eyelet without the extra dose of sweetness. You’ll also see this trend on handbags, tops, sleeves and shoes.

Elliot Lucca bucket bag $98

Just yesterday the Nordstrom catalog landed in the mail showing this yellow Elliot Lucca bucket bag ($98). This perforated little number ticks two trends in one bag, because the drawstring bucket bag is everywhere right now. If you have the slightest weakness for this shape, this is your season to grab one. I had one years ago (probably 20+ years) in tan that I adored and wore all the time until a pen leaked in the bottom and ruined it. Clearly I’m still a bit traumatized over it.

But, back to the matter at hand. Here are some more outfit ideas that incorporate the modern perforated look.

Natalie Off Duty

Lady Addict

Via Pinterest

I’ve already purchased a perforated grey belt and am likely to grab a pair of flats for this summer. What do you think of the trend? Are you more likely to skip or shop something perforated this season?

x Laura

“Sweet life continues in the breeze, in the golden fields.” ― Jack Kerouac

More Likely: Gingham

Posted on March 11, 2015 | 10 comments

All of a sudden it doesn’t seem like such a fantasy to think about spring outfits. As collective survivors of the seemingly longest, most dismal winter of memory (extra survival points to those in epic weather areas), I think it is safe to begin dreaming of open-toed shoes, bare-legged skirts and days without winter coats.

As I was perusing my Spring 2015 designer runway pins, I spotted this lovely Michael Kors outfit. Gingham is one of those prints we’ll be seeing more of this spring/summer and it’s got great graphic appeal. It evokes picnics, warm weather strolls and eating gelato.

Michael Kors Spring 2015

While the off shoulder top and midi skirt works straight off the runway, I found another equally cool gingham outfit, below. In my world, the button-down shirt and white jeans are more likely to get pulled for week-to-week rotation. I also really like her choice of lighter brown accents with the printed shirt. You’ll notice that both the runway and street style outfits do brown belts and bags with the black print. Uh huh, nothing gets by me.

Lovely Pepa by Alexandra via Pinterest

Happily both outfit inspirations work for a variety of age groups (minus the cropped top for my 40+ self, but that’s easily remedied).

Here’s to warmer weather!

x Laura

“And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”
― Percy Bysshe Shelley

Disturbance

Posted on September 17, 2014 | 6 comments

Bang, bang, whirr, slam, thump, thump.

We’re three weeks into a home renovation project that still has a few more weeks to go. And I’m so grateful for all the noise, clunking, dust and strangers tromping through the house. Not because I love the disturbances, but because I’m keeping my sights on the end result. When we moved into ‘this old house’ over a decade ago, we thought we’d redo everything within 5 years, max. The list was long, but how hard could it be?! Well, we were naive about everything, but especially how much time it would take and how many other things took priority over renovating (roof, windows, insulation, exterior, baby, dog, cars, vacation, jobs, etc.) We’re getting closer to having it fixed up, but we’re not there yet.

Having the house in a state of destruction got me thinking about disturbances in fashion. Many designers do collections that are pleasing, balanced and perfect, but I’m also intrigued by the slightly off-kilter collections that show jarring lines, odd cut-outs, wayward colors, and fabric that’s been damaged, torn or pieced-together. There’s a lot to be said for errant design. It can be innovative, quirky, unexpected and modern.

Here are some favorite disturbances from the Fall 2014 runway:

Bottega Veneta Fall 2014 (style.com)

Wes Gordon Fall 2014 (style.com)

Belstaff Fall 2014 (style.com)

Celine Fall 2014 (style.com)

Giambattista Valli Fall 2014 (style.com)

Peter Som Fall 2014 (style.com)

When we shake things up, we end up on a new path. We don’t always know how it will end, but we know it will be different. Disturbances push us, test us, and interrupt the peace. Hopefully, in the end, we’re able to construct a better way.

x Laura

6 Comments

Posted in Fall Fashion, Fashion, Fashion Shows, Lifestyle

Tagged Bottega Veneta, Celine, Giambattista Valli, Peter Som, Runway, Wes Gordon

Five for Fall

Posted on September 9, 2014 | 9 comments

Sitting here in a sweater and pair of boots for the first time this season, I guess it’s time to fully embrace the coming of fall. It’s my favorite season, with the moderate temps, gorgeous foliage colors, and the introspective mood before the coming of winter. As nature scurries to prepare for the onset of cold weather, I follow suit with a new-found energy toward finishing projects and clearing out our nest. There’s no use in trying to stop the change.

Jason Wu Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear (New York). style.com

Making the summer-to-fall leap:

Fashion shows for Spring have begun! New York, London, Milan and Paris will show collections over the next two months. I’ve started a Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear cheat sheet here to track trends, colors and fabrics.
Donate, sell and consign. Good grief — the clutter! Create a haven in your space this winter by clearing out unwanted things now. Start small with a bag or two. Please don’t freak out and do too much. Slow and steady is better.
Get the house winterized while the weather is still nice. Here’s a helpful list of maintenance items to get done now – To Do: September Home Checklist
My workout routine was non-existent this summer, so it’s time to make it a priority again. I’ve signed up for two classes and am ready to kick some booty. No time for the gym? Check out this printable No Running Required, 20-minute Cardio Workout.
Plan the next vacation. Summer trips are still fresh in our memories, but fall and winter breaks will be here before we know it. Don’t get shut out by waiting too long. 5 Things Smart Travelers Should Do in September.

Lastly, here’s a 15-second beauty cheat. I just got wise to this brow product that is really fantastic. Gimme Brow by Benefit ($22) has a tiny mascara-like brush that fills in brows, even where they are seriously lacking. Covers little grey hairs, adds dimension to the arch and tail, and fills in patchy areas. It’s kind of a brow miracle and very easy to use.

Gimme Brow by Benefit

Enjoy all the good things that September brings.

x Laura

“My heart is drumming in my chest so hard it aches, but it’s the good kind of ache, like the feeling you get on the first real day of autumn, when the air is crisp and the leaves are all flaring at the edges and the wind smells just vaguely of smoke – like the end and the beginning of something all at once.”
― Lauren Oliver, Delirium

9 Comments

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Fashion Shows, Lifestyle, Travel

Tagged beauty, Brows, Checklist, Fashion Shows, fitness, Home, Runway, Spring 2015, Travel Planning

Out Like a Lamb

Posted on March 6, 2014 | 7 comments

If March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, it’s about time for that lamb to show up, graze around and settle in for spring. In Boulder, weather-wise we are about a month behind other parts of the U.S. As I walk the neighborhood, I see crocus beginning to pop up and spreading their petals out from under light snow. Nearly everyone I run into is giddy about warmer temperatures. So today, I felt drawn toward this street style photo of Helena Bordon at the recent Paris fashion shows in her floral coat. She is a breath of spring incarnate.

Helena Bordon (vogue.co.uk)

Florals are big every spring, but this year’s crop of flowers is more edgy than classic. Designers are taking some of the sweetness out of floral patterns by deconstructing the print, using neon colors, or coating the fabric for high shine. I like looking to the runways to see the mood of what will be coming into stores. Here are some of my favorites from the Spring 2014 runways.

Paul Smith Spring 2014

J. Crew Spring 2014

Kenzo Spring 2014

Matthew Williamson Spring 2014

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2014

Ostwald Helgason Spring 2014

Misha Nonoo Spring 2014

There are over 500 looks from Spring 2014 on my Pinterest board. If you like these, it’s a wonderful place to see all the spring trends and find tons of inspiration.

Floral accessories always catch my eye as a great way to add life to your outfit and celebrate the return of warm weather. If you’d like just a taste of floral, these products satisfy the craving.