Chic Inspector

Inspection Report: Laquan Smith Fall '12 Presentation

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Laquan Smith Fall '12 Presentation

Show: Laquan Smith Fall '12 Presentation

Location: Bryant Park Hotel Cellar

Overall: Laquan is a very young designer that is slowly emerging among ranks with admirers such as Andre Leon Talley, Serena Williams and Rihanna even at his presentation were renowned stylists June Ambrose and Ty Hunter in attendance. Cleverly titled, "Robotic Dream" Laquan Smith referenced his Fall '12 collection to Space age where women are strong, sexy and can kill you with just a stare. This collection is very high editorial and I wouldn't be surprised if one these pieces ended up in a music video; it's very directive.There were body con dresses, with iridescent panels, my favorite were the structured flared skirts and blazers.

Grade: B+

Structure!

ASOS Arm Party

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Arm candies all by ASOS

Disclaimer: This is not my arm, it belongs to my cousin, Alicia. She doesn't have a blog, so I decided to make a post about it.

I've seen many arm parties in my day but what I love about this particular arm party is that each singular bracelet is reminiscent of a charm bracelet without the dangling charms.

ASOS Skinny Cross Bangle

ASOS Skinny Torq Bangle With Gold Star

ASOS Fishbone Fine Bracelet

ASOS Plug Cuff Bracelet

What's your favorite bracelet in this arm party?

Favorite Oscars Red Carpet Moment: Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:52:00 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

There were many moments at the Oscars red carpet that definitely made me chuckle; Ryan Seacrest drenched in Kim Jong Il's ashes, Angelina Jolie right leg and Diddy's lint roller assistant. Besides the laughs, I was waiting for someone to blow me away in a gorgeous look and Gwyneth Paltrow was an absolute vision in a minimal white dress and cape by Tom Ford Fall '12 Collection. FYI: Tom Ford recently showed his Fall '12 collection in London privately for editors and buyers which means this is the first glimpse at his collection until we see it fully in the next couple of months.

pic source

Kanye West in ACNE's Lia Cable Knit Sweater

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Kanye West during London Fashion Week.

Oh boy, that Kanye West really knows how to pick an item of clothing that is meant for the opposite sex and turn up the swag factor for himself. This is not the first time Ye' has worn a woman's top, remember him in Celine during Coachella? Regardless, the sweater is by ACNE, it's a gorgeous mint green, which is a big trend for Spring, see Inspected Trend: Mint Green.

Inspection Report: Kara Ross Fall '12 Presentation

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Kara Ross Fall '12 Presentation

Show: Kara Ross Fall '12 Presentation

Location: Columbus Circle, NYC

Overall: Kara Ross really knows how to cover the gamut of luxury in her handbags and jewelry. My favorites were the satchels, clutches and even some jewelry that were covered in soft python skin. For jewelry, Kara Ross was inspired by her trip to Morocoo, there was gold, tortoise shell and bugged out necklaces and rings. Basically there was pieces for everyone, for that sophisticated lady or the party girl, Kara had it covered.

Grade: B

Inspection Report: Jen Kao Fall '12 Runway Show

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:46:00 +0000

Show: Jen Kao Fall '12 Runway Show

Location: Highline Stages, NYC

Pieces to Covet: Tobacco and Black High Lacquer Chiffon Pleated Slipdress, Black and White Phantom Lotus and Chrysanthemum Printed Satin Chiffon Audrey Dress and Swarovski Elements Lotus and Chrysanthemum Crystal Mesh and Helio Turquoise Silk Wool
Theater Jacket.

Overall: The Jen Kao show pulled in some very unique front row attendees such as Beyonce's stylist, Ty Hunter, Actress Zoe Kravitz and my favorite, Elle's Style Director, Kate Lanphear. Last season designer Jen Kao was all sci-fi with her collection now she is coming back down to earth with military inspired pieces that were encapsulated in fur. The collection then drifted on to pieces that were inspired by Chinese prints and embroidery, fringe and eyelet detailing.

Grade: B

Tommy Ton Captures New York Fashion Week

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Pic from Style.com

During New York Fashion Week or any of the Fashion Weeks around the world, besides the runways one of the best way to get the feeling of fresh fashion is the street style from fashion editors to fashion bloggers. Popular street style photographer, Tommy Ton took some amazing images for Style.com, around NYC that really captured some major trends that we will see in weeks to come.

New York Fashion Week isn't over... yet, if you happen to be around Lincoln Center, here are a few trends to try to get your picture taken.
1.) Neon... Neon anything. I've seen a lady in a neon fur coat. No, I'm not joking.
2.) Prints which includes leopard, floral, plaid, Aztec, stripes etc. It's probably best to wear all at once.
3.) Fur... You may not want to get pelted by PETA, so I advise go get some faux and a lot of it.

Have a Happy Fashion Week!

Inspection Report: Christian Siriano Fall '12 Runway Show

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Show: Christian Sirano Fall '12 Runway Show

Location: EyeBeam Gallery, NYC

Overall: Long gone are the days of wondering how would this Project Runway winner would handle his career and new found fame. But this collection proved otherwise based on maturity and his obvious skill as a womenswear designer. This collection was a bit toned down from seasons past, but I think everyone needs to find a way to edit down their collections so it won't have to be predictable.

Grade: B+

I Spy, You Spy: Editor X's Idea on Blogging

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:27:00 +0000

(L to R) Kelly Framel of The Glamouri, Aureta Thomollari of Aureta's Blog, Aimee Song of Song of Style, Nadia Sarwar of FrouFrouu and Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller

"Blogs are for out of college kids that have time on their hands."

pic source

Inspection Report: Ann Yee Fall '12 Presentation

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:48:00 +0000

Show: Ann Yee Fall '12 Presentation

Location: GO Studios, NYC

Pieces To Covet: Owen Anorak, Gavin Top and Adrian Sweater Skirt

Overall: Ann Yee isn't a fairly new label but it did turned up on my radar this season. This muted collection was a focused on exaggerated shapes in chunky knits, maxi skirts and boxy blazers with a hint of transparency in some of the pieces. I wish there was an explanation of inspiration in the run of show. I like to have the insight of what the designer process is for the season. But overall this was a really wearable collection for that edgy customer.

Grade: B

Inspection Report: Monika Chiang Fall '12 Presentation

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:28:00 +0000

Show: Monika Chiang Fall '12 Presentation

Location: Lincoln Center, NYC

Pieces To Covet: Riding Jacket in Wool Barathea and Fitted Leather Jacket with Shearling Sleeves in Black

Overall: I know of the Monika Chiang brand by the handbags and shoes, so it was a delightful visit to see the addition read-to-wear component. I would completely in love with the leather accents throughout the pieces especially the leather skirt that with the standout gold zipper to the side. However one thing bothered me that was on display at this presentation was the Isabal Marant-ish Wedge Sneakers that was embellished with fur and studs. I understand these new form of sneakers are hot right now, but it's completely apparent who did them first.

Grade: B-

Inspection Report: Lauren Moffatt Fall '12 Presentation

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Show: Lauren Moffat Fall '12 Presentation

Location: The Old School, NYC

Pieces To Covet: Edith Fairisle Crewneck Sweater w/ Isabel Lace Midi Skirt and Lolita Velvet and Denim Jumper w/ Jane Floral Pintuck Top.

Overall: Arriving at Old School there was two classes, Science and Art, that I had to step in so I can look at the Lauren Moffatt Collection. If my art and science classes was this chic when I was in school I would probably be more hyped to go. But alas this Fashion Week and the ideas of grandeur is best fitted the collections. What I loved the most about this presentation was even though the models look studious they were all doing things a student shouldn't do it class. I think that's the best irony, the most well dressed school girl also is the one that misbehaves.

Grade: B+

Art Class at Lauren Moffatt Fall '12 Presentation

Science Class

Full Class Photo

Inspection Report: Tanya Taylor Fall '12 Presentation

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Show: Tanya Taylor Fall '12 Presentation

Location: Exit Art Gallery, NYC

Pieces To Covet: wool herringbone Winnie jumpsuit, wool bias twill jacket and butternut structural angora dolly skirt.

Overall: This newer label by a former designer at Elizabeth and James really dig into a soft feminine sophistication for next season. There were full print jumpsuits, structured wool blazers and full skirts. Even though this was my first show of the week, I think Tanya Taylor did a great job for the first time out and I would love to see more from this label in the future.

Grade: B

Milk Made Spring/Summer 12 Video Montage

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:44:00 +0000

New York Fashion Week starts in a few hours and sometimes you need a recap of what you're going to be in before it even starts. Milk Made (the other FW location besides Lincoln Center) did this video montage of their Spring/Summer 2012 season. I don't know about you, but seeing this video I'm slowing getting excited about hitting the pavement for Fashion Week.

NY Fashion Week Must-Haves

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:21:00 +0000

In a slight homage to today's post on Refinery29, 9 Top Editors Spill Their Must-Haves For Fashion Week, I have decided to spill MY must-haves for Fashion Week. :-)

Saneeta Harris, Founder & Editor, Chic Inspector

High-top wedges from Payless

"I expect much running up and down this season from Milk Studios, Lincoln Center and other venues around the City so I need shoes with height and are comfortable."

Number One 1001808 Sunglasses by Karen Walker

"Karen Walker sunglasses are a don't-leave-home-without-it essential. These are crucial for the early morning shows because I'm not a morning person."

iPad 2 from Apple

"An iPad really don't need any explanation. But I will say this, having apps are important for file-sharing to photo-editing."

Favorite Pre-Fall 2012 Collections

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:23:00 +0000

In a few ~~weeks~~ days Fashion Month begins starting in New York, and as always I will be blogging my heart away for Chic Inspector for New York Fashion Week. But before I dive into that circus, I would like to round up my favorite Pre-Fall 2012 Collections.

Carven: School Girl Prep

Carven Pre-Fall 2012

Helmut Lang: Casual Layering

Helmut Lang Pre-Fall 2012

Kenzo: Statement Coats

Kenzo Pre-Fall 2012

Yves Saint Laurent: Executive Realness

Yves Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2012

Chloe: Play on Volumizing

Chloe Pre-Fall 2012

3.1 Phillip Lim: Ka-Pow Graffiti Print

3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012

Balenciaga: 80's Print Revival

Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2012

Alexander Wang: Mix of hard and soft textures

Alexander Wang Pre-Fall 2012

What were your favorite Pre-Fall 2012 collections?

5 Online Stores You Need to Bookmark

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Do you need a break from always surfing through ASOS, TopShop and Net-a-porter to satisfy your shopping craving needs? Well if you do, I've discovered five other online stores that will give you a fashion jolt to the bones. Also, the clothes are easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet.

1. Mikkat Market

2. Romwe

3. Doris Apparel

4. Pixie Market

5. tobi

What are your favorite places to shop online?

INC Editor at Large, Kate Young Party at Le Bain

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Models wearing INC

Last night I attended the launch party at Le Bain in the Meatpacking District for Kate Young celebrating her new title, INC Editor at Large for the brand, INC International Concept. Based on a few questions I received from people at the party I guess it wasn't clear that STYLIST, Kate Young styled the INC collection Spring 2012 campaign and did not design it. Anyway, the party was packed with fashion bloggers favorites such as Kelly of Glamourai and Emily Weiss of Into The Gloss.

Here are some images from the INC Campaign:

Doo.Ri for Impulse at Macy's Collection Preview

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:11:00 +0000

Doo.Ri for Impulse at Macy's

Womenswear designer, Doo.Ri is in great company with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Giambattista Valli and Matthew Williamson by launching her own Impulse collection at Macy's. Her affordable collection will be available on February 15th in 185 Macy's stores and on Macys.com.

I caught up with Doo.Ri at the preview today and she was all too nice to answer a few questions about her Impulse Collection.

What was the inspiration for this Impulse collection at Macy's?
I was really inspired by my studio, I wanted to bring my home of New York and often times what I'm inspired by which is Art and bold graphic prints.

What do you think your usual customer will take away from this collection?
I really didn't want to there to be any distinction to what I bring to my own line versus what I bring to Macy's. My line it's really about elegant, jersey and all of those pieces I wanted to use for Macy's as well.

How did you feel about designing for a lower price point?
I'm all about the democratization of clothing. I love great design at an affordable price. If I can get my price point lower that would be great.

Would you collaborate with Macy's again?
I had so much fun! Everything is in the realm of possibility. They really made this such an easy and fun process for me.

Inspector's Pick of the Week: Club Monaco Neck Warmer

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:44:00 +0000

Club Monaco Neck Warmer available at Shopbop

Happy Monday!

I think it's official, it snowed over the weekend. Now I really believe that we are in Winter. I don't know if you can sense my excitement about the snow but regardless of that it's time to step it up. I love a scarf but a better and more glam alternative is a fur neck warmer. You can wear a fur neck warmer with your winter coat or just with an everyday blouse to vamp up the chic factor.

This one is by Club Monaco available at ShopBop.com.

Please PETA unclench your paws, this neck warmer is faux fur.

Jenna Lyons at Lucky FABB Conference Video

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:45:00 +0000

I hope your weekend is going great.
I post this video of Jenna Lyons, Creative Director at J. Crew at Lucky FABB Conference because I recently watched this again and got completely inspired. Jenna grew up as an awkward child to being one of the most respected woman in fashion is truly admirable. The video I believe was taken close to two years ago but regardless she gives timeless advice to the audience about the drive and determination you need to work in fashion.

Enjoy!

Who To See at NYFW, All Male Designers?

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000


Designers: Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs, Prabal Gurung and Proenza Schouler

A follower of mine on Twitter asked me, "who are you dying to see at NYFW?" My immediate response was Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler and Jason Wu. Then the follower implied that my all male list of designers are "killing the game the right now".

When I complied that list of designers it didn't come across my mind that all of the designers were... male. I'm not a sexist or anything like that, I do have a few favorite female designers, but they weren't the ones that first came to mind. My other personal favorites during New York Fashion Week season is Nicole Miller, Karen Walker, Erin Fetherston, The Row, Cynthia Rowley and a few others of course. Let's be honest, many of the hot tickets during NYFW are labels by men.

Question: In the past five years in the New York City market which female designer is on the same level or close to the likes of Alexander Wang?

Karen Walker Coming To Anthropologie in March

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Hi There by Karen Walker for Anthropologie

I found out some great news today, Karen Walker is bringing her stripes and full skirt girlishness to Anthropologie in March! I've praised Karen Walker a few times on this blog, so this collaboration was a delightful surprise. This will be the designer first time having her label in a mass retailer. Expect to see Karen Walker in 164 Anthropologie stores this Spring.

source

Are you excited that Hi There by Karen Walker will be available in Anthropologie?

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say Videos

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:34:00 +0000

These 'Sh*t (blank) Girls Say' has become an epidemic on youtube and other video sharing sites. I secretly want them to stop but honestly, these video are pretty darn hilarious.

There are two Sh*t Fashion Girls Say videos swirling the internet now. From watching these videos, I'm very guilty with some of these sayings.

Do you think these videos are an accurate portrayal of the typical 'fashion girl'?

Winter Footwear: Steve Madden Combat Boots

saneeta_h@yahoo.com (Saneeta Harris) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Steve Madden Troopa Boots

Someone recently asked me, "How do I look cool in these frigid temperatures without reaching for the UGGS?" Well, we all know that UGGS had there time in fashion history and still is practical for some people. However combat boots are a go-to item for many people now. I just came back from the fashionable SoHo and some many people dressed up these boots that were common among the men and women in the arm forces. (Don't ya just love fashion for that reason, jumping the sartorial boundaries.)

There are many variations of combat boots, so if you are going to jump ship and purchase them go for real leather (if you can afford it) not faux. Real leather boots after a few wears will begin to look distress = looking even more cooler.

Anyway, these Steve Madden combat boots are pretty dope and less than $100.

Which do you prefer UGGs or combat boots?