Couture Snob

Diane Kruger: How to Beat the Street

2012-05-25T02:07:16Z

When it comes to getting dressed, whether she’s wearing an ostrich-hemmed, electric-purple Prada gown with ample irreverence at the Met Ball or simply tossing on a cozy scarf and skinny jeans to hit the NYC streets, Diane Kruger can do no wrong. Gray jeans and a shrunken peacoat sound run-of-the-mill, but when you have the savvy mind to add Chloe’s studded Susan booties and better yet, Prada‘s Pyramide top-handle in two-tone white and baby-blue, basics don’t look quite so basic anymore. I love the way the gold accents on both accessories complement each other so perfectly.
We should all take a cue from Diane when it comes to our off-days and wear our “on”-day bags. Life’s too short to save our treasure pieces only for special occasions – especially when your treasure doubles as a brilliant basic! Here’s how to recreate Diane’s streetwise look:

Chloe Studded Leather Ankle Boots
On Net-a-Porter for $1,290.

Victoria Beckham Denim Tux Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans
On Net-a-Porter for $295.

The Row Fantene Double-Breasted Wool Coat
On Net-a-Porter for $2,190.

A.P.C. Sky Blue 80s Sweater T-Shirt
On Ssense for $220.

Ralph Lauren Black Label Knit Scarf
At Barneys New York for $195.

Image Credit: Style Bustro.

Bergdorf Goodman sale: Get ready for summer!

2012-05-25T02:12:27Z

Nanette Lepore Heartbreaker Button-Down Dress
On sale for $178 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Michael Kors Dolman-Sleeve Shift Dress
On sale for $1,995 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Herve Leger Sleeveless Square-Neck Bandage Dress
On sale for $1,087 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Zac Efron in Lanvin: Hubba Hubba

2012-05-24T11:32:15Z

A similar Lanvin Polo is available at Neiman Marcus for $230.

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 Collection: Girls (and Ladies) Just Want to Have Fun

2012-05-22T23:50:00Z

“Petticoat Junction” meets “A League a of Their Own” – that’s what a cheeky ensemble of baseball tee and plaid ball-gown skirt brings to mind…a baseball tee on Oscar‘s runway?! But, no, this isn’t any T-shirt: a sequined one with a floral pin, natch.

One of the many things I love about Oscar de la Renta: he never lets us forget why we love him! Lace and bows and girlish texture galore reign strong for Resort 2013, but abstract prints will satisfy those who crave futuristic edge (paired with neon streaks in models’ hair, no less) and loose tunic-tank styles will appeal to girls who want to give their waists a break from the spotlight. Though I, for one, can’t get enough of Oscar’s pretty peplums, especially the strapless pink confection. The mix of elements made for an exuberant and youthful collection, with plenty of timeless, “bread and butter” dresses for de la Renta purists.

McQ Alexander McQueen The Black Watch Plaid Coat:

2012-05-22T07:50:04Z

McQ Alexander McQueen The Black Watch Plaid Coat at Net-a-Porter for $7220.

Top New Tops: At the Top of Their Game

2012-05-21T04:26:03Z

I have a top shortage problem. Or rather, I did until recently. Due to a skater-skirt and skinny-jean addiction, that has lead me to own each by the dozen, I’ve been running out of tops to wear! T-shirts or tank tops are always an easy option, but they get redundant and a bit boring. Thanks to the simplicity of my flippy, flared skirts and drainpipe pants, printed tops are my new obsession. Eye-catchers like Milly‘s lively boxy-cut tile-print ($225), No. 21‘s greenhouse sensation ($750), Tibi‘s ethnic, eyelet waist-skimmer ($275), Harvey Faircloth‘s geometric poplin ($265), and McQ Alexander McQueen‘s aggressively paint-splattered button-down ($440), my “uniforms” have been livened up, and I’m instantly dressed up enough to go anywhere.

Diane Kruger Wears Balmain at Cannes

2012-05-18T17:49:17Z

Diane Kruger wore BALMAIN Resort 2013 to Cannes.

Zimmermann Rebel Floral Multi Swimsuit:

2012-05-18T15:13:34Z

Zimmermann Hip Length Rash Guard Top at Shopbop for $195.

Steal the Look: Stockholm Shows Us How to Transition

2012-05-18T10:20:54Z

May days don’t always mean you should leap right into your favorite new sundress and toe-baring strappy sandals. There is an art to transitional dressing, and this shot, courtesy of Stockholm Street Style, exemplifies the fine visual balance of the crisp spring day’s ideal ensemble. Flashes of gold, delicious for catching sunlight, and bold, flirtatious florals brilliantly balance the somberness of a navy pull-over. With slipper-style flats, our maven is on-trend (without looking like she’s even thought about the trend), and while a jewel-encrusted clutch may seem like a strong move for day, sported as a crossbody it’s a call that pays off in spades. Bare legs finish off this perfectly styled outfit.
Here’s how to achieve this covetable mid-season look for yourself:

Prabal Gurung Printed Wool and Silk-Blend Shorts:
At Net-a-Porter for $895.

M.Patmos Wide Sweater:
At Barneys New York for $295.

Arfango Lasered Velvet Loafers:
At Luisa via Roma for $333 (originally $666).

Ippolita Bastille Chain Necklace:
At Bergdorf Goodman for $5,495.

Zooey Deschanel in CARVEN

2012-05-19T00:37:31Z

CARVEN dress $765 at Fivestory NY.

Bette Frank in J.Mendel

2012-05-18T01:31:40Z

Bette Frank wore J.Mendel to the New York City Ballet Spring Gala.
Image Credit: Guest of a Guest.

Top 5 Pants With Pizzazz: Get A Leg Up On the Competition

2012-05-16T02:57:27Z

Sure, you talk the talk, but are you ready to walk the walk? Positioned to be this season’s statement piece is the outgoing pair of pants, whether it’s a motif with fatal attraction, bewitching details, or hypnotic allover print, the legs have it. Just remember: the fancier your pants, the more restraint you need to show in your styling.

1. Stella McCartney Christine Paisley-Print Silk Pants: Is paisley the new floral? Now that Stella has something to do with it, the classical print is officially seeing a renaissance.
On Net-a-Porter for $745.

2. Doo.Ri Pleated Draped Pants: Take a breezy, free and easy approach with delightfully flowing palazzos in a geometric pattern.
On Shopbop for $1,125.

3. Dolce & Gabbana Lace-Print Cropped Low-Rise Skinny Jeans: Lace and tropical flowers come together on these day-to-night patterned jeans, cuffed for extra sass.
On Net-a-Porter for $745.

4. 3.1 Phillip Lim Celestial Print Pant: Take a walk in the clouds with Phillip’s dreamy, hazy drawstring interpretation.
At Barneys New York for $450.

5. Lanvin Serpent-Print Silk-Crepe Straight-Leg Pants: This deadly anaconda makes for the mother of all conversation pants. Lanvin went photorealist to spellbinding effects.
On Net-a-Porter for $2,430.

Refinery29′s Extra-Chic Milan Street-Style Snaps

2012-05-15T04:03:02Z

See Bag Snob Tina featured on Refinery 29′s ExtraChic Street-Style Snaps from Milan while in town for the Bottega Veneta Initials Program launch at Refinery29.com.

Zimmerman’s Sweet Suits: I’m Not That Innocent

2012-05-14T12:41:48Z

Sugar and spice and everything nice! That’s Zimmerman’s take on swimwear. Yet I consider them to be a brand brimming with edge. Their ruffled concoctions of girlish florals and abstract prints are unapologetically feminine, but they feel fresh, not saccharine. Besides, when you think about it, is there a more feminine garment than the bikini? (At least a garment you can wear outside without getting arrested).

Bra-style cups and miniature flounces will bring out your curves – in the right places. The Devoted bikini ($225) is a classic from the Australian label, but I’m feeling the modernity of the deliberately clashing Collector bandeau suit ($260). (This summer, it’s all about the mix-and-don’t-match two-piece.) If ruffle-adorned tatas aren’t for you, go with the tried-and-true triangle; this variation of the Collector ($250) just has 3D piping to emphasis the pattern mash-up. I’ve never been a floral swimsuit kind of girl, but these naughty and nice swimsuits just may have just changed my mind. Available on Net-a-Porter.

Steal The Look: Emma Watson

2012-05-11T21:26:27Z

Steal The Look:
Cardigan: J.Crew Fine-Knit Merino Wool Cardigan
At Net-a-Porter for $90.
Sweater: T by Alexander Wang Boxy Crewneck Pullover
At MyTheresa for $198.
Blouse: Acne Crinkled Crewneck Shirt
At Barneys for $250.
Jeans: DL1961 Emma Legging Jeans
At Shopbop for $148.
Scarf: Burberry Cashmere Scarf
At Net-a-Porter for $425.

Alexander McQueen Floral Lace Blouse and Leather Moto Pants:

2012-05-10T04:35:08Z

The Row Stretch Legging at Bergdorf Goodman for $375.

Best-Dressed at the Met Costume Institute Gala

2012-05-09T06:09:07Z

Are there two more deeply intelligent and influential designers of the past century than Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada? So it’s only logical that for Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, the Met Gala’s glamorous attendees brought out all the stops, with looks that ran the gamut from the fiercely elegant to the just plain fierce to the bravely eccentric. Here, my top looks of the decadent evening:

1. Rooney Mara: In her trademark Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, Rooney is my favorite look of the night! Edgy, dangerous, elegant, classic: in lace and leather, she delivered it all.

2. Cate Blanchett: Befeathered, jet-black Alexander McQueen is fierce and strong, and I expected no less from Cate the Great.

3. Christina Ricci: Wrapped in Thakoon, these wild folds of fabric made for the most artistic and beautifully structured gown of the night.

4. Coco Rocha: This wasn’t just the most youthful color combo, Coco’s Givenchy pantsuit, Sergio Rossi pumps, and Kotur clutch measured up to the bravest outfit of the evening.

5. Nina Dobrev: In Donna Karan Atelier, this is exactly what a star should look like: regal, sparkling, and drop-dead gorgeous.

6. Carey Mulligan: Carey beckoned like a space-age siren in her fish scale-inspired Prada dress. Light-catching in gunmetal and gold, this glam mermaid wisely went for a classy updo and simplistic pumps.

7. Camilla Belle: Camilla is a thirties-era stunner in slinky Ralph Lauren. Her skinned glowed as much as her dress, and a bold Bordeaux lip brought a modern edge to a timeless femme-fatale look.

8. Emma Stone: The perky redhead looked like a scarlet princess in this ornate Lanvin cocktail look made especially for her by Alber Elbaz.

Watch the Met Gala Livestream

2012-05-07T21:26:51Z

Tonight, we have fashion’s version of the Oscars, the Met Gala. Without a doubt, this is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and the clothing (and yes, couture) is stunning!

So take a load off, mix a cocktail, and watch the Red Carpet from the comfort of home at amazon.com/fashion!

The Bra Brigade: How to Flaunt Yours Like a Snob

2012-05-07T12:48:30Z

The Aussies have a delightfully irreverent way with fashion and an quirky take on the high-low mix. The girls Down Under also know how to flaunt what they’ve got up top – without showing off all the goods. With Australian Fashion Week in full swing, Tommy Ton snapped up a handful of hotties who show us how to exhibit their bras with style, not sleaze.

How to work the look for yourself? First, choose a bra that looks like it’s intended to be seen (no smoothing Calvin Klein cups!), like one of T by Alexander Wang’s sporty staples with a boyish T, sans sleeves (buy it a couple sizes too big for a casual, anti-fitted look). Or do a more approachable spin on a racy, lacy number – try Stella McCartney’s floral-print as a less lingerie-heavy alternative – with a shock of leather. And the very bold might spring for wearing their full-coverage bra, like VPL’s insertion, as a top! With a sweet cardigan and wildly print pencil skirt, it’s almost even ladylike. Almost…

1. Sporty:

T by Alexander Wang Jersey Triangle Bra
On Net-a-Porter for $110.

A.L.C. Fiona Scoop Back Tee
On Shopbop for $135.

2. Rebel:

Stella McCartney Ilda Driving Soft Bra
At Barneys New York for $105.

Blouson Noir Waistcoat
At Browns Fashion for $637 (£395) from $1,267 (£785).

3. Lady Gone Vamp:

VPL Insertion Stretch-Cotton Soft-Cup Bra
On Net-a-Porter for $95.

Peter Pilotto Printed Stretch-Jersey Pencil Skirt
On Net-a-Porter for $910.

Bottega Veneta Snap-Front Cardigan
At Barneys New York for $1,020.

Hilary Rhoda: Off Duty

2012-05-06T14:00:43Z

Acacia Cotton-Twill Blazer
On Net-a-Porter for $1,335.

Rebecca Taylor Summer Blossom Top
On Shopbop $175.

DL1961 Kate Crop Jeans
On Shopbop fro $168.

Burak Uyan Color-Block Cutout Leather Sandals
On Net-a-Porter $995.

Marc Jacobs Eugenie Quilted Clutch
On Neiman Marcus for $495.