The Tastemaker Diaries

Show of the Season: Jil Sander

stylefeederedit — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:16:58 +0000

This label’s spring 2011 runway collection was declared phenomenal by the fashion set. While staying true to the house’s pared-down aesthetic, designer Raf Simons introduced bold bright colors and prints that took the unadorned silhouettes in a striking new direction. This new minimalism is a big statement for spring; while we love a great camel coat, a well-tailored violet version from this stellar line feels equal parts of-the-moment and timeless.

Shop all Jil Sander here

Current Obsession: Ballet-Inspired

stylefeederedit — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:58:55 +0000

Before Natalie Portman captivated
theaters in Black Swan, ballet was
already pirouetting across spring
runways. At Chloé, creative director
Hannah MacGibbon showed sleek
chignons, ethereal dresses and
elegant flats while dancerly shoes
were paired with long gowns at
Valentino. At Max Azria, wide-necked
tees over flowing maxi dresses
evoked a post-rehearsal ballerina.

Pink & Red: A Nod to Natalie

Maureen — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:28:00 +0000

Natalie Portman’s Victor & Rolf Golden Globes gown has got me thinking about the unexpected color combination of pink and red. These basic Crayola hues instantly remind me of kindergarden. A time when my favorite looks were dominated by pink, red or strawberry covered patterns. However last week’s prime-time display of these cheerful feminine hues, presented in a modern and sophisticated design, have inspired me to rethink pink-red fusion pieces. Color isn’t just for kids!

This is what I’ve found:

Red and Pink Asics Gel Spree

Alexander McQueen Skull Print Chiffon Scarf Red-Pink

When it comes to finding the pink-with-red-accent-dress you may have to improvise. However with plenty of flirty pink dresses and statement making red accessories, creating a unique look has never been so easy!

Pink Swan Dress at ModCloth

Blugirl Blumarine Belt

Resort Collections

Maureen — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:21:27 +0000

I have a love/hate relationship with Resort Collections. Appearing just days after the holiday shopping madness, these colorful new pieces splash onto our favorite shopping sites obstructing my view of cashmere sweater sales! Resort Collections are an unofficial first glimpse at the new season’s trends, colors and styles. New color palettes, sailor stripe tops and models wearing open toe shoes with no tights! I always love it all.

Then I remember – and this is where the hate part comes in – I don’t actually have any upcoming “resort” stays to wear any of this to. I’ve also learned through past mistakes, that I may not love these pieces as much in a few weeks when dazzled by full spring collections. Thus these fireworks among the of post holiday sales and heavy winter clothes are fleeting. A gentle reminder that in most parts of the world spring fashion is still several months away.

Or plan a vacation! This is what I would pack:

Perfect for the plane ride!

J.Crew is a swimsuit favorite and they are available all year round

A DVF wrap dress I'll wear over and over again

Accessories are an easy way to update last summer's basics

BESERK Sale!

Maureen — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:01:02 +0000

The BESERK sale at Karmaloop.com has been extended thru today, December 22nd. Your gifts (even if they are for yourself!) will be shipped for FREE anywhere in the U.S. by 12/24 if you order before 8pm tonight! Use code BESERK when checking out.

Sometimes procrastinators do win.

www.karmaloop.com

Thursday Tip: Horchow Discount

Maureen — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:52:51 +0000

A few years ago I bought the most amazing mirrored dresser from Horchow. It was my first “adult” furniture purchase and I love it more today than I did the day it arrived. Ever since then, I check in on Horchow often; their “rooms and ideas” features are always on trend and make me want to redecorate all over again! They also have unique pieces you simply won’t find in your friends’ living room.

Which brings me to: the Horchow “One More Day” sale. It’s AMAZING and happening today, right now for only 8 more hours. Obviously worthy of a blog post! 30% off with sale code WINTER and free shipping with private code DECEMBER. Use both codes when checking out!

This message will self destruct at midnight tonight – check out Horchow immediately!

A few notes: Offer applies only to online orders. Discount applies to merchandise total before tax and shipping charges. Intermediate price reductions may have been taken on clearance merchandise. Enter the promo code in your shopping cart; savings will be reflected in checkout. Does not apply to previous purchases or Gift Card purchases, and cannot be combined with any other discount offer that requires a promotion code. Sale ends December 17, 2010, at 6:00 a.m. (CT).

**FREE STANDARD SHIPPING applies only to online orders, excluding furniture, food and the purchase of a Gift Card. Standard shipping charge will be deleted on applicable merchandise when you enter the private code DECEMBER during checkout. You will still pay the $8 charge for each additional shipping address, and the $5 charge for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and some U.S. territories. International shipping is not available for online purchases. Expires December 17, 2010, at 6:00 a.m. (CT).

What time is it?

Maureen — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:01:22 +0000

It’s time to get your brand fix on at 6pm. Incredible Monday deals happening now! 60% off Frye Boots, 88% off cool Tretorns, and 80% off neon colored Carlos Falchi Handbags. Sweet!

http://www.6pm.com/

A Little Birdie

Maureen — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:20:36 +0000

I’m chirping over bird prints this month. Maybe it’s the foreshadowing of spring’s return as we enter the darkest days of winter, the timely ‘partridge in a pear tree’ theme, or, the inevitable Twitter takeover of my fashion consciousness. Whatever the reason, I’m hooked on the bird trend. Flocked together these winged creatures seem to create irresistible prints. Tiny birds weave sweet and delicate patterns while a large bird decale makes a bolder statement. Both options inspire casually cool pieces. Put a wing on it and I’m fluttering with excitement.

NFL Makes Possible The Fashionable Fan

Molly — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:26:34 +0000

Fashion is arguably one of the very best parts of being a woman.

That being said, as the fall season rolls around it brings with it not only new trends, but also NFL FOOTBALL SEASON! And just because we are women, and football is a “men’s sport”, doesn’t mean that we should have to settle for our boyfriends’ oversized, sweat-stained t-shirts in order to support our favorite teams— and players .

This year, the NFL has heard our complaints, and debuted its Fit For You campaign that features wives and daughters of some of the leagues top player, coaches and executives advertising their team’s signature look in a fashionable way.

Actress Alyssa Milano, an avid baseball fan, designed the new collection of women’s sportswear, Touch NFL women’s wear.

The new line consists of more than just the standard t-shirt and jersey, offering fitted jackets, hooded long-sleeved shirts with a touch of a vintage style, yoga pants, burnout tees, off-the-shoulder fleece crew necks, and more – all that can be worn to the game, or in your daily life running errands or just hanging with friends.

Of course, these pieces can be spiced up and made edgy by accessorizing with the line’s watches, military-inspired hats, socks, necklaces, clutches or earrings.

The line runs from inexpensive $4 socks to $150 metal handbags made from recycled license plates. The look can be found on NFLShop.com, or in department stores such as Kohl’s, JCPenny, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and even Walmart.

If you find you really love the NFL’s women’s wear line, go to NFL.com/women where you can submit videos for the “Strut Your Fit” contest for a chance to win a VIP trip package to Super Bowl XLV in North Texas this February!

Trend Spotting: Shearling and Faux Fur

Brie — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:15:05 +0000

Shearling and faux (and sometimes real) fur had started to show up in fashion collections by designers in Fall. It seems the trend has carried on into Winter which makes sense since the Western Hemisphere is entering colder months.

I have spotted shearling and faux fur on everything, especially coats:

Above: This coat ic by Halston and is found at Net-A-Porter.com

Above: This coat can be found at fredflare.com

I am loving the idea of shearling and faux fur due to the warmth factor during cold months. I am even liking the look on accessories and shoes, like these sandals:

Above: Leathering and shearling sandals by Reed Krakoff at Net-A-Porter.com

The idea of having furry feet may seem strange to some people but to others it is intriguing. The problem? Do you really want to invest a lot of money into a trend that may be fleeting by buying expensive shoes? I know that thought of that makes me pause when trying to decide if I want to give the shearling/faux fur shoe trend for a spin.

Then I found these legwarmers at LuLus.com:

Yes, those are legwarmers and they are a bank account friendly $41.00 so you can try out the trend, and not have to spend the money on expensive shoes. Even better you can wear the legwarmers with many different kinds of shoes and boots to really release your inner sherpa! Not a bad way to try a trend without heavily investing in it.

So, any other fashionistas trying out the shearling/faux fur trend this season? What furry fashion items are you wearing?