Fashion Week Review: Helmut Lang

It's here. Fashion Week. Flex those fingers, fellow fashion followers (#alliteration). It's time to scour the Almighty Internet in search of the wondrous collections currently strutting down the runways of NYC. For those of you who, like me, lack the time, funds and connections to actually attend any fashion show, I suggest browsing this site for their in-depth coverage of all things stylish.

After two full days of runway shows, I can say my favorite is Helmut Lang's Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear Collection. I'm telling you, the way to my heart is great blazer. And I'm in love with the unique jackets of Helmut Lang. Designers Nicole and Michael Colovo began with a white leather lapel-less blazer paired with shiny black skinny jeans, and ended with a printed chiffon mullet dress and thigh-high suede boots. Everything in between was an exploitation of texture; leather, suede, fur, chiffon, silk. The loose formed jackets and tops were off set by skinny pants and tall boots. The designer duo also displayed their own interpretation of the recently trendy infinity scarf, even constructing one into a weaved top. What's on my wish list, you may ask? Any one of the belted fur jackets. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

Enjoy some of my favorite pieces. For the entire collection, go to style.com.

 

All photos courtesy of style.com

DIY: Color Block Clutch

One of my first posts was a how-to on sewing cute clutches; you can find it here.

Since then I've made so many of them in different colors, but recently I decided to change it up a little.

Thus we have -- neon color block clutch! It's literally the easiest way to add a little pop of color to an otherwise simple zippered bag.

You'll need a clutch (see my tutorial for how to make your own), painter's tape, a brush, white and neon acrylic paint.

Start out by measuring off how much of your clutch you want painted, and tape around the whole thing.

Start with a base coat of white acrylic paint -- you can skip this and go right to the neon color if you're impatient, but the white will really make the neon pop! Wait for it to dry, then flip it over and repeat. duh.

Once that's dry, it's time for the fun color! I layered the paint on thick so no white would show through and to get rid of any brushstrokes. Wait for it to dry, play some Jason Aldean, don't forget to remove the tape, tuck your shirt in and put on a cute belt to take a picture and VOILA! Cute bag-ness.

Like I said -- easy. Happy DIY-ing!

An Homage to MJ

Marc Jacobs? Michael Jordan? Mick Jagger? Nope.

Michael Jackson.

I'm an admitted Glee-aholic, and yes, this post may have been inspired by their latest episode -- also an homage to the pop star -- and their cover of Black or White got me thinking. Lately my posts (and likewise, my outfits) have been infused with colors, whether pastel or neon-hued. Until today: the shy Seattle sun decided to come out and play, and my clothing choices got decidedly less bright -- ironic, no? I figured that while post after post about ways to implement color is always a fun idea, it's about time I include ways to rock a Black or White attitude a la Jacko.

Whether it's white-on-white, all black errythang, or a mix and match of the two hues, it's a sure thing you'll look fab. Since the color wheel is taking a back seat, don't be afraid to play with textures! Mix your leathers, wools, and linens to add a little something extra to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Why should your clothes have all the fun? Don't forget to try this style on your accessories too!

Like this Celine luggage tote:

this Chloe satchel --

 or this Michael Kors bucket bag,

How about some Tory Burch flats?

 or these pointed toe Chanels?

 I die for these Valentino kitten heels!

I'll leave you with this excerpt:

I've seen the bright get duller,

I'm not going to spend my life being a color.

But if you're thinkin about my baby

It don't matter if you're black or white!

-- Michael Jackson

And The Actor Goes To....

I know I'm a few days behind most style reviewers, but I wanted to post about the fashion at the SAG Awards from last Sunday. I had two huge tests the next day, but I still watched the show -- that's true obsession dedication right there.

I know my last red carpet review was full of trends and in-depth musings about the beautiful gowns.. But this time I won't say a thing* -- I'm just going to let the clothes speak for themselves. Enjoy!

*Although I will say this: those Glee girls killed it. Haute stuff.

Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen

Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

Brad Pitt in Balenciaga, Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham

Kristen Wiig in Balenciaga 

Lea Michele in Atelier Versace

Amber Heard in Zac Posen

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein Collection

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab Haute Couture

 *I loved this jumpsuit! Risky, but oh so chic. Also, I'm thinking Rose must have seen this post of mine which inspired her to choose this outfit... It could've happened, right?

Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli

George Clooney in Giorgio Armani, Stacy Keibler in Marchesa

Viola Davis in Marchesa

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta, John Krasinski in Prada

Jayma Mays in Reem Acra

Julie Bowen in Temperley London

Michelle Williams in Valentino

Julianna Marguiles in Calvin Klein Collection

Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgewick in Emilio Pucci

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Tilda Swinton in Lanvin

Berenice Bejo in Ralph Lauren Collection

Meryl Streep in Vivienne Westwood

Glenn Close in Zac Posen