Style & Sustenance

Menswear Trends for Fall 2013

Posted on by mildredlee in Fashion

Despite the fact that it’s October freaking 10th and it’s been at least 80 degrees for the past two weeks, it’s Fall. Fall is usually when you get to wear boots, sweaters, corduroys, and tweed. You know what I’ve been forced to wear lately? Shorts, sundresses, and sandals.  I really need it to be Fall already. Like now!

Rant aside, this is my Manly Man Men week and I am moving on to Menswear trends for Fall (if you hadn’t read the title). This fall some trends that dominated the runways were: boxy jackets, biker looks, monochromatic outfits, double-breasted jackets, and an update on the 3pc suit featuring vests or v-neck cardigans. Everything kinda had a stylish city commuter vibe.

Photos: Style.com

Nicole Artelier Fall 2013

Posted on by mildredlee in Runway Show Reviews

Channel your inner, angsty Kristen Stewart and show up looking “too cool for school” in Nicole Miller Artelier’s Fall 2013 collection. Nicole Miller’s Fall collection is a great combination of dark and somber separates that come together to create a rocker-meets-girl-next-door tomboy look. Overall, I love the skinny straight leg jeans and pants. The close fitting bottoms paired with loose, flowing tops help to create a slimmer silhouette and gives off an effortless vibe.  Add some punky ankle boots and throw in your own expressionless gaze and bitch resting face and you’ve got the K-Stew look nailed.

Flower Power

Posted on by mildredlee in Fashion Styling

Nothing says fall like a nice floral dress, right? It used to be standard procedure to pack away your bright floral swing dresses every September and pine away for them until May. But those dog days are over. This fall has seen an influx of darker toned floral dresses that are more wearable into the cooler months. To pull off this look into the chilly months of October, November, and December, pair floral dresses with a warm leather jacket and some kicky ankle boots in this season’s must have color: taupe- rhymes with dope because it’s so awesome and extremely wearable. Taupe is much like other color neutrals: black, brown, navy, and gray. You can pair these colors with nearly any other color and they’ll look great.  Taupe booties and a dark, heathered tight can be your best friend with it comes to extending the wear of your floral dresses. But, if you’re not too keen on taupe yet (whatever, you’re missing out), there is always the standby black tights and black booties or shooties combination.

To Cape or Not to Cape

Posted on by mildredlee in Fashion Styling

At first I wasn’t into the whole “cape” idea. I’m not Little Red Riding Hood and I don’t find myself in situations where donning a cape is preferable to a regular old jacket or heavy sweater. Unlike capes,  sweater coats or even sweater dusters are easy to pull on and off at a moment’s temperature change. My issue with capes resided squarely in the hassle of having to pull it over your head every time you needed to take it off. It just seemed like a lot to ask. But, the more I look at them, the more I am drawn to them. I would probably only wear them when I would be outside for extended periods of time: sporting events, flea market shopping, or sightseeing.  Being the traditionalist that I am, I would be more apt to purchase a camel colored or black cape in order to easily coordinate it with other items. But, you don’t have to be a boring person like moi. If you want to rock a flaming fushia cape while grocery shopping on Saturday, by all means, do it and take pictures and send them to me so I can look at you with envy.

Find Your Moto

Posted on by mildredlee in Fashion Styling

The title is a play on words…get it? Find Your Moto instead of “Find Your Mojo”. Haha, right? Fine….Moving on. It’s no secret that I’m kinda sorta, very much obsessed with finding a moto jacket for myself this fall. I have found one that could very well be THE ONE, but it’s a little pricey *cough* Vince *cough*.  But, I will not let that dissuade me. I tried on a knit moto jacket made by Diesel and it got me thinking that instead of purchasing another leather jacket, a knit moto jacket could work instead.  But, if your heart is still pining away for a leather one, there are plenty of options out there. However! I beg you to check out some of these jackets that could easily replace your go to blazer or sweater.

All Baroque Everything

Posted on by mildredlee in Fashion Styling

A big trend that was seen on the runways in Fall 2013 RTW collections was old Hollywood film noir and glamourous  vixen look. Marc Jacobs, Badgley Mischka, and Alice & Olivia were among the many designers that sent looks down the runway featuring this trend.

Dying to get in on this action? Hold on toots and put down that brocaded vest you wore in middle school. Before you start piling on everything you own that’s tweed, jacquard, brocade, and velvet, let’s talk this out. It’s really easy to overdo  this trend and end up resembling Helena Bonham Carter in Fight Club. Although, she really knew how to rock a slip dress and heavy coat.

I would suggest investing in separates that you can wear alone or layer together to make a more complete, trendy look. You can never go wrong with a well fitting tweed pant or pencil skirt. These pieces will never go out of style and you can incorporate them easily into your wardrobe. For a velvet piece, I would look for a velvet embellished t-shirt or blouse with velvet trim. You could go totally old school 90’s and find yourself a velvet babydoll dress, but I implore you, DON’t. There are some nice velvet dresses that have a more modern shape and won’t make you look like Blossom’s bestie, Six. To top it off, I’d add a nice brocaded jacket with or without a fox fur trim. Fur played a big part in the Fall 2013 collections and fortunately there is not a shortage of faux fur alternatives available. For a fancy night out you could pull together a jacquard print mini, sheer blouse, and add some velvety pumps or a velvet clutch.  Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

Red Hot Fire

Posted on by mildredlee in Fashion

Can we talk about how drop dead GORGEOUS Nicole Kidman looks in the Jimmy Choo ads? I can barely focus on the shoes. Barely. I do still manage to check them out and they look fabulous as well.

Lela Rose Spring 2014 RTW

Posted on by mildredlee in Runway Show Reviews

Another lovely collection from the lovely Lela Rose. She even has a lovely name. It’s just all so lovely.

Okay, I’m done. The dresses, to me, are the highlight of this collection. She knows how to showcase a woman’s body magnificently.

Photos: Style.com

Mulberry Spring 2014 RTW

Posted on by mildredlee in Runway Show Reviews

Okay, what I loved about this collection:

  • Boxy silhouettes
  • Floral jacquard prints
  • Sleeveless jumpsuits and dresses

What I didn’t love:

  • Everything else

It was just so so to me. However, the website does offer some pricey lovely handbags and womenswear.

Photos: Style.com

Temperley London Spring 2014 RTW

Posted on by mildredlee in Runway Show Reviews

I love Temperley London. The ethereal gowns and wispy chiffon blouses are beautiful. Nip slips aside, they’re gorgeous articles of clothing. Alice Temperley knows how to make amazing pieces that you want to wrap yourself up in. Her Spring 2014 ready to wear collection, shown at London’s Fashion Week didn’t disappoint. From the natural, berry lips to the floral and animal print mashups, it was all breathtakingly lovely. Don’t you just love the ladylike dress and jacket combos?

Photos: Style.com WWD.com