Fall Color Palette: Military Green

Today it is a breezy 83 degrees in Florida and this is big. It's our first dose of our brief, non-humid fall weather. Last week, I purchased pumpkin spice Keurig cups and pumpkin candles to get my house in the fall spirit like the rest of SoFla. Considering I love fall so much I can't help but get my closest in the fall spirit as well. Fur scarves, leather leggings, and knee high boots have been unpacked today and I don't really care about the temperature because a slight sweat is worth it (PS I'm writing this post outside on my porch and I've already started sweating so maybe I should care a little...). 

Every fall I have a new love for a different color. Last year I was all about the oxblood; this year its the dark greens. Now, I have a low tolerance for anything that even relates to camo so you really have to use this color a little more carefully and in small doses (unless you can pull off that whole "one with nature" look). Here are some options that are not at all meant to be worn together!

1. Burberry London Mid-Length Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat $1895 - Shop it here

2. Rebecca Minkoff Mab Tote Mini $195

3. Topshop Tipi Slip On Skater Shoes $35 - Shop it here

4. Topshop Plaited Snood Scarf $40 - Shop it here

5. Topshop Missile Chelsea Boot, available at Nordstrom $130 - Shop it here

6. Zara Blazer W/ Draped Lapel - Shop it here

7. Deborah Lippmann "Billionaire" nail polish $18 - Shop it here

The Burberry Prorsum Womenswear S/S14 Show Highlights

After many seasons of grommets and other metals, Christopher Bailey took a more soft, romantic look with easier unstructured outwear. The calf length skirts, sheer tops, and lace fabrics added to the feminine look this collection.

Music: 'Benjamin Twine' by George Ezra

'Man on the Moon' by Jake Bugg

'When We Were On Fire' by James Bay

'Budapest' by George Ezra

Front Row at Burberry: Harry Styles, Poppy Delevingne, Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo, Paloma Faith, Sienna Miller, Suki Waterhouse, Anna Wintour, Linda Fargo, Naomie Harris, 

Favorite Looks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Visit to the Marie Claire Offices In NYC

Last Week I had the privilege of spending five days in New York City with the fashion merchandising program from my school. Since I hadn't been to the city in a while it was so awesome to see it again from a new perspective. During two of the days we had appointments with different companies such as Michael Kors, BCBG, Kohl's design studios, and more to get different views of the fashion industry.

The first appointment we had was with Marie Claire Magazine. Considering my love for fashion magazines I was really excited to get a look inside the office. Walking up to the Hearst Corporation building was a sight all in itself. Being one of the coolest buildings in New York it was awesome being able to go inside. Besides Marie Claire, the Hearst building houses other magazines such has Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and more.

First we rode up the diagonal escalator that lead us to the cafeteria floor where we could see a lot of fashionistas on their break before we then headed up on the elevator to Marie Claire. Once we got inside the office a young lady dressed in converse high tops, jeans, and a jean vest who happened to be the "fashion assistant" showed us a quick tour of the copy room and the closet itself. The copy room was really awesome to see because you could see all of what they were putting together for the August issue and what they already were starting on for the September issue (we got to see the photo shoot for who will be on the cover for September but it's not to be revealed, hence why no pictures were taken in this room). That past weekend they had done a photo shoot outside of the city on a ranch. She briefly explained how they all hopped on a motor home with trunks and trunks of clothes and had to dress models in the dirt and mud (it was rainy) all while keeping track of every piece of jewelry, coat, hairpiece, and anything else that was borrowed. At the end of the day she had interns patting down the hay in the barn to make sure they didn't drop anything. Basically, I think she was trying to get the point across that working for a fashion magazine isn't as glamorous as it seems from the outside. 

Then she lead us back through the office to the fashion closet. Now, I don't know about anyone else but when I think of a fashion closet my mind floats to the scenes of The Devil Wears Prada. It was far from what I pictured, it was a lot smaller and a lot messier. However, it was still all a girl could dream of with racks and racks of beautiful designer clothing, shelves and rows of amazing shoes, and tables of shiny expensive jewelry. While she was briefing us on what goes on in the closet, there were about 5-8 interns bustling around organizing all the clothes that were to be sent out. Behind me were organized racks of clothes  that were recently received and to be used in photo shoots to come. She also told us about her job and how she started as an intern in 2010 (if i'm remembering correctly) and was offered a job eventually with the company. 

Coming out of the office made me realize a lot of things but with one major reality check. This is no 9-5 job, if you're working for a magazine you have a massive amount of deadlines that must be met so you'll be answering e-mails till your head hits your pillow late at night. Her example: remember fashion cities are all across the world with different time zones, so borrowing a Louis Vuitton coat straight from the runway in Paris that then needs to be sent straight to Vogue Japan at a certain time and date takes a lot of management and communication to get it done right without messing up your relationship with the company. 

One of the racks that will be used for future spread based on fur (almost tucked that Burberry top in my purse ;) )

Now, how do you get an internship with a fashion magazine? I thought it was a long complicated process, however she made it quite simple. Shes currently finishing up her fall intern list and about to work on spring soon enough. The sooner you apply the better chance you'll get the job when you want it. Also, I'm not sure about other magazines but it's as simple as getting a contact in the company and emailing them your resume to forward to the person hiring interns. Remember it's New York City so there are a ton of fashion students from Parson's and FIT that are able to hop on the subway after classes and volunteer their time easily. To give us some hope she told us she keeps her mind open, some of the people with the best resumes that have interned with other magazines don't have the same drive and passion to want to be there as a random fashion student from Wyoming. So keep your hopes up and find a contact!

BUT even after she stressed to us how hands on and intense her job is, it is definitely a job I still keep on my list of possible interests (along with many, many others). If you love the magazine world and love fashion, look into your options but remember the reality of any job isn't always what your picture it up to be!

2012's Best Fashion Moments

Tis the season for lists! I can honestly say I've spent hours on my computer reading the lists people have compiled for this year. From best books to funniest moments, its interesting to see if you agree or disagree. But to me I can't stop thinking about what a year its been for fashion. With massive trends hitting the runways and streets, the world has seen an array of fashion taken to a new level. Now this isn't to say its been a perfect year (way over the peplum). But lets take a look at 10 moments I think are worth noting and remembering for the year:

Gold Rush at 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony

The 2012 summer Olympics were a HUGE success for London. With all eyes on England, there were some major fashion trends that came straight from the country. But during the closing ceremony I could not wait to see the most well known models walk through the stadium in gorgeous, gold ensembles designed by British designers. 

What they wore: 

Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell were both in Alexander McQueen; Lily Donaldson wore Vivienne Westwood; Lily Cole wore Erdem; Stella Tennant wore a Christopher Kane suit; Karen Elson wore Burberry; Georgia May Jagger wore Victoria Beckham; Jourdan Dunn wore Jonathan Saunders; David Gaudy wore Paul Smith

Click HERE to view their September issue spread in British Vogue

 

Diane Kruger at the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is my favorite event of the year (next to the Met Gala) to see what the rich & famous bring to the table in regards to fashion. Diane Kruger, the german actress, has always been one of my fashion inspirations but she took it to the next level during the film festival in 2012. In the picture above she wore a beautiful Giambattista Valli dress but throughout the week she wore show-stopping ensembles down the red carpet including big names like Chanel, Balmain, Dior, Versus, and Vivienne Westwood. 

To see more of my favorite looks from the Cannes Film Festival this year click HERE

Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2012 Runway Show in February

My obsession with Burberry in general is probably unhealthy but when I was watching the show during London Fashion Week (online of course) I was stunned by the show in its entirety. Christopher Bailey is simply a genius between the clothes and the creativity for the actual show. He merged the worlds of country and city and created a magnificent line. About 15 minutes into the show a "thunderstorm" was created and the finale started with all the models carrying umbrellas as it flurried fake rain (while playing one of my favorite songs the Cinematic Orchestra - To Build a Home)!  

Click HERE to see the full show from my post on February 20th!

  

Raf Simons Named as the Next Couturier for Christian Dior

After 13 months of no official creative director, Raf Simons was finally given the title in April this year. Previously Simons was the creative director for Jill Sander where he brought minimalism and futuristic elements to the clothing. When giving him his new title the hope was to continue the elegance of Dior but to give it his modernistic twist. During Paris Fashion Week in September he did better than expected revolutionizing the brand for the better. 

Cara Delevingne Winning Model of the Year at the BFA's

If you read my blog you should know by now the obsession I have with Cara. It started with her Burberry Campaign ad for Spring 2012 with Eddie Redmayne. Ever since I have loved following her crazy life through pictures and shows. However, after she won model of the year during the British Fashion Awards I realized the impact she has had on the modeling/fashion world as a whole. With her crazy personality and her openness to sharing her personal life she has shown another side to modeling. Not only do you see pictures of her eating McDonalds but you get to see the fun side of being a supermodel which isn't the image the world has seen the past couple years. So thank you Cara for making me want to be just like you (good luck to me)!

Stella McCartney's London Fashion Week Performance

When I heard that there was a mini dance performance at Stella McCartney's Presentation Dinner I was beyond jealous I wasn't there to see it in person. But when watching it online it was a joy to see people like Shalom Harlow, Amber Valletta, and Yasmin Le Bon dancing on tables and chairs in front of fashion's finest. It was a dinner to show off McCartney's evening capsule collection and it was definitely one that will be remembered for years to come.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen Winning Womenswear Designer of the Year at the CFDA's

Being a 90's kid I grew up watching Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen on TV and in films. So the moment I found out they won Womenswear Designer of the Year award at the CFDA's I couldn't be happier. Seeing them grow and develop their brands has been a joy to follow and considering the honor this award is in the fashion world this is definitely a year they will remember. Now on Forbes Top 30 Under 30 they are considered the top competitors in the world for fashion and arts. (and now I'm in the mood to watch Getting There... yes, its on netflix!)

Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in Versace 

No it wasn't the dress the necessarily got the attention... it was all about the leg. It was the most tweeted about topic the night of the Oscars in February, it even received its own twitter name @AngiesRightLeg. The high slit in the dress made this beautiful black velvet gown by Versace very memorable. I do also believe this started a trend, I started seeing a lot more high waisted skirts with long slits along one of the legs. So Angelina, even though you got quite the banter about the leg, you sure did look gorgeous with just the right amount of sex appeal.

This year certainly has been crazy but it makes me all the more excited to see what is to come in 2013. Although there were certainly many more fabulous fashion moments this year  these are some of the few I will definitely remember for years to come! Happy New Years Eve everybody, enjoy your last moments in 2012 before rushing into the new year!

The Midas Touch for British Vogue

I can't think of a better way to celebrate the Olympics in London than to have a Midas (golden) Touch themed shoot for the September issue of British Vogue. Some of the biggest names in the modeling industry in England teamed together to wear some of the most glamorous bespoke gowns!

Kate Moss in Alexander McQueen

Georgia May Jagger 

 Karen Elson in Burberry

 Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen

Jourdan Dunn in Jonathan Saunders and Stephen Jones

David Gaudy wears Paul Smith

Emma Stone's Travel Fashion

From Moscow to Korea, Emma Stone is showing her way of fashion while promoting her new film The Amazing Spider-Man coming July 3rd.

Rochas dress & Christian Louboutin heels

Burberry skirt and tunic with Brian Atwood

Fendi dress & Cartier earrings

J Brand leather tops paired with white jeans and Christian Louboutin pumps

Rue du Mail dress, LOVE!

Yellow hand painted Lanvin dress

Cara Delevingne in All Her Glory

This seasons most seen model on the runway and my personal favorite is Cara Delevingne. Ever since I saw her in the Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 Ads I adored her. Coming from London she has her own rock-n-roll style that makes her wear clothes well. As Rosie Vogel says, 

     "She's not your typical model in that she's not the standard 5"11- but then neither's Kate Moss. But what she lacks in inches, she makes up for in confidence. She's unique - she has a wonderful versatility to her and a great personality, which is crucial. She's really lively and dynamic and still feels very modern. I like that she has those heavy brows - it adds something very different."

She walked in this season's greatest shows all over the world, which is great for this British lad's career at age 19.

Here are some of my favorite runway walk from her this season:

Chanel during Paris Fashion Week

Burberry Prorsum during London Fashion Week

Paul & Joe during Paris Fashion Week

Rag&Bone during New York Fashion Week

Blumarine during Milan Fashion Week (this collection was outrageous in a bling-tastic kind of way)

Oscar de la Renta during New York Fashion Week

Thakoon during New York Fashion Week

Jason Wu during New York Fashion Week

Burberry Prorsum Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2012 show

Burberry shows are literally the spark to London fashion weeks. With Burberry's 156 year old rich heritage and its excellent evolution each season its hard not to get so excited. I was so mad when I missed the live version of the show because I was in Retail Analysis class (I told my teacher to let us watch it... the answer was no) but thankfully Burberry posted the show this evening for me to watch and share with you all. 

Burberry stuck with a British Heritage where you are able to see the evolution of the trench coat. You can see the bellow pockets that were added to many of the trenches and the peplum bottoms at the waist. A lot of heathered grey pencil skirts were put in the ensembles with the bellow pockets and were all belted at the waist line.

Christopher Bailey, the creative director of Burberry Prorsum, did a absolutely magnificent job with the presentation of the show! If you aren't one to watch all of the show you MUST fast forward to about 14:20 to watch the next two minutes. You'll see model Cara Delevingne (in the Burberry S/S 2012 campaign ads with Eddie Redmayne... who you can see in the front row) walk down in her deep plum coat. To finish there is a slight pause before you hear thunder and see rain start to fall down the glass walls. The models then do their final line up with umbrellas and one of my favorite songs playing!

Here is the song list:

It Could Have Been Better - John Armatrading

Walls - Rae Morris

Numb - Marina and the Diamonds

To Build a Home - The Cinematic Orchestra 

Here are some of my favorite looks and to see the FULL fashion show go to my Videos