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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

How to Rock an Owl Hat - Anna Sui Fall 2012

anna sui fall 2012


Nostalgic for the 1990's?  Anna Sui looked like she was pining for the decade with her Fall 2012 show.  It
had the cutesy owl head hats and arts and crafts flea market look of the decade when she was most popular.  I loved the combination of tonal jewel colors.  I have a soft spot for quirky geek-chic as well, with several models in thick glasses.  The eclectic backdrop of the show had retro graphics that fit into the cutesy theme.

This show was, according to the burly male photographers, "where the cute Asian chicks are".  Yes, the Anna Sui fan is likely to be Asian, (specifically Japanese) and partial to prefer her fashion with animal characters attached.  Stateside, I would think her fans would be more junior, except the price point is high for the typical adolescent shopper.

The bird head headwear looks good with coordinating clothing. However, this winter, every side stand street vendor also had character hats too, for much less than what Ms. Sui retails her collection for.

Anna Sui was part of a new designer collaboration with Hush Puppies for spring 2012.  For this Fall 2012 show, she worked with footwear brands Ugglebo, Fiorentini + Baker and Ballin for the finale.  Back in the 1990's the heritage brand had a resurgence when the comfy shoes were adopted by Downtown hipsters.  It seems fitting then, that the designer would work with a fellow brand of the era to revive the look of that decade.

Photos by David TW Leung
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Styling the Runway with Ric Pipino

ric pipino
One of my favorite events every fashion week are the "Tweetups" held at the American Express lounges. They are hosted by a prominent figure in the fashion industry.  Bloggers like myself get to ask questions then tweet our thoughts on Twitter throughout the event.

Styling icon Ric Pipino gave styling tips and advice for aspiring stylists at Milk Studios.  He has coiffed the looks of celebrities like Rebecca Romijn, Whitney Port and ex-wife Heidi Klum.   He was originally brought into the industry by his brother because he promised that it was where the cute girls were.

For people new to the industry, it is essential to learn the core skills of cutting hair before getting creative with anything else.  The best way to develop your career is to apprentice with well known established stylists and learn all you can from them.

Ric Pipino described how hair styling for fashion week has changed over the years.  10 years ago, they were just the backstage hired help.  In the age of celebrity media and reality tv, the interest in what goes on with styling draws as much attention backstage as what is going on on the runway.  Styling for the runway shows is less about crafting an original look as the ability to lead an entire team of capable stylists into executive a consistent one. 

The process in working with designers is to start with the colors and fabrics they are using.  Ric Pipino then collaborates on the right hairstyle for the model and collection.  For fall 2012, he has worked on a lot bold, graphic black and white patterns.  As a result, the hair was softer, dryer and more textured.  I asked which shows he was particularly proud of.  He named Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Alice & Olivia as favorites.

He observed mens' styles changing to be much less formal, even for men who wear suits every day. He also observed the barbershop making a comeback. Mr. Pipino found it amusing that it's men more than women who seek out advice on their look, even when the hair is very short. His response then is that it looks great.

The celebrity with the best hair?  Ric Pipino loves Julia Roberts.  For everyone, he recommended switching up your look and experimenting with texture, product and styles. On caring for winter hair, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!


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Monday, February 27, 2012

Farah Angsana Fall 2012

The jetsetting socialite was the muse for Farah Angsana's Fall 2012 collection.  It was parade of sexy evening looks that bared skin strategically.  One of the top trends of fall were the high slit skirts that showed off long legs. 

Shoulders were exposed, some decollete and impeccable embroidery helped create an alluring look. The colors ranged from black and white to bright red, orange, purple, sapphire and emerald green.  The fabrics were luxurious.  Drapey silks fluttered with movement on the runway.  Lace, metallic brocade and abstract prints rounded out the collection.

Photos by David TW Leung
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Saturday, February 25, 2012

FAB EXCLUSIVE: Red Carpet Dressing with Janet McTeer

Oscar Nominee Janet McTeer has already won multiple TONY and SAG awards. She won the Golden Globe Award previously for 1999’s Tumbleweeds where she also earned her first Academy Award nomination. She is a legend among her peers in theater.   She struck up a friendship with fellow Oscar nominee from Albert Nobbs Glenn Close while working together on television’s Damages.  

Ms. Fabulous founder Mariana Leung was lucky enough to catch the Oscar nominee in between gown fittings to chat about dressing for the red carpet and her favorite designers: 
 
MsFABulous: Your dynamic performance in Albert Nobbs has earned you an acting nomination for almost every award this season. How much effort do you put into the red carpet when there are so many events to attend?
Janet McTeer: I put as much effort as I have time ! With the Golden Globes I literally had 2 days to find something and that was pretty stressful , with a little more lead time for the Oscars I have had a dress made for me.

MsF: What will you be doing to prepare your look for the Academy Awards ?

JM: Again as much as I have time for! I'm currently filming damages so I'm working right up until I fly to LA but I'll manage to squeeze in a manicure I'm sure

MsF: What qualities do you look for in a dress when you choose a look for an event?

JM: Depending on the event and the time of the event. I do believe less is more so I look for elegance and clean lines. I'm curvy so a tapered, not too fussy line suits me. If it’s a fun party I'll add a bit more funk and I never underestimate the power of a good décolletage !

MsF: Whose opinion do you trust when trying on red carpet options?

JM: Mine and my husband's.

MsF: Are there any fashion designers that you return to for special occasions?

JM: I love Marc Jacobs , David Meister for the red carpet , Miu Miu , Jovani does good stuff for far less and do more sizes than a 2!  I could go on and on but these are who I've worn recently

MsF: Do you have an all-time favorite look that you have worn on the red carpet?

JM: Not yet !

MsF: How has the culture of dressing for the red carpet changed since your last Academy Award nomination?

JM: It hasn’t, it's just as glamorous just as swanky , just as stressful.

MsF: What dress, handbag, shoes and jewelry did you ultimately choose to wear to the Oscars?

JM: I'm wearing a dress by David Meister , jewels by Piaget and believe it or not but I haven't got shoes or a bag yet and they are 4 days away. Ridiculous I know!

MsF: Thank you and have a great time!

 Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

NY FASHION WEEK: Vivienne Tam Fall 2012

Rich colors of crimson, purple, brown and teal gave the Vivienne Tam collection a warm coziness this season.  Known for incorporating Asian motifs into her work, the fall collection was more subtle in its influence. 

 There was a dragon embroidery, some scrolls and a diagonal neck finish for references to Eastern style.  More striking, were the different scales of chevron patterns and ombre stripes.  As was the big trend for Fall 2012, fur collars were a major part of this collection.  For Vivienne Tam, they were often Mongolian lamb, dyed in complementary colors to the rich palette of the season.

Vivienne Tam is a designer I often buy for myself for their witty use of traditional images in pop colors.  I am a fan of her colors, her silhouettes and especially her prints!  I can't wait for this collection to hit the stores.

Spotted in the front row: Russell Simmons, Russell Kwong

Photos by David TW Leung
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

REEL Fashion at FIAF/MFIT - Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton

Tuesday evening, I watched the first of three film screenings of fashion documentaries by Loic Prigent.  The director followed designer Marc Jacobs from New York, Asia and Paris to document his work process.  The film showed the creative journey from embroidery to dying fabric, then bleaching the garment for a destroyed affect.  It showed artisans all over the studio experimenting with pressing, washing, burning, tearing and steaming a flower to achieve just the right look.

I really enjoyed how the film captured the endless all-night work sessions and how much a collection is a team effort.  It did not attempt to glamorize it and showed off the skills and dedication of his staff.  The contrast between Marc Jacob's relaxed New York office and the much more formal French Louis Vuitton offices were an interesting observation on the culture gap.

I had the opportunity of working with Marc Jacobs briefly in the mid 1990's as an embroidery vendor.  He was one of the fellow Parsons alumni who was remembered fondly by past teachers.  He was always sweet, polite and funny.  Since then, he has become an international celebrity that fashionistas swoon over.  It's nice to see that despite the fame and the much bigger business that rides upon him, that his personality has barely changed.

Director Loic Prigent was available for a Q & A afterward.  The film did not take itself or the fashion world too seriously.  The subjects were able to view themselves in a bittersweet or humorous light.  Mr. Prigent confirmed that the designer was indeed as nice off-camera as he was on.  He recounted how Marc Jacobs teared up while watching the montage of himself calling upon his assistant Joseph.  It made him realize how truly indispensable he truly was.

Coming up Thursday, the film will be "The Day Before: Prouenza Schouler" about the designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough.   Q & A available after the screening as well with the director.



The Day Before: Proenza Schouler (2009) ~ Director: Loïc Prigent
Thursday, February 23, 6pm
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre
Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center, first floor
Admission is FREE with RSVP here.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How to Rock Colored Denim for Spring

It’s all about color this spring.  If you’re looking for upscale or laid back looks, bright hues are the quickest way to update your closet.  If you’re looking for an edgier look, skinny, cropped jeans in a bold color pairs well with a lot of options.

I’m wearing Rock & Republic’s vivid blue skinny denim with their stud embellished tank top.  I added a red raincoat for  seasonal showers.  I mirrored the tiny studs on the top with an over-sized gun metal cluster necklace.  I topped my look with my Hubby's Italian wool hat and studded platform pumps.


Other ways to rock out this spring is to pair a lightweight knit tunic or bold print tank with white or red Hamburg Skinny Crop Jeans.  Add a motorcycle jacket or trench for chillier days.  Accessories like Bohemian headbands, fedora hat, dangling earrings or a statement necklace help to elevate the look from casual to high fashion.


Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.


Photos by Adam Weinstein and Robert McConnell
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Photographers Favorite - Zang Toi Fall 2012

zang toi fall 2012
zang toi fall 2012
There is no designer more admired among the crew in the photographer's pit than Zang Toi. The atmosphere at the front of the runway is more pirates’ crew than genteel fashion elite.  Most of the burly guys are just there to do a job.  Once in a while, there comes a fashion show like Zang Toi’s fall 2012 collection, which inspires the most jaded of shooters.

Why did he impress?  The lighting was favorable, a detail that a surprising number of designers ignore.   It didn’t hurt that he ran a rehearsal for the benefit of the photographers to prep their cameras before the rest of the audience was granted access.

 The models were seasoned.  They were real women who knew how to pose provocatively to accentuate each look.  Another detail taken for often granted: models that actually hold the pose long enough for the photographer to take the image.

The designer’s posh gowns filled the width of the runway with yards of satin and pure glamour.  Zang Toi truly knows how to make his clientele, his staff (and we lowly photographers) feel special.  He makes his socialites look gorgeous, and he constantly praises his staff.   I briefly worked with him in my early embroidery design days and he was always a class act.  In a first for fashion week, he actually thought to provide the photographers with boxed lunches of Malaysian curry buns and fruit before the show.  


After taking us to Morocco last season, Mr. Toi took us to Gstaad this season.  The color palette was simple, black, cream and red.  A bright red, orange and fushia tile print looked rich and modern.  The hair and makeup were classic 1940's Hollywood.  Gowns were long and fitted with some dramatic flair at the hem.  Some were embellished with embroidery, beading or sculpted shoulder details.  Day wear included luxurious Loro Piana suits and coats.  In the end, the guests stood up for another well earned standing ovation for the designer.  

Spotted in the front row: Real Housewife of NY Ramona Singer,  America's Next Top Model Eva Marcille

Photos by David TW Leung
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Elegant Warmth at J. Mendel Fall 2012

Fur was one of the biggest trends for Fall 2012 at NY fashion week.  The family business of J. Mendel has been doing fur for five generations.  For their runway show at Lincoln Center, Gilles Mendel presented a mix of chic evening wear and luxe fur dresses.

The evening looks were a mix of beaded art deco gowns or sexy dresses with strategic cut-outs.  The fur pieces ranged from hip vests to sheared, tailored dresses or cozy coats.  The color palette of this collection was warm, but basic.  Lots of brown tones, mustard, dramatic black and classic ivory went down the runway.

I have a lot of friends who are against fur, and were not too happy with the abundance of it this season.  While I am sympathetic to their views, I am not a vegetarian.  There are native cultures that survive on the fur trade.   There are very few companies where families are willing to continue on the tradition of their ancestors. How do you deny a family their legacy?


Photos by David T.W. Leung
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SALES ALERT! Barney's Warehouse Sale, Krizia, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Chloe


Barneys


It's time to start shopping again! 


What: This sale is infamous in shopping culture.  The luxury retailer will have clothing, shoes and accessories for women, men and children for up to 75% off retail prices.  Labels include Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Lanvin, Theyskens Theory and Chloe to name a few.
When: February 16th to 26th: Feb 16th-17th: 8am to 9pm, Feb 18th-19th: 10am to 8pm, Feb 20th and 24th: 9am to 9pm, Feb 21st-23rd: 10am to 9pm, Feb 25th-26th: 9am to 8pm
Location: 255 W. 17th Street, NYC



What: Krizia, the Italian designer label is having its very first New York Warehouse Sale.  Expect discounts of 70% to 90% off women’s clothing..


When: February 19th to 28th
Location: 446 W. 14th Street, NYC
What: Noir Jewelry is edgy and a favorite of celebs like Gwen Stefani, Sofia Vergara and Mila Kunis

When: February 23rd to 24th (10 AM-7 PM)

Location: 350 W 38th St, 5th floor between 8th & 9th Ave


What: Alessi 's Warehouse Sale.  Shop 50% - 70% off uber-modern housewares.

When: 2/13 - 2/29; M-Sat (11-6), Sun (noon-6).

Location: 30 E. 60th St. near Madison Ave. or 130 Greene St.,
near Prince St

Balenciaga Bags Sample Sale
What: Balenciaga's "it" bags at an (almost) affordable price. 

When: Tuesday February 21 at 10 AM

Where: 381 Fifth Avenue (between 35th and 36th street) 2nd floor
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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Luxe Dominatrix at Catherine Malandrino Fall 2012

Catherine Malandrino has always dressed the take-charge kind of woman.  For Fall 2012, the designer made it a bit more obvious with patent leather corsets and mane-like fur collars around the neck.  The presentation at Eyebeam Studios in Chelsea was sexy.  Beaded mesh mixed with embroidered leather and pailettes.  Tailored seaming flattered the right curves on the body as did strategic cutouts.  

The handbag of the day was a box-like lucite clutch.  The purse came in a myriad of sparkly or quartz bodies with sides of clear plastic and contrast colors.  The earring of choice was a series of dangled chains from a multi-hole ear cuff.  

This label is one I love to shop from (even more with a sample sale) because it is clearly designed by a woman for women who live my lifestyle.  There was a lot of black in different textures, with bright, right jewel tones of green, sapphire and fushia.  Powerful women look great in this collection, and who doesn't appreciate that?

Spotted mingling: Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford


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Socialyte Tastemakers Suite

I just wanted to give thanks and a shout-out to the team behind Socialyte.Co's Blogger lounge last Sunday.  In the rush of New York Fashion Week, running up and downtown, staying up all night to upload photos, etc. a fashion blogger can get wiped out.  

Socialyte.Co is an organization that aims to bring brands and bloggers together.  Brands know what tremendous influence bloggers have when it comes to fashion and shopping.  Bloggers collaborating with brands on product design or advertising campaigns is mutually beneficial.  Thus, the Tastemaker's Suite was born.  

Tired bloggers were invited to sip cocktails from Don Q, or re-hydrate with Body Armor vitamin water.  Snacks for the famished were provided.  The stylists from Arrojo Studio were on hand to glamorize those of us who were disheveled from runway hopping, along with makeup artists from Ulta.   I used DDF skincare eye cream to prop up the bags under my eyes.

Fun spring shoes were on hand from Chinese Laundry, ranging from metallic flats to floral printed platforms. One of my favorites, Rebecca Minkoff mini-macs were decorated with printed scarves. She just came off a fantastic Fall 2012 show at Lincoln Center. To accessorize, lovely trinkets from Bauble Bar and Seal Watches were there to dress up outfits. 

Bloggers work hard at fashion week, and we're very appreciative when people notice :). 

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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Regal Glamour at THEIA Fall 2012

Strong, powerful women of mythology.  Designer Don O'Neill has always looked to iconic female figures as muse.  For his Fall 2012 collection (and first runway show), he went darker and more mysterious.  Some in the audience called it the Morgana or Snow White's evil queen collection.  What I saw were gowns that were luxuriously embellished and sexy. 

Black and silver were the dominant colors, with some rich amethyst looks in between.  Shoes were made by Q by Pascuale Fabrizio.  Exquisite heels from Italy that were also delicately crafted.  Beaded headpieces gave the evening wear their magical slant.  

The makeup consisted of smoky, smoldering eyes.  The hair was inspired by Athena, Goddess of weaving.  It was pulled back into long ponytails, with  long hair strands wrapped around and interwoven down the tail.

Theia is fast becoming the go-to favorite of celebrities for the red carpet.  Most recently, Amber Riley of Glee at the NAACP awards and TONY winner Donna Murphy at the Drama League Awards wore his flattering gowns.  Maybe they know that they can count on Don to make them look their best.  Maybe the stars know that they sparkle like the Goddess of Light that inspires the collection.  Either way, this is a label not to be missed!


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Friday, February 17, 2012

Red Carpet Drama from Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012

The Academy Awards are coming up next week.  The fishtail hem has been the most prominent trend this awards season.  Monique Lhuillier is a popular choice for celebrities looking to make an elegant impression. 


For her Fall 2012 collection, there were plenty of options for the red carpet.  My favorites were the fiery abstract prints in soft, gathered silks.  It was worked into gowns as well as shorter, day dresses.  Shaped leather details under the bust or at the waist gave many of her looks a sexier edge.  Not quite a corset, but they defined the waist and drew attention to the right curves.  The color palette had lots of black, maroon, red, brown and pewter.  Some shimmering embroidery and pieced lace brought extra luxury to some of the dresses as well.

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

NY FASHION WEEK: Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2012



Dreamy goldfishes floating down the runway.  At least that's how my father, the photographer described this show.  Bibhu Mohapatra has been on a stellar rise in recent years.  He is winning awards left and right, working along side of Prabal Garung and Waris Ahlwallia at the Fashion Incubator.   

His elegant evening gowns had a bit of 1930's silhouettes, fishtail hems and ombre colors.  Embellishments were strategically laid out to be the most flattering on (real) women's bodies.  The inspiration for this collection was Chinese opera, like the legendary tale of the white haired lady.  
photos by David TW Leung
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Eastern Style of Josie Natori Fall 2012

Ancient art met modern zen for the Josie Natori presentation at the Rubi Museum of NYC.  The designer known mainly for intimate apparel brought out a retro Mongolian-inspired collection with deep black, cream and red colors.

The kimono was clearly a muse, as variations on the silhouette were interpreted in several ways.  Soft and built around the shoulder, or as an exaggerated jacket to accentuate sleeves.  While the looks clearly referenced traditional clothing items of Chinese and Japanese origin, Ms. Natori drew from that to create a fresh sportswear collection with bold Asian prints on chic black backgrounds.

Dark vamp lipstick was paired with 1920's waves or 1930's curls.  Accessories included feathered fans and fan pleated clutch handbags.

The presentation of having coiffed models saunter down a spiral staircase really helped to create drama.  It was like watching 1930's screen goddesses materialize out of an opium daze into daylight.  Beautiful!


Photos by Ching Leung
  Natori

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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Ladies Rule the Rock and Republic Runway for Kohls



It was a night of rock and roll style from kick-ass ladies.  Action star Zoe Saldana, model Molly Sims,musician Ashlee Simpson and actress Mena Suvari came out to celebrate the Rockand Republic collection launch for Kohl’s. 

The Hammerstein ballroom in midtown Manhattan was built out in an elaborate litrunway for a parade of edgy, rock-inspired denim fashions.  Tops were really sexy, with metallic fabrics,studded embellishments, sequins or shoulder-bearing cuts.  Jeans were slim, in a range of colors.  Really short shorts and miniskirt lengths bared sexy legs.


Accessories really brought edge to the runway looks. Feathered earrings and layered necklaces gave that rocker edge.  Chunky bracelets, sharp fedoras and compact little clutch purses elevated casual outfits to more sleek ensembles.  Colored pumps or studded platform heels kicked up the diva factor in footwear

Kohl's R&R Reporter Team Logo.jpgSeeing the show styled so well with the accessories really helps me in my own denim dressing…I’m not a jeans girl on a regular basis.  I’m old school in feeling like I need to be put together anywhere I go.  The embellished tees and accented denim ensembles totally showed me that jeans can be a high fashion statement (without breaking the bank!).

I already picked out my favorites from shopping online last week.  After seeing the show, my new favorites are bright red jeans and the foil printed studded one-shoulder top.

Need a peek at the show?  Check out the video:



Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.
Photos by Mariana Leung and Glam director Robert McConnell   

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson Fall 2012

betsey johnson fall 2012
betsey johnson
If the three hour photographer waiting line for this show wasn't an indication, then the packed theater at Lincoln Center Monday proved Betsey Johnson was the hottest fashion show this season.  Fall 2012 for the fashion icon included big fur faux wraps and collars.

There were cheeky cocktail dresses with flouncy skirts, mini shorts and mini skirts with colored tights.  Also, slim, cigarette trousers and wildly printed blouses and tea dresses the designer is known for.  Coats were A-line or a fit and flare silhouette.  There were graphic black and white looks, with stripes or bold motifs.  Then the ultra-girly pinks, teal and purples of her signature palette.

Accessories included brightly colored fedoras and large pieced clutch bags in harlequin colors.  Jewelry was flash, fun and not to be taken too seriously.

All three generations of Johnson ladies walked the runway for the finale.  The little lady and Mom, Lulu Johnson flaunted complementary pink dresses.  Grandma Betsey led a cheer leading squad after her signature cartwheel and even a quick split landing.  Rock on Betsey!






Photos by David TW Leung
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Neon Pop L.A.M.B. from Gwen Stefani Fall 2012

gwen stefani fall 2012
Pop art and music go hand in hand. Pop icon Gwen Stefani merged the two into a bright, fresh update on 1980's style references along with 1960's sweater girls.

The Fall 2012 collection for L.A.M.B. Had a vivid palette of black, white, yellow and neon colors. Soft shoulder graphic t-shirts mixed with tailored suits in oversized neon houndstooth prints.  Big pop graphics and retro glen plaids mixed with short skirts and cigarette pants.

neon handbags
Handbags ranged from simple clutches with the houndstooth motif, to extra large patent neon or glossy black carryalls.  The hair was swept up in one of the season's most popular up-dos.  The semi-beehive with long hair at the back.
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