Pratt Fashion Design Graduate Show 2012

Last Thursday night, the fashion industry's top mentor gathered in the front row to cheer on the design talent of the Pratt Institute's graduating class. Champion to all of NY fashion, Fern Mallis was honored at the event, with Calvin Klein handing her the award. Stan Herman, Hamish Bowles also chatted up their favorites to the industry and family crowd.

The evening started with a video of testimonials of designers who had been inspired by Ms. Mallis. She was one of the founders of 7th on 6th (now Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), founding board member of DIFFA and a warrior to bring International awareness to American designers.

The design student's collections on the runway showcased a diverse vision of style. A few favorites:

Dana Hurwitz brought the use of mixed media to elegant heights with fur and vinyl. Kelsy Carleen Parkhouse brought a quaint homestyle look to her collection with quilted details in updated fashion silhouettes. Beatrice Weiland showed she knew how to brand a collection. She used urban silhouettes and bold, graphic prints with her name incorporated into them for her group. Kate Wilkoff's sophisticated collection was a study in dressmaker details. She used delicate pleating, trapunto stitching and light as air carwash fringe for an elegant evening look. Meredith Lyon took a strong social message and managed to communicate it in a witty, but chic collection. Her PSA against smoking used strategic graphics and a great cigarette print. She gave new meaning to cigarette pants, seamed like actual cigarettes, while maintaining their signature silhouette.

See the rest below:

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Sunday Blogger Love: Icons, Green Fashion Tips, DIYs

Edited by: Jess of Fresh JessIt’s my birthday today! What better way to kick this day off than seeing what’s bringing IFB wardrobes to life lately? Your latest Links a la Mode round up features style icons Stevie Nicks and First Lady Michelle Obama; Earth Day-inspired tips on being green; avant-garde accessories; trend reports; quick & easy DIY tutorials and some of the most beautiful outfit style posts around. Need some help figuring out what to wear for your next bike trip or spring business conference? We’ve got you covered there too. This week’s posts are like presents for my Google Reader. Now let’s celebrate!

• Barefoot Duchess: My “More & Less & Must” List for Welcoming Summer


• Bugwear: Polka Dots and Glitter and Bling...Oh My!


• Corinne Monique: Valentina, Valentino


• Dress Code, High Fashion: Runway Trend S/S ‘12: Harnesses, Corset & Waist Belts


• Fashionista’s Diary: DIY Rope Necklace


• Fasshonaburu: How to Look Conference Chic


• Fumiko Kawa: Fashion Trends in Japan 2012


• Ms. Fabulous: 10 Ways to Green Your Closet


• My Style Ramblings: Style Icon: Stevie Nicks


• Real Girl Glam: How to Manicure...Gold-Flecked Nails


• Silk and Spice: Spring/Summer 2012 Trends: Runway vs. Real Way


• Synthetic Elegance: Trendspotting - The Return of Sporty Spice


• The Classic Woman: The Style of Michelle Obama


• The Refined Hippy: 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day


• The Sparkle in Her Eye: 15 Key Pieces: Building a Timeless, Yet Modern Accessory Wardrobe


• The Stranger: Mojoism and My Illegible Handwriting


• The Stunning Look: Meow!


• Tiffany Squared: Why It Works...Skirts with Volume


• Tobruck Ave: DailybuzzStyle: 9x9


• Yellow Cupcakes: Bicycle Accessories

I

SPONSOR:
Wrap Dresses at http://pinterest.com/shopbophq/ ">Shopbop: Waist Defining, Edith Miller, MinkPink, Zac Posen, Maxi Skirts, L.A.M.B., Reem Acra, Thakoon, James Perse Dresses, Milly Dresses, ALC, Work & Jersey dresses

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

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Bright Lights, Big City from Milly by Michelle Smith

Neon is still going strong.  Milly by Michelle Smith can always be counted on for a bright color palette and bold prints.  For Fall 2012, the designer and Mom sent out feminine flouncy skirts with lace overlays, variegated stripes, plaids and flattering color-blocked silhouettes.  Basic black was paired with high contrast white, royal blue, neon pink and acid yellow.

I am a black tights girl myself.  I also have a hard time breaking from my Gotham-mandated uniform of black in my wardrobe.  This collection gave me lots of high contrast options to pair with my existing noir garb.

Milly just did a fun collaboration with Topsiders this spring.  Based on Michelle Smith's final bow, I'm hoping for an adorable children's launch soon too!

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Matthew Williamson Bridal with Love at Atlantis

Ah yes, take me to wed darling!  Bridal week just finished and with it, presentations of amazing fashion for walking down the aisle.  British designer, Matthew Williamson debuted his Fall/Winter wedding looks at this Meatpacking district boutique.  This collection was not for your traditional bride.  I loved the innovative embroidery techniques that were multi-textured and dimensional.  He had gorgeous accessories of vintage shapes and sculptural beading.

On hand to flesh out the romantic fantasy were the reps from Atlantis Resorts.  Decadent wedding banquet tables were fully decorated for a luxury event.  Big photos of beach settings completed the dream.  I am SO looking forward to my trip there!!!  (Maybe renew my vows, do a story on island fashion?) Suggestions are welcome.

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How to Rock Denim Shorts

Spring temperatures have risen, so hemlines should follow suit.  It's all about the chic denim short to celebrate the sunny days.  All of the big spring trends of embellishments, colors and fitted silhouettes look even sexier in mini lengths.  

Pre-1970's, jean cutoffs were a casual, even sloppy clothing item.  Then came a character named Daisy Duke on the hit TV show, The Dukes of Hazard.  Most Fashionistas have likely never even seen the show, yet they can all picture what this now iconic fashion item looks like.

What goes around comes around, as a fitted shirt tied to expose fit abs are just as relevant now as it was then.  A nicely cut top to show off ripped arms or a more dressy blouse can take the look from super casual to a night out.  Dress it up further with a chunky bracelet or long chain necklace.

Ready to get leggy?  It's an American tradition!

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock and 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 courtesy of Kohls.com and CBS 

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Style Icon - Joan Holloway

Were you as excited about the return of AMC's Mad Men as I was?  My favorite girl crush of a character, Joan Holloway (now Harris) was back on the screen.  Seeing Christina Hendricks on the air was a revelation.  I had never seen such a curvy woman on modern television celebrated as much as she has.  The Joan Holloway character is sexy, stylish and takes crap from no one.  A quick search on the internet found countless blogs devoted to her as a sex symbol as well as a fashion icon.

The Joan Holloway style involves figure flattering dresses, provocative in what they cover, not what they expose.  Her colors are rich, like deep blues, teal, red and occasionally black.  She has tasteful jewelry strategically worn to accent her assets.  

I gave my take on her look with modern designers.  Instead of 1960's bows, my knit ponte dress from Byron Lars has an asymmetrical twist detail.  Instead of Joan's signature pen necklace, mine was a gold pendant, molded from a crystal shard from Stella & Dot.  My Rebecca Minkoff handbag had a retro boxy silhouette, but funky, updated hardware.  

Mad Men gives great screen time to cocktails.  While I don't condone drinking at the office, (I do recognize it can be necessary) it does show libations in chic crystal before the days of cheap beer in cans.    Many of my former cocktail buddies are now new Moms.   Luckily, they still like to party, even if they are nursing a little one instead of nursing a hangover.  My solution is to create some tasty beverages that can still be served in a martini glass.  

My sponsor for this post, Crystal Light also offers options for Girls/Mommies night out.  They have low calorie, non-alcoholic versions of Mojitos, Bellinis, and Pomtinis.

Whether you're looking for Don Draper or conquering new career frontiers like Joan and Peggy, always do it with style!

Crystal Light Mocktails are a fun way to get all the taste of your favorite cocktails without all the alcohol. With five flavorful calories and zero regrets they've caused quite a stir. Find out more at http://on.fb.me/IuqNu5.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Crystal Light Mocktails via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crystal Light Mocktails

Photos courtesy of AMCtv and Adam Weinstein

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Ten Ways to Green Your Closet

Earth Day is coming up on Sunday.  It started in 1970 during a time of anti-war sentiment and concerns about the environment.  Sad to say, those concerns are just as prominent today as they were back then.

Historically, the environment hasn’t been a priority among the fashion set.  The luxury industry is forever linked to conspicuous consumption.   That said, designers today are becoming more eco-conscious.  Zac Posen, Lauren Bush, Derek Lam and Behnaz Sarafpour among others gathered in Manhattan to support Clean By Design, an initiative with the Council of Fashion Designers of America with Vogue Magazine that aims to reduce the negative impact fashion has on the environment.  The initiative wants to educate fashion designers. 

The current state of pollution was a major inspiration in the designs at Qinghai Design School’s graduating class for Shanghai Fashion Week.  Outfits included turtlenecks that converted into facial protection and color coordinated face masks.

So what can YOU do to green your own wardrobe?

1)  Be a locavore.  Buying food from local sources has gained momentum in recent years.  Apply the same principles to clothes.  Support designers like Nanette Lepore who manufacture domestically, which provides employment to the local economy or designers from your home town.  Items that don’t need to be shipped via boat or plane obviously have a smaller carbon footprint.

2    2) Buy vintage.  Tailoring, construction and design details rocked in decades past.  Television shows like Mad Men have made wardrobes the real star.  Buy the real thing from great vintage shops or find a bargain at reputable thrift stores like Salvation Army.  Believe or not, they are a stylist’s secret weapon and actually partner with a lot of high fashion sources to manage their chic offerings.

3   3)    Recycle to upcycle. If you find that great vintage or thrift find, perfect.  If not, get creative and transform a castoff into something fabulous.  Need ideas? Great sites like Threadbanger  have a lot of DIY instructions.  Not crafty? Seek out designers who do it for you.  BabySteinberg out of Canada transforms garbage into couture creations.  Designer  Christopher Raeburn  updates older pieces for the modern hipster.

   

     4) Style swap.  Broke?  Clothing swaps around the country are a hit.  Find your fashion soulmate and trade your favorites for new favorites.  Find some in your hometown with swap groups on Meetup.com.

5      5)     Eco-friendly fabrics. Clothing made from green materials aren't the granola, harsh fabrics of the early days.  Bamboo knits come in amazing color palettes and are super soft.  Hemp silk bridal gowns have a luxurious look and texture.  Warm fleece made from discarded water bottles help reduce a bit of the landfills.  Lyocell, tencel and other new plant-based fabrics are gaining popularity.  Technology is constantly bringing new materials to the industry as well.  Learn more about these at Ecouterre.com.  

5   6) Planet-friendly accessories.  There are a huge range of accessories that can be made from eco-friendly materials that might not work in clothing.  Nahui Ollin’s bags made from candy wrappers have been seen on the arms of hipsters, television stars and fashion icons.  Vegetable tagua is a great alternative to make beads.  Craft fairs are full of jewelry made from everything from soda can tabs, vintage book covers to scarves felted from old clothing.  The handbag design competitionawards top prizes to Best Green Handbag and Best Socially Responsible Handbags, proving that style with a conscious can also be super-chic. 

  

     7) Pass on packaging.  I know part of the thrill of the shopping experience is the tissue paper, glossy bag and pretty box.  Truthfully, the pleasure of that only lasts a few seconds.  Packaging costs a lot of money to produce and has been factored in to the cost of your item.  Taking your goods home in your fabulous handbag is more glamorous and creates a lot less garbage.

     8)     Multi-task your items.  Put your stylist skills to use.  Find items that can be worn in different ways…Imagine a dress that can be worn as a top, cardigan, tunic and skirt, then folds into a bag.  Look for convertible garments that are designed to be worn different ways so you have several styles to choose from.  We like the 5 in 1 dress from Thieves Boutique. This also makes packing for a trip a breeze!

9   9) Buy better, not more.  Invest in better pieces.  Having a ton of cheap, crappy clothes doesn't impress anyone.  What’s more, cheaply made mass market duds are more likely to be made at factories with less standards for the environment, worker safety and quality.  

1. 10)   Support good companies.  Research and buy goods from companies that you know to have good practices.  Eileen Fisher  produces a pretty Eco collection with their own employees as models.  At their headquarters, they practice every day polices like a central garbage disposal for the floor that encourages employees to produce less waste if they have to travel to get rid of it.

Happy Earth Day!

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Threadflip - Closet Porn

Do you ever want to peek into the closets of your favorite fashionistas? How about just raiding those closets?  Need to clear out your own wardrobe first?


Threadflip is a new site that brings social media into your treasure trove.  You can browse the personal collections of top bloggers, fashion industry stars and shopaholics for some style insight, as well as shop from them directly. If you have items that you don't wear enough, or haven't even pulled out of the shopping bag yet (come on, I can't be the only one with an impulse shopping problem), you can sell them with your own online wardrobe.

This one is mine:

I have to admit, this was a great find for me.  I have a lot of items I love, but just can't give them away after I spent so much on them.  I also realized many of the shoes are just so pretty, so so damn uncomfortable once I put them on, (I'm guilty of internet shopping...a lot).  I have some extra handbags, a great Pucci beach tote, I realized I was never going to use since I like carrying everything a big cheap plastic beach tote to protect my goods from the water and not worry about getting wrecked.  A $700 designer tote I would just be uptight about leaving in the dirt and salt water.    

Since we're all sharing our personal business on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, why wouldn't we share our wearables as well?

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Sunday Blogger Love: The Rites of Spring

Edited by: Sonia of In Pursuit of Style
Beyond just the change in temperatures, something key to this time of year is spring cleaning. Whether it be your closet, desk in your office or your body of toxins, its a great time to get rid of the old and be open to change. Make an effort this week, or this month, to add a little loose change into your life, be it changes to your fabulous blog, purchasing that sparkly skirt you’ve had your eye on and never thought you could wear or even adding some sassy leopard to you look!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: APRIL 12TH

• The Merchant Project: Some Sparkle For Your Week


• Designer Purushu: Time To Change


• The Style Confessions: Clothing Tells A Story


• Coming Unstitched: Blogging Tips & Tricks


• Life / Style / Flash: Spring Cleaning Tips


• By Anika: Texture


• Opening My Closet: White Easter Downtown


• Blue Perk: Interview with Eric Jennings, Fashion Director at Saks


• Real Girl Glam: What Makes A Budget Blog?


• Sequined Sprinkles: Collared


• The Stranger Blog: Paris in Mint Green


• Fashion is Evolution: How To Make A Vintage Birdcage


• Clones And Clowns: DIY Studded Denim Shorts


• Beats Fashion: Street Style: Grimes


• Nadalyn Margaret: Lifestyle: Summer With Mojitos


• Style Delica: One Dress, Three Ways


• Pins, Needles & Fashion: Outfit Post: Welcoming Spring


• Fashionably Geeked: Flower Power


• In Pursuit of Style: A Touch of Culture


• Homes & Heels: Black & White

SPONSOR:
New Sale at Shopbop: Some Odd Rubies, Anya Hindmarch Bags, See by Chloe Handbags, Jerome Dreyfuss Bags, Cut25 Dresses, Sunglasses, Foley + Corinna, Women's Hats, Charlotte Ronson, Vera Wang Shoes, Result Wear, Loeffler Randall Sandals & Platform Sandals

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine
 

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Scottish Fashion! Re:Designed

The Highlands meet the Highline. The Scottish government sponsored Scotland Re: Designed, a cocktail party to showcase their top designers in fashion, accessories and textiles last night.  Representatives from the organization talked about Scotland's history in Harris Tweed, tartan and cashmere.  My favorites of the night were Judy R. Clark's highly constructed collection and the dramatic headpieces of William Chambers. 

Besides being a source for talented designers, the country has been a go-to source to supply brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and movies like Harry Potter.

Isn't time for your Highland fling?

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Sales Alert! Jimmy Choo Sample Sale, Dolce and Gabbana, Nanette Lepore, Valentino

In NYC:
Jimmy Choo Sample Sale:
Oh how we have missed you Jimmy!  Footwear's sexiest shoes have not had a big sale like this since 2009.  Back then, queues went around the block, fights broke out among fashion-mad shoppers, naive wannabe jammed their toes into too small stilettos...And you know you love it.  Shoes are 2 pairs for $400.  Gird your loins ladies...
When: Thursday, April 12 from 2pm—6pm and Friday, April 13 from 9am—6pm,
Where:  Met Pavilion (123 W. 18th Street.) Fourth Floor


Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale:
This is a big one for the Italian designer brand...Over 3500 dresses, jackets, tops, swimwear and more will be offered at huge discounts.  Look for dresses and outerwear at $129, tops at $59.
When: Thursday, April 12 - Sunday, April 15, 2012, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: 407 West 13th Street (between Washington Ave and 9th ave)


Nanette Lepore Sample Sale:
She is one of top crusaders of saving the Garment Center in New York.  She proudly produces her feminine chic collection locally.  Pick up her pieces as a big discount and support the NYC industry:
When: Tuesday, April 10 - Thursday, April 12, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, (between 7th and 8th avenue) 2nd floor



Online:
Valentino Pret-a-porter 
Grab pretty spring blouses, dresses skirts with exquisite details at this online sample sale.
Register and shop here now!

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Spring Style from Sachika

Sister acts are the hot design duos these days, between Rodarte and Chloe Comme Parris, style mavens are keeping it in the family.  To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika created a pretty mermaid inspired collection for spring.

Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch interviewed the twins backstage and explored their show:




Video Photography Omri Escalante, Reporting by Mdivani Monroe

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Splurge vs. Steal: Easter Edition

Chocolate and peeps will wreck your waistline, celebrate Easter with some stylish goodies instead...Here's our roundup of chic items no matter what your budget:

Lulu and Co. silk blend bunny printed vest $329. Diamond, emerald and gold bunny ring $7480 at Net-a-Porter by Anita Ko.   D & G Daisy print bra $145. Judith Leiber jeweled Russian egg clutch $4795.

 Sauce Bunny skull tunic for $60.  Silver Peter Cotton Tail ring from ModCloth for $14.99. Daisy print bra from Victoria's Secret, $32.50. Vivian Alexander mini-purse egg clutch $249.

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Pop Prints at Original Penguin

The invitation was intriguing...It was printed with retro blooms on one side and polka dots on the other, with a bunch of white bobby pins attached.  Was this a teaser of vintage inspired outfits? White hardware on clothes?

The Fall 2012 presentation at their Soho boutique answered the question.   Guests perused the sunny presentation with Mimosas, mini lox bagels and homemade pop tarts.

Sweet cardigans in bright coral, turquoise and black and white topped flirty mini dresses.  Cropped cigarette pants and pastel knits evoked the 1960's sweater girl.  A-line printed or brightly colored solid cotton coats made the perfect topper for chillier autumn nights.

I love that flowers are blooming and fall fashion will too.  At least I have something to look forward to when summer is over!

BONUS: Take 30% off Friends & Family online and in-store with this coupon. 

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How to Glam Day into Night Denim

Love to shine in the sun and shimmer at night?  I put together a group of my favorite trends this spring.  The big trends of printed denim as well as exotics are both found in this hot leopard print jean from Rock and Republic.  I gave it a luxe counterpart in metallic stingray clutch to carry at night.

Metallics are also an essential theme this spring, especially when your long day at work continues to partying at night.  This Rock and Republic sequined tank is sexy for dancing, but gives a little bit of edge under an office-friendly blazer.  When it gets cool, go for a trench coat with a subtle hint of gold to pull it all together.


Growing up, I always thought of jeans as a playtime item.  With the rise of casual workplaces and premium denim, designers are dressing denim up with upscale embellishments.  Pairing sophisticated accessories and a great heel elevates your 5-pocket wonder to a perfect outfit for any fab engagement.



Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock and  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.

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Remi & Emmy Launches Crowd-Sourced Handbags

 Last night, an innovative handbag line launched at Caravan Stylist Studio and Socialyte.  Remi & Emmy is a project of handbag superstar Rebecca Minkoff.  The collection is available at department stores like Lord & Taylor and Dillard's.  One of the pioneers in leveraging social media and blogger relations, the company took it a step further by working with top fashion bloggers to design the product and star in their campaigns.

 Hypnotiq served up girly cocktails and a chic dessert table of cupcakes, giant marshmallows, crystal pops and cookies.  The stylists at the studio gave ladies the VIP treatment with hair and makeup makeovers.

The bags were a mix of pebbled leather and faux leather.  Some great python textures and white trim were perfectly on trend for spring.  Gold studs added some edge to bold black, red and white bags.  Zipper teeth were also used as another great accent.

The democratization of fashion has long been coming.  I think this line just elected it's consulate.

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Shimmering Chic - Reem Acra Fall 2012

Love me some shimmer, how about you?  Reem Acra has always been the go-to designer for glamorous bridal creations.  Their New York Fashion Week show however, made a bid for all of your cocktail frock needs.  Lots of gold, silver, black sequins and beading sparkled down the runway.  1920's and 1970's influences shaped the silhouettes along with very simple mini dresses or maxi tank dresses.  

The collection was undeniably sexy while maintaining their elegant reputation.  Strategic cut-outs or the illusion of exposed skin underneath the embroidery was more tease than flash.  Hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail.  Jewelry was minimal, letting the clothes to the talking.

Photos by David TW Leung

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