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NYFW S/S18 Day 4

Whoohoo did Day 4 start early!  This was perhaps our most exhausting day of NYFW because we began at 9:00am and didn’t finish our shows until after 9:00pm.  The great news is it was a day jam packed with fabulous fashion.

Day 4’s OOTD was probably the one I was most excited about (although Day 2’s Balenciaga jacket was pretty great).  I recently discovered designer Tiko Paksa and immediately feel in love with her edgy mix of masculine and feminine vibes.  Check out her Instagram for some next level inspiration.  I really debated on which piece of hers to acquire for the S/S18 shows, but landed on this oversized plaid blazer.  With a bit of a Prince flair and her modern interpretation of suiting, it’s a piece that made me smile and cackle with sartorial delight when I put it on.

My vision for what to wear with it went totally out the window thanks to the cooler fall weather in New York, so as much as I didn’t plan on repeating my handbag and boots, I still love the way it came together.

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Francesca Liberatore
When you’re on the calendar for 9:00am you’re already facing a tough crowd, but Francesca Liberatore delivered from the first look.  She opened with flowing peasant dresses and quickly shifted the mood to a confident, sexy beauty with power suits, sheer lace and sweetheart bandeau tops.  The overall theme always retained a beautiful softness with looks strategically placed throughout the collection to make you raise an eyebrow.  It was exactly the level of juxtaposition I long to see in fashion; a delicate balance very few designers have the finesse to strike.

While I was very lucky to be sitting front row, I didn’t get one good photo!  As someone who’s been elbowed, hit in the head by a camera and had to deal with another person’s armpit in my face at past shows, I’m really conservative about my in-show photo taking.  Unless I was willing to lean halfway into the runway for better light, it just wasn’t happening.  Please do take a look at this amazing collection via the recorded live stream.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.  I’ve got my eye on that yellow lace number!

LaQuan Smith
You may know LaQuan Smith by name.  Can’t figure out why?  He’s dressed Beyonce.  And Jennifer Lopez.  He makes rockstar clothes for personalities that can handle them.  In other words, these aren’t clothes for the faint of heart.  You’ve got to have the moxie to match.

Smith held his show at a rather unusual location… a high school gymnasium.  But it totally worked.  Brooklyn Tech’s Lady Dragons opened the show with a step routine adorned in head-to-toe black sweats (I’m still singing their cheer).  Models wore killer thigh high boots with the slide slit skirts to match, accented in plaid, camo and crystal-encrusted fishnet.  Men sported crop tops and glittering track suits.  Smith has a very devoted fan base, and they loved it all.

Leanne Marshall
Ahh, Leannnnnne Marshallllll.  Just saying her name evokes the feeling of frolicking through a meadow of wild lavender, birds chirping and carrying spools of ribbon a la Cinderella while fireflies dance in the background.  The woman is romantic and extreme elegance is what she delivers.  I always adore this show.  It’s truly one I look forward to each season (secretly more so than the others).  Sticking to her signature draping skills, she created some showstoppers for S/S18.  Look 28, her flamingo pink gown with billowing bubble sleeves, literally took my breath away.  This season she stepped outside the box with a modern poster print and more extreme cutouts than I’ve seen in seasons past.

The best part of the show is always the finale.  A master colorist, the rainbow of hues floating down the runway in succession is like watching a Van Gogh come to life.  I mean, look at this!

Jarel Zhang
All of the lights were dim as I walked into our final show of the day.  Construction cones, caution signs and flashing hazard lights illuminated the space.  For S/S18 Jarel Zhang created a monster weather-proof collection.  Each look was created to face the elements – rain jackets, trench coats and separates were sent down the runway in a myriad of colors that ended in charcoal, black and ink.  Lace-up detailing, ruffles and oversized pockets took his pieces from average performance wear to f-a-s-h-i-o-n.  I really enjoyed the candy colored lineup and the fact that he paired each look with Converse high tops (sometimes incased in rain boots).

After the show I went out for a late dinner with 10 blogger friends.  We swapped stories about our favorite collections, what we’ve learned and how the picture was different for those experiencing NYFW for the first time compared to the veterans.  While the majority of the stories were very positive, I did have some friends who experienced the wrath of fashion mean girls.

I’d like to take a minute to address this because it’s sadly something I’m hearing about more and more.  To the girls who feel the need to cut other people down to make themselves feel better: stop it.  Just stop.  There is room for everyone in this space and your negativity brings the whole industry down.  Just because someone doesn’t have as many followers as you or didn’t get into the best shows like you or can’t afford designer pieces like you, DOES NOT make them less than.  And shame on you for making them feel that way.  We ALL start somewhere and no one’s growth trajectory is the same.

So please.  Be nice.  Practice kindness.  Lift each other up, don’t cut each other down.  We are better than that.

NYFW S/S18 Day 3

Day 3 of NYFW always takes on the feel of a typical Wednesday.  You’ve finally hit your stride, but you also feel like you’ve lived 1000 lives in just three days.

I started the week in a girly yet edgy number, then moved on to total 80’s badass.  On Day 3 my mood shifted again – no surprise here – and I went totally feminine and voluminous in Ellery flares and a corseted top.  If you’re wondering what my secret is for finding great pieces for NYFW, it all comes back to Moda Operandi.  After each season’s collection hits the runway, I immediately go online and pre-order my wishlist (always staying in budget of course).  Four to six months later when the pieces arrive on my doorstep, I separate the “nah, don’t need it’s” from the “keep and covets”.  They only take a 50% deposit for pre-orders and have free shipping and free returns so you really can’t go wrong.

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Taoray Wang
Another fashion week “first”, we started the day with Taoray Wang which really got my blood moving.  Inspired by two Baroque musicians, the collection was a beautiful blend of masculine and feminine silhouettes.  Featuring pleated obi belts, deconstructed shirting and pinstriped suits accented with fringe and oversized cuffs, it was another example of a collection I would completely buy out if I could.  Besides sky blue and a few red stripes in the middle of the collection, the palette stayed dark with dominate notes of ink, black and charcoal.  Unsual for spring, but I loved it.  As a nod to edgy beauty, the models wore colorful temporary tattoos on their chests pushing the envelope of Wang’s modern suiting even further.

Son Jung Wan
Before the Son Jung Wan show started, I had major fun people watching.  If you followed my Insta Stories you remember my secret snapping – teehee!  The crowd appeared to be a Who’s Who of America’s Next Top Model.  Not only was I sitting behind three former contestants, but the hubby got to meet and take a pic with the legendary Miss J!  I really wanted to film a boomerang of us doing a walk off, but then I thought the better of it.  No one competes with Miss J!

Son Jung Wan is one of those designers that can do it all and her spring 2018 collection was a monumental undertaking of those skills.  Featuring hand-beaded appliqués, varying textures of chiffon, silk and linen, and a color palette ranging from rose to emerald the beauty of The French Riviera inspired her mood.  My favorites were her crinkled silk separates in metallic green and her playful rompers adorned with hand-sewn flowers.  The collection reminded me of an amped up version of her Spring 2016 runway and while I loved it, I prefer Wan’s more edited work.

Yuna Yang
When Son Jung Wan ran late I knew we’d never be able to make it from Soho to the Upper East Side in time for Yuna Yang.  Missing shows is an unfortunate reality of NYFW and while I always try to avoid it, sometimes you just can’t escape logistics.  Sadly I didn’t get to see this “Save the Earth” presentation in person, but pored over the images post-show.  Aptly held in the Mount Vernon Hotel Garden, the watercolor print, pleated chiffon and lace bomber jacket immediately hooked me.  I adored how she styled spring looks with chunky combat boots.  This is definitely a style note I’ll be incorporating come spring.  Fashion girls take note – a trend is born!

Photos courtesy of Yuna Yang

Philipp Plein
If you want to talk Crazytown USA, let’s not go further than Philipp Plein.  Everyone was excited about this show because Future was going to perform and stick around for the afterparty.  When we showed up to the Hammerstein Ballroom, the streets were lined with every kind of exotic car you can imagine.  It put the streets of Monaco to shame.  Even more abundant than the Bugatti’s, was the crowd.  There must have been at least 1000 people in line.

To give you a comparison, your average fashion show holds between 250-500 people.  Most guests have seats, with maybe 10-15% of the room standing.  You enter the space in an orderly fashion, usually in groups according to your seat assignment.

This was Armageddon.  Lines snaked from every direction imaginable with no rhyme or reason.  No one was being let inside 20min after the show was supposed to start (not a good sign).  After waiting 10min simply for the “can you believe this?!” camaraderie, we decided to leave.

On our way out, our taxi driver went down a street that was blocked off.  As we tried to wedge our way through (I still don’t know how he did it), his profanities abruptly stopped to proclaim, “That’s Fifty!”  We looked over, and not two feet from us was 50 Cent.  We could have high-fived him.  He drove a Bentley (still can’t believe his windows weren’t tinted) and we totally locked eyes.  It was the funniest and most random fashion week moment ever.

To give you an idea of what the show was actually like, I had friends who covered it backstage and got to see Adriana Lima up close and friends who waited in line over two hours only to be turned away at the door.

Thankfully we headed down to Greenwich Village to meet my dear friend, Megan.  When it comes to NYFW traditions, seeing Megan is always #1 on our list.  We totally forgot to take our signature photo, but reminisced about these classics later on.

Inching towards the home stretch with Day 4’s coverage on the blog tomorrow!

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW S/S18 Day 2

Early mornings during NYFW are especially tough, so when my alarm went off at 7am I was pretty much a zombie. Thank goodness for eye masks!

With my Day 2 OOTD, into a taxi I went. Destination: the World Trade Center. In the lobby I caught up with my blogger friend Nicole and together we ascended to the 71st floor for the Club Monaco presentation.

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Club Monaco
I’ve been lucky to attend all of Club Monaco’s shows since their inception at NYFW. First it was their debut in Grand Central and then a scene out of Alice’s Tea Party in their 5th Avenue flagship with Grace Coddington, Nick Wooster and Drew Barrymore in attendance.

Photos courtesy of Club Monaco

What makes Club Monaco unique is that they present a see-now, buy-now collection so everything is immediately available for purchase.  In a week where what you’re seeing won’t be available for another six months, it was wonderful to be inspired by pieces that I can actually get my hands on now. Standouts were their leopard print duster, tweed coat with oxblood fur sleeves and their take on the new power suit – florals from head to toe. You can shop the entire collection below!
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The first thing that popped into my head when I stepped off the elevator at World Trade? Coffee!

Concept Korea
Highly caffeinated and fed, Concept Korea was next. Featuring the country’s freshest talent shown in back-to-back runways, S/S18 opened with LIE by Lee Chung Chung, followed by Greedilous. Remember her insane collection from February?

Korean fashion is completely unapologetic. It pushes the envelope of texture, color and silhouette in ways most designers take years to perfect. There are underlying concepts infused into garments making them not just clothes, but movements. I can’t get enough.

Take LIE Collection. 69-year-old Maye Musk (Elon’s mother) opened the show in a see-through raincoat and tee emblazoned with the word “Imperfect”. Accessories and beauty followed suit with scripted eyeliner spelling out “Imperfectly Perfect” on upper lids and leather slides while lipstick was only applied on the bottom lip. How can you not love this IDGAF attitude?

I was thrilled to see shoe designer Yuul Yie collaborate on the footwear. As an owner of their mules, I found several other pairs to add to my collection!

Greedilous was inspired by the movie Avatar and created botanical prints on causal separates and dresses alike. Ruffles played an important note for spring – they’re not going anywhere! Featuring menswear and womenswear, Maye Musk closed the show in a floor length multi-tiered ruffled set.

LIE Collection
Greedilous

Although I’ve been attending NYFW for years, it’s always a thrill to have a fashion week “first”. Bibhu Mohapatra was a first for me this season and he didn’t disappoint.

Bibhu Mohapatra
If you’re unfamiliar with Bibhu, he creates intricately detailed garments that turn heads. These are not your average “I’ll-wear-this-to-brunch” looks. Bibhu is for special occasions. Tapping into an adventurous spirit, his S/S18 woman was a fearless explorer. Craving knowledge, culture and new-to-the-eye details, the collection featured sweet gestures of tulle and lace toughed up with harnessed bodices and corseted waistlines. A master of combining edgy and feminine, his show stopping gowns showcased hand beaded appliques and feathers. A note for spring – more is more.

Michael Costello
The show stopping drama didn’t end at Bibhu. Michael Costello held a presentation comprised of RTW and bridal at the Robert Miller Gallery. Last season Michael tapped into his inner badass with Rock N’ Roll vibes and an unforgiving je ne sais quoi. For spring 2018, he accessed a softer femininity. Think secret gardens overflowing with heady roses that intoxicate the senses to a point where you practically float away.

While all runways are fairytales to me, Michael’s presentation was the literal embodiment of elegance and grace. It didn’t matter if you were already married. There wasn’t a woman (or man) in the room who didn’t want to put on a wedding dress right then and there. If you like drama, you love Michael.

Photos courtesy of Michael Costello

Saks Fifth Avenue
Alas, I got my details correct! The Saks Fifth Avenue party was everything I hoped it would be and more. Killer live band, amazing 360 degree photobooth, appetizers and free flowing champagne. They recreated the shopping experience in which dreams are made.

I’ve often said I could live inside a Saks and this evening only solidified my views. Imagine chatting with friends among straight off the runway shearling Alexander McQueen coats. And jewel encrusted Judith Leiber bags. And don’t forget a collection of Balenciaga more abundant than the actual Balenciaga store in Soho. I was so high on fashion my head was literally spinning. My next goal? To actually be one of the women invited to the party simply because they actually spend that much money in Saks every year. Ah how I wish I were a Russian billionaire.

The hubby and I moved through the party with blogger friends Lauren and Jacqueline before deciding we were starving and it was time for yet another late night NYFW dinner.

Until tomorrow friends!

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW S/S18 Day 1

Ahh, New York Fashion Week. Each season I try to envision what the experience will be like (Will it be as good as last year? Will I get to catch up with everyone? Will my outfits come together?) and each season my expectations are blown away. There is no way to anticipate the crazy, beautiful chaos that encompasses NYFW. You just have to let it do what it’s going to do.

We arrived in NY on Wednesday and were able to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends before the week officially began.

Pro tip: If you’re going to attend the entire week, arrive early. It’s so much nicer to ease into the chaos than to hit the ground running!

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Day One’s outfit came together at almost the last minute. Even though I had six weeks to prepare, I employed the “throw-everything-in-my-suitcase-and-pray” methodology when packing.

Pro tip: Plan your outfits in advance (obviously). I normally use an Excel spreadsheet to track each item including alternate pieces that can go with each look in case the weather changes or I just can’t take another minute in heels.

My ruffled skirt and “Clutch” tee caught the attention of street style photographers and I was floored to find out Fashion Illustrator Holly Nichols captured my look via pen and paper. Check out her beautiful illustration here.

Noon by Noor
Our first show on Thursday was Noon by Noor. Known for clean lines and sharp tailoring, the S/S18 collection was beyond gorgeous. Accented with shades of rose, crimson, sketchbook and ladybug prints, the collection was a great example of elevated everyday-wear.

I loved the Tyler Ellis boxy belt bags styled with several of the looks and how tops were worn half unbuttoned for a slouchy yet elegant feel. The brand excels at blending masculine and feminine (can you tell they’re one of my faves?) which was executed perfectly in their oversized tunics and voluminous trousers.

In a week where a lot of what you see is more style than function, Noon by Noor is always a great example of the type of clothes your super chic friend invests in. I had so many people DM me after seeing my Insta Story of the finale saying how they would wear every single piece. I completely agree.

From elevated separates at Noon, to gorgeous gowns at Tadashi we went!

Tadashi Shoji
Tadashi Shoji is always a mainstay I look forward to. We haven’t missed his show in years and when he took his final bow wearing something other than his signature pink pants I was floored! The collection proved to be just as exciting.

Inspired by a Golden State of Mind, his S/S18 woman took us on a journey from bohemian Malibu to the glittering streets of LA. Opening with a swath of colors – canary, jade, rose quartz – adorned with tassels and floral embroidered tulle, it was perhaps the most casual and carefree I’ve seen from Tadashi. But make no mistake. He expertly took us from soft, easy pieces to va-va-voom drama. It was his plan all along. A master draper that can manipulate the most delicate of fabrics – lace, chiffon and tulle – he closed the show with celestial embroidered gowns, the most stunning of which was finished with a cape. Garments fit for royalty and the dreamers among us indeed.

Snoopy & Belle in Fashion
After Tadashi we headed to a cocktail reception featuring Snoopy & Belle in Fashion. Yep, that’s right, Snoopy from the Peanuts cartoon and his little sister Belle. Snoopy has a longstanding relationship with the fashion industry. Every major designer from Oscar de la Renta to Toki Doki has created couture pieces for him. As someone who was obsessed with Snoopy as a child, this is kind of like my fashion dream come true. Think mini couture pieces made from the exact same fabrics of the legendary collections in which they originated on display while fashion’s elite mingle in the background. We had so much fun networking with people who were personal friends of the Schulz family as well as buyers and editors from fashion glossies around the world.

After Snoopy we headed 45min uptown to Saks Fifth Avenue for the grand re-opening of their legendary 3rd floor. It may have been NYFW first day euphoria, but as soon as we walked in I could tell something was off so I asked an associate if I had gotten the location wrong. Maybe the festivities were on the 4th floor?

“Oh darling, I’m so sorry but the party is tomorrow.”

In the words of Cher Horowitz, “I feel like such a bonehead!”

Pro tip: Don’t use an Excel spreadsheet to track your calendar. Use Google or Outlook like a normal person so you don’t miss shows and events!

After laughing off my stupidity, the hubby and I walked a few blocks and enjoyed a delicious Greek meal.

Join me tomorrow for my recap of NYFW S/S18 Day 2!

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW Prep with Bumble & Bumble

I can’t believe another season is upon us – NYFW is less than 24 hours away!  Although I still have outfits to finalize and packing to do, one aspect of my prepping routine has thankfully been underway for the past couple of weeks.  When it comes to health and beauty, I make sure to stick to a great exercise routine (gotta build stamina for those long days in heels!), get a facial so my skin is in order, and focus on getting my hair healthy for the week plus of constant heat styling its going to endure.

I’m a longtime fan of Bumble & Bumble products and when they debuted two new treatments in August, I knew the timing for my NYFW prep was perfect.  Aimed at “over stylers” like myself, their two new products include a protective repair fluid that can be used daily, and an overnight damage repair masque for more intense repair.

While You Sleep Overnight Damage Repair Masque
Two weeks ago I applied this masque to really kickstart my “get hair healthy” campaign.  The crazy part?  You apply it on dry hair.  I’ve never done that with a masque before so this simple difference immediately intrigued me.  After leaving it on overnight, wash out in the morning.

Pros:
– Smells amazing
– Instantly transformed my hair into that “I just got a haircut” feeling
– Split ends seemed to disappear
– Left my hair petal soft while still maintaining volume and fullness
– Doesn’t leave hair limp and lifeless like most repairing masques
– Works on any type of hair (straight, curly, coarse, over processed, color treated)

Cons:
– There are honestly zero cons to this product.  Check out the reviews on Sephora if you don’t believe me!

Save the Day Daytime Repair Fluid
Once the heavy lifting was done, I started using this after each shampoo/condition.  Its milky substance smells just as amazing as the masque and gets applied on the ends of hair to strengthen and repair past damage.

Pros:
– Lightweight formula that won’t weigh down hair
– Instantly revives frizzy/frayed ends by sealing the follicle
– Contains heat/UV protection perfect for heat styling and time spent outdoors

Cons:
– Again, I have nothing bad to say about this product!  The only thing I can think of is to emphasize that this isn’t a detangler but rather a protective serum.  So for those looking to detangle wet hair after shampooing, this will definitely help, but it’s not its primary function.

Beyond getting my hair healthy for NYFW, I also have an arsenal of products I rely on to keep my hair looking its best during the shows.  Since my hair is naturally very fine, I gravitate towards products that give me some oomph and volume.  Bumble & Bumble’s Surf line is my go-to for giving my hair exactly what it doesn’t have naturally – volume and texture.

The key to great hair is in the preparation.  Here is the list of products I’ll be packing in my suitcase for NYFW worthy hair.

Surf Shampoo and Conditioner
Straight out of the gate I get a little lift and soft texture which is sorely needed for the wavy style I want to achieve.

Before blow drying, I use their Surf Foam Spray to seal in texture.  It’s a great base for my curling wand to be able to “grip” my hair and really does wonders for holding the curl.  If you struggle with your hair falling flat 20min after styling like I do, this is the product for you.

After I’ve curled my hair I let it completely cool and then spray Dryspun Finish to seal the look.  What I love about this product is that you literally can’t overuse it.  No matter how much you spray, it won’t weigh your hair down.  It simply gives it a soft fullness.  Bonus points for how good it works on day old (or two) hair.  Need a little zhoosh?  Spray this on your roots and you’re good to go!  During NYFW there are definitely mornings where I simply don’t have the energy to touch my hair, so this product is a godsend.  I actually carry it in my bag – shhh.

Finally, Bumble & Bumble’s Pre-a-powder is what I need when I want to pull out the big guns of volume.  Shake it onto your roots and massage into your scalp for a gritty texture that leaves hair pliable and voluminous.  It works especially well when it’s humid outside and every other product seems to fall flat (literally).

Tomorrow we head out for the Big Apple and 7 days of crazy, chaotic inspiration.  Be sure to follow along on Instagram for behind the scenes footage, runway coverage and of course, some amazing street style.  See you in NY!

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