Indian Summer

Since the temperatures here on the east coast are painting a different picture of what is usually expected of late-September weather, embracing the warmer weather collections of S/S 2012 that were sent down the NY runways a week ago seems not only appropriate but very much welcomed. {Insert here my apologies for a much overdo post on an exceptional MBFW in New York...along with a feeling of renewal after a self-admitted fashion blogger hiatus}

Some of my favorite S/S 2012 looks came from both seasoned veterans (Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan) and newcomers Christian Siriano and Victoria Beckham {above} whose dress collection was debuted in her first runway show at the New York Public Library. For spring, I'm thinking bright punches of color, luxe silks, ethereal femininity, and pleated maxi skirts. Just a head's up, and a roundup of my favorite looks from NYFW.

As far as what's hot now, I'm leaning towards both seasonal trends and timeless classics. Snakeskin, lace, and fur are on trend for textures, and classic camel, black, and red are almost foolproof when it comes to autumnal palettes. Introduce shades of aubergine (a la Gucci) to shake things up a bit...

Once you've come to terms with fall, and the impending cooler temps, I'm sure you too, will be inspired by the above looks by DG, Chloe, and Gucci. If I could offer one essential piece for the season, I advise that you invest in a well-made, crisp wool hat with ribbon trim. You'll find that it cozies up cool mornings and bad-hair-days and lends a hint of sophistication to any autumnal ensemble. If your morning routine requires less thought and more practicality, let me remind you that chic minimalism is always, always, a seasonless option and solution. {SEE style icon, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy}



With her no-fuss hair, simple makeup and minimalist looks, CBK embodied the modern, confident woman who was not only impeccably dressed at all times, but who remained faithful to classic pieces in what many would consider a limited color scheme. I consider it genius, and applicable to every working women's/ladies who lunch wardrobe.

As I've expressed in previous posts, I find inspiration in both current trends, people I know or stumble upon, but also style icons of the past. I believe that there is something to be said of women who have inspired a generation or generations alike, and I'm both willing to do that research and in turn, inspired by their own motivations when it comes to personal style. What's remarkable is that people from all over the world, from different trades and backgrounds, can find the same inspiration and a.musement. Stay tuned...

(follow me on instagram: @maggiemcp)

Masculin Féminin

Much like the obscurity that is intrinsic in the title, Masculin Féminin refers to a certain je ne sais quoi style that challenges the gender cues of fashion. Though not exactly a contemporary innovation (we owe much inspiration to Ms. Diane Keaton in Annie Hall & the title to Godard's 60s film), it is often characterized by tuxedo separates and classical menswear from tweeds and ties to suspenders and spectators.

To balance boyish looks, add a caged bootie and sunnies like Elisa Sednaoui (above in Chloé), choose deep V cuts as shown in the YSL and Michael Kors Fall 2011 RTW collections, or counteract a neutral, monochrome suit with a simple part of shiny locks and sexy stilettos in the style of Stella McCartney's Fall 2011 RTW collection. Okay, you're on to me; I'm thinking Fall...I'm thinking full-fledged-fall-fashion. And though the above editorial is from two past seasons, I adore the above images (Vogue Paris, Sept. 09) of autumnal, menswear-inspired pieces offset by feminine cuts, gold jewelry, and perfectly tailored blouses, blazers, and trousers. 

Perhaps the most feminine approach to Masculin Féminin dressing is in the makeup. Add a simple swipe of poppy-colored lipstick, as perfected in Ralph Lauren's Fall 2011 RTW collection, or seduce with rich, sultry tones as shown in the editorial from Vogue Paris, May 2011 (below); a deep cranberry manicure and stunning bijoux create quite an impact, as well.

Also in this aforementioned issue, is the spread "Smoking!", referring mostly to the tuxedo and the classic "smoking jacket", but also captivating the sexy, feminine allure of women who dare to dress avec l'esprit chic masculin (with the spirit of chic masculinity). The key? To wear trousers, bowties, suspenders etc. with the glamour and humor of a truly chic, feminine woman.

Gisele Bundchen, Harper's Bazaar October 2010

A more understated way to embrace a gender-bending look is by incorporating the smoking flat into any fall (or late-summer) ensemble. I love my Alvin smoking flats (Sam Edelman, below) but I am very much geared toward the laid-back luxury of masculine loafers and slippers including the Stubbs & Wooton slippers and Loeffler Randall neutral patent leather loafers with a crisp noir trim [below]. 

Catherine Deneuve in an oversized men's shirt and a fabulous beret...
Masculin, but very Feminin, n'est-ce pas?

“Androgynous today means that men and women have the same attitude towards what they want to wear... It's not unisex dressing, but more the idea that you can see a jacket on a woman in this show, which you can just as easily see on a man.”- Giorgio Armani

SPOTLIGHT: J.CREW

If I could pick a one-stop shop to fill my entire fall wardrobe, it would definitely, yes, without a doubt, be J.Crew. Why, you ask? Because the Fall 2011 Lookbook is filled with colorful separates whose hues seem to contradict what is often subconsciously associated with autumn dressing. Color-blocked wool separates in poppy and fuschia and a monochrome golden ensemble, "Jenna's Picks" featured by mastermind Jenna Lyons (above), are quite arguably the culprits that first reeled me into focus on fall fashion.

Although nudes are a seasonless staple in my closet, I love the contrast of reds and oranges, be it a chic crossbody, bold stripes, or matching lips and nails, against an array of neutral shades. Leopard adds just the right amount of pattern and texture to a neutral look, and adding a quick swipe of poppy lipstick perfectly completes the look. Some of my favorites include the edie purse in pecan, which I have been toting all summer, and in italian calf hair which I envision my late-fall self toting with my schoolboy blazer [below]. I also love the new cafe capri in wool and the no. 2 pencil skirt in every shade...

The masculin-feminin trend is showing up everywhere this upcoming season and I am a committed follower. J.Crew hit the mark with its tuxedo-inspired bonnie blouse, a noir maxi skirt, herringbone and tweed perfectly-tailored separates, and gentlemen's loafers and oxfords elevated (literally) to chic femininity in platforms and wedges.

 












J.Crew accessories (jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, etc.) never fail to catch my eye and this upcoming fall season's crop doesn't miss the mark. Here are mon favorites, in snakeskin, azul stones, tortoise, & red leather; one could only hope the collection doesn't sellout before the leaves start to change...

"DO mix hot hues together. Classic silouettes cast in coral and fuschia make a chic combo. DON'T be afraid to use leopard as an accent". -JENNA LYONS

OUT OF THE BLUE

I know that fall fashion is on [most] everyone's minds of late, myself included, but somehow, dreaming of cashmere sweaters and woolen blazers while surrounded by the allure of the beautiful coastline doesn't seem to make much sense. While I must admit that I did make a recent early fall investment via J.CREW's schoolboy blazer in heather caramel [a great, great, investment I might add], I am currently trying to adopt a sort of fashion carpe diem and choosing to wear pieces that savor every bit of what is left of the summer. It is only August and I would argue that fall is still far on the horizon [practically speaking]. Speaking of horizons, I'm loving late-summer styles in shades of AZUL and those that reflect the sea and oceanic hues. Below is an editorial from Vogue Paris of this June:



These exotic, Grecian-inspired looks reflect the most beautiful shades of blue, complimented by bold, golden accessories. I love the swimwear, a sexy string bikini with gold accents and a monokini chic-ified by piles and piles of gold bangles and my personal swimwear staple accessory...thin gold hoops. Add a carefree braid and you might find yourself gracing the pages of French Vogue; okay, maybe not, but do choose a bright bleu maxi to maximize the appeal of upcoming summer soirées.



I absolutely adore pieces in a fabulous blue print, and a sarong with a greek-key-motif elevates the impact of an azul palette. A strong blue not only seems to be creeping its way into my wardrobe right now, but it is also serving as the color inspiration for my own bedroom. Whether its turquoise, cerulean, denim, or periwinkle, I'm craving to surround myself with bright, aquatic colors that recreate a seaside feel.

Vive le monkey-print! If you weren't convinced to don Prada's whimsical graphics through my last post, I give you Ms. Pedaru perfecting the look in this navy and white stunner.

Other ways to wear blue? Demin, of course, in the form of high-waisted wide-leg jeans à la Jane Birkin [below]. Also note her simple Marinière tank in navy and white stripes...

"Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola."

- Diana Vreeland

NEO-NEON

Though recent temperatures overcompensate for my constant affinity towards neon, electric colors are perfect for mid-summer ensembles. As I've expressed in earlier posts, I adore a neon pout in pinks, peaches, and peony, and the same goes for anything from shift dresses to sandals. I love the contrast of citrine & sand, but a coral or tangerine onesie packs an equally impressive punch. For those less neon-inclined, a swatch of color via a belt (see Celine, below) or crossbody can create quite an impact on an otherwise monochromatic look.

While the trend might seem more easily achieved in solid separates, I can't seem to turn a blind eye from the eccentric patterns and quirky graphics as seen on the Fendi and Prada S/S 11 RTW runways. I especially love the vibrant stripes and monkey motifs showcased by Prada, reminiscent of a recent trip to the Boca Raton Resort, and architect Addison Mizner's Monkeys, artfully depicted in a traditional Moroccan design aesthetic...

Neon hues in ethereal, sheer fabrics are great on dresses that are both summer barbecue and rooftop cocktail party appropriate. This was perhaps best perfected by Christopher Kane, not to mention neon-noteworthy sandals that are sexy, stylish and electrifying. Equally seductive  (to my own style radar, at least) are crossbodys and mini pouchettes in shocking shades slung over-the-shoulder.

I must admit, that when it comes to neon, I've had recent confirmation bias by way of New York Times Fashion's Street Style feature for this week, for which yours truly made the cut; I love the variations on the trend sported from New York to British Columbia, and London to Paris, and Paris, and Paris (what trend can't they perfect?)...




http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/07/18/fashion/streetstyle-neon-12.html 



Summer Staples

When it comes to keeping your style effortlessly cool in the summer heat, all you need to know is that there are a few key pieces that can ground different looks when accessorized with a different spin. Those staples (which I also wear in all seasons) include the breton sailor top (ode de chanel), slim white denim pants, and a chambray or denim button-down shirt.
                           
Swap white skinnies for a cool crimson pair (perfect this past weekend at the Cape) and invest in a rainbow of oxford shorts that can be paired with a neutral top or a contrasting hue to embrace the ubiquitous color-block trend (did Jil Sander miss a beat?). J.crew is undoubtedly my personal go-to store (above center) for pieces that put a modern spin on classics, not to mention the spectrum of colorful separates from chemises to shorts, and accessories alike (is anyone else lusting after the edie purse?).
                            
Whether you embrace the trends, or stick to what is time-tested and true, you can't go wrong either way by anchoring your look with essential summer accessories. Classic Ray-Ban aviators and a fabulous Panama hat (think Lauren Hutton) or fedora shield le visage from the sun's strong rays, while thin gold hoops and a chunky men's watch offset a beautiful (ahem, safe) golden glow. Right now I'm also loving a faux-turquoise necklace, comme the H&M gem that sold out in weeks...

Accessories wouldn't accessorize a look without handbags, and for summer, anything in straw, citron, or an all-season nylon (for unexpected sun showers) is the perfect companion to a warm-weather ensemble. Kate Spade has a plethora of colorful clutches and carryalls, and Longchamp is the long-standing champ for handbags no matter the season (I love my le pliage in beige). Finally, and to prove my commitment to an aforementioned seasonal obsession, a white bikini is a timeless, chic staple that is perfectly appropriate (by perfect, I mean Grace, of course) at both a posh resort pool or a low-key local beach.               

"I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer" 

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD