Chuck Taylors - New & Improved?

The always classic Converse All Star shoes are finally getting a well deserved makeover. Not so much the exterior, but the interior. I am a big fan of Converse, but if you have ever worn a pair you will know that they are the flattest shoes out there and I wore mine into the ground. Not the best shoes for standing outside on hot pavement at Warped Tour in the summer either (I speak from experience). This discomfort has not held the brand back from becoming one of the most iconic shoes out there.

The evolution of my Converse shoes over the years

The Chuck Taylor All Star II will bring a new comfort level to fans of the iconic look. The interior will now contain Lunarlon Sockliner giving your feet arch support and cushioning like they have never experienced. There is also perforated micro suede lining inside as well as a cushioned tongue. Aside from a better canvas on the exterior, the look is the same. It will come in Black, Red, Blue and White in high top and low top styles. It still baffles me that the Converse All Star shoes were used by basketball players without all of this cushioning.

These will be available July 28th to purchase. 

Comfort Made Fashionable

Some may call this trend Athleisure and some may call it Sports Luxe. Either way, it is comfortable clothing that is more acceptable to wear outside of the house than your average sweatpants and sweatshirt. It has made its way from the runways, with brands like DKNY and Alexander Wang, to the streets and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

I, being somewhat of an athletic child, have always been more inclined to comfortable clothing with a large collection of sweatshirts and sweatpants. Until lately, I usually thought I was appearing very lazy when leaving the house in a sweatshirt. I am happy to say it is acceptable now, dare I say fashionable. This trend can be worn in many ways and my personal favorite is a slouchy pair of jogger sweatpants paired with an oversized crewneck sweatshirt, usually with a graphic print. To finish the look, a good pair of sneakers are best, or even heels depending on where you are going. This is a trend that is easy to dress up or dress down, as well as add your own personal style to it.

Top Shop
$52

H&M
$17.95

Vans at Urban Outfitters
$60

Being inspired by this current trend, I am working on a project right now that I will keep you updated on. It's a casual dress, athletic wear inspired made out of grey jersey and black jersey mesh fabric. 

Have a lovely day and check back here for more posts!

Fresh Start

I'm Back! I know it has been quite a while since I last posted, but life gets in the way so what can you do. I am here now to post all things fashion, music, movies and pop culture (basically anything that sparks my attention). So it seems only appropriate to tell you a little about myself and some of my favorite things at the moment. 

I am a recent grad with a degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I am fascinated with everything the fashion industry has to offer and am eager to begin my career. My design style is classic silhouettes inspired by retro trends with a modern twist. New York City has my heart but I love everything British, music especially, and my current obsession is the band The Palma Violets (upper left). Their is something raw and punk rock about them and their shows are just as insane as their music. My favorite fashion label at the moment is Burberry (also British) and they encapsule an effortless cool style that is feminine but with a little edge. Burberry combines fashion and music in a way that I haven't seen others do and thats what I love about the brand.

Hope you enjoyed this post and there will be more to come so check back here for more fashion, music, movies and pop culture news! 

NYFW Comes to a Close

New York Fashion Week 
I apologize for my lack of posts this week but life got a little hectic. NYFW has come to a close today and it is just impossible to cover all of the fabulous fashion seen this week so I have chosen my top favorites from the past few days. With that being said, the fashion doesn't end because London Fashion Week begins tomorrow and I will also be covering designers collections next week so be sure to check back here. 

Proenza Schouler

I absolutely love Proenza Schouler and this collection. They continue to amaze me each season and this season was no different. The color palette is perfect for fall and the prints all work together so effortlessly even if they seem quite busy. I am usually not a big fan of animal prints but for some reason they work in these various colors. Also, the modern silhouettes on the sleeves of all the designs are very rounded and a very new trend this season. 

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang also designed another very edgy and cool collection this season. The boots that came over the knees paired with boxy silhouettes in sweaters, jackets and tops with baggy pants made for an interesting collection. I loved the square tops paired with slouchy leather looking pants with draw strings making it appear like a very relaxed look. The finale looks were the real show stoppers though. The venue had a circle on the floor that moved and the final models walked out and stood not his circle in the dark. When the lights came up the heaters also turned on causing these all black looks to begin to change different colors. These clothes were made out of heat sensitive leather which is something I have never seen before and it is very innovative.

Libertine

This collection from Libertine is very bold and colorful which is why I love it. I do not know much about this designer but after seeing this collection I am very intrigued. The colors and patterns are loud but seem to all work together. My favorite looks are the paint splatter designs for both the men and the women. Also, the male looks are filled with patches and almost school boy uniform esque designs. I am interested in seeing more from this designer.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Another great collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs. It is edgy and plays with different silhouettes. The trousers that are not fitted paired with button up blouses as well as large bow shape pieces tied around the shoulders. It makes a bold statement and I love they are still very wearable. Also, I am a big fan of the full tea length skirts with the leather jackets. It gives a girly skirt an edge. There is just so much I love about this collection. 

Rodarte

 So, someone needs to call attention to these outrageous Star Wars looks from Rodartes collection. The silhouettes and styles of the dresses were on trend with the rest of the collection but the print of Luke Skywalker, R2-D2 and Yoda just came right out of left field. I absolutely love it because I love Star Wars but as a fashion designer I just don't understand there reasoning for it. Good for the designers to do whatever they feel like it. 

NYFW 2014 Feb 6-7

New York Fashion Week: Feb. 6-7
This past Thursday kick started my favorite time of year, Fashion Week for the Fall 2014 collections. Don't get me wrong, I love Spring and Summer clothes but there is just something about a well tailored coat that I can't get enough of. These are just a few of the stand out collections that have shown so far. 
Creatures of the Wind

This three year old brand really stepped it up this season with a collection high in luxury and gorgeous clothing. They were influenced by the easiness of eastern dress and it is evident with these effortlessly cool tops in deep colors. The oversized coats and robes seemed a little heavy but being paired with flowy skirts and tops brought back the effortless and easiness of the clothing.  I am eager to see what else this brand has in store for the coming seasons. 

Tadashi Shoji

 

I am not very familiar with Tadashi Shojis work but I absolutely loved this collection. It was inspired by  Islamic architecture through the laser cut intricate designs and the burnt hues. The grand red cape over the white gown is glamorous, powerful and is quite the statement piece. The intricate detail in the velvet gowns were the highlight of the show. I am still so impressed with the laser cut fabric and cannot get enough of it. 

Duckie Brown

This is a special collection because it was the notorious menswear labels first ever womenswear designs. The menswear is effortlessly cool and makes a statement and the womenswear is clearly influenced by mens clothing. No gowns or tight dresses but rather I would call it androgynous clothing. Styles that both men and women wear. Silk pants paired with pea coats and long t-shirt dresses as well as slick pleated pants. I also loved the subtle pops of yellow and the colorful print. I am very curious to see where there womenswear goes from this collection. 

Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone consistently produces very wearable clothing that can be seen walking down the streets of NYC. This collection was a nod to the working man, as shown through paint splattered denim, cool cosby sweaters and lumberjack check. The collection does not even need a theme, it is just great clothing that everyone will want to wear. I know I want a pair of those pants with paint splatters and I think everyone needs at least one cosby sweater in their closet.  

Nicole Miller

There was so much I loved about this collection it was hard to choose my favorite pieces. Designer Nicole Miller produced clothing for the strong independent woman with a slightly punk edge. I just would like to wear all of these clothes. The bold prints paired with leather, strong jackets and studs. Some would say the collection was a little aggressive and should have been scaled back a little which I understand but at the same time it makes a bold statement for women. You do not need a suit to feel powerful. Really though, I need these clothes in my closet. 

New York Fashion Week runs from February 6th to February 13th so check back here for updates every few days. 

To check out full coverage of all your favorite brands go to Style.com