Jen Kao Spring 2012 Nails

Jen Kao was another designer that impressed me this fashion week with her creative and appropriate use of nail art at her show. The nails for her show, titled "Lethal Love," were done by the CND team. The fade from green or blue to black is a fresh take on the ombre trend and definitely fits in with the dark theme of the show. Get ready to DIY; I have a feeling we'll see more of this look.

Via CND

Fall Transition Item: Alexander Wang Suvi Boot

The abrupt arrival of fall weather caught me a bit off guard last week. I'm not complaining per se because I really do love layering, but I'm also not ready to give up open toes, bare legs and breezy dresses just yet. Luckily, I can hold on to at least one of those for a bit longer with my new Alexander Wang Suvi Ankle-Cuff Sandals. I wore them casually this weekend with a cozy sweater from J.Crew and Zara camo cargos and dressed them up for the premiere of "God Save My Shoes" with The Outnet during NYFW. The heft of the heel and bold leather upper make these the perfect transitional piece; tough enough for fall, while still showing off my pedicure.

Alexander Wang Suvi Ankle-Cuff Sandals via The Outnet

Watch the trailer for "God Save My Shoes" for a peek at the lives of some of the funniest shoe-obsessed women.

Chris Benz Fall 2011 Shoes

Ever since I interned for Chris Benz, I have had a lot of respect for him as a designer and a person. I've always loved his use of bright colors, layers, and vintage styling. One of his secret strengths is shoe design. When I worked there, he worked with Manolo Blahnik on chic painterly oxfords and for heels he would buy lucite pumps from the shops on 8th Avenue that catered to "working girls" because they made their legs look better than anything else. When I saw Carolina's photos of the wedges at his Fall 2011 presentation I wasn't surprised at all, they are both artistic and majorly sexy.

Via Fashion Squad

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

 

Proenza. Prints. Enough Said.

Via Vogue.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2011

Few designers bridge the gap from runway to retail like Phillip Lim (except for maybe Alexander Wang), meaning I will be ogling this entire collection online and in-store in approximately 6 moths (specifically at Bird). One of my favorite themes within the extremely wearable collection was the wool scarves attached to the outerwear. I love that they have a structural element while feeling spontaneous and relaxed. Basically, the height of practical chic.

Via Vogue.com

Boy. Band of Outsiders Fall 2011

Scott Sternberg showed what is essentially my ideal wardrobe for Band of Outsiders Fall 2011. He took my favorite fall wardrobe staples and updated them to perfection with simple, studied details. The collection is wearable, smart, and always a little sexy. 

Fall must-haves:

1. Beanie
2. Fur Scarf
3. Camping Heels
4. Luxe Sweats
5. Big Braid
6. Delicate Necklaces
7. Snug Skirt

Via Vogue.com

Vena Cava Fall 2011 Accessories

Every season, I'm excited to see which version of '90s cool girl Vena Cava creates. The slinky, sexy art house student that they created for Fall 2011 was spot on, but I really can't resist the accessories. As Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai have developed their collections, their talent for accessories has really grown. I love the bold geometric yellow gold necklaces and bracelets and lace-up platforms. As for major glittery eye and painted nail polish rings, so major.


Via Vogue.com

Suno Spring 2011

Suno could not be cuter or look more fun to wear for Spring 2011. I love how they have progressed so naturally beyond just doing African kanga prints into a wearable and robust collection. I do have to say though that I first fell in love with the label for those prints because I grew up using kangas for everything from picnic blankets to dresses. The collaboration between Suno and Loeffler Randall for the footwear is just the icing on the cake.

Via Style.com

Joseph Altuzarra Spring 2011

Vogue.com launched just in time for New York Fashion Week and while it isn't yet my first destination when I want to see a show, it is quickly becoming my favorite. What really stands out is all of the extra content they provide: video, fact sheet, details, beauty, candids, and my favorite, the preview. These images shot leading up to Joseph Altuzarra's runway show highlight his inspiration, the construction of the garments, and the work that goes into a show. Congrats to Vogue.com on the incredible new content, now I can't wait to see who they cover every day.

Via Vogue.com

Vena Cava Spring 2011

People are calling this the season that Vena Cava solidified themselves as a leader in "New American" sportswear. The jury is still out on what exactly New American means, but Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock's simply styled take on the eighties seems as good an answer as any. The entire collection blends exciting desirability with easy wearability. It makes me want to throw on a heavy eye and red lip, reconsider halter tops, and get to reading about their main source of inspiration, the Memphis design movement.

Via style.com