Zana Bayne for Prabal Gurung

After clicking around randomly on Zana Bayne's website earlier this week, I discovered that she created the amazing harnesses in Prababl Gurung's Spring 2012 collection. I really think this is the most exciting thing and so amazing for Zana. I hope we get to see more young, creative minds working together in fashion, but I hope if that happens, it doesn't take random browsing to discover it. I really hope they sell these pieces because I am one step closer to being on team harness.

Via ZanaBayne.com

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

Pamela Love Spring 2012 Nails

It isn't all that often that I am inspired by the nail art of fashion shows. I prefer to take my own inspiration from what walks down the runway. I expect this season will be a bit different since nail art has hit the mainstream. The first example of backstage beauty done right is from Pamela Love's jewelry presentation. I like how she and Essie's stylists translated her signature pretty toughness onto the nails. The black diamond moon manicure is the first square nail I've seen in a long time that doesn't make me cringe. It also takes some of the more geometric elements of the Moroccan influence and makes them thoroughly modern. The gold nail captures more of the thrill of the wilderness, like the glint of the setting sun. A solid gold nail is a favorite of mine for this fall as well, so expect to see more of that to come.

Photos via Refinery29

Sally Hansen Spring 2012 Nail Collaborations

Sally Hansen has been making a very strong case for being the most fashionable nail polish brand. For Spring 2012 they continued their designer collaborations with Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung and Tracey Reese; some of the most talked about shows of New York Fashion Week. So far this season there isn't a hotter designer to align yourself with than Prabal Gurung and the iridescent purple shade that they created together is just as buzz-worthy. Wang went for surprisingly subdued versions of patriotic red, white and blue while Reese opted for juicy brights. Overall a hugely fun success and I want them all.

**If you don't know, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure has the best consistency of any drugstore nail polish. I highly recommend trying it.

Photos via Sally Hansen's Twitter, Style.com

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

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

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