NYFW: My Top 5 Shows In-Review

New York Fashion Week has officially come to an end and the closing remarks are bittersweet. Bitter, because it's time to resume our daily routine of lowkey dressing and sweet, because we're about to open the London chapter and start afresh. While there were some challenging moments (i.e the frigid temperatures), it only challenged bloggers and editors alike to step up their street style game.

On the runway, it was a week filled with future street style inspiration brought to us by streetwear pros like Marissa Webb, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Michael Kors, and more demure office wear for the New Yorker on-the-go presented by Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, and Huge Boss. For the girl with a little more attitude, Rodarte and Alexander Wang did not fail to come through in the clutch, and for the gal with a little spring in her step, Jeremy Scott came prepared with a closet full of playful and colourful options. While New York Fashion Week is generally the most conservative of the bunch, it has its own persona that is perfectly aligned with that of the city girl with a penchant for fashion. The overall wearability of the clothing is exactly what makes it a crowd pleaser, offering a wide range of ideas for next Fall.

As per the custom, I've selected five shows to review because they presented some of my favourite looks this season. Are you ready?

CAROLINA HERRERA

Carolina Herrera epitomizes elegance and femininity, qualities exhibited by the soft flowing fabrics in her collections and 3-D floral appliques that adorned her much sought-after dresses this year. For her Fall 2016 collection, Herrera juxtaposed light sheer midi skirts with luxe furs to create a ladylike look with some added superstar glamour. The colours ranged from neutral nudes and pinks to dark grey and blue, proving that Spring and Fall can coincide. This may be appropriate considering the "see now, buy now" attitude currently permeating the minds of fashion folk today. Some flashes of mint green and purple sparked our colour trend radars, particularly for the approaching wedding season. Could these be the ones to watch out for? Though most of the looks were conservative in nature, large-and-in-charge eyewear made our pupils dilate a little more, while adding a little whimsy to this otherwise demure collection. It just goes to show that even the most ladylike among us have a hidden playful side that yearns to surface with just the right accessory.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 7

via vogue.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Speaking of ladylike and demure, let's talk about Oscar de la Renta. Call me a hopeless romantic, but I was really feeling the old school feminine collections with a lot of long skirts in loose cuts, furry accents, and high necklines worthy of a Victorian dame, this season. I must say, Peter Copping is proving to be an excellent choice as Oscar's successor based on his latest collections for the label. This particular Fall show featured models in flared skirts and dresses with cinched waists, but don't be mistaken, it was not reserved solely for the angelic amongst us. Bits of leather were added to the show, whether on a knee-length burgundy skirt or a dress in the same shade, giving the collection a bit more of a woman-in-charge attitude. This woman may start off as the CEO of her very own fashion company, but she's quick to change into an elegant gown for the cocktail party after hours. Much like the late designer, Copping ended the show with some jaw dropping gowns with organza skirts as well as some floral jacquard looks for the slightly more rebellious party-goer. I can only imagine a glass of champagne in hand to accessorize one of these dresses, whether of the cocktail variety or the floor-grazing type.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 1

via vogue.com

COACH 1941

Let's take a moment to pick at a collection slightly less "ladylike" this season and much more of the masculine-inspired variety: Coach 1941. This year, for the first time, Coach captured my attention during fashion week. This may be due to the fact that it was recently revamped by designer, Stuart Vevers, hoping to raise its fashionista status. Whatever he's doing, he's done it right, taking the lead from designers like Tommy Hilfiger, who perhaps inspired himself from his high school days on the field or maybe even the recent Super Bowl. Allow me to explain. This collection was filled with bomber jackets in all shapes and sizes, whether with shearling collars, long or cropped, or even bedecked in sports paraphernalia, proving that this is probably your next Fall coat, so put it down on your wishlist stat. Though the hemlines were high (the abundance of mini skirts was impossible to miss), there was still a strong masculine feel to this collection, or perhaps a defiance of gender, one of the main themes of fashion week this season. The most surprising part of the show? Models in western inspired booties in metallic shades that somehow went perfectly well with the predominantly preppy garb. Whose to question the power of fashion right? In this day and age, anything goes.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 27

via vogue.com

MICHAEL KORS

I haven't always identified myself as a Kors girl, or even one to carry his famous shoulder bags on the daily, but this Fall 2016 collection definitely caught my eye. While many of his collections have proven to be unflattering for a small body type like my own (involving many oversized pieces and extra layers to drown a petite frame), this one was much more user friendly. Though it remained jetsetter appropriate (with enough variety to suit every possible destination), this collection was much more streetwear focused. From classy cold weather ready coats (including luxurious furs and peacoats in camel and pale blue) to easy-to-wear flowy mini dress with small slits in bold animal prints or the ever-popular checked look, Kors created a collection that contains enough variety to spice up your wardrobe without losing sight of your identity (no promises though). Some striking pieces in the show included a disco-inspired white mini dress with feathers popping out in all directions and an all-black pant ensemble of the same feathered variety. While it was all slightly less jetset than usual, the essence of Michael was still very much present with an extra pinch of glamour that only served to jazz it up a little more.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 24

via vogue.com

MARISSA WEBB

Full disclosure. I am absolutely obsessed with Marissa Webb. Though she may have pressed pause on Banana Republic, her namesake collection is stronger than ever and filled with looks anyone with even a modest interest in fashion would be dying to wear (at least parts of it). The collection started with an array of winter ready dark looks with sexy leather thigh-high boots (I'm already coveting) and some sophisticated office-ready plaid. What began as quite a dark collection featuring more structured looks eased its way into the loose floral printed dress for the girly girl who still yearns to look sophisticated without feeling as constricted. Though much of the collection remained in the neutral hues like tan, black, and pale gray, Webb took us all by surprise with a few mustard coloured dresses that were surprisingly appealing. Could this colour be making a revival? (Pantone 2k16?) Another thing the designer seems to be incredibly skilled at (other than sparking our interest in the oh-so-(un)flattering mustard yellow), is layering. If there's one thing this show was NOT missing, it was the abundance of scarves draped around the necks of the models. One particular quality they had is that they flowed all the way to the ground, rather than being wrapped securely around the neck (and these girls are 5"11 on average). When scarves weren't involved, there were heavy turtlenecks galore, reminding us all that this trend is here to stay. If there's anything to take away from this collection, it would have to be that when it comes to winter accessories, more is more.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 29

via vogue.com

Hope you enjoyed reading these reviews! Stay tuned for London and let me know which shows were your favourite.

Ponder it,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion Part V: Skirts Over Pants?

As the weather gets cooler, pants become a necessity. It's unavoidable. We had all summer to embrace maxi dresses, mini skirts, and rompers, but it's time to bid them farewell and cover up those legs. The good news is that you no longer have to shave every other day. The bad news is that it's cold outside. In response to the current climate and a desire to keep wearing skirts, bloggers and designers have introduced skirts over pants as a winter alternative. Whether they're trying to be avant-garde or simply couldn't pick just one bottom, we'll never know. We've all fantasized about trying it on those days when tights weren't enough to keep us warm. We've layered with socks, but even that has proven inefficient during Montreal winters. Some of us are guilty of wearing our skirts over pants and removing them upon arriving at our destination. But maybe we don't have to remove them anymore? Once upon a time, this was a complete fashion faux pas, but as usual, the fashion world makes us go "maybe?".

The first time I caught a glimpse of this look was on The Man Repeller aka Leandra Medine, my life icon and style mentor. In fact, I'm pretty sure she started the trend herself. After a while, she turned it into her thing by wearing it a number of times with a variety of outfits. At first, I was like "what?", but I discovered that it's an acquired taste and after seeing it a number of times on the blogger, my "what" turned into a "maybe" which transformed into a dare.

via underaveil.blogspot.com

Needless to say, I haven't tried it yet. When I saw it on the runway, I knew it wasn't just popular because Leandra decided to do it. After all, she's known for her outfit shenanigans that epitomize her blog name. When I saw it at Kenzo and Armani, it dawned on me that this is a real fashion trend. Forget opaque tights. Say goodbye to those leggings. Just keep your pants on.

Though this trend has not integrated itself to the streets of anywhere other than the fashion capitals of the world, I look forward to spotting someone wearing it in my city. As for me, you may find me donning this look at a street corner of Downtown Montreal or on Instagram. Just dare me and I might do it #ForTheSakeofFashion.

XOXO,

Bella

#ForTheSakeofFashion: The Transition Edition

Transition period is challenging for all of us. As summer becomes fall and the weather becomes as unpredictable as Justin Bieber's music career, getting dressed turns into a challenge. At this time, one begins to wonder whether boots are appropriate. When can I take out that leather jacket? When should I move my shorts to my bottom drawer? Knee high socks, a yay or a nay?

All of these questions parade through our minds during transition season, which is why we all need to ignore them. That's right. At the end of the day, it all comes down to experimentation. Maybe Mable doesn't want to wear boots just yet, but you're ready. That's totally fine. What's magical about this time of year is that you can wear something completely impractical and nobody can question it. It's the only time of year when a fur with sandals is acceptable (ish). When else would you wear a sweater with your mini skirt?

If you're still slightly confused as to what I am talking about, here are five examples of items that can be worn #forthesakeoffashion simply because it's transition season and anything goes.

NUMBER 1

Sweaters with Mini Skirts

As the mod movement begins to dominate the fall fashion scene, we're all dying to get those mini skirts on. Transition period is the perfect time to highlight those long legs with a mini and an adorable fluffy sweater to create proportions you never thought possible.

via alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com

NUMBER 2

Skirts With Booties

In the winter, no tights are not an option. Therefore, little booties always seem to be worn with them. Transition period is a time where we get to wear short skirts with little edgy boots. Are you ready for this?

via playwithfashion.net

NUMBER 3

Socks with Sandals

Back in the day, you thought this look would forever be reserved for middle-aged men. Today, it's the mark of a fashionista. You can't wear this in the winter, so embrace it while you can.

via Elle.com

NUMBER 4

Wool Hats

No, they don't cover your ears nor shield them from the horrifying winter wind, but they look damn cool. Big hats are back, so wear them now while your ears are still warm.

via ontheracks.com

NUMBER 5

Capes

I already spoke about capes in the first #forthesakeoffashion post, but they are entirely relevant once again. You won't be warm enough for this giant blanket in a few weeks, so now's the time to take advantage of this chic piece of clothing.

via cosmopolitan.com

So, there you have it. Wear it #forthesakeoffashion, because what other reason should you have?

Bella

Why Basic T-Shirts Are Underrated

Hello Darlings,

I've fallen deeply and passionately in love with the t-shirt. We met when I was just a young girl and at the time, I didn't notice its value. I merely wore it because I didn't know what else to wear. As I grew older, I got sick of the basic t-shirt and decided to opt for the prettier blouse. It was much more appealing to a more mature me that had grown out of simple basics that reminded me of nights at the movies as a pre-teen. After a while, I noticed that the blouse lacked what the t-shirt had: comfort. As I've become an adult, my feelings for the t-shirt have resurfaced and while I continue to inspire myself with extravagant fashions, I still remain loyal to my trusty tee. 

Here are ten ways to wear the basic t-shirt that will make you fall in love just as I have.

Number 10

With a pencil skirt

For the chic fashion girl working at Vogue.

via enter-my-closet.tumblr.com

Number 9

With a blazer

For the sophisticated chick headed to a job interview.

via happilygrey.com

Number 8

With cutoffs

For the festival goer.

via inspirechictopia.tumblr.com

Number 7

With skinny jeans

For the relaxed girl.

via mutefashion.com

Number 6

With a maxi skirt

For the feminine princess.

via fashion.allwomenstalk.com

Number 5

As a dress

For the daring diva.

via devonrachel.com

Number 4

With a midi skirt

For the edgy lady.

Number 3

With a vest

For the trendsetter.

via WhoWhatWear

Number 2

With overalls

For the country girl.

Number 1

With a plaid shirt

For the 90s girl.

via lookastic.com

And that, my friends, is why the person who invented the basic t-shirt was a genius. All hail.

Bella