My favorite fall fashions

So here are my FAVORITE designers and my favorite styles from their fall shows, in alphabetical order of course because I didn't want to be overly discerning. 

Enjoy, I do... indeed.

 Check it out! Alexander McQueen I have to say I lurved the whole show, Sara Burton= genius. This look in particular though amazing. Ruffles, sparkle I mean all she had to do was throw in my little pony and the eight year old version of myself would have been ALL over this. But seriously, yum.

 Christopher Bailey, oh why do I adore you so. SUCH a genius. Single handedly made me love Burberry Prorsum all over again. This coat. Well fingers crossed I will be rocking this, this fall (if I can stop blowing all my cash on dresses and shoes, why oh why are they soooo irresistible?! The whole show was amazing though. Such great outerwear. All so beautiful and practical. There are a lot of shows that I look at and I can't imagine how I would translate the major pieces into my everyday life but this show was NOT one of those. Which is nice. It's nice that a designer remembers that he's designing for women not A woman or A mannequin but women. 

So I love the Chloe girl. I want to be her. I covet her wardrobe, her poise, her essence and this fall Hannah MacGibbon did not disappoint. The Chloe girl, or woman, is still someone to aspire to. I just love the delicacy of the dress in contrast to the knitted outerwear but at the same time complimented by the purity of the white and the femininity of the design. I think this look perfectly encapsulated the essentially female characteristic of the Chloe girl. 

 Alright soooo as unsavory as John Galliano might be at the moment. Lets not mince words. The man is about as viable to society as bread pudding and laxatives to a celiac sufferer BUT moving past his love of plastic surgery (I won't lie on that point I don't really fault him), his extreme personal dress sense (got to say I don't love the hair- won't lie) and the racism (there is a time and a place for insulting French people but NEVER Jews and NEVER Hitler) he is sadly one of the most talented designers the world (in my humble opinion) has ever seen and I just love these pieces, all of them. The knit, the hues, the complimentary colors, the dashes of color- THE SHOES (Dior makes my all time FAVORITE heels, so comfy), It's perfection. Sadly, I just can't envision Dior without him. 

 Oh Diane. You little royal genius you. Stunning. Red appears to be THE color for fall (although don't shed a tear, my beloved purple is still going strong as is that gorgeous cobalt blue that we have been seeing; however, red is definitely the color this season). I adore this coat. Makes me feel better for not purchasing her gorg spring coats this summer. I also love how she mixes up the reds, genius from Diane von Furstenburg- as always.

 I feel like I need to somehow moan here (please envision a throaty moan of even just the beginning of Meg Ryan's diner scene from when Harry Met Sally) because Peter Dundas is just sex on legs and resultantly the creations he spawns simple ooze sex from every thread. The clothes are so 70s but yet so current and so sensual. I have to say even the man himself is a hottie, I won't lie. It's hard to tell what I covet more- him, his clothes OR both equally. Emillio Pucci is back people and with a vengeance. 

 So the Scarlett Lady strikes again. This time Daniella Hilleyal of Issa is the culprit. I adore this jacket. I adore the hat and the choice of tights is fabulously different. All it's missing is a tanned Kate Middleton to wear it to the races or another event. Truly a piece fit for a princess.

 Jill Stuart showing us that it doesn't matter what the season- she is a true genius of proportion. I love the contrast of the colors and cuts of the two pieces and the boots, somehow they go. I don't understand why, but I like it. Another interesting take on the trend of red and how to accessorize it. A good lesson beyond being a deliciously fresh look. 

 So my favorite dynamic duo, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa, are at it again. Bringing us another ethereally beautiful gown. Yummers!

 Alright so if you didn't already know... I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of Mulberry. Not to make myself impartial but I have to say that if I got to pick one collection that I could have every season or any season it would be Mulberry. Without looking, without researching- that would be my answer. Because it doesn't matter what she's doing Emma Hill does it right. The line is well tailored, young (but not overly young) and dreadfully dreadfully cool. Plus EVERYTHING is on point. The outerwear if superb, the suiting, knitwear and evening wear is to die for, the accessories are renowned and the dog wear is my favorite. I love how since introducing dog wear to the brand (through making it a standard part of the line) they have not only incorporated dogs on the catwalk (adorable!) but they've taken the opportunity to show how you can dress down any look. For an example how we are all cool enough to rock an evening dress to walk the dog. 

 Bringing some Eastern zest to this collection we've got Naeem Khan showing us just how well he does evening wear (answer: very well).  

 I love Oscar de la Renta and I love this combination, including the shoes. Fabulous. So lady like- as always. I love the incorporation of fur. 

 As usual Preen's  knitwear rocks my socks off (a little knit wear pun- love it). So gorgeous, so gorgeous. 

 Alright so I always follow Alice Temperley's shows because although I don't love her stuff at the moment (I won't deny it, I would be hard pressed to pick out more than one item from any of her shows... even as gifts) I see a lot of potential in her and I see Temperley London as having the capability of becoming a fabulous brand... if she stops being so kitschy and gimmicky with her pieces. This though, this piece I love. I think this shows the potential of what could come.

 And again here we go. Red is the color of the season. Amy Smilovic has done a fabulous job in building this brand. Tibi's clothes are vibrant, wearable, fresh and (importantly!) affordable. 

I love the flowing femininity of the dresses of this season. They evoke an ethereal seventies vibe that it both vintage and modern. Valentino proves that they still make beautiful women's clothing. Cut well and feminine although with a new modern edge.

Issa Capsule Collection for Net A Porter

So Net- A- Porter, the online luxury fashion retailer (or as I like to refer to it, the reason why I find the 8th of every month- the date that my credit card is due... and the day immediately after the date on which I receive my salary... to be the so stressful of every month), has been gifted by Issa with its exclusive capsule collection of lace frocks. 

When I heard this and saw the pictures below I was filled with instant trepidation. At $918- $1150 a pop, the question of how many months salary would it take me to possess them all (math was never my strong suit) became one of the larger considerations in my shopping obsessed life.

So when the dresses finally arrived on Net A Porter this week I was filled with glee, although it was fleeting- they had come on sale during my rhinoplasty and were sold out by the time that I was coherent enough to check Net- A- Porter (I feel I should be excused for medical purposes and allowed to skip the queue and their next release). HOWEVER on closer inspection my sadness turned to appreciation. I feel like I would have likely made a purchase in the heat of the moment (like a good sprinter I am never gun shy) and at least I have now had the benefit of time to reflect (yet another benefit of my rhinoplasty). Please take a look for yourself and give me your thoughts, I won't deny I am somewhat underwhelmed.

Of course I would appreciate all of your thoughts in regards to which one you would prefer.

Kate is back!

Today marks the return of the future Queen (and King) of England from their honeymoon in the Seychelles. Hopefully today will herald in many photos of the pair, if not on the actual honeymoon, returning from it. I cannot wait to see whether Kate incredibly trim figure was solely for the benefit of THAT dress or whether it will come to represent her transition from commoner to royalty (until she's sprogged up of course). I'm hoping it's here to stay as although I am pea green with envy and, for my own selfish purposes, would love if she packed on a few pounds. I would be lying through my teeth if I suggested that she looked anything other than the best she's ever looked!

In particular I am obsessed with the legs. So lean, so undefined. It is definitely not the work of biking (a favorite of hers in the past), or of running but I would hazard she's been on a strict diet with perhaps some racquet sports and weights added in.

I think the above is one of my favorite. I love the exposed and protruding collarbones, the masses of brunette locks, and the flattering drapery of the dress. The only two things that kill me about this photo are (1) the fact that I opted against purchasing this dress on net a porter.... ERROR (2) the Prada bowling bag that she really must stop toting around everywhere. The shape is very four seasons ago, the colour doesn't match and it's just hideous. Kate, if you're listening- please stop the torture of my eyes, put the bag down and walk away slowly. 

Probably my favorite outfit in the run up to the wedding. Such a lovely and youthful suit. I even don't mind the shoes, an item that many commentators professed nothing but disdain for. I think the chunky heel looks comfortable, it matches well with the general outfit and it shows that she's not conforming. I don't think this is an example of her trying to look overly demure but rather this represents a continued example of the fact that she refuses to pass up comfort for style in her day to day life. I have never seen her in stilettos; rather low chunky heels, boots (even Uggs), flats, court heels and running shoes are her go to footwear.

However, lets not get too caught up on the outfit and forget those legs! Honestly- obsessed. Big girl crush!

Kate Middleton moment

Lets just all take a moment for Kate Middleton. I could write an epic novel on the things I love about Kate. But I'm going to keep it simple here and start with what applies to these two photos.

I love the additions that Kate has made to her appearance since, and before the announcement of the royal wedding. I have always had a soft spot for Kate, although I won't deny that in the past I have felt that she was a bit of a plain Jane HOWEVER that judgement has since turned into wonder. I pause to consider whether her understated appearance in the past was simply down to a lack of media savy OR whether it was in fact a brilliant move. Knowing that the scrutiny of the world would be on her every appearance, every word, every image did Kate consciously decide to spend the last (almost) eight years in (generally) below par garb and dowdy form simply to allay the eventual media onslaught and to treasure the time in which she was able to relax. If this was the reason then she is truly a genius but regardless she has blossomed in front of our eyes.

Since the announcement of the engagement, and did before (let us not forget that the engagement was announced to the world only after three weeks had passed- time which Kate wisely used for the purposes of trimming and toning) and undoubtedly slimmer and more fashionable Kate has arrived on the scene. Not only do her fashion choices appear more confident and stylish but she appears so, beaming happily at the cameras rather than staring down at her hands. Undoubtedly now assured of her role on the world stage, as well as within the firm. However, fewer ink has been spilled on the more subtle changes. Any well heeled woman with experience of sitting in a doctors chair with a syringe to her brow will tell you that there have definitely been cosmetic enhancements made. They may be subtle, but then so are the best- and would we expect less from our future queen? There has undoubtedly been botox and likely fillers. It seems uncanny that despite losing weight everywhere (even her engagement ring had to be resized) her cheeks remained full rather than sallow or hollow. She has likely also benefitted from fillers under her eyes and potentially miso therapy to treat the predominate dark, genetic, bags which used to preside there. Then there are the non- surgical enhancements. Nobody discussed the hair extensions which were clearly put in place prior to the wedding. Not only did her hair appear noticeably thicker in the day immediately prior to the wedding but it was also longer. The effects of these extensions can be seen in the attached photos as well as on any image of the wedding itself and can clearly be contrasted to existing photos of her in the lead up to the wedding shopping on Bond street, wearing Issa, carrying Prada and sporting noticeably thinner locks.

Now I am not judging. I celebrate that she is embracing her position and her new role on the world stage. I simply wish to point out these helpful additions less any girl believe that her ascension has imbued her with not only a title but with natural cosmetic advantages. The monarchy would like us to believe that this is not a fairy tale but a very modern romance. Let us also remember that Kate is not a Disney character but a modern woman with the access and inclination to use the most modern cosmetic advantages.