Trends Report: I See London, I See France: Spring 2009 Sneak Preview

One of the overall themes that emerged from the Spring 2009 Runway is that skin is in. For better or worse, über short lengths and skin-exposing cutouts made street wear look more like swimwear. Uncomfortably confronted with TMI we got to work interpreting the trend PDQ to make it more wearable:

· Wear leggings or tights, even with shorts (a trend from the street)

· Look for long blazers that cover your bum, but opt for slim-fitting cuts to keep it sleek

· An oversized vest is a good way to cover up and add layers of personal style; think asymmetrical hems, collars, or embellishments that say “you”

· Still not convinced? Ditch it – not all trends are workable; choose what’s right for you.

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Generra Wool Belted Sweater Vest Bluefly.com

Dorothy Lee Trail Blaze Cardigan Anthropologie

Victoria’s Secret Ruched Organic Cotton Leggings Victoria’s Secret

UPDATE: Thanks to Wendy B: This amazingly similar to the runway piece found on eBay



Thanks for the tip Wendy :)

Two Looks I La-La-Love From Luella Spring 2009

(photos via Style.com)

I love the whimsical ladylike looks that Luella Bartley showed this London Fashion Week. Here are two favorites that I can see actually wearing. Even the fishnet fascinators. Wonder what kind of looks I'd get walking through Midtown?

Which are your fave shows from across the pond?

Sheila Frank: Spring 2009 Ready To Wear

We’ve been crushing on Sheila Frank for a while -- you may remember this from a previous post about her sexy retro pinup girl swimsuits.

After attending her Spring 2009 ready-to-wear collection during Fashion Week we were left with an overwhelming desire to fast forward through Winter so that we could slink ourselves into her über glam frocks as quickly as possible.

Though the inspiration was clearly rooted in Sheila’s beloved vintage, this time around her designs were a little less ‘50s rockabilly, a little more turn-of-the-last-century Gibson Girl – and we couldn’t have been more impressed.

The collection was a charming blend of worldly sophistication and girlish virtue; sexy and innocent but not at all prudish. The kind of girl that just oozes sensuality – she just doesn’t know it. Silhouettes were sleek and simple in shimmery fabrics; a weave over here, a little ruching over there: small embellishments with maximum impact.

Intrigued?

You should be. Check out our Flickr album and take a peek at Sheila’s site for more info on where to purchase.

Matthew Williamson Spring 2009

(photos via NYMag & WWD)

I am happy to see Matthew Williamson keep his characteristic psychedelic vibe by choosing bright colors and signature wild prints but opting for sleeker silhouettes which look so much more streamlined and polished.

Sigh. I'm in love.

This one's moving it's way up my wish list:

Who Are You Marc Jacobs Spring 2009?

I'm prepared to lose some street cred for the following comments but I can't help but be puzzled by a designer who, in the same show, presented:




and:




(photos via Style.com)


The first two "Mary Poppins Goes To Dubai" looks were a scary reminder of that PR Little Bo Peep disaster from a short while ago, while the latter two look perfectly chic and pulled together.

Please don't misunderstand me, I love a little quirk. Make that a whole lotta quirk:



Love the I Dream Of Jeannie pants, wacky little gold & turquoise safety pin, and all:



BUT since nobody rocks harem pants quite like Barbara Eden, and lurex & plaid combos remind me of Halloweens gone by, I'll stick to classic pieces that I will wear year after year -- sorry Marc.