Fashion Designer's Shows: NYFW Fall 2011

Along with being obsessed with magazines, I am also TOTALLY obsessed with fashion shows. And it just so happens that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week recently took place in New York City February 10-17. These fashion shows were to showcase the designer's Fall 2011 collection. I want to show you some videos of my ABSOLUTELY favorite collections from this years shows.

So you may know by now that I really LOVE Badgley Mischka. Well there show this year was nothing short of AMAZING. In their collection, you saw fluid, draped dresses, with glitzy swatches of Deco beading capping shoulders and encircling necklines and waists. Take a look at some of the amazing pieces from Badgley Mischka's Fall 2011 collection.

Another favorite of mine was Blumarine. The designers always use bright and beautiful colors in their collections. The show opened with sporty coats and knitwear- ribbed turtlenecks and wrap minis, A-line dresses, and tunics over flared pants. The first 20 or so looks were done in camel, navy and black. Then, came all the colors. Models came out in monochromatic outfits in yellow, orange, green, purple, and blue. The designers finished out the show with beautiful lace pieces done in the same bright colors. Take a look at some of the amazing pieces from Blumarine's Fall 2011 collection.

The final collection that WOWED me was from Alice & Olivia. There was an unmistakable flapper-era vibe to the collection and it was set in a glided entry hall at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Designer Stacey Bendet said that she wanted more separates and not just dresses in this collection. So there are some high-waisted cords worn with an open knit cardigan and a fur-trimmed blazer, but the dresses are absolutely BREATHTAKING. Take a look at some of the amazing pieces from Alice & Olivia's Fall 2011 collection. 

Style by Lauren Conrad

Most of you know who Lauren Conrad is, but for those of you who don't, she first became famous as a cast member on the show, Laguna Beach, and then she got her own show, The Hills, which followed her personal and professional life as she pursued a career in the fashion industry.  Lauren has always been a style icon. She has her own clothing line called The Lauren Conrad Collection and another line called LC by Lauren Conrad at Kohl's stores nationwide. Conrad has also just recently become an author. She has written three novels and a book called Style, which is about her experiences in and her knowledge of the fashion industry, as well as being a style guide. I recently bought Style and it is such a wonderful resource for fashion advice. Conrad offers tips on how to create your own unique look, she shares her favorite sources of inspiration, and she identifies the absolute must-haves for any fashionista's wardrobe. She also examines her fashion evolution from a casual California teen to a style icon and clothing designer. She also offers beauty advice and hair secrets. The contents of her book are divided into three different sections: Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle. A few of the chapters in this amazing book are: Building Your Wardrobe, Mastering Your Closet, and The Hunt: How to Shop. In her Lifestyle section, she discusses how to dress for Work and School, Travel and Events and Parties. This book is definitely a must-have for fashionistas. She gives such great advice. With Lauren's guidance, you'll look and feel stylish every day :-) 

To purchase Style by Lauren Conrad, simply click on the following link:   http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Conrad-Style/dp/0061989142/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300817013&sr=8-1

Badgley Mischka Promo Video

For those of you that don't know, I am currently attending The Art Institute of Charlotte for Fashion Marketing and Management. I am in a class right now called Fashion Styling and I wanted to show you all a video that my partner, Bianca Williams (www.ladywithsole.com), and I created. We were told to create a video that would be located on a designer's website. We chose Badgley Mischka. Hope you enjoy the video!

Special Thanks to Anna Fox, Cassidy Crnich, and Madison Davis :-)

Best Fashion Magazines for Women

So as you all know by now, I am addicted to fashion magazines. I subscribe to so many of them. I read so many because each one has something different to offer. Some of the fashion magazines focus on ready-to-wear clothing and others focus on couture. Although I can’t really afford the couture clothing, I love seeing all of the designer’s new collections. I want to tell you about four of my ABSOLUTE favorite fashion magazines and tell you exactly why they are so amazing.

My absolute favorite ready-to-wear fashion magazine is Instyle Magazine. I think my obsession with this one started a long time ago because my mom has always subscribed to it and I would read hers. What makes this magazine so GREAT is that everything they feature is so AFFORDABLE. This magazine always has a great section where they will have apparel or accessories that a celebrity wore and they will tell you where to get it for cheaper. My newest FAVORITE section in Instyle Magazine is “Ask Marchesa.” They have readers send in questions about fashion to designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa. This is the perfect magazine to go to for help with putting great, stylish outfits together.

Another amazing magazine is Marie Claire. They always talk about the latest trends in fashion and how to put together amazing outfits. One of the sections that I LOVE in Marie Claire is “Splurge vs. Steal.” They show you a whole outfit and then they will show you options of where you can buy similar items. In their fashion section, they almost always do a great editorial showing pieces from designer’s latest collections. This magazine does focus mostly on higher end clothing but there are definitely some affordable items too. This magazine also features great stories and amazing beauty tips as well.

Most of you should know about this next magazine. Vogue is an absolute must for fashion. This is pretty much the bible for the fashion world. Everything you need to know can be found in this magazine. There are many great articles in Vogue that discuss people and events in the fashion industry. The BEST part of every Vogue issue is the editorial shoot done by fashion editor: Grace Coddington. The sets of the shoots and the clothes on the models are absolutely STUNNING. She is truly a genius. Vogue has the most amazing fashion of all the magazines that I read.

Another favorite fashion magazine of mine is Harper’s Bazaar. This magazine also features very high-end clothing. They feature SOOOOO much clothing in each issue. It is INCREDIBLE! Harper’s Bazaar also talks about many designers and their new collections. They have many great styling tips and I love the section “Buy, Keep, Store.” They tell you what trendy items you should buy, what items you already own that you should keep wearing and what items you should definitely store away. They also feature wonderful hair and beauty tips and always have BEAUTIFUL editorial spreads.

What are your favorite magazines to turn to for the latest fashion trends?