September 28, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor

[Image via ELLE.com]
Emporio Armani
In a story of masculine-meets-feminine ease, the Emporio Armani spring lineup displayed the designer’s best foot forward at contemporary sportswear pieces. A closer look at the collection made it seem as if I had flipped through an old-fashioned black-and-white photo album: classically piped blazers and jackets crowned with skimmer hats felt dainty yet refined. Halter dresses, slim skirts, and pastel cropped pants impressed with a definitive sensual feel. In all of its largely asexual appeal, however,these garments are truly ready-to-wear, even with the sparkling crystal details — perhaps the perfect touch to break the monotony of day-wear.

[Image via Style.com]
Emilio Pucci
While we may not all be bold enough to bare our own midriffs, Pucci’s above the belly tops yielded a muted sex appeal that all women aspire to exude, regardless of the stage or current phase of life. It was impossible to look away from the jumble of prints and peeks of lace insets. The black, red and pink palette initiated an early can’t-stop-me strength, and towards the end things got lighter (and shinier!). A lot of skin and a lot of awestruck detailing breathed new life into the storied Florentine brand- magnifico!

[Image via ELLE.com]
Jil Sander
Raf Simons teased us all with bits of color, but his main attraction, the show’s beginning and ending, was pure white. Jil Sander’s spring looks were rooted in its history with its “signature white poplin shirt,” sometimes sensually sheer, further reinforcing a transparent theme for spring 2012. Paisley and gingham later made an appearance; it was certainly modernism combined with couture that sparked the curious, less minimalist spirit of the collection.
-Alana Quagliariello
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September 27, 2011
by Julia DiNardo

I recently had to dress in rather formal, yet bland attire for a business event, but couldn’t resist adding a bit of sparkle to spice up the look. I recently received the Onasis Necklace, $24, as part of the e.l.f. holiday collection at ShoptheLook.net, which perfectly complimented my all black jersey dress and blazer. Classic yet modern with a twist, the Onasis, I came to learn, was the recipient of many compliments as well as several “Where did you get that?” questions, which just propels me to try the piece with everything from a crisp t-shirt to peering out from under a button down blouse.
–Julia DiNardo
September 27, 2011
by Julia DiNardo
[Prepping hair backstage at New York Fashion Week]
I don’t have thick hair, and no matter what I do, I’ve never achieved the right hold or volume I desire. I also wonder as I age, what will happen to my strands as the damage sets in of years of product use and processing. Soundsfamiliar? I spoke with Thom Priano, Celebrity Hair Stylist and Hair Loss Expert Dr. Robert Leonard, Founder and Chief Surgeon of Leonard Hair Transplant Associates to get the real deal on hair loss, products, and how to make the best of what you’ve got! As August was Hair Loss Awareness Month, perhaps it’s time to think about not just making your locks look great now, but ensuring they will years from now.
FPD: What is normal hair loss (i.e. when you take a shower and shed your hair) versus the signs of a problem?
Dr. Leonard: Typically we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day, but a consistent loss of 150 or more hairs is considered significant. People may also mistake damaged hair for hair loss. I ask my patients to run their fingers through their hair. If eight to ten hairs come out with the bulb attached, this may indicate excessive hair loss. It’s important to count the number of strands, NOT the mass of hair. If you have long or thick hair, even two strands can look significant when they’re wadded up.
[Dr. Robert Leonard]
FPD: Can repeated use of volumizing shampoos actually end up damaging fine, delicate hair by constantly expanding the hair shaft?
Continue reading…
September 26, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor

[Image via ELLE.com]
Missoni
Missoni did it yet again with their signature kaleidoscopic knitted effect! Each and every garment possessed a , look-at-me quality, in its gorgeous tapestry essence. No color went missing: fuchsia, royal blue, yellow, pumpkin, indigo, chocolate brown, and more easily surfaced. The shoulder baring tops and ruffle skirts felt very Chiquita Banana meets the Amalfi Coast, and leather added a contrasting texture to the film flounces. This collection got everyone’s minds off the Missoni for Target Collaboration for a moment, and back onto the signature runway collection.

[Image via Style.com]
Versus
Just when I thought I had seen it all…a basketball court-cum -runway presented itself for spring 2012. Donatella Versace and Christopher Kane, the masterminds behind Versus, gave us courtside seats to their SS12 collection filled with bold jersey dresses, eye-catching zig zag patterns, sleek cutouts and slits. The Easter egg color palette made sporty feel soft. Choose your style: cheerleader or jock? Either way, it’s three cheers (or three points) for this design team.
-Alana Quagliariello
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