August 19, 2009
by fashionpulse
Regal, military-inspired looks have once again made a comeback on the runway and into fashionista’s hearts. Credit the 
Balmain military jacket (priced at $11,000!) for skyrocketing the look to success this past season, or give thanks in part to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, for the resurfacing of the trend, but either way you swing it – go and get it girl! The perennially fashionable Jean Voute Pratt of Style Observer has declared the military jacket as one of her fall must-haves, and our favorite comes in the form of this ingeniously dubbed BB Dakota Battalion Jacket ($102) from ModCloth.com. It may be reminiscent of marching band, but born anew with a feminine, tailored fit in the front and pleating in the back, along with styling that includes dark skinny jeans, dangling chain strips for earrings and killer booties (you didn’t really want to wear those itchy, band camp “flood” pants, did you?). We also like ModLife‘s (ModCloth’s Blog) tips that suggest pairing it with Sanibel Island Sandalias and or shimmery Hocuspocus Tights. As always, Fashion Pulse Daily encourages you to continue to march to the beat of your own drum, but you’ll sure look a lot cooler doing it with a Battalion jacket in tow!
-Julia DiNardo
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August 3, 2009
by Julia DiNardo
[Images via Style.com]
Spilling off the resort runways this season is surprisingly non-other than chic menswear. From Armani to Viktor & Rolf to 3.1 Phillip Lim, stream-lined trousers and strong blazers are the must haves for resort, that more and more blend in with the other seasons. While such pieces sound very masculine and rightfully so, the tailored looks however are a keen match for the feminine physique (read: very sexy). Armani showed an edgy take on the trend, with black and navy pin-striped suits with high-waisted, tapered pants and cinched, slightly shrunken blazers. If this sounds a little intimidating, look to outfits like those of Moschino, which works in more feminine, ethereal pieces into the menswear lineup. 
Try pairing structured trousers with a flowing blouse to provide a yin and yang to the masculine/feminine balance; try Alloy’s Twill Blazer ($54.50)with something lightweight and slightly boho, such as this Voile Ruffle Trim Top ($39.50) from Express. The pants? Go for a mid-slightly higher rise in pants, something with a slight sheen, definitely a bit baggy yet tailered, or a twill will work. Start out with these Everywhere Wide-Leg Trousers in dark steel or black ($25) at Old Navy. So now that you know the trick of casual menswear is balance — taking something your boyfriend would wear and mixing it with the most feminine piece you own — is a tried and true fashion recipe to ultra-chic style!
-Jaimie Sanita
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July 17, 2009
by fashionpulse
[Images via Style.com]
A progression of structure and color swept through the Chanel Fall couture runway for the Fall 2009 Couture collection. Beginning on a classic note, Karl Lagerfield sent tailored skirt suits hushed in grey, brown, and navy hues to set the simple opulence synonymous with the Chanel brand. The dress and coat ensembles may have been stream-lined but jeweled embellishments and graphic patterns brought a fresh breath to the classic looks. The lace tights and colorful oxford shoe pairings also brought a delicate, dark asymmetry to the twist on the menswear fabrications. But as the show progressed, skirt suits morphed into ethereal tulle evening gowns, and the smoky colors intensified to a spectrum of jeweled purples, reds and blues. The silhouettes also became more daring with dramatic “tails” skimming the ground behind mid-thigh sequenced dresses and patterns exploded in firework designs and bursting floral jewels to bring the intensity to a heightened severity.
The Chanel couture show was a detour from Lagerfeld’s recent past shows that were more engrossed in lighter, natural glamour but a movement towards a darker, more mysterious ambiance made the show all the more striking. Inspiration? Perhaps the mysterious Madame Coco Chanel herself, as she is the subject of two films soon to be released.
-Jaimie Sanita
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July 13, 2009
by Julia DiNardo
Now that couture season has officially ended, I thought a perfect recap would be to pull one image from each show, that I found to be the most stunning from the collection and the most iconic for seasons to come. My images are below — enjoy!
All images via Style.com & NYMag.com.
[Christian Dior]
[Alexis Mabille]
[Valentino]
[Jean Paul Gaultier]
[Elie Saab]
[Armani Privé]
[Chanel]
[Maison Martin Margiela]
[Christian Lacroix]
[Givenchy]
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