Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 573

September 25, 2011

Milan Fashion Week SS12: Gucci, Versace, Bottega Veneta

by

[All Images via ELLE.com]

Gucci
As Gucci celebrates its 90th birthday, the SS12 collection ushers in a welll-maintained, clean silhouette with a primarily black palette. Androgynous lines yielded boxy jackets and high-waisted pants, yet a bright turoise-green hue kept it more feminine. In addition, there was an incredible throwback to the flapper-era with flirty retro dresses. While not as luxe as the Fall 2011 collection, Frida Giannini ensured her design prowess in the architectural shapes and her expertise with leather and embroidery that any woman can appreciate and dutifully wear.

Versace

Picture mermaid meets rock star meets Greek goddess and you’ve got Versace for Spring 2012.  Underwater motifs with seashells, seahorses and starfish were shown in light shades of mint green, lavender, and dove grey. Gold studs covered bodices and skirts or embellished belts to accentuate the waist. There is nothing more crisp than a white suit, and nothing more “Donatella” than a green mini dress or Lucite platforms. Clean, sexy, and sophisticated, Versace knows how to dress a red carpet siren.  With Versace for H&M set to hit stores in November, we can all get a portion of that glowing star quality soon!

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta’s spring collection was as opulent as it was bright (deep violet, blood red, chocolate, and emerald); not to mention the array of incredible handbags, in ostrich, lizard and crocodile.  Drawing on both the references of technology and handicrafts, Tomas Maier matched urban crewnecks with pleated skirts and leather jackets with long, fringed scarves.  The collection ended on a high note with a rainbow of dresses and gowns folded intricately with mesh and chiffon encouraging second and third glances.

-Alana Quagliariello

Subscribe to FashionPulseDaily for more Fashion Week coverage!

September 23, 2011

Step Lively in a Pair of Color Blocked Pumps (thefind Guest Post)

by

From our friends at thefind.com:

Tired of your go-to classic black, patent nude, or gray suede pumps? Apparently this season’s shoe outlook is that solids are overrated, so why not embrace some funky layered hues with a pair of color blocked pumps? These three (or four) toned heels are the perfect way to amp up an otherwise monochromatic or neutral-hued outfit. Rock with your tried and true little black dress – no matter how many times you’ve worn it before, a pair of heels that really pop will make it seem like a whole new dress! Or, add some spunk to a sophisticated pair of slacks or even your favorite jeans for a look that really stands out among the dull solid shoes of seasons past! Sure, they may require a little more guts to pull off, but think of it this way – the more colors incorporated into one shoe, the more likely you’ll have something they’ll match with!

Pictured above: Jessica Simpson ‘Princess’ Slingbacks, Qupid Glitter 46 Pumps, Steven by Steve Madden ‘Cathi’ Pump, and Ruthie Davis ‘Palm Spring’ Platform Pumps.

– Alex Gambardella

September 23, 2011

Christian Louboutin Splash Fur Slingback: Love it or hate it? (LollieShopping.com Guest Post)

by

Honestly…what is your gut reaction to these?

Fuzzy Louboutin

One of my favorite episodes of “Real Housewives of New York” is the one in which the Countess calls Alex’s shoes “Herman Munster shoes,” to which Alex replies, “They’re Louis Vuitton.” “Well, even Louis Vuitton can make a mistake, darling,” the Countess cleverly counters. She’s right. Just because something has a designer label on it doesn’t make it stylish, fashionable or pleasing to the eye. LollieShopping.com explains this with a debate on the above Christian Louboutin shoe — read on and share your opinion at LollieShopping.com.

September 22, 2011

FashionPulseDaily Featured on Naya Shoes: How Do You Naya?

by

We’ve been a huge fan of the eco-minded  footwear brand Naya ever since they launched over a year ago, hence it was an honor to be featured on Naya’s blog, The Green Room this past week! Here’s the interview, and please check out their blog, as well as fabulous fall 2011 footwear offerings!

How do you like to relax?

Usually at night, once the computer has been turned off is my “me” time, and I love to indulge in a lavender foot bath, flipping through a hot-off-the-presses issue of a magazine, and watching old movies. Lately, I’ve been going through 1960s and 1970s Warren Beatty flicks; I just love him and Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde!

How do you help soften your footprint on our earth?

Every day I think about this, and am amazed at how much garbage my household of two humans and one cat can produce, despite recycling as much as possible. Besides conserving water by keeping it off while brushing teeth, taking quick showers, etc, I try to get as much second or third time use out of plastic and paper bags, tissue paper and bubble wrap as possible. As a fashion and beauty editor I have a high volume of packages coming in and out, so if I can find ore than a one-time use for them, it’s terrific. My cat, Micia, loves playing in the cardboard boxes, more so than any toy we’ve ever gotten for her, so we occasionally let her keep a few.

Sleep is a huge part of renewing your mind body and soul. What is your routine before going to sleep each night? Any tips on how to sleep soundly?

I try to have a break in between working and heading straight to bed or my mind will be racing when I lie down; night time is usually when I get to do some book-reading, a routine I’ve done all my life, as it seems to help my mind and body relax and prepare for rest. I also have some lavender mist and lavender temple cream that helps lull me into a calm state (can you tell I like lavender?).

What is your favorite drink to help you relax?

I occasionally have caffeine-free mint tea, but also feel really great doing some ‘juice’. Pureed watermelon is a delicious juice and great source of Vitamin C, and I’m also big on green juices. I’ve recently started using the powdered form from Amazing Grass which comes in great flavors, but love getting a fresh blend that includes cucumber, green apple, spinach, parsley, pear, lemon, and ginger.

Do you have a favorite song that helps you renew yourself?

If I’m down, I feel like I can always endure by listening to “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve. I also tend to crank Death Cab for Cutie and Nirvana (while of course singing along, obnoxiously loud in the solace of my apartment or a car).

Do you participate in any outdoor activities that renew your mind, body or spirit?

Yes! Summer is my absolute favorite season, and I can’t get enough of being outdoors. I recently brought my childhood bike back to New York City, so I’ve been riding around on some weekends and weekdays which feels much better than hitting the gym. I also am big on kayaking, and am grateful that NYC offers free kayaking on the river in several locations.

What is your favorite Naya shoe and why?

For fall 2011, I am loving the stylish versatility of the Naya Quail boot. It definitely is one of those boots you can comfortably wear all day long thanks to the wedge heel, and transition easily to the evening. My hypothesis is that it is going to be one of the best selling styles this fall!

« PreviousNext »