Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week Part Three

Rebecca Taylor

Another day, another day at New York Fashion Week! Rebecca Taylor's collection was full of ladylike separates in pink, blue and soft grey. These combine a classic ladylike tailored look for a young sassy fashionista. If you ever pondered on how to make your work attire a little more colourful, the look on the left is your answer! Paired with a grey blouse and sweater jacket, it looks like grey is becoming the new black. The middle look is how I like to look when out on the town during the winter, a sugar 'n' spice cocktail dress with a chic fur coat over it. It's the way to cozy up when the temperature goes down. The last look shows how to add a little flair to a monochromatic look, add ruffles and a little texture. Now no one can ask why your outfit is so blue.

 

Jason Wu

He had his first break when he dressed Michelle Obama and has had oodles of success since then. His latest collection was inspired by the Baroque Period and the historic Chateau de Versailles, which created a beautiful collection for the chic princesses in all of us (I am talking to you Blair Waldorf!). High collars and crew necks seemed to be the shirt style of choice with this gorgeous black lace sleeveless blouse contrasted with a mustard yellow silk pleated skirt in the look to the left. This is how you do leather and lace as elegantly shown in the middle look, with the sunglasses adding an air of mystery to the outfit. The look to the right, is perfect for any cocktail parties you may have listed in your fashion calendars. The feather ruffles add a playful touch with the hint of red adding a dose of glamour! Bravo, Monsieur Wu!

Jason Wu 

My favourite Jason Wu looks didn't end with his above the knee looks up top, they also include these beautiful gowns that he had plenty of in his Fall 2011 collection. The gown to the left is Chinoiserie-inspired and very vintage-looking with the delicate flower pattern and small hints of gold. Shimmery and stunning. If you read Amanda's Fashion Spot, you know I love a red dress and this one on the right is no exception. With lightweight chiffon and satin that lightly floated down the runway, the black lace mask made a nod to the lace loving Baroque period and the look that I plan on wearing at my next masquerade party! 

What are your favourite looks from Fashion Week? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Park Avenue Princess: Siman Tu Gallery

On a lovely stroll today in the afternoon, I basked in the sunlight and admired all the very fashionable people on the Upper East Side. One older woman was donned in gold linen pants accompanied by a gold twin set and fabulous sunglasses. Another wore a tunic style dress with embellished sandals. If there is one place to spot out something special to add to your collection of clothing or accessories, New York is the place so it was no surprise to me when I stumbled upon the beautiful Siman Tu Gallery.

As I walked in, I was immediately greeted by the sparkling diamonds and breathtaking freshwater pearl necklaces accompanied by French music, live chirping birds and garden-like vignettes. Siman Tu after all, is a haute couture jewellery designer who has had his exquisite necklaces grace the necklines of Barbara Walters, Anne Hathaway and Tyra Banks as well as made frequent appearances on Gossip Girl.

His pieces are absolute standouts with their hint of glamour and sophistication providing just the right amount of detail. Favourite pieces include: a medium strand pearl necklace with a delicate floral brooch attached at the top, fit for a princess or very elegant lady and gorgeous turquoise chandelier earrings that would match perfectly with a large turquoise statement necklace, each both featured on Gossip Girl.

The beautiful pieces are all handmade in house at the flagship store on 860 Lexington Ave. so if you are in the area be sure to visit this store because you will not be disappointed.

Amanda

Fierce, Bad and Couture: Bandits in Bows Fashion Show

Swarms of people made their way to the Rivoli on Queen Street West to view first-hand the frisky, cutting-edge and memorable 'Bandits in Bows' fashion show by Maybe by Sarah Catalfo. 

The caution tape was up and the scene was set with garbage cans and gas containers decorating the stage turned runway. The show was kicked off with an upbeat performance of 'Don't Stop Dancing' by singer, Lauren Elle and was followed by a short film displaying a sexy bandit in action. Soon a remix to the late Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" started blasting and the show was underway!

The fashion show was kicked off with a fitted black shiny strapless cocktail dress accented by a bow hairband. The look was naughty 'n' nice with a little Gossip Girl thrown in. Other memorable looks were a scowl neck white jersey dress with a light grey graffiti detail and a lace bodysuit with a black bubble skirt. These looks are great to wear to any party or sociable event come fall or whenever you want to have a little fun with your look.

This is the third Maybe by Sarah Catalfo fashion show I have had the privilege to attend with her custom and tailored-made looks continuing to improve. This particular show was slightly reminiscent of  Christian Lacroix and the jewellery provided by D.I.F.F.Y. Designs fit perfectly with the clothing, with a model wearing bow necklace made out of net. This up and coming fashion designer really taps into to the young girl who likes to take risks with her fashion choices and be little bold. Kudos!

Amanda

Maybe by Sarah Catalfo: Spending the Day with Sarah Catalfo

As I with Sarah in her sewing studio catching up on all the exciting things going on in our lives we begin discuss all the things that has inspired her as a designer, what is behind the name Maybe and her latest fashion show, Bandits in Bows. 

Sarah Catalfo, George Brown College graduate, ambitious creator and fashion designer. After learning how to sew from her mother at the age of 14 she knew that the treasured past time was more than just a hobby. "My mother was the one that taught me but I soon began teaching myself and soon I was teaching her!" Catalfo says. During the year of her sweet sixteen, Catalfo began making clothes for friends and family and it was high school when she had her first fashion show. 

After her line had its first taste of the runway she knew that she needed something to identify it with, a name that was memorable and Maybe was it. "I thought Maybe was cute and suited everything I wanted for my line. Coyness, feminine and flirty. It's makes you think of possibilities and it's a memorable trademark. I want to be memorable." says the high-achieving designer. Catalfo describes the Maybe girl as, "humble yet self absorbed. She likes things that define her own style and she likes to be seen. She's someone who is less concerned about trends and brands." As for her ideal model, listen up ladies, "someone who likes to express individuality through her fashion."

Catalfo will have no trouble making a place for herself in the fashion industry. Her clothes often include bright contrasting colours, textures such as, lace, appliques and even seashells which were used for her last fashion show inspired by a recent trip to Cuba. Catalfo has had quite a bit of success in her design career with her most memorable moment being the 2009 Juno Awards where singer, Lights wore on of her dresses. "I just wanted to to bask in the feeling of that moment. It made all my hard work pay off. Not a lot of people get to experience and savour the moment." Catalfo says she would also like to worth with other celebrities such as Gossip Girl's, Taylor Momsen, Miss Canada and Peaches. "I like working with musicians their musical inspirations inspire me."

Catalfo is currently is working on her much-anticipated 2009 collection "Bandits in Bows" which debuts tonight at the Rivoli on Queen Street West. The Catwoman meets Jessica Rabbit fashion show that is expected to have bodysuit clad models with R&B performer Lauren Elle is just the beginning of this designer's successful career. In ten years she plans to expand into menswear, internationally and beyond. With Catalfo's ambition I have no doubt she will be able to just that and more!

Amanda

The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Career's in Fashion

Vogue magazine's younger sister, Teen Vogue will be a launching a guide to getting started in the fashion industry and the book will hit bookstores on October 5th. 

It is the perfect back-to-school treat for any individual who is in need of a little guidance when it comes to getting your stiletto in the fashion industry. The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion includes behind-the-scenes advice and tips from editors, writers, stylists and designers including, Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld and Amy Astley.

If you head over to Stylehog.com a fun and informative Canadian fashion blog you will be able to read more about this helpful book. For a faster route, click on this link to view a video of Amy Astley herself describing the upcoming book, http://www.stylehog.com/blog/fashion-flick-how-to-get-a-job-in-fashion/.

Amanda