designer training wheels

For the last year or so, Urban Outfitters has created a number of capsule collections with smaller designers.
Its a great way for those of us with less disposable cash to access the ideas and styles of some up-and-coming designers (and, hopefully, they get exposed to new audiences who will eventually buy their main lines)

The fall pieces have been coming out in drips and draps: This silk dress from Rapscallion by Samatha Pleet is one of my favorite pieces. It looks so comfy -- and yet dressed-up!
And at $68 USD its a bit of a steal!

Check it out on urbanoutfitters.com

rhinestone cowboy

So apparently I have a big thing for embellished shoulders right now.
Browsing through Shopbop this morning, my cursor hovered over this little beauty from Robert Rodriguez: an awesome beaded shoulder jean jacket!

Not sure I love the tuxedo tails -- this would have been stronger as a straight bomber -- but overall I love the look and the emphasis on the shoulders. The mix of light denim and black rhinestones is super hot, though for the price (almost $700 for a jean jacket!) this is something try at home! Let's have a closer look:

$692 at Shopbop

what's new pussy cat?

Seriously I wished I had learned about this earlier because now its sold out -- United Bamboo released a limited edition 2010 calendar featuring cats in outfits from their ready-to-wear collection. How friggin awesome!!!

Here are some shots:

It was available here.
I've emailed them so I'm hoping that maybe I can still get a copy -- seriously brilliant!

hoofers

Just a quick one today -- but have you seen the shoes that Alexander McQueen sent down the runway for Spring RTW?
They are completely out of this world both in look and height -- 10 inches!!

Sorry -- I know there are a lot here but I just couldn't help myself -- have you ever seen anything so fantastic?? They are somehow both rugged and rustic as well as space-agey. Love!

Check out Nymag.com's coverage for more incredible shoes (and shows!)

jumping the gun

Ok ... so we're just in the first stages of fall, but I'm already looking forward to the spring collections!

Isabel Marant's Spring RTW collection was full of bright pinks: but I'm especially loving her almost Robinhood-esque fuscia tunics and slouchy boots. Very wearable but oh so hot!

Source: Nymag.com Isabel Marant, Spring 2010 RTW

not just a river....

I sometimes think I live in a perpetual state of clothing denial.
Despite the quickly dropping temperatures (quicker than usual it seems) I'm still lusting after cute little dresses.

Take this little cocktail dress from camilla and marc at Shopbop:

Forget Me Not Dress, camilla and marc, $630 at Shopbop.com

So cute for sure -- I just love the lace and mesh overlays.
But let's be honest: for me to wear this out in icy Toronto, I would definitely be pairing it with tights and likely with a sweater that, despite all my best intentions, wouldn't be removed for the whole night.
.... And yet I still really love this and want to buy it!

more stylish shoulders

While we've already highlighted strong shoulders, it is worthwhile to take another look with all the new fall pieces flooding the stores.

I know it’s a bit 80s but I can't help but love the look: its such a strong shape but one that doesn't overwhelm the body.
These shoulders add drama but without shouting.
And I really like the move away from the poof shoulder.

A few favs:

A clean-cut look in blue:

Maje Nicolas silk strong-shouldered blouse, $295, Net-a-porter

A tongue-firmly-in-cheek take:

C Society feather shoulder top, $84, Pixiemarket.com

Back to the original:

Beaded strong-shoulder vintage top, $88, Nastygal