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Kate Picks Her Fall Favorites

The Latest by Kate, Fashion Director

I'm currently seeking out androgynous pieces with a simple stand-out detail: an embellished epaulet, unexpected fabric, and cool color combinations. I am finding myself wearing these classics repeatedly because they provide a lot of style but never feel stale.

Here are some styles I am living in:

1. Vince Foil Print Cashmere Sweater: Your man's raglan sweatshirt becomes fashion forward with a touch of foil.

2. Thayer Double Breasted Blazer: An amazing fit, the double-breasted gold buttons make this special.

3. Gryphon The Boyfriend Blazer: LOVE the lace/brooch pocket detail—so sweet on this boyish jacket.

4. Bop Basics Felt Fedora: A ribbon bow on a top hat is just the right amount of girly.

5. Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats: Men's oxford in a metallic! Genius.

6. NC bis Chain Bracelet: A brilliant layered look.

7. Victorialand Medium Body 3 Star Shirt: Tiny studs on the pocket are just right.

8. Rag & Bone Tuxedo Dress: One of my favorite runway dresses of the season, a sexy tuxedo style.

--Kate

Red, White, and Blue (Jeans)

From the stars and stripes at Derek Lam to the varsity letters and knee socks at Alexander Wang, the Americana trend earned many a fashion editor’s vote for Most Popular Story on Spring’s Runways. Not surprisingly, denim lines that find inspiration in the classics of American style are suddenly looking like the coolest kids at the party.

Standing for “product with a purpose,” Prps denim was founded by designer Donwan Harrell (read a Q+A with him here) as a nostalgic vision of American life. Rendered in organic, African cotton and hand-woven in Japan on vintage Levi’s looms, each unique pair has a durable, rough-hewn quality adored by denim aesthetes and the casual fashionista alike.

Designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, who began as stylists with a passion for altering vintage jeans, consider Current/Elliott a “curation of heritage denim.” With styles that refer to a specific period in American history (like the nod-to-the-’70s Elephant Bell Jeans), and a collection rounded out by faded chambray shirts and jean jackets, they show that the line that ignited the boyfriend jeans trend is here to stay. And for the classic sexy tomboy look, a pair of distressed William Rast jeans, paired with the line’s flannel shirts and leather jackets, channel co-founders Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake’s Tennessee roots and rebellious attitudes.

--Tonya

’80s State of Mind

 

My guy friends seem to be all about the ’80s lately. One is going as Burt Reynolds circa the Trans Am years for Halloween, one just bought a Rubik’s Cube and an instructional DVD for how to solve it, and another, who has a nickname for everyone, insists on calling me either Molly (as in Ringwald) or P.L. (Princess Leia).

It’s got me thinking about pop culture and ’80s fashion. I’ve already written about neon tops, Material Girls, and Wayfarer sunglasses, but there are so many under-the-radar pieces that have a nostalgia factor to warm the hearts of us ’80s babies with a timeless vibe we can wear forever.

Take the Alexander Wang Donna Hobo sitting pretty in blush pink. This is a bag I’ll build outfits around, and I can further retrofit my look with vintage Chanel jewelry and Rag & Bone riding boots. I’ve still got a flame for Judd Nelson’s John Bender from The Breakfast Club, and this fall girls can get in on his bad-boy charisma via a William Rast button-down, Current/Elliott skinnies, Luxury Rebel booties, and American Retro fingerless gloves. And finally, I’m loving the thought of Nanette Lepore’s prim 16 Candles Top paired with the I’m No Angel Leather Skirt—a haute combo no Jake Ryan could resist.

--Suzanne

First Fashion: The Lingerie Trend

Earlier this week, this article in the Wall Street Journal had me seriously reassessing the lingerie trend I’ve been so smitten with this season. It claims the spring runways’ boudoir themes “risk turning off many professional or mature women, who can only imagine how embarrassing it would be to wear such things.” I’m a professional, mature (most of the time) woman. I’m not supposed to like this look? But I do. And I don’t think it’s embarrassing. Now, I won’t be going pantsless anytime soon, but I’m also not going to wear a head-to-toe copy of any runway look. This trend is meant to be dissected and diffused and turned into something wearable. Three pieces that make it a breeze:
	Racy? Yes. It’s Kiki de Montparnasse after all. But this frisky piece can be tamed. With a boyfriend blazer and heavy chain necklaces, suddenly it’s less sex kitten, more sleek sophisticate. Kiki de Montparnasse - Boudoir Catsuit
	A cami is perhaps the easiest way to infuse lingerie inspiration into any look. I’d pair this one with a chunky cardigan, my favorite jeans, and oxford flats. Only Hearts - Cami with Lace
	Standard-issue tee from the front, this hints at delicate romance with its sheer, lacy back. I’d dress it up with a pencil skirt and booties. Blue Life - '80s Flashback Tee
When it comes to fashion, if you like it, you should wear it. Find it, in What’s New. --Amie

Sweat It

 

Sweatshirt dressing has been a part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember—from the bright green Benetton sweatshirt I used to wear with purple Esprit cords in grade school to the filching of my boyfriend’s hoodie in college. Cute and comfy, yes, but wear a sweatshirt now to go out? Well, never say never. 

Although the thought of fleecin’ it anywhere but my couch had been a major fashion no in my book, the spring 2010 runways of street-chic Rag & Bone and Alexander Wang are making me see sweats in a fashion-forward new light. I love the insouciant confidence of this Rag & Bone runway shot: slouchy tee, harem sweatpants, strong-shouldered jacket, and sick kicks.

But there’s no need to wait until April to start sweating like a supermodel when plenty of designers are elevating the basic sweatshirt right now. Pencey gets funky with cloud prints, paillettes, and shaggy faux fur panels, while Alex Wang indulges his fetishes with fierce shoulder grommets and a mouthwatering open back. Elizabeth and James gives French terry a little Saturday Night Fever with copious silver sequins. And speaking of Saturday night, the sweatshirt dress finally answers the dilemma of what to wear to a dive bar when you’re not in the mood to do denim. I’ll look casual-hot while feeding the juke box in a James Perse sweatshirt dress, Bing Bang mixed-chain necklace, and Modern Vintage suede wedge boots.

--Suzanne

Fashion Week Round-Up: 4 Styles Seen Off the Runway

 
This may be considered blasphemy to some, but my favorite part of "fashion month" (as it's come to be known) from NYC to Paris isn’t the runway shows themselves (though I certainly appreciate their well-staged theatrics), it’s the action on the street, the ladies and gents milling about outside the tents. (I can’t stop clicking through Tommy Ton’s coverage on Style.com.) This is fashion’s biannual Olympics after all, so all members of the elite editorial corps are accounted for, and everyone’s bringing their sartorial A-game.

These folks elevate personal style to an art form, which means each did her own unique spin on fall’s biggest fashion stories. Nonetheless, I spied a few common themes among their too-haute-for-words head-to-toe looks. Four of fashion week’s street style superstars:

1. The Tux Blazer
Blazers brought an I-mean-business vibe to the season’s de rigueur slouchy tee and leather leggings, and some much-needed structure to print mini-dresses and tights. Helmut Lang’s is a study in downtown refinement.

2. Slouchy Crop
Menswear-style cropped pants were everywhere, paired with everything from oxford lace-ups to major platforms. Geren Ford’s get big bonus points for being leather.

3. Platform Booties
Fashion week’s runaway footwear hit? Platform booties. Camilla Skovgaard is the darling of the professionally stylish set, so it’s not surprising hers were a favorite.

4. Studded Bag
The best way to transport all that fashion week swag? The answer was clear: a substantial, studded bag. This grey version from Rebecca Minkoff is softer and less expected than the usual black.

--Maureen

First Fashion: Rock Out in Color

I was talking to a musician friend of mine yesterday, and between hearing his thoughts on digital versus vinyl and music licensing, my mind naturally wandered over to the fashionable side of things. I’m loving the rocker trend this season, but I’m also feeling a bit of an overload on black (I never thought it was possible). So today I give you my take on rocker style, in living color.
	I’ll start with a shock of bold fuchsia in Splendid’s signature so-soft jersey. Formfitting with forgiving ruched panels, this wins bonus points because it’ll transition into spring. Splendid - Modal Jersey Tank Dress
	Black leather is a rocker’s best friend, but brown has its place, too. This is a just-rustic-enough take on William Rast’s Dirty South chic. William Rast - Leather Biker Jacket
	For a little glam rock meets moto cool, I’ll top the look off with this gilded Kenneth Jay Lane necklace and a pair of flat motorcycle boots. Kenneth Jay Lane - Multi Strand Crystal Necklace
Put a new spin on your favorite fall trends with styles from What’s New. --Amie

Currently Obsessing Over Blue Suede Shoes

Take a little stroll through our shoes, and among the brown, black, and grey boots and pumps in luxe leather and supple suede, you’ll find a few colorful offerings in purple, red, and, my current obsession, blue. I started a love affair with navy last fall when I picked up a pair of Moschino Cheap and Chic dark blue choked kiltie pumps, a liking that transitioned to navy dresses and tees, and this season, came full circle, though in a slightly softer rendition.

Specifically, I’m drawn to blue suede—not the Elvis variety, but these styles have me thinking The King was onto something. From Marc by Marc Jacobs ankle boots to the Sergio Rossi classic pumps (pictured) I’ve been flirting with for weeks, blue shoes add a new dimension to my always neutral wardrobe. Paired with a black dress and textured tights, they’re arty cool, and with my cardi-tee-jeans uniform, they’re intrigue in a sea of ordinary.

If my closet could take the influx of footwear, I’d add these blue suede styles to my wardrobe as well:

* Boutique 9 - Dorie Wrap Slouch Boots
* Camilla Skovgaard - Open Toe Booties with Lug Sole
* Rock & Republic - Celina Platform Pumps
* Sigerson Morrison - Double Knot Flats
* Stuart Weitzman - Keen Platform Boots

As it is, I’ll have to settle for one pair—I’m off to drop the Sergio Rossis in my cart.

--Amie
Shopbop

Must-have Fall Frock: The Long Sleeve Mini Dress

After reading a post on Fashionista about T by Alexander Wang’s long-sleeve mini dress and the long-short trend that popped up in every corner of New York Fashion Week, I started browsing the rest of our mini dresses and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of long-sleeve, short-hem options. Sure, the Wang dress is classic body-con goodness, but I’m more interested in the variations on this emerging mini trend.

American Retro and Alice + Olivia offer up their own versions of the long-sleeve LBD, the former finding inspiration in ’80s fashion and the latter adding a touch of edge in the form of two rows of silver studs. Paired with black heels they’re timeless with a twist.

On the less traditional side of things, Sunner has a print variety that would pair well with black tights and ankle booties for everyday chic, and A Common Thread offers a rich olive number that hints at something naturally inspired. Bonus points for an intriguing back detail that sets the simple silhouette apart from the fashion pack.

The long/short trend has legs (pardon the pun), and I suspect I’ll be giving it a lot of play this fall. Will you wear it?

--Amie
Shopbop

Shop Kate & Morgan’s Fashion Week Closets

Shopbop Fashion Director Kate Ciepluch at NYFW.
Photos by Anne Ziegler.

Checked out our Shopbop at New York Fashion Week feature yet? It’s chockablock with on-and-off-the-runway highlights including spring trend previews, street style favorites, and best of accessories, plus candid snaps of Shopbop Senior Stylist Morgan Wendelborn and Fashion Director Kate Ciepluch at the shows and on the go sporting their NYFW best.

And, for all you detail-obsessed types who want to see more of what Kate and Morgan wore, we put together a mini-boutique comprised of pieces from their Fashion Week closets for your shopping enjoyment. Because, as we all know, the shows are but a small part of the style story at NYFW. The rest is waiting at the corner of 10th Avenue and 14th Street or texting outside the tents.

--Maureen