Judging by the media, the rest of the country may have all but forgotten about Hurricane Sandy , but the devastation left behind by the super storm is still fresh in the memory of most of the tri-state area as those affected begin to pick up the pieces. Just Friday night we learned Obama has formally asked Congress for $60.4 billion dollars in an effort to alleviate the suffering of so many who lost so much. Although helpful and necessary this relief package will barely put a dent in the total bill Sandy wracked up, and more installments are expected as damage continues to be assessed.
One store. One city. One luxury experience for one-hundred and eleven historical years. Bergdorf Goodman is preparing to commemorate its 111th birthday, and the fall surprises include something for everyone. As one of the most successful single stores in a single city, this occasion is not only a monumental event for the company, but also for the designers who started at the New York City store.
While Bergdorf Goodman has a combined total of 190,000 square feet between the men and women’s departments, and brings in an estimated $600 million in annual sales, rivaling even the likes of other, larger, competitors, it takes flawless dedication, an undying commitment to fashion, and a strong vow to nurturing relationships and providing quality service, to last this long. With this many successful years under the iconic store’s belt, we think the festivities are well deserved.
Just because the weather outside is hot and humid doesn't mean we aren't sitting here dreaming about sipping pumpkin spice lattes on a crisp fall day in the park. And part of that dream includes us sporting a great fall jacket to keep us looking cool while staying warm. From chunky knits, to chic wool jackets and furry parkas; the runways were full of trendy options to keep you from catching a chill as the weather turns. Here are our top five picks for fall outerwear from some of our favorite designers. Read on to get a jump start on your fall wardrobe shopping as we show you where you can shop similar pieces right now on the cheap!
White is the New Black
What do you wear when you have nothing to wear? The go-to, monochromatic, sartorial fallback of an all black look, of course. This season, designers (literally, almost all of them) have presented a “brighter” option for our old monochromatic standby, showing head to toe winter-ready white in the form of chic eveningwear, tailored pantsuits and everything in between. Lyn Devon goes super sweet and retro chic with a modest angora sweater and tea-length duchesse satin skirt. Cushnie et Ochs offer winter white separates as sleek tailored trousers paired with a sheer collared top make the trend as seductive as their curve-hugging dresses. Alexander Wang doesn’t disappoint with his edgy twist, detailed with pearlescent fringe and black fishnet stockings.
Haute off the press and coming our way this January is Jason Wu’s newest collaboration with Nordstrom. Word on the street is that this contemporary line will be in the $195-$1,700 price range. The collection will be 40 pieces consisting of shift skirts, a-line dresses, striped tops with floral skirts, and lighthearted touches to trench coats. The collection was inspired by the Mod fashion of the '60s --think Jane Birkin and Marianne Faithfull.
The 29-year-old explains his inspiration behind this collection and its character as a whole clothing line, “Instead of just doing ‘Jason Wu-for-less,’ the idea is to explore the other side of myself, I always see Jason Wu [the collection] as my aesthetic, my design sensibility. Miss Wu is my personality. [I] explore that facet of who I am- slightly more downtown, and with a more relaxed attitude.” (WWD)
It’s unanimous; boldness dominated Resort 2013 collections in the form of extreme silhouettes, stripes, and florals—and we like what we see. The in-between season offerings give designers an opportunity to reach a broader range of consumers, incorporating wearable trends that appeal to those seeking the perfect vacation wardrobe as well as the rest of us those forgoing exotic destinations to afford said ready-to-wear. (We’ll have our Resort right here at home, thank you.) The trends abound from oversized ensemble to lively prints and among the looks we are dying to make our own, there were also a few encore appearances by styles that aren’t going anywhere.
One of the things we love most about fashion is that past styles and trends tend to recycle themselves for today's runways and red carpets! It's like fashion's way of saying 'you're welcome' to the global community... and the looks are always fresh, inspiring and flying off the racks!
'40s and '50s inspired garments came down the catwalks in droves this year and we couldn’t be more excited! One of the biggest styles that captivated the fashionable era was figure-flattering Dior design called peplum. Highlighting the curves on every beautiful woman, a well-tailored cinch waist flatters in all the right places and exudes femininity and grace!
In our book, Jason Wu is incapable of failing or having a bad collection. It's really just impossible. So our praise for his F/W '12 collection is no surprise to anyone, really. If his Target collaboration collection selling out instantly (to our dismay) is any indication, we're certain we're not alone in this sentiment. Jason Wu's designs are continuously what fashion dreams are made of. A combination of the perfect use of detailing, tailoring, color and fabrics, Wu is a fashion design prodigy. Pure perfection.
So, let us wipe a tear or two for the beauty of his latest collection. We really don't need to say much more. All hail, Jason Wu!
Jason Wu + NEST Fragrances
Just when we thought the buzz around Jason Wu couldn’t get any bigger—due to the designer’s much anticipated collection for Target—it does! In a brand new design direction, we find out Wu is also collaborating with NEST Fragrances on a signature candle scent. So not only will our apts look better thanks to all that Jason Wu apparel, they’ll smell better too! The scent is Orchard Rain, a fragrance that combines pear with cattleya orchid, Birchwood, leather and peppercorn. The candles can be found at department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks starting in April; Orchard Rain is just the first in a series of luxurious scents. Should we expect more Jason Wu diffusion lines in the future? “I think the home market is something I’m really interested in. Also the beauty market. I think Nest sort of crosses the line between both markets,” he said. “So it seems to be the perfect introduction.”
This just in—our favorite bargain collaborator is once again delivering our favorite designer goods at prices within our means! Just yesterday Target released the full lookbook of Jason Wu’s upcoming line and it couldn’t be cuter or more exciting. The collection, an adequate 53 pieces of sweet and playful dresses, separates, scarves, and handbags, is begging to be seen bouncing down the avenue this spring. Inspired by an American girl in Paris and her purrrrfect companion Milu, the A-line silhouettes and button up blouses ooze Parisian charm.