DVF and Evian? Carine Roitfeld Styles for DVF!

 

Only DVF could make Evian look so sweet and sexy chic, but in a collaboration between DVF & Evian's they'll produce this limited time water bottle design design. The design is sweet and cheeky, not sure it will appeal to the male audience, but I think it has DVF's delightful stamp written all over it!By the way, could she be any more beautiful?!via A Little "Crew"zy Blog   (Remove)If It's Hip, It's Here: DVF X evian. Diane Von Furstenberg's New Limited Edition Bottle Design...http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot….

More news on the DVF front...loving the DVF wrap styled by Carine Roitfeld for recent campaign. And at the heart of it, bringing back the roots of the original wrap dress that so many of us women have come to know and love by DVF. Her classic wrap dresses have crossed generations and are beautifully flattering on nearly every body type. David Lipke covers "WERBOWY AND ROITFELD FOR DVF: Diane von Furstenberg recruited a new team for her fall campaign, working for the first time with Daria Werbowy as model, Carine Roitfeld as stylist and Sebastian Faena as photographer. Overseen by creative agency Laird + Partners, the images channel Seventies-era paparazzi shots, with a spotlight on DVF’s iconic wrap dresses and the debut of the brand’s new Sutra bags."  Daivd Lipke for WWD Media The Fall DVF Campaign photo by Courtesy Photo 

http://www.wwd.com/images/processed/wwd/2013/08/05/landscape/01-large/memo-dvf.jpg

I say beautiful! What are your thoughts on resurrecting the roots of the wrap dress with Carine and which is your favorite? And, will you be tempted to but a DVF Evian bottle of water?


Cheers!

Early Best of Designer Looks for Fall 2013.

Oscar de la Renta
Photo Credit: ImaxTree

I've pulled some of my favorite Fall 2013 designer trends from my Facebook A Little Crewzy Page.   Also check out my growing Pinterest board entitled "best of Fall fashion 2013". 

http://pinterest.com/ChrisRosatiYoos/best-of-fall-fashion-2013/

Beautiful gray matter, oversized coat as I referenced below with stark cobalt leather gloves for that little pop of color. Oscar de la Renta (right).  

via A Little "Crew"zy Blog   (Remove)

New York Fall 2013 Trend Reporthttp://www.harpersbazaar.com/fas...

3.1 Philip Lim "American Pastoral"
Photo Credit:  Imax Tree

The Row
Photo Credit:  Imax Tree

Fall 2013 runways. Best Looks from New York: Fall 2013 www.harpersbazaar.com

More "Best of Looks" to get you ready for Fall. There is this convergence of gray, black, white against both, a pop of dusty pink, emerald...oversized coats that can wrap or be belted. No matter which designer, the looks feel relaxed and classic. So hopefully some of your early investments can be pulled out and into the comin season. I've attached a link from Harper's Bazaar, New York runways 2013. And of course the great thing with these classic neutral palettes is that you can dress up with the best accessories ever be it jewels, clutches, scarves, faux wraps...the possibilities are endless!

Billy Reid
Photo Credit:  ImaxTree
One of my favorite looks by designer Billy Reid. 
Model in a gorgeous glen plaid oversized trench with long, 
draping gray belted dress. I love the longer looks for dresses 
which could really redefine classic office wear going right into night. Beautiful.

3.1 Phillip Lim
Photo Credit: ImaxTree

Fall Trends - Kick or Keep?

What trends are you most excited about for Fall and which ones do you hope make an exit? I am loving a beautiful clutch as an accessory verses a big hobo. And, I adore jewel tones, prints and flattering cuts. (photo credits: ImaxTree)

Cheers!

Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Fall 2013

Since I am slowly moving toward Fall fashion reviews and other, I thought it would be a good time to share Pantone's Fall 2013 Fashion Color Report.  And I have to say that I am pretty excited.  To start, you may know that Pantone's color of the year was Emerald and if you didn't already know that, I'm sure you've seen it on all the runways and woven into every imaginable trend. For Fall 2013, you will see Emerald picked up as well.  All the colors remind me of rich jewel tones which are classic and beautiful.

If you haven't visited Pantone's site before it is pretty cool.  They have a Fashion Color Report that comes out for each season so you can see both Designer's Outlook and Influencers which they showcase on the site.  I should note that Pantone highlights these colors as a unisex color palette as well.

Fashion Designers noted on this report provide an outlook on the site.  If you click on each if the featured colors on the page you will see how what they think about their prominent colors, signature color, must-have items and their color advice.  

Rachel Roy

For example. one of the Fall 2013 Colors is called Samba, which is Pantone 19-1662.  Each Pantone color has its own set of numbers.  Rachel Roy is featured as one of the Designers and she highlights the Fall color of Samba (right).  She is inspired by the Masters of Chiaroscuro and how "they manipulate and create dimension between light and dark…"  Her prominent colors are listed as Fiery and Deep Port Reds, Chambord, Noble Blue, Marsh and Hunter Greens, Fiery Ochre Yellow and Glowing Amber, Jeweled Malachite Green as the "new winter-bright statement" and she says that Winter Whites and Violet are "essential" accents.  Her signature color is "fiery red" and goes on to talk about how the other jewel tones are layered "juxtaposing  pearl, winter whites and violet for a modern feel."  Her must-have item is an "ornate hand-stitched sweater" in Gold.  Her color advice is not to shy away from color as she notes that women often do.  She says it enables confidence and it can change your mood. I have to agree there.  The days I either accessorize brightly or where an actual piece with a bright color, I do feel more confident.

There are many other designer's who provide an outlook as Rachel did including names such as Kelly Wearstler, Nanette Lepore, Carmen Marc Valvo and Charlotte Ronson to name a few.

Ken Downing

There is also a section featuring some of Fashion's biggest influencers and Pantone asks them each which decade has influenced them most.  They also ask for them to provide the color advice that they would share with their own customers.  For example, Ken Downing as we know from Nieman Marcus declares "hot pink" as a color that has inspired him and the 1930's as the decade.  He suggests that we should "wear what we love" because as Rachel notes, "confidence will follow."

You also have to check out Pantone's Blog which is awesome.  It features Design, Fashion, Culture, Technology, Travel + Dining and Events and it is jammed packed with information about trends, conferences, contests and more.  And if that were not enough, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  They also have two other lifestyle sites, one called colorstrology and then there is Pantone Universe which is what most creatives are familiar with.

I am really excited about this Fall color palette.  It is the perfect blend of jewel-tones, both rich and muted.  What are your favorites and which colors do you wish were represented in this palette?

Check out my Pinterest boards called "Jewel Tones" for further inspiration.

Cheers!

Fall Comes Early in Fashion! See Net-a-porters "The Edit" for a Great Pre-Fall Guide...

http://bit.ly/17W18vh

Happy 4th everyone.  It's been awhile since I've posted due to travel.  You know that Fall comes early in Fashion and I love to look to Net-a-porter for the Pre- Fall Guide in "The Edit."  I am looking for the best Fall guides and reviews so stay tuned.  Hard to believe we are looking to Fall in sweaters and boots when July brings on the heat.

What trends do you hope to see and which ones do you hope do not return!?

Enjoy.

THE EDIT
The new season is here. Get ready for fall with our guide to the trans-seasonal trends to wear now and into winter.

Read ‎#THEEDIT at ‎#NETAPORTER > http://bit.ly/17W18vh

More Curves in the World...Scratch that, More Healthy Women In the World!

Like many women, my weight has seemed like a sliding scale going one direction or the other throughout my life.  Notice I didn't say whether the "one way or the other" was a good or bad thing?  We still live in a society where models are rail thin although this is slowly changing in the fashion industry.  I fear my young one seeing such thin dimensions.

For the first time in my life I've embraced the skin I'm in.  I won't deny that it has been a battle at times.  I have been an amateur body builder and have played competitive sports for nearly half of my life.  I love fitness.  But as I've posted in previous posts, my body has failed me the last three years or so.  I've undergone 4 surgeries including the replacement of both of my knees.  I also had two discs in my back removed and fused/fixated back together.  There is not one particular thing that has caused this.  I have chronic arthritis and I was told some of the body building sped up the degenerative disc and knee issues.

Photo credit from Net-a-Porter
Sophia Loren

My point in sharing all of this is that my body has now gone through another life change.  At first I was horrified that my 9% body fat shot up to over 20% and I have weight in areas I never imagined.  But this is the skin I am in right now and I am embracing this change.  As women, we are so hard on ourselves.  And as a society we are rich with media images depicting how we should look.  I obviously love fashion, but there needs to be a healthier output of our body images.  I see this more and more.  I will never be a size 4 again and I am OK with that.  Just a few short years ago I looked so gaunt I barely recognized myself.

Marilyn by Sam Shaw, in Amagansett, New York, 1957.

I love to look at some of the icons from years ago like Sophia Loren and of course Marilyn Monroe. These women were celebrated for their curvaceous
bodies.  I would much rather this be the baseline for how young women can be beautiful.  I feel I have also fallen victim to fashion's ideals for you rarely see a size 14 walking the runways.  Many modeling agencies have "Plus" size beauties, but would love to see a better mix across all the major fashion magazines.  I have also posted previously that I'd love to see the high-end retailers have either "plus" options or better pieces across the

board.

Credit:  Getty Images

Today's curvy women like Beyonce' have spoken
openly about how she loves her curves, not being too thin or fat.  Most of us would die for her beautiful hourglass figure.  Tyra Banks has also been a positive ambassador for young women everywhere.  As a model, we have
seen her body take many shapes and she has been incredibly successful as a model, mentor and television host.  This photo of Tyra on the runway shows a much curvier shape than she has been in the past.  Queen Latifah has always been a fav for me as well.  She is unbelievably talented and carries herself beautifully in everything that she wears.


And of all the Kardashians, Khloe seems to get pressured the most with her beautiful hourglass figure.  It is hard to imagine that someone has to live up to a
realty that doesn't exist for most women in the world.  This makes many of us feel that that this beauty standard is unattainable.  On the positive side, these women are some of the best examples as female celebrities who embrace their gorgeous figures without labeling or succumbing to these pressures and criticisms.

H&M just used a plus-sized beauty Jennie Runk wearing the retailers new swimsuit collection. Hooray!  This article from Business Insider is a must-read on this topic: www.businessinsider.com/plus-size-models-2013-5?op=1.  It is entitled "The Hypocrisy-Laden History of Plus-Size Models" by Laura Stampler.

Many of us remember Italian Vogue turning the tables on the stigma to plus size modeling through a cover and lavish spread filled with curvaceous beauties.  The editorial showed them in lingerie positioned around pasta and wine.  I get the message, yes these models eat and many thin models eat as well.  I have a dear friend whose daughter is a world-class model and her thin beauty is natural, healthy and should not take the wrath for the many girls who do not take care of their bodies or feel pressured to the extent they don't eat or do other awful things to keep their weight at bay.  At any rate, this Italian Vogue issue really did show the world that we can use beautiful models whether they are a 0 or a 20...just as examples.

The real reason why the H&M campaign is so amazing in my mind is because they don't call out the

model or the article as "plus" or "big girl"! This is refreshing and I hope that we will come toward a day where there is not a separation between the two.  In fact, I have not said "Plus" one time since my body change in front of my daughter.  I'm a little curvier or I have a rounder booty, yes and we laugh and celebrate what each of us looks good in.  We need to be sending our young women and some young men that this body image nation is not what it is all about.  It is about loving yourself, speaking your word and standing behind issues that need our support.

There is beauty in thin and curvy women, with the right support behind them and a love they have for themselves deep inside, they'll go far.

Teach your children well.

Cheers.

The Swim Suit Edit...Don't Get Caught in the Waves!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Swim 2013
Mara Hoffman Collection
Photo credit:  Frazer Harrison/Getty
Images

Mara Hoffman Swim
Collection MBFW
2013

Ah, the early Spring swim suit push.  They are popping up in every store and believe me there are no manuals for fit.  To make it worse, we all know how unflattering the dressing rooms are with ghastly fluorescent lighting and the cramped space making all our parts seemingly bigger, even deformed!

So here it is, my swim suit edit, and I allude to getting "caught in the waves" because we have all been there, with our straps flying off, bottoms down, and just a myriad of problems with a poorly made suit. With that, I've edited some of my favorite suits for 2013.  This batch of suits have beautiful colors and styles, but they are also constructed well.  If you are clear on your sizing, you can purchase them from the sites I've noted.  I was also inspired by some of the swimwear that graced the catwalks such as Mara Hoffman who makes exquisite suits with beautiful prints and cuts (above).

I am going to start my edit with my favorite J. Crew ("crew"zy right?!) where they take the catalog and use it very editorially which is more like looking at the suits in a magazine rather than a traditional catalog.  My only wish is that they begin carrying plus sizing for the curvier women.  J. Crew has an actual swim/"Vacation shop" or section online so there is terrific variety and they offer free shipping and returns which is a plus particularly if you didn't quite get the fitting or style you were hoping for.

J. Crew's swim options are endless from prints to beautiful solid colors and materials as well.  A woman feeling a bit sporty may opt for separates with dozens of shapes to accentuate tops and bottoms.  I like that they have added a rash guard shirting which is a great option for ultimate coverage.  The styles range from the ultimate bikini to board shorts.  Tank and tee guards.  There is retro and ruched, bandeau and twisted...and if I've confused you already, take advantage of one of their stylists.  There is also a pull-down on the site which features all of the silhouettes available.  It is really a nice service so you can get the down lo on measurements and fabrics for your best fit.  My top five favorites are the following:

Skirted Twist Bandeau

Sun Shirt

1.  The Skirted Twist Bandeau Tank in 6 classic colors.  This suit is cut beautifully for a variety of shapes and sizes.  It is very forgiving and gives a beautiful line.

Punk Floral Bandeau
Twist Tank

2.  I love the sporty Sun Shirt inspired by "protective layers", this surf chic top would pair with a variety of bottoms as well.  This suit is less fitted than JC's rash guards, but with the same sun protection 50 UPF. I like the white, but it also comes in three different blues, a peach and a white with navy piping.

3.  The Punk Floral Bandeau Twist Tank is feminine yet fun in this to die for emerald pool print which I adore.  I have this print in a scarf and I would buy it in other pieces as well.  It is just one of those loud, but I love Summer prints. I love the open chest on this one piece.  It is sensual and lovely.  The padding is removable and it is made of a quick drying fabric.  There is nothing worse than sitting in a wet suit.  Kind of odd saying that, but you sun Goddesses will understand!

Tulle Underwire

4.  I love the Luxe Tulle Collection.  The Tulle underwire in navy is
my favorite. It comes in one piece and separates as well, but it is the tulle that makes this so beautiful.  I bought this one a couple years ago and it makes you feel a little glamorous.  If you could get dressed up for the pool, this would be the one.  And the tulle is gathered so beautifully that you could wear it with a skirt, pant, or shorts with it and it would look so summery and classic.  Add some thong sandals and off you go!  The separates in burnished shell could also pass for vintage lingerie, very pretty.

Ratti Electric Kiwi
String Top

5.  And the last of my top 5 with J. Crew is the Ratti Electric Kiwi String Top bikini.  This was inspired through the bold colors of the "traditional African textiles" as J. Crew describes.  The artists actually used sponge brushes to get the painterly effect.  The blown-up
kiwi design comes from "Italy's Ratti print house."  I love these collaborations because there is a real effort from J. Crew to use something that perhaps a partner can do better.  This obviously strengthens the brand and provides more interesting pieces for the consumer.  I love it!  Ladies, obviously this suit has very little fabric, not saying it is not constructed well, but you have to have a rockin' body for this suit, a true teeny weeny bikini!

Nordstroms has a nice collection of swim wear, coverups, etc.  I also like that they size from juniors all the way to plus so there are options for just about everyone.  With that, I wanted to preview a lovely plus one-piece by La Blanca called 'Sweetheart'.  It comes in black and sapphire and you just cannot go wrong with this one.  It has lovely ruching and the cut is very flattering with full back coverage.  This is a classic suit that can go summer to summer and still be on trend.

The other plus-size suit that I love from Nordstroms is Becca Etc 'Mamba' Skirted One Piece.  The coverage is great without screaming 'plus-size' detailing, but it is the peacock print that I adore.  It is really pretty feminine and not a print that I've seen.  There is full back coverage with a halter tie at the neck.  The small pleating/ruffle at the bottom gives just enough coverage and adds another feminine detail.

One last fav from Nordstroms is Trina Turk's Rashguard & Bikini Bottoms.  This fitted tee can be layered over your suit and the print is amazing! The only bummer is that it appears everyone else loves this suit as much as I do.  It appears to only be in stock with a S & XS right now online so check before ordering.  This suit screams "surf's up" as it is named and is so playful. Customers have rated this suit high online so obviously this is a popular pair.  Love.

Next, I always preview Saks Fifth Avenue for their collections of designer suits which have the most amazing prints such as Carmen Marc Valvo (above).  Pricey, but worth it because I can assure you that few will have one of these beauties at the kid's swim club or the shore.  There is an arty sophistication to these pieces so if you are looking for something very unique for pool and surf, this is the place to go.  Saks also carries many suits with interesting cuts and plunging suits galore.  If you love Gottex and Gaultier, this is the place to shop.   Here are a few of my favorites:

Oscar de la Renta at Saks

Oscar de la Renta's Rose Ruched Swimsuit is dreamy.  The plunging neckline, ruched bodice and empire waist make this most flattering one piece a top of the line suit.  The subtle and brighter swirled pinks are feminine and and so romantic.  I can see this paired with a white wrap skirt for a breezy evening on the beach.

Badgley Mischka at Saks

I love this next pick by Badgley Mischka for both vibrant colors and cut.  It is called the One-Piece Provence One-Shoulder Swimsuit.  It's one shoulder style is very modern and the print is done in such a way that could be most flattering on everyone.

Zimmerman's Oasis at Saks

I love animal prints every season, but with swimwear, it has to be a stunning print or cut to make it look sophisticated and not trashy.  I have picked Zimmerman's One-Piece Oasis Balcony Swimsuit because it really brings safari suits to the next level.  This print and modestly cut one piece is gorgeous!  The molded cups are stunning with how the print is used and are shaped so femininely. It is sexy without being raunchy.  I just love this one.

Jean Paul Gaultier at Saks

I wasn't wild (no pun intended) with the two piece sets although Sak's carries a great amount of them to choose from.  I always love Jean Paul Gaultier's prints and so I've previewed this Two-Piece Foulard Bikini.  This sexy little number is made in Italy and I envision this glamorous woman walking on the waterline of Capri with all the men swooning.  This is a true bikini cut so again, you will need all the right proportions to wear this one!

I wanted to mention a couple of my thumb's down so you don't waste your time including Talbot's and Ann Taylor.  I was underwhelmed with Talbots and while they have a Swim link to the Woman's section, there are only two summer bags listed and no swimsuits or coverups.  Ann Taylor also had limited options.  I almost feel that if you are not going to fully stock and represent a good, solid collection of swim suits, then don't do it at all! Both of these retailers are a big disappointment.  Perhaps they will fatten up their stock ;) as the season heads on...

Zimmerman at net-a-porter

On the brighter side, net-a-porter has a beautiful section of suits, coverups, sandals, bags and all that you'd dream to take on vacation.  You can find them listed under beachwear and Vacation which I love because it shows merchandise in a variety of settings such as "Poolside Chic", "The Swimwear Edit" and "After Sunset."  Even if you are "styling averse" you can easily put together all you need for the pool or evening after and come out looking like a glam girl.  Sticking to suits for this edit, I love another Zimmerman suit called "The Vase wrap-effect bikini in a beautiful turquoise hue.  And I love this Lucas Hugh "Trinity city-print" swimsuit which looks like competitive swimming meets high-end design.  It is sportswear, but glamorous so if you are looking for a suit that speaks "confidence", this is for you.  I love Hugh's designs which are known for sophisticated sportswear.

I love to travel through Net-a-Porter's site.  It feels editorial and fun so you can really envision whether or not the styles will fit for what you are looking for.  Plus, accessories are right at your fingertips!  Also,  check out their Swimwear Exclusives featuring Melissa OdaBash

Melissa OdaBash at Net-a-Porter

Lastly, I wanted to share a piece from Oprah's site called "The Best Bathing Suit for Every Body (Yes We Mean Yours)!  This list was compiled from 2009, but I still think it gives you a solid understanding of which styles would work best for your body type and of course there are countless other guides that provide this.  As I researched her site to more current topics there were different links such as How not to look "old" in a suit and "7 Supportive Swimsuits for Big Chested Women" which were written in 2013.  O's fashion team has a knack for really finding quality products to fit every woman's fit and style.  Here are the links I mentioned:                                                                                    If You're Size 12 and Up

If You're Big on Top

If You Have a Wide Waist

If You're Bottom Heavy

If You Have a Long Torso

If You're Small on Top

If You Want to Take Inches Off

I'd love to hear your feedback on favorite swim suits and do you have a favorite spot to buy them from?  Do you have a hit or miss with a suit?

I hope that you enjoyed this post and that I was able to provide you options for swimwear whether you are just getting ready to go on a Spring break or thinking toward Summer fun.