Post #52: Trend Report - Summer's Almost Here...Get Sheer

            It's a commonly used phrase that "sex sells." And in fact, it's true. Advertisers use sexual imagery to their advantage all the time in movies, on TV, and in fashion ad campaigns. In fashion there are many ways to look "sexy." There's the iconic little black dress. Then there's lingerie. And finally, there are more subtle ways to be sexy yet classy. For example, this look from the L'Wren Scott Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear show is seductive yet fashionably classy:

Picture from: http://www.style.com

            This season "sheer" articles of clothing have graced the Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear runways, as well as the stores that most of us frequent. In fact, my inspiration for this post was seeing a girl wearing a sheer peach button-down shirt in Frank Dining Hall at dinner. Sheer is everywhere. And because this is a tough trend to navigate, I believe that a DOs and DON'Ts list is definitely in order. 

            DO: Try on a sheer button-down. If worn in a light color (stick to nudes, pinks, whites, and 

            salmons) with a bandeau or similarly colored bra and nice shorts or pants you'll look more classy 

            than slutty. 

            DON'T: Try on a sheer skirt. There is never any reason for anyone to see your underwear in 

            public. 

Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Long Sleeve Button-Down from American Apparel

Picture From: http://i.americanapparel.net/storefront/photos/detail/serve.asp?media=rsans311_Nude.jpg

            DO: Enjoy feeling slightly scandalous by wearing lace shirts with just a bra (maybe even in 

            black...the scandal!) underneath. 

                

Staring at Stars Crochet Flutter Sleeve Top                                    Leaf Flower Lace Loose  Tank    

        from Urban Outfitters                                                                 from American Apparel         

Pictures from: http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/21084934_011_a?$detailmain$

http://www3.images.coolspotters.com/wallpapers/130926/american-apparel-leaf-flower-lace-loose-tank-mobile-wallpaper.jpg

            DON'T: Wear see-through shirts with nothing underneath them.

            DO: Get quirky and wear a shirt that interchanges opaque and sheer pieces of fabric. 

Ecote Voil Stripe Tee from Urban Outfitters

Picture from: http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/19936822_027_a?$detailmain$

            DON'T: Do this from head to toe and look a like Rihanna at the Grammy Awards. 

Picture from: http://cdn.rap-up.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/rihanna-grammys-2011-1.jpg

            DO: Wear a sheer-backed lace bandeau underneath a dress with a low back. 

            DON'T: Wear more than one piece of sheer at a time. 

            It's getting close to summer and the weather is getting warmer. Sheer pieces are a great way to stay warm while still looking chic. Just remember to always wear something underneath. Pairing sheer tops with tanks, bandeaus, or even bras can look great (and always pair sheer dresses with slips). So have fun getting dressed...and remember to stay cool.

A Quick Update

Good Morning Mannequin readers!

This is just a quick update telling you that The Mannequin now has a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mannequin/115722168511120)! "Like" The Mannequin and have a fashionable day ;-)

Post #51: Something to Note - Carven

One of my favorite fashion lines this season is Carven. Designed by Guillaume Henry (who has previously been behind Givenchy), Carven's return to the fashion scene has received a lot of press recently. With pieces covering the line and designer in the April editions of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar (and supporters such as Net-a-Porter and Alexa Chung), Carven is definitely something to note. 

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection was described as being "bourgeois, but with a nasty side," sporting unique cut-outs in many of its pieces. Two of my favorites included the Bow-Back Ruched Taffeta Dress and the Cotton-blend Jacquard Dress. These three looks off of the runway also made my favorites list: 

As if Spring weren't exciting enough, I believe that the real pièce de résistance is the Fall 2011 collection. As featured below, the collection's richer hues and heavier fabrics lend to its signature playfulness. 

But what I find most striking about this collection is the fact that pieces of it can so easily be added to your closet and incorporated into some of your favorite outfits. That being said, happy shopping...or at least check it out. 

Post #50: Fashion on Film - Viaggio Notturno

Bottega Veneta's first foray into the world of fashion films, Viaggio Notturno, was released on April 13th, 2011. Directed by Christian Weber and featuring the designs of Creative Director Tomas Maier, the film takes the viewer on a journey through the mystique of hotel culture. Shot in New York's Setai Hotel with an original score by Balmorhea, the film features such pieces as Marcopolo hard-case luggage, woven leather Cabat bags, and the Nero Intrecciato Nappa Eye Mask. Starring Patricia van der Vliet and Terron Wood, this video is sure to put Bottega Veneta on the fashionable radars of men and women alike. 

Post #49: Spotted at Colgate - Daynelis Vargas

Spotted in the Hieber Cafe: Freshman Daynelis Vargas in an edgy two-tiered pleated skirt, a camisole, a cardigan, and a pink scarf. The contrast between the pattern of the skirt and the whiteness of the cami (along with the springy pop of color that the scarf brings in) make this outfit stand out. 

Post #48: Something to Note - Cocktail Culture

            The Rhode Island School of Design's newest exhibit, entitled Cocktail Culture: Ritual and Invention in American Fashion, 1920-1980, is not something to miss. The exhibit, which opened on April 15th, will run through July 31st. 

            The blurb showing up everywhere regarding the event: “Cocktail Culture: Ritual and Invention in American Fashion 1920-1980” is one of the largest exhibitions of costume and textiles in the RISD Museum’s history. From Prohibition to disco, cocktails and fashion ritualized the passage of time, and helped men and women navigate the sweeping social changes that defined 20th-century American life. Cocktail culture—and the fashion that defined it—succeeded in unifying diverse groups of people while providing a means of vibrant personal expression."

            It includes an array of clothing (from Chanel to Givenchy), jewelry, photographs, texties, and artifacts (if you're into martinis more than dresses, I might still suggest going...or using that tidbit to drag your man along with you) all revolving around this intoxicating theme. 

            The exhibit is located at the RISD Museum at 224 Benefit St. in Providence, RI. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The entry fee is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $3 for students, as well as children ages 5-18. 

Picture From: http://www.risdmuseum.org/exhibition.aspx?type=current&id=2147489732

For the lover of Mad Men, fashion, or just a good drink...this is definitely something to see. 

Post #47: Trend Report - Put on a Blazer

            It's official: Spring has finally come to Colgate. The flip flops, t-shirts, sundresses, and shorts have all come out and Spring Party Weekend has come and gone. However on the not so off chance that we have a cool breeze or slightly sub-part temperatures here in Hamilton (like we do today), you still need something to wear over that cute dress or casual tank.

            While jackets can be cute, this campus tends to sport a few too many North Faces. So in an effort to break out and not look like everyone else, try wearing a blazer instead of a jacket. This season stores such as Anthropologie, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters (as well as designers such as Alice & Olivia) are carrying a  wide variety of this versatile item.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

Picture From: http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/expressfashion/78_677_3669_011

The Essential Stretch Military Jacket by Express: If it looks like a blazer and fits like a blazer...they should just call it a blazer. Taking on a sporty edge, I would pair this with either shorts, jeans, or nice-fitting black pants. For a more edgy look, pair it with army green cargo pants. 

Picture From: http://shop.aliceandolivia.com/media/images/productimage-picture-linen-billy-boy-blazer-2905_jpg_660x1170_q85.jpg

The Linen Billy Boy Blazer by Alice + Olivia: Summer's fast approaching, which means that white is definitely wearable again. Alice + Olivia's website stylizes this blazer with an on-trend headscarf and pair of over-sized sunglasses, but it would look equally cute with a flouncy skirt in a bright or pastel color or a pair of striped shorts. 

Picture From: http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/20591079_092_b?$redesign-product-zoom$

The Crisp Chambray Blazer from Anthropologie: I will admit that I own this blazer in a burnt orange color and have had the audacity to try it on in this color as well.  It's not only comfy, but extremely wearable. You can wear it with a printed t-shirt or a nicer cami. Personally I would wear it with jeans, a printed t-shirt, and maybe even a scarf. 

Picture From: http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/20774402_012_a?$detailmain$

The BDG Tara Classic Blazer from Urban Outfitters: Urban Outfitters never fails to style their clothing well in ads and online. That being said, pairing this light blazer over a cute skirt and top (or even a dress) is the perfect way to add a little extra warmth with a little extra style. 

Picture From: http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/20809497_040_a?$detailmain$

The Cooperative Cropped Verona Blazer from Urban Outfitters: This may be a little California for all of us city-goers, but in Hamilton, New York I'm tempted to say that anything goes. I could see it with jeans, cut-offs, or a skirt as shown above. Bandeau's are in this season too. If you feel inspired, go on and copy this. It may not be as warm as a North Face, but if there's only a slight breeze why wouldn't you wear it?

Picture From: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=32989796

The Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer from Urban Outfitters: I don't have this one, but let me tell you...a boyfriend blazer is one of the most versatile clothing pieces you can own. Whether it be subtly patterned (like this one) or a solid shade, you can pair it with just about anything. It's probably your warmest option if you want to replace your jacket with a blazer, especially if you want to pair it up with a dress. You can also try wearing a boyfriend blazer with leggings or jeggings.

Picture From: http://shop.aliceandolivia.com/media/images/productimage-picture-anda-cutaway-blazer-3387_jpg_660x1170_q85.jpg

The Anda Cutaway Blazer by Alice + Olivia: The epitome of school-girl or hot professor chic, this blazer is one of the cutest I've seen this season. Pair it with a tank or a button-up and you'll be sure to look professional...or maybe professionally flirty. 

Picture From: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGFMHt6I4tVGXLNk48WB58T_y8LECriqqaoNXCSJXqljT5sqlf8T6m_SQZcY-ngCvIfFgWQ_ywuf6NL-PcValJW3xTcpTwa2gAcQ0V90TjIQXcfpp7djt1VlUXrkYzBYiUovpemFxr7dE/s1600/server.jpeg

The Film School Blazer from Madewell: This blazer just screams laid-back and collegiate to me. I wouldn't necessarily pair it with a skirt, but with shorts or jeans it gives just the vibe. This would be a perfect warming layer on a nice spring day. 

Picture From: http://images3.freepeople.com/is/image/FreePeople/20359204_007_a?$detail-item$

The IRO Sequin Jacket from Free People: So it's not exactly a blazer based on its construction, but it definitely surpasses the "jacket" label. This is the perfect example of how blazers (and there are sequined ones out there) can be dressy. You could wear this over a little-black-cocktail dress or with jeans and a tank for a edgy rocker look. However you wear it (do exercise some discretion though, please) you'll be sure to be the most glam person in the room. 

Post #46: Fashion on Film - The Powder Room

The Powder Room is the first of Miu Miu's "The Women's Tales," which is a series of short films that create images of various directors' fantasies regarding the brand. Taking place in the Claridges Hotel, the video was directed by Zoe Cassavetes and stars Pearl Marsland, Audrey Marnay, Line Ghost, Sophie Vlaming, and Caroline De Maigret. The film's vibe takes on that of watching something subtly private...as if you should almost feel a little guilty watching it. It captures all of the cattiness and secrecy of stereotypical bathroom gossip in the most elegant of manners...and clothing.  

Post #45: Spotted at Colgate - SPW Fashion: What Were You Wearing?

Courtesy of Facebook Photos and Created on Photoshop

Post #44: Something to Note - Or Ponder...

            As period research for my costume design class becomes more and more time-consuming and difficult, I've started to wonder: What defines our current era of fashion?

            The Greeks had chiton, which we currently know as togas. The Elizabethans had chemises, corsets, farthingales, and padding that distorted their bodies to a point of geometrically recognizable style. In the 1800s, style changed so definitely from year to year with differences in shoulder lines, waists, and skirt lengths that costume designers have to be very careful about what they put on the stage for plays set in that century. The 20s had flappers. The 40s had Hollywood glamour. The late 60s and early 70s had flower power. The 80s had power suits. The 90s had grunge. But what does the new millennium (and the current decade in that new millennium) have? 

Well...

            We have Gaga and platform heels so high that they should be made illegal for fear of all the 

            broken ankles that they undoubtedly cause. 

            We have designers playing with structure, but I can't say that I would ever wear some of the 

            blockish pieces that designers such as Calvin Klein have recently put out. 

            We have the cast of Gossip Girl looking classically preppy. 

            We have the Olsen twins whose style hasn't left the 90s. 

            We have trend after trend looking back on previous eras. 

            I guess what I'm trying to say is that we have everything yet we have nothing. Fashion in the 2010s has become post-modern; it has become pastiche. Now, I don't necessarily have a problem with this. As a lover of Hollywood glamour and vintage I love looking back. Yet, I have to wonder...when people look back at us 25, 50, or even 100 years down the line, will we (in terms of what fashion has to offer us) matter?

Post #43: Fashion on Film - Prada Spring/Summer 2011

Arizona Muse appears once again! This time wearing Prada's Spring/Summer 2011 collection (photographed by Steven Meisel) along with Mairacarla Boscono, Kinga Razjak, Zuzanna Bijoch, and Tati Cotliar. A sense of the playful (and perhaps the world of Willy Wonka) created through the use of brightly-colored stripes and large white sunglasses perfectly blends with the video's use of "Ratatat" by Mirando.  

Post #41: Trend Report - Get Short

            It's not a novel idea, but shorts are in. They've started popping up on the quad at Colgate instead of just at the gym and designers are doing all kinds of things with them this season...so get short. 

            According to Wikipedia, "shorts" are "a bifurcated garment worn by both men and women over their pelvic area, circling the waist, and covering the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to or even below the knee, but not covering the entire length of the leg, either as outer or undergarment, which makes them comfortable and easy to wear. They are called "shorts" because they are a shortened version of trousers, which cover the entire leg." What you should take away from that is a new word (to bifurcate is to divide into two parts or branches; to fork) and a giggle as I hope that you already know what shorts are. What this blog is going to do is tell you how to wear them this season. 

            A quick search on style.com showed me that shorts showed up on the Spring Ready-to-Wear Runways a total of 6,184 times this year. They came super-short, high-waisted, low-slung, with buttons, bermuda style, as culottes (which are shorts that hang like a skirt), belted, and in a plethora of other styles. A few of my favorites came form Elie Saab, Hermès, Paul & Joe, Chanel, Collete Dinnigan, Sonia Rykiel, and Isabel Marant (view pictures below). 

 

Elie Saab

Hermès

Paul & Joe

       Chanel                                       Collete Dinnigan

Collete Dinnigan

Sonia Rykiel                                      Isabel Marant

Photos courtesy of Style.com

            So while it's not quite summery enough to break out your Daisy Duke's and bikinis on top, it is time to start ditching your long pants...and here are a few Dos and Don'ts to get you through it all:

           DO: Show some skin and let all that time and effort (or lack thereof) that you've put in at the 

            gym pay off.  

           DON'T: Break out your mother's hotpants (because yes, she did wear them). Keep them in the 

            70s (which is one spring trend that I absolutely refuse to endorse this season).  

           DO: Vineyard Vines calls it Rhubarb, J. Crew calls it Rusty Red, I call it Salmon. Regardless, the 

            boys of Colgate have broken out their Rusty Rhubarb Salmon bermuda shorts...so DO enjoy 

            watching them as you walk to class. 

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shorts/clubshorts/PRDOVR~35510/35510.jsp

           DON'T: Forget that the weather here is weird. You can wear dressier shorts with 

            stockings/tights. 

           DO: Embrace mixing shorts with warmer pieces (such as the cable-knit sweater seen in the Isabel 

            Marant picture above). 

           DON'T:  Fear playing with shape. Wear a loose fitting top with a pair of tight high-waisted 

            shorts. Wear boots instead of sandals like Ashley Greene did in the most recent issue of Glamour 

            magazine (seen below).

http://www.fashionfame.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ashley-greene-glamour-magazine.jpeg

Whatever you do, have fun. Go outside and collect some natural Vitamin D...just look super cute in your stylish shorts while doing it. 

Post #40: Something to Note - The Book Clutch

Kate Spade came out with them for her Fall 2010 collection and now Chanel's Spring 2011 Collection is keeping the trend alive. Spade, who put artistically recreated book covers on her clutches, marked her collection with a more whimsical vibe (see below).

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/02/kate-spades-book-bags-are-just-that.html

Chanel, always being the epitome of "classic," took a more minimalist approach to the design concept. With the trademark linking "C"s in each of the four corners, the clutch looks like it could belong on the antique shelves of any book collector's library. The black and gold edition, seen in the Spring 2011 runway show as well as on the red carpet with Diane Kruger, might just be my new obsession. 

 

http://coolspotters.com/actresses/diane-kruger/and/handbags/chanel-spring-2011-book-clutch#medium-1261376

http://www.allclutchbags.com/diane-krugers-chanel-book-clutch/

Post #39: Fashion on Film - Yves Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2011

Yves Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2011 campaign video holds a nostalgic vibe as model Arizona Muse moves in slow motion through its frames. The video, directed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, sets YSL's structural line against an equally structural natural landscape. The slow motion and reverse effects of of the video reflect what style.com called "a face-off of restraint vs. release" in the line. 

(Music: "Mushrooms and Roses" by Janelle Monae)

Post #38: Spotted at Colgate - Rachel Eisen

Spotted in Curtis Hall: Freshman Rachel Eisen rocking her California style in ripped jeans, a brown jacket, and gray patterned shirt. What makes this look really stand out: her bright pink bag matches her nails.