I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I'm not completely horrified by the overwhelming presence of velvet on the NYFW circuit. I had just come to terms with velvet's presence on the trend scene for this past fall/winter when I'm hit over the head with a wave of velvet that just has no end in sight. Sorry if this offends all you velvet lovers out there but there's something about the fabric once reserved for kings that just freaks me out. I think it reminds me of my own inadequacies in the wardrobe department circa the mid to late 90s. Yes there were many velvet mini dresses, tanks and even body suits (all from Bebe I will admit) that just have left a big scar on my style self. If you are going to brave this trend, I suggest something like what Nanette Lepore showed, like a long dress that looks like it flows. Stay away from velvet pants, I've been there (velvet jazz pants ouch) and it's just not a good look.
I'm the first in line to embrace the 90s renaissance but this is just something I can't get on board with, sorry kids. Either way, take a look at the velvet that was just dripping off the NYFW runways last week. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love the trend and get over my own preconceived notions??
Fashion Week is fast approaching and when staring at my closet in preparation, I'm faced with that eternal quandary: "I don't have a thing to wear." And with the winter and lack of funds and all, it's been a long while since I've been desperately seeking anything. So I figured it's about time I started building on what I already have and also bring in some early spring pieces to brighten things up a bit. My approach is to always have a few pieces to mix and match and basically plan out my outfits ahead of time as not to have major pre-show anxiety and inability to leave the house because I can't wear a thing besides yoga pants.
What I'm thinking is a mix of knits and lace to evoke the romanticism of mid February (there are shows on Valentine's Day and all), a few soft tops to mix with tight black pants and skinny jeans, a pair of black all purpose ankle booties (Forever 21 happens to make my most favorite ones, and I had looked EVERYWHERE), high wasted paper bag trousers to mix with tanks and cardigans and some of the afore mentioned soft tops, delicious fingerless cashmere gloves to get you from Bryant Park to Milk Studios warmly enough and still being able to twitter constant updates, and yet another all purpose black accessory a fold over black bag. And let's add to that a long sleeved red dress for those party nights. It's a mix of Alexa Chung with 90s minimalism that's sure to blend in with the rest of the pieces in my ever expanding, ever useless wardrobe.
After all, Fashion Week is as much about looking fabulous and getting a chance to play around with your look as it is about taking in the newest trends catwalk side.
Check out where to find my picks after the jump... more, more, more...