NYFW FAVE: Carlos Miele Fall 2011

By Tiffany Olson

We can sum up Carlos Miele's Fall 2011 collection in 2 words: luxurious and glamorous.  (And when we say glamorous, we don't mean that song "G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS", we mean luxe, elaborate, possibly dripping in diamonds, glamorous.)  

The show featured draping fabrics, pops of color, and lush fabrics in rich textures.  Braiding, ruching, intricate beading... it was all in this collection.  These are the kind of dresses that make a woman float, no matter how graceful she actually is.  Feminine yet vibrant looks tend to be the mainstay for most Carlos Miele collections - a combination we have to agree is brilliant.  Clean, simple hair and makeup gave the clothes the center stage.   

Our favorite looks were actually the jumpsuits.  We can see Olivia Palermo running around NYC in the one of these jumpsuits with the head scarf to match.  

Get the Look on the Runway: Proenza Schouler

Paul Hanlon for Frederic Fekkai Creates a Pure, Coming-Undone Pony for 

Proenza Schouler’s Fall-Winter 2011 Fashion Week Runway Show

Inspiration:  Paul Hanlon sought to bring out the purity of the Proenza Schouler collection by keeping hair natural, glossy, and pulled back to accentuate an open neck. He envisioned the hair of a Navajo Indian girl meets an All American girl.  The result was hair all one length with soft, razored ends and a style that felt easy, wearable and chic, with a touch of grunge and coming undone. 

How to get the look:  By adding 22 inch extensions around the crown of the head and paying special attention to any areas with shorter layers, you can achieve a long languid silhouette ready to pull back into this chic pony.  Once finished, hair should rest just above the waist.  Start by parting the hair slightly off center and apply the Fekkai Coiff Strong Hold Volume Mousse to the front of the hair, forming a frame.  Next, apply the COIFF Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Crème and Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Color Care Anti-Fade Top Coat to the hair, ironing the front pieces to seal in sleekness and shine.  Gather hair midway down the back and pull into a low ponytail and tie the end into a slight knot.  To finish the look, spray the Fekkai Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray and Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray; this will create a dry, rough texture for the back of the hair that makes the style feel relaxed, unique, and individualized.  

All Products by Fekkai:  Fekkai Coiff Strong Hold Volume Mousse ($24/5oz); COIFF Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Crème ($25/3.4oz); Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Color Care Anti-Fade Top Coat ($23/1.7oz); Fekkai Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray ($24/5oz); Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray($24/5.8oz); ALL PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT FEKKAI.COM, FEKKAI SALONS, NORDSTROM, NEIMAN MARCUS, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. 

About Frédéric Fekkai & Co.

Frédéric Fekkai & Co. is the leader in luxury hair care, offering a complete range of innovative products and exclusive, full-service salons. The Company is dedicated to creating a unique portrait of style for each individual. Fekkai products are distributed through the finest beauty retailers around the world and, of course, in the world famous Frédéric Fekkai Salons.  For more information visit: www.fekkai.com or visit us on Facebook:  www.Facebook/Fekkai 

Tibi Tales: Dresses equal Perfection

By Tiffany Olson

{the final look}

Oh Tibi, you know how to make us swoon.  And get out our wallets. 

We have to say, in this year's fall collection, we loved the daywear pieces, but we ADORED the dressier options!!!  The red jumper??  We die.  The finale look?  We need.  Amazingly pretty, swoon worthy, and classic Tibi.  We can't get enough!

Backstage before the show, Tibi designer Amy Smilovic commented on the gap in retail prices:  "There's a gaping hole in the middle now.  No one wants to buy a $298 floral silk dress when you can get one just like it at Zara," Amy remarks. "You have to offer them something more."   She definitely offered something more with the intricate prints, appliques, and detailing on all the dresses.  The daywear looks were styled with hot pink beanies and arm warmers, and included a lot of calf length dresses and skirts. 

Once again, Tibi delivers wearable, lovable pieces that we know will be a big hit!! 

{the designer, Amy, backstage before the show}

Celebrities at this show: 

Tinsley Mortimer, SNL's Abby Elliot, Vanessa Hudgens, and the face of Tibi Spring 2011, 

Olivia Palermo.  

TELL US: Which look is your favorite?

NYFW: Always Obsessed with Callula Lillibelle

By Tiffany Olson

We might as well hand over our credit cards to Callula Lillibelle.  Their fall collection is so fabulous we are having a hard time coping with the fact that we have to wait until fall to wear it. (Psst… the line retails between only $90-$400 ladies.)

This line was made to “mix and match” and should be able to take you from work to drinks with the girls.   We all want to look amazing every day, but without the frenzied closet tornado routine while deciding what to wear.  Callula Lillibelle pieces aim to accommodate this wish, as the line seamlessly mixes and matches together for “fail-proof outfits.” 

We’re about to die to get our hands on the camel double front belted blazer.  Throw it on with skinnies, or dress shorts, and you’re done. 

Not familiar with Callula Lillibelle?  Here’s a recap:  “Callula Lillibelle is a 'desk to dinner' wardrobe collection for the modern woman with a focus on contemporary, feminine silhouettes at an agreeable price.  Debuted in the winter of 2010, Callula Lillibelle aims to simplify the dressing process while providing a chic complete wardrobe for the modern lifestyle.  Partnered by business-impresario Melanie Fraser Hart and couturier William Calvert the collection reflects the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort and price.”

Here's our quick convo with designer William Calvert!!

CupcakeMAG: Tell us about your inspiration for this collection!

William Calvert: This is really about 21 facets of our girl. A girl we love, ya know, she's dynamic she can wear all of this.  She's polished, she's cool, she starting uptown, going downtown.  We started all over the place; we started with world domination, punk rock baroque, american & modernism...we went all over the place and ended up here, and we're pretty darn happy.

CupcakeMAG: Which look is your favorite?

William Calvert: Oh don't do that! They're my babies!  They're all good.  They all have a story.  Depends on what hour of the day!

We have to agree. This entire collection is indeed all good! 
(We can't wait to see some of these pieces in our closet!)

NYFW: Zang Toi

By Tiffany Olson

I will start by saying the Zang Toi show was the kind of show that almost made you want to cry. When the first look came out, the crowd immediately erupted into applause.  (Call us crazy, but everyone we spoke to said they were near the brink of tears!) The dramatic music, the slower more theatrical pace of the models, and of course the clothes themselves, all combined to create a breathtaking production.

Toi says for the first time, this collection does not have a cohesive theme, as its inspiration was solely based on his devoted clients.  The looks ranged from everyday wear to full-length gowns, and they featured a lot of emerald green, camel and black.  Models wore their hair in enormously tall buns and heavy "va-va-voom" eye makeup as they glided down the runway.  We loved the black and camel lace gown and are absolutely in awe of the fully beaded neck pieces!

The last gown that came down the runway was a whopping $30,000 stunner, worn by Real Housewife of New York City, Jill Zarin.  

Zang Toi showed us once again how to do timeless, classic & elegant. 

Yoana Goes to "Virtualand"

By Tiffany Olson

Taken from the show program, "The Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collection takes us on an emotional journey thru Virtualand, a familiar place in our dreams and on our computer screens.  Here Faux Reality reins and transports us in a cinematic domain where 70's excess glam divas morph into virtual modern heroines."

Yoana Baraschi’s fall 2011 presentation played with color blocking, transparency, and textural combinations, which were inspired by the faux reality we see everyday in our digitally enhanced world, like the tricks you can play with photoshop.   The show included a lot of warm fall color with giant prints, which represented the "HyperReal" 3D world we live in. Models were sleek in pulled back hair.  Makeup was simple except for heavy eyeshadow that was in coordinating shades of purple, pink and orange. 

The androgynous Serbian-Australian model Andrej Pejic also caused quite a stir, modeling in this show! 

When I spoke with Yoana backstage, she said her favorite piece of the collection was the tech brocade victory dress with the open back.  It just so happened to be our favorite as well!!  It’s one of the most classic, fabulous pieces we’ve seen in a LONG time. We’re in love!! 

Celebs spotted at this event: Teresa Giudice, recording artist Erika Jayne, and J. Alexander, also known as Miss J from America's Next Top Model.  

Day 3 NYFW: Star Studded Event at Charlotte Ronson

By Candace Cabrera Moore 

It was a star studded affair tonight at Charlotte Ronson's fall '11 runway show. Kim Kardashian came with Lala Vasquez and Jonathan Cheban, and Russell Simmons came out to see the models strut their stuff as well as Sophia Bush and Mena Suvari. The designer's dj sister Samantha Ronson rocked the house with beats heavy on the bass. The models wore their hair tightly pulled back to one side, and free flowing on the other side. Their make up was neutral, and the overall vibe for the night was COZY. With snuggly wraps and grandpa cardigans perfect for apres-ski, these clothes almost make me wish we could skip Spring and Summer (keyword: almost). My heart skipped a beat over the coats- loved the faux shearling sweater coat, camel herringbone riding jacket and the wool double breasted coat. ...And now I'm counting down the days until we are back in fall...

Day 3 NYFW: Super Cool Mik Cire

By Candace Cabrera Moore

There is nothing more sexy than the hey-I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-I-look-amazing look. That pretty much defines the uber cool fall '11 collection by Mik Cire. Heavy on the black, which is no complaint from this New Englander (we are known for that, after all), each look had its own unique details. Fur details, cashmere against wool flannel, fleece paired with suede, it was overwhelmingly genius. It is hard to choose a favorite look, but we will have to go with the opening number: a smart cashmere flannel asymmetric coat paired with a cashmere hooded cardigan, a draped scarf and cashmere flannel trouser....finished off with perfectly messy hair. Mik Cire outdid himself- this was pure perfection!

Day 3 NYFW: Toni Francesc

By Emily Ehlers

It was Spanish designer Toni Francesc's fourth season at NY fashion week, and the theatre was electric as the plastic was stripped from the runway and the lights dimmed. Models made their debut in fiery tones of red and orange, as the collection is based off of the legendary Phoenix (bird that bursts into flames and recreates itself). We loved the straight-formed wool jackets in darker ash colors that hugged the figure and could flatter any body type, along with simple yet elegant pleated trousers. Such an impressive show that had us all wanting more!

Mehron makeup and Salerm Cosmetics sponsored the hair and make up of the show and Nashelle provided jewelry. 

Day 3 NYFW: ADAM Luxury & Casual

By Candace Cabrera Moore

Inspired by an exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian in lower Manhattan, the Adam fall '11 collection was filled with texture, details and warm colors. Nearly every one of the 34 looks had a wool foundation, many of which were contrasted by a softer fabric like silk, lace, or crepe. Models wore their hair in a super chic low, teased ponytail with minimal make-up, making the focus really be about the clothing. We were particularly drawn to a luxurious fur coat worn effortlessly over high waist, belted trousers and a denim colored shirt- it really underscored the idea that luxury pieces can (and should!) be a part of your every day wear. Another piece that stole our hearts was a feathered mini skirt with warm rust and violet tones. Like the fur coat, the skirt was paired with pieces so "normal" (a chunky sweater and chunky knit winter hat), and the lesson of mixing luxe and casual wear came quickly back to mind. We can't wait to start incorporating this idea into our own every day wear! 

Day 3 NYFW: Jill Stuart

{the designer}

What: Jill Stuart Fall 2011 Collection

When: Saturday Feb., 12th, 11am

Where: Lincoln Center, The Stage

Front Row Spotted: Nigel Barker, Tinsley Mortimer, Mena Suvari

{THE SHOW} 

Jill sent her models down a runway filled with neutral colors, peeps of metallics, soft hues and splashes of red. Can we say '70s futuristic vibe? The color blocked fabrics definitely made us say yes. 

As for the handbags? A doctor's bag and a shoulder bag with accordion sides made us take notes.