The Sartorialist: NYC Fashion Week Street Style

It seems to me like the streets of NY have become the real runways for fashion week.
Thanks to Scott Shuman of The Sartorialist we can now have a closer look at the street style taking place during the shows. A lot of the people he photographs are fashion insiders, models and... just really, really well dressed people.

Here are some of my favorite pics from the Sartorialist Style.com blog. I hope this can inspire you when you're updating your wardrobes.

Women


Color Pop:


Seriously, check out those boots!
I love how her portfolio and her lip color pop.
Her hair is gorgeous and the bike is the perfect
accessory to this look. Which reminds me... I need a bike.


I am so into this color. I would rock that skirt with maybe an
emerald green collared shirt. And a cropped blazer to down play
the color. However, her outfit was on point.

Killer Details:


"drama in the back"


I love the detail and color on this dress. I would not
have worn those boots with it... but she made it work.



Accessorize:
...with a printed shoe or bag. Jewel toned colors.


Simple black and white made more interesting with
her ethnic print bag and those magnificent turquoise wedges.




Totally digging the chic zebra print shoe.

She Gets Her Own Category:

I need to get on this level.


Men



I love this outfit so much. The detail on the waist band
with the partially untucked shirt is the best part. Details like
that are what defines personal style.

Nice tailored shirt and olive bag with brown. Also, watches are back...
So get one and stop using your phone to tell time. (Watch Post coming soon)


Bruce Pask
Tie detail and rolled cuffs


Dapper period:


Michael Hainey, Adam Rapoport, and Andy Comer (GQ)


Color Play:

The Miller Brothers of Barker Black



Every single thing about this outfit is perfect.The way
he worked all the right colors in all the right places. It might be
the dark brown suit... no, it's the bag... definitely the cigar.

Don't forget to check back for more updates!

BREAKING NEWS: ALESSANDRA FACCHINETTI AT VALENTINO

They're big shoes to fill, but Alessandra Facchinetti is going to give it her best shot as the house of Valentino announced today that the former Gucci designer will take the reins from Mr Valentino himself. After months of speculation, the legendary designer's decision to resign was announced yesterday, with Facchinetti's name immediately being mentioned as the favourite to succeed him. "We believe that we have chosen a design team able to give strong creative content and that Alessandra Facchinetti is the designer who can interpret and continue the legacy of Valentino’s core values at the best," said Stefano Sassi, Valentino Fashion Group's ceo. Facchinetti famously took Tom Ford's spot as head of womenswear at Gucci in 2005, only to resign two seasons later following "a disagreement with management". She will have back-up in the shape of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Valentino's accessory designers, who will continue in their current creative positions, as the house announces a shift in focus to menswear. "I am honoured to be part of this new project," said Facchinetti. "Mr Valentino has always been a point of reference for me, an icon for his sense of style and elegance. My admiration and respect for him is endless. I will dedicate myself to this new project with great passion and enthusiasm, treasuring everything that has been done thus far, and be ready to present my first collection in March 2008." Valentino will exit after just one more ready-to-wear and one Couture collection, marking the end of a fashion era.
Leisa Barnett
(September 5 2007, AM)
Source: Vogue.com

On another note... New York Fashion Week has officially kicked off. So stay tuned for lots of updates this week!

WWD EXCLUSIVE: Valentino To Step Down

Valentino is set to resign later today, WWD has learned. The designer will announce he will do one more ready to wear show and one more couture season, then step down. Valentino's decision follows his three-day 45th anniversary celebrations in Rome in July. The designer's future at the company has been the subject of much speculation over the last year, especially following Permira's acquisition of Valentino Fashion Group this past spring. Valentino and his business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, have consistently stated over the last year that they would step down when they were ready, although as recently as July the designer was insisting he had no firm plans to do so.
Source: WWD

Menswear: Current Heavy Hitters

Here are a few things I liked from Forever 21 Men's and Urban Outfitters.
You can sort of play with the idea of these things and reinterpret it to fit your personal style.

Denim Vest $18.00




Armory Tee $14.00


Tie tee $13.00

I like the abstract tie idea. I'd wear it with this...

Short Sleeve Cardigan $14.00


Flannel Shirt $21.00


Slim Chino Pant $29.99


D Collection Prep School Blazer $128.00



There are different things you can do with these pieces. Think layers, texture and color play. These are all great individual pieces and I really think that denim vest is killer especially when paired with the blazer and those chinos.

New York Cares...

After One Year In New York - Kara

Kara, Feb 2007


Kara, Aug 2007


So I'm walking down the street in Soho the other day and see a young lady that would be great for a photo.

I introduce myself but she is already talking to me like she knows me. While she is talking (how was Sweden....blah, blah) I'm completely distracted trying to figure out how I know her. Finally she mentions that I had taken a photo of her last February at the Proenza Schouler/Target sale at Opening Ceremony.

So I take the picture and that night I look up the older photo she described and I was STUNNED.

I could not believe is was the same girl - I never would have recognized her.

All the big smile and Midwestern charm (she is from Oakbrook, Chicago) from the first picture are still there but now they are wrapped in a more sophisticated, urbane exterior.

She had mentioned she emailed me once about an internship so I found the email and replied asking how she had created such a dramatic change.

She mentioned the usual stuff like better stores (less mall shopping) and being inspired by the streets of New York (and my blog) and that New York just helped her be who she really felt like she was.

Actually the line that I think was the most telling but that she said like a throw-away qualifier was "I didn't know anyone in New York when I moved here...."

I think that is such a huge factor. To move to a city where you are not afraid to try something new because all the people that labeled who THEY think you are (parents, childhood friends) are not their to say " that's not you" or "you've changed". Well, maybe that person didn't change but finally became who they really are. I totally relate to this as a fellow Midwesterner even though my changes were not as quick or as dramatic.

I bet if you ask most people what keeps them from being who they really want to be (at least stylistically or maybe even more), the answer would not be money but the fear of peer pressure - fear of embarrassing themselves in front of a group of people that they might not actually even like anyway.

If you were really honest with yourself and really wanted to change your style what is keeping you from doing that? Is it really the cost? Is it really your psychical shape? availability of goods? Or is it not fitting in at your office, or PTA, or skateboard park?

Anyway, I have another example of this "New York effect" that will blow you away.

You have seen her recently on the blog and the difference between the first shot and the recent shot is shocking.

After One Year In New York - Kelly

Spring 2006


Summer 2007

Source: The Sartorialist


This is so true... This is why I love the city so much.
But look at the difference in those girls. There is a difference in attitude, confidence and sophistication. On point.
I was in New York interning for a month this summer... As soon as I returned home I donated and sold most of my clothes and shoes. I could no longer relate to them. New York is so inspiring...

Bensimon

I love these shoes. So many colors to choose from. I want the hightops.

Gap European Collection

The Sweater Dress $78.00

I love this blue color and the silhouette.

The Leather Bomber $350.00


For more of the Gap European Collection click here.

J. Lindeberg | Fall 2007

I love this look. It's so relaxed but still cool.


I like the synthetic fabric combined with the buttoned up shirt and the collar barely showing. Small details like that make all the difference in menswear.


The rolled cuff with suede grey shoes. The high waist on men is clearly amazing. Guys look into that. The belt is perfect.


Layering with a trench and amazing dark brown leather shoes.



Johan Lindeberg declared his ambition for this collection to bring his signature line to "a new level of luxury and personal expression." There is unexpected play with proportion and volume. Lindeberg showed high-waisted, button-fly, loose-legged pants; long shirts layered under cropped jackets and pea coats; an elongated patent bomber jacket; and sweeping greatcoats.
Source: men.style.com

Late Nights @ Target.com

So I was doing some late night browsing at the Target website. And I found a few fun and interesting things.
I'm in back to school mode... mainly because I have to be up in 3 1/2 hours to go to my first class.
And here are a few things I was digging on a very early monday morning.

If you're kinda fabulous...
Mango Tango Faux Croc Laptop Bag $47.99


For a more classic approach...
Mango Tango Quilted Faux Suede Laptop Bag $44.99



If youre more of a minimalist...
Varsity Tweed Notebook Computer Sleeve $29.99

This looks like a good pillow.. that is, if you ever needed a pillow and happened to be carrying this bag. Good for weekend road trips or for a busy day in the city.
I like the colors... and its mad cheap. The tan has got me hooked.
Two-Tone Satin Duffle Bag $6.49


I know but it's pretty cute. Someone you knows needs this!
Orange Crush Lunchbox $9.99


As much as I don't drink soda, I'm a still a sucker for Dr. Pepper.
...you can always put this on your new duffle.


Libertine Trench Coat $39.99

Men: Stylish Footwear

Narrative Footwear

Dress shoes are fairly homogeneous -- while you may look sharp, you risk losing your highly individualized toe-steez. Enter Narrative Footwear's "Souliers"... Handmade in Italy, Souliers were designed by Kurt Geiger alum Scott Emerson, who yearned for footwear that'd express his innumerable influences -- everything from classical English styles to "the futuristic electronic funk of Detroit" (which you can clearly see in the sole). Emerson's collection features 50 distinct pairs, ranging from everyman-friendly burnished moccasins to ebony-and-ivory two-tones you could only pull off if you were a Zoot Suit Riot veteran, or, due to a horrible industrial accident, had a two-toned face.

Some standouts:

The Bari Zip: A black leather quarter-boot -- short enough to wear in summer, tall enough to hide your tiny shamrock tattoo.

The Emi Oxford: Undercuts the casual elitism of lawn-party shoes with a sneakerishly subtle red detailing -- ensuring you'll be the first man to ever play croquet without the help wishing you dead.

The Bari Derby Gold: As resplendent as you can make your feet without some ghoulish podophiliac cutting them off and marrying them for their money.

...for better perspective on Narrative's range click the website's "souliers" tab. If you're still not satisfied, you'll be stuck flashing your individuality with elegant dress mandals and jaunty, multihued toenail polish.
Source: Thrillist

I read about Narrative Footwear in the September 2007 Detail's magazine. There were many interestingy shoe designs with a good article. I will scan it when I figure out the scanner. But the article says Kurt Geiger drew inspiration from "...the classic brogues he trafficked at at his old job and the Nikes in his personal collection."

And here are a few shoes I am into:

Creative Recreation Rocco $154.00

Printed leather upper with perforated trim and a smooth rubber outsole, doubled and the toe and trimmed with a fuchsia stripe

I have a bag with a similar pattern... maybe that's why I was so drawn to them.


Kim Jones for Umbro Hi Woven $180.00

This pair has a woven leather upper trimmed with solid leather at the toe and heel...
I have been so into this woven look... These shoes are a nice way to accessorize an understated outfit. Pair with a gray sweater and a slim navy trouser pant.


Kim Jones for Umbro Mork Hi $154.00

This pair has a white canvas upper trimmed with subtle gold stripes at the heel.
I am always a fan of white crisp canvas classic, especially when paired with unexpected pieces. I suggest wearing gray dress pants and a simple tee.

What I love most about these shoes is they can so easily transition from a casual workplace setting to a night time rendez-vous.