Paris Fashion Week

Rounding out my little mini-series, it's only natural to end with the big shabang.

Paris Fashion week is one of the most recognized around the world. It's home to the legends of high fashion: Chanel, Louis V, you get the gist. And this year was no different. With Marc Jacobs leaving Louis Vuitton and Chanel targeting a new, younger audience, this fashion week attracted attention as expected. Overall, the shows seemed to be very black. This theme helped lines like APC, which featured more traditionally spring colors and styles, actually stand out rather than blend in. All of the lines seemed to have one general consensus: spring will be about feminine-meets-masculine. Blazers and loose-fitting styles were prevalent, as were very small low-maintenance accessories... well except for the LV girls and their giant headdresses. 

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APC

APC was my favorite line that I saw. The looks were feminine, but wearable. The colors were subdued enough not to seem tacky, but colorful enough to not be drab. I liked the pant-suit/jump-suit looks, although I could never pull them off... curse my long torso. And the small, dainty patterns are exactly what I think of when I think Paris in the Spring.

Louis Vuitton

Of course Louis was going to be a big deal- Marc Jacobs' contract was up and he was rumored to leave the clothing house to focus on his own brand. The show reminisced his past years at LV, featuring a theatrical set showcasing props used in his shows: the elevators, the clock tower, the fountain, and the carousel. The show was mainly black- the only color variation came from the jeans worn on the models. While it was interesting and intriguing, and a bit sad... like a funeral, I didn't like the fashion. Mainly because I didn't really get much from it. I'm sure it was much more impressive in person, but the video feel just gave me black, black, and more black. There was no ooohs or ahhhs from this side of the computer screen.

I may be a bit biased though, considering my favorite color is navy.

Chanel

Chanel was the epitome of fashion as art. Like, really. The show was set up like an art gallery, with Karl Lagerfeld's own drawings and artistic designs created on a massive scale. Lagerfeld also got a bit artistic with his looks for 2014, too. The big patterns and bright colors demonstrate a stark difference from the usual business-y colors- maybe a change in target consumer? The looks mixed that of schoolgirl and office-woman. Pencil skirt, meet the crop top. Of course, there were the typical Chanel looks. The black and white dresses. The shimmery coats. And a new spin on Coco's LBD: the midriff-cutout LBD. 

The art was taken beyond the clothing, to the makeup of the models. The modern-art look was painted on as eyeshadow and liner. Blocks of color and swooping eyeshadow made for this runway show to demonstrate a walking art showcase.

 Of course, the fashion is always fun to keep up with and the other weeks provided even more inspiration for this coming spring and summer. From what I saw in New York, London, and Paris combined, I'd say this spring is going to continue the boyish-feminine balancing act that is so prevalent this fall. Pastels and prints are definitely in. And, unless you're Louis Vuitton, I'd stray away from black. The accessories are small: clutches, chain-strap bags, or no bag at all. The jewelry is simple yet statement-making. From what I can see, it's all about picking one prevalent piece. This upcoming season isn't welcoming to layered jewelry pieces... but that's been on its way out. In the way of shoes, chunky heels are the way to go, so thank goodness they're more comfortable! 

All in all, I think the trends are going to be more comfortable and very flattering to the average body type (as opposed to the -5 models).And, personal style is always more important than being trendy. To update your wardrobe, pick up a clutch or bag and maybe some heels. I'm sure the skirts, dresses, and statement jewelry you already have can be transitioned to spring beautifully! 

And the best part? 

The big prints make wearing Lillys not only a personal-style statement,

but also trendy! 

#NYFW

eeeee! I have been so looking forward to this post.

It has taken every ounce of my being to wait this long to re-cap and make my comments on New York Fashion Week! I waited partially because I needed to make sure that I had time to look through everything and because I've been caught up with the other fashion weeks (one after another is too much for me to keep up with in my lacking free time.. I can't imagine actually following the shows in person!). It's amazing how much time watching one 10 minute video after the other can take up! Don't worry, to be well informed I made sure to do the job right. :) I feel confident that I've been able to narrow down my favorite shows as well as a few off-the-runway looks that I found particularly pleasing. Let's get to it, then.

There was an overwhelming feel of the Sixties this Fashion Week. From big, bold, colorful prints to chunky jewelry and shoes. Each designer interpreted the decade in their own way, producing an array of vintage-chic looks that are way too cool for me to pull off. After searching through articles and images, I was able to narrow my favorite shows down to two: Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch. Both completely different, but not so out there that I felt I could never wear any of the looks- that is the point of "ready-to-wear" isn't it? 

Ralph Lauren

Ralph is the epitome of American style. I love the classic looks mixed with a Sixties London feel. Overall, the collection went for mainly blacks and whites with colorful accessories thrown in. The show began with boyish school-girl outfits: short skirts, knee-high socks, and ties. I felt like I was watching the Gossip Girl school uniform selection process... not exactly the best feelings for such a high-profile fashion show. My fear was banished as lust-worthy pea coats and skirts emerged. 

I'm not usually one for a bold flower print (except for Lilly), but leave it to Ralph to pull it off. 

The Sixties rang out loud as busy geometric prints and face-masking sunglasses made their appearance. The neon shift dresses and pantsuits reflected off the runway. My eyes went a bit blind, but I somehow ended up really being drawn to the bright red and blue (I can't waver too far from my go-to nautical colors). Again, probably not something I'd pick off the rack at the the store, but it worked! What I loved, though, was what came next: the Ralph Lauren classics that we all know and love. The geometric striped sweaters and simple, flowy skirts are what I was waiting for. 

Oh and can I just take a second to talk about the accessories... well mostly the bags! Beautiful, fantastic, I want them all. Oh, and I hope I get asked to a formal so I have a reason to buy the ball gowns. 

Tory Burch

I am forever a Tory Burch fan. As a woman, I think she's incredible. Her designs speak to the laid back lifestyle that she lives. One thing that really sets her apart is her wearability. I could see myself in almost every single one of her runway looks (except for the bikini and trench coat look...) , which instantly makes her a favorite of mine. Like I said, the ideas for this upcoming season seem stem from a Sixties feel- Tory's flowers and geometric patterns are no different.
What makes the collection different, though, is Tory. In the October Vogue she spoke about her love of gardening and arranging flowers, and her love of her Southampton home. With those idea in mind, the collection comes to life. The greens, blues, and creams take on a new meaning with the touches of silver metallic bringing on a new look.
I love that the designer is more than just a designer for this line. Everything has sentimental value- from the pieces being named after family members to using a hobby to make patterns. More than any NYFW shows that I saw, this is the one I'm most excited for.

Besides the actual shows, I have been loving looking at all of the street style from each different destination. NYFW spectators seemed to like dressing up casual looks, something that I really could get into. Baseball caps on my head and heels on my feet with a blazer and some jeans... sounds about perfect to me! There were clutches and more clutches present, too. I've always been more of a big tote-bag person, but I might try taking a tip from these stylish ladies and try lightening my load. Of course, I've rounded up a few of my NYFW street style favorites!

I didn't talk at all about Kate Spade, but she is not to be forgotten. I always love the looks and the New York Sixties were embodied by this collection. Big flowers and bright colors were present like in Ralph Lauren, but KSNY always channels a more youthful, fun look.
(and if you haven't checked out the recent new fall arrivals, go do it now. )

Well, there's my opinion on a few of the NYFW looks and shows. There were so many to look at that I probably missed out on a few points, but c'est la vie. I'm hoping to continue this "series" and look at at least London and Paris, as well. As always, London is going to rock it's own style while Paris is going to blow me away with it's posh designs and spectators. I love looking at the inspiration behind collections and how they change based on designer and country. 

What I love about American designers is that they're able to use the melting pot to their full advantage and can pull from all different forms of inspiration, 

making for a unique and versatile look.

In A Perfect World...

I've said it before and I'll say it again

I'm a dreamer.

I like to look at Pinterest and Tumblr and blogs and imagine my life in the footsteps of others. I've gotten past the "wanting to be her" mentality and more towards the "that'd be really cool to love life and live that way," which I think is healthier. But, when life starts to stress me out I like to live vicariously through others for a minute. 

I thought it'd be fun to gather up some of my favorite re-pinned pictures and make a little

"in Sarah's perfect world" story

So here's me. In my perfect world I'd be classy and graceful like Kate Middleton. I'd have a beautiful ring and a rockin' bod. I'd be able to take fashion risks and be confident even in the public eye.

I'd be married to a super hot guy. Chuck Bass, anyone? He'd dress classy and fratty at all times. And each morning we'd wake up snuggled up with our dog and not a care in the world. 

Our home. It'd have beautiful curb appeal.. worthy of random people taking its picture. I'd have a waterfront view and the city in the distance. I'd be able to walk to work on the quiet city streets as the sun rises. There'd never be any traffic and I'd never be running late or in a hurry. Just city city streets, a coffee to go, and my thoughts. 

And we'd vacation all over the world! To some of my favorite places- Paris, Amsterdam, the beach. Any holiday we'd take would be spectacular.

... and end fairy tale. 

It's fun to daydream a little bit. And, as perfect as that sounds, I couldn't live in a world that perfect.

But it's fun to dream.

& the pictures are fabulous!

Around the World: Paris

In spirit of my recent travels, I figured it's appropriate to capture one of my favorite places to travel to.

The one. The only. Paris.

I've been fortunate enough to vacation in Paris twice in my life. Most recently was October of 2012 as part of my 18th birthday present. It was the first time I was able to see the city with my family and it was fantastic. Of course, we explored Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Champs-Elysees. But that wasn't all. We took to the city by foot and metro- like the locals. We explored old churches and buildings, went to cafe's and ate baguettes like the locals. We didn't stay in a hotel, but rented an apartment. My dad and I spoke with the locals and, let me tell you, my French was pretty phenomenal by the end of the time there. I wasn't a huge fan of Paris after my first time there, but this trip left me with a different impression.

Just thinking about it gives me Wanderlust. 

Summer Reading List

If you're anything like me, summer is super exciting because it allows for more time to sit down and read!

Naturally, I spend the weeks leading up to summer picking out which books were the top books on my "to read" list. I am really enjoying F. Scott Fitzgerald lately, so his books will come in here and there. But for beach or poolside reading, I was able to narrow it down to the first three books that I plan to read. 

I had heard of The Paris Wife on GoodReads and it sounded intriguing. Then, as I was grocery shopping with my mom one weekend, I saw that it was on sale! Not that the price has ever stopped me from purchasing a book... but I just couldn't turn it down! The content is right up my ally- it's about the life and love of Ernest Hemingway and Hadley. It looks to be a pretty interesting read so I'm excited to start it!

A Hundred Summers is a book that is coming out in June. I read about it in People's Summer Book Picks and it sounded interesting. It takes place in the '20s and is a story of luck, love, and wealth. Plus, it takes place during the summer and I'm a sucker for any kind of beach or summer love stories! 

It's totally like me to buy a book as a souvenir, so Portion of the Sea was an awesome find on spring break! We vacationed on Sanibel Island, and the author of this book lives there on the island. I'm not sure how great the writing will be or if the story will be any good, but the fact that it was written on Sanibel was enough to get me to buy.

I'm so looking forward to getting on a real vacation- away from the midwest- and indulge in these books!

What are you favorite summer reads?