Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011 RTW

While I so enjoy being casual in comfy jeans and cozy sweaters - there is nothing I love more than an evening wear line. Evening wear always reminds me of when my parents would go out to fabulous parties or work events, getting dressed up in glamorous pieces. Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2011 line was just that - glamorous shimmery evening wear. Flirty dresses and tailored pants kept this line extremely feminine. Of course there were her signature gowns - always a fav. Although a color palette of metallic reds, pinks, golds and creams were mainly used, Lhuillier also added quite a few prints throughout the collection. There were few surprise elements thrown in like a bright green gown and a blue ruffled floor length dress. I'd love throw a few pieces in my closet for that imaginary ball I might go to someday (Cinderella style of course!) Here are a few pieces:

  
Never underestimate a tailored pant look for your next date night. Just keep your top feminine and simple. Love the glitter bodice on the second look.

  
Two of the lines shorter sexy dresses. Cutouts will still be seen through Spring which is a fantastic play on showing more skin. Can I have that feathered cape on the gold look please?

  
One of the gorgeous cherry blossom prints used through out the collection. I love the stunning blue color of this dress and the ombre effect from top to bottom. Dying!

all images via WWD

Lela Rose Spring 2011 RTW

Lela Rose put out an absolutely amazing collection on Sunday. I fell in love with her designs a few years ago when I first heard about her inexpensive shoe line for Payless. We met. We fell in love. And I adore her designs from a far when seeing them at Bergdorf or Neiman as I am not quite up there in the money department. But someday I can buy Lela Rose until my heart is content. And when you see this collection - you will see how one can be obsessed with her designs. I adored her Fall/Winter collection in February with designs based off of pictures from the Hubble Telescope. This year Rose said she wanted to marry Old World (history) with New World (ideas) using Lima as her inspiration - A city that "is two societies.... coming together." Rose used a bold color palette with splashes of brightness and her usual tailored dresses were replaced with flowing full skirts, loose fitting separates, and cotton jackets. Gorgeous textured side braids and coral lips topped off the already fabulous looks. Even though fall is just arriving - I am already so pumped about next Spring.

This teal dress is a fantastic play on the cutout trend - it's super sexy and classy. Instead of traditional cutouts, Rose used lace - and it's a great choice. Also - I couldn't resist choosing this sunny cute frock - I even love the little peek-a-boo on the shoulder.

o.m.g. This orange dress is killing it. How gorgeous is that color? And the massive tribal inspired necklace is a perfect addition. The unkemptness of the full ruffle skirt with a loose fitting tank is devine. I like when opposite styles come together like this pairing of a tank with a couture skirt - one of my favorite styling techniques!

Layered tribal necklaces - check. hot pink dress - check. A fantastic mix between boho/girly - check! I love this long maxi too - looks like long dresses will still be in for another season! The embellishments keep the style in between casual maxi and evening wear.

images via Zimbio

Vivienne Tam Spring 2011 RTW

Best known for her cute little cocktail dresses with embellishments, patterns, metallics and a little flair Vivienne Tam is a force within the fashion world. Her designs are often a fusion of Asian and American cultures while using NYC as inspiration for melding it all together. You also might recognize this little beauty she created with HP for the Sex and The City 2 movie. For her runway show this past Saturday, Tam decided to go in a while different direction. Straying from those gorg tailored short dresses she has been doing for the past few seasons, she did a line that featured a lot of casual chic seperates. With vibes of 60's/70's boho Tam said her inspiration was "a girl who has traveled the Silk Road in China." WWD called the line "a bit hippieish" and Style.com thought a few pieces "did shout out their places of origin too loudly" however I simply had nothing but love for the collection. Flowy airy designs in cooling fabrics like cotton are perfect for spring weather. One of my newest obsessions - crochet - was also quite visible in the collection. While I can appreciate a designers craft, I love seeing them go in a different direction and trying new ideas. These "worn in" looks provided a global aesthic and a relaxed feeling (with not a heel in site!) Let's take a look at some of Tam's looks:

This is one of the more popular looks from her collection. I loooooove this color palette and the design of the tunic. Prediction: Crochet will be an upcoming trend. This look is perfect mix between relaxation and boho glam. ♥

I'd love to wear this look while shopping along Abbott Kinney in Venice. Easy and breezy this dress would be perfect for a hot summer day. Add a statement necklace and messy waves and you are set.

More crochet　and a　blue gingham bow belt keep this look from being too sweet.

I have died and gone to boho heaven. I have to have these shorts. Paired with one of fall's biggest trends, a denim shirt and colorful rainbow crochet sandals this look is 100% beach approved. Check out that multicolored tote!

So this look might be wild - but I am so glad it's here to stay. These printed pants are right on trend and when paired with a simple tank and light sweater the look reaches a level of perfection. (and more crochet around her shoulders!)

I think part of being drawn into  this collection was due to the fact that the models looked amazing. Tam definitely got her "well traveled" look with messy locks and neutral faces. Using a sock to dab on matte bronzer the makeup artists also added a nude lip. As far as the hair went - it was boho waves all the way. Obsessed! Read more about the beauty looks here

What do you think about this line? Are you loving the hippie-chic vibe that I felt or are you tired of these looks? Love to know your thoughts! Happy Tuesday! xoxo

bottom image via Stylelist; all other images via Zimbio

Jason Wu Spring 2011 RTW

It's hard to believe that Jason Wu has only been on the fashion forefront for 4 years. But since the first line launched in 2006 he has gained so much momentum and made a major name for himself. A large part of that is due to the fact that he is an absolutely amazing designer and so much more sophisticated beyond his 27 years. But he definitely got a major break when Michelle Obama bought several of his pieces when she was introduced to Wu by famed Vogue editor-at large Andre Leon Talley. Now his designs are worn by the likes of stars like Kerry Washington, Diane Kruger and Camilla Belle. Wu consistently brings fresh air to the fashion world with each collection he shows. This past winter we saw gorgeous dresses on a pink carpet. This year Wu went all over the map with ladylike trousers and suits, shirts with bow collars, beautiful dresses and lots and lots of COLOR! (yay!) Also I saw many a corsage - which I LOVED! This collection is TDF - no doubt about it. I don't even have to explain the photos speak for themselves:

 
Two of the gorgeous menswear inspired looks. I am totally obsessed with those girly bows.

 
Look at these corsages! ahhh! And I love the pops of color in both these looks. That blue dress is definitely made for a woman. And check out his shoes on the second model - nice bright colors against the black. Yes please!

 
So happy that nude trends will be continuing into the spring months. But I'm leaning more towards this flouncy navy dress. Gorg!

 
These are two of the fancier gowns from the collection. I could see this black dress as potential awards season material or for a fabulous premiere. I love the ruffly girly details. Jason Wu definitely knows how to make a girl feel feminine and fabulous.

Thoughts on this beautiful collection? Do you love the color? Does it make you excited?! To see more colorful desings (lots of pinks - of course!) and the video from this runway show - click here to watch. Love the music too!

images via WWD

BCBG MAX AZRIA Spring 2011 RTW

One word can bascially sum up the premise of the BCBG Max Azria show from Friday morning - LWD (Little White Dress). The models came out to beautiful music in very flowy dresses drenched in colors of white, nude and dusty pale silver. Some of the dresses had simple little details, while others had pieces of tulle, cross body designs or the faintest hint of a print. After 21 looks in, I was beginning to think the whole spring line would be all neutrals. But the genius that Max Azria is had a different plan. Later on in the show, the music got darker with a slower tempo and the dresses began to change. The colors got deeper with pops of mustard, coral and black, while details became more present like black lace and intricate patterns. However the silouhettes stayed the same. Flowy, thin pieces were a major change from the body conscious black/neon combos that Mr. Azria designed for 2010's spring line. I'm kind of loving them! But I will definitely need to start hitting the gym now! It seems that Spring is bringing more and more sheer trends with these clingy fabrics! Here's a look at some of the dresses below:

One of the gorgeous LWD with more detail - love the pockets!

Another LWD that's more on the simple side. I love the draping, the tulle lining and the pockets! Perfection

This was the first major pop of color (after the mustards) that came out. I love this look if nothing more than where the color stripe is located as well as where the dress itself was strategically placed in the show.

Love this dress! The coral color would look so gorg with a sun kissed tan. I love the pockets, the tulle, the draped panels. Ah-mazing.

This look came out during the dark guitar playing with the other dark colors. Love the shape and pops of sheer fabric.

Details on this dress are beautiful. The sheer top shell gives this look a little kick from the ordinary Little Black Dress.

You can watch the full runway show above to get the full effect. As you can see Mr. Azria thinks only of dresses with a jumpsuit here and there for Spring's look. And I, for one, am totally ok with that. What are you thoughts? Leave them below in the comments section! I would love to know :)

top image via Getty Images; all other images via Zimbio

Christian Siriano Spring 2011 RTW

Christian Siriano is such an incredible talent and one of our generation's most amazing creative minds. To think that someone who is 24 and made a name for themselves off the show Project Runway can make such sophisticated designs is beyond me. I was really impressed with his Fall/Winter collection from last season (read post here) with it's pallete of blacks, grays and silvers.  And his show this year did not disappoint either. Christian said he was inspired by different cultures that were a factor in not only this RTW line but his shoe collection for Payless as well. Instead of keeping with dark colors he brightened up his RTW line with pops of blues and reds in between the whites and mettallics. I personally loved the collection which showcased bright prints and Siriano's famous eveningwear and cocktail dresses. Let's check out some gorg looks:

Loving this design! The simple silouhette, jeweled belt and tulle screams "Wear me" Perfect for an art gallery opening or a premiere.

The collar on this sleeveless blouse is amazing. I'd wear it with dark Skinnys and some black pumps. The print is so fantastic that you won't need too much else!

Short and Glittery? I am totally sold.

This would be a fantastic party dress. Love the color and the jeweled belt. Plus this sweetheart shape looks good on so many body types. I Want!

Love Love Love! One of the gorgeous finale gowns. This is one area where Siriano knows exactly what he's doing. Faaaabulous.

I also loved the hair and makeup on the models. They have a sun-kissed glow. And their hair already has a signature name after a giraffe print in the collection "The Tribal Bun" Read more on how you can recreate this look here

I just choose a handful of pieces that I love but you can watch the runway show here and view photos of the entire collection over at The Huffington Post. What are your thoughts? Do love this travel inspired collection as much as I do?? I would love to hear your thoughts! Look for more posts later on! xoxo

first and sixth image via Getty Images; other photos via Zimbio

New York Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week

Lincoln Center Prepares For Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011

It's finally here!!! Fashion week officially began this morning and will continue on until September 16th. I am so so so excited to see what these amazing geniues (also known as designers) have created for Spring/Summer 2011 collections. You'll remember we discussed in this post that fashion is always three steps ahead. I know it's confusing but Yes - Spring and Summer Collections are shown in September while Fall and Winter collections are shown during fashion week in February. I am hoping to do quite a bit more posts than what I did for F/W shows (I was distracted by the Olympics!) Since most of us don't live in NYC or work for a fashion house - don't fear! A lot of designers (Derek Lam, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Michael Kors and Badgley Mischka just to name a few) will be streaming their shows on their websites or facebook pages. Click here to view the schedule for this week and don't forget to check back often for a few of my favorite pieces from each show! :) Happy Thursday everyone!!!!

Image via Getty Images