The Polka-Dotted Truth by Jacqueline Harbin: Fall

Vionnet Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Haute Couture

11:44 AM

We couldn't be happier to see a show that was nothing but floor-length gowns from start to finish as was the case with Vionnet's Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Haute Couture Collection. Is it practical for real life? No, but it's couture, it's not supposed to be. And if you're thinking that it's the same old princess ball gowns or second skin creations you're in for a surprise.

2014-2015 Haute Couture - Vionnet Runway Show - Lace & Pleating

The epitome of fresh and unexpected, these lace and chiffon gowns are
our favorites from the Vionnet F/W 2014-2015 Haute Couture Collection.

Satin, chiffon, patterns, fringe, fur, lace and pleating...combinations that sound like the shouldn't work together are masterfully intertwined to create fresh and structurally different creation. This wearable art is quite unlike anything we've seen before which is a real feat these days when it seems like practically everything has already been done. We're partial to the mixed media gowns - the lace with coral chiffon peeking through cutouts may not be the most wearable piece from the collection but it is among our favorites.

2014-2015 Haute Couture - Vionnet Runway Show - Fringe

Simple gets a facelift with soft structural creations at the neckline and pastel fringe over layers of sheer skirt.

Stunning pleating gives way to beautiful structured embellishment on the collarbone or hips and is weirdly reminiscent of vertebrae but it works. The only hems above the knee have a knotted swag of fabric that takes the dress from a simple cocktail dress to something special.

2014-2015 Haute Couture - Vionnet Runway Show - Sculptural

Although they remind us a little of our college anatomy classes, these dresses are anything but boring and bring a certain structure to the collection that amazes us considering the fabrics used.

2014-2015 Haute Couture - Vionnet Runway Show - Mixed Media

Mixed media has become commonplace these days but we appreciate not only mixing textures but adding a subtle pattern and a flash of a different color.

Aside from the lace and pleated gowns, there are one more group of outliers that really takes the show above and beyond: fur. Paired over the evening gowns, or in one instance, as a dress itself, these toppers take the looks to the next level. We think they're beautiful over the dresses but would look equally amazing over skinny jeans or a pencil skirt. All in all we're hugely excited to see what Hussein Chalayan comes up with next for Vionnet.

2014-2015 Haute Couture - Vionnet Runway Show - Fur Toppers

Close seconds for our favorites, we adore these fur toppers. Vionnet as nailed how to take a beautiful evening gown to the next level of visual interest.

Thank you to Style for the Vionnet F/W 2014-2015 HC photos!

Ad Campaign

Gucci's Pre-Fall 2014 Ad Campaign

12:49 PM

Beaute

Christian Louboutin does Drama with Nail Polish

12:24 PM

“The red sole was born from red nail polish. I am giving back to beauty what the shoes took from the nails many years ago.” –Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Beaute Nail Lacquer Collection

Always one to impress, the best part about the new Christian Louboutin nail polish is arguably the bottle.

We do love when a story comes full circle and that's exactly what has happened here. Those famous red soles were originally painted that color with a bottle of red nail polish from Louboutin's assistants bag so it only makes sense that eventually there was going to be a beaute nail lacquer line. I think we speak for everyone when we say that no one is surprised that the first color to debut is a beautiful true, french red called Rouge Louboutin. But not to worry if red isn't your color: there will be 31 colors separated into three different lines: Noirs, Nudes and Pops. Now we're talking.

We won't lie - we kind of want all of the colors...not because we would actually wear all of them, but because the display is absolutely incredible. We have a feeling that we aren't the only ones who are disappointed that the shoes aren't for sale.

With a pricetag of $50, it's not just another bottle of nail polish though. An exquisite, weighted glass bottle that starts out black and the bottle and ombres up to a flash of red, it's eye-catching to say the least, but it's the 7-inch, calligraphy-style wand that really sets it apart. Inspired by the tallest ever Louboutin shoe, the Ballerina Ultima, it's certainly not meant to be put under your sink or tucked away in your nail basket - it's a work of art that's meant to be showcased, just like his shoes.

Three of the shades that will be available in the 'Noirs' line and three of the shades from the 'Nudes' line.

Christian Louboutin has never been one to shy away from the spotlight so it's no surprise that there will be a whole like of 'Pops' colors to complete the nail polish range.

Thanks very much to Christian Louboutin, Style List and Bagaholic Boy for the photos!

Accessories

Chanel's Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection is in Boutiques Now!

8:55 AM

We're obsessed. There's just no other way to put it. We are living, breathing Chanelistas and that's pretty much where our money goes. When we saw the email from Chanel announcing that the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection was available you had better believe that we zipped right on over to the website to check it. First and foremost, the video for the Pre-Collection romanticized everything for us (and really, really makes us want to go to Paris) making us want to add several pieces to our ever-growing collection.

Scroll down to see our favorite looks as well as some must-have accessories for Fall from the Pre-Collection. Visit your closest Chanel Boutique to see these pieces in person and take some home to add to your ever-so-stylish closet.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2014 Pre-Collection Looks

Ready to Wear Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection

There is just something about a Chanel suit that is classic and yet very new at the same time. We can't help but adore this slightly below the knee skirt with polka dot tights paired with a crisp white tee, wool vest and easy styling.

Covered up doesn't have to mean boring; pair a straight skirt with fun tights and girly shoes and add some visual interest to your sweater with a line of buttons down the front to keep things from looking too conservative.

There are many things that Chanel does incredibly well and one of them is the suit; we love the way it is reinvented on a regular basis and this one would be right at home in any woman's closet for decades to come.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection Accessories

Ready to Wear Accessories Chanel Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Pre-Collection

Mademoiselle was greatly inspired by baroque influences as seen in these baroque cross earrings accentuated with glass pearls.

We subscribe to the logic that ladies should just be dripping in pearls and this multi-strand knotted pearl necklace fits right into our train of thought.

Chanel has been famous for their bags for years and they are reinterpreted for each and every collection. We love this jersey flap bag in a bright pop of color (also available in rich yellow and navy) for a fun Fall update.

A playful mix of ladylike and menswear, these iridescent patent lace-ups are the shoe for the season for us - the fact that the bow is removable only cements our opinion.

What first appears to be tweed is actually beading of glass pearls on this beautiful black and white miniaudiere.

It just wouldn't be Chanel without a strand of pearls and this short necklace will lay close to your face, reflecting soft, shimmering light...we can't help but adore the CC signature as well.

Coco Chanel's favorite flower because it had no scent and didn't interfere with her perfume, these tweed camellias are the perfect accent to any outfit.

Tweed is ever-popular for Fall and we absolutely adore this heather gray flap bag in the material.

We can personally attest to the fact that these black and white tweed lace-up boots are exceptionally comfortable as well as incredibly chic. Think of it as an alternative way to wear a Chanel suit.

Originally it was hats that Coco Chanel used to make a name for herself so it only makes sense that the tradition be carried on in the likes of this chic tweed and ribbon accented hat.

Thank you so much to Chanel for the beautiful photos of the Fall/Winter 2014 Pre-Collection - we can't wait to see which pieces you add to your closet!

Fall

Zuhair Murad Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture

1:07 PM

Zuhair Murad's Spring 2014 Couture Collection was all about creating a beautiful garden and while this seasons silhouettes were quite similar, the inspiration was quite the opposite. Cocktail dresses, ball gowns and the occasional jumpsuit were encrusted with waves, geometric designs and beautiful asymmetry, speaking to a more architectural influence.

While we much prefer the black, white, silver or black and white looks, it was refreshing to see so many shades walk down the runway. From rich blues to vibrant turquoises to shades of rich ruby there's no doubt that buyers will have plenty to choose from. Some of the ball gowns seemed a little inspired but several of the hand-beaded pieces created with hammered sequins were exquisite. We have a feeling that Zuhair Murad is cementing his clientele while adding several younger starlets as followers.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Cocktail Dresses

We're absolutely smitten with both of these cocktail dresses and their just-grazing-the-tops-of-the-thighs hemline. Black with added visual interest is always a winning combination for us and this is no exception.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Classic Ball Gowns

Never one to leave out plenty of classic ball gown silhouettes for his followers to choose from, these are some of our favorites - flattering chic with a twist.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Draped Ball Gowns

While these gowns are beautiful in just about every facet of the word - the draping, the colors, the fit - they are, well, kind of boring. We think the show would have been much stronger if these filler pieces had been replaced with something a little more daring.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Fresh Sillhouettes

Perhaps the two most daring looks of the entire show, the sheer pantsuit is quite a work of art while the embellished caftan is a step in the more daring direction and we like to Zuhair Murad take a few risks, especially during a Haute Couture show.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Casual Youth

Showing a bit of range that we don't normally see during Zuhair Murad's Haute Couture Collections, these looks (we're obsessed with the flared black skirt) would fit right in a some awards shows but be versatile enough for a dinner date with girlfriends or perhaps an evening wedding.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Sheer Embellishment

Forever a master of marrying sheer with embellishment, these gowns are both sexy and still chic with yards and yards of floating chiffon.

Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014 Zuhair Murad - Thigh High Slits

If you operate under the logic that if a woman has legs she ought to be showing them off, these are the gowns for you - whether it's an asymmetrical top that grabs your attention or a the contrast of black and white it never hurts to show a little well-toned leg to get your point across.

Thank you to Style for the gorgeous photos - see large sizes of each look on our Facebook page!