The Polka-Dotted Truth by Jacqueline Harbin: designer

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!

designer

Ulyana Sergeenko Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture

2:10 PM

Collections are (almost) always better when there is a story behind the inspiration - something compelling the designer to create beautiful clothes rather than doing so simply because it's expected. Ulyana Sergeenko had a very personal inspiration for her Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Collection - the political disaster that is Ukraine at the moment. The upheaval and unrest in the area made her think about the last time that there was a similar situation there - when the USSR rose up out of the ashes and brought on an whole new era. Talk about ideas to work with.

While the pieces aren't war-torn soldier's uniforms or peasant dresses there is a certain air of old-school inspiration about them that speaks to a woman who has been through some difficult experiences. The clothes are beautiful but somehow have a certain sadness. Some pieces don't seem to fit in perfectly but it doesn't bother us as it has with other collections. Instead of being distracting it adds to the charm - like china at a tea room that doesn't actually match but makes you smile nonetheless. Ulyana Sergeenko's woman is one that is emerging from a less than ideal situation and choosing to embrace beauty through clothes when it isn't readily available elsewhere.

Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Ulyana Sergeenko

A beautiful marriage of menswear to feminine details, Alyana Sergeenko used tailored and boxy cuts in feminine fabrics in her Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture Collection.

Invoking a certain Audrey Hepburn in War and Peace vibe, these ladylike pieces may have old inspiration but in beautiful colors and embellishment, they will look right at home on today's streets. (Side note: we're completely obsessed with the skirt paired with suspenders!)

Outerwear the same masculine/feminine vibe that is present throughout the collection - a boxy, yet embellished piece or a powerful fabric in a sexy cut.

Hemlines were slashed to the tops of the thighs for several of the dresses but while we do love a beautiful pair of gams, these weren't our favorite pieces - they evoke a certain desperation, a need for attention.

We actually much prefer these two looks which we find to be much sexier even though there is substantially more fabric (okay, at least the look on the left has more fabric). It's hard to say 'no' to a woman who is strong, confident and beautiful.

The gown on the left is perhaps one of our favorites of the entire collection - structure and flow are harmonious in this gown that we are dying to see walk down a red carpet.

Thank you to Style for the gorgeous photos.

Chanel

Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

2:02 PM

It's a well known fact that women like shoes. Sure, there's an outlier or two that don't care for those beautiful works of art that are generally more painful than a visit to the dentist. And if you dig a little deeper you'll probably find that the lady who doesn't really care about shoes, loves handbags. Or makeup. Or Alexander McQueen in general. And while we're getting it all out in the open, then chances are if you asked most women, the more expensive the item the more she covets it. She can't necessarily afford it, but that doesn't mean that she wouldn't love to have it (gentlemen, that doesn't mean that she doesn't adore that necklace you got her that certainly didn't cost a fortune - sentimental items are worth far more than any designer pair of shoes). But the one question that is lingering in every man's mind is this: "Why?"

Chanel Patent Calkskin and Cotton Sock - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Chanel Patent Calfskin and Cotton Sock, $1150, these are the perfect shoe to take you from Summer straight into Fall, Chanel's patent pumps are available in three different combinations of black and white.

In fact, it was our very own Mr. Harbin that was the inspiration behind this article. He has finally conceded to the fact that he will simply never understand and now when we start drooling over the latest necklace hot off the runway, he just nods agreeably and smiles when we say "It's a girl thing." Now we certainly are NOT saying that fashion has to be incredibly expensive - there are beautiful items available for purchase at your local mall and number of other locations. Money doesn't buy fashion but there are some pieces that catch your eye and you want THAT piece. Not something similar, but that exact one. And here's where most people get lost - including our dear Mr. Harbin. We're quite certain that he still wonders what kind of demented logic is behind the desire to own an item that can cost anywhere between several hundred and several thousand dollars. What is it that makes a purse, a dress or a pair of shoes worth so much more than what you could find at your local department store? Ladies, we have a feeling that you already know the answer to this question but feel free to chime in. Gentlemen, read on, because this is a multi-faceted answer.

1. Premier designer duds aren't available everywhere. You can't walk into most local malls and purchase a Givenchy coat. Sure you might be able to shop online for some things but that isn't the same as actually seeing an item - touching it, feeling it and trying it on. And some brands don't do online shopping - Chanel, for example, only sells makeup and skincare online, for all other products you have to be in an actual brick and mortar store.

Givenchy Felted Wool Cape Coat - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Givenchy, Felted Wool Cape Coat, $2279 - different is interesting and outerwear should never be boring - but this beautiful piece won't be available for long and when it's sold out, there won't be another shipment.

Which goes along with...

2. They're limited edition. Part of what is so fascinating about the fashion world for those of us who keep up with that sort of thing, is fashion week. Twice a year brand new concepts are launched, colors are officially touted as being "in" and the new bags for the upcoming season are revealed. These pieces won't be around forever though - there are a limited amount made and when they're gone, they're gone. You can't order another piece (well, unless you're very, very wealthy - there's exceptions to everything, especially when money is involved). The purchase of a piece at the beginning of a season means that you have something that is very limited, almost one-of-a-kind. These pieces are investments for down the road and can be worth much, much more than the initial price if they are taken care of.

3. Not everyone will have the same item. It really is a bad feeling to see someone else wearing the same exact piece that you put so much time and effort into choosing. It's not that you don't love the idea that it's popular, it's just that it makes it less special to see that it is not that rare. Women want their clothing to be personalized, individual - if someone else owns the same exact thing that you do it somehow reduces the item's value.

Mary Katrantzou Dependa Asymmetrical Mixed-Media Dress - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Mary Katrantzou, Dependa Asymmetrical Mixed-Media Dress, $6125, this piece is practically one-of-a-kind although we're sure that there are a few in each size available - we would be willing to bet money that none of your friends would own this same piece.

4. You can't find a comparable version for a cheap price. Those beautiful Prada swirl sunglasses can't be found at your local Target for $20. It's not the fact that they wouldn't say the brand's name, it's that the design can't be found in mainstream stores. That beautiful Valentino dress isn't replicated and available at your favorite local store and even if you could find something similar the quality just isn't the same and it won't last as long. If you want the real deal it comes with a pricetag.

Prada Baroque Sunglasses - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Prada Baroque Sunglasses, $290, these sunglasses are unique which makes them special and something that isn't readily found on every street corner.

5. You're taking home a piece of a runway show. There is simply something very special about owning a piece that walked down a fashion week runway. It's personal and something that a woman treasures for years and years to come.

6. The materials and craftsmanship are top notch. While the price may seem astronomical to some people (gentlemen), there is something to be said for what goes in to each and every piece that is made. Italian leather, fabrics that can't be purchased anywhere else, handmade items...luxury goods will stand the test of time if they are well cared for. The fit is better on garments and while we would like to report that incredibly expensive shoes are completely pain free (at least for your feet) they really aren't although they are less painful than any pair purchased at a Rack-Room-Shoes.

7. They lend fashion credibility. For those of us who work in the fashion industry, owning the dress, shoes or bag that was just presented at Fashion Week shoes that we actually do pay attention to trend. That fashion is so important to us that we make it a priority in our lives. This is extra important when you're representing a certain brand.

Marni Embellished Midi Skirt - Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

Marni Embellished Midi Skirt, $4100, we can't even find a basic midi skirt locally much less one embellished so beautifully like this one with oversized paillettes, feathers and beads.

8. There's a large psychological aspect. Just like how men start feeling the urge for to trade up their truck when the brand new year models come out, women see that an item is new, on trend and only available for a limited time and they want it. Do some women carry bags just to make others jealous or brag about how much they spent on it? Sure, just like some men do the same thing with vehicles - but for many women, it's simply the fact that they own a real piece of Fashion. Something that is in a magazine is also the same thing that she puts her wallet, keys and lipstick in on her way to work and makes her feel special. And we think that anything that makes a lady feel special and confident is worth owning.

So there you have it gentlemen (and ladies!) - do all these reasons sway your opinion on whether or not you think the lady in your life is crazy for spending the price of your rent on a new handbag? We'd like to hear from you! And ladies, what was your first luxury purchase? Was it an impulse buy or did you contemplate it for months? What did you're boyfriend/husband/friends think?

Thank you to Saks and Chanel for the photos!

Carolina Herrera

4 Things We Need NOW

9:09 AM

Angelina Jolie

Maleficent by Stella McCartney

7:56 AM

Amanda Seyfried

2014 MTV Movie Awards Fashion

12:13 PM

Normally awards shows have fabulous fashion: they're full of beautiful people sporting some of the most gorgeous clothes we've seen off the runway. The 2014 MTV Movie Awards was not that show. Incredibly enough, there were only one or two outfits that really wowed us, the rest were either simply underwhelming or left us shaking are head going "what the hell were they thinking?". Not to say that most of the ladies in attendance didn't look good - hair and makeup-wise, most were flawless. It was just the choice of outfits. Seriously, it's the MTV Movie Awards, not the Oscars. Now was the perfect time to take a fashion risk but to us, it seemed like almost everyone missed the mark. We must admit, we were mildly disappointed.

Take a look for yourself and let us know what you thought!

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Amanda Seyfried in St. Laurent

We like Amanda Seyfried and we like St. Laurent, we just wish she had left the jacket to Seth MacFarlane and let the glittery mini skirt have all the attention.

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Iggy Azalea in John Galliano

When people talk about proportions being all wrong, this is what they mean. We applaud Iggy Azalea for taking a risk in her John Galliano dress, we just can't figure out why she had the last three feet of the skirt chopped off...perhaps to show off the shoes? Which is another problem - we like the shoes, honest, they're fun but they're just too much with this. Last, but not least, the huge, crazy crimped ponytail. Ummm, no.

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Jessica Alba in Piece d'Anarchive top Kenzo skirt

We've been a Jessica Alba fan since Idle Hands and Dark Angel; it's hard to believe that gorgeous body has given birth to two kids. From the waist down and the neck up, we're in love - the citron Kenzo skirt is perfection and her hair and makeup is both effortless and fresh. But that Piece d'Anarchive top! Entirely too young and unflattering for such a gorgeous girl - a plain white tee with statement jewelry would have been a much better option Jessica.

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Luptia Nyong'p in Chanel Fall 2014

Lupita Nyong'o is still relatively new to the red carpet scene so we're going to give her the benefit of the doubt and go with she didn't realize this was a more laid back awards show. Her colorful Chanel Fall 2014 dress is certainly a head-turner (the shoulders are our favorite - beading gets us every time) but it's just too serious for this show.

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Rihanna in Ulyana Sergeenko

As far as we're concerned, Rihanna can do no wrong and she is gorgeous as always but her Ulyana Sergeenko Couture ensemble is making us sleepy. Like, literally sleepy. We love sexy pjs but normally we don't wear them on the red carpet.

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Rita Ora in Barbara Casaola

By far our best dressed of the entire event, we realize a super sexy, black Barbara Casaola gown isn't the biggest fashion risk but the detailing on the shoulders, the pockets and that oh-so-daring plunge held our attention all night. Not only does it fit her like a glove, it looks young and fresh, just like her hair and makeup. Well done Rita Ora, we salute you!

2014 MTV Movie Awards - Shaliene Woodley in Balmain Fall 2014 and Jimmy Choo

Xena, Warrior Princess, is that you? Separately, these leather pieces from Balmain's Fall 2014 line are very cool, especially the skirt but most importantly, in a different color (Moss green? Really?) but together they make Shaliene Woodley look like she's auditioning to be part of the next 300 movie. We do, however, covet her Jimmy Choos.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and Glamour.

designer

Rochas Spring 2014 Shows a Fairytale with Attitude

1:13 PM

Rochas never fails to impress. It was Marco Zanini's last show before he headed over to Schiaparelli and he certainly went out with a loving, beautifully gilded bang. We're a sucker for girly clothes, sure menswear-inspired pieces are great and there is room in our heart for them, but our passion is looking like the beautiful, articulate, sweet yet powerful ladies that we are. And that's exactly what Rochas Spring 2014 lady looked like: sure of her sexuality but also completely aware of the control she has over other people.

With straight-forward shapes and fantasy-inspired fabrics the collection is an exercise in grown-up princess. Pastels ruled the runway in shades of citrus, pale pink and beige along with powder blues and silver. The Stepford wives have come into their own - they're still perfect, they just have an attitude this go round.

What's not to love about a bright, shimmery floral? These modest silhouettes are anything but basic in bold fabrics.

Tulle and chiffon are two of our favorite fabrics when it comes to clothing...paired with an oversized embellished tee or a seemingly sheer polo, these frothy skirts are swept away into the land of modern fairytales.

Ruffles got an edgy update at Rochas Spring 2014 in pale yellow and crisp white.

We can't help but love the glimpse of skin these garments allow - Carrie Bradshaw came to mind.

How do you keep being completely covered up from seeming boring and modest? With sheer fabrics and bold textures. Bed-head and shades don't hurt either.

These flats are so ridiculously impractical they're fabulous. We're seriously contemplating seeing if we can't embellish a pair we already own with ostrich feathers...

Shorts don't have to mean sloppy; paired with a sheer blouse in a complimentary color they become uber chic while toppers in either the form of a jacket or sheer cardigan help complete any look.

Straight-forward and ladylike shapes don't have to mean tired and out of style - keep things interesting with of-the-moment colors, bold accessories and not-so-perfect hair.

Photos courtesy of Style.

designer

Classic Black Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

1:28 PM

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka Looks to the Past for Spring Inspiration

11:51 AM

Sometimes, the best way to be inspired to create something new is to look to the past and reimagine what you see. This is exactly what Badgley Mischka did for their Spring 2014 Collection, reworking silhouettes from the 20's and 30's in whites and navy blue for the first portion of the show before moving into evening gowns.

The second half of the show was our favorite with it's Easter egg hued gowns in ethereal fabrics that floated around the models feet as they walked. Our best picks? Any of the floor length dresses, between the tulle and chiffon textures and the fresh style of beading. We expect to see these at awards shows for years to come!

Inspiration from the 20's and 30's lends itself to these sweeping (and incredibly flattering!) skirts and pants paired with coordinating tops. Not to mention we really really want that white hat.

Love tweed but hate how hot it is once the temps warm up? Badgley Mischka has the answer with their lightweight navy and white tweed that not only looks smart but has a fashion-forward neckline (left). The subtle striping (right) is gorgeously executed and shows a hint of skin with the sheer paneling.

Fluttering ruffles showed up on the runway in both short and floor-length dresses in whites and navy - we can't help but fall for the skirt on the formal dark blue dress.

These gowns are absolutely stunning. From more covered up in coral apricot silk to a deep v-neck in lavender tulle they're sure to be a hit on the awards red carpets.

Badgley Mischka takes beading to a whole different level as seen on this embellished pencil skirt and a drop-waist floor length gown.

Fluttery chiffon and beaded skirts in light blue and turquoise are some of the most beautiful of the Spring 2014 Collection.

So beautiful they could be worn to any red carpet, these floaty, breezy dresses are incredibly flattering on any skin tone and the true definition of romantic.

Photos courtesy of Style.

Alice + Olivia

Spring at Alice + Olivia

11:21 AM

Vionnet Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Haute Couture

Ulyana Sergeenko Fall/Winter 2014 Haute Couture

Why Women Buy Expensive Shoes

4 Things We Need NOW

Maleficent by Stella McCartney

2014 MTV Movie Awards Fashion

Rochas Spring 2014 Shows a Fairytale with Attitude

Classic Black Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

Badgley Mischka Looks to the Past for Spring Inspiration

Spring at Alice + Olivia

Follow

The Polka Dotted Truth

Jacqueline Harbin's Pintrest

recent posts

Blog Archive

Labels

Popular Posts

Instagram

Pages

Follow

The Polka Dotted Truth

Jacqueline Harbin's Pintrest

recent posts

Blog Archive

Labels

Popular Posts

About Me

Instagram