xoxoReese

Chevrons, sequins, stripes, oh my! The Alice and Olivia Fall 2012 collection was fun and flirty, elegant and edgy.

Short Story
I’m not a huge fur person (although my inner Leo does love the faux stuff), but I’m drawn to this head-to-toe red ensemble. And does it get any better than a skirt that combines sequins AND chevrons? I think not.

Disco Fever
Now these are my kind of evening gowns: floor-length sequins with a sexy open back in thick black and gold stripes or dazzling emerald green. And I LOVE the idea of pairing an evening gown with a cropped leather jacket. (Brides, this look works for wedding gowns, too!)

Black (and white) Magic
These two dresses are pretty, pretty, pretty, and reflect two strong trends: a mini skirt + long, sheer skirt combo, and a Little White Dress with a demi lace peplum. Wouldn’t these be beautiful alternatives to wedding gowns?

Go Green
Long, lean, and green! More peplums, more stripes! There’s something Joker-ish about these two ensembles, yes, but their cool factor is no joke.

Well played, Alice and Olivia. Well played.

It’s taken copious amounts of coffee and some very late nights glued to my laptop, but I’m finally starting to work my way through all the finery from New York Fashion Week. (A little late to the party, I know.) I’ll be sharing some of my favorites from NYFW so you can revel in the delicious new designs right along with me.

My first NYFW post should come as no surprise considering my last post was about the same designer and collection: J.Crew Fall 2012. The Manolo Blahnik collab wasn’t the only fabulous thing to emerge from J.Crew’s new fall collection: staples like pretty pencil skirts, patterned sweaters, and slim trousers were shown in fresh mint, perky pink, sleek snakeskin, stripes, and rich jewel tones. Plus, there was some seriously cool arm candy added to the mix.

Minty Fresh
Whether a little (zig-zag top, pointy-toe pumps) or a lot (turtleneck sweater + pencil skirt combo), mint green is a refreshing alternative to fall’s more traditional forest and olive green hues.

Pencil It In
From textured stripes to sleek snakeskin, a statement-making pencil skirt will score you an A+ with the fashion set next fall. (Note the fantastic multi-hued clutch on the right!)

Pretty In Pink
Pink isn’t just for spring and summer fashion–a slim suit, warm coat, or patterned pants in the perky hue are sure to cheer you up (and those around you) on the drabbest of drab days.

Top to Bottom
Head-to-toe prints can be hard to pull off, but these two ensembles look sleek and sexy, not silly.

Jewels Rule
Rich, saturated jewel tones–sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red–look all the more luxe in the form of high-shine slim-cut trousers. (Again, note the fantastic handbags!)

Jenna Lyons, I love you.

{Images via Refinery29}

Oh Em Gee. While catching up on all the latest from New York Fashion Week, I read this article from WWD that confirms J.Crew and Manolo Blahnik are joining fashion forces! Talk about a power couple.

The word officially hit the runway at J.Crew’s Fall ‘12 fashion presentation, where editors, bloggers, buyers, and photographers got the first peek at the pointy-toe pumps. The Crew x Blahnik collab will feature 41 styles, which, in true Jenna Lyons fashion, will include bold colors, tweed, suede, and glitter.

No word yet on when the shoes will be available, but they’re expected to sell online and in select J.Crew stores. The price tag? $595 to $645. Better start saving my Benjamins.

{Images via Glamour}

I have an obsession with motorcycle  jackets and vests. (See previous KARL post for proof.) I didn’t think the classic leather biker jacket could get much cooler, but this neon pink biker jacket by Christopher Kane (my current designer crush) takes the standard model to a whole new level of badass.

A little bit rock star, a little bit rebel, a little bit Parisian chic, it’s tough and pretty. And I so want it.

{via InStyle.com}

Sure, the Super Bowl is tomorrow, but the real reason I’m excited for Sunday? It’s the day Jason Wu for Target officially hits stores, and I want to be smack-dab in the middle of that fashion action.

If I wake up early enough (note to self: set alarm clock!), I’m hoping to score the Jason Wu for Target black pleated skirt, navy floral skirt + sleeveless top with sheer panel, poplin dress in navy, and flared dress in cream.

Looks from Jason Wu for Target

Yes, Jason Wu for Target Sunday is sure to be no less exciting–or dramatic–than the big game. A few competitive shoppers may even tackle each other over the last remaining Jason Wu blouse…

{Images via Target.com}

Happy (belated) birthday, Kate the Great!

In honor of Kate Middleton’s 30th birthday last week, the Washington Post compiled 30 of the Duchess’s greatest fashion hits.

I adore Kate’s elegant, princess style. I love her most in preppy, polished pieces, brightly hued frocks, and regal evening gowns. The queen-bee-in-the-making can rock Zara and Jenny Packham with equal panache (two of my favorite labels–talk about a girl after my own heart!), and she knows not just what to wear but when to wear it.

Aside from the dress, here are my eight favorite Middleton fashion moments as highlighted in the Post’s post:

The princess looked simple, chic, and stunning in this nude-hued Reiss dress for her first meeting with the Obamas. (How does she get those glossy locks?!)

What’s not to love about this military inspired Alexander McQueen ensemble?

Last summer, Kate sat court-side at Wimbledon and wore a tiered white dress by Temperley London. Can you say love, match?

Kate proved she was a true fashion ambassador when she donned a red fascinator with a maple leaf for Canada Day during her North American tour.

Beautiful and elegant in a hand-painted Jenny Packham dress and nude sandals.

Does it get more glamorous than a black strapless velour Alexander McQueen dress (and two handsome princes in tuxes)?

Kate looked positively brilliant in a bright-green belted dress by Diane von Furstenberg during her trip to California last fall.

And perhaps my favorite Kate Middleton fashion moment to date: a glittering blush-hued Jenny Packham creation. Divine!

I expect great things from Kate in the future–I can’t wait to see what she wears next!

{Images via WashingtonPost.com}

Thanks to this photo shoot, I can’t stop dreaming about creamy gelato (mmm pistachio…mmm hazelnut) and cute spring dresses.

Get your frock fix here, and indulge in gelato here.

xoxo, Reese

If I weren’t a writer, I would be a rock star. Or at least, I would like to be a rock star. Unfortunately, I can’t carry a tune or strum a guitar. Fortunately, I can wear studs and leather with or without a stage and a microphone. (Looking the part is half the battle, right?)

This biker-chic look by Balmain is just what I need this spring to unleash my inner Mick Jagger–and still look like a lady.

Rock on.

xoxo, Reese

Image via Bergdorf Goodman

Hold the rotary phone–this ’70s-inspired spring ensemble by Robert Rodriguez is hot, haute, hot.

The scallop silk-chiffon top, white wide leg pants and gold coin necklace embody easy ’70s elegance at its finest.

Get the look at Shopbop.

xoxo, Reese

I have always been a bit of a tomboy at heart. In fourth grade, I chopped off my hair and had it styled to be a ‘bowl cut’ to copy my older brother. We were about the same height, even though he was 2.5 years older, and with my new ‘do people thought we were twins. I was ecstatic. He, less so.

I always wanted to hang with the boys, dress like the boys, get dirty with the boys. Not much has changed—insert joke here—especially the dressing part. I’ve never seen a pair of baggy, ripped jeans or slouchy army green cargo pants, oversized plaid flannel shirt or schoolboy blazer I didn’t like. Of course, nowadays, I like to pair those tomboy finds with something a little more girly. Enter my new love Haute Hippie (You had me at ‘Haute’ and ‘Hippie’). They’ve mastered the girl-meets-guy mix. Nothing is too polished and prissy nor grungy and ginormous.

The gals at Gilt Groupe are currently featuring a Haute Hippie sale, and you better believe I am all over it…

Felted wool jacket (with chain appliques AND chiffon trim cuffs) + ruffled mini skirt = tomboy perfection

Striped boyfriend shirt + plaid scarf + shredded jeans = go-to everyday look

Cotton shirt dress + knee socks = cute for work or school

Baggy v-neck tee + studded leather mini skirt = Hello Friday and Saturday night

Rhinestone vintage western shirt = Sunday, lazy Sunday

Snatch up these bad boys up before it’s too late!

xoxo, Reese