Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fall Wish List: Hair & Makeup







































































Images provided via Style.com, the greatest fashion site known to man.
Don't forget you can click on the images to view larger versions.

XO,
Coco Birdie

Fall Wish List: Outerwear



I'm seriously ready for fall...

Clockwise from far left:

Dennis Basso's fall ready-to-wear collection was filled with beautiful furs.  This short cape is no exception.  To me, it has an old-Hollywood glamor to it and I loved that it has been paired with a sleek, modern dress.  I really love the high neckline that wraps the face for full warmth.  A short cape like this offers a great amount of movement, but still keeps you warm and toasty.

If you are going to buy a trench, invest in a Burberry trench.  The masters of the trench coat, a Burberry trench is going to be well made, last several lifetimes, and always remain a classic.  I've featured the most basic true trench coat, because it is the one I covet the most, but Burberry offers a whole array of options and seasonal specialties.

Known for wild, colorful patterns, this surprising basic gray cape is from Pucci.  I love a good cape and I've been searching for the perfect one for this fall.  This is it.  I think I would love it a little more if it were in a rich camel color, but gray is so versatile, this one can't go wrong.  I'm not sure what it is about capes, but I love them so much more than coats.  Perhaps it is the inner super-hero in me coming out...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.  I've been wanting this jacket for quiet a while.  Gorgeous warm gray suede and soft purple tinged shearling lining.  Glamorous and easy fitting, this jacket will make you feel like a million bucks.  Or at least the $2000 it costs.  Why, or why, won't it go on sale?

Founded in 1924 in England, Belstaff produces the best of the best leather jackets.  J. Crew has collaborated with them to produce a limited line of items, including this shrunken bomber jacket.  Classic styling, reminiscent of WWII fighter pilots, this jacket will only get better with age.  A traditionally masculine jacket with a feminine fit, perfect for any closet.

Dennis Basso wins again, this time in a longer coat.  Love the huge collar, love the simple Juliet sleeves, love the pattern created with the fur, love everything about this coat.  So chic and stunning, I just want to wrap up in it, sit by the fire and drink an adult hot chocolate.

All of these lovely coats deserve Lovely Gloves.  Gucci makes a short and sweet black leather glove, featuring a folded over and gathering cuff and simple charm.  Warm, easy to match, and durable.  What more could you want in a glove?

For days when you need more or less layering, turn to an amazing shawl.  Gucci offers a basic black and tan plaid shawl that has a soft fox fur trim.  Wonderful on its own as an accessory, or layered underneath your coat for an added touch of warmth.

Donna Karen's simple cashmere scarf offers an array of options and is perfect for fall and winter.  Wear it as you would a traditional scarf, or as part of your day outfit.  The deep iron color is an excellent alternative to black.  Don't be afraid to pair it with browns, and it would look amazing with rich jewel tones.

This bronze dyed milled rabbit fedora is an essential classic.  Keeping your head warm is important in the winter, so why not do it stylishly?  A fedora will never go out of style and this one is sure to feel amazing and last forever.

XO,
Coco Birdie

Fall Wish List: Jackets




















Left to right:

Anthropologie: Cadence Jacket
This gorgeous light-weight wool blend jacket is wonderful for the transitional temperatures of fall.  I love the fall perfect pumpkin orange color and the pleats down the front have a modern structured yet old-world romantic feel.

Anthropologie: Terrace House Jacket
A great feminine take on the military trend.  Soft and drapey, with slim arms and a loose torso.  I love the shoulder detail and the cut-away front.  This jacket would look great open too, letting it flow away from the body.

Anthropologie: Biker Melange Jacket
A simple leather jacket that isn't too tough can be hard to find.  I'm head-over-heels for this one.  The draped neckline will frame the face beautifully and the slim fit and simple styling will flatter the waist.  This is one of those pieces that can be really versatile in your closet, all depending on how you dress around it.  Needless to say, I really want it even though it is still in the 90's outside.

J. Crew: Harris Tweed Blazer
J. Crew brings back the classic Harris tweed in a wonderful blazer.  A long time favorite of the Scottish, Harris tweed is centuries old and handwoven in Scotland.  The plaid pattern is amazing up close, and a great neutral for pairing.  J. Crew's blazer features an over sized shawl collar (one of my favorite collars) and is styled in a menswear fashion with a woman's fit.  This is a piece you will be handing down to your grandchildren.

J. Crew: Marled Knit Thandie Blazer
For a more trendy blazer, look at J. Crew's Thandie Blazer.  A looser boxy fit, which is perfect for layering or belting.  This particular blazer is actually the underside of a herringbone knit, producing a stunning combination of gray and black.  Classic shrunken pea coat styling and raw edged seams are special touches.

XO,
Coco Birdie

Monday, July 26, 2010

Fall Wish List: Bottoms





Clockwise from top left:

Leifsdottir: Paseo Ruffled Skirt
Owning a leather skirt might seem a bit Angelina Jolie-dominatrix, but when it is in soft, supple leather and features tiers of scalloped edges, it is anything but.  This leather skirt from Leifsdottir is perfect to carry you through fall and winter many years to come.  It is short, but not trashy.  Girlie, but not sweet.  The dull patina on the leather makes it appropriate for many occasions and classic.  A fine leather like this is sure to get better with age.

Antik Batik: Salma Sequined Wrap-Style Skirt
Fall and winter are always filled with lots of special events- Thanksgiving, holiday parties, New Years Eve, Valentine's Day, and many more.  This great Antik Batik skirt is a refreshing alternative to all the little black dresses you'll see.  It features a subtle dark blue shimmer, thanks to tiny sequins, and a flattering, easy, comfortable wrap shape.  Perfect for standing, sitting, and dancing.

Anthropologie: Acting Out Skirt
This skirt is simply amazing.  It is a tencel-rayon-spandex blend, which means it is soft (tencel), durable (rayon) and has a bit of stretch (spandex).  It wins with its ruching on the side, which makes it more interesting than a basic pencil skirt, and with its deep emerald color, a very popular color on the runways.

Carven: Twisted Wool-Blend Jersey Mini Skirt
Another great play on the basic pencil skirt.  This time in a draped mini, which would be perfect with tights, boots, and a blazer for the office, or a fancy top and heels for going out.  Or even a basic, slouchy tee and flats for a Saturday afternoon.  The draping is tight, which means it won't add extra poundage like some sack-shaped draped garments.

Anthropologie: At Rest Pants
Great pants for lounging in, but they won't make you look like a sloppy college student.  Slim shape, decorative seaming, and faux layering makes this pair of pants great for home, errands, or something simple like going to the movies.  You might even be able to get away with wearing it with a nice top and heels for work (I would suggest saving it for casual Friday) or a relaxed but nice dinner with friends.

Diane von Furstenberg: Gretel Stretch-Jersey Pants
The perfect pair of slim, black pants.  Long and lean, and made in forgivable and comfortable stretch jersey.  I also love that they come a bit lower and cover the top of the foot, rather than stopping near the ankle.  This helps elongate the legs.  A higher waist is more flattering, keeps the tummy pulled in, and is more sophisticated.

Jil Sander: Cashmere-Blend Pants
Do I really need to say any more than CASHMERE-BLEND?  In a deep steel gray, these pants are perfect for the office.  Jil Sander is the master of minimal, and these pants will do your closet wonders.

Maison Martin Margiela: High-Waisted Skinny Leather Pants
Leather pants could be down right bad.  But these are done so well, you have no need to worry.  They are slim and with a high-waist, which gives them a modern sophisticated feel.  The lack of sheen makes them perfect- if they were shiny it would come off more as cheap pleather or a garbage bag.  The ugly version of these pants would be tight, low-rise, and shiny.  You know you've seen those, and it is BAD.  If you want leather pants, these are the pair to have.

Coming soon: jackets, outerwear, hair and makeup!  Then, looks for less.

XO,
Coco Birdie

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Fall Wish List: Tops






























Clockwise from top left:

Giambattista Valli makes gorgeous clothing, and this top is no exception.  The beautifully draped neckline is the icing to this top in its creamy silk.  The tie around the waist helps keep the shape while giving you one.  So amazing, it is already sold out on Net-A-Porter.

The asymmetrical, one shoulder look done well by Fendi.  Its both architectural and soft shape make it divine, not to mention the glowing nude color.
Vivienne Westwood is apparently my designer of the season as she is featured in my wish lists several times!  Her Friday Cotton Blouse is a seasonal veteran, which is no surprise giving its instant hour-glass shape and subtle sexy vintage feel.  It also comes in other fabrics, such as a nice light gray plaid, and in dress form.

I love this slouchy sweatshirt with contrasting over-sized turtleneck.  The tan and gray colors make it perfect to pair with anything, from a suit to a skirt to lounge pants.  The color palette also keeps it refreshingly classic.  Having owned several of J. Crew's sherpas and fleece, I can only imagine how soft it is on the inside.

Maje: Tisserain Cotton Houndstooth Blouse
This small houndstooth print makes this a great top to wear with basic black or to wear with another print (Westwood's plaid wool cape would look great).  Gathered sleeves give the top strong shoulders, which is very on trend, but still a soft femininity.  Great for the office or everyday.

This brilliant top really must be seen in its full affect.  It as a magnificent asymmetrical drape to the hem that makes it good for tucking in or wearing out over skinny pants.  The color is one of my fall favorites and would look good on everyone.
 
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania: Rectangle Wool-Blend Asymmetric Top
The perfect alternative to a regular blazer or cardigan.  I love the giant plaid.  I love the simple cape-like shape.  I love everything about it.  Westwood wins again!  To be honest, I'd probably be more likely to make this for myself than spend the $520 on it.


XO,
Coco Birdie

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Fall Wish List: Dresses
















From left to right:

Yves Saint Laurent: Silk-Satin Wrap-Style Dress
A great, vintage style timeless wrap dress.  Love the deep green color.  Perfect for day to night.

RM by Roland Mouret: Talma TTD
An amazing, architectural draped shape.  Wonderful color to create a nice glow during the dreary days.

RM by Roland Mouret: Open-back Jersey Maxi Dress
The perfect evening dress.  Basic black makes it easy to pair with different accessories.  The open back is sexy, but not trashy or over-the-top.

Leifsdottir: Plumada Dress
A wonderful day dress to pair with a chunky knit sweater and boots.  Easy to help transition from summer to fall to winter to spring.  An amazing plume inspired print.

Leifsdottir: Lafayette Strapless Dress
What a refreshing color for the dull-drums of winter.  Fun, flirty and great for a date night.

Leifsdottir: Andalusian Horse Dress
The print reminds of vintage, but the shape is softly modern.  Can't go wrong with a twist on basic black and white.

Antonio Berardi: Crepe Pencil Dress
The perfect LBD for fall.  A strong shape with a feminine feel.  Seen in white on Twilight star Ashley Green.  One of the most popular dresses for fall, which means it is already sold out on Net-A-Porter.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania: Hybrid Jersey Dress
The red color is amazing and I love the draped neckline and sleeves.  Office appropriate, but still great for the weekends.

Richard Nicoll: Stella Oversized Cashmere Dress
Every closet needs a nice piece that you can wear when you are feeling sloppy.  With its loose shape, basic color, and rich cashmere this dress is perfect for brunch, errands, or lazy days.  Dress it up with lots of necklaces, tights and high heels.  Dress it down with slim pants and riding boots.

XO,
Coco Birdie

**Don't forget you can click the images for a larger view

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Fall Wish List: Accessories


















Accessories kicks off my fall wist list series.  From left to right, top to bottom:

     I love the scarf layered under the hat and the chunky knit armbands underneath several bracelets. 

     A great, classic shape in a subtle animal print.  Wonderful because it is a neutral, but still fun. 

     Love love love this shape and this is the best pair I've been able to find.  This shape of gloves was seen all over the RTW Fall 2010 runways. 

     The FENTON/FALLON collaboration with J. Crew has produced some really great pieces.  I like the sparkle paired with edgy spears, and that they aren't too long and overpowering. 

     A great, interesting mix of materials plus the always classic CC logo.  A great statement piece for many falls to come. 

     Modern vintage.  A tried-and-true tortoise shell with an update square cat-eye. 

     Yum.  Great to pair with pants, skirts, dresses, tights, bare legs.  A nice, but un-ordinary neutral with wonderful lines in the piping. 

    Suede AND Sherling that isn't an UGG Boot? Yes, please!  I love knee-high boots and these would be wonderful all winter long. 

    The currently trendy drawstring bag that's sure to last for many season in timeless tan leather.  Chloe makes phenomenal bags, and this one won't disappoint.

Check back for more wish lists on clothing and hair/makeup!
XO,
Coco Birdie

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Inglorious Bastards: Shosanna Dryfus


When I first saw the adult Shosanna Dreyfus in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards" I knew instantly that she was going to be my style inspiration for Fall 2010.  She first appears in a pair of men's work pants, a red tailored jacket, and pageboy cap.  While most of her pieces are tailored, she is still able to capture a relaxed Parisian look.  Her color palette is neutrals with a pop of crimson red.  The movie is a must-see just to review her wardrobe.

Easy ways to recreate her look are with menswear inspired pieces, paper-bagging the waist, adding hints of leather, and with her signature pageboy cap.  Keep it fresh and feminine with the hair and makeup (like great red lips- try Aveda's Nourish-Mint in Poppy).

Similar looks can be seen at the Fall 2010 RTW shows of:  Tommy Hilfiger, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Kors, Burberry Prorsum, J. Crew, and Bibhu Mohapatra.

XO, Coco Birdie