Coutorture

Fall 2009 New York Trend Report: Red Is The Color Of The Season

coutorture — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:25:57 -0800

From left: Lyn Devon, Ruffian, 6119 Ilana Sunderland

We just had to wait until after Valentine's Day to say this--we're thinking red is the hot color for Fall 2009. Not only have head-to-toe red looks come together from Lyn Devon and 6119 Ilana Sunderland, but, last night, Ruffian sent their red-clad models down a matching runway. Combine the monochromatic examples with the glimpses of it at Rag & Bone (and color is hard to come by with those gents), the transparent instances at Verrier, and the ruby prints at Karen Walker, and you've got yourself a pretty strong case for the color.

Spring 2009 Trend Report: Tapered Silk Trousers

coutorture — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:50:33 -0800

Clockwise from top left: Burberry Prorsum Silk Crepe Carrot Leg Trousers $1195 @ Burberry, Silk Crepe Cropped Harem Trousers $129 @ Bebe, Alexander Wang Silk Harem Pants $425 @ Net-a-Porter, Unique Silk Zip Up Trouser $145 @ Topshop, Silk Roll-Up Pant $69.50 @ Victoria's Secret, Sonia Rykiel Cotton Silk Harem Pants $985 @ Net-a-Porter

Available at almost every price point, versatile enough to wear them from February through July, we just can't see what's not to like about tapered silk trousers. Oh, did we mention that they're quite flattering? That you can wear them to work, a cocktail party, or grocery shopping just the same? Our favorites, from under one hundred to over one thousand dollars, above.

Fall 2009 Trend Report: Tightening Your Belt

coutorture — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:52:42 -0800

From Left: By Malene Birger, Annhagen, Minimarket

Recession or no, it's pretty obvious that those nipped-in waists from Marc Jacobs' Spring 2009 collection will influence the waistline of a fall collection or two. What better way is there, after all, to tidy a mixture of patterns or layers of separates? So far, we've seen eye-catching examples at the Stockholm and Copenhagen shows. Our favorites, above.

Vera Wang Lavender Label Fall 2009

coutorture — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:02:37 -0800

Image Source

An edgy, rock-and-roll concept will always be better suited for Vera Wang's lower priced diffusion line, Lavender Label, and this Fall 2009 was no exception. The theme was "Medieval Mod" and allowed for layered metallics, hard and soft elements, and close-to-the-body silhouettes. Vera Wang's Fall 2009 ready to wear collection will show at the designer's SoHo Flagship during New York Fashion Week.

3-D Florals Appear Immediately

coutorture — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:21:56 -0800

Left, Christophe Josse, Right, Alexis Mabille

We're still catching our breath from the Fall 2009 menswear season and Gareth Pugh's first menswear show, which took place last night, while the Spring 2009 Haute Couture collections have gotten underway. Already, just a few shows in, we're seeing the strongest Spring 09 trends reiterated on the couture catwalks. 3-D florals, for instance, showed up at once. Check out our trend report on 3-D florals from the Spring 09 ready to wear catwalks for more.

Spring 09 Trend Report: Elastic Sandals

coutorture — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:43:26 -0800

BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Cais' Sandal $198 @ Nordstrom, Sergio Rossi Zip back sandals $695 @ Net-A-Porter, Opening Ceremony Black suede and elastic sandals $279 @ farfetch.com

Tired of the complicated platform sandals of last spring it seems many brands are going back to basics. These elastic sandals are easy but still sexy and compliment with the bondage and transparency trends from Spring 09. An added bonus? We find they often don't cost quite as much as their studded, chain-wrapped siblings.

A Golden (Jumpsuit) Opportunity

coutorture — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:34:12 -0800

Topshop 100% silk jumpsuits, $80

If you're on a budget, and stuck between wanting to buy clothing you can wear now and wanting to buy that which will still work this Spring, today is your day. You couldn't ask for more than a 100% silk jumpsuit for $80. Completely on trend, relatively affordable, and wearable in both cold and warm weather--we could even get behind the notion to buy more than one. Check out our roundup of jumpsuits on the Spring 09 catwalks, right here.

Spring Shopping: Head-To-Toe Nude

coutorture — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:05:03 -0800

Silence & Noise Ruffle Front Tank $38 @ Urban Outfitters, Chloe Woven Leather Sandal $640 @ Barneys New York, Panelled Bodycon Mid Skirt $55 @ Topshop, 'Jacky' platform pump $140 @ Banana Republic, Thakoon Slouchy Pullover $825 @ shopbop.com, Tomas Maier Cross strap dress $645 @ Net-A-Porter

Monochromatic outfits are popular for spring and there is no better example than the head-to-toe nude looks that came down this season's runways. Matching shades can be difficult, so don't worry too much that they be exact. Just keep your eye out for great nude separates and by the time the weather turns, you'll have your look ready to go. For more, check out our New York trend report.

Shopbop Also Takes 20% Off Sale Merchandise

coutorture — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:19:02 -0800

Mason by Michelle Mason Strapless Dress Was $253 Now $100, Belle by Sigerson Morrison Outside Zip Mid Heel Bootie Was $445 Now $177, Calvin Klein Collection Jana Trouser Was $690 Now $276, Vera Wang Lavender Label Asymmetrical Gathered Waistband Dress Was $560 Now $224

Earlier this week we pulled together our favorite pieces from Net-a-Porter's blowout sale and now that Shopbop is following suit, well, we can help ourselves. Take an extra 20% off all sale merchadise this week at Shopbop and score yourself designer booties, platforms, handbags and frocks at a fraction of their original price. Our number one find is the Mason by Michelle Mason Strapless Dress--this little red dress would sure take one hundred dollars a long way.

Geometric Accessories In Black and White

coutorture — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:12:19 -0800

Mary Meyer Spine Plaid Scarf $148 @ Oak, Stella McCartney Geometric shoulder bag $865 @ Net-A-Porter, We Who See Cutout Bootie $78 @ Urban Outfitters, Wide stretch geometric belt $39 @ Banana Republic, Zero Maria Cornejo Gia Geometric Sandal $375 @ eLuxury, Dior Madrague Cutout Sunglasses $295 @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Geometric accessories are a great way to toughen up soft, feminine outfits--and you can wear them through both seasons. The sharp angles and confident patterns make them long-lasting, not trendy, and without color there's no telling the styling combinations one could come up with. Our favorites, above!