Coutorture

From Runway To Reality: Jil Sander Asymmetrical Platforms

coutorture — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:35:18 -0700

From left: Spring 2009 runway, Jil Sander Asymmetrical sandals $880 @ Net-a-Porter, Spring 2009 runway

Last week we wrote about the Jil Sander fringe dresses that sold out immediately on Net-a-Porter and, today, a post in homage to the asymmetrical sandals from that same collection. These super tall beauties are a riff, perhaps, on the Maison Martin Margiela shoes that style blog Sea Of Shoes loves so much and though a five-inch heel and one-inch platform never sits well with us, we love the elegant look of these beauties. We have a feeling we will be seeing more of this look as the season progresses.

The Ultimate Sequin Statement

coutorture — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:39:46 -0800

Sophie Hulme Sequin Jacket with detachable hood in navy and silver, both $519 @ Pixie Market.

When you think of sequins you normally think of party frocks and jazz shoes but Pixie Market is changing all that. Now, when you're running to the deli at ten thirty on a school night you can do it in style. This sequin jacket with detachable hood by Sophie Hulme is where it's at and something tells us the Proenza gents would approve.

MaxMara's Coat Dress For Spring 2009

coutorture — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

MaxMara, who showed quite a colorful collection this Spring 09, did more of what we've glimpsed prior to this season and hoped would gain momentum: namely, the blazer cum dress, the coat dress, or, the power suit for girls who hate wearing trousers. In the MaxMara show it cropped up sleeveless and black and in a black and white check that would take a girl from Fall to Spring quite nicely. It is a trend for women who like showing off a little leg, or who will only go 'mini' under the most serious circumstances. If the dress actually opens up, well, that just seals the deal for us. Wearing a super sized blazer with a cotton t-shirt and jeans would also come in handy on days when your wardrobe just doesn't seem to fit.

To see our gallery of the Spring 2009 MaxMara collection, which showed as part of Milan Fashion Week, click here.

Cheap Monday Makes The Perfect Leather Shorts

coutorture — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Cheap Monday Samantha Leather Short $90 @ Tobi

Ever since we editorialized our love of leather shorts--it's all we can think about. When shopping vintage, it heads the top of our list. When talking spring shopping, it is the lead-in to our discussion. It has, in other words, been one of the top things on our fashion list from posting to shopping to friendly conversation. And then, out of nowhere, came a pair of ninety dollar leather shorts by Cheap Monday. Thanks to Tobi we can see the pair at all angles and thanks to e-commerce we needn't search through vintage stores for the next three months to find them.

J Crew Onesy Discovered At Alexander Wang Checkout

coutorture — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Stripes and dots union suit $65 - J.Crew

Just when we were getting ready to purchase the Alexander Wang thermal onesy we happened upon this J Crew incarnation and the similarity has us thinking twice. A thermal or cotton onesy, no matter how you slice it, is no stroke of genius. What had us ready to spend so much on the Wang offering was that, up until recently, we just couldn't find one. For the longest time we stalked Splendid line sheets and Target pajama sections and the closest we came was a lace version from Lover (which we promptly bought) that, however nice, was not exactly what we were looking for. Now, long-john-like onesys are popping up everywhere and we can't make up our minds from where or how much we should indulge. Needless to say, if you weren't convinced by Wang you can pick up on this trend for much, much less. Who knew!

Manoush Reaches Our Ruffle Threshold

coutorture — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:16:00 -0800

Manoush Jabot Dress in Rose/Ecru $382 @ Revolve Clothing

French contemporary label, Manoush, has always had a place in our hearts thanks to their over-the-top femininity and quirky sense of humor--there's something about that combination that we like. When we caught a glimpse of this Jabot Dress we couldn't help but wonder if the design team wasn't poking fun at the ruffle trend taking over the contemporary market. Is it Manoush's femininity or sense of humor coming out in this dress? It's hard to tell. In any case, we like this dress but it does reach our ruffle threshold. The only thing more ruffled you'd find us wearing would be a Spring 09 frock by Cristian Lacroix because, well, his ruffles are too over-the-top not to love.

3.1 Phillip Lim Margot Glasses

coutorture — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:12:03 -0800

3.1 Phillip Lim Margot Sunglasses: $225 @ Barneys

When we saw these red Lolita-esque sunglasses come down the Fall 2008 Phillip Lim runway we couldn't wait to see them on shelves. The red framed Margot glasses are part of Lim's second eyewear collection and, just based on their uniqueness, we think they show that Lim can stand up against the likes of Tom or Stella in his ability to create fashion-forward shapes. Slightly pointed at the sides, and perfectly medium-sized we're adding these shades to our holiday wishlist--$225 in our wallet or no.

Alexander Wang Grants Our Secret Fashion Wish

coutorture — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:07:11 -0800

Alexander Wang Thermal Onesie $326 @OAK

Everyone has a secret fashion wish that they dare not utter aloud or write about with warrant and ours has always been to suddenly find ourselves with thermal onesie trend on our hands. We've long been fans of wearing thermal leggings or tops as basics in the winter and so often we wished for a one-stop garment to find its way on the market. Alexander Wang has always been privy to the secret desires of young fashionistas and so it's no wonder that he made our dream and reality--and just in time for the holidays! If you're feeling brave, pair this onesie with ankle boots and a flannel and go have yourself the most glamorous of grunge-inspired times. For the faint of heart, layer it with a tunic and boots and you'll be both warm and in style. Thanks for making our dreams come true Alex!

Gift Giver: Betsey Johnson Bow Bangle Watch

coutorture — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:54:00 -0800

For seventy five dollars this plastic costume watch by Betsey Johnson seems a great gift for a younger sister or fashionable friend. What's more, this watch is a web-exclusive on the Urban Outfitters online shop (which means everyone hasn't seen it stacked on some messy table near the checkout) and comes complete with its own jewelry box packaging. Betsey Johnson continues to extend her upbeat attitude to all facets of fashion and we have to hand it to her--more often than not we fancy her offerings before we know they are hers. From sweet lingerie to floral jodhpurs there are quite a few Betsey Johnson items on our fashion wish list. And now, zee plastic bow watch--because we might just have to get one for ourselves.

Penny Loafers: A Classic Analogy

coutorture — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:35:13 -0700

Yesterday afternoon, while strolling the main drag of Bedford Avenue we popped into a shoe store that had four different kinds of penny loafers on display. A coincidence? We think not. There are some trends that quietly reflect the mood and financial means of the consumer and there are some that are downright literal and unabashed in their analogies. That said, we've long been fans of the penny loafer and have no objection to their newfound popularity. These classic flats came along at the right time as they'll look nice with the cropped trousers and androgynous looks we'll also see this fall. Our pick so far is this pair by Poly. Clocking in at just under $110, it's a fine way to jump on the trend. Having taken a look at the older brands who still make the shoe, like this one, we can say that you wouldn't find them for much less anyhow.