More than a few designers must have hit Army Navy stores for inspiration this spring, as military detailing was used on everything from combat boot-style footwear (at Jean Paul Gaultier and Phi) to army fatique jackets (Rag & Bone, Marc Jacobs, Celine, and Louis Vuitton).
Since September we've been living in a now-sold-out military jacket we picked up from the Gap, but J.Crew has a great version, too, which is still available online.
Outerwear is an important element of any season and one that--like shoes and accessories--people often "trade-up" for thanks to the impact it has on a wardrobe. This Fall 2009 Rag & Bone and 3.1 Phillip Lim both showed great break-away coats that were military inspired and loose and swing-y respectively. This versatile trend is one of our favorites from the season and we can't wait to see what other renderings crop up come September.
Rag & Bone, always true to its military-inspired aesthetic, has softened things up for their Pre-Fall 2009 collection. Although a switch like this seems more appropriate leading into a Spring season, we're happy to see this new side of the brand. If you're in New York, don't forget to check out the infamous Rag & Bone sample sale, which ends today. Better snatch up those structured coats and dark colors--this Fall, who knows, there may not be much of that to go around.
If you're missing the famed Rag & Bone sample sale in New York today, never fear--there are plenty of online deals that dip down to sample sale status. All of these items are 50% off or more and don't require your digging through piles of clothing or changing in front of New York's most handsome male fashionistas. Remember: sale shopping is a state of mind.
You've seen the trend galleries and the presence of them on the e-commerce sites, it stands to be seen that leggings are not going anywhere anytime soon. On the bright side, gone are the tunics that gave them such a bad reputation in the first place--at least on the runway. Now leggings, economical for both fashion designers and their loyal customers, have gone luxe. From Gareth Pugh to Rag & Bone (left) it seems leggings are now just another form of trouser and, given how comfortable women have become with showing off their waistline and hips--they're still a top choice among fashionistas of all walks of life. Could women, that said, be ready for the next level? Yesterday we noticed a pant-less trend on the Spring 09 catwalks, and, in today's Topshop Hoiday spread, a sequin pair of knickers made us think it an actual possibility. For now, let's just say we're happy fashion has made a truce with leggings. After all, how else would we show off all of those fabulous ankle boots?
Our new favorite street style photographer, Garance Dore, captured this equestrian-inspired look, and we thought it called for a shopping spread. A black hat, wool blazer, colorful scarf, and black t-shirt are pieces that, if you don't own already, you probably won't regret investing in. In fact, putting them all together might be your only task. If you should need to fill in some gaps, our picks above.
When warm weather first hits people get really excited. Out come the bright prints, the short shorts, the panama hats. There is something to be said, however, for the woman who takes it in stride. She doesn't get all rambunctious and crazy with her wardrobe, she saves the 'Summer is here' outfits for when summer is actually, you know, here. During these spring months she just rolls out on to the street in something that is decidedly optimistic but not over the top. To this end, we think this outfit is something that sort of fashionista might wear. The Mayle Mariachi Sun Bag has the popular Native American thing going on, it's a summertime purse that is still substantial and sturdy, the Rag & Bone Dalton Cropped Pants and Alexander Wang Drop Needle Rainbow Tank evoke a casual and feminine mood, and the Rachel Comey Pimm Oxfords, a bit of menswear to balance things out. Here's to the girl who knows a little bit about how to mix optimism and reserve.
Our network partner, Kingdom Of Style, reported on a burning desire for a waistcoat from Warehouse. Being that we are in New York, and Kingdom Of Style writes from London, we thought it appropriate to present some stateside options. The waistcoat epitomizes a dressed up gentlemen's look for women and in towns such as these, where the obvious option is the 'little black' whatever, adding a tailored garment can make all the difference. Waistcoat, in case you haven't noticed, is 'vest' in the King's English. Generally speaking, waistcoats are tailored where a vest can encompass everything from oversized knits to suede tassled versions. As a general rule, if it makes you stand a little bit taller and it's sleeveless, you're wearing a waistcoat. If it's embroidered with a Christmas tree and worn by your favorite 5th grade math teacher, it's a vest. Below we've found waistcoats from the likes of Rag & Bone, Todd Lynn Jackson, and McQ.
You've seen 
Vic Mati?
Vivienne Westwood
Alviero Martini
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