Coutorture

Shopping: Draped Party Dresses

coutorture — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:35:23 -0800

Clockwise from left: Alexander Wang draped sequin mini dress $815 Net-a-Porter, Jason Wu embroidered chiffon drape dress $2350 Net-a-Porter, La Petite S***** Draped sequin dress $1275 Net-a-Porter, Yves Saint Laurent draped silk-satin dress $1490 Net-a-Porter, Michael Kors one shoulder jersey dress $1495 Net-a-Porter, Dolce & Gabbana draped silk dress $2173 mytheresa, Shoulder pad draped dress $70 Topshop, Diane von Furstenberg golden tiger draped dress $462 mytheresa.

Nothing says festive evening quite like a few sequins, velvet animal print, and draped detailing. To help you decide what to wear now that your events calendar is filling up, we've picked our eight favorite cocktail party looks in the gently draped category (which is pretty flattering on most). From vibrant jewel-tones (Yves Saint Lauren), to anything-but-basic black (Michael Kors) and full-on sequins (Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, and La Petite S*****), here's to a well-dressed party season.

Shopping: Front Line Army Jackets

coutorture — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:47:57 -0800

Clockwise from left: Marc Jacobs spring 2010, Golden Goose peacoat with removable lining $1587 La Garconne, Daytrip lightweight jacket $38 Buckle, Prps army jacket $803 Mytheresa, Courtney bomber $59 Delia's.

Army surplus-style clothing surfaced on the spring runways (see Marc Jacobs above) with ready-to-wear and accessories trending towards the utilitarian. Our top picks for fatigue-inspired jackets this fall range in price point, from Golden Goose's luxe double-layered peacoat to the two affordable options under $50. If the price still isn't right, try bargaining at your local Army Navy store.

Shopping: Statement Winter Coats

coutorture — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:52:05 -0800

From left: Halston brushed wool-blend cape $3495 Net-a-Porter, Preen Aztec shearling coat $2830 Net-a-Porter, Rick Owens strong shoulder coat $2649 Kirna Zabete, Matthew Williamson long belted rabbit coat $1995 Net-a-Porter.

Although not exactly budget friendly, these four statement coats are ideal rivals to winter's ubiquitous black overcoat. This season we'll be taking inspiration from Preen's shearling fur details, Halston's cape-style coat and obi belt, and Rick Owens' strong leather shoulders.

Shopping: The Bold Shoulder

PopSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:52:02 -0800

Silence & Noise Studded Boyfriend Blazer $88 - Urban Outfitters; Julien Macdonald Gem-embellished suede jacket $7565 - Net-A-Porter; ALTUZARRA - Coat - colette $3,780; Eyelet Denim Jacket - Topshop - $125; Swar Embellished Shoulder Dress - Antik Batik- $379.5; Tibi Embellished silk jersey dress $370 - Net-A-Porter; Fendi Fur-Shoulder Sweater Dress $1995 - Saks Fifth Avenue; Markus Lupfer Roisin star jacket $1345 - Net-A-Porter

Who needs jewelry when you're already accessorized? There are a few options out there offering already-tacked on shoulder details, from Altuzarra's statement coat with dangling bits of fur to Urban Outfitters' strategically studded blazer. The look is even simple to DIY - all you need are studs or rhinestones to add your own flair to blazers, cardigans, or a basic t-shirt.

Shopping: Feminine Frills With A Hard Edge

coutorture — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:29:15 -0800

Clockwise from left: Marc Jacobs silk sequin skirt $1400 Net-a-Porter, Fendi silk chiffon ruffle top $1280 Net-a-Porter, Giambattista Valli bow belt $390 Kirna Zabete, Chloe bow-embellished suede pumps $1290 Net-a-Porter, Lanvin metal ribbon choker $1175 Kirna Zabete, Lanvin mini satin shoulder bag $1238, Fendi bow-printed tee shirt $305 Net-a-Porter.

Who says ladylike ruffles and bows have to be sweet? We prefer a slight edge with our frothy looks and gravitate towards ready-to-wear and accessories that mix innocence with a heavy dose of tough chic-think pearls paired with gold hardware, trompe l'oeil bows, and raw-edged chiffon.

Shopping: The Brooch is Back

coutorture — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:23:16 -0800

Clockwise from left: Lanvin rose brooch $1071 Mytheresa, Lanvin cupid brooch $655 Kirna Zabete, Hakuna brooch $170 Swarovski, Jean Schlumberger maltese cross clip $9300 Tiffany & Co., Iradj Moini pin $2125 Marissa Collections, Bounkit pin $960 Marissa Collections.

Much-loved by wide-shouldered power-dressers in the Eighties, the bold brooch is back-but this time around it's not about jewel-encrusted serpents and cheetahs. Lanvin's Alber Elbaz designed two of our favorite whimsical pins, both perfect when piled on in pairs and worn with a ladylike dress or added as an afterthought to a favorite handbag.

Shopping: Net-a-Porter Exclusive Preen Line Resort

coutorture — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:40:52 -0800

From left: PVC pants $760, Bianca cotton blazer $655, Newton cotton-blend dress $555, Tear tiered cotton tank $185, Fountain jersey dress $350 . All Preen Line at Net-a-Porter.

Preen Line, the second more affordable collection from Preen design team Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, has been a breakout success since its launch in spring 2008. For resort 2009 Net-a-Porter purchased exclusive Preen Line pieces-including a few items which were sold out within days of hitting the site. Here are five covetable pieces, including a pair of PVC pants and a tiered cotton tank, which are still available online.

Shopping: Sexy Cut-Outs

coutorture — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:25 -0800

Clockwise from left: Cushnie et Ochs spring 2010, Alexander McQueen turtle neck dress $1395 Alexander McQueen, Velvet Angels black bootie $358 Oak, Scatter beaded dress $90 Topshop, Alexander Wang fitted skirt $425 Kirna Zabete.

Cushnie et Ochs sent ultra revealing slashed dresses down the runway for spring 2010. To get a similar-if a bit understated-version of the look, try Alexander Wang's mesh cut out jersey skirt or Topshop's asymmetrical long sleeve mini. For the even more modest-minded, Alexander McQueen offers a turtle neck dress with sharp slits just above the elbow.

Shopping: Great Capes

coutorture — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:13:25 -0800

Clockwise from left: Derek Lam fall 2009, Derek Lam cashmere blend cape $1990 Net-a-Porter, Balmain tweed military cape $5163 Mytheresa, Marc Jacobs knitted wool cape $1524 Mytheresa, Stella McCartney oversized chunky knit cape $1685 Bergdorf Goodman.

A classic cape paired with slim trousers and ankle boots, builds an effortlessly chic silhouette. Derek Lam sent his cashmere cape with detachable collar down the runway with a slim skirt and lady-like blouse. Balmain's military style cape has structured shoulders and silver buttons, and Marc Jacob makes his unique with contrasting white trim and matching epaulets.

Shopping: Pretty Pleats

coutorture — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:06:51 -0800

From left: Catherine Malandrino pleated wool bustier dress $495 Net-a-Porter, Willow pleated crepe skirt $585 Net-a-Porter, Willow pleated bodice dress $710 Net-a-Porter, 3.1 Phillip Lim satin accordion pleated necklace $225 La Garconne.

We're loving Australian designer Kit Willow's Grecian pleated details. For her fall 2009 collection, Willow paired pleated dresses and skirts with tailored jackets and chiffon blouses to achieve her signature romantic look. Equally notable in the pleats department-Phillip Lim's structured bib necklace, and Catherine Malandrino's sexy bustier dress.