coutorture --

Five Key Fall Trends: Winter's Summer

coutorture — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:34:14 -0700

This past Spring we thought we'd never survive the floral madness. When Spring 08 was editorialized with every kind of floral pun and relative aesthetic concept ('English Garden', 'In Full Bloom') the editors could conjure, we thought by the time the clothing delivered, we'd be too worn out to participate.

What happened though, was that Fall 08 shows started percolating in our subconscious early leaving the bright, summer florals relatively little much mind-space. Yes, we wore floral this summer but it didn't feel over saturated, at least not given its build up. That said, the Fall 08 floral trends didn't irk us as much as we would have thought. In fact, the brooding, romantic, more dense florals that we see this season are even more interesting and dynamic than those which we saw for spring. It feels, despite all of the floral chit chat in 2008, decidedly fresh.

For our Fall's Top Five: Past & Present photo shoot our stylist, Liz Baca, pulled a vintage Yves Saint Laurent dress from Rock It Retro and an Erdem frock, with a floral print that was inspired by scenes from a moving train (we'll be covering the Erdem show this Spring, we are big fans). Below, check out some of our favorite 'winter's summer' trend pieces and, below that, our previous roundup of the florals we saw in the fall shows. We don't want to make you tired of it--but we just can't help ourselves.

Immaterial: Erdem's Taroni Silk Print Dresses

coutorture — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:15:04 -0700

Walker Percy said in The Moviegoer that there is a particular gnosis that comes from train travel. This spiritual knowledge must be Erdem Moralioglu meant he said his printed silk dresses, like the one featured in Fall Top Five photo editorial, are "like a landscape speeding past when you're on a train." Ephemeral, delicate, and deeply moving, these dresses speak to us.

Now, our experience with Amtrak is not quite so beautifully blurred, but a Bullet train's swooshing seems a delightful metaphor for a kind of European modernity that takes a high tech perspective to an aging tradition. You see, Erdem was able to design this series of dresses using double duchesse Taroni silks. Integrating bracing modern lime, purple, acid yellow, and orange prints with silk from Como's oldest operating weavers is exactly the kind of lateral thinking we embrace here at Coutorture. Indeed, we we have already featured the Fides Silk gown once in an Immaterial post while promising to use it in a wider editorial. The variety of silhouettes Erdem features using the same basic pattern showcases just how flexible this print series can be. Thus when we were able to feature the Statina Dress you can imagine we were pleased as punch.

Louboutin Notes

coutorture — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:56:47 -0700

Just a few updates in case you make it your business to stalk the deliveries of Louboutins--like we do. Call us predictable, we believe in the canon.

If you can say this three times in a row, we'll come to your house and paint all of your shoe soles red. The Altadama Astrakhan Platforms, which we pulled for today's editorial, Fall's Top Five: Past & Present, deserve a note on their real-life presence. Net-A-Porter articulates them as being appropriate from late summer through mid-fall but we're pretty sure they're fabulous (and we don't use that word lightly) for any temperature (with hosiery, of course!). For our shoot we went monochrome and opaque. We're all about the colored tight and the monochromatic styling, so call it by osmosis that our stylist showed up with this pairing in mind. The shoes are larger than life, is all we wanted to say. Just in case you can't tell from the picture.

The New Simple Pumps, which we wrote about the second they hit Net-a-Porter, only to find them sold out by the end of the day, are back in stock. Never underestimate the power of a reorder! Some sizes have started selling out but we wouldn't bring it up if there weren't a significant run of sizes left. As we said before, these grey flannel pumps would probably take you miles this fall. We don't expect to see them on the site next week.

There's nothing better than falling in love with a pair of shoes and then finding out they come in multiple colors. The Very Brode Pumps (or, the Passementerie Pumps, as they're known to Neiman Marcus) so far, we've seen in yellow, red, and hot pink. The hot pink pair we pulled for our shoot (though, sadly, it didn't make it in) and we have to say that they are outfit-making if ever. As perfect with crisp jeans as with a proper cocktail dress, the only tough decision is which color to indulge in. Yesterday we thought pink but today we're leaning towards yellow. As if we needed something else to worry about right before fashion week!

Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Sequin Embellished Tank

coutorture — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:07:14 -0700

Metallics, as they are an intrinsic characteristic of 'holiday' attire, are bound to crop up every season in slightly different hues. This Fall 08, in addition to burnt golds and coppers, we saw quite a few opulence trends on the runway, turning Fall 08 into a 'holiday-happy' season indeed. The Fall 08 Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti collection, for instance, is full of holiday party options. The collection touched on the lace, sequin, and velvet trends of Fall 08 while pulling in the classic metallics we were expecting all along. We quite like this embellished tank because styled a la Proenza Schouler with wool trousers, a leather jacket, and paired down hair and makeup, it would be the perfect 'Fall/Holiday 09' moment. Sequins, this season, are meant to look a little disheveled (a little like you've been digging in the dress-up trunk) and so this blouse would be perfect as the dressed-up ingredient. Net-a-Porter styled it with slim black cigarette pants, which show you the more classic approach to wearing this piece (and it looks quite sharp like that too) but if we were going to wear it, we'd go for contrasts in texture. Below, the Philosophy Fall 08 show so you can break down the pieces and muss them up Fall 08 style.

Tuttle Your Fancy

coutorture — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:27:04 -0700

LD Tuttle is a dream brand for a certain kind of independent girl that likes her accessories trendy but not immediately recognizable. The fall collection is packed with the requisite grays and off color neutrals, bursting with ankle booties and straps galore, and it has just enough suede to make us swoon. In other words, it has everything a Williamsburg wants without saying screaming I bought this season's "it" shoes. Community member Style Bite is positively drooling over the collection. Thus it is no surprise that Coutorture favorite and Williamsburg (and now Soho) staple Oak has a great stockist for the fall collection. We took the liberty of doing a little round up of the shoes we like best.

Good News On The Footwear Front

coutorture — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:15:23 -0700

If you're feeling our love for this shoe, call Sigerson Morrison and get your name in the books. You see, a few seasons ago Sigerson Morrison created the perfect peter pan shoe in both suede and leather (the leather version does not, in our opinion, do this shoe justice). The suede came in a dusty grey color and it was, in a few words, the most perfect peter pan shoe in the world. Well, we tried the shoe on and hesitated because, at this time, the vintage stores were stocking the woven versions that had a similar shape and look to them (this season Dolce Vita has ripped those off) but, what we realized long after the suede Sigerson Morrison version went out of stock, was that the vintage pairs only last for a quarter of the season and that the suede, modern version would have been the wisest investment. So, needless to say, since that time we've asked, every time we walk into the Sigerson Store, if they'll ever remake the suede version of the shoe. We have no shame.

This weekend when we popped into the store and went through our drill of picking up the patent leather version and asking the clerk whether the suede version would ever grace the floor again, we were given a response we thought we'd only hear in our dreams: "Why yes, it's about to deliver in that dusty grey version any day now". Say what? Cardiac arrest best describes our reaction to this news. We know everyone can say something about 'the shoe that got away' and we just had to share this story of hope. Peter pan fans, your day has come.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Neon Bubble Dress

coutorture — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:43:54 -0700

As much as we hate the word 'bubble' in our fashion lexicon, we do love this Marc by Marc dress. In fact, we've kind of been on a frock kick these past few weeks because its an investment that works now and will last through the fall. This neon (ahem) bubble dress is a perfect example. This cotton blend dress with 3/4 length sleeves is perfect with bare legs and flats (we hear a fashion week outfit calling) and will work with black opaque tights and black booties come fall. On that note, we're particularly obsessed with that combination for fall. Brights and whites on your frock and an all-black look from thighs downward is a sharp trend for Fall 08 and one that is easy enough to manifest a million times over. Below, that neon number from two different e-commerce sites (take your pick) and a few other Marc by Marc frocks that follow the same set of rules. This is a look that's not hard to wrap your mind around and, let's face it, some mornings that kind of simplicity is appreciated. To see these frocks on the Fall 08 runway, click here.

Mayle Wintertime Brilliance

coutorture — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:36:12 -0700

After posting on our reluctance to purchase anything resembling a 'fashion coat' this winter, Mayle solved all of our problems. First of all our love for shearling is strong. When we saw shearling this season from Richard Chai, Matthew Williamson, and Preen, we were just about beside ourselves. Shearling is like the morally sound alternative to fur and it's likewise really, really warm. Although we've never donned a pair of UGGs, we've long been fans of shearling. So Mayle, ever the clever indie star, came up with a little shearling caplet which can drape around the collar of your favorite trench or not-so-warm 'fashion coat'. It's darling, really, and might just solve your warmth problem come snowstorm time. The only snag in this plan is that the caplet itself is $240 dollars. Now, that might be nothing to some fashionistas and if so, all the power to you. We do know, however, that not every chicster will want to spend that much post-coat purchase. The only answer we can come up with is to act like Steve Madden and hit up the garment district on a DIY adventure, or, make the fashion coat purchase now and save the caplet investment for later, when you've long forgotten the former investment.

Surprisingly, The Shoe Fits

coutorture — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:11:12 -0700

If you can tell us where these shoes are from, we'll marry you. Yes, we'll marry you. Because these are high stakes and you deserve a substantial reward for such wisdom. You ready? They're from Payless. We know, we were as surprised as you. For twenty-four-ninety-nine (we'll spell it out, it's so little) you can snag the eggplant (also in black) oxfords from the comfort of your office desk. No need to let the less-fashion forward Payless offerings take away from the fact that this particular shoe is neither a rip-off nor for your average affordable option. Paired with a pair of cigarette trousers, we're pretty sure no one would know the difference. The question, in these circumstances, is what your reaction will be when people inevitably ask where you found such chic little oxfords. We're big fans of the contextual reaction. If it's your best friend, you'll take her arm and whisper the answer in her ear, and if it's an acquaintance at a cocktail party, you tell her something like 'Oh you know these things they're everywhere really'. In other words, double speak your way out of it sister, she'll figure it out in her own time.

Miu Miu Double Zip Dress

coutorture — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:11:05 -0700

Sometimes we wish Net-a-Porter would just put the darn frocks on a real person. This Miu Miu Double Zip Dress just doesn't look as nice on that mannequin as it did on the runway. Now, we know that this could be the result of some post-fashion week fabrication adjustments. We also know that it might be more to do with Net-a-Porter's sample size, but, regardless, the charm is lost. On the runway this dress is a body skimming jewel-toned piece of perfection. It makes the model look curvaceous and blends that old world silhouette with modern details a la the frock's hardware. What does it look like on e-commerce? It looks like a shift dress with neon sleeves. The product description reads, "exquisitely tailored" but, by the looks of it, it's a sack dress. To be honest we can't tell just where the problem lies. It's either the lack of, er, human being, holding the garment up or it's that the sample size is larger than the mannequins frame. Either way, we hope that the fashionistas buying this Miu Miu frock for $1,640 will know to check the proper runway exit. We're pretty sure in twenty years we will look back on these discrepancies and roll over onto our sides in a fit of laughter.

Strap Into Fall

coutorture — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:06:00 -0700

For the sake of convenience we're going to pretend we didn't see these Jimmy Choo Glenys Python Sandals. We're going to pretend we didn't see them because for once we actually prefer the low-end version. Jeffery Campbell who makes super comfortable and super affordable trendy shoes, has taken this Choo shoe and exaggerated its look. We're pretty sure there are twice as many straps as the Choo, we're pretty sure the Campbell version is one of the darn sexiest Fall 08 sandals we've seen to date. The Marly Black Patent Leather Platform is a mere $110 (compare that to the Choo at $1,550) and will serve you well when it's still warm enough for sandals though a chill in the air calls for something a little more dense than a flimsy summer heel. Below, the top five strap-happy sandals we've been eying, at a diverse range of price points.

Chloe Cropped Cardigan

coutorture — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:35:13 -0700

We're not going to patronize you by asking rhetorical questions about whether a $365 dollar sweater is 'worth' it. Let's just call a spade a spade and say that you have the money to spend on such things, you don't, you happened to be first in line to the sample sale, or you wait until it's twenty percent off and buy it online. Anyway, we know it's somewhat boring of us to be exited about a neon pink cardi that looks like something you might find at the Salvation Army, but we can't help ourselves. Truth is, this cardigan, over some wild frock or pair of six inch heels, would get more mileage than anything. In the winter, when long, heavy layers are so necessary, having a bright something to cozy up to is always welcome. To us, this looks like one of those pieces that you put on one freezing cold morning and think yourself, "You know, I'm really glad I ended up buying this." Now, invest in some of the rich indigos from Chloe's Fall 08 collection and you've really made a wise investment. The combination or navy, neon pink, and pale skin almost makes us ready to put our shorts and light frocks in storage and gear up for the long winter.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Brushed Twill Cropped Pant

coutorture — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:06:13 -0700

Whoa there, three-hundred-and-twenty-eight dollar hammer pants. We love you. We love you because you sold out all summer from the various designers that decided to make you and now, in the wee hours of fall, you've delivered from a designer we trust and at a price we can afford. We promise we will try not to cheat on you.

These slouchy brushed twill trousers will probably sell out in a week or two, unless, because it's Shopbop, they miraculously sit there for a month. But seriously, we're guessing fashionistas worldwide have caught onto this trend by now. Judging by the fit on the model, these trousers run big. She is probably wearing a zero but, even though they are meant to billow, they still look kind of gigantic on her (the waist should be tighter, no?). So, ladies, that means if you wear a size 26 jean (and not a 24) you should probably still by the size zero, and so on. Oh, just when we thought we were going to die from fashion-starvation, we find these goodies. Looks like we'll survive August after all.

Fides Silk Gown By Erdem

coutorture — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:21:54 -0700

Designer Erdem Moralioglu described this print as the landscape from a speeding train. It was this print, in part, that led to a critically acclaimed Fall 08 collection from Moralioglu, who started his own line back in 2006. The designer worked for Diane von Furstenburg before winning the Fashion Fringe award in 2005 and has been climbing his way up to the top since then. This collection was by far his most stunning, with beautifully tailored frocks and coats, trench coats adorned with lace or rosettes, and a print to top all of the florals we've seen for the past two seasons. This Fides Silk Gown, now available on Net-a-Porter, was on of our favorites. Elegant, long and lean, this frock could be worn by a woman of any age, and by day or evening, depending on the occasion. This collection was innovative and elegant and this dress is a shining example of just how talented is the designer. We'll keep an eye on just how fast these first pieces sell out, and bring you full spreads once more of the collection delivers.

A Classic Re-Did

coutorture — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:51:20 -0700

Miu Miu, as part of pre-Fall, pushed out some lace-up riding boots: the kind girls round these parts have been wearing every winter for the past 6 or 7 years. Alas, we're sure they will sell this classic boot like hotcakes. To be honest, there are some designs that are sharp and ought be offered at every price point. If your average shoe allowance hovers around a thousand, why should you have to slum it and buy the real-vintage version (that retails, even in perfect condition, at no more than $200). Where there is a need...there is a Miu Miu version. Which is, if you ask us, as it should be. Look at it this way, as long as Miu Miu and like keep producing the classic styles, it will give our daughters, when they are in their twenties and living in New York, some sick vintage riding boots to wear during the winter months. It's the circle of boot-life, folks.

Chloe Pre-Fall On Net-a-Porter

coutorture — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:41:32 -0700

One of the first signs that fall is approaching is when you walk into a boutique, or shop online, and you're up to your ears in cardigans. You know the drill, "Oh hmm, it's too early to buy fall clothing but I bet I could cozy up to this on 'cool evenings'"--it's a rationalization we all make. That said, some of the Chloe pre-fall goodies have delivered and one striped cardigan has us thinking that we should blast the AC (not very eco-friendly, we know) and brew up some earl grey for the occasion. Net-a-Porter, always the wordsmith, peddled it like this: "Wear this relaxed knit with a wide belt for your casual weekend look.". Ah ha, seems they get the pre-fall thought process just fine (Go on, project your best self!). We don't know about you guys but our 'casual weekend look' in this heat consists of a one piece swimsuit, shorts, and sandals--if that. Nevertheless, we're tempted.

Sergio Rossi Gladiator Elastic Strap Sandals

coutorture — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:59:42 -0700

We tried these puppies on yesterday and damn if we didn't near miss our appointment for the sake of waiting in the checkout line. Oh, Intermix, we will be back. Yes, Intermix looks like Lucky magazine exploded all over some harmless brick and mortar, but we have to give it to their buyers. Sometimes, the best things in life...are at Intermix. These Sergio Rossi Gladiator Elastic Strap Sandals are the perfect late summer-early fall stacked sandal. We nearly had to sit down and ask for a glass of water at the thought of them paired with a crisp, skinny pair of jeans. What we like about them is that the khaki and brown color combination, the somewhat conservative heel structure, and the usage of elastic make it all seem a bit Brooks Brothers but, you know, a gladiator is a gladiator and so it's a nice play between 'balthazaar frequenting chicster' and 'cape cod dwelling tennis player'. It's conservative and fashion forward, which is essentially what Sergio Rossi does best. Sigh, the fact that such things can be had for less than it costs to drink in New York for the weekend means that there is justice in the fashion world. Okay, we kid (but we do love the shoes).

For The Gal Whose Not Really Feeling High Waisted Shorts

coutorture — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:41:02 -0700

Lyell's raw high-waisted denim shorts will change all that. We'll be the first to admit, at this stage in the game, these shorts are hard to come by. They're definitely sold out at the Lyell shop in New York. We spotted a size 4 in Williamsburg the other day, Satine has a size 8, and the rest, chicsters, is a matter of tracking them down. There's got to be a couple of size runs left in the world and we'll tell you right now--these shorts are the most flattering pair we've found, they're well worth the fight. Even hiked up way-above your belly button the inseam allows for coverage on your thighs (just say no to hot shorts) and the dark raw denim also make for a slimming silhouette. This makes sense because, as we know, a Lyell sort of girl is one who weighs just enough to be called 'slim' but not so little that she has to skip desert (i.e. many of us). Fletcher has used this same denim in a pair of wide leg jeans we've yet to road-test but, judging by similarities, we're guessing they're a thumbs up as well. Ladies, go get those last pairs. You can wear them on the Fourth of July. You can say you did it for America.

Fall Flannel Louboutin Pumps

coutorture — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:40:57 -0700

We're stunned at the appearance of Fall and Pre-Fall merchandise, but alas, thus is the pattern of fashion. Every season, like every one else, we scratch our heads and look at our watches, like, 'Hmm...already?'. The answer is always, 'Yes, already'. That said, these flannel pumps by Louboutin feel appropriately timed. If we're going to wrap our minds around shopping for anything remotely cold weather-appropriate in the middle of a New York City heat wave, it's going to be the basics. What we mean when we say basic, especially when it costs near a thousand dollars, is classic. These pumps are surely not the sort of shoes you bring home and regret having acquired. They would smashing with skinny denim, with pencil skirts, with those colored tights we saw from Proenza and the like. They would, in other words, be a wise investment and one that can surely sit in your closet for a few months without making you all sore that you can't wear them just yet. Some things are worth buying now and, at the same time, worth the wait.

Acne's Bluest Blue Jeans

coutorture — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:38:21 -0700

Perhaps it's the denim range Lanvin is designing for Acne that has us excited about the brand's Spring offerings all over again. Namely, the A-Pant in Blu. After all, the Lanvin for Acne pieces are comprised of deep blue denim not as bright as this one, but certainly as rich. When we saw the pair in a vibrant OAK editorial we nearly ran to the boutique (Alas, e-commerce! Ah, the marvel of the modern world.) to grab a pair. The A-Pant by Acne is a simple mid-high rise jean that flares slightly at the bottom. The look is 'sailor pant' through and through and the color, in this case, is a crisp cobalt that would enliven just about any blouse in your closet (you'll also find the A-Pant in Lilac and a few classic denim washes). We just can't pass up ultra blue denim, especially when it comes in this 1970's inspired silhouette. Check out our current Acne picks, including those illustrious blu jeans, below.

Grey Ant High Waist Belted Slack

coutorture — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:17:48 -0700

This weekend we popped into Opening Ceremony and picked up a pair of Grey Ant High Waist Belted Slacks that nearly blew all of our other trousers out of the water. That said, a Coutorture Immaterial is borne. These trousers rightly fit in with our new fashion kick of the moment, namely, sophisticated clothing that enhances ones curves. The high waist silhouette always did this for us but with new Herve Leger-type frocks also making a huge comeback, we're going to apply the rule to our entire wardrobe. These trousers come even higher than mid waist (hello, 11 inch rise) and turn wide leg (no, they do not flare) by the bottom. A good pair of trousers never hurt anyone and we're going to say that this pair is a choice we wholeheartedly endorse. For more on women looking like women, check out our other super high waist picks below, and, Alexander McQueen's menswear collection which featured a few bombshell looks for the gals.

Coutorture Loves A Cougar

coutorture — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:23:05 -0700

Maybe it's Naeem Kahn's Resort collection or our preference for maturity at all costs, whatever the case may be, a ferociousness has been taking Coutorture by storm. As we were making our daily rounds of what's on sale at Net-a-Porter, we noticed this newly added D&G Tiger Print Shirt Dress. We must say, it's puuuurrrfect (sorry, couldn't resist). First off, it's D&G, much to the appeal of any woman with plastic nails from New York to Boca, and it's Tiger Printed (not cheetah, nor zebra) so you know, pair it with self-tanned legs, these shoes, and a martini, and you're a fashion woman to be reckoned with. More animal prints below, obviously all by Dolce & Gabbana. All joking aside, we're really into animal prints, especially when styled with oddities like acid green sandals, orange nails, or washed out nude lipstick.

It's Ok To Be Cross

coutorture — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:30:45 -0700

The racerback and the criss cross are staples when it comes to tank tops but lately we have found that the classic is getting classed up. Trashbag Aesthetics is rocking an American Apparel Baby Rip Cross Back Summer Dress. She says it is basic, beautiful and perfectly cool for the hotter than Hades weather that is plaguing the Eastern Seaboard. The criss-cross action that has been bouncing through the blogosphere prompted us to search for our own cross dress on our beloved Shopstyle. The gods of fashion smiled on us as we found this silk jersey sleeveless dress with gathered waist and cross front from Barney's on sale. The perfect peach color is drew us like a moth to a flame and the half off price tag of $250 sealed the deal. It is a perfect immaterial obsession if there ever was one.

Karta Grid Print Dress

coutorture — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:26:34 -0700

At a recent Resort showing we saw a fashion gal wearing this Karta Grid print dress. The gal, a very womanly fashionista indeed, looked smashing. It's nice to see these garments on someone other than a size two. Knowing that the garment works on more than just the models is something that really solidifies the brand in our minds. Now part of the Net-a-Porter blow out sale, this dress is only a bit over $200 and seems like it would be a wise investment. Karta is a newly founded Los Angeles based brand that puts out quite a few shift dresses though each with its own special embellishments. It seems like Karta is just in time for Fall's opulence trends (an off-shoot of the recession) and should be favored by trend aware fashionistas who shop at a contemporary price point and veer away from the avant garde. Like any designer, as long as they're doing something interesting and speaking to someone who loves fashion, we'll take them just as they are. Below, check out some of Karta's other offerings, all marked down for Summer.

Denim & Thread Jeans

coutorture — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:46:54 -0700

See those fabulous high waisted jeans in our [Summer] In The City photo shoot? Well, feast your eyes on Australia's newest denim incarnation, Denim & Thread. The label, borne in 2006, sticks with a classic 25 weight gauge thread to create a fit that rivals your mom's sick 70's denim. These jeans are not flimsy, they don't rip by the inseam, they're solid, sturdy jeans like the good 'ol days. Creating a 'classic' fit, however, doesn't mean the label's manifesto is stuck in the past. Denim & Thread is mostly created from organic cotton by way of sustainable farming and their distressed denim is hand sanded so that distressed doesn't eventually equal unwearable. The jeans featured in our editorial are part of the Fall collection but check out the brand's Spring 08 offerings, with everything from high rise to acid washed. Denim & Thread is run by designer Ron London and denim technician Alex Lambousis. In New York, they are sold at OAK boutique.

Vanessa Bruno Sleeveless Silk Blazer

coutorture — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:22:56 -0700

If you can't wait for the long, lean blazer you'll be living in come fall, this could get you there a bit early. The Vanessa Bruno Sleeveless Silk Blazer has the shape of those put out by Alexander Wang and Calvin Klein, but without the weight and without the pesky sleeves. Now on sale at Net-a-Porter, the 100% silk, blush colored piece is recommended by the e-commerce retailers to be worn via the runway styling. Namely, with other monochromatic silk pieces and neon lipstick. We think there's nothing wrong with taking styling cues from the runway show, especially when it comes to contemporary French brands like this one (a pretty safe bet, even the glossies rip this kind of runway styling for editorial). We think the same can be said for a well-branded look book. The images of a cool, desolate dusk/dawn place depict the sort of world where Bruno Spring 08 would be the only thing to wear. Below, check out other Vanessa Bruno pieces that were part of her breezy, silk Spring 08 collection.

Issa Faux Wrap Dress

coutorture — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:42:52 -0700

Thank goodness for the 'faux' in this wrap dress, there's nothing worse that having the public witness your choice of 'comfortable' knickers. The first time we picked up an Issa dress, we were joking about how it belonged in the same family as the leisure suit, and the first time we put on an Issa dress, tears of joy were streaming down our face (okay, not tears but, still, we were really happy). To explain our first impression you have to understand that Issa frocks are exclusively loud in print, and always made of silk jersey. This doesn't always feel right; especially at $600 a pop. The catch though, is their tailoring and the ability for heavy silk jersey, print, and tucks of fabric to transform you into a total bombshell without the control top hosiery. So this frock, part of the Net-a-Porter blowout sale, is definitely worth a click-and-buy. It's a lovely print with that signature fit and, if you don't believe us, just consider how shapely and pulled together the (sometimes disheveled) mannequin looks.

Immaterial: Fendi Circle Pattern Dress

coutorture — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:39:24 -0700

Gracing Net-a-Porter's splash page today is this Fendi Circle Pattern Dress. The editorial is called 'Print Preview', get it? Like, before you print something out (what? paper?) you, you know, preview it. That goes with Fendi and other stuff, see what they mean? Yeah, it's one of those references that flies under the radar but doesn't really make sense when you stop and think about it. Or you could just take it literally and drop the cultural signifiers. Anyway, the editorial is pretty sharp and will surely help quite a few fashionistas drop twenty-four-eighty on a summer frock. The printed chiffon dress has front, back, and side circular prints and we can hardly wait for someone to knock it off as those deliberately placed circles could easily become suggestive targets when mass-produced for 49.99. Check out our spread below for more of what Fendi, headed by Lagerfeld, has delivered this spring.

Adam Striped Square Neck Kimono Dress

coutorture — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:09:34 -0700

Adam Lippes, hottest designer on the block (and most popular) gives us a summer frock we vote 'Best All Around'. It gets this superlative for the simple reason that it's a summer dress that doesn't make us gag (the saturation point has been reached to say the least) and because the kimono style sleeves and bodice would most likely suit a variety of body types. For his Spring 08 collection, Lippes did what he does best, that is, classy Hamptons gear (or otherwise luxurious vacation spot) for smart women who have money (and have had it for a while). It's curious that Lippes makes us feel this way because his price point is more or less contemporary (the Stripe Square Neck Kimono Dress at $285) but we suspect the psychology is similar to that of which we associate with Ralph Lauren. That is, the clothes are distinctly American and, as far as we know, the only Americans who really dress like Americans and do it well are those that temporarily reside in places like The Hamptons or Aspen. So we associate his clothes with high price points even though, funnily enough, they are mildly affordable. For more of the Spring 08 Adam collection, check out our gallery below.

Immaterial: Here's Looking At You Kid

coutorture — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:58:04 -0700

We are positively miserable with all the rain that has been plaguing May in New York City. We thought it was April showers that bring May Flowers, not May showers that destroy April flowers with downpours. But the crummy weather continues on in the Big Apple prompting more than a few of us to put our rain boots in heavy rotation. In fact, this spring is seeing more rain boots on cute girls in shorts and little skirts than the cowboy boot epidemic of Williamsburg. Thus we have been idly browsing raincoats, rainboots and umbrellas of all stripes. And no we aren't going to bore you with a round up of our favorite picks, even we get nauseated by this content trick after a while. But we did find a raincoat so compelling (at Bloomingdales, another shocker) we simply had to share. The Echo Polka Dot Trench is a clear trench raincoat with black polka dots made of packable PVC. In other words, you can pop this beauty into your purse and whip it at at a moment's notice without ever hindering the view of the outfit you spent so much time perfecting in the morning. And its on sale for $33. Turns out staid department store shopping can be fun after all!