Fashionably Late

New York, London, Paris and Milan... they have all come and gone. Another Fall/Winter season has passed by and, although a little late in posting, I wanted to share some of my favorite looks and designers. 

- For me the coolest chicks this season were Celine (looks 1 & 4) and Chloe (looks 2 & 3). I loved the clean lines, the natural make-up and the nineties minimalism of both collection. Both collections oozed coolness! 

- A bit on the opposite side of the 90's chicness, are the ultra feminine collections at Jil Sander (looks 1 & 3) and Valentino (looks 2 & 4). This was Raf Simon's last collection at Jil Sander and he went out with a beautiful bang (please notice the sexy silver pumps paired with the soft pink dresses) and as far as Valentino goes, no one does femininity in a grown up way as well as they do.

- And last, but not least, the gorgeous gowns! My picks are a mix of the prior two with J.Mendel bringing clean cut, sexy, minimalist sophistication (looks 1 & 3). Would you look at that plunging neck-line golden sleeved gown? Amazing! While Marchesa (looks 2 & 4) provided head-turning yet very romantic looks. I would love to see Jennifer Lawrence in that last look. 

What were your thoughts on this year's collections? 

By the way, I am traveling to Mexico City on Thursday (for a 5 day visit) so if any of you have any suggestions on what to see, eat, or experience please let me know!

xoxo,

Pilar

eShakti

The kind folks at eShakti, an on-line clothing store, asked me to review one of their products and having heard only great things from friends I did not hesitate to accept.

What sets eShakti apart from regular on-line stores is that all their dresses can be fully customized to fit your body shape, you can select specific measurement and even choose the cut and length of the dresses. Another great perk? Their prices are truly affordable without sacrificing  quality.

With so many options and great designs, having to choose one item was a hard task! I ended up choosing something that would be work appropriate yet retained some fun details. 

The dress fit perfectly and I loved the slight shine of the 100% cotton material. Finally, the pink detailing and exposed zipper made the little black dress a little more special.

All in all, eShakti was a wonderful on-line shopping experience. Thank you for the wonderful gift!

xoxo,
Pilar

Runway to Red Carpet...

New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks have come and gone, leaving us plenty to marvel at. After reviewing some of my favorite collections I automatically wished I could dress certain leading ladies in them. Here are my picks:

Emma Watson in Oscar de la Renta and Emma Stone in Carolina Herrera. These ladies share many things including: first names, gorgeous red locks and a knack for elegant and feminine red carpet choices which always have an interesting element. I believe these gowns would fit both Emmas' sense of style and be total stunners on a red carpet event.

Zoe Saldan in Suno and Carey Mulligan in Jill Stuart. Zoe and Carey are both visionaries when it comes to fashion so I picked some fashion forward outfits that would be fitting for a T.V appearance or premiere. Zoe would look gorgeous in the kimono inspired dress and Carey has the fashion chops to pull off the Miami Vice inspired colors of the Jill Stuart collection.

Leighton Meester in Christopher Kane and Hailee Steinfeld in Blumarine. Although the lovely Leighton underwent a slightly trashy fashion phase during her music promoting days, I really hope she returns to her romantic roots with looks such as the incredibly elegant yet girly look above and, of course, Hailee has been a major fashion figure this year and managed to also stay age appropriate. I would love to see her wearing this colorful and youthful look!

Diane Krueger in Jason Wu and Blake Lively in Peter Som. These gorgeous blonds love to make an impact on the red carpet, and although Diane's style is far more high-fashion than Blake's, Blake's style has certainly improved since she became bff with Miss Wintour and Mr. Lagerfeld. Both the Jason Wu and Peter Som are statement pieces, but each would fit the fashion personalities of these ladies in a distinct way.

Any celebrity/designer pairings you would like to see in the red carpet?

xoxo,

Pilar

PS: thank you everyone for your kind words and support regarding my grandma's passing, it really means a lot!

Art & Fashion/ Fashion & Art

I find it fascinating how different modes of art can inspire and draw elements from each other, for example the influence of music movements on the fashion industry has been an ongoing for decades. However, at this year's Spring/Summer fashion weeks it seems that designers were finding their inspiration in some of the most influential painters in history. Whether through a literal translation or a looser influence art and fashion truly came together this season. 

So pretty and whimsical, no?

Burberry reinvents its classics with a strong color palette 

reminiscent of Rothko's paintings.

Who knew cubism could be so chic?

xoxo,

Pilar

(images from instyle and wikipedia)

Fab Five from NYFW.

After pouring over the Spring/Summer in NYC I found the five collections that truly stood out for me, not an easy feat, as there were plenty of beautiful runways this year. But alas, here are my Top 5. 

First up, Altazurra a label I am not too familiar with, but this may soon change thanks to this wonderful S/S 2011:

I love the mixture of florals and edgy silhouettes (such as the tuxedo jacket). Plus that oversized sweater is begging to be in my closet!

Next up is one of my all time favorites, I mean who doesn't love Marc Jacobs?

I think this collection is pure Marc genius! Everything from head to toe is interesting: from the chic booties to a new take on bandanas. I also love that although he used such a neutral palette, the clothes really popped thanks to sheer materials and shiny touches. 

Next up, Prabal Gurung:

I feel there is not much to say except that it was breathtaking. While so much of fashion seems to be a do-over of previous influences and trends, this collection just felt so innovative. I'm in love with the vivid colors, and that purple gown would be a real stunner on the red carpet.

Preen, a nice contrast to Prabal's electric colors:

This collection is so feminine and soft, it really says spring to me! However, it is the small details like the peplum top, a delicate embroidery or a cinched waist that really make this collection fashionable and not just pretty. All in all, Je a'dore!

And last but not least, Peter Som:

I want it all! The bright colors and beautiful flowers... and, of course, the shoes! That first dress would be so lovely to attend a summer soiree, while some of his other pieces would bring a much needed pop of color to an office outfit. 

Overall, I think it was a great NYFW, which has left me hungry for some shopping. What do you think of these collections, and where there any other designers that really inspired you this season?

xoxo,

Pilar

(all images here)

Fashion and Fairytales...

Although Costa Rica is not a place where the traditional changing of the seasons really happens, a string of cooler days and nights has me thinking about fall, and particularly, the influence that fairytales have had in some of the last collections.

I love the colors of Cacharel's fall collection, the combination of the color palette, the shape of the dresses and adorable little hats sort of remind me of cute little gnomes.

I really, really want one of this "witchy" outfits from one of my favorite designers, Celine, I love the simple lines of the dresses and the striking over-sized belt... An awesome take on the Wicked Witch of the West, no?

Are you looking forward to some fall-wear or still craving simple summery looks?

xoxo,

Pilar

(all images here)

Happy Friday: Now Lets Celebrate With Color-Blocking

I had a short work week this week, thanks to Mother's Day celebration here in Costa Rica. So another week of August has flown by. Lately, I have been drawn back to one of this year's biggest fashion trends: color blocking outfits. And color blocking is not only reserved for your closet, it can be a great way to add some edge to a house or outdoors space.

 This outfit comes from J.Crew's fall collection and the house images from the Nate's blog.

I also like the idea of small pops of color, whether in a bright chair, bases or an eye-catching patterned top (images here and here).

Have a colorful Friday and even better weekend!

xoxo,
Pilar

Cover Wars: September Issues UK vs. US

September is the biggest month in terms of fashion magazine covers and, although, we are barely through half of August, all the major magazines state-side, and across the pond, have revealed their September covers. So for this Cover Wars I have paired some of my favorite September covers US vs. UK editions.

First up is Marie Claire:

SJP and Anne are two of my favorite leading ladies, so I was happy to see them in MC's front cover. While I love Anne's flowy locks and fresh face, I find the starry-night-like top to be too distracting. On the other hand, SJP's cover is a welcomed change from the usual couture looks that magazine editors love to put her in. Her simple and sweet, orange and pink, dress is really working for me!

Next up is Elle magazine:

Two blond stars graze the covers of Elle and Elle U.K. Although I like Gwen's outfit, I feel the pose and expression are lacking a little something. Meanwhile, Kristen's U.K cover is kind of romantic and haunting at the same time. I am really loving it!

And last, but certainly not least, Vogue:

This is the hardest pick for me! I simply love Kate Moss (despite all the scandals and bad press), I think she is such a talented model and I love her in this beautiful purple gown. The  whole look reminds me of Marie Antoinette. However, Vogue U.K has a more fashion forward cover, Freja looks gorgeous in the shiny, sequined number and the sense of movement ads an extra edge to the image. Hard to pick a favorite!

Which September covers do you like most? Are the U.S or U.K glossies impressing you?

xoxo,

Pilar

Peeping Tom

Sometimes surfing through the net feels a little bit like peeping into a million new worlds. Private worlds made public by their inhabitants. Two of my favorite pastimes are paying a visit to closetvisit and discovering new interior decorating inspiration, recently found here.

Closet visit of Beatrice Valenzuela, shoe designer, and a house renovation from Nate Berkus' website. I love the small beautiful details in both of the wardrobe and the house- such as the fresh white tulips or the stitching in Beatrice's shoes- and the pop of colors throughout.

Dreamy!

xoxo,
Pilar

(images 1, 3, 5 here and 2, 4 here)

Movement and Color

Loving these photographs from the amazingly talented Simon Procter, 1 & 3 from an editorial and 2 & 4 from the Channel 2011 fashion show.

xoxo,
Pilar

Hello July!

I can hardly believe that it is July already, the 4th with its fireworks and family gatherings has come and gone and state-side summer is in full bloom. To celebrate the wonderful season that is summer I have compiled three looks I would love to sport during the coming months all inspired by Anthropologie and Leifsdottir who have joined forces to bring the Scandinavian brand to the U.S stores.

1. Outfit from Leifsdottir

2. Anthropologie bangels

3. Anthropologies scarf

4. J.Crew two-piece retro swimsuit

 1. Outfit from Leifsdottir

2. Fedora hat from Forever 21

3. Anthropologie gold cuff

1. White corsetted dress from Leifsdottir

2.  Anthropologie leather hobo bag

3. Shoes unknown

In an unrelated note, Blogger seems to have erased my entire list of blogs I follow, so don't worry I have not stopped loving your blog and I will soon come join again!

xoxo,

Pilar

Ms. Parker is having a fashion moment...

... and that makes me very happy!

It is no secret that I am a huge Sex & the City and SJP fan, and the movies (specially the second one) kind of broke my heart. So, seeing Sarah back on top fashion form brings a smile to my face.

This month of May, Sarah has graced several high profile red carpets and rocked them all. It all started at the N.Y Met Ball with the Alexander McQueen gown:

This dress, with the heavy beading and the shininess, could be a little too-much but SJP is such a pro with complicated dresses. The mint green shoes peeking at the bottom are a fun touch and the pulled-back hair makes the less lighter. 

Then, came the N.Y Ballet event:

This is a Valentino gown which some people criticized as being grandma-like. Personally, I love it! Sometimes being covered up can be glamorous and add a sense of mystery. Plus the ivory colored top of the dress and sheer sleeves keep it from being boring. And as before, the hair and make-up are flawless and Sarah Jessica adds a fun touch by wearing it with a sling back bag. Perfect!

And now, for the home-run, the Elie Saab gown at the Cannes Film Festival:

Once again, SJP goes for a long sleeved gown, but this time it is flowy and ethereal and really appropriate for the Ocean-side Cannes red carpet. 

Oh Ms. Parker, it is so good to have you back!

xoxo,

Pilar

1930's Inspiration

A few days ago I went to see "Water for Elephants", although I have not read the book, I really enjoyed the movie. I must admit, I could not watch some of the violent images (I can't handle violence against animals at all), but overall I thought it was a very good movie.

I specially enjoyed Reeses's acting and the costuming! Needless to say, the gorgeous outfits have really made me turn an eye towards 1930's style inspiration and, coincidentally,  the Chanel 2011 Resort collection seems to have taken some cues from that decade as well. So I have compiled some of my favorite looks from both the movie and the collection.

I think Reese is made for period pieces, don't you agree?

xoxo,
Pilar

( images: 1, 3 and 5 here and 2, 4, 6 here)