Runway Review: Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2012

The award for this couture week's best head pieces and most dramatic make-up definitely goes to Alexis Mabille with the bold rainbow of color parading down the runway in head to toe monochromatic looks and faces/headpieces to match.  It was as if Spring itself had come to life on the runway and the ladies were in full bloom.

The quote from Marcel Proust, "It is only women who do not know how to dress that are afraid of colors", was only too appropriate for a show that was built on the energy of color.

Lace panels/insets, cascading flounces and flutter sleeves created a very wearable, feminine and lady-like collection that was bold but not ground breaking.  There is something about the dresses that makes them look like the clothing of royalty and not of the Hollywood set although more than a couple pieces would probably make a statement on the red carpet.

DIY: Waxed TOMS

I've been wanting to wax some of my shoes forever - but never wanted to deal with the mess of melting wax....until I came across a wax in a bar format (no heating/melting required) called Otter Wax. After scanning their blog I noticed a post that showcased The Coveted doing a DIY on a pair of jeans which would also be a great project! (click here to check out the video if you're interested in trying this out on a pair of jeans)

If you know me, you know that I love TOMS for their comfort and philanthropy - and since they're canvas, I thought they would be perfect for this project.

For this DIY here's what you'll need:

1. Item of clothing/accessory/shoes that you want to wax (canvas/denim would work best in my opinion)
2. Bar of fabric wax (I used Otter Wax which requires no melting/heating) 
3. About 20 minutes

To start, I brushed off any dirt/lint/dust from the canvas surface before applying the wax.  Next, I began applying the wax to the shoe. I put my hand inside the shoe and made a fist to provide a hard surface to rub the wax in.

The wax itself is really firm so it doesn't crumble or crack when you're applying it which is nice.  Since the shoe has quite a few seams and curves, I used short, firm, strokes to apply the wax. I went over each area a few times to ensure adequate coverage. Once you apply the wax, you'll notice the area darken - signalling that the wax has been applied to that area.

Some of the wax will build up at seams when you're rubbing it into the material so I ended up going back and smoothing out/removing the excess wax with my finger. If you'd rather not get the wax on your hands, you can use a toothpick to remove the excess.

Keep going and before you know it, you're done!

I couldn't believe how quick and easy the process was so I decided to do a second pair.  When applying the wax, just note that it's a good idea to take your item outside or into a well lit area once you're done so you can spot any inconsistencies in your application and touch up accordingly.

Pair #2!

The very last step is keep your shoes in a cool/dry place to let the wax absorb fully into the fabric for 24 hours. Any leftover wax can be used for future touchups or another project.

SRC's DIY Rating:

Ease: A monkey could do it

Time: Application time is super fast, but waiting time is 24hrs

Cost: Budget friendly - the wax will set you back about $10/bar (one bar can probably cover 3-4 pairs of TOMS - depending on how big your feet are)

Now Wearing…

It's funny to build an entire outfit around a bag, but that is what I did. I was super excited about my new Rebecca Minkoff purse that the lovely team at RM sent me just before the holidays.  Since the color is a soft Barbie pink with a subtle pearlized finish it is the perfect gateway into Spring dressing.  Although it's pink, it almost feels like a neutral and I decided to use pastels to uplift my otherwise dark world of winter dressing.  It was the first time I rocked a full size Minkoff MAC and found that my 2 cell phones, huge wallet, basic beauty products, glasses and Nook were all able to fit with ease.

 
Double Breasted Cardigan - J.Crew via clothing swap with friends
2-Tone Lace Tights - Ellen Tracy
Sunburst Pleated Maxi Skirt with Short Lining - ASOS
Tank Top - Courtesy of Petit Bateau
Tassel & Chain Necklace - Lee Angel
Shoes - Nine West Aroundtown (now on sale for $29.70!)
Pink MAC Bag - Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

Runway Review: Versace Couture Spring 2012

Versace Couture for Spring 2012 embodies what Donatella does best - glamour, drama and a second skin fit like no other.  The dresses are almost painted on some of the bodies of the models while futuristic, structural elements including slashes of metallic beading and architectural arches extend from the shoulders, hips and bust to emphasize the woman's body.


The overall effect is strong as a warrior but always 100% a woman.  I love the contrast of the delicate lace panels with the fitted corset-like construction.  As for colors while the vast majority of the collection was in dove grey - bold yellow, gold, acid green and vermillion found their way to make some noise.  While the collection was absent of any signature prints the play of texture and silhouette seemed to be the most powerful message.  Sheer panelling and thigh high slits are also noteworthy trends.

Fall 2012 Trends: Metal Plated Shoes

I know winter has barely begun, but as I was perusing GQ's 100 Best Pairs from Fashion Week,  I noticed quite a few pairs featuring metal for Fall 2012. Classic silhouettes paired with chunkier hardware accents provide for an edgier take on modern footwear.

From Costume National, to Louis Vuitton, to Salvatore Ferragamo, to YSL - there were plenty of options which were showcased down the runways.

 Costume National

 Salvatore Ferragamo

 Louis Vuitton

YSL

(images courtesy of GQ)

But to be fair, it looks like everyone took a page from Balenciaga and Louboutin - who actually introduced this in their Fall 2011 collections.

Louboutin metal capped wingtips (image courtesty of luxuryculture.com)

Balenciaga Fall 2011

Now Wearing…

When it comes to print on print action I'm a fan as long as the color families are in the same realm I think it works so today I combined a ditzy print dress with a pair of bold leggings and captured some of those color pops in my bright necklace and socks.

As for my hair, I've wanted a change for a long time and I've been thinking of getting an undercut...but the weather outside is so cold it makes me think if I lose my hair I'll find myself in cold regret.  I decided to sort of do an quick look inspired by undercuts by twisting my hair and using mini clips to hold it in place.  While it is far from perfect - note the errant strand twisting in the back - it was fun to change things up for a day.

Ditsy Floral Babydoll Dress - H&M via Clothing Swap
Long Cardigan - H&M
Rope Necklace - DIY in the style of Proenza Schouler
Printed Leggings - Versace for H&M
Socks - Uniqlo
Wedge Ankle Boots - Nine West Pinktorp