NYFW Fall 2013: CALLA

Call me a bit of an 90s nerd but whenever a collection is inspired by Tetris or other video games it fascinates me. Calla Haynes the Canadian Paris-based designer behind CALLA was inspired by Tetris, Legend of Zelda and director Michel Gondry's The Science of sleep. The unique prints that resembled blurry pixel florals, while another has a cosmic blustery petal feel and let's not forget the Tetris tweed used. The designer partnered up with Austrian knitwear designer Michaela Buerger to create chunky hand-knit wool sweaters.  Fortunately the collection did not look anything like a 90s nerd.



The silhouettes were simple and the styles paired slim and straight with a fit and flare silhouette. boxy jackets contrast the fitted motorcycle peplums. Necklines were jewel neck or button down and I really had to appreciate that the skirts had pockets.

The sugary colors were refreshing and happy in a way that screamed Spring rather than Fall but seemed right for this collection full of whit and whimsy. Deep violet, peach, electric yellow, aqua, slate grey were the main colors used throughout the collection. The colors paired back to neutrals like navy, oatmeal and black to create well balanced combinations. Namesake embellished sweatshirts reminded me of cheerleaders in college and despite not being a logo type of girl made me want to add them to my wardrobe.

As for beauty hair was unfussy and in the kind of messy pony tails and half pony loops that you see women wear on a daily basis. Lips were neutral but eyes were where the fun was at with soft multi-colored pastel shades adding a fresh faced vibrance to the entire look.

Fortunately the designs themselves have nothing juvenile about them despite the youthful influence. These clothes are just too adorable for words and I find myself wanting just about every piece. Modern, wearable, feminine, romantic and charming - who doesn't want to be a CALLA girl? It is no wonder Haynes has been a finalist for the prestigious ANDAM award for the past 3 years.

NYFW Fall 2013: Erin Barr

I made it just in the nick of time for the Erin Barr show after running crosstown and trying to hail a cab for almost half an hour and almost getting hit by a car in the process. I made it downtown to Chelsea Piers and my feet hurt, my heart was pounding and I ran in just as the lights dimmed to begin the show. I was so glad to have made it to see the Wisconsin native make-up artist turned designer in her fourth season.


This collection was all about the modern sexy strong woman with body con dresses, strategic cut outs and slits, zip off components and sexy slits. The cut outs were placed in interesting places at the midriff, in the back - the slightest peeks of skin creating a sexy and subtle newness.


Sleek satins pair with tech fabrics, soft chiffons and jerseys to create interest of texture. Skirt lengths varied from mini to maxi but no matter the length revealed a healthy dose of leg. Peplums abounded in jackets and tops including some zip off versions but not all of the versions were successful. There were also a number of pieces that were not as clinging that I thought would make great additions to any wardrobe.


The color palette was simple and kept to black, stone, steel blue, dove and baby blue. There were also a few pops of vibrant bold color like rich green and violet.

Overall the collection looked like one that I could see many a downtown girl wearing. There was a good balance that kept the sexy factor still in the realm of classy. Can't wait to see what this designer will do next.

Photos courtesy of WWD.com

PromGirl Fashion Show

A few weeks ago I had the chance to go to prom! Again. Or not really but as close as a grown woman can get.  PromGirl hosted a fashion show to showcase upcoming trends for 2013 prom.

I had the chance to snack at Handsome Dan's famous candy bar - from rock candy to organic flavored cotton candy! I wished for a minute that I could eat dairy because they had some frozen hot chocolate that looked amazing. Instead I loaded up a mason jar full of pink confections.

The scene at the Helen Mills theater was Legally Blonde perfection with pink feathers, pink foil animals (including an elephant!) and pink lights to sparkle up the night.

At long last I had the chance to get a custom portrait by the lovely and talented illustrator Lacee Swan. After my portrait I ran over to have my hair curled by the folks at Jose Eber and be bejeweled with some American made expandable bracelets by Alex and Ani. Some folks were having their prom picture taken, but since I came stag to prom I was just happy to be dolled up and well sugared.

The party stayed jumping with the tunes spun by the DJ duo The Jane Doze and a live performance by the adorable teen country music sensation Payton Rae.

As for the fashion show feathers, ruffles, bright colors and plenty of sparkle. The color pink was never far behind and there were plenty of high-low skirts and cascading soft layered chiffon skirts. The energy was upbeat and the models had fun on the runway and it really showed. My favorite PromGirl moment came when a model came out carrying a little pomeranian!

Thank you to Small Girls PR for a special night where I got to keep calm and think prom.

Fashion Show pictures courtesy of PromGirl

NYFW Runway Review: The Blonds

The final show I attended of NYFW was the loudest as Milk Studios was overtaken by the downtown cool kids strutting their most outrageous outfits.  Before the show even began I saw Spike Hair, furry monster get-up, angel wings and one topless bathing suit paired with tassle  pasties.  Celebs like Stacy London, Nigel Barker, Miss J Alexander, Jay Manuel, Robert Verdi were enjoying themselves and posing for photos as everyone strutted their best stuff. The energy and over the top exuberance had me not knowing where to look and I scarcely noticed the electric motorcycle on the runway that was deeply connected to the theme of the show.  Right before the show began there was a sudden flurry of activity as Lil Kim made her way into the room.



By the time the crowd settled down into their seats and the lights dimmed the energy of the room was electric.  A posse of men lead the way down the runway for a thoroughly studded and leathered up biker chick with big hair that tumbled out of a jet black helmet.

The sparkly futuristic and sculptural pieces followed bringing to life a heroine that is tough as nails but dead sexy.  Blonde hair hung down from helmets in a perfect pony and the mantra, "Live Fast, Die Blond" was emblazoned on one of the moto jackets.  For womenswear the focus was on what The Blonds do best - impeccable corsets that look a bit extreme with mini hot pants but if paired with skinny jeans could light up the town on a special night out.  
Skirt lengths were short and shorter!  As a girl who loves sparkle in her life the sexy shoes were in Swarovski crystals and studs throughout the collection were high on my wish list.


While this is the first Blonds show I can remember seeing menswear, it seemed comparatively tame.  While it definitely was as sparkly as the womenswear it was also a lot more covered up.  Motorcycle jackets, printed pants and shirts were covered in geometric and animal prints with a generous smattering of studs.  There were a couple of shirts without sides that reminded me of decorative bibs, the way the swung around when the men walked.  I guess in the realm of menswear the prints and glitter combined are more than most men could take.  Like the womenswear though the glittering kicks definitely got my attention.


I have to thank David and Phillipe Blond for reminding me always that fashion is and always should be fun - a fact that sometimes gets lost in the bustle of NYFW.