Trend Report :: NYFW FALL 2012

Grab a cuppa for my at-a-glance, what-to-covet trend summary of the just-wrapping New York Fashion Week for Fall 2012. There’s some good news for those of us shirking the color trend by staying steadfast to pitch black (I think they call this chromophobia…) – white is hot but black and white paired = hotter! For me, this is a stand-out trend that I can easily (and joyfully!) embrace.

Familiar trends from past seasons still exist, such as color and floral prints. What’s new? Skirts have descended to mid-calf, leather was an element incorporated neatly in surprise places like trim and sleeves, and precision cuts and detailing seem to be everywhere. Overall, regardless of designer, a fresh, youthful feeling came through.

Also, not a huge surprise, for it was bound to happen – Downton Abbey has infected the fashion world, and nowhere was this more prevalent than at the Ralph Lauren show. Flip through the slideshow here: Ralph Lauren Fall 2012.

By the way, if you’re off on a shopping spree and want to brush up on your fashion speak, here’s phonetic pronunciation key for reference. Just in case…

////

COAT CHECK
If you don’t want to go too crazy on your wardrobe budget for Fall, just add a statement piece to your outerwear collection. Any length, any style…your pick as long as it has a modernized shape. The runways were laden with new takes on classic pieces like perfectly edited twists on the typical blazer.

Band of Outsiders :: Fall 2012

BCBG Max Azria :: Fall 2012

Altuzarra :: Fall 2012 :: Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV

Thakoon :: Fall 2012s

Calvin Klein :: Fall 2012

////

LONG + SHORT OF IT
The catwalks were an explosion of prints, including stripes. Newly notable: These patterns have made their way onto pants. And shorts seemed to pop up for Fall--yes, Fall. Consider pairing the shorts with the current trend of tights, as mentioned here. If you invested in some Wolford’s last season, not to worry – it will pay off.

Ohne Titel :: Fall 2012

Zero + Maria Cornejo :: Fall 2012

Derek Lam :: Fall 2012

Marc by Marc Jacobs :: Fall 2012

Diesel Black Gold :: Fall 2012

Theysken’s Theory :: Fall 2012

////

SLEEVES
Sleeves were all over the place. You name it – from demure cap to architecturally tapered to 70’s blousy to linebacker shoulders…to…to…to…

Red Valentino :: Fall 2012

Michael Kors :: Fall 2012

Proenza Schouler

L’Wren Scott Fall 2012

////

BLACK + WHITE

3.1 Phillip Lim :: Fall 2012

Derek Lam :: Fall 2012

Alice + Olivia :: Fall 2012

Josie Natori :: Fall 2012

The Row :: Fall 2012

////

RED CARPET PREDICITIONS
Just for fun….

Jenny Packham :: Fall 2012

Marchesa :: Fall 2012

Ralph Lauren :: Fall 2012

Naeem Khan :: Fall 2012

Michael Kors :: Fall 2012

Oscar de la Renta :: Fall 2012

OK, so your turn – what did you see at Fashion Week that you loved? Can’t live without for your Fall wardrobe?

For even more fashion news and notes, follow Heather Dunhill on Twitter @heatherDUNHILL.

And for even more ways to get Sarasota Magazine, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SarasotaMagazin on Twitter.

Posted: 2/17/2012 3:23:49 PM by Megan McDonald | with 0 comments

VALENTINES DAY GIFTS: For Her

As promised, a few gifts to steal her heart, just in time for Valentine’s Day...

Going for the big points? Well, I’ll just keep this simple: Enable her shoe addiction. But boys, an important bit of info here--be sure to ask if her size translates differently with the shoe brand you’ve got your eye on. For instance, I’m a half-size larger in Manolo Blahniks and one whole size up in Christian Louboutins. So you may want to do some shoe-closet recon before heading to the store.

////

Want to do a thoughtful little somethin’ first thing Valentine’s Day morn? Add one of these sweet heart-shaped Alessi spoons to her morning cuppa.

You can find these at either Exit Art or here at thecurrentcustom.com, and they ship worldwide.

////

Robert Indiana Love Sculpture Paperweight :: $69.99 at amazon.com

////

Frédéric Malle On Perfume Making, forward by Catherine Deneuve :: $149, barneys.com

////

S.W.A.K. Lulu Guinness has a lips clutch for every girl--from dyed snakeskin to Swarovski-dusted

to the Union Jack :: $390-$1095, luluguinness.com

////

It’s iconic and there aren’t too many out there who don’t love a blue Tiffany & Co. box–what you put in it is up to you.

And if you order by noon EST on February 13, they’ll be sure it’s delivered by Valentine’s Day!

////

Speaking of boxes, want a fun box to present your gift? This Jonathan Adler Utopia Heart Holder comes complete with the key to your heart, under the cover :: $68 at jonathanadler.com

////

If you adore the girl, why not spell it out for her with a Helen Ficalora charm necklace? Say it simply with a single charm stamped with LOVE--or four lettered charms–or how about her initials with a ♥ ?

Helen Ficalora, (877) 754-2676

////

I know, I know–it seems gratuitous to add lingerie to a Valentine’s gift blog, I admit it. But leaving it out just didn’t seem right, especially when it’s French lingerie like Simone Perele at Sea Cup and Up. (P.S.: Help her find her perfect bra fit by watching our video with Sea Cup and Up owner Cheryl Burke here!)

////

Jennifer Zeuner’s jewelry line is getting a lot of traction with celebs these days and I’m loving this oversized, open heart necklace. You can find it at Influence on St. Armands Circle or influencestyle.com.

////

Is she the Kate Middleton to your Prince William? A book of poetry on love will show your romantically thoughtful side. Allow me to make it easy on you: John Keats is just the man for the job, especially his series of odes.

Pair it with one of my favorite movies, Bright Star, based on the love between Keats and Fanny Brawne, for whom most of Keats' poems were written.

////

Have the shiny bauble and ready to pop the question? If so, thought you might like this helpful and clever insight on How to Propose by Mr. Benjamin Siedler, romantic.

////

Have you thought about hiring your own personal paparazzi to capture the moment? And it may seem cliché but nothing marks an important moment like a Champagne toast. My fave: J Vineyards & Winery sparkling. Not too pricy, usually hovers around $20-ish per bottle.

////

Other thoughts on setting the mood….

Downtown Sarasota's Black Bird has sussed out some of the very best candles–like these, which are made entirely in the amorous country of France and designed by Frenchman Hervé Gambs, who knows his scents. I’m particularly fond of Essence de Figuier (fig); reminds me of Paris.

////

Single and over all this Valentine’s Day hub-bub? Don’t blame you. Treat yourself to an irreverently stylish gift of your own.

Dear John Scarf by Felix Rey :: $165 at shopbop.com

////

LADIES: See something here you’d like? Send a note to me via Facebook with your sweetheart’s email address–I’ll be happy to drop the hint for you in a subtle kind of way. Just between us…cross my heart.

Posted: 2/10/2012 3:02:44 PM by Megan McDonald | with 1 comments

Valentine's Day Gifts :: For Him

If your heart’s desire is to give your beau a gift other than a timepiece or briefcase, then I’ve got a couple ideas to spread the love--all for under $200.

Shopping for the ladylove in your life? Stay tuned--a Valentine’s Day list for her arrives next Friday, just in time.

Here’s something for the guy who appreciates a fine spirit: Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka

Not only is it encased in a mystical crystal skull-shaped bottle, but this super-premium vodka is made "with water from a deep aquifer in Newfoundland, Canada, blended with selected grains for a creamy and slightly sweet finish, and triple crystal filtered through Herkimer diamonds, which, according to New Age belief systems, embody positive energy and goodwill."

Nothing says “I love you” like vodka filtered through diamonds…

////

Why not upgrade his boat shoe to something hip? L.O.V.E this handcrafted footwear by BucketFeet AND it's unisex – so why not get a pair for yourself, too? Awww, matching kicks for Valentine’s Day--now we’re gettin’ somewhere…

Like Butter :: Designed by Aaron Firestein, $60.

////

Coach Crosby Leather Travel Kit, $168

Does your man tend to tote his travel toiletries in an unsightly Ziploc bag? It may be just the time to upgrade his Dopp kit with this handsome Coach Crosby Leather Travel Kit. And! Coach will add his monogram, free.

////

TREND ALERTS!

The cummerbund has made it’s own comeback, which will improve your fella’s black tie choices when he’s dressing for your next event. Consider going with an alabaster or champagne color story for an elegant look, like the Armani Collezioni set at The Met on St. Armand’s Circle. (And to see even more ways your guy can up the ante on his formalwear look, check out our videos for how to tie a bowtie, a skinny tie and a full tie.)

And, while we’re on comeback trends and ties, have you noticed that the tie bar is back? Really, I swear. OK, here’s proof:

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake for GQ

Jake Gyllenhaal for GQ

Jay-Z for GQ

Lanvin Mother-of-Pearl tie clip, $175 at mrporter.com.

////

Want to surprise him with more than supermarket candy? You may want to pop into St. Armand’s Circle’s Le Macaron for a freshly packaged peridot box of silky chocolates, handcrafted by Love--master chocolatier Norman Love, that is.

////

How about some pampering like an old-fashioned Barbershop straight shave? You know, the hot-towel-luxury-lather kind at an all men’s salon like Just Gents BarberSpa.

////

I’m currently obsessed with the zippy moustache trend and really dig these stylishly witty Paul Smith porcelain cufflinks with the turn-of-the-century ‘stache. $135 at paulsmith.com.

////

Jewelry for the eco-minded guy: This bracelet is created from 100 percent reclaimed metal, leather from sustainable cattle ranchers, and the dye is non-toxic and Earth-friendly.

Shark Tooth Screw Lock by Alkemie at junoandjove.com, $170.

////

‘80s throw-back cube print phone case by Pierre Hardy :: barneys.com, $95.

////

Have a mid-century modern lover on your hands? This book, with nearly 300 homes by the Viennese-born architect Richard Neutra, may be just the thing for his bookshelf.

Neutra: Complete Works :: taschen.com, $69.99 :: Click HERE to leaf through the pages online.

////

And OK, OK--here's one splurge purchase over $200.

Does he jones for java? Think life's too short to drink a bad cuppa joe? Enable his habit and help him get in touch with his inner barista with this Nespresso Citiz with milk frother.

Nespresso Citiz, Sur la Table, $349

Guys, tell us: What's the best Valentine's Day gift you've ever received?

For more fashion news and updates, follow Heather Dunhill on Twitter @heatherdunhill.

And for even more ways to get Sarasota Magazine, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SarasotaMagazin on Twitter.

Posted: 2/3/2012 10:23:40 AM by Megan McDonald | with 1 comments

MOVIE NIGHT :: Fashionable Flicks

You’ve seen the Sex and the City films 23 times (each), as well as Devil Wears Prada, and find yourself yearning for the days when we had Carrie Bradshaw to look to for weekly style fix. Well, consider this a back-up plan when you need some sartorial inspiration. A reference list of fashionable flicks is here at your disposal.

And by all means, fill in the blanks for me–I love to be tipped off to a good movie night recommendation!

The Tale of the Fairy

Karl Lagerfeld put down his paper and pen and picked up a movie cam for The Tale of the Fairy for Chanel‘s 2010-2011 Cruise show.

It’s a 25 minute film that you can see here.

The Thomas Crown Affair

Both the 1968 film by Norman Jewison starring Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen with costumes by Theadora Van Runkle. And the 1999 remake with Renee Russo’s scene stealing costumes by Michael Kors.

Coco Before Chanel

It’s a retrospective of all the Chanel classics from Breton stripes to straw boaters.

Two for the Road

My in-the-know fashionable flick friend Felice Schulaner turned me on to Two for the Road with Audrey Hepburn, in which she ditches her innocent capris for some groovy Paco Rabanne style and a sassy Vidal Sassoon hair-do.

Advanced Style

Keep an eye out for the up-coming Advanced Style documentary – follow the fashion blogger behind the camera at advancedstyle.blogspot.com.

Lagerfeld Confidential

91 minutes behind the scenes of the artist, showman, photographer and fashion icon with the white ponytail, sunglasses and white collar.

The September Issue

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Excellence in Cinematography at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, The September Issue chronicled with the making of the September 2007 issue of Vogue with editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington at the center of it all.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Unprecedented access behind the scenes of the glamorous life of Valentino.

Grey Gardens

Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange play mother and daughter both sharing the same name: Edith Beale. The costumes show the range from their socialite fashions to their reclusive quirky style.

L’Amour Fou

An intimate documentary, which feels more like a conversation, with Pierre Bergé, Yves Saint-Laurent’s 50-year love and business partner.

Vidal Sassoon The Movie

A really fabulous history told by Vidal Sassoon of his rise and continuous re-invention of hair styling.

Bringing up Baby

Katharine Hepburn is stunning in these late 1930s society-girl costumes, each that move perfectly with her–kicking out where they should to showcase her lithe, athletic figure.

I am Love

Really, this movie has nothing to do with style or fashion, yet that's all my friends and I could talk about when we left the theater.

Bill Cunningham New York

Bill Cunningham was the original chronicler of street-style, well before anyone knew The Sartorialist, in his “On The Street” column for The New York Times.

Gone with the Wind

Walter Plunkett’s costume designer for Gone with the Wind set the scenes and transformed the actors into the haughty Southern characters.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Sigh. All fashionphiles have a special place in their hearts for this one…

Marie Antoinette

Sophia Coppola’s film about the decadent Queen of France is a confection of luxe fabrics, crystal stain shoes and exquisitely elaborate head pieces and hats.

The Duchess

Can’t mention Marie Antionette without suggesting this story of the Duchess of Devonshire Georgiana Cavendish (a relative of Princess Diana) who had a taste for extravagance much like the Queen of France; however, the Duchess was revered for it.

To Catch a Thief
Uh. Who could forget Edith Head’s costumes for Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief?

Annie Hall

Diane Keaton sparked a trend with her trademark boyfriend shirts, chinos, ties and vests paired with a floppy hat to remind us all she was still a girl underneath it all.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

It’s certain you’ll recognize the iconic bubble gum pink wrapper dress from the “Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend” number, but this movie has scene after scene of William Travilla’s Hollywood glam.

Hello Dolly

Barbra Streisand is divine in Irene Sharaff’s delightful turn-of-the-century costumes complete with parasols and flourishes.

MAD's Fashion in Film

Last September, Simon Doonan, creative ambassdor-at-large for Barneys New York (his other title is husband of pottery designer Jonathan Adler), co-curated “Fashion in Film” for the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC. Here’s what made the screening schedule:

Qui Êtes-Vous, Polly Magoo?

William Klein’s 1960s film, starring Peggy Moffett, follows a Brooklyn born model in Paris.

X, Y, and Zee

Set among the London elite. Stars Elizabeth Taylor (say no more, right?) and Michael Caine.

Diva

Thriller involving a stylish young bohemian Parisian.

Hearts and Crafts

Documentary about the craftspeople behind the Hermès fashion house.

The Eyes of Laura Mars

A cult classic :: Faye Dunaway’s fashion photographer character can see through the eyes of a serial killer.

Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

Deadly, buxom go-go girls are dressed to kill.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

For a rainy day, Catherine Deneuve gives good hair in this French Nouvelle Vague period film.

What are your favorite fashion films?

For more fashion news and notes, follow Heather Dunhill on Twitter @heatherDUNHILL.

And for even more ways to get Sarasota Magazine, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SarasotaMagazin on Twitter.

Posted: 1/27/2012 6:55:39 PM by Megan McDonald | with 1 comments

IT’S AN APP, APP WORLD :: 19 Cool Apps You Should Know

Don’t you just love when a friend tips you off to a new smartphone app? It’s almost like an E.F. Hutton moment…so, if you have room for another app or three, or just want a deterrent from your to-do list, here are a few apps that you should know:

My Picks:

Flixster :: Get show times, watch trailers and read critics’ reviews

Currency Calculator :: This app is incredibly helpful while shopping in other currencies!

Sunrise Sunset :: Planning and event and want to know what time the sun will set on May 12, 2012 or May 12, 2014? Or want to take your sweetheart for a sunrise stroll on the beach? Then this app is for you.

FlightTrack :: an essential tool for the traveler or the partner of a road warrior. Real-time departure info, gate numbers, cancellation alerts and even an in-flight map.

Google Translate :: Simply translates text or spoken words into other languages.

If you’re unfamiliar with GOOP, it’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog and website. This is her first GOOP app: what to do in NYC. And who doesn’t want to know what GP knows about a hip city?

The Weather Channel :: Weather wherever you are. Rhis app will GPS you in any U.S. city, check the local forecast and even send severe weather warning alerts. No more waiting to catch the morning news to find out whether you need those galoshes or not.

Flipboard :: Flipboard is the social magazine of your life. It’s one place to check in for a snapshot of aggregated content that’s happening across your social networks.

Spotify :: This is the app for musicphiles and a new way to listen to and discover music. Millions of tracks are available to download and share, read reviews, get lyrics and even find your new favorite band’s gig this weekend.

eBay + PayPal:: One just goes with the other – these are essential app utilities for those of us addicted to the countdown of online bidding. Stay ahead of those eBay sharks that get your item in the last seconds…

Instagram :: Even though it was the “iPhone App of the Year” for 2011, it still seems a relative unknown. But, there’s a tight-knit group that uses this camera app. So much so it should have a secret password.

Recommendations from Facebook Friends:

Claudia Zuluaga suggested GoSkyWatch Planetarium :: Just point at the sky (no buttons to press or orientation schemes to follow) and begin exploring the solar system.

Trish Mills Valera suggested MyFitnessPal :: Helps track your calories, exercise and weight loss progess, even has a database of more than 1,382,000 foods and restaurant items to make eating out manageable.

Trish also suggested Find My Friends :: Which maps where your friends and family are – Trish says it’s a great way to keep track of your teenagers!

Renee Hamad suggested Zynga :: A games app that includes Words with Friends (Note: remember Alec Baldwin getting kicked off a plane? This is what he was playing!) and FarmVille. You may have seen FarmVille featured on the Today Show or Rock Center with Brian Williams.

Zynga also has the Top Free and the Top Paid app on the App Store – which is one in the same: Scramble with Friends

Liebe Smith Gamble suggested Dynamic Light :: A camera app that adjusts your photo with a vibrant HDR-like look.

Dynamic Light

Kelly Corsetti Guerra suggested ShopSavvy :: Scan the barcode of an item and this app will comparison shop for you! Oohhh, that sounds addicitive.

Kelly also suggested AroundMe :: Ever wondered where the nearest gas station is when you’re out of your element? This app quickly allows you to get your bearings of the unfamiliar surroundings.

Kelli Mitchell suggested Shazam :: Can’t put your finger on the title of that tune that’s playing in your nail salon? Lovin’ the tune playing at lunch? Just tap the Shazam app, hold the phone up the song and voilà : the track will be identified for you. It’s like having a music genie in your phone.

So, what’s on your phone? Share your fave by leaving a comment below.

For even more fashion news and notes, follow Heather Dunhill on Twitter @heatherDUNHILL.

And for even more ways to get Sarasota magazine, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SarasotaMagazin on Twitter.

Posted: 1/20/2012 12:43:04 PM by Megan McDonald | with 1 comments

Heather Dunhill's Fashion IQ

Heather Dunhill's Fashion IQ

Recent posts

Trend Report :: NYFW FALL 2012

VALENTINES DAY GIFTS: For Her

Valentine's Day Gifts :: For Him

MOVIE NIGHT :: Fashionable Flicks

IT’S AN APP, APP WORLD :: 19 Cool Apps You Should Know

Post archive