Will You Be My Valentino?

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

Hailing from Paris, Valentino's latest collection is composed of blacks, whites, pastels, and bold eccentric patterns.

The theme I found in many dresses is distinct patterns with exact symmetry. Love the beginning layer of black+white with a bold dash of pink. Hitting the pink at the collar and sleeves adds wonderful symmetry. The middle portion of deep blue-green tied together with mirrored feathers contrasts the warm colours and floral above and beneath. The skirt portion also plays a two tone element. That bright marigold yellow adds great warmth to the thick black trimming ending the dress.

I love those sandals. Very Roman/Greek-esque (taking a classical studies course right now, so the sandals are a huge win.)

Sometimes crazy contrasting patterns just work together. The more unique from one another the better.

For Oscar

The fashion community lost a talented designer last week. He will be forever missed.

Today's post focuses on his latest collection from NY. It ranges from bold blacks to floral; from casual to ballgown, and everything in between.

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

I am always a fan of black+white with a dash of colour. The white jacket has a great A cut paired with a high round collar. I like this twist rather than the usual V cut and a round finish. This unique cut allows more of the skirt to be shown. I like the big black flowers on the skirt contrasting with the small colourful ones on the jacket. When the right contrasting elements are put together, it makes for a beautiful ensemble.

Botanical is the new floral

Erdem and floral. This is how I usually pair the designer. But recently, I read the word botanical and found it even more fitting. There is something enchanting about this collection. Mysterious hues of blues and greens. The loose fabric flowing off the dresses. Almost mermaid-esque.

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

This dress embodies all the amazing highlights of the collection. It's not symmetrical, the loose fabric is free to wisp around. It's translucent and solid all at once. The blue is darkened with black to create a sultry vibe. The Peter Pan collar is a cute touch to the neckline. This dress is just so free to move, like waves crashing onto shores.

Mustard Stripes

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

A consistent theme in Tory Burch is shown in this number: prep and boho chic. I have always been a fan of bringing out one colour of a patterned piece. The safe choice would have been to highlight blue or white, but the mustard yellow is the unique choice. The dark tone with a collar is business forward. The white horizontal stripes within the top complement the vertical stripes of the skirt. The white ends add the casual boho feel: business need not be stiff. The two distinct pieces play with, not against, each other.

Black, white, and shine all over

Playing with bold tones of red and black and the sophstication of white, Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2015 is absolutely stunning.

Image courtesy of Vogue.com

My eye was instantly drawn to the jacket. This particular look does not play with red, but with shine. The shiny hues of silver and gold add a sense of importance. I like that there is no pattern, no symmetry. It's more playful. The circled neckline creates somewhat of a Peter Pan collar with the white shirt. High neck collars add to that importance. Looking down to the shorts, I'm in love. with the texture of the lifted intrinsic design. The symmetry here is a great contrast to the jacket. There were a few others in the collection similar in style, but this spoke to me. Black+white with a bold dash of sparkle.

Modern Ballgown

Badgley Mischka stuns this year with incredible gowns. The deep cut neckline makes for a modern spin. It is a smart cut to allow for a floral patterned top without being centrefold. The embellishment beneath guides into the incredible two tone skirt. Looking closely at the bottom portion, I saw the texture of the darkened half. It works beautifully as it hints at the lighter portion - a strict white and black would feel too static and closed-off. The full skirt would make any girl feel like royalty.

Ah, Fashion Week

"There's something about waking up the morning of a fashion show, the smell of pleats wafting through the city." - Blair Waldorf

My dream is to attend Fashion Week in NY. Experiencing the new collections and comparing the looks: heavenly.

First up is DVF. This dress complements the traditional patterned ensembles of the designer. I usually stay clear of mixing patterns, but this was done perfectly by using black and white. Checkered is sleek and conservative. The addition of floral fun allows the dress to come more to life. The addition of the belt adds a sense of elegance to me. Love the looks that can be worn directly off the runway to the streets.