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.

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.

Not so mellow yellow

She does not wear yellow too frequently, but nonetheless it suits her so well. The bold shapes of yellow and white are fashion forward. The under the sleeves white gives almost the illusion of smaller arms - sneaky and brilliant. The square neckline is a differentiating factor, not to ever say that the Duchess is a square.