the clothes 2011

One of my perennial favorites of LFW is Jonathan Saunders and this season was no exception. A wonderful mix of bright colors and patterns that still manages to feel balanced and ladylike? Yes, please!

Jonathan Saunders was inspired by photographer Paul Outerbridge. Outerbridge had a long career in photography, but might best be remembered for his experimentation with female nudes in the 1930s; the striking full-color images were ahead of their time. Jonathan Saunders not only borrowed colors from Outerbridge, but also the 1930s silhouette. Personally, it's the sort of collection I could see myself wearing not only next year, but for many years to come (had I the budget).

*collage pictures courtesy of Style.com

I saw Marc by Marc Jacobs firsthand and fell in love (if you couldn't tell by my enthusiastic tweets immediately after). I almost wish I had standing room because I probably would have gotten better pictures, but being seated at the show was definitely an honor I won't soon forget. The Marc Jacobs collection was also stunning and I need to get my hands on a little polka dot beret like that (as already mentioned in Monday's post) or figure out how to DIY my own...

collage pictures courtesy of Style.com; backstage picture via V Magazine

One of my favorite collections of NYFW was Chris Benz. So many marvelous textures, patterns, and layers working together in witchy, wonderful vibe. I'll definitely re-visit this collection again and again for inspiration.

Erin by Erin Fetherston is erm, Erin Fetherston's newest collection with a lower price point ($200-$600). It was a lovely presentation, made even better by the expressiveness of the models who truly looked like they were having fun. I really enjoy collections that also inspired a whole look and I certainly want to imitate the crown of braids and Grecian inspiration. It was a mad scene at Erin Fetherston though; way too many photographers and an extremely crowded space with people getting turned away at the door...I'm quite glad I elbowed my way in and up front.

Pamela Love is known for her talons and bird skulls, but her new fall 2011 collection went in a more mystical collection with rough-cut crystals seeming to sprout from rings and cuffs. Her aesthetic of natural meets modern is all her own and wholly covetable.

The Pre-Fall collections have been bursting forth lately and it's all quite inspiring...I mean the whole purpose of Pre-Fall does seem to be for designers and retailers to make more money, but they do provide some new ideas (or remind us of old ones; right now I'm glad for the number of skinny belts I have lying around). These are a few of my favorite pieces and collections this season.

Matthew Williamson

Rochas

Givenchy

Proenza Schouler

all images courtesy of Style.com

Ever since Jazzi McG posted on the Wunderkind S/S 2011 collection I haven't be able to get it out of my mind. Those sheer tights! The dark florals! It's definitely an inventive and fun collection and one I wouldn't mind imitating this spring.

Independent designer Alexandra Grecco (whom I have written about before) just released a video featuring her new Spring 2011 collection. It is so dreamy to watch because of the lovely, romantic clothes, but also since it features the magnetic Hannah Metz as one of the models (I can't wait until Hannah's own lingerie collection comes out too). The designs of Alexandra Grecco are meant to encourage women to "dress up in their every day lives" and it's a goal I couldn't agree with more. Her current collection is all glamour and luxurious materials, but each piece looks comfortable and easy enough to wear on a daily basis.

As I mentioned earlier: Erin and I stopped by the Family Affairs studio to interview Nina, try on clothes, drink tea, and generally have a good time. I already love all of the pieces I have from Family Affairs and consider them real investments, but meeting Nina and seeing where she works and lives really solidified my passion. The colors from this season are also swoon-worthy.

The pieces always look great and a lot of that is due to her attention to detail. Many of the buttons in the new collection are vintage, some are even hand-painted. The sleeves of the nude sheer blouse I'm wearing is made to be worn with cufflinks and comes with little button cufflinks Nina made. It's a tiny thing, but it's something I'm really excited about because of all the possiblities that come from cufflinks (another form of jewelry?). Even the fabrics are chosen so carefully with attention to weight which will effect how they drape or layer. For fall, I'm really excited about interesting color combinations and there are a lot of lovely tones in this new collection: peachy nudes, vibrant reds, icy mints, and luxurious gold.

We also got a peek at Nina's jewelry: Toujours Toi. Her beaded bangles are gorgeous and a perfect summer accessory. She also has some great new necklaces in stock (I snagged one you will all be seeing soon!). Nina has been making her jewelry longer than she has been making her clothing line. It's interesting how jewelry tends to be less brand driven and recognizable than clothing lines.

I could ramble on for awhile, but to get a feel for how the clothes move take a peek at the video. You'll definitely be seeing me in some of these pieces again soon...

*Erin of Calivintage and I shot the video together; the song is Sea Lion Woman by Feist. All pictures take by Calivintage.