A small recap of all the silly and weird thing we saw either on the ramps or on people..
Au Revoir Glow-In-The-Dark Sunglasses!
Nooka, the brand best known for its futuristic, minimalist watches, recently expanded their repertoire to belts, wallets, and eyewear...which include a pair of glow-in-the-dark sunglasses. The light-weight, polymer-injected frames are a nice shade of sky blue, but glow neon green when the lights are off. Firstly, to us these shades beg the obvious question of: who the hell is wearing sunglasses in the dark? We think it's annoying enough when people wear sunglasses indoors, nevermind at night. What do you think? Would you rock these glowy Tron specs or leave 'em for Corey Hart?
Keira's Vogue UK Flower Power
Not since Carrie Bradshaw pinned herself with a flower brooch on SATC years ago (then resurrected x10 in SATC the movie) was a simple floral accessory the talk of a blossoming trend. Then we saw January cover of British Vogue. Keira Knightley, a red carpet muse who can pull almost anything off, is posed aloof on a white couch with a polka-dotted Dolce & Gabbana halter dress, and accessorized by a very questionable makeshift flower choker. The patent-red floral corsage by V.V. Rouleaux was simply attached to a necklace to make this floral Adams-apple accessory. We ask, would our readers now go out and make this petaled accent into Bradshaw part deux, or will this trend wilt as soon as the February issue comes out? You tell us—is it rad or bad?
$700 18-Karat Gold Security Tag?
We had a bit of a WTF moment when we peeped this 18k-gold-plated, diamond-studded security tag pin on Coolhunting recently. NYC-based art director Justin Gignac created the pin with the idea of elevating an everyday item into the fashion and art realms. While most of us in the office have a magpie-like affinity for shiny, pretty things, we're not sure whether we're on board with Gignac's vision. Security tags are one of the most annoying things about shopping, so it'd be pretty tough to get us to wear one by choice. And is it just us, or do the diamonds make the pin a little...tacky? Plus, if we had $700 laying around, we think we'd be more inclined to put it towards those amazing lace Valentino pumps from our party shoes roundup than spend it one of these babies. What about you? Are you in the bring-on-the-bling camp or is it just too much?
We couldn't help but indulge in this bit of weird, fashion footwear news—many blogs were abuzz with the New High (M)art's Grey Ant + Teva Stiletto, a heeled version of your dad's favorite Velcro hiking sandal. The original gets grouped...
Jules Kim, the NYC-based jewelry designer behind Bijules—one of our go-to lines for baubles with serious attitude—is launching a holiday capsule collection of icicle-inspired earrings, necklaces, and rings. We're normally totally into Jules' twisted aesthetic, but we're not sure she hit the mark on this one. Is it just us, or is there something disturbingly phallic about these? We do appreciate the pared down, versatile design (the ice motif is perfect for the holidays but also subtle enough to rock year-round), but we're not sure we can get over having flashbacks to our sex-cessories post every time we look at them. What do you think? Are you feeling Jules' holiday collection or is the whole penis-resemblance thing too much?
Red Eye Makeup
Traditionally cast for lips and nails, red shades are now appearing in the form of eye makeup, having been spotted on the runways, on Rihanna, and now Dolce & Gabbana has a new eyeshadow duo featuring a gorgeous garnet shadow. It's a striking statement, to be sure, but it also reminds us of the red-rimmed look our beloved True Blood vamps rock on the small screen. What do you think? Is red eye makeup red-hot or a little too "night of the living dead?"
Above, from left: Carolina Herrera spring '11 by Peter Lueders for Moroccanoil; Dolce & GabbanaSmooth Eyeshadow Duo in Desire, $36, at Saks.
Julianne Moore's Split Personality
When we first saw the ensemble Julianne Moore rocked at the London premiere of The Kids Are All Right, we were intrigued, to say the least. She seems to be wearing half a teal shift dress and half a navy coat, held together with a skinny black belt. Done correctly, an asymmetric look can be fresh and avant-garde, but we're not sure Ms. Moore hit the mark on this one. There's something about the different hems lengths and drab colors that feels a little off to us. We definitely approve of her killer shoes, classic red lipstick and big smile, but do they redeem this split-up get up?
Pointy, Stiletto Nails
A new trend that's been brewing and was even more evident during Fashion Week, was the long and pointed nail. Women all over the globe are getting their claws out for Fall, and ladies like Beyonce, Fergie, Rihanna, and Katy...
Culottes, Spring 2011's Childhood Throwback
We're usually the first to snatch up a two-for-one deal, but spring's revival of the culotte has us pausing. The fit is wide and loose, which does provide a welcome change of pace from the tight cut-offs dominating street fashion the past few seasons. Plus, its illusory element allows you to seemingly rock a skirt, while preventing those pesky fall winds from spoiling your style via a skyward hem. But this fashion throwback totally reminds us of our favorite outfit from the playground days—as if it'd only feel complete if we wore the short with colorful hair ties and Hush Puppies. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Richard Chai Love, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Vena Cava have all incorporated the culotte into their spring 2011 collections, but would you rock this throwback trend?
Above, from left: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vena Cava, Richard Chai.
Above, from left: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vena Cava, Richard Chai.
We're always down to go halvsies, but the recent slicked on top and teased on the bottom hair trendhas us wondering if we're seeing this 2011 season's take on "business in front, party in the back." The style popped up multiple times during fashion week—designers like Cushnie et Ochs, Richard Chai Love, Jen Kao and Jeremy Laing sent models down the runway sporting greased roots that transitioned to voluminous locks. What do you think? Is this 2011 hair trend the new mullet or the perfect storm of wet and dry?
Above, from left: Band of Outsiders images via Bumble and Bumble; Cushnie et Ochs image via Betsey McLain.
Above, from left: Band of Outsiders images via Bumble and Bumble; Cushnie et Ochs image via Betsey McLain.
Painted Hair A La Alexander Wang And Altuzarra
Weird Lipstick Colors
Super-saturated lipstick color aren't anything new—in fact, some of biggest 2010 makeup trends are brightly hued purple, orange, and red shades that leave no room for second-guessing. However, once you move away from that warm-toned color family, we begin to get some seriously weird looks. Whether it's Ke$ha's icy-blue pout or the green pucker found on this street style subject, cool-toned lipsticksmake us question our own beauty daredevil-ness. But, there was a time when anything but red and pink nail polishes were considered bizarre, too. Are lipsticks moving in that direction? Let us know—when it comes to crazy lipstick colors, are you down or far from it?
Above, from left: Street Style Green Lipstick, image via The Whole Hole; Doo.Ri fall '09, image viaNYMag.
Above, from left: Street Style Green Lipstick, image via The Whole Hole; Doo.Ri fall '09, image viaNYMag.
The Fancy Pajama Pant
While there are some lingerie that we're down to wear anytime—there are some pieces that we only mean to wear when we close our eyes to get some zzzs. We bemoaned the presence of pajama pantsin class throughout our college days, but, it seems now that wide-legged and silk pants—sometimes even complete with drawstrings or questionable prints—are rearing their sleepy heads once again. Designers from Miu Miu to Reem Acra have put these comfy separates on their runways, and the sartorially minded are taking note, especially on sweltering summer days. So, should pajama pants be forever condemned as a fashion faux-pas? Or should they be welcomed as a easy, breezy summer staple? Weigh in, below!
Above, from left: Derek Lam resort '10, image from Style.com; Miu Miu resort '11, image fromStyle.com; Karen Walker Stone Boat Pant, $320.40, available at The Goodhood.
Above, from left: Derek Lam resort '10, image from Style.com; Miu Miu resort '11, image fromStyle.com; Karen Walker Stone Boat Pant, $320.40, available at The Goodhood.Besides the folks that live in the Magical Kingdom, we feel as if we Manhattanites see more tourists per day than anyone else. And though we might get peeved when our walk home gets impeded by some slow-walking, camera-wielding out-of-towners, that's not to say that we hold any grudges. In fact, we've been taking some style cues from the wide-eyed sightseer, in the form of Hawaiian-printed shirts, skirts, and dresses we've culled from thrift shops and within our own closets. Retailers have been hopping aboard the (probably double-decker, tour-guide-led) bandwagon, and have created some pretty awesome versions that feel cheesy in the most fun of ways. Worn without a fanny pack and white athletic socks, the look can be quite chic... or can it? College Fashion recently raised the question and the responses are pretty divisive. But what say you, Refinery readers? Are Hawaiian prints actually a great trend or have we just been spending too much time in Times Square?
Above, from left: Piera, image via FabSugar; T-Bags Tropical Jersey Dress, $90, available at The Outnet; Yumi KimLolita Dress, $193, available at Boutique to You; French Connection Safari Beach Shirt, $93, available at ASOS.
Above, from left: Piera, image via FabSugar; T-Bags Tropical Jersey Dress, $90, available at The Outnet; Yumi KimLolita Dress, $193, available at Boutique to You; French Connection Safari Beach Shirt, $93, available at ASOS.
Sheer Pants
No one can deny that the sheer trend isn't the easiest to rock—but from shirts to socks, we've managed to find ways to pull 'em off. But when it comes to pants, we have a feeling that the only ones that should be wearing them see-through style are belly dancers and fire eaters. But Alexander Wang and Valentino both showed barely there pants this year, and a quick scan of our favorite e-commerce shops show that they're is being stocked in stores. Should we be equal-opportunists when it comes to all things sheer? Tell us: Are sheer pants cool or are they transparently bonkers?
Above, from left: Valentino Sheer Lace Pants, $1,295, available at Net-a-Porter; Alexander WangChiffon Lingerie Pants, $450, available at Opening Ceremony; Diane von Furstenberg Sheer Harem Leopard-Print Pants, $195, available at Shopbop.
Above, from left: Valentino Sheer Lace Pants, $1,295, available at Net-a-Porter; Alexander WangChiffon Lingerie Pants, $450, available at Opening Ceremony; Diane von Furstenberg Sheer Harem Leopard-Print Pants, $195, available at Shopbop.
The Enigma That Is The Drop Crotch Skinny Jean
We usually turn to Oak for drop-crotch pants that are actually flattering. And it's pretty much fact that skinny jeans are universally a chic, slimming pant shape. But the combination of the two leaves us confused. Yes, folks: the drop crotch skinny jean—pants that bring the crotch down to right above the mid-thigh. Are they just avant garde, or are they just a no-no?
Remember when you finally made the switch from flares to skinny jeans? No more dirty hems, no more tucking your pants into boots, no more feeling like a hobo when wearing something bigger on top. But the fashion wheels keep on turning, and it seems that bell-bottoms are making a comeback once again. But these aren't necessarily those leg-slimming wide-legged jeans that make everyone's backend look like Jane Birken's. In these past few seasons, bell-bottoms have turned up in stretch jersey, patterned with plaids and tie-dyes, and are so voluminous they could act as de facto tents. Are you ready to look back fondly on the early '00s trend, or should we hope that this piece of flare remains exclusively in our old photo albums?
Above, from left: Ellergy 2010/11, image via Knight Cat; Oak "Vanitas" Editorial by Wilfredo Alexander, via Oak.
Above, from left: Ellergy 2010/11, image via Knight Cat; Oak "Vanitas" Editorial by Wilfredo Alexander, via Oak.
Hold onto your heels, ladies—there's a new customer in town. Men have been wearing heels for as long as we women have, from the imperial courts of ancient China to the gilded halls of Versailles. And it seems like as women's shoes are getting higher, men's shoes are also adding on a few inches. We're of the camp that's all about a little stacked heel on a classic-looking boot—anything strappier or skinnier, and man heels start looking a little campy. Whether it's Zac Posen's subtle dog walking shoes to one Fashion Week goer's towering Nina Riccis, there's a height for every dude out there. But are we just too wacky? Can you not get enough of meels, or are they just unappetizing?
Above, from left: Street style outside the Rodarte show at Milk, image via Refinery29; A dapper dude in open-toed heels, image via Team Peter Stigter; Zac Posen taking his dogs for a walk, image via Racked.
Greasy Hair
We were pretty thrilled by all the uncomplicated coifs on the fall runways, like messy ponytails and brushed-out waves. But designers like Alexander Wang, Cushnie et Ochs, and Acne took the lax approach to a new low, showing tresses that were more week-old than truly wearable. These well-lubed locks gave us hair-raising flashbacks to early '90s rockers and that kid who never showered in middle school (was that us?). When Chloë Sevigny arrived looking like a Greaser on The Runaways red carpet, we worried that the oil-slick trend was spreading. So, will you, too, be swearing off shampoo or should dirty strands clean up their act?
Above, from left: Alexander Wang fall winter '10; Jonathan Saunders fall winter '10; Cushnie et Ochs fall winter '10; all images via Style.com.
When fall rolls around again, it's inevitable that dressing tends to veer a little modest, with colder weather forcing us to tug on our hemlines and pull on additional layers. But this new nun trend brings a level of asceticism that even Sister Wendy wouldn't object to. Floor-kissing dresses, crisp white blouses, and more religious iconography than you can shake a pastoral staff at...oh yes, trendy girls are jumping back into the pews, even though we expect them to compliment their white blouses with a whiskey on the rocks. YSL showed us how we might rock the pulpit ourselves, pairing pencil skirts and pumps with a hefty rosary and black habit. Check out some of this season's most divine styles that'll help you rock your Sunday best every day of the week.
Above, from left: Jeremy Scott fall '10, image via Style.com; Yves Saint Laurent fall '10, image viaStyle.com; Bess Alpaca Wool Hooded Cape, $795, available at Net-A-Porter; Emanuele BiocchiAssorted Links And Crosses Bracelet, $574, available at Far Fetch.
We're big fans of pants here at the office (seriously, there's nothin' like 'em!), and don't get us started on how much we like skirts and dresses (they're the best, really!), but when you combo the two, the beast they create is something straight out of our '90s nightmares. Perhaps designers this season have been poking around our dream journals, because there were multiple instances of the skirt-over-pants combo. But coming from respectable, head-screwed-on-all-the-way designers like Richard Chai, Rag & Bone, Roksanda Ilincic, and Richard Nicoll, the look might not be as crazy as we think it is. But what say you, fashion daredevils? Should we just give up and let the trend happen, or should we just wear pants and just wear skirts, and make sure that nary the twain shall meet?Above, from left: Rag & Bone fall '10, Richard Chai fall '10; all images via Style.com.
There's nothing like a quality piece of practical clothing that has more purposes than one (see our list of convertible clothes that do double-duty), but that doesn't mean that we want our sneakers to turn into roller skates, or our earmuffs to suddenly sprout headphones. So, when confronted with this latest hybrid—the jacket/backpack...aka jackpack—we didn't know which way we bent. On one hand, they're pretty cool as fashion objects, and we were huge fans of the way they fluttered and moved on the spring runway at Rad Hourani. On the other hand? Well, how annoying would it be to have to remove your jacket each time you wanted to take out your chapstick?
Above, from left: Pendleton for Opening Ceremony Spring 2010 Lookbook; H by Harris Leather Jacket with Attached Backpack, image via High Snobriety.
Patchwork Fur
The entire spectrum of patchwork paraphernalia usually falls on the "Do Not Want" side of fashion. From quilted "Little House on the Prairie" skirts to those awful leather bags pieced together with varying shades of swamp-brown, patchwork as a print usually has us fleeing for the hills. However, a slew of fashionable ladies have been picking up vintage coats that look like they were made from the fur of some Seussian animal. The boho cover-up can look hot in a Stevie Nicks kind of way, but one too many colored tufts can turn you into a Muppet. So what's the deal with patchwork fur? Is the furry topper a delight or a fright?
Above, from left: Jane Aldridge, photo via Sea of Shoes; Luxirare, photo via Luxirare.
We were pretty thrilled by all the uncomplicated coifs on the fall runways, like messy ponytails and brushed-out waves. But designers like Alexander Wang, Cushnie et Ochs, and Acne took the lax approach to a new low, showing tresses that were more week-old than truly wearable. These well-lubed locks gave us hair-raising flashbacks to early '90s rockers and that kid who never showered in middle school (was that us?). When Chloë Sevigny arrived looking like a Greaser on The Runaways red carpet, we worried that the oil-slick trend was spreading. So, will you, too, be swearing off shampoo or should dirty strands clean up their act?
Above, from left: Alexander Wang fall winter '10; Jonathan Saunders fall winter '10; Cushnie et Ochs fall winter '10; all images via Style.com.
Above, from left: Jeremy Scott fall '10, image via Style.com; Yves Saint Laurent fall '10, image viaStyle.com; Bess Alpaca Wool Hooded Cape, $795, available at Net-A-Porter; Emanuele BiocchiAssorted Links And Crosses Bracelet, $574, available at Far Fetch.
We're big fans of pants here at the office (seriously, there's nothin' like 'em!), and don't get us started on how much we like skirts and dresses (they're the best, really!), but when you combo the two, the beast they create is something straight out of our '90s nightmares. Perhaps designers this season have been poking around our dream journals, because there were multiple instances of the skirt-over-pants combo. But coming from respectable, head-screwed-on-all-the-way designers like Richard Chai, Rag & Bone, Roksanda Ilincic, and Richard Nicoll, the look might not be as crazy as we think it is. But what say you, fashion daredevils? Should we just give up and let the trend happen, or should we just wear pants and just wear skirts, and make sure that nary the twain shall meet?
There's nothing like a quality piece of practical clothing that has more purposes than one (see our list of convertible clothes that do double-duty), but that doesn't mean that we want our sneakers to turn into roller skates, or our earmuffs to suddenly sprout headphones. So, when confronted with this latest hybrid—the jacket/backpack...aka jackpack—we didn't know which way we bent. On one hand, they're pretty cool as fashion objects, and we were huge fans of the way they fluttered and moved on the spring runway at Rad Hourani. On the other hand? Well, how annoying would it be to have to remove your jacket each time you wanted to take out your chapstick?
Above, from left: Pendleton for Opening Ceremony Spring 2010 Lookbook; H by Harris Leather Jacket with Attached Backpack, image via High Snobriety.
Patchwork Fur
The entire spectrum of patchwork paraphernalia usually falls on the "Do Not Want" side of fashion. From quilted "Little House on the Prairie" skirts to those awful leather bags pieced together with varying shades of swamp-brown, patchwork as a print usually has us fleeing for the hills. However, a slew of fashionable ladies have been picking up vintage coats that look like they were made from the fur of some Seussian animal. The boho cover-up can look hot in a Stevie Nicks kind of way, but one too many colored tufts can turn you into a Muppet. So what's the deal with patchwork fur? Is the furry topper a delight or a fright?
Above, from left: Jane Aldridge, photo via Sea of Shoes; Luxirare, photo via Luxirare.
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