FALL FAVORITES

Although my last post referenced trends from the Spring 2011 shows, I find myself revisiting Fall 2010 runways for inspiration this season. A few key pieces essential to my fall wardrobe that kept reappearing were fur gilets, chunky knit boyfriend blazers, capes, and shearling outwear with aviator influences.

BOYFRIEND CARDIGANS

I find myself indulging in lots of volume and texture this season, and I fell in love with the oversized chunky knit boyfriend cardigans at Ashish, paired with sequined button-ups and brightly colored bottoms printed with a European folk art influence. Need it now: Knitted cream aran boyfriend cardigan with football buttons from Topshop, $100.

FUR GILETS

Fur gilets are a versatile layering piece and transitional between seasons; I currently own five (collector?) but instead of investing in a new piece (although I love Topshop's longline faux fur gilet, $160), I'm looking to reinvent how I wear the fur I already own. I was attracted to the free bohemian spirit evident at Kenzo and the belted fur gilets at Versace, two different ways to change the look of this piece.

CAPES

For fall 2010, capes and ponchos make a big outerwear statement and range from sweater capelettes to maxi versions. I'm lusting over the capes at Matthew Williamson (love the high fur collar). The plaid Zara cape, $99.90 is adorable!

SHEARLING

Reshaped classic shearling aviator styles with new volume look great open or belted. The cropped aviator styles at Burberry Prorsum easily became one of the most coveted pieces on the Fall 2010 runways. I recently purchased the camel three-quarter length coat with leather piping from Zara, $99.90 (pictured above). This is a new silhouette for me but I loved the unique shape, volume, and shearling lining. Will post soon!

Thoughts!? What can you NOT live without these season?

SKIRT STORY

Skirt hemlines fell on the Spring 2011 runways to mid-calf and ankle-lengths while proportion played with volume on bottom. And me? I instantly fell in love. The emerging trend of longer, fuller skirts is not something I'll be saving for next spring; this transitional style will work perfect in my fall wardrobe!

One of my favorite Spring 2011 collections was Jil Sander; Raf Simons combined a simple silhouette with explosive shades of magenta, purple, and emerald to redefine modern 'minimalism'. Both Simons and Marc Jacobs in his Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection played with line and balance in both pattern and proportion by sending full skirts blocked with large candy-colored stripes down the catwalks.

Of course I won't be abandoning my love for bright, bold colors and feminine pieces for the fall season, but I plan on embracing a more expected version of the longer, full skirt for autumn; skirts crafted from heavier textured fabrics such as brocades and jacquards and woven with metallic threads (à la Mary Kate Steinmiller, Fashion Market Editor of Teen Vogue, shot by Garance Dore, pictured top right). I may have this dress altered into a skirt.

I think this look works perfectly with a simple, demure top - although the skirt and top separately could be a rather mundane design idea, together they create an extraordinary juxtaposition of accessible luxury. I'd pair one of these full skirts with a shrunken sweater or simple tee for fall.

Inspiration clockwise from top left: Ossie Clark 1970s ensemble, Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City 2 Movie, Mary Kate Steinmiller photographed by Garance Dore, Vogue 1953, Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011, Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011, remaining photos Jil Sander Spring 2011 collection.

THE WILDERNESS DOWNTOWN

I picked up this military-esque cargo jacket from H&M. It's a great transition piece with multiple pockets, a hem that hits just above the knee, and an oversized hood - I love when fashion meets function! The dusty army green color of the jacket paired with a bright fuchsia lip creates a sexy contrast.

I love this sheer zebra print blouse from Zara; the print is of actual zebras - very cheeky! This post doesn't do it justice so I'll be sure to feature it again soon. Another easy-to-wear layering piece for fall.

How cute is this little guy?! Clay named him Burt (I personify all of my animal accessories. Weird, I know).

I had mentioned in an earlier post how I was inspired by J. Crew's Fall 2010 campaign that featured a pin and brooch overload. Pictured above is my variation on my H&M jacket; I think it adds character and a personal flair to an otherwise understated piece.

H&M jacket ● Zara blouse, shorts, and belt ● American Apparel tights ● Aldo heels and pins

Hope you all had a great Monday! I have to get back to my homework and exam prep (already in overload mode!). Also, if you're in NYC and involved in the fashion industry in any way, you should attend Behind the Seams Fashion Industry Forum on Friday, October 8. The panel discussions will range in topic from designers preparing to launch their debut collections to exploring fashion's seemingly never-ending debate of sustainability versus profitability. Learn more about the event and register here. I hope to see you there!

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT

Just dropping in to share some photos from my phone from Fashion's Night Out!

I started off the night by working at the Teen Vogue fashion show and then Clay and I ventured up 5th to visit Bergdorf's - the live-action windows were astounding! We then continued to Miu Miu, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton (sipping some delish champagne along the way).

The highlight of the night was easily the Kouklita dolls by Andrew Yang at Barney's. These couture dolls put my extensive childhood collection of Barbie's and dolls to complete shame! All the dolls are inspired by fashion icons and recent runway looks. Each doll is cut from a pattern, sewn into muslin, and stuffed by hand; every face is uniquely hand-painted and the outfits are constructed using couture sewing techniques. The McQueen dolls were easily a crowd favorite.

Hope you enjoyed FNO and fashion week wherever you are in the world. Right now I have to make some progress in my mountain of homework and catch up on shows from London Fashion Week! Hoping to have some outfit posts up shortly, I have some great new pieces I want to share with you all!

x Antonia

FOXY

Part 2 to my Bunny post. I was feeling foxy!

MY BACKYARD

Top of The Rock Observation Deck

Elevator at 30 Rock

Our backyard!

H&M top ● Zara skirt and belt ● Topshop Wisteria wedges

Magnolia Bakery (OPI Nailpolish - Swiss Collection "Ski Teal We Drop")

Central Park (Photos by Clay)

I've been in New York for a little over 2 weeks now, and I think I'm starting to get the hang of this; I walk faster (and proficiently in 6" platforms), take the subway (NOT metro - whoops!), drink more coffee (if that was even humanely possibly), and can cross the street in impeccable time. Clay and I decided to be "tourists" for the day and accomplish some of the NYC must-sees. After walking about 15 miles in 5" platform wedges, I'm ready for bed!

Speaking of NYC must-sees, Fashion's Night Out is Friday! I'm working an FNO event and then planning on experiencing some of the amazing nightlife afterwards! What do you have planned for FNO? It's time to celebrate and support the fashion and retail industry, wherever you are in the world! Enjoy!

BUNNY BISOUS

Photo by Clay

Hope you all had a great start to the month of September! It is still ridiculously hot here in the city and I am counting down the days until I can pull out my coats, throw on my fur, and buckle up my boots. 18 days until the first day of autumn!

Note: The bunny ears and sequin dress in this photo are both ASOS, gifts from DesignerApparel.com. Thank-you to the lovely ladies of DA for your continued support of Live Glam or Die! Check out their site for some great designers including Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, BCBG, Michael Kors, and many more!