Archive for July 19, 2010
Alexander McQueen Resort 2011
Jul 19th
Sarah Burton showed her first autonomous collection as creative director for Alexander McQueen on Monday, June 21st and – in the words of Tim Blanks, contributing writer for Style.com – “proved she’s the only choice to expand on Lee McQueen’s legacy.”
Burton drew from the rich history of the McQueen archives, but introduced a feminine touch to the collection that informed it with a more delicate sensibility. Lee McQueen’s calling cards were still there – brocades, heavily detailed embroidery, a fascination with the morbid, the juxtaposition of hard and soft and the allure of high-wattage glamour – but she also incorporated a calling card of her own; the fusing of two fabrics into one which the fashion world first saw in the Fall 2010 collection that she completed following McQueen’s untimely death.
All in all, the collection was a success – a true “best-case scenario.” Not only did it show reverence to the history of the label and to its creator, but it also displayed the personality of its new designer. A nod to the past and a glimpse of the future and – I dare say – reason enough for a deep sigh of relief from the fashion world.
Congratulations Sarah Burton!
~ Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
A Summertime Romp
Jul 19th
Romper by YSL
Rompers (aka jumpsuits or onesies) first appeared on the fashion radar two summers ago. However, the trend has been slowly but surely picking up steam instead of gaining early momentum and then fizzling out. In fact, from the looks of the 2011 Resort runways, the trend is here to stay…at least into the next year.
With designers like Jill Stuart, Bottega Venetta, Chanel, Vena Cava, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent including rompers in their collections – and in many cases more than one – rest assured that your purchase will not go to waste if you are considering adding one to your wardrobe.
Having just shopped for and purchased one myself during my trip to Madrid, Spain where tiny rompers on bra-less beauties is more the norm than the exception in the hot, hot weather, I feel informed enough to give some advice to those interested in taking the plunge.
Piece of Advice #1: Beware of the fit.
If you are tall or long in the torso, it may be hard to find the romper for you. (I think that this may be the first time in my fashion life that I have suggested that an item may not work for someone who is tall. One point for the short girls! But, I digress…)
Please make sure to try on any romper of interest! Waist detailing should fall at the natural waist, not dragged down to the hips or up to the bra-line due to an ill fit. Also, please make sure that there is ample breathing room so that there are no wardrobe malfunctions a la Janet Jackson in strapless rompers and so that your nether regions are not cradled so tightly that nothing is left to the imagination in rompers with straps.
Piece of Advice #2: Guidelines for casual rompers.
When you select a romper for casual-wear, I prefer them in a looser fit and a longer length. Also, I think they are best in a fun and of-the-moment print such as sailor stripes or feminine florals.
Pair them with bohemian strappy sandals, oxfords or booties, thin waist belts and fedoras. Throw on a cross-body bag or a drawstring bucket bag over your shoulder.
Piece of Advice #3: Guidelines for dressy rompers.
When you select a romper for dressy occasions and nights out on the town, feel free to go a little tighter and a little shorter to turn up the sexiness. (Or you can opt for the romper with full pant for head to toe drama…) Also, I would recommend solid colors such as black, bold jewel tones and fluorescent brights.
Accessorize with large envelope clutches and platform heels and wedges in metallics and patent leathers and embellish with collarbone-grazing statements necklaces and eye-catching cocktail rings.
Still not sure? Stop by your local Second Time Around to check out our wallet-friendly selections and get additional advice from our fashionable sales associates.
Happy Shopping!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around