The Ten Best Shows from London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks

New York Fashion Week was amazing for me because I actually got to experience it firsthand. However, dare I say it, I think some of the European shows managed to completely crush NYFW! Unfortunately, because I am neither a famous celebrity nor a top fashion editor, I didn't get to see any of those gorgeous shows in person. Personally, what I really love about the European shows is the amount of theatrics. The designers there truly understand that a fashion show is well, a show! Although there were very few I actually disliked (heres looking at you Kanye), there were ten that easily stood out as my favorites.


1. Prada (Milan): Seriously, nobody does it like Miuccia Prada. Every last detail in the collection was absolutely gorgeous. The 50s ladylike elements and pleats were beautiful yet the cars and the flames gave it a very "Grease-esque" edge. I love how she follows all the way through with the theme from the car set up in the venue down to the flames on the shoes (really though, how amazing are they?). Prada won last spring with 77 magazine covers and I predict another season of domination ahead!

2. Louis Vuitton (Paris): This collection honestly took my breath away. The clothes themselves were beautiful but the carousel in the middle with models perched on top is what really did it for me. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Marc Jacobs is a genius. From the pastel colors to all of the lace, everything about this collection was whimsical and pretty much perfect. Oh, and did I mention Kate Moss closed the show? Yeah. Enough said.



Getty Images

3. Chanel (Paris): Ok, Karl Lagerfeld, are you kidding me? This under-the-sea inspired collection was everything. To start, there were over 80 looks! That is positively insane in the best way, because there is no such thing as too much Chanel. There was the typical boxy tweed but in addition there were amazing pieces with new, creative fabrics, gorgeous ruffles, and an iridescent sheen to almost every look. And can we please discuss the pearls? There were pearls everywhere; even used a belts and going down the back of the model's necks. The mother-of-pearl of course was Florence Welch who sang in a huge shell. Perfection.

4. Mulberry (London): Let's be honest. London is usually the least hyped fashion week, but Mulberry definitely brought some excitement this year. Guests were greeted at the entrance with tons of balloon animals and ice cream which set the stage for a super fun collection. There were tons of pleated skirts and cute raincoats but the standouts were definitely the fun prints and the blinged-out bomber jacket.

5. Dolce & Gabbana (Milan): This collection was positively stunning. The inspiration was "picturesque summertime in a small town in southern Italy circa the 1950's" and I think they nailed it! It started off with large, colorful prints of vegetables and then slowly graduated into a sleeker, sophisticated vibe. If I had my way, I'd wear the two piece, vegetable prints during the day and then hit the town in the sexy, bejeweled dress at night. (Also below is a quick look at the gorgeous, and last ever, D&G collection.)

6. Alexander McQueen (Paris): Although nobody will ever come close to being as incredibly mind blowing as McQueen was himself, Sarah Burton is doing a fabulous job at maintaining his legacy. Like Chanel, the McQueen collection was also underwater inspired. What was truely inspiring here was the attention to detail. Every last ruffle was fully thought through and the contrast of the almost opaque fabrics with the black leather and lace was breath taking. And, in typical McQueen fashion, there were the gorgeous, but ever-creepy face masks.

7. Isabel Marant (Paris): Girlfriend never gets it wrong, and this collection was no different. She literally dishes up exactly what girls want to wear. This time around, everything had a very relaxec vibe to it. Sporty and comfortable, yet cute and stylish. What more could a girl ask for? Really though, I didn't even know I wanted red, tie-dye jeans until she told me I did.

8. Christopher Kane (London): This collection was pure magic. Everything about it just worked. From the fabric with a sheen to the floral appliqués, everything was stunning. The most amazing part though, is hearing what inspired Kane. He said he, "randomly came across some photographs of girls in grim council-estate bedrooms, the paper peeling off the walls behind them, their stickers and scrapbooks nearby." With this insight, you can truely see what a creative genius he is and how he is able to pull beauty from places that others cannot.

9. Nina Ricci (Paris): Well, they certainly weren't afraid to go after the lingerie trend for Spring, and I'm sort of loving it. I loved the detailed bra tops with the flouncy skirts. There were also some great florals, a surprisingly chic quilted leather jacket, beautiful floor length gowns, and some amazing structured hats. In other words, perfect attire for a sexy royal wedding.

10. Stella McCartney (Paris): Ahhh Stella, how I love thee. She called her collection a celebration of "energy, freshness, and fitness." How fitting. The clothes oozed of relaxed sexiness. For me, nothing can beat her fall LBD's with the sheer polka-dot insets, but the closing dresses this season came pretty darn close. The white mesh swirled with colorful embroidery looked fabulous on the runway and will definitely be a hit in real life as well. Plus, she showed paisley pajamas. I mean, really, what is more stylish to wear when blogging in bed?

What were some of your favorite shows from London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks?

Autumn Inspiration

Autumn by ashleysantucci featuring leather shoes

Top Five: Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Today is October 1st and one of the first days that it actually feels like fall! Thank goodness, because I cannot stand any more humidity. As much as I love the beach and a good summer dress; I always get excited for fall clothes. I'm obsessed with good layering, riding boots, scarves, and sweaters! There are some very fun trends this season that are a necessity, as well as the classic autumn essentials. In my opinion, these are the top five must-haves for Fall 2011:

1. Black Wedge Ankle Boots - I bought a pair similar to these from Nine West and have barely taken them off since. They are so versatile and can be worn out with dresses and skirts (with or without tights!) or just with jeans. Plus, because of the wedge, they are super comfortable - just like a pair of summer wedges! [Steve Madden]

2. Skinny Cords & Colored Jeans - OK, so I know these are technically two different items, but they are both SO perfect for fall. Cords just scream "fall" to me and the skinny version is a cute, trendy, updated version of the classic. I will wear mine with a sweater and loafers to run errands in and then with riding boots, a sheer button down, and a blazer for a more equestrian look! Next, colored jeans are very on-trend at the moment. They were a popular look over the summer as well, but I'm craving deeper hues for this season. [Gap and J Brand]

3. Cape - Seriously, the cape was everywhere on the Fall runways and just about every major designer has made one. I'm still looking for the perfect one that is in my price range, so if you have any suggestions, let me know! The cape will instantly make you look put together and is more unexpected than a regular jacket or sweater. [TopShop]

4. Knit Sweaters - These aren't exactly a trend because they are always a cool weather staple. But, this season I'm loving sweaters with larger holes in them in addition to the classics. A style like this is perfect with jeans and boots but I'm also dying to wear one over my black maxi dress to make it wearable for fall! [Express]

5. Riding Boots - Again, boots are always a necessity for fall and this season is no different. I have a brown and a black pair from Ralph Lauren (not the ones above, but similar) and they probably get more use than any other item in my closet. My ultimate fall outfit would be my brown riding boots, a striped t-shirt, a sweater, a circle scarf, and piles of bracelets. Oh, and a pumpkin spice latte in hand, of course. [Ralph Lauren]

What are some items that you are dying to wear this season?

Spotted: Hottest NYFW Trends for Spring/Summer '12

So, I know this is insanely late being that NYFW has been over for a little while. I've been SO busy! But anyway, there were TONS of wearable trends that kept popping up for SS '12 during New York Fashion Week. Literally, there was something for everyone. From bold prints to pastels to the LWD (little white dress), the designers truely outdid themselves. So, without further adue, the hottest trends from NYFW:



Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Prabal Gurung, Anna Sui, DKNY

1. Bold Prints. Prints were seriously on just about every runway this season.

Sophie Theallet, J Crew, DKNY, Jason Wu

2. Pink. Be prepared to be pretty in pink this season.

 

Altuzarra, Derek Lam, Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Taylor, Rag & Bone

3. Crochet Sweaters. Behold: the perfect spring sweater!




Preen, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Vera Wang, Reed Krakoff, Jill Stuart

4. Pastels. Sugary sweet and perfect for Spring.



Sophie Theallet, Lela Rose, Christian Siriano, Suno, Jenny Packham

5. LWD. The LWD has slowly been replacing the classic LBD the past few seasons, and it has no intention of stopping.




Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, Suno, Zac Posen, Herve Leger

6. Trumpet Skirt. Make some noise for this interesting hemline!



Anna Sui, Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren

7. 1920's. Gatsby glamour and flappers galore.

Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, Michael Kors, Donna Karan

8. Safari/Tribal. Get ready to go on a trip with these fun collections.




Prabal Gurung, DKNY, Narciso Rodriguez, Jason Wu, Jenny Packham

9. Uneven Hemline. Can't make up your mind on the perfect length of a skirt? Why not wear them all at once!



Nanette Leporre, Christian Siriano, Rag & Bone, Jason Wu, Tracy Reese

10. Neon. 80's neon is back in a big way!

Vera Wang, Marchesa, Jason Wu, Suno, Rodarte

11. Peplums. Good thing this style is super flattering on everyone!

Sophie Theallet, Derek Lam, Vivienne Tam, Jenny Packham, Rebecca Minkoff

12. Orange. Orange you glad this is still a trend? It was huge last spring and personally, I'm glad it's sticking around!

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone

13. Sporty Chic. I love howt his trend is comfortable AND cute.




Proenza Schouler, Jill Stuart, Ralph Lauren, Rachel Zoe, Rachel Roy

14. Short Suit. Here comes the new power suit!




Sophie Theallet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, J Crew

15. Color Blocking. This is another trend that has been around for a few seasons now, so if you haven't tried it yet, now is the time!

My New York Fashion Week Experience

This semester, I am interning for one of the top fashion PR agencies in New York. Because of this, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work at a few New York Fashion Week SS '12 shows! I am so grateful to have had this experience, no matter how exhausting it was. Normally, I sit at home or at the computer lab at school glued to the computer watching the livestream of shows or looking through all of the Style.com pictures. Instead, this time around, I got to be involved in the action!



Before the Proenza Schouler Show (I'm the third from the right in the center group)
Pic from The Daily Beast


I started my internship two weeks before MBFW began. So, I was able to see much of the preparations involved. I got to help with going through show request e-mails and sending the mass "yes" or "no" responses as well as helping adjust the seating charts. One of the biggest projects was delivering the invitations. Most of the editor invites went through a messenger service, but the invites that were going to editors from foreign publications had to be delivered to their hotels right before fashion week began. So, all of us interns trekked around the rainy city for three days to complete this mission. Totally exhausting, but totally worth it.

When it actually came time for Fashion Week, I was beyond excited. The day of each show consisted of making the press books, taping down the seating chart, and making sure we had everything together and ready to go. When we got to each show, I got to help tape down seating cards, put out programs, and help with gift bags. One part that I loved during set up, was watching the run throughs. Watching a run through complete with everything but the clothes just makes you so pumped up for the real thing. Once guests started arriving, it was my job to help everyone find their proper seats and eliminate as much confusion as possible. This was probably my favorite part aside from watching the actual show. I was in awe having the most amazing people in the fashion industry right around me... and asking me for help!



Me and another intern at the Proenza Schouler show


The first show that I was able to help at was Altuzarra. Way to start off my fashion week with a bang, right? This show had such a fun tropical jungle theme to it. The clothes, backdrop, and the tribal beat music created an amazing atmosphere that felt almost like another world. Tribal and tropical ended up being two of the weeks biggest trends too! I was also lucky enough to see in person Anna Wintour, Bee Shaffer, Leigh Lezark, Giovanna Battaglia, Emmanuelle Alt, Anna Dello Russo (who I'm obsessed with), Carine Roitfeld, and others. Oh, and I got to see Arizona Muse, Fei Fei Sun, AND Karolina Kurkova walk in the show. One word: fierce!



My favorite look from Altuzarra on Style.com


The next show that I worked was Zero + Maria Cornejo. This show was held at Milk Studios which was a major Fashion Week venue. The whole "MADE" for Milk Studios scene was really cool - and I even got free Luna Bars and Vita Coco Coconut Water because they were sponsors. Awesome! This show had a completely different vibe than the first show, but it was still totally amazing in a different way. The collection was filled with gorgeous draping and bright colors (another huge trend). Additionally, the incredible Bill Cunningham was here. He was the cutest and nicest thing ever in person which makes his talent that much better for me.



My favorite look from Zero + Maria Cornejo on Style.com


The last show that I worked was Proenza Schouler. I repeat, Proenza Schouler. I could have died happy after attending that show. The crowd was absolutely incredible. Seriously, Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington (nbd, just my idol), RACHEL ZOE!, Alexa Chung, Jessica Stam, Tory Burch, Pharrell, Lynn Yaeger, and Alicia Keys. I was in fashion heaven. The show itself was unreal. Proenza also showed a tribal theme and the mix of color and texture was amazing. My favorite pieces were the last few dresses which were bright, embroidered, sparkly, and STUNNING. Being at this show was like an out of body experience.





Too hard to pick just one ... My two favorite looks from Proenza Schouler on Style.com



I had such an amazing, exhausting, and fun first experience with fashion week. It was so memorable and taught me so much. Watching a fashion show live is such an exhilarating experience and I hope that I get to attend many more in the future!

Missoni for Target - Obsessed!

Part of the Missoni for Target display at my local Target

As everyone knows, Missoni for Target was available this morning! I got up bright and early to be there when the store opened at 8 AM. Apparently, everyone else in my area had the same idea because it was super crowded before they opened! However, once everyone dispersed through the store, it wasn't too bad. I beelined straight over to the shoe section to grab myself the cutest flats ever! They didn't have my size and I had to go a half a size up, so they're a teensy bit big - but totally worth it!

Next, I went over to the clothes selection to find the super cool Missoni for Target set up. It was hard to narrow it down to just one item (curse you, intern budget), but I ended up going with the black sweater dress. I loved the cardigans and the zig zag skirt as well, but the dress was too cute to resist. I plan on wearing it now with flats for the fall and with tights, a sweater, and boots for the winter.

Lastly, my mom really wanted one of the gorgeous silky scarves. Since she was working, I decided to be an amazing daughter and pick one up for her. It really had nothing to do with the fact that I plan on borrowing it once in a while. Nope, not at all...



We picked the one on the right!

If I had my own house, I definitely would have picked up some coffee mugs and serving trays. The prints are SO fun and would look amazing at a dinner party. I could also totally picture myself drinking coffee on a chilly fall morning by the fireplace out of the cute Missoni for Target coffee mugs (hint hint Mom, I know you're reading)!

I'm so happy with my purchases and although they aren't real Missoni, the quality didn't feel "cheap" at all. I wish I could have bought more because all of the patterns and colors are so amazing.

I read that the Target website crashed this morning and nobody has been able to get on to buy anything since. Also, many Targets are sold out of items already! I'm so thankful that I didn't snooze my alarm and got in there early!

Tips For Staying Organized

It's that time again... back to school! I'm always so conflicted at this time of year. Part of me is so disappointed that summer is over, yet another part of me is excited for a new year and new classes. This year is especially exciting because I am a senior! In addition to my senior year of college, I have taken on another internship at one of the top fashion PR firms in New York City. In order to keep myself semi-sane, I have to be VERY organized. I'm sure many of you have very busy schedules as well between school, internships, sports, clubs, sororities, etc. So, if you're in the market for some helpful organizational tips... look no further!




Michael Kors Watch

 Get a watch! I repeat... get a watch! Not only can they be very stylish, but they are also super practical. I know we live in the age of technology and we all have cell phones that tell us the time, but hear me out. A watch will always be right on your wrist so you can glance at it at a moments notice. Also, your cell phone battery can die! Having a watch on at all times can truly help to keep you on time and less stressed. This helps with organization because if you are always on schedule, you'll have more time to get other things done.

Post-it Flags

Post-it Flags! These little guys are honestly life savers! Whether I'm marking up a to-do list, reading through a textbook, or taking notes at my internship, these can always come in handy. They are so versatile and help you to mark off and remember important things. I love them because they come in a variety of colors so you can color-code your reminders for different parts of your life. Also, they are small enough to carry around with you and not take up too much space.

Vera Bradley Student Agenda

Use a calendar. Whether it is the calendar in your phone, on your MacBook, or your planner, it is important to write down everything that you have to do. Remembering everything can be difficult, so writing things down lets you keep room in your brain for those new Lady Gaga lyrics. I like to write down homework assignments and when they are due, important events for my internship, as well as club meetings and dates with my friends. I don't want to forget anything that I have to do, so writing it down helps me to remember as well as schedule my time.

Marc Jacobs Small Canvas Tote

Use the same bag for school every day. It makes it a lot easier to find things if you know right where to look. If you're constantly switching your school or work bag, it is also easier for things to get lost. Bonus: if you have a super cute bag, you won't mind using it every day! For this year, I picked up a cute Marc Jacobs tote in NYC to carry all of my school books in.

Some other tips:
- I am a big fan of the "to-do" list. It keeps me organized on a day-to-day basis. Plus, nothing is more satisfying then crossing something off the list that is completed!
- Try color coding your notebooks/binders/folders/etc per class. It makes finding things a lot easier!
- Mentally go over what you have planned for the next day in your head before you go to sleep. It also helps to get everything together and even pick out an outfit the night before if possible.

What are some other tricks that you use to stay organized?