2000th post: Elizabeth and James Spring 2011

I couldn’t decide which among my queued posts and drafts I should publish as my 2000th post but while on my daily rounds, I chanced upon this Spring 2011 lookbook. Known for trendsetting, fashion tag-team Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen launched a line called Elizabeth and James which features downtown meets uptown pieces that send out androgynous messages. This line aims to breach the gap between couture and retail, something the twins are known for, and mission seems to be accomplished by this Spring 2011 lookbook alone. Here are a few of my favorites from the 25-paged digital lookbook.

You can see so much of the twins’ influence in the business they venture on which makes whatever they come up sell. The twins are never too polished just like how this look was styled— a tie front blouse paired with shorts wold have looked chic. Put on a ditressed blazer and yo take it to the next level called corporate chic. :)

I’m sorry; gray and black mixed with solids will never elicit negative feedback from me. *laughs* It’s VERY simple but this one’s TOO wanted.

Now this photo is just unfair— I’m a sucker for neutrals especially when put together. The blouse works well with the rolled-up trousers. The sophistication is diminished by the wedges which isn’t such a bad thing… the Olsens have mastered the art of toning down their grandeur. ;)

The styling on this particular photo has been done thousands of times by amateurs and professionals alike but that doesn’t make it overrated. An unbuttoned cardigan over a dress tied with a belt still looks pretty awesome to me. This is something you could have pulled off during summer with a light cardigan and a pair of sandals.

Have yo heard of “cullotes”? Cullotes are trousers which resemble a skirt such as the bottom part of this dress. I first heard of this term from my mother. Apparently, the Olsens looked back on the 80s for inspiration.

Upon reaching the last page of the lookbook, I couldn’t help but go back from the beginning to adore the styling; my guardian angel must have styled this for me. I was just watching a video of Liz Uy yesterday (you must be living under a rock if you don’t know who she is!), she was discussing how important and difficult fashion styling is. Props to stylists everywhere!

Aside from finding this lookbook, I also want to give myself a pat on the back for my 2000th post (mostly original!) and my season-ender giveaway which ends next week. Be sure to join and like my Facebook page, yes?

(c) Fashion Firewoman

Photos from Elizabeth and James via Facebook

Marc Jacobs: Then and Now

You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of Marc Jacobs. Creative director to French fashion house Louis Vuitton and head designer of his own line, this 47-year old American fashion designer has earned a spot in the fashion hall of fame and in our hearts. He was hired by Louis Vuitton in 1997 where he created the brand’s first ever RTW collection. In 2010, Jacobs continued to reveal his prowess was chosen as one of Time Magazine’s most influential people in the world.

It’s hard to box this guy’s collection in 4 images but it’s very easy to describe him— he’s a man with impeccable taste. His eye for color, texture and length are always elegant without being dull and tame. He makes use of unusual color palettes for his collections that always seem to work. In his Spring 2010 collection, navy blue, gray and beige surprisingly looked very fresh altogether— perfect for Spring! The volume and messy ruffles don’t look shabby; they were mildly and properly used. If I were to do a countdown of the best Spring 2010 RTW collections, Marc Jacobs would be the sure topnotcher.

In 2011, Marc Jacobs continued his reign as one of the highly-acclaimed Spring collections. He played with different berry colors exhibiting almost all trends set for the season— sheer, stripes and wide-legged trousers. Models came out with frizzy hair, glitter platforms and oversized corsages. As the collection progressed from one piece to the next, it was like a glowing sunset shifting between shades of pink, red, violet, and orange. It’s rather surprising that the RTW collection looked like a Resort collection with the sheerness of the fabrics but nevertheless, the collection was a beaut.

(c) Fashion Firewoman

Photos compiled from Style.com

Spring Week: Topshop Spring 2011 Lookbook

Forgive me but bashing Topshop wasn’t exactly in my career plan.

Topshop’s Spring 2011 offering needed understanding and a second glance before being appreciated. The bright colors and diversity of styles paired with ombre-colored hair are very enchanting. I see 3 sub-collections from the entire cluster that carries all the trends set for 2011.

First of which is the asymmetrical fairy-like dresses in chiffon.

Second, the outback-cowboy style— leather pants, ponchos, denim skirts.

Third, the all out boheme-hippie. Slouch cardigans, floral full skirts

The collection also carries long, ethereal dresses in vibrant hues— a total acid trip.

If there are pieces worth understanding, there are some hopeless pieces that don’t suit my taste. This priestly-ghostly dress would have been better off in color and/or in a shorter length.

This particular photo seems out of place. It’s stunningly-styled but it doesn’t seem to fit in either of the sub-collections because it just has too much going on. What a waste.

Overall, Topshop’s Spring 2011 collection is urban bohemian with its colored hair tips and lengthy dresses. If not for the undeniably gorgeous shoes and accessories, this would have been a total blah. The trendy brand’s collection gave justice to being a fast fashion brand.

(c) Fashion Firewoman

Photos from Nitrolicious