An Excessorized NYFW

Planning an outfit is my all-time-favorite pastime.  I had to wear a uniform to school from ages 6-18, but once in a blue moon we would get "out of uniform" day as a bribe.  I spent many sleepless nights, from first grade on, planning my outfits for these coveted days.  Fashion Week is the "out of uniform" day (or week, rather) of my adult life.  

While anything goes at NYFW, it is certainly the time to bring your  "A game" and choose things to wear that reflect your point of view.  This season, putting looks together was a bit more challenging considering I had just given birth 6 weeks prior.  I didn't want to buy much because I wasn't sure what would fit, so I worked with a lot of pieces that were already in my closet.  I found it easier to take several dresses I already owned and loved and style them up with some creative accessorizing.  A dress is always the easiest answer in a fashion crunch because it's one piece so it either works or it doesn't.  As a general rule, dresses also tend to be less fussy than separates, so they leave more room for accessories to shine (literally).  Below are some shots from Fashion Week.  

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Clutch: Edie Parker, Dress: ASOS

Photo: Driely S for Racked

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Shoes: Givenchy

Photo: Direly S for Racked

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Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Dress: Pia Pauro, Clutch Saint Laurent via AMUZE, Cuff: Erickson Beamon

Photo: Mangue Banzima

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Dress: Hybrid, Blazer: Alice and Olivia, Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Clutch: Forever 21

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Pictured with Adi Heyman of Fabologie

Dress: Hybrid, Blazer: Alice and Olivia, Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Clutch: Forever 21

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Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana, Dress: Pixie Market, Cuff: Erickson Beamon, Shoes: Valentino, Bag: Fendi

Photo: Photodama

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Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana, Dress: Pixie Market, Cuff: Erickson Beamon, Bag: Fendi

Photo: Photodama

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Earring: Erickson Beamon, Jacket: Alice and Olivia

Photo: Candice Lake for TRESemmé 

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Earring: Erickson Beamon, Dress: Maje, Jacket: Alice and Olivia, Bag: Chanel, Bootie: AskA Collection

Photo: Photodama

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Earring: Erickson Beamon, Dress: Anna Sui Bag: Chanel

Photo: Photodama

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Earring: Erickson Beamon, Dress: Anna Sui, Bag: Chanel, Bootie: Saint Laurent

Photo: Photodama

Fashion Week Diary: Part 3

The final two days of fashion week were anything but dull and I'm not just talking about the unforgettable runway looks.  We awoke to yet another insane blizzard on Thursday morning (#polarvortex), which made for an interesting final day.  When I arrived at Lincoln Center at 10 AM, I stepped out of the car, opened my umbrella, which immediately inverted and then broke into 25 pieces from the severity of the wind, and was greeted by this site:

Glamorous, I know.  Surprisingly, there was a pretty big turn-out in spite of the snow. I guess fashion lovers will go to great lengths to see the newest collections! Priorities!! 

Let's rewind to pre-blizzard-Wednesday so I can finish the 3rd and final installment of my fashion week diary...

Day 7, Wednesday February 12th

What I saw: Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, and Cynthia Rowley

What I loved: 

• Betsey Johnson: I have always heard that Betsey's runway shows are like the most fun party you've ever been to, and I was not let down! Between the lively music, vibrant colors, shirtless firemen, balloon parade, and Betsey's signature cartwheels, this show was filled with joyous energy that made me want to get up and dance in the aisle. I restrained myself.  Betsey's neon-80s-prom-queen-esque show had no shortage of excessive accessories (maybe even a little too excessive at times...nooo never!), my favorites being the chunky gold jewels, the psychedelic fur, and the pom pom ear flap hats.  Of course, I would encourage styling these excessories with a bit more subtlety (like just ONE at a time), but Betsey would probably think that I'm a total bore. She's got to be the youngest 71-year-old on earth!

Betsey with her adorable granddaughters 

• Anna Sui: Erickson Beamon makes the jewelry for Anna Sui's shows, so I was more than a little excited to see this collection!  Inspired by 1920's film actress Anna May Wong, Anna Sui's runway gave us 20's art deco meets more modern-day rock 'n roll, topped off with Chinese influences.  The collection was highlighted by beautifully bold Erickson Beamon tassel necklaces, making a more literal 1920's statement to complete the looks.  Time and time again I am blown away by the genius collaborations between Karen Erickson (of Erickson Beamon) and Anna Sui, but this showing was dare I say, on another level. 

The beautiful Karlie Kloss

SO much talent in one photo: Anna Sui, Karen Erickson, and Monique Erickson backstage after the show

• Cynthia Rowley: Cynthia Rowley's fall 2014 presentation felt more like a Vaudeville party than a fashion show.  Guests were greeted by a cheetah decked out in  jewels before entering a ballroom with flowing cocktails, twirling aerialists, and a circus-style film featuring the models having knives thrown at them.  The models, inside glass cases, looked chic and sporty in 70's silhouettes with big colorful bangles, over-the-knee-boots, and fab fur hats! 

What I wore: I had been seeing fur hats all over the runway, so I of course felt inclined to bust out my own, which was the perfect accessory for the well-below freezing temperatures (nevermind my bare legs).  I wanted to build an outfit around this amazing Erickson Beamon for Anna Sui necklace since I was attending Anna Sui's show.  I decided to have a mod moment with this brocade Issa London dress which went perfectly with the green and the blue in the necklace.  The swinging  sixties cut of the dress was quite accommodating to the growing baby bump. I finished off the look with my super warm and heavy mustard Orla Kiely coat...pure sunshine (and warmer than any sunshine NYC has been seeing)!

Photo Credit: PhotoDama 

Hat: Ted Baker London, Coat: Orla Kiely, Necklace: Erickson Beamon, Dress: Issa London, Bootie: Steve Madden Bag: Chanel

Photo Credit: PhotoDama

Day 8, Thursday February 13th

What I saw: Hernan Lander and J. Mendel

What I loved:

• Hernan Lander: This was a highly architectural collection featuring structured jackets, a plethora of leather, and gowns with geometric cut-outs.  The looks were accessorized with sexy, dominatrix-style lace-up sandals. There was a lot of black and white and my favorite piece without question would have to be a houndstooth-trimmed biker jacket...fierce! 

• J. Mendel: J. Mendel's fall collection was nothing short of breathtaking.  The artistry was palpable in the signature bold furs and crystal-embroidered chiffon evening gowns that moved with a luxurious ease down the runway.  Heavenly.  If I ever win the lottery, J. Mendel will be my first stop.  I will buy that color-blocked fur poncho. 

 What I wore: It feels pretty funny to discuss "what I wore" during an insane blizzard to fashion week! Kind of a nightmare! I had to forgo my planned outfit because any footwear other than snow boots would have been a complete safety hazard...not to mention any proper shoes would have ended up in the garbage immediately after.  Try trekking in suede Louboutins in 10 inches of snow and see how good they look after...wouldn't recommend it.  THANK G-D I made the wise decision to buy my high-heeled Hunter Boots 3 years ago at Bloomingdales (See Mom, I told you so!).  Some small part of me must have known that this day, Thursday, February 13, 2014, the final day of fashion week, would come and that I would need a high-heeled snow boot, because lord knows I wouldn't be caught  dead in FLATS! I tried to find a link to the boots to share, but it seems they're currently impossible to find.  However, a mere TWO DAYS after I wore said boots, Hunter Original had their first ever runway show at London Fashion Week and the fall collection is filled with tons super chic, high-heeled options, so get ready! I'm excited to purchase a green pair! 

Heeled Rain Boots on the Runway at the Hunter Original F/W 2014 Show in London

Fashion Week Diary: Part 2

Monday and Tuesday of fashion week were super busy, super long, and super amazing! My adorable, but also micromanaging husband closely monitors the 200 mg of caffeine I'm allotted each day with pregnancy, and let me tell you, I have never missed my 2PM triple non-fat latte so much in my life as I did during fashion week.  So tired.  So worth it.  Also, did I mention how much worse your feet hurt after 10 hours in 5-inch-heels when you can't have a few cocktails? Okay, enough complaining. #preggofashiongirlproblems 

Day 5, Monday February 10th

What I saw: Noon by Noor, Alon Livne, and Alice and Olivia

What I loved: 

• Noon by Noor: As a former pageant girl, I've never really met a sparkle or spangle I didn't just looooove, so I was quite taken with the elegant evening embellishments on the runway at Noon by Noor. Heavily adorned looks with sexy sheer components were shockingly still ladylike! And can I say that coat-slinging over an evening dress is simply DIVINE?! 

• Alon Livne: Inspired by early imperialism in Morocco, Alon Livne's fall collection evokes Middle Eastern glamour with over-the-top, fabulous crystal headpieces and beautifully beaded, embroidered satin gowns.

Livne's presentation was one of my fashion week highlights, especially this headpiece...Excessories Expert Approved for sure!

• Alice and Olivia: How do I even begin to review the Alice and Olivia presentation? I  was blown away by everything about it from the setting (the eerie McKittrick Hotel), to the dramatic hair and make up, to the enchanted theme, to every single look. Phenomenal.  It is obvious how much talent and effort was put into each intricate detail that came together to create a magical fairytale. The Victorian-meets-1970's vibe of the collection is true genius. Bravo. When can I buy EVERYTHING?

What I wore: I started the day in my own version of what I think Princess Kate would wear to a fashion show (only her coat would be real mink, duh). This outfit was a bit less cray cray than my usual ensembles, but once the all-ivory look came together in my mind, I had to go for it.  The coat is from storets and is one of my favorite purchases of the season...highly recommend! 

Photo Credit: Diego Zuko of Harpers Bazaar

Coat: Storets, Sweater: ASOS, Skirt: Zara, Necklace: Aerin Erickson Beamon, Bag: Chanel, Shoes: Steve Madden

For the Alice and Olivia Presentation I changed into a funkier, more excessive outfit featuring my favorite bathmat vest that my husband has unsuccessfully and repeatedly tried to veto from my wardrobe.  I paired it with jeans, a fedora, and some fabulous, unexpected pearls (thank you Carolee!!) 

Hat: Laird & Co, Vest: Johnny Was, Blouse: ASOS, Jeans: ASOS Maternity, Pearls: Carolee, Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, Bag: Chanel

Day 6, Tuesday February 11th

What I saw: Badgley Mischka, Saunder, and Pamella Roland

What I loved: 

• Badgley Mischka: The feeling I got from the breathtaking Badgley Mischka runway was rich and retro with a dash of prim and proper. A beautifully chic mix of tweed, brocade, and cashmere ensembles were topped off with luxurious fur accessories.  Note to self: this is what to wear to brunch in Paris.

The fur add-ons made another appearance with gorgeous glitzy evening gowns. TREND ALERT.

• Saunder: I loved this collection for its film noir era elegance meets 80's geometric patterns.  And as you know, anything with sparkles and fur has me at hello. 

Possibly my favorite aspect of Emily Saunder's fall collection was the pop-art-esque cigarette beading that kept "popping" up along with the Megan Isaacs for Saunder cigarette jewelry...both interesting and badass! Disclaimer: these sparkling smokes are cancer-free.

• Pamella Roland: There was no shortage of sparkle at Pamella Roland's show which even included *gasp* a sequined parka!! Unsurprisingly, the runway featured several show-stopping glitzy gowns, but my favorite looks were the sophisticated, monochromatic navy and bordeaux pencil-skirt moments.  I only wish I had those 2 looks in my closet right now...preggo-chic!!  

What I wore: I call this look the frozen boho preggo. 

Dress: Issa London, Vest: Aqua, Necklace: Erickson Beamon, Bag: Emily Cho

Fashion Week Diary: Part 1

Many words can be used to describe fashion week, but the first that comes to mind for me is "hectic." Hectic in a fantastic way of course, but nonetheless, hectic! I am still digesting all of the incredible fashion, events, and conversations from the past week.  My fashion week started off at an easier pace (minus the horrific allergic reaction I had to the eyelash extensions I just HAD to get) and then got a little crazy after the weekend.  I work for a fashion PR company, so finding the balance between working, blogging, and fun (oh yeah, and motherhood) throughout the week was a new challenge, but I truly had the best time doing it all! Thank Gd for Grammy who came from Texas to help with my daughter and make sure I ate 3 square meals a day along with way too many homemade desserts.  

I decided to break the week down into a 3 part diary to review what I saw, what I loved, and of course, what I wore. I am thrilled to report that I saw tons and tons of Excessories Expert approved designs on the fall/winter 2014 runway! Can we just skip spring/summer and go straight to fall 2014?! Just kidding... 

Day 1, Thursday February 6th: 

What I saw: Erin Fetherston's "Charmed, I'm sure." presentation at the W Hotel Union Square.

What I loved: The models looked like quirky Stepford Wives in feminine florals, A-line silhouettes, and cat-eye glasses.  I couldn't help but fall in love with the dramatic oversized floral print of this dress.  It feels so Betty Draper! 

As for the accessories, I was blown away by a coordinating floral retro lunchbox, and GET THIS: a floral FLASK. Yup. Stepford Wives gone wild? I love!

What I wore: I forgot to get a proper photo of my outfit...silly me, so unfortunately below is the best I have! My newest accessory, my baby bump is starting to make an appearance!

Faux Fur Vest: Aqua, Gold Dress: BCBG, Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Anna Sui, Bag: Chanel

Day 2, Friday February 7th:

What I saw: Carmen Marc Valvo

What I loved: A longtime fan of Carmen Marc Valvo, I never know what to expect from his designs.  The fall collection channels the woman warrior...think modern day Joan of Arc in badass skinny leather pants, strong shoulders, and lots of heavy metal accents. Fierce. 

What I wore: I had to figure out a way to work my reclaimed fuchsia fox coat (my high school graduation gift from my dad, in case you missed that) into at least one of my fashion week looks.  Usually I dress it down with jeans and moto boots, but I've been seeing bright, floral prints everywhere so I was dying to wear this neoprene Zara dress for the 85th time. I just couldn't resist the vibrant combo. At the risk of pushing it way over the edge (excessive is the name of my game) I threw on MORE color and some sparkle with my clutch and necklace. 

Photo credit: Timur Emek, Getty Images

Coat: Kippy's (circa 2004), Dress: Zara, Necklace: Erickson Beamon, Shoes: Gianvito Rossi, Clutch: Etsy

Day 4, Sunday February 9th 

After a restful Shabbat on Day 3 (missing some fave designers, but enjoying family and sleep), I spent Sunday afternoon downtown catching up with fashion week friends and taking in some amazing street style...I swear sometimes the true show happens off the runway! I was supposed to see a couple more shows that night, but pregnancy fatigue won.  Weak, I know. 

What I Saw: Tracy Reese 

What I Loved: Tracy Reese is known for embracing femininity, but what I loved about this collection was the laid-back, cool vibe filled with unexpected pairings from sequins and loafers to utility-coat-topped girly dresses and metallic fringed boots.  The looks were dripping with personality and the fierce footwear had me on the edge of my seat! 

Oh, and when these gold boots stepped onto the runway, I nearly passed out from excitement.

What I wore: I chose to freeze my tushy off just so I could wear my DVF studded leather jacket.  Let's be real, a coat pretty much hides your outfit (fashion week "no, no"), unless it's part of the outfit, in which case you're smarter than I was on this particular 25 degree day.  Once again, I wore floral and pink, which I now think I've officially OD'd on...until March. 

Photo Credit: Keith Morrison of Styelist 

Jacket: Diane von Furstenberg, Dress: ASOS, Necklace: Erickson Beamon, Bag: Emily Cho, Bootie: River Island

Stay tuned for the second and third installments of my fashion week diary! xoxo

NYFW Accessories: What I Wore

New York Fashion Week is the playground for all things excessive.  Bold accessories take an outfit to the next level, making it unique and memorable.  Contrary to what you may think, when I plan a look, it's usually the outfit that comes first and the accessories that follow.  This helps me to push the boundaries and choose a complementary shoe or necklace or bag that may not be the obvious or safe choice.  I have been in quite a matchy-matchy mood lately with my accessorizing as exhibited below in three of my looks from Fashion Week.

Issa London dress, Zara bag, Rachel Zoe cuff, Noir ring

Zara suit, ASOS blouse, Erickson Beamon ring, Chanel bag, Prada sunglasses

Marni dress,  Ralph Lauren hat, Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Erickson Beamon necklace (e-mail me to special order)