An Ode to the MacArthur Clan

My uncle wearing traditional Scottish dress on
his wedding day. June 2000, Ahaus, Sweden

"There is nothing older than the hills, MacArthur, and the Devil"
-Gaelic Proverb

It seems everyone is sporting plaid this season. Hailing from a proud Scotch-Irish family, I, certainly, am no exception. I was very excited to see versions of my family's MacArthur tartan popping up both on the runway and in store (H&M, J. Crew, and Madewell to name a few).

Below are some great, though slightly modified, versions of the MacArthur plaid:

J.Crew.com

J.Crew.com

Celine Pre Fall 2012 Collection
photo cred: style.com

Maison Scotch

My favorite Dutch label, Scotch &Soda, brings feminine/masculine cool to womenswear label through their addition of Maison Scotch. Every look from their Fall/Winter 2011 collection perfected a casual chic flare. The "just rolled out of bed" hair, sultry eyes, and boyish charm denoted a very downtown vibe. It was the perfect blending of Paris meets Williamsburg with a dose of Dutch modernity. Below are some of my favorite looks.

 

 

 

To view the full collection click here.
(All photo's credited to www.scotch-soda.com)

Trunk Shows

Lauren Santo Domingo and Aslaug Magnusdottir, creators of modaoperandi.com,
 are revolutionizing high fashion e-commerce through their online trunk shows
photocred: hauteliving.com

In the past, designers such as Chanel favored trunk shows
photocred: dailymail.co.uk

As the cost of the catwalk continues to rise, designers are retreating "back to the basics" by embracing trunk shows. These intimate events allow designers to sell the brand on a more personal level. Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu reported major trunk show success this season through which they generated high volume sales. Designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Donna Karen have taken things virtual, streaming live trunk shows online, a strategy that makes the show available to the masses.

In the retail world, Lauren Santo Domingo's and Aslaug Magnusdottir, founders of Moda Operandi, have been using online trunk shows to showcase collections from fashion houses in Milan, Paris, London, and New York, allowing the e-commerce site's members to pre-order designer collections immediately following their debut. Membership is exclusive but well worth it for those who can afford the heavy price tag.

The "New" Window Shop

Anna Wintour and founder of Net-a-Porter, Natalie Massenet, shop together on their iPad.

September 8, or more commonly known as Fashion's Night Out, was a night dedicated to the industry to celebrate and promote fashion throughout New York City.

During this year's events, Net-A-Porter, a high end online clothing retailer, embraced technology on a whole new level through a pop-up "Window Shop." The concept made available an app that allowed people to shop and win prizes via their smartphones or iPads. Happy shoppers took pictures of their favorite items and the product information (size, color, price, checkout) instantly popped up on their tablets. This smart, easy, and fast retailing method proved brilliant amidst the chaos of the annual event. The Window Shop, or rather the sidewalk in front of it, was packed with people either admiring the new phenomena or happily clicking away on their tablets. Check out the video below for the full effect!

Bravo Net-A-Porter for continuing to be a leading innovator in the modern world of fashion!

Spicing Things Up via Fall 2011

MARIGOLD
Karen Walker, J. Crew, Max Mara, Costume National
photo source: refinery29.com

PUMPKIN
 Edun, Acne, Alice + Olivia, Peter Som
photo source: refinery29.com

CANDY APPLE RED
Karen Walker, Rodarte, Max Azaria, Prabal Gurung
photo source: refinery29.com

        


























































Embrace fall by adding bursts of color to your wardrobe. Ditch your tired grays and spice things up with marigold, pumpkin, and candy apple red. Pair like color with like color for long simple clean lines or mix and match with neutral hues for a more defined look. These spicy shades will instantly add warmth to those chilly fall mornings. Besides, what's more fun than wearing the skins of your favorite fall treats?

Street Chic: New York City

The Khaki Blazer

In an effort to combat falling temperatures, New Yorkers seem to be embracing over-sized blazer's as an effortless layering piece that completes a look. Keep things masculine and pair with skinnies or opt for a softer style by throwing it over a favorite frock. This unisex item is the perfect solution for the crisp fall weather. It's a classic, staple power piece that will last you seasons to come.  

In the Words of Cathy Horyn...

The Scene at Chanel Spring 2012
source: NY Times Blog

In keeping up with the Spring 2012 runways, I have been addicted to reading reviews by The New York Times fashion guru, Cathy Horyn. Her words are honest and descriptive, making me feel as if I was sitting front row. One of her latest entries, "At Chanel, Everything but Mermaid," described the whimsical scene at Chanel's Spring 2012 showing, which was set against the soft humming of songbird, Florence Welch of Florence Welch and the Machine.

Chanel Spring '12
Source: style.com

Ms. Horyn dutifully masters the tasks of portraying the silhouettes in great detail, "...lean skirt or dress in ivory or black wool worn with an opened cropped jacket..." not failing to leave out design, detail, or color. using industry jargon, she describes the shapes as "soft, short, and slightly rounded, with a sense of mobility" or conveying "glistening effects" from "fabrics woven, in some cases, with glass fibers."

Like any good writer, she is short, sweet, and to the point with hints of creativity and wit. It's no wonder she is sought out by fashionista's everywhere!

Read her full review of the Chanel show here.

Chunky. Cozy. Knit

Photo Credit: firstVIEW Fashion Online

Fall in love this season with the “shear” comfort of cozy over-sized knits for a look that’s effortlessly chic! Indulge in classic shades of beige, gray, creamy whites, or, from crimson to cobalt, be bold via Fall 2011's favorite colors!

Start with your chunky knit, then slim down with tights or a leather pencil skirt a la Doo Ri.  Button it up for that all over warm fuzzy feel or opt for a cooler look by layering it over a maxi dress. For a longer silhouette, keep it simple. Play with like colors- crimson knit, crimson tights- then add height with daring platforms. Feeling adventurous? Take note from Stella McCartney and pair your slouchy knit with wide silk trousers. Just remember to keep things layered!