5 Trends for the Vacationing Fashionista

I know I know...I've been slackin' on the blogging lately but trust it's been for a good reason :)

I just got back from my first major trip of the year! I was in Puerto Rico with some of my favorite people last week! It was soooo much fun!!! While I was preparing for my trip I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the looks you might consider when putting together your vacation wardrobe. Here are some of my faves:

Bandeau & Crop Tops

http://www.americanapparel.com/ (Forever21 has much cheaper bandeau tops)

This crop top is also from American Apparel

T-Shirt & Bikini Combos

Forever21 tee and Victoria's Secret Bikini

Floral Patterns

http://www.forever21.com/ (coming soon)

Sharp Shades

http://www.nastygal.com/ or http://www.hottopic.com/

Lace-up Sandals

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

TREND WATCH SP10: Tulle

 TULLE

Tulle might be most commonly associated with wedding dresses, but designers have worked the netting into the clothing items for their spring collections. I'm a fan of this trend because I associate tulle with softness and femininity, two things that I usually go for when creating my summer look.

Created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com

The above set includes a tulle shrug by Lanvin ($1,790). Description via net-a-porter.com:

Lanvin Blanche's sheer ivory tulle shrug with ruched finish and raw trim makes a directional coverup for the modern bride. Wear this cropped sleeve shrug to add a tactile touch of whimsy to a strapless column dress.

The description mentions brides, however, it would also work with more casual items to create a soft, and even whimsical look.

Created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com 

The tulle item the above set is the tulle and georgette drape dress by Donna Karan ($2,495). Description via net-a-porter.com:

Donna Karan's peach georgette dress with sheer taupe and cream mesh layers is an ethereal evening style.

Created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com

The above set includes a ruched tulle skirt ($1,495). Description via net-a-porter.com:

Upgrade your day-to-evening repertoire with Donna Karan's chalk ruched tulle pencil skirt with jersey underlay.

The skirt is a Donna Karan runway piece. Tulle never looked so classy and sexy!

☆ SHOWSTOPPERS ☆

I have more than a couple of showstoppers so show you this week!  There were at least a dozen items I wanted to put up but I have to leave something for the weeks to come. Enjoy!

Gianmarco Lorenzi 'suede platform sandals'

$669 / Available at farfetch.com

Picture from farfetch.com

I DARE YOU TO TELL ME THAT THIS SHOE ISN'T HOT. Lorenzi is one of the best shoe designers I've come across; his designs are the epitome of creativity and strong femininity.

When you see a shoe like this you instantly think "I want!" But while it makes your heart skip a beat with desire, it also makes you anxious as you panic about what to wear with it.  I would wear them with more muted colors with the shoe because the shoe should speak louder than anything else I'm wearing (perhaps it could tie with my handbag.) When I'm walking down the street the first thing  you should notice are the shoes, not the other bright or crazily designed clothing items that I've paired them with.

I'd wear the shoes with the following:

Bottega Veneta 'Sheer fine-knit cardigan' / $850 / Available at net-a-porter.com

I think the tank is by Kain. It was on sale at net-a-porter.com but it's no longer available.

Dianve von Furstenberg 'Pareese Trousers' / $399.32 / Available at mytheresa.com

The cardigan isn't a muted color, however, I don't see it taking away from the shoes. I probably wouldn't even wear, just bring it along in case it becomes chilly. If you love this look but want a more affordable price. Madewell is a store that has a variation of the cardigan available every season, usualy costing about $50-70 (Madewell is located at Tysons Corner and Annapolis Mall if you live in the DC metropolitan area). I have a black cardigan from Madewell that looks pretty much like the Bottega Veneta one. As far as the pants, I've seen trouser pants in Urban Outfitters and on their website and I've seen a pair of Calvin Klein trousers at Bloomindale's, and I believe they were $98 (they didn't have my size unfortunately). The tank, of course, you can find almost anywhere.

Show us your nOir ring!

Did you take advantage of the 15% discount from nOir? Let us know! Email feedback and pictures to ccp@thev2v.com.

☆ SHOWSTOPPERS ☆

This weeks showstoppers showcase two of my top favorite brands, Louis Vuitton and L.A.M.B. ENJOY!

Louis Vuitton 'Artsy' Bag

Released Spring 2010 

MM $1400 / PM $1630

This is a new shoulder bag from Louis Vuitton and LV sales associates don't know how long it will be in production. I hope it earns permanency with LV because it really is a nice bag. I first saw it in person at Louis Vuitton Bloomingdales and instantly loved it. The MM bag is a nice size bag for those like me who like big bags (18.1"  x 12.6" x 9.4"). I suggest the PM only if you like really big bags (19.7" x 14.1" x 9.8"). The pluses for me are the shape and that it is actually pretty structured unlike most bohemian style bags (I hate bags that flop or "deflate" when the stuffing is removed). The only negative is that it has no closure. The bag seems more of a fall bag to me so hopefully it's still around then because that's when I'd it purchase it.

L.A.M.B. 'Faith' Heel

$245 - Sale (was $295) / Was Available at heels.com

How could anyone choose one color? I love this shoe not only because of the design, but because it can dressed up or down and worn with any color. Three or four times I've purchased the same shoe in more than one color, and this would be that kind of purchase, however.........it's SOLD OUT at heels.com and I can't find it anywhere. If you come across it let me know!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

☆ SHOWSTOPPERS ☆

Don't read this post while drinking or chewing, you might choke! ENJOY!

Preen 'Whoosh tie-front dress'

$1, 270 / Available at net-a-porter.com

Picture from net-a-porter.com

My first words were "so cute!" That is the one of the most attractive shades of pink, and would compliment any skin tone. The tie waste is also a plus for women since it accentuates the waist and will provide a slimming effect for most. I love the strong shoulders and how it drapes upwards at the bottom. net-a-porter description:

Preen soften their iconic body-con silhouette with this gently draped pink silk square-pattern dress. Strong shoulders and a self-tie waist help to create the perfect hourglass shape; balance the color with subtle extras to complete the look.

FENDI 'Tulle-embellished suede sandals'

$1,195 / Available at net-a-porter.com

Picture from net-a-porter.com

It's shoes like this that make you apply for more credit cards. The heel is 6.5 inches which would have me surpassing my dream height of 5' 5" (I'm 4' 11"). Tulle seems to be a trend this spring, as many designers are using it for shoes and dresses. These shoes would look great with the Preen dress. Peep the sister show below.

FENDI 'Wrap lyrca and plexi platform sandal

$1,205

Picture from net-a-porter.com

These babies are sold out. The only place I saw them for sale was luisaviaroma.com.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Footless Socks: A 2010 trend?

FOOTLESS SOCKS

Set by JO on Polyvore.com

Footless socks were seen on the runway for Prada's Fall 2007 RTW collection, and now they have resurfaced in Alexander Wang's Spring 2010 RTW fashion show (show in above picture). This isn't a new or popular trend, but it is an interesting one. If I had to rate this trend on a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 6. I do love the look in the above picture, but the trend isn't my style. Great looks can be created with footless socks, but I think they only add to an outfit when worn with certain types of shoes. Plus, I see many people wearing the look in the most unappealing way.

Footless socks look best when worn with booties (as shown above) or shoes that have thick straps/bands that go across the ankle (as shown to the left).  I'm not fond of them with mary jane style shoes or with pumps. Wearing them with pumps in particular will create the flashdance look, which is a fun look, but won't result in a chic outfit.

Purchasing footless socks won't be easy as finding them has been impossible. American Apparel carried them around the time of Prada's Fall 2007 fashion show but has since then stopped selling them. Obviously the trend hasn't picked back up enough for them to be available for retail yet. Time will tell.

If you want to exercise your creative side a bit you can always make a pair.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

☆ SHOWSTOPPERS ☆

Lately I've been seeing a lot of jaw-dropping items, and as a result have been inspired to start doing a weekly post called 'SHOWTOPPERS' and share the most memorable pieces that I've come across while surfing the net or while out shopping. ENJOY!

Alexander McQueen 'Scuba Python De-Manta' Clutch

Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear

Photo from style.com

One word: GORGEOUS. Both the shape and pattern of the bag are very unique and the vibrant color palette is perfect for the spring/summer, and even the fall. I'd leave the house if only just to show off the bag.

Jessica Simpson 'Sabina' Platform
$110

 Photo from style.com

This is the best version of a birdcage platform that I've seen so far this spring. The heel is 5 1/2 inches which will make you a GLAMAZON. I tried these on at Nordstrom a couple of weeks ago and they are definitely FIERCE. I didn't purchase them because the shoe is kind of chunky and I felt as if my ankles and legs are too skinny (though the salesperson told me that they looked great on me, but isn't that their job?). While I didn't buy them, I do however HIGHLY recommend them! The shoe isn't available on Nordstrom.com or on jessicasimpsoncollection.com so you'll have to call around to find it. It is available on endless.com, but only in sizes 5.5, 7.5, and 8.

Check out these sets from Polyvore.com on how to outfit these items:

Set created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com

My post on mixing prints: TREND WATCH SP10: Mixed Prints

I love the mixing of prints in this set. Very few would dare to wear such a combination. Yellow is what really links the pieces, however every color of the handbag goes with the yellow or black of the dress. That icy blue on the handbag comes out of nowhere, but it's a pleasant surprise; a little randomness never hurts.

Set  created by vBARBIEv on Polyvore.com 

vBARBIEv is my account on Polyvore.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

15% Off nOir Jewelry for V2V Readers 3/22-4/5

15% Off nOir Jewelry for our readers!

About nOir

Designer and owner Leeora Catalan’s unique approach steered her directly from school into Ralph Lauren and Oscar De La Renta before making a name for herself as a fashion stylist. Subsequently, she launched nOir fourteen years ago. Noir’s fresh and cheeky take on style blends glamour with an edgy street influence, resulting in a unique point of view that has been informing tastes and trends over the past decade.

Marc Jacobs, Dkny, Diesel, Moschino, The Blonds, Patricia Field, and Betsey Johnson have all collaborated with nOir to create jewey for their runway shows. Noir is worn and coveted by celebrity icons including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Katy Perry, Fergie, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Paris Hilton. Noir’s treasures can be uncovered in the finest specialty boutiques and department stores throughout the world. 

I first purchased something from the nOir line in December 2009 and I've received tons of compliments on it. See the nOir Rings Up Close & Personal post that features one of our readers and her nOir jewelry purchase, and the Rings & Things post to see more nOir products.

 The discount is March 22 to April 5 at 12 midnight. 

Keep reading for discount code.

A glimpse of their beautiful rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

Bette the Butterly $165 ($141 w/ discount)

Smooth Pyramid $75 ($63.75 w/ discount)

Smooth Pyramid also comes in silver. The bracelet is also available with rhinestones for $125, called Pave Tip Pyramid, and comes in gold and silver.

Bad Girl Was $75, Now $60 ($51 w/ discount)

LaBelle Was $115, Now $92 ($78.20 w/ discount)

Rings $50-200

Bracelets $125-300

Earrings $40-300

Necklaces $45-330

DISCOUNT CODE: voyage

1. Before using the discount code follow voyage-2-venus via google reader or email subscription.  

2. After using the discount code comment on this post and let us know which nOir piece took your breathe away! 

When you receive your purchase make sure to send your name and pictures to ccp@thev2v.com to be featured on the site. Check the nOir Rings Up Close & Personal post to see acceptable types of pictures.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

MCM Handbag Prices

I've FINALLY gotten the prices for most of the MCM bags that I did a post on awhile back, MCM: Just for the 80s?. They didn't have all of the prices as some of the bags aren't available in the US yet. Make sure to check out MCMWorldwide.com to see all of the bags in the collection and the various colors that bags come in. If you want to see more of the classic bags and where to purchase them, go to shopstyle.com (clicking on the link will take you directly to my MCM search results). 

 

FLOWER BREEZE COLLECTION: Medium Boston $585 / Large Shopper  $745 

ALDA WOMEN COLLECTION: Large Clutch $685 / Large Bowler $685

CHA CHA CANDY COLLECTION: Medium Blossom $990 / Large Blossom $1050 (not shown)

POP PYTHON COLLECTION: Large Clutch price (unknown but Small Clutch is $875) / Medium Satchel $900 / Tote $990

NY COLLECTION SPORTIVO COLLECTION: Satchel $995 / Bowler $1075

My favorites from all of the collections, which you can view on the website, are the Alda Women bowler, and the Pop Python clutch, satchel, and tote. The decision process would go so much quicker if I could see the bags in person, but MCM bags are practically nonexsitent where I live. They above bags bags definitely aren't available, only the monogram bags, and very few of those.


If you want prices for any of the other bags you can contact Eva at The Plaza Retail Collection One in NY, New York (212) 832-2626. Tell her Catherine sent you.

You can go to the below websites to see different views of these bags plus more: Fashion Daily Mag, Fashion Windows, and Fashionably Petite. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

TREND WATCH SP10: Mixed Prints

Mixing Prints 

Mixing prints is definitely not a new concept, but it is a daring one for many because you can so easily get it wrong and end up looking like the the star attraction for Barnum & Bailey Circus.

To try mixing prints you need an open mind and an attitude of disregard for the opinions of others. Sometimes only a few may appreciate the mixture, and sometimes none, but regardless, YOUR personal style should be first and foremost!

Tips & Tricks

1. The key to mixing patterns is SCALE. For the best effect, mix patterns of the same scale, or for a bigger bang, mix large scale patterns with small scale patterns.

2. Mix patterns that contain colors in the same color family, or that have the same dominate color.

3. To take a bit of an easier route, mix patterns in the same genre, for example, floral patterns. 

4. Mix patterns that have that share a common theme. The above picture of Solange Knowles is a good example.

4. Unsure of what patterns to mix? Start with the most common patterns, such as florals, stripes, and checked patterns.

5. For another easier route, mix garment patterns with shoe patterns (or details).

3 examples of mixing patterns are below:

Rihanna wearing a tribal print top with printed jeans (I don't know what else to call them besides printed).

Set by maloonie on Polyvore.com

Set by RluvsG on Polyvore.com 

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Vogue's "Vogue Black" Site

All things Black is the focus of Vogue Black, a branch off from Vogue that not only pays homage to legendary and today's rising Black models, but also to all things black in film, music, and popular culture.

VOGUE BLACK 

currently features:

The iconic Grace Jones and Pat Cleveland

Up-and-coming model Jeneil Williams

Old Vogue articles that feature iconic and well-known Blacks (currently on the site is the November 2008 article with Naomi Campbell interview with Nelson Mandela)

Feature on Forrest Whitaker and his wife as a black couple in Hollywood and films with black actors and that focus on the black experience such as Invictus starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela

There is a particularly interesting article on the allure of uunsi, an African incense used by women. I'll be asking one of my African American friends more about that one!

Now for my downside about the site.

The launch of the Vogue Black site seems like a step in the right direction, however I'm a little unsettled. The whole thing is feeling a little "separate but equal." Why couldn't appreciation for Blacks in the fashion industry, particularly black models and celebrity fashion icons just be incorporated into the regular Vogue Site? I'm not completely opposed to the idea of the site, however the site's credibility will dwindle if appreciation for multicultural beauty still isn't seen on the regular Vogue site, and most importantly in Vogue magazine issues abroad.

I was not impressed with the site. The site is not appealing and seemed a little helter skelter, and very much a sophomoric attempt at web design. It's just very blah. Check it out for yourselves and let me know.

The site pays homage to old and new Black models in the fashion industry, and currently namely the ones pictured above.