Sunday, August 16, 2009

Fall 2009 Fashion: Ralph Lauren Runway Collection

I've been sitting on these Ralph Lauren Fall 2009 runway pictures since they came out in the spring, so I suppose I should post them first. Besides, what better way to kick off the fall season than by jumping in the high fashion end?

I'm really feeling this collection. If you remember back to the Spring 2009 collection, the theme was African safari. This season blends British, Bohemian, and Eastern influences to conjure an image of estate living. Titled "Romantic Luxury," it's incredibly elegant and sophisticated. Plus, it's just so fall! Tweeds, silks, suede, and velvet give the collection a quintessential autumn air. The collection is divided into four "acts." Again, like with the spring collection, I only picked out few looks that really popped to me for brevity's sake. But if you like what you see, I recommend checking out the whole collection. There are many other gorgeous pieces. There's also really cool behind-the-scenes stuff and more information on the inspiration of the collection. Here we go! (As always, you can click on the images to make them their original, usually larger, size.)



Act I: Modern Nobility



"Sleek, slim-fitting pieces for day and evening alike create the perfect frame around your glamorous portrait. Structure and subdued elegance are the hallmarks of contemporary society chic."














Act II: English Rose



"Iconic tweeds contrast pale stain pants and cashmere sweaters in a frothy palate, polished off with sibtle wisps of artfully embellished scarves. Impeccable detailing yields luxe looks that embody the ease of estate style."










Act III: Bohemian Heiress



"Rich suede and velvet set the scene for looks that transition effortlessly from day to night. An intellectual confidence allows for the pairing of vintage coats and sweaters with exquisite evening dress."








Act IV: Eastern Odyssey



"Pale creams, pinks, and silvers embellished with Far Eastern-inspired embroidery create a bold glamour. The fabrics of the Silk Road – shearling, lame, tulle, satin, and, of course, silk – are a textural journey unto themselves."















As a bonus, check out the collection's accompanying ad campaign:



Saturday, August 15, 2009

Fall Fashion Preview

It's been a wonderfully preppy summer. But let's whet our appetite for the fall season, shall we?


Vineyard Vines:




Nautica:






L.L.Bean:








J.Press






Ralph Lauren:




Brooks Brothers:




I can hardly wait.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Yes, I'm Still Alive

Sorry, about the lack of posts this summer, but real life sometimes gets in the way. It's been a rather busy summer! The cruise (way back in May!) was wonderful. To relax and be carefree in the warm Caribbean sun was more than I could ask for after four years of hard work! The cruise started in Puerto Rico, which was just lovely. We spent the night in Old San Juan because we wanted to make sure we didn't miss the boat. It worked out well because our hotel was right in the middle of Old San Juan and we got to shop (Ralph Lauren and Coach outlets, yay!) and look around. We visited the Castillo de San Cristóbal, which was amazing. The first destination on our cruise was St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by Antigua, and Bermuda. We ended in NYC where we stayed for three more days. We managed to fit in three Broadway shows (God bless student rates) and some shopping (of course!). As for the shows, we saw The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, and Rock of Ages. (I'm not going to lie, I thought Mary Poppins was kind of weird. But that's probably because I've never seen the Julie Andrews movie. Apparently, I grew up under a rock.) Best of all, Filene's Basement had a wonderful sale (including their Vineyard Vines merchadise). Let's just say my wallet took a hit. Totally worth it.

Then came my cousin's graduation in South Carolina, followed by the family beach trip to my favorite vacation destination: Hilton Head Island. We went to Hilton Head every summer growing up and after a couple alternate destinations (Cape Cod, Europe) the last couple of years, we returned this year with great fanfare (obviously!). We always vacation with my uncle and his family, so it's always a blast with the eight of us (my mom, brother, grandmother, aunt, uncle, and two cousins). We went to the beach and the pool. The boys played some golf while we girls took a day cruise to Savannah, Georgia. It was such a great trip and brought back so many memories, my grandmother bought a place so we can return every summer.

The traveling stopped for a while as I started my first class in graduate school! So that kept me busy for five weeks. But after that my mom, grandmother, and I took a trip out to Minnesota to visit family (my grandparents are originally from Minnesota, so most of our family still lives there) and attend my grandmother's 65th high school reunion! I know, time flies and all.

So now I'm home again, getting ready for the new semester to start. In the meantime, I'm having laser eye surgery in a couple of weeks, so that should be great. And tomorrow we're going to the Carolina Panthers' training camp practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with our neighbors.

Now that we're all caught up, I hope to get back to the fashion posts. I've got some topics and pictures, I just need to get around to it.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Fresh From Key Largo!

I have made my triumphant return to my homeland (North Carolina) and I come back a certified scuba diver! Yay! The trip was great. So worth it. And flying over driving? Best decision ever (I know, I know, I've said that before. But I mean it!). Now I'm ready to leave for my cruise! We fly to San Juan tomorrow morning and the boat leaves Sunday. I can't wait, I'm so excited! The only problem is packing. I'm already busting the seams on my suitcase. I still need room for the things I plan to acquire on the trip! Grr! Damn airlines and their stupid paying for checked luggage ridiculousness. Oh, well. I'll keep working on it, I guess.

In other news, I graduated from college. Yes, it finally happened and, no, I'm still not sure about it. The graduation was great. Our commencement speaker, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was simultaneously insane and awesome. There were lots of mentions of the basketball championship (speaking of, this is completely unrelated, but totally worth checking out). I'm going to miss it. I just can't fathom my life without school. And lately it's really been starting to hit me that I will not be going to Chapel Hill in the fall. I guess I will technically still be a student since I'm enrolled in a graduate program, but still. It's not the same. We'll see how things go.

Friday, May 1, 2009

I Think I'm Finally Ready To Talk About It

So, it's been over a week since that awful Wednesday evening when Anoop was kicked off America Sucks American Idol. It took a week of bitterness but I think I'm finally OK with it. Still not overly happy because when I think about that damn judge's save, I still get a little rage-y. But I've accepted it and I'm ready to move on. I know, that's what really matters. Anyway, Anoop seems to be taking it extremely well. His interviews have all been gracious and charming. I especially loved this one. It helped kickstart my healing process. So good for him! I hope he does well. Alright, I think that's enough of my melodramatics for now.

I did go to the Clef concert last Saturday. It was really good. Probably the best one I've been to, and I've been to every single one since I was a sophomore. They released their new CD, Twist. It's pretty great. I highly recommend it. You can check out a bunch of their performances on YouTube.

Also, Monday was the last day of classes and I attended the last class of my undergraduate career! So sad. I have one more exam for the semester and then...GRADUATION! I still have mixed feelings. The whole thing has been very bittersweet. I didn't realize when I came to Chapel Hill just how much I would love the town and the university. Well, it's been a great four years.

Now it's time for my cruise!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Spring Fashion 2009: Vineyard Vines



I've saved Vineyard Vines for last because they had, by far, my favorite collection this spring. I think it may have something to do with the fact that, even out of all the great brands featured here, they most clearly understand "classic, casual prep," and that's what I like. I loved nearly everything they offered. Thus, the reason for this incredibly lost post (and the reason I've put off doing it!). Unfortunately, because VV had so much to offer, I couldn't cover it all so you should definitely check out the site. You will NOT be disappointed! So, here it is, the finale of Spring Fashion 2009!



Kelly Street Cable Sweater





I love the look of this classic cableknit. VV probably does the most perfect cableknit out there. They come in several great colors as well!


Oxford Sconset Shirt




University Stripe Sconset Shirt



These sconset shirts really jumped out at me. I love the way VV finds creative ways to incorporate its signature prints in its pieces.


Longshore Sailing Shorts



I love those deep pockets. Gives this pair of shorts a distinct look.


Classic Twill Shorts



These are the best, most versatile shorts around. They give a sense of casual without being sloppy. And they come in so many vibrant colors! Also, love the signature pattern belt here.


Signature Patchwork Shorts



God, I love these shorts! Again, it's wonderful how VV uses its signature patterns. They know they struck gold with them and they better use them! And that belt? Fabulous!


Sea Life Stonington Skirt



I'm such a sucker for this type of pattern.


Classic Twil Skirt



Like its cousin, the classic twill shorts, this is the ultimate skirt. So clean and classic.


Shippan Skirt



Again with the deep pockets.


Classic Seersucker Skirt



Like my fascination with madras, I adore seersucker in the summer.


Seersucker Reina Dress



More seersucker! But what I really like about this dress is the cut. The v-neck is great and the straps are adorable!


Vines Skylark Dress



This pattern is so sweet. It would make a lovely bridesmaids dress for an outdoor wedding.


Yacht Club Polo



A nice, subtle twist on a classic preppy staple.


Rigsby Check Murray Shirt






Worth Gingham Oxford Tucker Shirt





VV has so many great button-down shirts, there is no way I could possibly feature them all. So just know that these gorgeous shirts are just the tip of the iceberg. If you like what you see (or just want to see more), I strongly suggest you check out the entire collection.


Cotton Crewneck Sweater





Simple and lovely.


Cotton V-Neck Sweater



Look how well VV's button-down shirts go with this gorgeous sweater!


Nautical Twill Club Pants



Nothing beats a pair of khakis paired with a great boat shoe.


Girls Kelly Street Sweater



Not only does VV make the perfect cableknit sweater for adults, they also make it for children!


Girls Ocean View Cardigan



Sometimes great things come in miniature!


Girls Karen Shorts



Love the belt and cuffed hem.


Girls Turtle Toss Classic Shorts





How cute are these?!


Girls Polo Dress





I love a casual polo dress. So simple, yet so cute.


Girls Daisy Dress




Girls Seersucker Dress








Girls Sea Life Dress





OK, so, I was floored by how many adorable girls dresses there were! I wish they came in big girl sizes!


Boys Pocket T-Shirt



Something about that pocket gives this simple T-shirt a little something special. It also comes in a bunch of other colors.


Boys Mission Check Whale Shirt



Like the men, the boys collection featured a ton of gorgeous button-down shirts.


Boys V-Neck Sweater Vest




Boys Cotton Sweater



A couple of great sweaters.



Boys Lobster Seersucker Shorts





This lobster patterned seems to be popular for males at the VV headquarters this spring because they have a version for men. For women the theme was pink seahorses or blue sea turtles with a girls bermuda short and a skirt for women.

Well, that's it for Spring 2009! What did you think? Pretty awesome, no?