On the Fifth Day of Fashion Week

On the fifth day of fashion week the industry gave me another Elise. Take a look.....

Maybe I'm just partial because of the name likeness, but Elise Overland's fall 2010 looks have the uncanny ability to embody the whole montra of our little blog. It's a rocker chic style and is just soooo gorgeous!

I'm in love with the leather and sequins that make up many. many of these outfits.

I hope you enjoy these top 6 picks from Elise's line. Give us some feedback!!!

xoxo the other  Elise

On the Fourth Day of Fashion Week

On the fourth day of fashion week the industry gave me Academy of Art University. See Jill's post!

xoxo Elise

Academy of Art University

This University, from San Francisco, has shown a fabulous, structured, collection at fashion week. The graduates designed it, and I can honestly say that I am in love. Lots of black and muted colors, AKA what I love. 

(Imagefrommbfashionweek.com)

My fave is this structured grey dress. 


--Jill

On the Third Day of Fashion Week

On the third day of fashion week, a gift for you from me: actual coverage!

Yes, it has taken me a while to get some coverage up, but as promised, I have some!

Here are three shows I was particularly impressed with, in receding order, so that the last is my overall favourite:

BCBG Max Azria

To be completely honest with you, I was sort of put off by Max Azria when he collaborated with Miley Cyrus for a line. He could collaborate with anyone, and he chose her. Yet, I was impressed with his line yesterday and I would like to show you some of my findings.

Lots of grayscale this fashion week.

The correct way to do navy & black.

Another great use of a dark hue of blue, and black.

Chado Ralph Rucci

For those of you who are followers of the fab show Kell on Earth, you know Ralph Rucci as the client who fired People's Revolution last fashion week. Although I don't see that as a smart move, Rucci makes smart choices with his runway lines!

A truly smart look!

This fur coat and these over the knee boots are fabulous.

Love the tan colors.

I just love love love this outfit, especially the boots!


Cynthia Steffe

There's just something about her line that draws me in. It's possibly the wearability of the line, but it's also charming and quite comforting to a girl used to a uniform. You'll see what I mean.

This is just the most darling look! I would definitely wear this entire look.

Oh, how I would love for this to be my uniform.

So Parisian. The leather accents are fabulous.

Again, great use of leather and the oh so adorable raspberry beret.

I love the shades of gray!

I just can't get enough of the shiny leather and matte fabric. Plus, the over-the-knee socks and nude mary-janes are tres chic!

Loving the blouse here, and the outwards a-line cut. Plus, I'm all for the jumper. Or is it a balero jacket up top?

I just cannot resist a great jacket, especially a trench!

By far one of my favorites. Love the difference of black booties over mary-janes.

I hope you enjoyed my picks! Any suggestions of a particular show you want featured are welcome.

Credits

xoxo Elise

Sunday's Schedule

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Schedule for Sunday, February 14, 2010

Ah, fashion week/ Valentine's day collaboration. Love is in the air...at the runway shows at least!


10      AM LELA ROSE


         SALON

11     AM LUCA LUCA

         PROMENADE

12    MALANDRINO

       556 West 22nd Street

1     DKNY

       711 Greenwich Street

2    REBECCA TAYLOR

      SALON

2   CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION MEN’S

     205 West 39th Street, Ground Floor

3   HERVÉ LÉGER by MAX AZRIA

     PROMENADE

4   DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

     TENT

5   TONYCOHEN

     SALON

5   Y-3

    643 Park Avenue

8  CUSTO BARCELONA

    TENT

9  VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS

    SALON

Schedule

On the Second Day of Fashion Week

On the second day of fashion week the industry gave me a genius with photography.

What do I mean? Jill and I will be adding a new member to our team. Her name is Emily Murray, she's a friend of ours and she will be doing some photography work for us. Some of her work should be up fairly soon, after fashion week most likely. Exciting!

So, as promised, I'm going to be posting tomorrow's fashion week schedule. Also, I would like to confirm that Alexander McQueen did in fact commit suicide. He hung himself, and again, it is speculated that he was heartbroken over the recent loss of his mother.

Saturday, February 13, 2010 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Schedule 

10 AM	LACOSTE  TENT
11 AM	GEORGES CHAKRA  PROMENADE
1 PM	ANDY & DEBB  SALON
2 PM	ADAM  PROMENADE
3 PM	ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY  TENT
4 PM	PRABAL GURUNG  SALON
6 PM	TWINKLE BY WENLAN  PROMENADE
7 PM	IRINA SHABAYEVA 508 West 37th Street
8 PM	ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN COLLECTIVE - PART III  TENT xoxo Elise P.S. Props to the official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week site for the schedules.

Friday Feature : Gaga And Lauper Collab !

I know.  I have to stop with the makeup/MAC/Viva Glam! posts. 

But when I heard about this certain collaboration, I honestly could not help but squeal in delight. Cyndi Lauper has been one of my fashion icons since I can remember (I have modeled several halloween costumes after her) and Lady Gaga is an up and coming new artist who is now starting to have an influence on me, musically and in the fashion world as well. 

What else could a girl want?

Oh yeah. The colors are vibrant and just in time for my spring wardrobe !

MAC has also been busy lately, developing a high-def line for normal people. Can everybody say yay ?!  The Tabloid Collection, being released later this month, is a fabulous high definition collection that does not require you to airbrush yourself to get that flawless look. 

You can guarantee a review on both of these products from me as soon as I get my hands on them. 

--Jill

On the First Day of Fashion Week....

On the first day of fashion week, the industry gave me, the loss of design royalty.

Today, we're cancelling our first day of fashion week activities here at the Frock in order to report what is possibly one of fashion's greatest tragedies ever. We are mourning the death of acclaimed genius British designer Alexander McQueen. A showing of his, scheduled today at the tents, has been cancelled.

All of this is following the death of his mother about a week and a half ago. Reportedly, the forty year old McQueen was heartbroken and many British sources speculate that this was an act of suicide. McQueen was reported dead this morning at his home.

McQueen was a design icon. He created fabulous frocks and produced stunning runway looks season after season. This is truly a loss to the design industry. McQueen worked tirelessly to make it in the world of design first in England, then in Paris. New York and Milan successes followed in suit. His works were even accalladed by the queen of Enlgand, showing how breathtaking and fantastic and unique his creations were. His most recent success was the development of his crazy high, crazy chic, crazy amazing heels sported recently by the likes of Lady Gaga. Gaga, though, was among many celebrities who adored McQueen's work, and treasured his talent.

Au revoir, Mr. McQeen. You will truly be missed by everyone in the fashion world. R.I.P.

With love, admiration, and sorrow,

Elise and Jill

Outfit Post ?!

In the midst of all of this fashion week insanity, here's a little something that is more mundane for all of you.

That's right, my first outfit post.

Dress:Marshalls/Boots:Target/Bracelet:Christmas/Sweater:Maurices/Necklace:Marshalls/Leggings:Forever21

Yes. I know this outfit is loud, but so am I. I am a huge fan of the long shirtdress. This neckline is also perfect for the winter, not too revealing, but also flattering. The bright colors remind me of summer. 

Long sweaters are a must have. Go and get one. They can make your outfit loads more versatile. 

I have a love affair with these boots. I love the hardware on them. Just so much love. 

Favorite outfit? Send it in ! It may get featured in the blog as street fashion !

--Jill

Fashion Week Kickoff

Fashion Week Kickoff!!!

Badgley Mischka

Marc Jacobs

3.1 Philip Lim

Anna Sui

All photos are from the last Fashion Week, SS 10. Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

It is finally upon us my friends! Fall Fashion Week! Hopefully our enthusiasm for this weeklong event is contagious.


Each day we will be posting the next day's schedule of events (Friday's on Thrsday, etc.) courtesy of the official site of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.


Here's our plan:


From each day's events we will pick a designer to feature. We'll give you a look at there collection and a heads-up on what's to come. Tip number one: the Marc Jacobs show is being live streamed Monday night, February 15, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. See Fashionista for more info regarding the show.


Tons of great events will be happening at fashion week also. The American Heart Association will conduct their annual Red Dress collection show and supporters of the relief efforts for Haiti will show up too. We've definitely got you covered for that, as those are great humanitarian causes which are near and dear to our hearts.


We honestly can't contain our excitement! It would be great and lovely to be in New York to see and experience the fabulousness that is Fashion Week first hand. Maybe next year...


And, as promised, the upcoming day's schedule of events:

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule of Events: Thursday, February 11, 2010

Morning:


9: Mackage 


10: BCBG MAXAZRIA


(Hello girls of the Jersey Shore, how nice to see you at such a classy event--especially you, Snookie.)


11: Richard Chai


Afternoon:


1: Duckie Brown


2: Toni Maticevski


3: Ports 1961

5:30-7:30: La Perla


Evening:


6: Farah Angsana


7: The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2010


8: Mik Cire by Eric Kim




Stay with us for everything fashion week. Don't forget this either!!!!


We would love to hear your thoughts and comments on us and on fashion week. 

"I don't design clothes. I design dreams." 

-Ralph Lauren

Stopping by Elise's on a Snowy Evening

Stopping by Elise's on 

a Snowy Evening

This snowy forest looks gorgeous!

I'm partial to the navy blue sky in this one, but the snow's pretty too!

How nice would it be to sit near a roaring fire such as this one?

An idea of what my back yard looks like, but with more trees and less pond...

Right now, I'm sitting at the island in my kitchen looking at the picturesque view through my window of the pond that is my back yard. Despite my distaste for snow, everything looks darling coated it white. It's a prettier snowfall than most have been this year, and I'm delighted. The cold on the other hand, has been a major issue with me today. I have been freezing ever since my alarm went off at five this morning. And though my uniform is definitely not enough to keep me completely warm, it gets an A for effort.  But, there is really nothing more fun or relaxing that sitting with a hot cup of coffee or tea (both, in my case today), wearing a chunky scarf, bundled in several cable knit sweaters and blankets, and writing. It's my favorite thing to do, and I'll feel much less guilty doing it granted we have the fortune of a snow day tomorrow. Hint, hint.

Let us know what makes you comfy on a snowy evening like this!

Anyone get the Robert Frost allusion in the title?

Photos

Colors We Crave: Nail Polish

There are two accessories in the world I absolutely adore. The first, handbags. But even more than handbags, I love love love nail polish. It's simple to use, it can brighten your mood, and it comes in an immense variety of brands and colors. The best part, it's an accessory that doesn't break the bank and you can get multiple uses out of it. I've used nail polish to do anything from painting my nails and toes to doing a quick fix-it job on a pair of scuffed shoes. Seriously. So I've compiled a list of nail polishes that I love and that I think you'll love too!

From Sephora:

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in DWS 

It's a cement gray color which I have been absolutely head-over-heels in love with since late summer/early fall. It was $14 well spent.

Sephora by O.P.I.

From left to right: It's All About Me, Caffeine Fix, Dark Room, Casting Call. All $9

I find all of these colors striking in different ways. I always find a hot pink hue necessary for spring and summer. This color in particular is flattering to my skin tone and it just a delightful and happy color. Caffeine fix is slightly more demure. I love purples and plums and I believe they add a chic pop of color to an all black ensemble or something slightly more formal. Dark Room is something we've featured here before. I adore the mix of gray and black and nave and forest green. The green is the standout shade when the color is actually on and it's a great and less harsh alternative to those who love black polish. Casting call is an interesting variation on a pink. It is much more muted than other pinks but it's equally as  adorable and chic.

From Essie:

From Top: Bordeaux, Midnight Cami, Lilacism, Pop Art Pink, All $8.

 Bordeaux is my newest color obsession. I'm a huge fan of burgundy this winter. It's a less bright alternative to red and adds a purplish hue. As you can see, I have an intense love for the color purple. Midnight Cami is another shade that I've been loving. Navy has always been a color staple in my wardrobe so it's fitting that I have a nail polish that color too. Lilacism is a great color which will be featured in many items this spring. When I was two, I decided that lilac was my favorite color. Looking back, the color represents the whimsy of childhood, so naturally, I love it. I'm just tickled pink by Pop Art! I think the color is the perfect neutral pink. This shade, being as neutral as it is, makes chips much less noticeable than they would be otherwise.

I hope you enjoy my color picks, as safe as they are. Let me know what you think! It's never too late to get into the contest. The winner could even get her favorite shade in the swag bag.

P.S. Three days until our Fashion Week Kickoff event and four days until fashion week. Stay with us for your chance at the prize.

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion." Coco Chanel

Designers to Watch and Take Cues From Part 5

Designers To Watch and Take Cues From

Partie cinq: Laura Bortolami

So much sparkle! Laura Bortolami is a fabulous Roman born accessories designer. After graduating university, she set out for the fashion world working for greats such as Giorgio Armani. From there she launched her own line of accessories in 1994.

As you know, I'm not one to load up on accessories. However, the metallic appeal add a certain glamourous charm to any outfit. I especially love the above belt's Elizabethan-era chain mail quality. It would look great with a simple and slouchy black dress and a cute pair of boots or booties don't you think? I am a huge fan of handbags though, and Bortolami's are bags I would definitely add to my collection, if, of course, I had the money.

Bortolami works under the label of Laura B and her designs can be found online on her website. There, you will also find more photos of accessories like those above. She has some great scarves and jewelry as well. Plus, she has a line for guys too, which is completely fantastic.

xoxo Elise

photo credits: Antolini

Friday Features

Feature One: J Brand Jeans

Photo Courtesy of J Brand.

Ah, Friday at last. After a week that seemed to drag along, I am very excited to present you with the part one of two of today's Friday Feature. I love J Brand jeans. I see ads for them all the time in magazines and the seem to have the most amazing cuts and washes. I saw one pair in particular in the March issue of Vogue that captured my heart. The above pair is their 869 Racer X in Grand Prix. At $218, these are a bit out of my price range, but when I have the money, I'm getting them! P.s. whoever styled this, props for the shoes. Super cute!

Feature Two: Kell on Earth

Photo Courtesy of Paper Mag

Ever since that episode of The Hills when LC and Whitney head out to New York during fashion week as "helpers" at People's Revoltion, Kelly Cutrone has scared me...and inspired me. She has truly taken over New York's PR scene as far as fashion is concerned. 

Happily, Ms. Cutrone has scored herself a little reality show on Bravo called Kell on Earth. I'm assuming it took Project Runway's spot, but for the time being, I could do without that show, Cutrone's life is much more interesting. I cannot fathom the amount of work and pressure she has, especially during fashion week, when the show takes place (thus far). The naive interns, the stressful and demanding clients, and the painstaking task of overseeing and putting together a show's seating chart has to get to a woman. And, I must admit I love her policy regarding tears. "If you're gonna cry, go outside" is a simple paraphrase of what she said to the interns. Yes, she is as curt as she seems and she is quite intimidating. She also comes off as mean, but it's quite understandable seeing her job circumstance. After all, she does work in the world's most cut-throat industry.

I encourage you all to watch this show to learn a little something about the fashion world. Most people just see it as a fun, glamourous job, but it is much more than that, as you will see. The technical work, the interpersonal skills, and attention to detail are vital to survive, and it all becomes apparent just in watching the first episode. Fashionistas beware: the industry is scary. The industry is not nice. The industry wants your all, plus some. So take a sec and flip on Bravo for an amazingly honest and surprisingly real look into the world of fashion PR. Enjoy!

xoxo, Elise

P.S. start commenting for your chance to win the Turn My Swag On Fashion Week Contest. You can start entering with comments as soon as today!

Gaga...Oh La La !

Yes, we all know about Lady Gaga's infamous hair bow in her poker face video and out in the street, but not only has Lady Gaga been rockin' the interestingly childlike do, it has been showing up all over the runways at foreign fashion weeks !

I know it looks complex, but it's actually very simple. Trust me. If I can do it, anyone can. There is only one catch: you have to have at least medium length hair to get the hair to fold into your desired shape.

Of course you can always buy a bow to put on your head. But it looks  much more cool (not to mention natural) if you do it yourself with your own hair.

Other hair trends to look out for:

Colored streaks - Greys, pinks, and purples have been the most common. If you can rock it, wear it ! Take a couple risks, ladies. It's only hair and can always be cut off or dyed back.

Blunt cuts - Whether it's a blunt, heavy bang or just an unrefined end on normal length hair, blunt cuts are in and (I'm going out on somewhat of a limb) are here to stay. Simple to do and even simpler to manage, they look good on all kinds of faces.

Always remember to pick what looks best on you according to your skin tones and face shape. It can make a great cut go bad, if you know what I mean.

Also, I did a little youtube hunting for you all. This was the best tutorial for the bow that I found. Yes, she is speaking Japanese, but there are subtitles so you should be all set !


 - Jill

Turn My Swag On

So, I know we've been talking up fashion week like crazy here on Frock it Out. It's quite an exciting time for fashionistas, journalists, and bloggers alike. Another reason why fashion week is the most wonderful time of the year is the swag. At shows, lavish gift bags filled with items such as iPhones, beauty and skincare products, mp3 players, and much more are often given to the most exclusive members of the fashion industry. Although designers and couture houses are cutting back this year, people will still get plenty of swag. So, why shouldn't you? Many of you are dedicated to the study of fashion (or our study of it, at least) but are unable to partake in the fabulousness that is NYFW.
For this exact reason, the Frock is starting its very first contest, Turn My Swag On (affectionately named after one of rapper Soulja Boy's songs).

This contest is for followers of our blog. Remember, it's never too late to become a follower via blogspot or bloglovin' and it takes five minutes, at most. If you are a loyal reader of our blog or are just catching it now, we want to hear what you think! Simply comment on what you like and don't like about the upcoming trends, designer shows, or designers themselves that we cover during fashion week. A random  winner will be selected at the end of NYFW and will be announced on a post within one week of selection. The winner of the contest will win a beauty swag bag courtesy of the girls at Frock it Out. We hope to see your comments on our posts and hear much more from you, our beloved and fabulous readers, as the spring season blooms to life!

Good luck and happy commenting!

Love,

Elise and Jill

Fashion Update

One of the Girls Behind the Frock

As of lately, I have had a bit of writer's block. This is very unfortunate seeing as I have a rough draft of a paper due next week, a program to draw up, and I love writing about fashion, and it pains me to not have much to say. 

I did go on a shopping excursion this weekend, gladly finding something I needed for once. Usually when I shop with something in mind, I can never find it, which is sad because I leave those things to the last minute and am always desperate for whatever item it is. This trip was for a long, formal dress, which, personally, I am not a fan of (something that hits right at the knee is a great length for me). I needed it though for a formal event, so I said a prayer and went off to find the best deal on a dress that I could.

I would never have guessed the amount of luck I would have that day. I found a burgundy frock which fades out to fuschia as the dress goes on. It has a halter-type top with beading and an empire waits with the same beading. It was even a fairly good fit, the only alterations being in length and it needed a bit of taking-in at the waist. It's nothing major, but it came at a major price. I definitely did not realize the costs of alterations! The dress started out at an unreasonable price, but I was able to get it for practically nothing, which completely enamored me, seeing as I have quite expensive taste (which, unfortunately, I am never able to satiate).

Hopefully, I'll have some pictures up soon. 

The Grammy's

In real fashion news, the Grammy's were Sunday. I feel as though I shouldn't really mention them as much as I had planned due to the yawn that I experienced while watching red carpet fashion. Even Lady Gaga seemed to be on the conservative side, for her taste at least. Also, I never did find out if that "work of art" was an original Armani. I saw lots of Elie Saab on the red carpet, and a not-so-stunning Fergie spoiling the Emilio Pucci label as well. Luckily, fashion week is a mere nine days away and maybe, just maybe, the celebrities could learn a thing or two--I cannot wait for the runway line up. 

Shopping Plans?

I've been browsing through the slews of online shops in preparation for my wardrobe overhaul. I want a fresh start for spring which will include more risk taking. My style is very simple and charmingly classic, but I want a bit more of an edge. I am going to invest in some new basics as well as dabble into some of the larger known and more eccentric trends. 

There were several things that I saw and wanted to buy immediately, but tragically, I was held back by my conscience, which knows that my money would be better spent on college. Regardless, I am looking to buy some of what I saw.

Here's the breakdown:

Forever 21 had some great spring items. I don't recommend shopping in-store. If you know your size, you'll be much better off online as they have a huge and adorable selections of skirts, dresses, light jackets, and accessories for spring. 

Arden B has some super-cute dresses and tops for going out. They're on the pricier side, but their stuff is great, and true greatness comes at a price.

Aerie has this great light sweater. It's almost like a t-shirt in texture, but it's cut as a cardigan. They come in flirty spring colors. I most definitely encourage you to buy one!

Aldo and Nine West have some classic, neutral leather bags that will take you from season to season.

American Eagle is stepping up their game with a larger selection of dresses for the spring season. Thank goodness!

Paint your pout with some of Sephora's glosses. They have peach and rose shades pouring in. For your best color fit, try Smashbox's O-Gloss. This is not for the weak, however, as the gloss can go anywhere from pale pink to fuschia depending on your skin tone and body heat.

And, American Apparel never fails. Ever. 

Hope this helped! Stay with us for more fashion updates and coverage of NYFW 2010!

xoxo Elise