Trend Report: Urban Cowgirl

Giddy up girls, this week The Cut Reports that, “Wendy Nichol is three seasons into her eponymous line and can already count Scarlett Johansson and models Kim Noorda and Elizabeth Jagger among her many fans.

Not too shabby, considering she is completely self-taught. Following a four-year stint as a buyer and designer at Club Monaco, Nichol left to pursue her own label, which debuted in fall ‘08. Her first collection was a mix of tough leather cuffs, feminine pearl necklaces, and delicate rings, all accented with her now-trademark studs. Nichol’s youngest daughter, Sofia, served as the look-book model, glammed up with red lips and perfecting a pose worthy of a Jurgen Teller–shot Little Marc ad. Nichol shopped the pieces around and landed at Brooklyn’s Bird.

Fast forward a year later and the likes of Bergdorf and Barneys Co-op are stocking the ever-expanding line, which now also includes bags. Citing cowboys and Native Americans as her main inspiration, Nichol’s fall collection consists of fringed clutches and horsehair-accented jewelry named after chiefs and princess, outlaws, and notable cowboys and cowgirls. The addition of chains and spikes toughen up Western-inspired pieces, giving it a slick urban vibe. Prices begin at $100 for small studded earrings and top out at $700 for a large fringed saddle bag, with all items sourced and constructed locally. Check out some of our favorite looks from her line.”

These remind me of a classier version of a Cowboys/Indians party I went to freshman year at college. Emphasis on classier.

Well Ms. Nichols’ fabulous pieces may set you back a penny or two, I found some great mock-offs that are recession and fashion friendly.

How about this leather and stone  necklace from – Tar- zjay?

Yes mam, that is just a little more than a frozen yogurt and a Coke Zero.

And this bag is extremely versatile from Urban Outfiters:

It appears the Urban Cowgirl is  just so cute that even the surfers and Yankees will participate.

So – What are your favorite designer pieces? Mock-offs?

This trend might just stay as long as the deer and antelope play.

XOXO

Resort Report

It’s that time again, this week’s trend report is the official Oligoville Resort Report. With dozens of amazing designers presenting dazzling accessories, handbags and threads we had to pick a few of our faves to share with you.

While neutrals are present in many Resort collections, I must respectfully look the other way. Nothing against the hues, but as you ladies know, I’m just not a neutral kind of girl.

This resort reprt is all about color and  here are some of my top selections from the trends this year.

Best of Resort #1: Candy Colors

Sonia Rykiel shorts (Mimosa, anyone?)

Prada Clutch:

Ralph Lauren Collection dress:

Best of Resort #2: Turquoise

Oscar de la Renta:

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Chanel (of course) and a Frette towel:

Roberto Cavalli Ring:

Best of Resort #3: Navy and Gold

French Connection top:

Miu Miu Sunglasses:

Proenza Schouler sandal (so hot):

So those are some of my top pieces, but what about complete collections?

A savvy fashionista from NY divulges her top designers, which I must respect and agree with her insider opinion: “[My] three favorite collections shown at New York during Resort 2009 fashion week dazzled me with their lovely, feminine sophistication note. First of all I love their chromatic palettes: white and off-white, grey, rose, crimson red, midnight blue, navy and black and the subtle refinement of the delicate details: ruffles, draping and other embellishments. These are clothes to keep in your wardrobe forever and not just for one holiday.

Carolina Herrera, recently granted with Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award at CFDA, brought out an impeccable chic collection, as always, though with a cheerful, breezy note, perfect for resort: orchid print, wide-leg fluid trousers, sheath dresses with delicate frills, long gowns with bold prints…simply stunning.

Carolina Herrera Resort 2009

Donna Karan showed a romantic resort collection that included delicate pieces in soft makeup colors – blushes, pinks and nudes – emphasized by deep black. Soft fabrics and different textures are cut into gently bubbled silhouettes. Draping or feminine embellishments such as bows add a lot of chic appeal while those breathtaking one-shouldered draped gowns in jersey and silk make you wish a never-ending holiday.

Donna Karan Resort 2009

Zac Posen’s resort collection is just as lovely and chic and, most of all, very wide-range reaching all sort of sartorial needs that might occur during vacation time. Cocktail dresses with floral prints for outdoor parties, crisp tennis whites for smart looks, loose garments for strolls on a beach and even short dance frocks or Grecian evening gowns.”

Zac Posen Resort 2009

While I won’t be sporting these looks at the lake on this holiday, maybe some of you will at more glamorous locations. These Resort picks are styles that will keep you on the edge of fashion whether you are in the Hamptons, on the beach or staying haute in the City.

XOXO

Trend Report: Art Inspired Fashion

Art has always and will always imitate life - as well as other art.  Fashion and art are one in the same; fashion will forever be a medium for expression, interpretation and serve as an extension of ourselves.

My fashion insider concurs, “As more segments of society begin to understand the power of clothing as a mechanism of expression, the natural merger between avant-garde art and fashion will continue to grow. With a great multitude of artists continuing to communicate the need for changes in the way we view ourselves, our relationships with each other and the environment we live in, it seems only natural that the canvas of the human body is next in line as the foremost bearer of this message.”

Just ask Marc Jacobs. The forward-thinking designer recently paired back up with Takashi Murakami to to mark six years of collaboration.  After the release of the Jacob’s Multicolor Spring Palette, Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami launched a colorful anime short film as a sequel to Murakami’s “Superflat Monogram” anime short from 2003.

Entitled “Superflat First Love” the film showcases a school girl experiencing all the fascinations of Murakami’s characters which are part of his latest project with Louis Vuitton with this mystical journey starting outside the store.

The plush character ho atars in the new film can now be sen in Jacob’s stores, uniting fashion and art.

Previous work from Murakami led to the creation of the iconic Monogram Multicolore which has become a popular fixture replicating itself on various fronts.

Similarly NY Magazine’s  The Cut feature, ”Sergio Rossi’s Resort Collection Inspired by Art, Architecture” highlights another cutting edge designer motivated by his artistic surroundings.

“There’s nothing we like to look at more than shoes. Seriously, we could do it all day, people. So imagine our bliss at being able to preview the Sergio Rossi Resort collection, which will be available on the designer’s website and at Saks Fifth Avenue come fall. Creative director Francesco Russo was inspired by art and architecture, citing Zaha Hadid as a reference. The super-skinny stiletto heels (the reps swore they were very stable and easy to walk in) are ultra-feminine and sophisticated for night, while the thick wedges with soft napa leather straps are more graphic and practical for day. Of the vibrant collection, we especially love the hot-pink suede slingbacks (a big color this season) and the towering sky-blue leather platforms with sexy double ankle straps. The prices are steep ($450 to $925), but there’s no harm in looking (and lusting!).”

A new Oligoville artsy find is also the proud company who was selected as the number one choice at the Bazaar Bizarre for the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay, Nouveau Motley.

The boutique designs beautiful handmade Steampunk jewelry of the highest quality for the discriminating Neo-Victorian enthusiast. And they are gorgeous. Find their award winning collection here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=18695&order=&section_id=&page=2

Their name alone may very well describe their philosophy better than even I can articulate:
Nouveau- [NOO-voh] adj. Recently created, developed, or come to prominence. New and different, often fashionably so.

Motley- [MOT-lee] noun.  diverse and varied. Assorted: consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity). A woolen fabric of mixed colors made in England between the 14th and 17th centuries: the traditional costume of the Court jester or the Harlequin character in Commedia dell’arte

Got it? Maybe this visual will help (that also happens to be in my shopping cart):

“The Queen’s Jewels,” well if the shoe fits.

And I know all of you lovelys read my cocktail ring trend report, but I must revisit the fabulous accessory to bring you “The Museum Collection” by Lisa Paik. This divine collection is comprised of 8 fun and unique cocktail rings that are each inspired by a work of art or an artist’s collective works. All rings feature Swarovski crystals and are priced under $90. Check these jems out here:  www.lisapaik.com.

My favorite of the bunch can be seen above and just happens to be inspired by one of my favorite paintings.

Paik describes the piece as a ring that aims to “capture the swirly brilliance of Van Gogh’s genius Starry Night, featuring a large topaz…a great update to the classic round cocktail ring.”

I must agree and note that the Starry Night Ring also happens to be my favorite collegiate color. Coincidence? I think not.

XOXO

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