It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Part 3

Milan

Fall Collections

Fashion week. It's here! From February 6th to March 5th, I will be in heaven (along with any other fashionista!) Fashion week occurs in New York, London, Milan and Paris a few times a year and the shows range from ready to wear to resort to couture. During (ready to wear) Fashion week, I check out the shows of my favorite designers and pick my favorite designs and write up a summary of each collection I view. I have decided to add some of my favorite photos here and share my summaries of my favorite collections for you all!

 

May I present to you ~ Milan.

Alberta Ferretti's collection is "a metamorphosis of nature and woman." This collection was stunning and Ms. Ferretti had no boundaries. This collection featured feathers and furs and tweed and sequins, just to name a few. The use of prints, detailed craftsmanship and gorgeous Fall color palette made for a stunningly beautiful collection. Frida Giannini brought back the sixties with her Fall 2014 Gucci collection. The models walked the runway in denim jeans, chic peacoats, plenty of fur and designs showcasing crystal detailing. I am in love with the mod dresses paired with knee high boots and appreciate the expert tailoring of the designs. View

Miuccia Prada designed an eclectic collection for Fall 2014. Inspired by director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, she stated "Your culture is done by your past. History is there for a reason." As is always Prada, these designs were tough yet delicate. Her color palette seems to have spilled over from her Spring line and mixed with the prints and textures of this line, will exude an "All eyes on me" appeal. Karl Lagerfeld, designer for Fendi and all around fashion genius, described this collection as "couture universelle." Though the theme was travel, there was not one uniform look. There were designs for every traveler for every locale. I love how model Cara Deleivingne, whose head was shrouded in fur, carried a "bag boy," which resembled a mini Lagerfeld in fur. This collection featured it all: flowers, fur, leather, velvet and mesh, just to name a few. "Couture universelle" - Yes, I'd say that sums it up perfectly.
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Max Mara pulled off a lovely collection for Fall 2014. Their always impeccable coats were beautiful, but were not necessarily the stars of the show. I preferred the pencil skirts in numerous shades and textiles. I also found that the oversize sweaters will be very popular this coming Fall when worn over a lightweight shift dress or paired with a tee and skinny jeans. I am in love with Veronica Etro's designs. Her printed silks stole the show, and when layered with other textiles and prints in a gorgeous color palette, made for an innovative collection.
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Alessandra Facchinetti had stated "The point is to treat leather less like skin and more like a fabric." This point was made very clear at the Tod's Fall 2014 show. This chic collection was styled beautifully and Ms. Facchinetti's leather tailoring was extraordinary. I am enamored with this collection for Emilio Pucci. These creations, designed by Peter Dundas, were quintessential Pucci. The prints were absolutely stunning and the silhouettes showed off a woman's body perfectly. View

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2014 by restyledbyliz on Polyvore

The words that come to mind when viewing Roberto Cavalli's collection for Fall 2014 would be: lavish, eye catching, sexy and excessive. These designs were all consuming in prints, fur, beading, tweed, fringe and more. Many of these looks were layered beautifully, yet I found just as many to be overly designed and styled. One of my most favorite designs this season was found in Bottega Veneta's collection. Tomas Maier designed a stunning royal purple dress styled with a thin black belt at the waist and chic black booties. In the midst of a collection filled with graphics and hand painted pleats on flannel skirts, this simple yet tailored design made it to my wish list. View

One word sums up Anna Molinari's collection for Blumarine: Luxurious. The jewel tone colored, kimono inspired, alpaca enveloped designs were stunning walking down the catwalk. One thing is for sure. The Blumarine woman will be wrapped in opulence this Fall. Donatella Versace did not disappoint with her Fall 2014 collection. Known for designing figure hugging clothing, this collection consisted not only of sexy body conscious dresses, but also bias cut skirts, military button detailing, flirtatious footwear and alpaca and mink coats. Any one of these fifty one looks has a "notice me" quality that aims to please the viewer. View

Exaggeration and volume were two trends that walked the runway for Marni's Fall 2014 collection. Consuelo Castiglioni, designer for Marni, was quoted as saying this collection was "Our world. But more than usual." The oversize ruffles, rounded shoulders, vast color palette and billowing shapes contributed to an eye catching show. The collection for Jil Sander, on the other hand, was quite subdued. The design team of Jil Sander created a clean and polished line for Fall. The muted color palette, simple shift dresses and androgynous suits were appealing, but overall this collection seemed a little lackluster. View

For Fall 2014, Dolce & Gabbana invited us into a fairy tale world, "Enchanted Sicily," as they referred to it. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana created designs fit for a fairy tale heroine. Prints featuring woodland creatures such as foxes, owls and squirrels and gorgeous florals drifted down the runway in silhouettes such as capes, dresses and suits. This collection took me on an adventure and I loved every minute of it. Angela Missoni's collection, consisting of mostly knits, featured such designs such as cargo pants, wrap skirts and overcoats in beautiful Fall colors such as orange, yellow, beige, and olive and sage greens. There was also a shock of cobalt blue thrown into the mix to brighten up the mood. View

Massimiliano Giornetti, designer for Salvatore Ferragamo, created a stunning collection for Fall 2014. The grey plaid flannel jacket was beautiful and the innovation of the metallic painted pleats was genius. The perfect end of Milan Fashion Week, for me, was with Giorgio Armani's collection. The words that come to mind are: Tailored. Feminine. Chic. The collection was named "Fade to Grey" and I absolutely loved pairing the shades of grey with an unexpected color: Green. This collection was fresh and beautiful and my favorite design is the gorgeous ombre jacket (shown here, center). This entire collection is definitely on my wish list. View

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2014 by restyledbyliz on Polyvore

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Part 2

London

Fall Collections

Fashion week. It's here! From February 6th to March 5th, I will be in heaven (along with any other fashionista!) Fashion week occurs in New York, London, Milan and Paris a few times a year and the shows range from ready to wear to resort to couture. During (ready to wear) Fashion week, I check out the shows of my favorite designers and pick my favorite designs and write up a summary of each collection I view. I have decided to add some of my favorite photos here and share my summaries of my favorite collections for you all!

 

May I present to you ~ London.

Temperley London's Fall 2014 collection brought a smile to my face. Alice Temperley's mix of prints and stunning color palette are perfect for Fall. This collection had it all: gorgeous dresses, detailed skirts, tailored coats and oversize scarves. Each of these designs worked well together or separate. Paul Smith took the idea of menswear and turned it into an alluring collection for women. The silk pajama jumpsuits are exquisite and I appreciate the use of patterns and applaud the overall styling of the collection. View

Jonathan Saunders is quoted as saying "Everything is made of something found and disposable." His Fall 2014 collection revolved around this statement. Each design was a work of art and was pieced together in the most creative way. I especially love the strip of glitter on the hemline of the skirts and the shearling collar on a flannel coat. This collection was highly inventive and left me wanting more. One word describes Matthew Williamson's Fall 2014 collection: Graphic. Whether the looks layered print over print, showcased colorful fur or ostrich feathers or had intricate crystal detailing, each one exuded personality and flair. View

It was Blue Farrier's first collection for Issa and needless to say, she nailed it. Her designs showcased bold graphics, chic outerwear, saw tooth and scalloped edges and flirtatious details such as bows. I, along with many I'm sure, will be anxiously awaiting to see what she creates next. Massimo Nicosia designed a clean and classic Fall 2014 collection for Pringle of Scotland. This brand, known for the use of cable and argyle patterns, kept within tradition on select designs throughout the collection, as well as introducing a new trend of 3-D printing. View

Erdem Moralioglu created "an army of girls" for his Fall 2014 collection. I found the designs to be ladylike yet tough. The use of delicate fabrics mixed with crocodile added to the eccentricity of the collection. Erdem's intricate embroidery was also a standout feature as well. Christopher Bailey designed a beautifully graphic collection for Burberry Prorsum. The hand painted fabrics and accessories, muted color palette and overall styling made for an appealing show. View

I am in awe of Tom Ford. I always find his designs to be the epitome of fashion, and once again, I was not disappointed. After his show, Tom Ford stated "It's a designer's job to react." His Fall 2014 collection featured a variety of looks that included leather, sequins, fox fur, velvet and lace, just to name a few. The designs ranged from classic to sexy and sophisticated to playful. I am also fascinated by the sequined football jersey dress, which was a nod to rapper Jay Z. While he was on tour, Jay Z wore a number 61 jersey (Tom Ford's birth year) while rapping "I don't pop Molly, I rock Tom Ford." To recap Tom Ford's earlier statement, "It's a designer's job to react." And that he did.
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London Fashion Week Fall 2014 by restyledbyliz on Polyvore

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Part 1

New York

Fall Collections

Fashion week. It's here! From February 6th to March 5th, I will be in heaven (along with any other fashionista!) Fashion week occurs in New York, London, Milan and Paris a few times a year and the shows range from ready to wear to resort to couture. During (ready to wear) Fashion week, I check out the shows of my favorite designers and pick my favorite designs and write up a summary of each collection I view. I have decided to add some of my favorite photos here and share my summaries of my favorite collections for you all!

 

May I present to you ~ New York.

 

Rachel Roy is quoted as saying that the inspiration for her Fall fashions is "to make looking feminine-but-cool as simple as possible." I find her collection to be anything but simple. Her designs are ultra feminine with a touch of seduction, through the use of furs, lace and sheer panels. The colors are beautiful and have that "look at me now" quality. Deborah Lloyd, designer for Kate Spade New York, was inspired by her many trips to Asia, pulling elements such as playful prints and eye popping colors to the feminine silhouettes. View
 

My favorite design team, Max and Lubov Azria, have worked their magic once again. BCBG Max Azria's collection consisted of color blocking, asymmetric hemlines, layer upon layer and let's not forget the fur. I was appreciative of the use of white in many of the designs as well, as it brought a lightness to the muted color palette. In regard to Herve Leger by Max Azria, there was plenty of their signature body-con silhouettes featured in this collection. Add on numerous textures, such as feathers, fur, lace and leather, and these dresses transformed into their sexy Fall 2014 collection. View

The first word to come to mind when viewing Thakoon Panichgul's Fall 2014 collection is: Inventive. One of my favorites is known as the "turtleneck shoulder topper," shown here in black and pink. This collection revolved around layering and the color palette is an absolute delight. Diane von Furstenberg is celebrating her 40th anniversary this year. Her collection was titled "Bohemian Wrapsody," and showcased her iconic dresses. I found the prints to be a playful illusion to the eye and commend her on 40 years of perfection. View

NY Fashion Week Fall 2014 by restyledbyliz on Polyvore

Like others we have seen this season, the Kenneth Cole Collection focused on layering and outerwear for it's Fall line. Where Kenneth Cole strayed away from the pack, however, is in his use of a stark white color within an otherwise dark color palette. I appreciate a bright shock of white to lighten up a collection full of tweeds, knits and leather. Oscar de la Renta, another favorite of mine, created a Fall 2014 collection consisting of plenty of day wear, but my attention was focused more on the gowns. There is always a level of sophistication and elegance in his designs and these gowns did not disappoint. His gowns are beautifully detailed and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of them on the red carpet for the upcoming Oscars. View

I applaud Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for their Fall 2014 Proenza Schouler collection. The drama of the rounded shoulder and dresses pieced together like a puzzle made for a fantastic show. The layering of prints at times was a tad overwhelming, but all in all, this collection breathed new life into Fashion Week. Marchesa has always been a favorite of mine and this statement still rings true after viewing this fashion show. Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig designed a beautiful collection with intricate detail. Each of these looks is a work of art and they truly are the masters of their craft. View

Zac Posen created a very pretty collection in a stunning array of gorgeous shades. His tailoring skills were at their finest and the draping and pleating details added to the elegance of the collection. Mark Badgley and James Mischka also did not disappoint. I was impressed with the intricate detailing on their famous gowns and loved the use of metallic brocade. I found this collection to be absolutely stunning and true to the Badgley Mischka label. View

I am in love with Ralph Lauren's entire Fall 2014 collection. The construction of every design is tailored to perfection and the color palette is incredibly soft and welcoming. This collection featured a design for every woman and every occasion. It was also announced during the show that the majority of the looks are from a new Polo line for women. Based on these gorgeous designs, I foresee a very successful future. View 


 
 

 


 

NY Fashion Week Fall 2014 by restyledbyliz on Polyvore

Click here for Carolina Herrera and DKNY review

Click here for Michael Kors and Naeem Khan review

Click here for Jason Wu and Christian Siriano review

Click here for Victoria Beckham and Monique Lhullier review

Click here for Rodarte and Betsey Johnson review

Click here for Narciso Rodriguez and Calvin Klein Collection review
 

Visions of Summer Dance In My Head

Snow is beautiful...in movies, calendars and ski resorts. In black and white photographs, a la Ansel Adams, or during Christmas time. It's fun to see children sled riding or driving down the street and seeing cute snowmen with twigs for arms and carrots for noses...but do you know where snow ISN'T beautiful? On my car. On my porch. Quite frankly, all around me.

Please don't get me wrong. I love winter. I love pulling out my sweaters and my boots (I LOVE my boots) and I'm excited to wear my cute gloves and scarves. But enough is enough! I look in my closet and see my maxi dresses hanging and peak in a shoe box at a gorgeous pair of white and silver sandals. I run my hand over my colorful array of tanks and pull open my swimsuit drawer. I try on my espadrilles and wedges and how could I completely forget I bought those adorable short shorts!?!? Ah, how I miss my summer wardrobe.

Then I look back outside at the snow and icicles. I can feel the frigid temperature through the window. I'm telling you right now, summer cannot come soon enough!

But like the rest of us, I must wait patiently for the temperature to rise, the days to last longer and the sunshine to be consistent. When the time comes, I know I will be prepared...at least my closet is.

 Hat: Bebe; Infinity Scarf: Unknown (gift); Locket: (Vintage) Classy Lady Jewelry; Sweater: New York & Company; Leggings: Juicy Couture; Coat: Sonoma; Ring: Juicy Couture; Handbag: Coach; Riding Boots: BCBGeneration

 Coat: Sonoma; Ring: Juicy Couture; Handbag: Coach; Boots: BCBGeneration

Hat: Bebe; Infinity Scarf: Unknown (gift); Sweater: New York & Company; Ring: Juicy Couture; Coat: Sonoma 

 

Locket: (Vintage) Classy Lady Jewelry

 

reStyled By Liz

A few months ago, I decided to start my own business, which is called reStyled By Liz. I offer such services as styling, personal shopping and closet consultation. I wanted to bring my interests and background to those in my hometown of Bridgeport, West Virginia and surrounding areas.

My career in retail has spanned fourteen years. I started out with cashier and sales associate positions and quickly advanced to visual and management positions. I've worked at malls and boutiques and from a small town to larger cities to the Fashion Capital of the United States.

Some of my favorite stores/boutiques I have worked for have been Macy's, Chico's, Bebe, Tilly's, Banana Republic, The Body Shop, Juicy Couture and the Gap. Each of these brands have their own customer demographic and their own vision. It has been a whirlwind going from brand to brand and learning the secrets of the trade for each respective one. Not one store/boutique that I have worked at has resembled the next, which makes it more educational for me as well.

I gained a ton of styling experience while working at stores such as Bebe and Juicy Couture. Here, we had client books and were encouraged to create lasting relationships with loyal clients. If we made appointments with them, we would pull items that we knew they would love and we would either add to or create their perfect wardrobe. Styling is easy once you create a relationship with a client. Once you understand their personal style, it is easy to look over a rack in a store and pull out items that will compliment their wardrobe and style.

I have two Bachelor's degrees. One from West Virginia University in Psychology and the other from the Academy of Art University in Fashion Merchandising, with an emphasis on Visual Merchandising. I love it. I would be in charge of the entire look of the store, including all displays, mannequins and windows. I have been a part of every visual team in every store I have worked at, either being a visual associate or the visual manager. Normally, you are given a corporate standard's book to follow, in regard to floor sets, mannequins and windows, but normally each store allows creative freedom for leftover windows, walls, doors and/or mannequins. This was the most fun. To have your creativity on display for the world (okay, customers) to see. I love that I could place my personal stamp on each display I have created over the years.

I use my background in visual for not only styling and personal shopping, but also in my closet consultations. It's fun to look at a closet, sketch out all you can do to have the maximum use of space, a clear organizational view and to find fun ways to display your accessories and clothing. I love to work on standards such as hanging and folding items properly, to ensure a long life for your wardrobe, and to color coordinate or organize seasonal clothing. It's not a job to me, it's fun. Though sometimes I miss doing my windows (especially in New York), I love to bring my knowledge and expertise to those around me.

Floral Handbag, Mesh Platform Heels, Three Tier Necklace and Black and Navy Handbag: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Satin Scarf: Vintage;  Blue Teardrop Necklace: Pier One; Studded Pumps: Aldo

Mesh Platform Heels: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Blue Teardrop Necklace: Pier One; Three Tier Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang

Blue Clutch: Liz Claiborne; Handbag: Juicy Couture; Blue Beaded Sandals: Gianni Bini; Necklace: Liz & Co.; Scarf: Unknown; Glass Bangle and Blue and Silver Bangle: Pier One; Black Strappy Sandal: Lauren Ralph Lauren;

Blue Beaded Sandals: Gianni Bini

My kind of vintage

I miss my grandmother. She had an extraordinary beauty both inside and out. She was kind, charitable, polite and had a wicked sense of humor. She was very beautiful and had a chic style.  The first thing to come to mind when remembering my grandmother’s style was her scarves. She always wore a scarf when she left the house. Though she had brooches in her jewelry chest, she pinned every single one of her scarves with a pearl head straight pin. Her scarves ranged from long to short, colorful to neutral, silks to polyester and solids to prints.

She has been gone a little over a year now, but her scarves still have the scent of her favorite perfume on them. I will wear these scarves from time to time, but I have yet to master the look such as she did.

My grandmother’s jewelry armoire was a treasure chest. My mother and sisters and I went through it after she was gone and had the best time playing “dress up.” My grandmother had plenty of luxurious items, but her armoire consisted mostly of costume jewelry. Plenty of pearls (she mixed her real set with her faux), gold chokers, crystals, long beaded necklaces, charms, bangles, chunky silver jewelry, rhinestones and more.

When looking at her jewelry or wearing it, I try to remember each piece on her. Whether it is a real memory or my imagination, she wore her jewelry with panache.

Her closet consisted of a little bit of everything. Over the years, her closet has seen a variety of fabrics such as denim, jersey and silk and styles such as embellished jackets, fur and printed blouses and colors such as neutrals, jewel tones and pastels. I do not recollect one specific style over the years; her fashion sense concentrated around classic staples with “at the moment” trends to add flair.

She understood fashion trends. She and I would discuss trends we would see in some of our fashion magazines, mainly Vogue or W but also Elle or Harper’s Bazaar as well. We would talk about what we loved, hated, who in the world would wear such things, and anytime she ran across a fabulous pair of shoes in a magazine, she would mark the page so I could see it and we could discuss footwear trends as well.

She taught me a lot, not only about style but also life in general. I miss her like crazy, but I know she lives on in memory, photographs and of course, her fashion.

 

 

Winter Blues

What is your favorite color? Most people I ask this question to answer the same: BLUE. Honestly, almost every single person I talk to loves blue. Well, I love purple. That is my favorite color.

I'm obsessed with all shades of purple. Be it dark or light, in a print or solid, I love it. I have purple handbags, pumps, sandals, flats, jackets, tops, skirts, dresses, earrings, well, you get it. I believe that purple works well on every skin tone and works well combined with other colors.

A few months ago, something changed me. I was looking through one of my fashion magazines (like all fashionistas, I subscribe to them all) and I came across a beautiful blue, faux crocodile satchel designed by Liz Claiborne. I couldn't take my eyes off it - and not only because it was Liz Claiborne.

I have to admit I am a tad sentimental over Liz Claiborne handbags. I had interned for Liz Claiborne Inc. during my time in New York City. I worked in the LCNY Accessories division in the Product Development department. I was witness to the conception, design, sample and final stages of their handbags. It was truly a one of a kind experience.

Needless to say, after about a month, I purchased this bag. Now I can't let it go - the bag AND the color blue.

How could I have lived for so long and cared so little about the color blue!?! Was I living in some sort of alternate universe? Am I the last person to learn about the secret of blue? Was I even fully alive before this? Okay, maybe.

So, I decide to venture into my closet and after glancing at my shoe rack, I notice a pair of barely worn BCBGeneration navy suede platform pumps with an adorable jeweled detail near the toe. Seriously? Why have I barely worn these!?! They are beautiful. I must wear them now.

Speaking of accessories, I look up at my hat collection (I LOVE hats) and I have a Gap navy wool floppy hat. Maybe worn once or twice. Why? Why did I choose to not wear this color before now? I must also wear this now. Not only is it cute, but it's BLUE!

Enter Kohl's. I love Kohl's. Since I moved back to WV, this is where I shop the most. Can you guess what I gravitated towards? This gorgeous blue blouse from the LC Lauren Conrad collection. It's a must have. Done and done...and this shade of blue is stunning!

I feel like a child with a new toy. I'm excited! Purple? What's that? Blue has been my shade for a few months now. Will this love affair last? Too soon to tell. Winter has certainly brought the blues...I wonder what Spring will bring me?

Top: BCBGeneration; Pants: Gap; Watch: Guess; Charm Bracelets: Tiffany & Co.; Crystal Bracelet: Swarovski; Sterling Silver Bracelets: Style & Co; Handbag: Liz Claiborne

Pants: LC Lauren Conrad; Pumps: BCBGeneration

Pumps: BGBGeneration

Wool Hat: Gap; Heart Necklace: Swarovski; Watch: Guess; Charm Bracelets: Tiffany & Co.; Crystal Bracelet: Swarovski; Sterling Silver Bracelets: Style & Co; Top: BCBGeneration

Top: LC Lauren Conrad; Jeans: LC Lauren Conrad; Pumps: Aldo

 



Top Necklace: LC Lauren Conrad; Bottom Necklace: Blogger's own charms and chain