art becomes fashion in 2008

oscar de la renta fall rtw 2008

style.com

christian dior fall rtw 2008 

michael kors fall rtw 2008

sonia rykiel fall rtw 2008

dries van noten fall rtw 2008

chloe pre fall 2008

Move over Miss Sykes, there's a new "Plum" in town! The editors at Vogue better watch out. I never intended on writing much about fashion but ever since I posted Plum Perfect in 2008 people have been calling me Plum and (get this) sending me actual FAN mail... so I think I'll continue (not because I'm high on the power, but because I really must give the people what they want).

brush strokes & paint daubs

Several of fashion's top designers took a cue from the old masters when creating their fall 2008 collections, as evident by the explosive bouquets of color that adorned billowing silk dresses and skirts. The vibrant florals of Michael Kors and Christian Dior by John Galliano were reminiscent of beautiful impressionist painting while Oscar de la Renta's collared evening gown looked surprisingly Gustav Klimt. 

And while much attention was given to romantic florals by some, other designers (Emilio Pucci by Matthew Williamson, Sonia Rykiel, and Chloe) channeled the abstract expressionists of the 20th century to create modern, edgy, and pretty art prints. It may not have been the biggest trend on the runway, but it's going to be huge for this fall's contemporary lines... 

So go ahead and applaud because now you have something fun to go with all that black and navy they'll be pushing this fall.

express yourself...

clockwise from top right:

pringle 1815 abstract print mini skirt, $162 net-a-porter

see by chloe graffiti print mini skirt, $350 net-a-porter

alexis bittar large brat pack necklace, bag borrow or steal

luisa cevese riedizioni placemats, $36 barneys new york

vintage art deco perfume bottles

mint by jodi arnold abstract pattern dress, $435

michael kors lattice a-line dress

christian louboutin graffiti pumps

the art book, $9.95 MoMA store

t-bags off-the-shoulder top, $65 net-a-porter

paul marrot edition "graphic plaid" coinpurse, haydenharnett

pringle 1815 colorblock cowl dress, $375 net-a-porter

8" floral plates, urban outfitters

paule marrot edition "tango red" beatrice satchel, $485 haydenharnett

clockwise from top right:

eccentric glamour by simon doonan, barneys new york

marc by marc jacobs crazy bow headband, $125 marc jacobs stores

rebecca taylor floral print blouse, $275 net-a-porter

18th amendment heartbreaker high-waisted jeans, $138 net-a-porter

christian louboutin orniron booties, $1145 barneys new york

marc by marc jacobs abstract hanging gem necklace

marc jacobs satin flower ballerina flats

j.crew collection floral print skirt, $125 jcrew stores

derek lam silk chiffon ruffle blouse, $890 net-a-porter

rachel leigh margarita ring, shopbop

rachel leigh gold and enamel faceted ring, £17 bunnyhug

diane von furstenberg signature box bag, $298 dvf

le sportsac kevyn bag, $23 lesportsac

armbanden from creatief op commando bangles, £19.50 nina valkhoff

dries van noten runway oversized bangle necklace

marc by marc jacobs runway torn print prom dress, $700 net-a-porter

four fall inspirations

the founder of french-impressionism...

Water Lilies, Claude Monet, 1916

the russian  father of abstract art... 

Helles Bild, Wassily Kandinsky, 1913

a 20th century abstract expressionist...

Untitled III, Willem de Kooning, 1982

a notorious post-impressionist... 

Irises Saint-Remy, Vincent Van Gogh, c. 1889

bringing preppy back

midnight rider...

alice & olivia wool blazer, $400 

and black satin skinny pants, $264

saks.com

city school kids & upper east side charms

The runways (and soon the streets of Manhattan) resemble a prep school fire drill. Tailored blazers, riding  boots, horizontal stripes, and (gasp!) pearls are helping bring classic conservative back in style from New York to London. Edgy dressers fear not... for once, preppy is not synonymous with candy-colored prints that resemble a Nantucket flotation device. This is not your grandma Betty's conservative, and designers don't expect you to wear frumpy shoulder pads or boxy suits. The new look is a freshly modern take on tradition -- sort of Audrey Hepburn meets Balenciaga -- featuring soft, tailored elegance with a touch of attitude (not too unlike the modern woman).

classic cocktail...

nanette lepore black merino wool dress, $230

saks.com

black and tan...

geren ford black cap-sleeve top, $267

marquis & camus collar with cameo, $200

marie claire

highland clans & a coat of arms

While Paris and New York appeared to be inundated with black, London and Milan gave a nod to the Queen with inordinate amounts of tartan, plaid, and check complimented by faux coat-of-arms and jewels becoming of Elizabeth herself... Vivienne Westwood showcased anglomania with red houndstooth minis, floral silks, and brass-buttoned coats... Alexander McQueen embodied the trend with outrageously regal gowns that harkened back to the days of Anne Boleyn, accented with elaborate headpieces and fine borrowed vintage jewels... and Italian designers Domineco Dolce & Stefano Gabbana's fall D&G collection showcased an array of traditional Scottish tartans layered with checks, plaids, and argyle vests...

The result? An endless selection of cross-Atlantic preppy wear that oozes sophistication of days past...

british power prints...

vivienne westwood red label fall rtw 2008

style.com

ode to the queen...

alexander mcqueen fall rtw 2008

style.com

plaid to toe...

d&g dolce & gabbana fall rtw 2008

style.com

a daring pair...

d&g dolce & gabbana navy plaid coat, $1690

rebecca taylor black pants, $275

marie clare

Experiencing sensory overload? No problem. I'll help. Take a cue from Kate Moss and pair a basic black blazer with slick skinny jeans, tall boots, and great accessories like an eye-popping clutch or an oh-so-popular charm bracelet from your favorite fashion house... Combine a slinky shift with black tights and a pair of sweet ankle boots for a night on the town... dress up a pair of leggings (left over from that awful moo-moo tunic trend) with riding boots, a pretty feminine blouse, and an oversized leather bag...

geometric pillow, shades of light 

eliza mcallister silhouette plate, $65 jayson home & garden

pearl and rhinestone studs, topshop

jasper conran teacup, wedgewood

long fabienne high-heel boots, $398 jcrew

calvin klein horizontal stripe dress

hermes printed silk scarf

crest cuff, $74 shoptwigs

gucci lace-up ankle boots

superfine skinny jeans, $260 net-a-porter

chanel charm bracelet, bag borrow or steal

marc by marc jacobs fan bracelet, $98 nordstrom

kate moss for topshop boyfriend blazer, £55.00 topshop

betsey johnson drop earrings, betsey johnson

alexander mcqueen union jack clutch, net-a-porter

ralph lauren alligator clutch

 

stripe military blazer, £30 topshop

d&g dolce & gabbana wonder corduroy jeans, net-a-porter

ralph lauren home "mayfair stripe" fabric

world food programme feed bag, $60 amazon.com

louis vuitton monogram vernis alma, $2080 eluxury

sherburne sofa, $6540 ralph lauren home

hunter wellington boots, jcrew

mcq skinny leg jeans, net-a-porter

vivienne westwood black petite jacket

lela rose ruffle neck blouse

ralph lauren home tweed fabric

silk rose brooch, topshop

carolina amato leather gloves, eluxury

frye "paige" tall riding boots, $348 nordstrom

burberry "brit gold" perfume

Last but not least, industrious artsy types who'd "die" for a Balenciaga crested blazer but can barely afford bread can create their own perfect (and personalized) look by adding one of these fabulous bullion crest appliques to their favorite clothing item... now that's just fabulous!

bullion crests, $9-25

m&j trim

PHEW! I'm exhausted...

unearthing agate

semi-precious stone, dazzling accessory

Agate, a semi-precious gemstone, is a variety of quartz commonly associated with volcanic and metamorphic rocks. The colorful stone was given its name by Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who discovered the gem between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. The many varieties (noted by differences in colors and patterning) reflect the region and conditions under which the agate was formed. In antiquity, the Greeks used the stone to make jewelry and beads, while ancient Egyptians used the gem in decoration. Agate was believed to possess incredible powers and virtues as a medicinal cure from scorpion stings and snake bites. Today agate is most commonly used in ornaments and decoration.

Channel your inner gypsy this fall by accessorizing with this dazzling stone... take a break from pearls and combine earthy & classic with this elegant necklace from Tory Burch... or opt for bohemian chic with an agate-studded cuff...

Don't believe me? Check out the agate belts that turned up on the Gucci runway...

5-rock agate necklace, $325

tory burch

agate cuff, $195

toryburch

gucci rtw fall 2008

style.com

a house of gems

If you're not into jewelry or you just can't imagine pairing a chunky slice of agate with your tailored Theory suit, try adding a touch of natural wonder to your home decor with brilliantly colored accessories of brazilian agate... Just looking at these gorgeous gem coasters makes me long for a stiff drink with Holly Golightly and Simon Doonan in a sun-drenched TriBeCa loft while the coasters make a bold, daily statement.

Rab Labs was created in 2002 by London-born Anna Rabinowicz, an accomplished product designer and current teacher at Parsons School of Art and Design in New York. Based in New York, Rab Labs currently offers a selection of coasters, plates, napkin rings, bowls, photo frames, ornaments, and bottlestoppers. According to Rabinowicz, "My intention is to bring natural, warm elements into spaces constructed of hard materials -- steel, glass, concrete, and plastic." Look for RabLabs fresh, natural designs at Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, and (of course) Vivre.

set of 4 brazillian agate coasters, $60

vivre

plum perfect in 2008

the color purple

Doesn't it look delicious? Almost as enticing as Eve's apple... I've been a bit of a rebel lately myself, evading my blogging responsibilities and instead opting for pedicures on the Georgia coast. Who wouldn't choose a good sugar-scrub by the ocean over hours at the computer? My pampering wasn't entirely in vain, as my polish color inspired me to write about one of the latest fall trends... the color purple.

oscar de la renta fall rtw 2008

michael kors fall rtw 2008

matthew williamson fall rtw 2008

style.com

Plums, eggplants, grapes, and violets turned up all over the fall 2008 runways from Paris to New York... which is good news for all. Rich shades of purple tend to be very forgiving and universal -- that is, they are easily complemented by most neutrals and they do not favor a particular complexion -- making them ideal for blondes and brunettes alike in Oscar de la Renta's fall ready-to-wear collection, which featured shades of royal purple, plum, and deep fushia intermixed with light browns, dark greys, and wine-colored suede boots. American designer Michael Kors opted for feminine shades of violet paired with soft camel-colored sweaters, furs, and accessories and elegant nude pumps. The look exudes soft sophistication and the models looked as cuddly as cashmere teddy bears... but beware! violets and light purples can wash-out certain complexions, particularly in the paler months. Last but not least, quirky British designer Matthew Williamson brought a touch of Indian flair, mixing rich fushias from Mumbai with modern tartans from Edinburgh.

black cherry chutney

louvre me or louvre me not

parlez-vous opi?

And, of course, the trend extends far beyond the realm of slick catwalks accessible only to global fashionistas. Nail polish is an excellent way to find your perfect purple (or to be fashion forward without a huge investment). OPI has added several stellar shades for the fall: Black Cherry Chutney is deliciously a dark black-red that evokes the vivid landscape of the East... Louvre me or louvre me not is a bold purple that screams royal glamour (and would look divine paired with black)... while the smoky-violet Parlez-vous opi? has a sensuous 'come hither' quality that compliments just about any style...

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better...

rebecca taylor ruffle sleeve top, $225 net-a-porter

rab labs agate picture frame, $45 vivre

diamond pattern dome paperweight, iomoi

kim seybert "wood bead" placemat, $60 vivre

chanel purple cross bracelet, bag borrow or steal

catherine malandrino deep v-neck sweater dress, net-a-porter

kim seybert "jewel cuff" napkin ring, $115 vivre

lauren merkin sequin "classic clutch," $228 searle nyc

betsey johnson "wells" pump, nordstrom

thomas paul "goldfinch" silk twill pillow, thomas paul

marc by marc jacobs "geo gems" print skirt, $187 net-a-porter

green chic

image courtesy of inhabit.com

This is the perfect time to talk about the planet... right before Independence Day!  And, since I am celebrating instead of writing tomorrow, let's talk flair.

Green is here to stay.  Eco-friendly designs are showing up everywhere from recycled-wood furniture to water-based varnishes and dyes.  One of the latest trends is eco-apparel and reusable shopping totes. Thanks to British handbag designer Anya Hindmarch, being green can be chic. Her "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" tote has been spotted on celebrities and style icons across the globe.  

Our aim with this project has been to use our influence to make it fashionable not to use plastic bags. 'I'm Not A Plastic Bag' was designed as a stylish, practical, reusable bag that would raise awareness of this issue and spark debate. 

- Anna Hindmarch

Special people will be able to get their hands on the reissued tote this summer. Luckily, other designers have come out with fantastic totes that are easier to acquire.  Ahhh, saving the planet has never been so easy.  

Here are a few of my favorites:

left to right: Green Is In, Be Green. Not Mean., and It's Good To Be Green 

100% recycled canvas totes from Whimsy Press, $28.00 each

whimsypress.com

BCBG Be Chic Buy Green canvas tote

www.bcbg.com

Method Plastic Bag Rehab ripstop-nylon tote, $15.00

methodhome.com

Rebecca Minkoff's organic cotton The Bread & Wine Bag, $99.00

blue exclusive to shopbop.com