MUST HAVE: Stella McCartney

If I had to sum up Stella McCartney it would go something like this 'It's what the cool kids wear'.  Seriously, the label has that kind of nonchalant chicness to it and no matter your personal style be it casual oversized sweater and boyfriend jeans, an executive looking for tailored suits, or just a fashion girl into cocktail dresses Stella has you covered. 

The Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2014 collection is now available in stores.  Like many of you I'm an instant gratification shopper; I want to buy my fall wardrobe in the fall and wear it immediately.  Unfortunately, if you wait for the change in weather chances are those key pieces will be sold out.  Below are my top 2 MUST HAVE picks from the Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2014 collection.  Happy shopping.

 Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2014 Look 33

 Stella McCartney, Asia Fringed Wicker Lace Mini Dress, $3,065 available at www.net-a-porter.com

 

Stella McCartney, Pre-Fall 2014 Look 24

Stella McCartney, Houndstooth Wool Blanket Coat, $3,745 available at www.net-a-porter.com

SHOPPING: Graphic Tee

I shop all the time...it's my job.  Sometimes it's just observational; like if I'm on my way to work and pass a store I pay attention to the window displays and keep it moving.  It's one way to keep my 'finger-on-the-pulse' of an ever fluctuating industry.  However, there are those times when I shop for pleasure and I can't help but share the result with you...

The inspiration on my latest shopping adventure:

 

 

...And the result; my new graphic tee by L.A.T.H.C

STYLE ICON: Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie has been all over the gossip mags and blogs recently with her thinner frame and newly purple hair, so I'm aware of the fact that she doesn't need anymore press.  However, I love this girl I think she is hilarious and incredibly chic so I thought I would give her a style shout-out regardless.

Trend Alert: Saffiano Leather

I've known about Saffiano Leather for quite a few years.  It's a practical leather; durable, scratch resistant, easy to clean, etc.  To me it was really Prada that put it on the map, having used it in their accessory collections for years and most notably in the iconic Galleria Bag...but I digress.  So what exactly is Saffiano Leather? 

Saffiano Leather: (courtesy of aspinoloflondon.com) is made by a stamping method. Saffiano, being a textured leather, meaning that it is a treated leather made with the texture pressed on it by a machine. It gives the leather a cross-hatch finish, which is a special diagonal pattern. This calf hide leather is also finished with a wax treatment. As a result, the leather is pretty much scratch resistant, durable and easy to clean.

...And on to my point; Saffiano Leather is in full trend swing.  The leather has gone from being scarcely used in the designs of high-end luxury accessories such as the aforementioned Prada to more affordable bridge-line designers such as Micheal Kors and Rebecca Minkoff.  I for one support this trend, Saffiano is a great leather to add to your bag collection. Go get it NOW

 Kate Spade, $348, Neiman Marcus

 MICHAEL Michael Kors, $228, Neiman Marcus

 Tory Burch, $575, Neiman Marcus

 Zac Posen, $595, Neiman Marcus

 Prada, $2,200, Neiman Marcus

Fendi, $2,550, Neiman Marcus


 

FASHION SKETCHES

It's that time again...the seasons are changing and I'm updating my portfolio.  With a little extra time on my hands I figure why not give you a taste...

CURRENT OBSESSION: Celine Berlingot Clutch

This season's must have accessory once again hails from Celine.  Phoebe Philo who gave us the luggage tote introduces her latest hit; the Berlingot Clutch.  Inspired by the French pyramid candy, this clutch is major.  Available in a variety of colors and textures from brushed mohair, shirred mink to woven leather.  I suggest putting your pre-order in now as I predict other designers will soon be creating their own version of this soon-to-be classic.

STYLE STAR: Erica Pelosini

One of my favorite things about Fashion Week (be it men or women in any city) is the street style. And no one makes a street style statement quite like Erica Pelosini.  As a contributing editor to Vogue Nippon Erica is no stranger to high fashion- luckily her sense of style isn't limited to the pages of a magazine and that's what makes her today's style star.

SPRING 2014: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Obsessed doesn't even begin to describe my feelings toward the SS14 Phillip Lim collection.  I have been following the menswear spring 14' collections and was going to do an overview post however, the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection stopped me in my tracks; I had to drop everything I was doing and make a post now.

For SS14 Lim was everything to everyone, he gave us- grunge in the form of plaids, punk with leather and grommets, surfer dude in Hawaiian floral, streamlined minimalism with color blocking, androgynous with long hemlines...did I mention he was everything?  With so many inspirations what the designer did not give us is confusion; unlike many young designers the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection was cohesive and well edited/styled.  Each look transitioned to the next with fluidity and pattern/colors/fabrics/textures played off and complimented each other.  To view the full collection and decide for yourself visit style.com http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2014MEN-PLIM

TREND ALERT: Oversized Coats

Whether it's an exaggerated lapel, dropped armhole, rounded shoulder or long/flared hem: the over-sized coat is the must have addition for fall.

From top to bottom: Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Celine, Fendi, Rochas, Simone Rocha, The Row, Balenciaga

STYLE ICON: Shala Monroque

Shala Monroque former editor of Pop magazine, current editor at Garage mag, fashion consultant at Prada, girlfriend to art mogul Roman Abramovich, blogger, socialite, jet-setter, muse...well let's just say all-around fabulous and call it a day.

It's no wonder she has such a laundry list of accomplishments in the fashion world, whether she's sitting front row at fashion week or just walking the streets of New York Shala is a style icon.  She can wear Prada head-to-toe without making it look contrived or mix denim with vintage and designer duds like nobodies business.  I've been watching her style evolution for years and I just can't get enough.

You can get more Shala Monroque at www.shalasrabbithole.com and follow her on twitter @shalamonroque