Keep It In Neutral

There is no doubt that the runways this fall have a neutral and feel compared to those of previous seasons. According to Mark Holgate of Vogue, he said that this season is all about fashion's "Coming to Age." The runways are filled with more "wearable looks" that aren't necessarily for the pages of a magazine only. This is something that will certainly be a relief to all women who often wonder the same question: how can anyone really pull off that runway look? Let's face it, unless your Lady Gaga who can wear anything wild out in public, a dress such as those adored by Alexander McQueen aren't going to far from the sultry lighting and alien-like atmosphere of a McQueen runway show.

Light It Up Blue

In light of April being autism awareness month, the Autism Speaks foundation has designated blue as the color of choice to wear to show support for the cause. Last night, my mom and I went to a fabulous restaurant in my town called Uproot which is just one of many places recognizing "Light It Up Blue."

"Light It Up Blue" is a program that was set up through Autism speaks in order to raise awareness about the 3rd annual United Nations World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. The program, which was started back in 2007 will surely be catching eyes everywhere in the Manhattan area now, because the Empire State Building will be lit up in blue to honor the cause for the entire month of April.

My mom and I thought we too would show our support for Light It Up Blue, and incorporate some blue into our dinner outfits. I chose a wonderful blue, black and white strapless floral dress with black pumps, while my mom opted for a purple, white, blue and black Ralph Lauren wrap dress. (Note her gorgeous Charles Krypell cuff which I wrote about in February).

My mom paired her wrap dress with black patent leather Ferragamo varina flats, and a rare plum colored Chanel East-West bag to accent the hints of purple in her dress. I left most of my smaller bags at school, so I decided to take my damier Louis Vuitton carryall, and adjusted the straps to give it a more structured look.

We ended our evening with full bellies filled with arctic char and cucumber, smoked salmon with pear and caviar, pecan crusted pork loin, walnut whiskey ice cream and earl grey macarons. Food, fashion and all for a good cause....what more could a girl ask for?

Shoulder Girl

It's really taken me a while to warm up to Lady Gaga, but I have to say, after watching her interview with Oprah a few weeks back, she really has begun to grow on me. After watching her at the Grammy's last night, it seemed like the spotlight was on her everywhere she went during the show. It's no secret that she isn't a stranger to taking bold risks, but I also noticed something about her that goes beyond the clothes. She isn't afraid to show off and accent certain parts of her body that normally people don't think too much about. In particular, I though about how much attention she puts on her shoulders. Strutting around in her strictly Giorgio Armani Prive outfits last night, I noticed that she really tends to wear dresses that add character to her shoulders. Gaga wasn't the only one to stand tall last night either. Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson both sported dresses that made their shoulders worth noticing. Personally, I've never really thought too much about accenting mine, but I think it's a risk that can be done in a way without having to go too over the top. Don't worry, you don't have to be Gaga to rock this look.

These dresses are perfect examples of a "realistic shoulder risk" (for those of you who aren't ready to release you inner Gaga) for a night out to dinner with the girls...

I certainly think its a classy twist to spice up an otherwise (let's face it), boring dress. Definitely a look I'll be trying out for spring.

xoxo

Kisses from Tory

Anyone who knows me knows about my love for Tory Burch. I think her pieces exemplify the perfect balance of classic and chic. She pleases both sides of me and makes taking a fashion risk (like wearing one of her bold tunics) a statement that doesn't take away from the beauty of the person wearing the outfit. I think her looks are realistic to wear and aren't "strictly runway." She doesn't confuse being bold and making a statement with being tacky.

Recently, TB teamed up with artist Leanne Shapton to create two new patterns featuring lips and red...hmm, v-day gift anyone? The lips pattern has a very Andy Warhol feel to it, but I'm falling in love with it nevertheless.

Haute Spot

I was absolutely thrilled when I was strolling through the Short Hills Mall on Sunday only to stumble across Teen Vogue's latest pop-up store dubbed the "Teen Vogue Haute Spot." As I anxiously ran up to the store, I was bombarded with girls coming up to me and handing me the latest issue featuring Miley Cyrus on the cover (too bad I already bought a copy as soon as it came out!) As I ventured into the store, I instantly felt like I had stepped into a Teen Vogue magazine. I can only imagine how fabulous the offices must be in the Conde Nast buidling in Time Square, NYC. Being in the store was probably the closest I'll ever come to being in a Teen Vogue office (for now anyway).

 The store is filled with the latest trends hand picked by the editors from stores right in the mall. However, as soon as I ventured into the store, I was 100% star struck when I saw Mary Kate Steinmiller standing right in front of me. Most of the people who walked into the Haute spot probably didn't know who she was, but I instantly walked up to her and said how I was a huge fan and so happy for her success she has achieved at Teen Vogue. Imagine: being an intern for three years, then becoming the Associate Fashion Market Editor all by the age of 24! 

If you happen to live in the Tri-state area, making a trip to the Haute Spot is definitely worth it! Check the Teen Vogue website for the exact days of upcoming events. This weekend Fashion Market Director Gloria Baume will be at the Haute Spot to talk about scoring a job in the greatest industry there is: fashion! You can bet I'll be there front and center on Saturday!

I Dream of Couture

I have to admit, I've always been a fan of Juicy Couture, even back when they were known for everyone favorite staple piece; their velour tracksuits. Over the past 2 years, Juicy has veered away from their comfy sweats, and transformed into a more ruffles and prep sort of brand. Thats exactly why I was quite surprised when I saw their new jewelry line for spring. I instantly noticed an Indian theme with the elephants, genie bottles, and mix of gold with other rich colors. I find Indian themes to be increasingly popular over the past year. Hermes and OPI are just a few brands who have featured an Indian theme line over the past two seasons. This leads me to believe: is Juicy trying to break away from their ruffles and prep and head towards a more Free People, relaxed look for this summer? 

Topshop Love

Yesterday, as I was sitting at a certain delicious cafe on Bleeker and Broadway in the city, I noticed a mail truck driving by. Taking a second look at the truck I noticed...it was pink. Pink?! I've never seen such a thing in my life. As I looked closer at the truck, I noticed spray pain and graffiti painted all over it advertising the opening of Topshop on April 2. Personally, I could not be more excited to have the UK chain expanding its fabulous fashions over to the states. After looking into the chain a little to find out where its location would be, I was excited when I found that not only is Topshop going to be the place to shop in Soho, but it will always be a chain spreading a good cause. The chain will be teaming up with the foundation Breakthrough Breast Cancer and stunning model Jourdan Dunn to create a t-shirt promoting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The shirt will feature a geometric, funky looking black and white target that would look fabulous over jeans or black leggings. Who said you can't wrap trendy and cause worthy all in one outfit?? The line will also be donating 30% of proceeds to the cause!