Falling For Florals

Yes, it’s true.  April showers do indeed bring May flowers. They also bring a flood of floral fabrics off of the runways and into our respective spring and summer wardrobes.  For much of the following months, daisies and daffodils, roses and ranunculi, peonies and sweet peas cover our bodies from head to toe. They can be found tucked behind our ears, dangling from our wrists, and wrapped around our figures as we reignite our passion for lazy sundresses and flowing, feminine tops. But alas, the love affair is fleeting. As the leaves begin to change, the warm weather drifts away, and the alluring scent of autumn is once again upon us, where do all the flowers go?

{Pictured above: Details from Dior HC AW'12.  Photo courtesy of Fashionising.com}

If this years  fall 2012 Haute Couture collections are any indication of what’s to come, we’re in luck – the flowers won’t be going anywhere. Beautiful, botanical arrangements appear to be the inspiration behind some of this seasons most captivating additions.

DIOR

{Pictured above: Looks from Dior HC AW'12. All photos courtesy of Fashionising.com}

At Dior, Raf Simmons pranced his models through a Wonderland-like meadow. The designer contrasted lighter hues with bright, bold colors (note the pale blue and crimson ensemble above) and played with a number of patterns and textures (see the delicately beaded, pink gown with  royal blue, floral appliques).  He even managed to send a dress down the runway dripping with petals swept up from the meadow floor.  Take a note from Simmons and do not be afraid to mix and match.  Try a printed pant with an easy striped button down or a light, floral print top with colorful leggings.

GEORGES HOBEIKA

{Pictured above: Looks from Georges Hobeika HC AW'12. All photos courtesy of Fashionising.com}

Georges Hobeika worked in a more muted pallet – even his reds lacked luster – but all of his designs were dazzling.   Hobeika effortlessly incorporated luxurious fabrics like velvet and lace into his collection and, rather than utilizing a floral print, adorned each of his sheer creations with sparkling, monochromatic, floral detail.  Get the glittering look (for less!) with J. Crew’s silk petal dress (below).

{J. Crew Silk Petal dress, $420 at JCrew.com}

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

{Pictured above: Looks from Giambattista Valli HC AW'12.  All photos courtesy of Fashionising.com}

This collection was the Secret Garden come to life.  From a gown made of vines ripped straight from the garden’s wall, to a cocktail number -in full bloom- printed with a blur of white blossoms, Giambattista Valli’s haute couture was the materialization of dreams.  Each piece was more whimsical and imaginative than the next, yet they all remained remarkably wearable.  Above everything, Valli’s collection provided assurance that daring designs don’t have to mean a disastrous fashion “don’t” when worn worlds away from fashion week.  In fact, working a far-from-shy fabric into a highly conventional cut (see J. Crew’s silk popover, below) is most definitely a fashion “do”.

{J.Crew Collection Silk Popover in Photo Floral, $695 at JCrew.com}

VALENTINO

{Pictured above: Looks from Valentino HC AW'12.  All photos courtesy of Fashionising.com}

At Valentino, designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli went with a different approach.  The two paired neutral tones such as taupe and gold with darker shades like black and navy.  Their prints seemed to focus on the entirety of a plant (not flowers, alone) and they added an element of elegance to their collection with sheer, metallic, and lace fabrics.  While a full-length gown, in navy lace, accompanied by a sheer navy cape or a metallic, sand colored jumper with pink and gold plant detail may not be appropriate for every day, one can certainly add opulence to their wardrobe with similar pieces.  Invest in a lace trim blouse (like J.Crew's, below) or a pair of foiled, floral skinnies.

{J. Crew Collection Lace-Trim Blouse, $225 at JCrew.com}

ZUHAIR MURAD

{Pictured above: Looks from Zuhair Murad HC AW'12.  All photos courtesy of Fashionising.com}

So much happiness at Zuhair Murad this season! Murad’s vibrant couture designs ventured down a variety of creative avenues and included everything from intricate beading and soft lace, to bold prints and rich jewel tones.  He sent something for everyone and every taste down the runway – reminding us all that strong, sizzling shades need not be reserved for the Summer months. Fun, fiery floral’s (think J. Crew’s Liberty Perfect Shirt in flame red, below) will put a spark back into your cool-weather attire.

{J.Crew's Liberty Perfect Shirt in Flame Red, $150 at JCrew.com}

HOW TO WEAR COUTURE-INSPIRED FLORALS

Glad to know florals will be in fashion this fall, but still not quite sure how to wear them?  Consider this!

Denim has not been blue for a while.  In fact, in the past year, jeans have been every color under the sun.  More recently, they have taken yet another route.  Rather than drawing the line at neon pink and pastels, designers are now introducing patterns to the mix of acceptable denim trends.  The new flower-power designs featured below are the perfect way to transition your brilliant buds into that brisk Autumn air.

{Pictured above: Seven For All Mankind The Skinny Jeans in Wildflower and Laser Gold Foil, $189 and $215 at Piperlime.com} 

{Pictured above: BDG Twig Jeans in Grey Dip-Dye Roses and Oversized Floral, $68 at UrbanOutfitters.com}

Animal Instincts

Rarely does one wake and think to themselves, you know, I think I’m going to wear that absolutely stunning couture gown I happened upon last week to work today.  It’s not that we haven’t dreamt of the day when we will finally parade around town in corsets and capes, adorned in fine jewels, teetering atop seven inch stilettos, but let’s be honest - that simply isn’t practical. Luckily, practicality isn’t the point of couture.  Twice a year, the couture collections allow designers a platform to simply inspire.  The designs are elaborate, exciting, often unconventional works of art that push the envelope of what is currently acceptable, both on and off the runway.  The A/W 2012 Haute Couture additions were no exception, exploring a variety of trends– some feminine, some masculine– but one which was notably and distinctively PRIMAL.

[Pictured above: Fierce fanged platforms from Iris Van Herpen HC A'12. Photo courtesy of fashionising.com]

From feathers, to fur, to actual insects, animal inspired details could be found tucked not-so-secretly into a majority of this season's couture collections. 

FEATHERS- 

[Pictured above clockwise from left: Georges Chakra HC A'12, Stephane Rolland HC A'12, Giorgio Armani Prive HC A'12, Stephane Rolland HC A'12, Georges Chakra HC A'12. Photos courtesy of fashionising.com]

The most obvious inclusion of feathers was perfected by Stephane Rolland.  His models flew high on the runway, resembling wild game, yet somehow managed to look more like the hunter than the hunted.  Those at Armani Prive and Georges Chakra appeared to have taken the spoils of Rolland's magnificent hunt and adorned them with the luxuries of rich hues, dramatic sequins and a decidedly delicate sparkle.

INSECTS-

[Pictured above clockwise from left: Giambattista Valli HC A'12, Iris Van Herpen HC A'12, Giambattista Valli HC A'12, Iris Van Herpen HC A'12, Giambattista Valli HC A'12. Photos courtesy of fashionising.com]

Bugs are beautiful!  Well, butterflies maybe, but the rest? Those at Giambattista Valli and Iris Van Herpen certainly seem to think so, making a rather persuasive case for themselves.  With wrists clasped tight by the gold wings of beetles and dragonflies, butterflies circling like halos above their heads and sitting silently upon their lips, Valli's models showcased what is likely to be the hottest accessories trend of the coming season.  Van Herpen took the idea even further, not merely accentuating her designs, but infusing them with an insect-like quality.  Her most affected works included a structured, glossy black, widow-esque gown and an intricately designed mini reminiscent of  bees wax.

FUR-

[Pictured above clockwise from left: Dior HC A'12, Givenchy HC A'12, Dior HC A'12, Ulyana Sergeenko HC A'12, Givency HC A'12.  Photos courtesy of fashionising.com ]

While  fur (whether real or fauxl) is certainly nothing new to fashion, the versatility of its use never ceases to amaze.  At Dior, it added an element of fun in shades of sapphire and textured silhouettes. For Givenchy, it encapsulated extravagance, draping the shoulders of bare backs and trimming cloaks with glorious detail.  Then, coming full circle this season, it returned to Ulyana Sergeenko in its most primitive state as a utilitarian necessity to her militaristic couture creations.

Resort 2013 Rundown: Everyday Style

{Pictured Above: Look from Nicole Miller Resort 2013 Collection. Photo courtesy of FASHIONISING.COM}

The best part about Resort is that there are no rules. Collections can be over the top or under the radar, destined for a cool breeze along the California coast or a hot, humid New York night. The ones to follow however, are quintessential grab and go - one can easily dress them up or dress them down - they're this seasons collections that identify best with the relaxed, yet presentable appeal of everyday style. 

THAKOON

RAG & BONE

SEA

SUNO

NICOLE MILLER

{Pictured Above: Looks from Resort 2013 Collections by Thakoon, Rag & Bone, Sea, Suno and Nicole Miller. All photos courtesy of FASHIONISING.COM}

Going For (Rose) Gold

This time last year, Michael Kors topped the fashion charts with Hollywood's must-have accessory of the season: The Rose Gold Watch. His not-quite-gold standard (and an endless array of knock-offs) could be found on the wrist of every  fashionista from coast to coast.  

{Pictured Above: Michael Kors Women's Rose-Gold Tone Watch, 43mm. Photo Courtesy of Bloomingdales.}

Determined not to be a one hit wonder, the blushing hue has come back this Spring in full force, playing up handbags, heels and EVERYTHING in between (see January Jones, below).  The shade is subtle, chic and just unique enough to add an element of intrigue to any ensemble.

Going For (Rose) Gold by quinnmelia featuring a rose gold bangle

{Pictured Above: Mad Men star January Jones sporting rose gold highlights. Photo courtesy of US Magazine.}

OBSESSED: What I Simply Cannot Get Enough of This Week

What do you love love LOVE right now? For me, a few things are staple: Shaun White, Pinkberry, my Colette by Tocca fragrance - I could go on, but that is precisely my point.  My never ending list of obsessions changes constantly.  Rather than bombarding friends, family, and followers with hourly updates, I've decided it's in everyone's best interest (especially yours) that I share them in a weekly series of posts right here on The Posh List.  Prep yourself. You too are about to become OBSESSED.

{Pictured Above: Shaun White. Photo courtesy of fyshaunwhite.com}