Ugh, Madewell

Why you gotta be so pretty?

I'm loving these looks from the fall Madewell lookbook.  Tough boots and dresses= yessss.
VvV Amanda

Azzara's Fall 2010 Wish List

There are so many things on my fall wish list that I barely know where to start. Buttt here are a few things that I want ASAP.

1. Cool Prints

Crazy prints were all over the runways for fall. Proenza Schouler, Matthew Williamson and Balenciaga, just to name a few, had some fun abstract prints that I want to steal. Since I unfortunately can't afford any of these fancay designer pieces, I've found some equally-as-wonderful (and waaay more affordable) alternatives.

urban outfitters, $54.

nikitajade on etsy, $28.50.

asos, £59.

2. Camel Camel Camel

I must admit, I'm really into the camel coat obsession going on in every fall 2010 runway show. Think DKNY and Chloé.There are so many that are gorgeous and I want to scoop them up into my closet.

deargoldenvintage on etsy, $78.

alexa chung for madewell, $275.

ubervintagethreads on etsy, $54.

Oh, and just one more to fantasize about...

Burberry, $1195.

3. Scallops

Scallops are the bomb. Check out some lovely scalloped pieces à la Miu Miu.

urban outfitters, $48.

deargoldenvintage on etsy, $44.

urban outfitters, $58.

4. Pleated Tapered Trousers

These are ALL over the place. I love how simple they are, but still supa classy and comfy.

american apparel, $75

urban outfitters, $78.

topshop, £38.

♥, Azzara

Amanda's Fall 2010 Hit List

Here are some trends I've been thinking about and putting together on my imaginary wishlist.  What's on your mind for fall?


1. Peter pan collars

 Pins and Needles tunic: $38, American Apparel button up: $47, Cooperative tank: on sale for $15

2. Pay too much but can take anywhere/ should take everywhere black bag

Alexander Wang "Diego" bucket bag: $825, Alexander Wang "Angela" small pouchette: $650, Rebecca Minkoff "Stud Rocker" bag: $330

3. Lace up wedges

Asos Turk suede crepe: $39, BC Footwear "Atmosphere" wedge: $80,  J. Crew MacAlister boots: $198

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Crosta" wedge: $350, 3.1 Phillip Lim Willow Lace-Up Calf-Hair: $495

4.  Karen Walker sunglasses

"Deep Freeze" $180, "Number One" $170

Harlequin Shrimp = The Bomb

Sorry for the lull in posts from me this week; my brother is starting his first year of college this week (so young!) so I’ve been helping him get sorted. Soooo, on to the interesting stuff. I’m a biology major (which basically means just a big nerd) and I’m pretty obsessed with strange marine creatures that could probably scare anyone if they met on a dark night. Aaand there are some that would (and do) make me crack up because they’re so silly. For example, the blobfish:

But, one of the coolest-looking marine animals of all time would have to be the harlequin shrimp:

Images via daveharasti.com

They’re so beautiful that they almost don’t seem real. They can have purple, orange or blue spots and have an interesting flower-like appearance. They have natural polka dots, so perfect! I kiiind of want one as a pet.

It’s pretty amazing how much inspiration designers get from nature, which is already full of strange patterns, textures and shapes for the taking. For designers, who are always trying to be innovative and avant-garde, the environment can be a really remarkable muse. There are some Fall 2010 RTW looks that made me think of our shrimpy friend when I first saw them, lots of exciting prints! They look a bit like melted polka dots and I'm a fan.

DVF - Image via Style.com

Thakoon - Image via Style.com

Lela Rose - Image via Style.com

GAH. I want it all!

Here are some of my personal favorites from the Fall 2010 RTW collections:

(Dries Van Noten images via style.com)

First of all, I love Dries Van Noten.  Secondly, I want to know how he makes it so effortless to look  cool.  Also, I think it's awesomely refreshing that his clothes aren't skintight or constricting.  Loose things can look good!  Layering! Easy pieces!  This is how it should be for women.  His clothes are definitely for a girl on the go.  It's nice that none of the clothes are too revealing yet they are ladylike without being uptight.  What do you think?

I love the idea of a 3/4 sleeve knee length black dress that you can throw on with a pair of sunglasses.  You know that kind of dress would be a great investment as kind of a where whenever, dress up dress down, type of dress.  I even love the bag the model is cradling.  A perfect satchel to fit everything from umbrella to spare pair of shoes... or a dog. 

Also, I'm really into the idea of one great coat or trench that you can layer over trousers and a blouse. Way to make it seem easy, Dries. 

(Anna Sui images via style.com)

Anna Sui, can I please come to your workshop and steal all of your garments? Okay, I know that a lot of Sui's looks can seem overdone and fussy but she is truly the queen of layering.  Look at all those wonderful patterns and what about those awesome tights (those tights deserve their own blog post)!  Plus, can't you imagine just dissecting her outfits, pairing a patterned skirt with a more subdued shirt or the awesome semi-argyle sweater with a pair of jeans and oxfords?  There are so many possibilities.  It's just up to you to decide how busy you want to be when you wear her clothes.  But certainly her looks can be both parred down or dressed up easy as pie.  I want it all!  

Okay, I'll give you a break from my ranting but this will be continued later!

yarr, Amanda. 

P.S. Lately I've been listening to Local Natives on repeat.  Check out their daytrotter session here where you can download their live session for free.   I haven't seen them live yet but I was so glad to hear that they are just as good in live session as recorded on their CD.  Hope you like em.