monday muse alice and olivia

Today, I am all about alice and olivia.  One of the most anticipated lines at the 2010 New York Fashion Week, Stacey Bendet launched her look in 2002, focusing on creating a sophisticated yet quirky line for women of all ages.  I am anticipating the launch of her shoe collection in 2011, but until then, I'll be browsing her runway and online looks.  Inspired by the women around her, the A&O line brings a sweet vintage look to any office or evening outfit, giving a sophisticated and feminine appeal.

Bendet has mastered the art of mixing textures for a cozy autumn look- using everything from leather to knit to fur to feathers.  Her Fall/Winter 2010 line offers a wide collection of evening cocktail apparel- perfect for the holiday season.  LBDs have their own A&O twist with pretty feathers, soft and cozy faux fur, and lots and lots of sparkles.

Celebrity fans of A&O include Angelina Jolie, Gweneth Paltrow (actress turned singer..oh my) and gossip girl's Blake Lively.  With A-Listers closely following Bendet's line, this is sure to be a fall must-have brand for any closet.  Check out aliceandolivia.com and let me know what you think!

[Alice and Olivia Fall/Winter RTW; Photos courtesy of Elle.com]

backstage babes

As if my obsession with the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wasn't enough... I came across some great photography of the models backstage at their New York Fashion Week 2010 show last week.

I find this totally inspirational- long and luscious hair, natural makeup, a classic representation of beauty.  These girls represent today's Supermodels, in a world where modeling has been taken over by celebrities on the red carpet.  Actors and modern day icons have become the new faces of magazines, and there has been a visible decline in the number of models being used for these coveted advertising campaigns.

It wasn't long ago where supermodels were seen everywhere-  top advertising campaigns, runways, magazine covers- making millions of dollars annually.  As celebrity faces continue to clutter the magazine and advertising space, replacing faces such as Cindy Crawford and Elle MacPherson, the Victoria's Secret models have been the remainder from a world where supermodels ruled.  These girls have been protected, probably due to their ability to model underwear flawlessly, and have continued to rule the modeling world above all others.  The VS Models are today's Supermodels, famed and fortuned by their beauty and runway appeal.

Photos by Daniella Rech

from models.com

ruched and knotted

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

Runways have been littered with all things ruched and knotted, anything from clothes and shoes to belts and purses.  This texturized trend brings a variation to any outfit, and is a style that will be seen throughout this fall and winter.  New York Fashion week inspired Donna Karan's 2010 line to feature this trend, adding a new feel to a classic look.

My favorite has been French Connection's Autumn and Winter collection, featuring pretty pleats, classy lace, flirty ruffles, and LOTS of texture. How will you wear your texture this season? I know that I'll be looking to any kind of variation for my outfits- looking for pretty shimmers and sequins for a holiday twist, and lots of pleats and ruffles on my booties and purses!

[Donna Karan New York Fashion Week 2010]