Mea Culpa

It's November 5, which means I officially haven't blogged in over a month. Bad Samantha.

I truly hate to be a blogger who makes excuses as to why I haven't written because, quite frankly, you shouldn't care, and should have simply moved on to one of the many other DC-based fashion blogs. Did you really even miss me?

I do, however, have a few explanations.

First, I'm exactly one month into a new job. Though I'm no longer a journalist by trade, I still work in "communications" and flex my writing and research muscles daily. (A friend once told me I'd actually die if I couldn't write, which is probably true.) In addition to decorating my cubicle and picking out new-job outfits, I've been scaling the learning curve, delving in to my clients' issues, and thoroughly enjoying a new challenge. But I'm nearly settled, and I've missed opining on issues like different blazer cuts and whether or not sequins are appropriate for the office. (Answer: In moderation.)

Second, in October I embarked on a major fundraising effort for a cause that is very near to me: breast cancer awareness. I led a team of 18 friends in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Washington, D.C. on October 31, and we raised over $8,000 for the cause. Our team finished fourth in fundraising, which made me quite proud considering that the teams ahead of us were backed by major corporations. It's not too late to donate if you missed out on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Finally, I also spent much of October preparing (with good eBay sleuthing) for every fashionista's favorite holiday, Halloween. I haven't gone crazy over it since I was Posh Spice my junior year of college, but I decided to go all-out this year for my friend's wild house party. And as a token of my apology, please accept this photo of yours truly, the 80s Prom Queen:



(Yes, I had a giant taffeta bow on my behind. At least 80s is in vogue, right?)

If you've read this far, I sincerely appreciate your readership and I hope to impress you in the following months. Stay tuned for a few Fashion Week items that I dropped the ball on when I returned from New York.

But enough about me. Isn't this Spring 2010 Oscar de la Renta gown seriously fabulous?

Rachel Roy Shoe Candy

Not only did Rachel Roy present a phenomenal collection (see below), but the Rachel Roy for Manolo Blahnik shoes were also killer (in a good way). To celebrate the start of the weekend, here are some photos of the drool-worthy shoes. I especially love the sunshine yellow sandals, and I will have to find a suitable knockoff for spring.

Rachel Roy Spring 2010

Rachel Roy has been called one of the "popular" girls of Fashion Week, and I have no doubt that her eponymous line will be just as popular among the fashion set and average women alike. In the stark, empty Cedar Lake warehouse space in Chelsea, Roy showed her collection as informal runway shows to a champagne-swilling and impeccably dressed crowd. Roy returned to earlier times, inspired by "40s screen legends, 70s chic, and a return to the 90s power suit," to great success.

Her monochrome, tailored "power suits" in colors ranging from everyday grays to powerful brights stood out with skinny, slightly slouchy pants. Let's just say that you won't find these suits--and especially not the jumpsuit!--in Ann Taylor.


Rachel Roy Look #2: Chrome Melange Tailored Petal Jacket and Chrome Melange Slim Tailored Trouser


Rachel Roy Look #15: Granite Matte Crepe Jumpsuit
This jumpsuit is for the woman who is an executive by day and a Studio 54 star by night.


Rachel Roy Look #22: Orchid Matte Crepe Jacket/Blouse and Orchid Matte Crepe Drape Trouser
Photo from Style.com


Rachel Roy Look #26: Cirrus Matte Satin Tailored Petal Jacket and Cirrus Matte Satin Slim Tailored Trouser
Photo from Style.com

Along with the 70s vibe and 90s strength, Roy's vibrant colors were particularly memorable and her choices of "glass" blue, "orchid" purple, and "cadmium" yellow were fresh takes on the popular brights. The orchid satin gown in particular almost made me choke on my bubbly while wondering which lucky starlet would snap it up first for the red carpet.


Rachel Roy Look #18: Glass Hammered Satin Dressing Gown


Rachel Roy Look #19: Cadmium Draped Jersey Dress with Metal Filled Neckline


Rachel Roy Look #30: Orchid Hammered Satin Strapless Gown with Black Urchin Stud Embroidery

I can only hope she'll make knockoffs for her cheaper Rachel by Rachel Roy line, because if not, my bank account will be in trouble.

MMODANY Spring 2010

What do retro-style frocks, African prints, and fishing-lure necklaces have in common? Not much, you're likely thinking. But these looks were all part of 4 Eyes, a presentation of four Spanish designers held at the New York Public Library on Sunday in partnership with Madrid Moda.

The most striking collection was Antidoto by Anna Locking. In the program, Locking described her garments as "pills with intense colors...like medicines to fight the dejection." The futuristic cocktail-worthy separates with sharp, geometric sleeves and draping in colors like "vibrant cherry red," "acid orange," and "shocking pink" were indeed exciting yet versatile.


Anna Locking Spring 2010


Anna Locking Spring 2010


Anna Locking Spring 2010

Next, Juanjo Oliva presented a feminine collection of 50s-style frocks inspired by the American woman's "essence and attitude, what Dior would define as 'a woman always impeccable.'" But when fashioned out of African-patterned cotton, Oliva's prim silhouettes were edgy with a hint of Urban Outfitters coolness.


Juanjo Oliva Spring 2010

The next two collections were more mature. Juan Duyos titled his collection "Tiki," and I noticed right away that the looks were part 50s housewife, part Tommy Bahama--perfect for a mother of the bride at an island destination wedding, don't you think?


Duyos Spring 2010

Finally, Carmen March mixed fresh colors like "apricot" and "lemon sorbet" with a touch of sparkle to create a tiki-style line. What I most admired about Carmen March's collection, however, were the fishing-lure necklaces that would look adorable with a bikini and cardigan on the pool deck.


Carmen March Spring 2010


Carmen March Spring 2010

What I found most interesting was that these four Spanish designers drew upon the idea of the American woman as inspiration for the collections. And it seems they hit the nail on the head, capturing the idealized mid-20th-century American woman at her finest. Though the show had a museum-like feel and the couture garments aren't sold at your local department store, the collections were surprisingly on-trend, especially considering that 50s- and 60s-style looks are taking over womenswear. And after a few days of the frenzied commercialism in Bryant Park, this small glimpse of Madrid fashion was as refreshing as a frozen tiki-hut pina colada.

Thuy Spring 2010

The Thuy Spring 2010 collection is one that I'd love to wear while "zipping" around town. In fact, I'm surprised that designer Thuy Diep isn't more well known, because her zipper-filled ready-to-wear line was streamlined and sexy but not too bizarre for everyday wear in D.C. Although zippers might be a little overdone this fall, Thuy's take on the trend mixed sharp zippers with fresh spring colors for a young, trendy cocktail look. If you aren't comfortable going totally backless this fall, try an almost-backless top or dress with zippered straps in the spring.

D.C.'s Fashion's Night Out

We interrupt the Samantha on Style Fashion Week coverage to bring you a report on D.C.'s own Fashion's Night Out last Thursday. The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce and the Mid City Business Association joined forces to promote the event, which was a grand success. After buying a studded black belt and statement earrings at Lettie Gooch, I then stopped by Muleh, where the most fashionable crowd I've ever seen in Washington perused the latest from Ports 1961 and Phillip Lim and enjoyed live music and champagne. Finally, after browsing the neighborhood's vintage shops--and nearly buying a vintage Ann Klein leather and wool bubble skirt--I enjoyed a cheeseburger and good conversation at Ulah.

You can read more about D.C.'s Fashion's Night Out and see photos of fashionable Washingtonians over at GWFCC Magazine.


The fashionable guests at Muleh on 14th Street.

We now return to your regularly scheduled New York Fashion Week Coverage.

Lela Rose Spring 2010

My first show today was Lela Rose in the Bryant Park Salon, which I've always wanted to attend but could never fit in my schedule. At 10am on a Sunday morning, I was easily able to claim my fourth row seat (and swag bag with Foot Petals Tip Toes, Stila Lip & Cheek Stain, sparkly nailpolish, and other goodies). And though I hadn't yet had my first cup of coffee, the show did not disappoint.

Lela Rose Spring 2010 was full of sharp ready-to-wear silhouettes inspired by the art of Alex Katz and the colors of Venice Beach. The colors--highlighter, citrine, grass green, sea glass blue--were young and fresh but the styles were mostly ageless, and could be just as easily imagined on a 20-something New Yorker as a forty-something Washingtonian. I particularly loved the vibrant citrus hues for both day and night, as well as a pretty lace frock perfect for an August work day in the District.




Lela Rose Look #17: Highlighter Pebbled Gauze Tiered Tank and Sketch Dot Knotted Skirt
Photo from Style.com


Lela Rose Look #29: Orange Crush Faille Strapless Dress with Wave Front
Photo from Style.com




Lela Rose Look #27: Ivory Ribbon Lace Sheath Dress
Photo from Style.com

But the show-stoppers of Lela Rose's collection were the pieces made of bright "splash jacquard," which sparkled on the runway and, perhaps, will sparkle in my closet should the perfect summer affair present itself.


Lela Rose Look #11: Inside Out Splash Jacquard Sport Jacket, Grass Green Ribbon Stripe T-Shirt, and Bright Navy Stretch Tapered Pant
Photo from Style.com


Lela Rose Look #21: Splash Jacquard Dress with Sleeve and Open Back
Photo from Style.com




Lela Rose Look #37: Embroidered Splash Jacquard Strapless Gown with Side Draped Skirt
Photo from Style.com

Ivy H. Spring 2010

Yesterday I had the pleasure of viewing the first collection by Ivy Higa, a Hawaiian-born and Parsons-trained designer who has worked for Donna Karan and Lafayette 148 New York. In a small, dim warehouse space in Midtown, Ivy H. showed a small but cool and pleasing white, beige, and taupe collection. Inspired by Akari Japanese lanterns, the collection is meant to be "convertible," according to the literature, and can go from "day to evening" with "the roll of a sleeve or cuff of a pant leg." What could be better in this economy? If you're planning an island vacation, an Ivy H. look could take you from the beach bar to an elegant dinner with the snap of a finger--or roll of a cuff.

Christian Siriano Spring 2010

Thinking about Christian Siriano's Spring 2010 collection, shown in the Bryant Park Promenade yesterday, I'm trying to avoid the one word that I know every blogger will use to describe the line. Unfortunately, the unavoidable word seems to be a perfect descriptor. The word is "fierce"--because Siriano's collection filled with giant metallic hats, talon-like Christian Siriano for Payless shoes, and magical gowns that received applause from the front row's starlets and Project Runway cast members was indeed fierce.


Look #35: Chiffon and Tulle-Layered Ombre Gown in Blush and Volcanic
Actress Kristen Johnson, seated next to Tim Gunn, visibly applauded at this dress.

Aside from a few splashes of "ocean" print and the dynamite "blush" and "volcanic" ombre gown, the collection's color palette was quite neutral and relied on Siriano's signature sharp shoulders and voluminous draping for drama. My favorite look, in fact, was the blush-colored one-shoulder blouse and bubble skirt, along with two neutral draped chiffon dresses with beaded bodices, all of which I'd snap up at Saks in a second if I had somewhere to wear them. Even from my seat I could see the dresses popping off the runway, and as you can see, they popped on camera, too.


Look #33: Satin-Faced Organza Draped One-Shoulder Bodice in Blush and Organza Bubble Skirt in Blush
Photo from Imaxtree at New York Magazine


Look #32: Satin-Faced Organza Strapless Dress with Beaded Bodice
Photo from Imaxtree at New York Magazine


Look #34: Satin-Faced Organza Draped Strapless Gown with Beaded Bodice in Blush
Only a dress as dramatic as this one would look so fabulous with my camera.

I've seen dramatic draping at every show I've attended so far, but Christian Siriano really is a drapery master--and I expect we'll see his "beach"-colored dresses on red carpets across the country come April.

ADAM Spring 2010

For the second season in a row, ADAM was the first collection I saw upon my arrival to New York Fashion Week. This year, designer Adam Lippes left the Bryant Park tents to show at the Mac & Milk Studios in the Meatpacking District alongside such hip designers as Band of Outsiders, Preen, and Proenza Schouler. The studios were small and crowded, and a number of those who waited nearly an hour with standing-room tickets were eventually turned away. But minutes after the show started, I managed to squeeze into the studio--and I'm glad I did, because a certain famous fashion editor was a mere 30 feet away...





Overall, the collection is beachy, breezy, and very pretty, and the palette of baby yellow, hyacinth, and cream reminds me of seashells. The looks are wearable with loose tank tops and tees, slouchy coverups, and simple tank dresses, but I have to say that I wasn't as struck by the collection or the presentation as a whole as I was with Lippes's Fall 2009 collection. Still, I definitely see a loose silk tank top in my future.

And if you hate the predominant Fall 2009 trends, you're out of luck for Spring 2010 because rompers, harem pants, and slouchy shorts seem to be sticking around.


ADAM Spring 2010 Look #3: Milk Silk Twill Floral Print Tank and Milk Silk Georgette Romper


ADAM Spring 2010 Look #7: Ice Oxford Dolman Sleeve Shirt and White Denim Pleated Pant
I adore this look for work and play. And yes, I adore pleated, harem-style jeans.


ADAM Spring 2010 Look #16: Cream Tropical Wool Menswear Blazer, Cream Silk Twill Inked Butterfly Print Tank, and Hyacinth Washed Cupro Running Short


ADAM Spring 2010 Look #18: Graphite Washed Cupro T-Bank Tank Dress and Hyacinth Linen Jersey Slouchy Tunic

Runway photos from Imaxtree at New York Magazine