Boxing Day Breakdown

In Canada, December 26 is Boxing Day, a day of year-end sales and buying frenzy. Realistically through, nowadays Boxing Day is more like Boxing Week and the sales are quite meager. With the weak economy and rise of online shopping, the malls are hardly as packed as they once were. Nonetheless, going out on Boxing Day is almost a family ritual for me even though we often leave empty-handed. For our shopping trip this year, I tried on a number of dresses, but found nothing I wholeheartedly wanted. Along the way, I came across a couple of pieces I found interesting - some of which I tried on (and bought!), some of which I simply admired.

Self-Portrait High-Neck Column Dress

Let's start off with something bold! I saw this Self-Portrait dress in Holt Renfrew, and was impressed by the quality of the thick teal lace overlay. At first I thought it was entirely see-through and meant to be used as a layering piece, but then noticed the bandeau and skirt inner. This is clearly a daring dress, but I like the plentiful display of skin juxtaposed against the midi-length and high-neck silhouette.

French Connection Slick Chain Mini Dress

Hudson's Bay was one of the stores this year that had fairly good sales. My mom found this French Connection chain dress discounted to around $40. What I found really unique about this dress was the string of chains across the chest and along the hem. The dress fit me perfectly, but as usual, I felt uncomfortable with the way the arm holes cut in. Shame!

Banana Republic Chiffon-Fringe Blazer

I saw this chiffon-fringe blazer hung up on display and thought it was a great update to a wardrobe basic. I would style the blazer differently than shown here to make it classier and draw focus onto the fringe, but I would have to try it on to really determine if it's as good as it looks on the rack. I did notice the fringe tended to stick to whatever is underneath, so it could be a nightmare trying to keep the strips nice and aligned.

Burberry Kensington Trenchcoat

At long last, I have tried on a Burberry trenchcoat! My mom picked up one of Burberry's classic Kensington trenchcoats in my size, and I was surprised by how well it fit. I always thought I was too short to pull off a trench, but the impeccable tailoring of the world's most famous trenchcoat maker balanced out the length perfectly. One day, if I ever buy a trenchcoat, I know there's only one place I'll get it from.

Banana Republic Red Full Skirt

At last! The only thing I bought during my trip. I have always wanted a full skirt because I think it is a staple for the sophisticated woman. I tried on this Banana Republic skirt I found on sale for around $20 (and in size 00P!). Not only did the skirt fit well, I liked the sturdiness of the thicker fabric and the standout shade. I practically made a split-second decision to buy it (I am rarely such an impulse buyer), and only realized once I got home that the skirt comes with the added bonus of pockets!

Banana Republic Shirred Drop-Waist Skirt

This is another skirt from Banana Republic I would have bought if it came in my size. I generally don't think I look that good in looser, shorter skirts, but the fitted waistband above the ruffled drop-waist helped create a more flattering shape on my frame. The skirt was short, but not too short for my comfort zone. I absolutely adored the soft pink colour and lightweight fabric - it made the skirt pretty and feminine, but also flirty.

H&M Glittery Skirt

I've always wanted a sequin skirt because it can add such great texture to an outfit, but it's difficult finding a unique design in both good quality and price. I found this sequin skirt from H&M in a cool iridescent shade on sale for only $10, so I thought I'd give it a try. While it fit pretty well, the quality was too obviously lacking. As you can see in the photo, the inner lining is actually shorter than the skirt, leaving a portion of the hem a little sheer. Even though I like the concept, the execution does not pull through on a skirt of such cheap quality. The sheer edge emphasized the thin material and the hem easily puckered into a wave in the back. An example of why I always shop with a discerning eye in fast fashion stores - sometimes quality can be cheated, sometimes it's just too obvious. 

Gucci Fur-Lined Slingback Pump

We started with something bold, now let's end with something bold. These Gucci fur-lined slingbacks are absolutely crazy! These are shoes that keep on giving - first the red leather, then the kangaroo fur, then the gold heel, then the two large crystals behind the heel. It's sensory overload, and although I initially thought it was a bit much, I've seen some brave ladies sporting these in street style pictures, and they look like the ultimate fashionistas.

Image Source: ASOS, Revolve Clothing, Drez, WhoWhatWear, Lyst, H&M, Gucci  

Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2014

I never used to pay attention to Pre-Fall collections, but they're really starting to grow on me. Spring/Summer is a great season - it's a study in colour, print, gossamer fabric, and lace as far as the eye can see - but there's something about combining Spring/Summer with Fall/Winter to form a sublime mélange of textures that's undeniably fascinating. Chiffon leads gracefully into thick angora, fur mingles with filmy t-shirts, and winterwear is finally done in colour.  The last time I talked about Pre-Fall was in 2012, but let's pick it up again with Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2014.

For me, it's all about texture.  Texture, texture, texture!  Christopher Bailey mixes them so expertly in this collection, creating looks that are truly multi-dimensional.  Fur, leather, knit...you name it. Besides incredible cocoon coats, Bailey gives us jacquard cigarette pants in rich emerald tones.  So rich I can taste it.

The aforementioned duality of Pre-Fall is evident in this collection.  When dresses are long-sleeved, they display a plunging neckline.  When dresses are sleeveless, they hit high on the neck.  Thigh-high slits find their place alongside knee-length coats, and colours finally alleviate the mundanity of all-black winterwear.   A lot of the times, it's juxtaposition that makes fashion so intriguing, and Pre-Fall is the perfect embodiment of this allure.

See the full collection here.

Note: Just wanted to give a shout-out to my Secret Santa for the thoughtful gift - a phone holder in the shape of a high heel...with a red sole!  Perfection.  I've always considered Red-Soled Fashionista as simply the name of my blog, but now I realize in some ways people see me as Red-Soled Fashionista. I am Red-Soled Fashionista.  Truly, I can never say this enough: thank you everyone for your support.  Much love!    

Image Source: Style.com

Spring/Summer 2013 RTW

I have a confession to make: I don't have enough time to do a single comprehensive review of a Spring/Summer 2013 RTW collection.  Ok, so that's not really much of a surprising confession, considering how consistent my blog has become lately, but I thought I should let you know.  Ironically enough, I have managed to keep fairly updated with the collections this season, seeing as it's all part of my job as VP Communications at the Fashion & Lifestyle Society (a club at my school) to be in the loop.  So although I won't be doing full reviews, I refuse to let all the opinions I have about the Spring collections go unvoiced.  I never imagined my reviews would get to be so abbreviated, but on the plus side, they might become a bit of an easier (and potentially more interesting) read for you:

Alexander Wang

Verdict: After Fall/Winter 2011, when I finally understood his coolness, I've continued to love what Wang comes up with.  Wang does not produce clothing that you would immediately label as beautiful, and that's exactly what keeps him going.  His clothes require time to soak in, but once they do, there's only one word for what he does: cool.  Threads holding shredded garments together produces a wonderful excerise on deconstruction, and those shoes, oh those shoes.  Full show here.

Burberry Prorsum

Verdict: Hands down one of my favourite collections this season.  The colours were bombastic, with metallics ruched and wrapped, and one standout blue ombre, fantasically cut coccon coat.  Severely cropped jackets gave the collection a youthful edge, as if the colours themselves weren't enough.  I adored the men's metallic cardigans, which literally left me with my mouth hanging.  But I truly loved the mix of textures: lace, embellishment and a peacock trenchcoat for goodness sake.  Bravo to Christopher Bailey for a beautiful collection presented in an equally beautiful fashion.  Full show here.

Dries van Noten

Verdict: Another one of my favourite collections.  I have never seen casual chic done so perfectly.  It's a very literal interpretation of casual chic - plaid tops done in silk and paired with embellished skirts - but that's why it's so amazingly uncanny.  Dressing casual all of a sudden looked so classy.  Van Noten made elastic waistband pajama pants look good, and I think that alone is enough to make this collection a hit.  Full show here.

Prada

Verdict: WHAT just happened.  I'm not even sure I want to know what happened, seeing as it was a mess.  Maybe the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations hype gave me high expectations, but I've always liked what Prada has done these past few years, no matter how strange.  This season, I just don't get it.  If there's anyone who can appreciate the most outré shoes, I'm the one.  Yet I could not bring myself to appreciate Prada's foil wrapped, ridiculously stacked feet.  And the clothes were great in construction, but completely lacking in imagination.  It was a procession of the same, strictly cut piece of fabric glued onto the body, with a couple of quickly tiring repetitive prints.  As for the soundtrack...I'll just let you figure that one out.  Good thing Prada redeemed herself during Miu Miu.  Full show here.

Balenciaga

Verdict: I've always appreciated Balenciaga - it's one of the most technologically innovative brands out there - but it always required several analyses before I could see its ingenuity.  However, this season, I got it straight away.  The stiff yet undulating frills, revealing its coloured underside with each step, and the flippant barbed wire skirts made a wonderful statement on structure and movement.  I finally understand, Nicolas Ghesquière, I finally understand!  Full show here.

Dolce & Gabbana

Verdict: That's it.  Enough.  I have been seeing the same thing for the past 2 years.  It's sexy and pretty, but it's just been a reworking of the same Italian inspiration.  The raffia basket corsets and skirts were definitely highlights, and Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana took the idea of "still looking good in a potato sack" quite literally.  But other than those two unique bits, the pair were still so obviously stuck in Sicily.  Time to get out.  Full show here.

Chanel

Verdict: It's very difficult to say that a Chanel collection is not successful, because Karl Lagerfeld has this ability to make everything seem so right, even though it may not appeal to you personally.  And that's the kind of relationship I've had with Lagerfeld's work.  Throughout the years, there have only been three collections I can say I loved.  While this collection still didn't resonate that deeply with me, it's among the ones I would consider to be more obviously well-done.  The massive pearls, cropped jackets (a trend, anyone?), and the florals at the end felt like a refreshing step for Chanel.  Not to mention the crazy innovative hula hoop bags and vinyl sun hats.  Full show here.

Christian Dior

Verdict: No, I'm still not entirely sold on Raf Simons at Dior, but I am beginning to accept that Dior is in a new era and perhaps this minimalism is what it needs.  I loved what Simons did with the set, but the clothes were yet again lacking for me.  Although the metallics, floals and intricate constructions were mesmerizing, I didn't feel the excitement that I used to indulge in so selfishly.  Some looks were still too bland (and the models...no theatricality whatsoever) and I almost fell out of my seat at seeing black short shorts at Dior.  With Simons, I feel like either the top or bottom half of a look is always missing; it's empty.  Nonetheless, as I said, I'm willing to accept this new vision.  I only mourn the loss of being transported to another land, and most importantly, I mourn the loss of fun.  Full show here.

Alexander McQueen

Verdict: Props to Sarah Burton for exploring a different aspect of McQueen this season.  This season was significantly grittier and more natural.  Burton has always referenced nature, but usually in a fantastical, surreal way.  This season, it was pure nature in all its beauty and flaws.  Her inspiration was quite obviously bees and everything to do with them.  The head pieces that hid each model's face gave a monotony to the show that well reflects the life of a bee, but also looked like something McQueen himself would have done.  This collection isn't one of those instant successes, but it'll get more people keeping an eye on her.  Full show here.

Saint Laurent

Verdict: Ok, so I'm entirely torn on this collection by *ahem* Saint Laurent (will I ever get used to not saying Yves?).  On one hand, I loved it for its no nonense wearability.  These clothes were gorgeous and I would wear each look exactly as it is.  The sleek bow blouses with blazers and slim pants were nicely contrasted with the fluid, billowing capes of the second half, all done up glamorously with sequins and mousselines.  But on the other hand, I know deep down YSL would never be this obvious.  He would never make glamour look so outright glamorous.  As much as I like what Hedi Slimane has done, perhaps he isn't doing it right for the brand.  I can't say I love this, and I can't say I dislike it, so let me just leave it up to you.  Full show here.

Louis Vuitton

Verdict: Spring/Summer 2012 made me realize how much I like the drop waisted Roaring Twenties, and this season, Marc Jacobs makes me realize how much I like the mini skirted Swinging Sixties.  There's something so adorable yet so womanly about the sixties minidress.  This was probably the shortest LV show we've ever seen, with models paired up and decked out in huge, graphic checks, but it was no less impactful.  I felt like I was on a drug high (not that I would actually know what that feels like) and drifting through a loopy, rainbow world.  Bold and in your face, LV makes a great statement this season.  Full show here.

That's all I have for now in terms of the big names.  I might comment further on other collections as I go through them, but as always, I love posting about any collections you have to suggest!

Image Source: Style.com

Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2012 RTW

So far, Fashion Week has been coming along swimmingly!  Designers seem to be on track, and as far as I've seen, there hasn't been a major disappointment of a collection (although on a side note, Erdem did take a slightly different route this season.  I don't think it was necessarily the wrong route, but in the end, it's the customer who decides).  Having said that, the one standout collection has been Burberry.  It was a spectacular show, but you wouldn't have realized it at first glance - as it is with many collections.  Only after discovering the inspiration behind the collection, understanding the craftsmanship, and witnessing the beautiful ending (which means you can't just sift through photos!), could you have truly appreciated the collection.

Christopher Bailey titled this show Town and Field, which essentially led to a procession of looks with both urban and rural style.  I'm going to focus on the women, but the men had fabulously slim pants and a delightful mix of textures too.  Very country dapper!  The main silhouette throughout the show was a waist cinched with a bow belt, and exaggerated peplum hips.  The coat with the ruffled front was one of my favourite looks in the collection.

So how is this a mixture of town and field?  It may not be obvious at first, but once pencil skirts decorated with huge zigzag ruffles, military and utility inspired jackets, owl graphic tees, knits and corduroy stitched with leather, and trenchcoats with herringbone sides appeared, the oxymoron asserted itself.

Velvet started to be used on jackets and skirts, providing a unique clash with the studded, leather gloves.  A standout was definitely the deep colour blocked puff coat.

Finally, the message took hold of us with lovely flower print, casual striped tees embroidered with chunky beads, and metallic fringe.  Not to mention the divine diamond quilted velvet coat that finished off the show.

As a finale, fake rain poured over the transparent tent, and flakes of snow (or rain, if you will) fluttered down the interior as the models came out carrying umbrellas.  It was an ending that sent waves of chills over me.  In the tongue-in-cheek (or not really) words of the ever articulate Tim Blanks, "Perhaps the rain was just another metaphor, this time for all the money showering down on Burberry."

Watch the entire show here.  Yes, it's a 23 minute video, but the ending is well worth it.

Image Source: Style.com

Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2011 RTW

Last season, for Spring 2011, Christopher Bailey showed a nice collection, but it was a collection that strayed far from the history of Burberry.  For Fall/Winter 2012, Bailey veered back towards the well-established vision of the label and showed a fairly good collection.  It was nothing compared to his hugely successful Spring 2010 and Fall 2011 collections (my personal favourites to date), but it was true to Burberry style.  To start, Bailey allowed the early sixties to shape his show, and as with any Burberry show, the focus was on the coats.  There were bright colours, structured wide sleeves, drop waists, and a slight military influence:

Then there were several checkered coats...

...before Bailey transitioned to more neutral looks, once again reinventing the trenchcoat with fur accents and restructuring it in the silhouette established at the start of the collection:

Finally, in a contrast with the start of the show, snowy white coats and dresses were brought out.  They were still structured, but prim bows were wrapped around many waists (reminding me very much of Prada and Miu Miu last Fall).  Near the end, the checkered coats were then done in black and white.

When the models came out for one last round, every single one of them was dressed in a cropped clear raincoat with black rainboots.  An overall very British and very Burberry kind of collection, and all at once practical, but stylish.

Watch Part 1 of the show here, and Part 2 here.

Image Source: Style.com