The Pretty Parade...NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Here is a quick re-cap of the collections I've viewed from New York's Spring 2012 Fashion Week that concluded this past week.  Enjoy and be inspired...

My Favorite Trends...

1.  Longer shorts:  Mid thigh walking shorts that are cut slimmer than their traditional counterparts can be found in a number of collections.

 Thakoon

2.  White:  The classic color is holding strong yet another season.

 Altuzarra

3.  Geometric prints:  From digital to tribal, linear prints and detailing are everywhere.

Preen

4.  Sheath dresses and pencil skirts:  Often right above the knee and super slim.

 Donna Karan

5.  Asymmetry:  Found in many blouses, blazers and skirts.

Jen Kao

6.  Florals:  Prints to silhouettes, flora has inspired a number of the Spring 2012 collections.  

Tadashi Shoji

7.  Circle skirts:  In varying lengths and fabrics.

 Donna Karan

8.  Mono-print ensembles

 Peter Som

9.  The suit:  With interesting lapels and modern detailing, suits are in every hue, length and material for the spring.

Zac Posen

10.  Wide sleeves in stiff fabrics

Derek Lam

11.  Sheer pants

Vera Wang

12.  Thigh slits:  In long flowing skirts

Doo.Ri

13.  Symmetrical prints and adornments

Badgley Mischka

14.  Shift dresses:  Falling right above the knee or higher

Phillip Lim 

15.  Tulip shaped skirts, pants and shorts

Carlos Miele

Other trends to consider...

*Deep pant cuffs or trim in a contrasting color*

*The colors coral, lemon, lime, violet, soft grays, cantaloupe and mint*  

*Pleats*

*Plunging neck lines*

My Favorite Collections...

Cushnie et Ochs...(pronounced kush-nee et oaks) Décolletage, geometric detailing, full skirts and structure meeting delicate folds.  Powerful and feminine.

Zac Posen...My absolute favorite thus far.  1940s style super slim suits, fish tails everywhere, sculpted bodices, exaggerated hips and amazing varying sleeves.  So glamorous!

Whistler's Mother: Fashion Icon?

Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist's Mother, 1871

Oil on Canvas

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (July 10, 1834 — July 17, 1903),  American

The Arrangement in Grey series by Whistler has always intrigued me.  A master of tonal nuances, his work has inspired a number of monochromatic "studies", if you will, within my wardrobe which is a guiding force in my personal style aesthetic.  The cultural significance of the above painting is evident in its nickname and often parodied composition yet the true genius is in the palette.  I believe the same can be said for any great outfit.    

Something old. Something new.

photo by Saphira Contreras

First Photo Shoot (Me)

Oh, nostalgia...what a great business to be in. It has a way of convincing you to consider everything sacred and heightens reflective states. In this spirit, I want to chronicle the journey of the brand I love so dearly through photos highlighting special in-store moments and clients looking fabulous in the goods we've provided.

For those of you that have witnessed the evolution of Confess Apparel first hand, I thank you. From its humble beginnings behind a Mid-City washateria, to the Oak Street location we occupied for a year, Confess has endured and transitioned into an innovative styling business that reflects the culture developed in our stores and the personal service our clients received.

Oak Street will be missed. The greater community outlying this commercial corridor is diverse and close-knit lending to a colorful array of guests that graced Confess daily. It was a pleasure meeting and working with the residents and myriad visitors that traveled our narrow, meter maid-ridden street.

Dress-up Contest (Me and Contestants)

For those that stopped in on my off days, you made the acquaintance of Dylan. Here he is making the hallowed "stoop" look cooler than necessary...

Cigarette Break (Dylan)

The merchants on Oak Street were part of its allure. Despite sensationalized arguments over sandwiches, we banded together to promote and support one another.

Glamour Break (Zoe)

Po-Boy Festival 2010

Oak Street Family (Anthony)

Some of my favorite days were the slow ones where I could really focus in on a specific clients needs...or play any willing opponent in chess.

Chess (Jerk & Jon's Jonathan Hamilton, model and children)

Many great partnerships have been formed with artists, stylists and vendors that provide complimentary goods or services over the years. They have encouraged and inspired me.

Eyebeenframed.com Trunk Show (Allisyn)

Carnival Couture Headdresses (Me, Lola and Henry)

Outside of retail, Confess has styled vintage ensembles at fashion shows...

CWM Foundation Fashion Show 2010 (Model)

and provided wardrobe for photo shoots from the sophisticated...

New Orleans Magazine December 2010 Issue (Model)

to the surreal.

Pretty Doe Dairy "Goato" Shoot (Amy & Nina)

Last, but far from least, a few of my favorite snap shots boasting customer purchases.  

Wedding Dress (Nicole)

2 of the 3 pieces in his late-60s suit (Johannes)

NO(la)MORECHAINS blogger in her 80s shirt dress (Dorothy)

Black & White Checkered Tweed Coat with velvet cuffs and collar (Amanda)

Dress (Ruby Rage)

Lingerie (Ms. Naomi )

Good times and more on the horizon. Thanks for playing your part.