Spring 2016 Trend Alert: Dramatic Dresses!

This weekend I (along with seemingly every other woman in 20 mile radius) I shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and found my latest and greatest inspiration for Spring 2016 trends: 

Dramatic Dresses! 

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

While I find this dress artfully beautiful, I know not everyone is into the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde look so I'll be showcasing two versions of this trend- avant garde and everyday wear.

For the sake of fun, let's start with...

Avant Garde!

Def. a·vant-garde

aväntˈɡärd/

noun

1.new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf Spring/ Summer 2016 Couture is not only exciting because of these over-the-top designs but because of how these looks are giving us hope and inspiration for the future. It's been said that when times are economically tough that it is reflected in the designs we see walking down the runway. They say that when the economy is down that fashion tends to lean toward darker, more subdued color schemes and silhouettes. This, is anything but a show of a bad economy. This is fun, lighthearted and so well done. These looks make me happy just seeing them and I can't wait to see what designers will do to tone these down a bit for the everyday woman. I, however would love to wear any of these as is!

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS 2015

These Marc by Marc Jacobs looks tell a little different story- instead of seeming like a tropical vacation in the most fashionable areas of the world- we are transported to a future where, unfortunately it seems that women are still struggling between two personas. Or, where women are free to express whatever they please- as with all art, the meaning is up for interpretation. Either way, I have to admit that I love these looks- especially the second look with the mix of girly and grunge-rock. I really love the places these looks take the audience and it appears as though we have a very fashionable future ahead of us!

Now, just because, more from Viktor & Rolf...

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Viktor & Rolf SS 2015

Now that we've had our fun... let's move on to:

Everyday Wear!

Versace SS 2015

Versace SS 2015

Versace SS 2015

These looks are still very dramatic but much more wearable- with the curvy cutouts and curve hugging silhouettes- any of these are perfect for a night out! With a little alteration, look #3 could also be a great day-time look with the short flirty skirt and great Royal blue color.

Valentino SS 2015

Speaking of royal, feeling a little GOT style? Look no farther than the Valentino SS 2015 show- all of the looks were regal and gorgeous with the deep red colors, high collars and capes. While the cape may be more Fall 2016, the high collar and column dress can definitely be your Spring 2016 go-to.

Giambattista Valli SS 2015

This girly look is one of my favorites- with the light material, drop-waist and lady-like plaid print- you can't go wrong.

Giambattista Valli SS 2015

I may be feeling a little regal myself after seeing this look- the luxe fur cape and oh-so soft and sultry gown- I can't get enough of this look! The blush pink coloring and soft fabric make this look perfect for all your Spring parties. Take the hem up a bit and you even have a perfect day to night dress that is sure to garner compliments all day long!

Giambattista Valli SS 2015

Have a wedding coming up? This is a perfect dress for the wedding party or wedding guests! The light color and fabric make this perfect for Spring or Summer and the added jewel details make it perfect for any special occasions. Taking up the hem again would also make this a great daily wear dress that is fashionable and feminine.

Dior SS 2015

The entire Spring/ Summer 2015 Dior show is utter perfection but I had to pull out this look for our every day wear dresses. With the watercolor esque floral print and side cut-outs there's everything to love about this look. Classic lines with a little modern touch makes this a go-to for your every occasion. 

Spring & Summer are all about dresses so let's change it up with some more dramatic flair and modern touches. These looks are sure to get you noticed and you can feel confident and stylish in each piece. Dresses are also a great way to look stylish with minimal effort- pair with a neutral shoe and you've got yourself an outfit! These dresses all speak for themselves so no need to over do it with jewelry and accessories! 

Fashion Show Spotlight: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Autumn/ Winter 20515-16

It's been 4 short years since the world was first introduced to Giambattista Valli couture and the magic has not stopped since. 

He had me in 2011 with the regal beauty of each piece mixed with a flare for the dramatic...

And he has not disappointed since coming up with new creations that always have that signature Guambattista Valli regal appeal and the innovation that is hard found these days.

I am so excited to share this show with you and while I could not put each image in this post I would like to link you to the Vogue gallery of this stunning show so you can pour over these images yourself. 

From regal beauties to show stopping pattern plays, this show was a non-stop slice of heaven for the fashionista eye.

These regal gowns had the wannabe 1940's movie star in me dying over the color, material & draping. The coral version with the "cool" girl attitude is simple stunning.

These two fun and funky pieces had me falling even more in love with the mixture of patterns, textures & silhouettes to make two masterpieces. Pushing the envelope for "acceptable" style is one of my favorite things about this collection.

I had a very hard time parring down these looks but I've put together several different "trends" from this show that will have you wishing you could play dress up in his studio every day!

#1: The Skirts!

As we all know by now, I am a fan of big skirts- especially anything involving tulle (see Tulle Skirts post)! And even more now I am in love with big maxi skirts that are not only a statement but a piece in which you work your entire day around. These two are so beautifully created and styled in such a unique way that makes them all the more gorgeous. The delicate texture and silhouette of the skirts mixed with the structured tops shot these two looks to the top of my list!

#2 Coordinated Tops & Bottoms:

These two looks had me drooling with all of the amazing details and thought that went into each piece. The look on the left has the most perfect proportions with the long tunic/ dress paired with the long- slightly-flared pants and adding the texture to the bottom of the tunic adds weight in just the right place to make this so appealing. The look on the right has all the same elements going for it and it's pushed to the next level with the crop pant and added texture that goes up to the waist. 

For me, the emerald ensemble has me wanting to have all matching tunics & pants- the elegance and grace of these looks is hard to accomplish with the cut-out material but somehow he makes it happen and I am in love. 

#3 The Dresses!

I can't get over the play on proportions of each of these looks- it's all so fresh and inventive without being overworked or too "out there" for the modern woman. I love the drop-waist in the pink dress paired with the added texture. The black dress has the most gorgeous pattern peeking through in the perfect cut outs in the full skirt and paired with that necklace makes this look perfectly polished. 

Like I said, I. Love. Tulle, Any of it, all of it and everywhere! These are so perfect for my personal aesthetic- floral, tulle & feminine lines make me want to go play dress up all day long! The added floral details paired with the cinched in waist of the second look gives the dramatic look a more pleasing shape to the eye. I would have also love to see this without the cinched waist for an even more dramatic entrance!

This. Is. Everything. Ladylike, dramatic, sexy and everything else you can think of. I adore everything about this- even the gigantic earrings. I also may need to consider getting a dress or skirt like this in my life immediately. 

I loved these looks because they were a little more ready-to-wear with the perfectly prim patterns and the only slightly exaggerated silhouettes. What I love the most about these is how they move with this timeless grace that is hard to put into words. And, can we talk about those matching pants in the look on the right for a minute? I mean, talk about a modern take on a classics silhouette- this is a take on a look we've seen all the "cool" minimalist women wearing- structured tunic with a short cigarette pant and as always with him, I love it!

#4 Play on Proportions!

While these are all fabulous examples of wonderful ways to play with patterns- I don't want us to forget to look at these proportions! While some may say look #1 looks boxy and unflattering- I say it's a work of art- the bulk of the top mixed with the sweet flare of the skirt gives it a much for modern look and feel. The second look at first glance brings to mind the 60's but when you spend some time actually looking at the pieces of the ensemble you see so much more- the cut out shoulder piece paired with the bandage top and high waist skirt all come together in a surprisingly appealing fashion. Last but certainly not least is look number 3- this could throw you with the seemingly out of place chest piece but, to me, the combination of cuts, textures & patterns couldn't be better because it's something that feels so fresh and new to me. And I can't help but be in complete infatuation with that black and lilac skirt- it is amazing. 

#5 Texture, Texture Everywhere!

I know we've already talked about texture in just about every look thus far but I had to share the fringe! I mean, look at those pants- how can you not be dying over the fringe? I also think the top jacket needs to come into my life- so many great details about that- the material, fringe and of course the delicately beautiful embroidery.

Now, you have seen into my heart and my obsession with Giambattista Valli- he is an amazing designer with something new to offer every season and every piece has his signature look and feel even if the silhouette, pattern or style is completely new to his collections.He is a true artist and I adore watching each show because I know I will be surprised and delighted as each look makes it way down the runway.  

Spring 2016 Trend Alert: Skirts

Spring 2016 is all about the skirts- updated textures, silhouettes and styles that will bring some much needed life to a worn out spring wardrobe. In the past it seems we haven't changed too much about our spring looks. It's been about the A-line skirts with different scale patterns and all the sheath dresses you can handle! It's boring and easy and there's nothing fashionable about boring & easy...

Enter, the updated styles of 2016 that will make you feel as though you have entered an all new and oh so fashionable realm of springtime style.

My new favorite silhouette is this take on the drop waist skirt that will both elongate the torso and give any outfit an air of futuristic sophistication.

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

With a little tailoring- these are sure to be a hit for Spring 2016 to show off your signature style. Whether it be a subtle nod to the trend or diving in with a color blocked masterpiece that shows you're fearless in the face of fashion-these looks are sure to turn some heads. I can't wait to work on my own take on these stunning designs!

Next up, all the gorgeous textures for the season! I'm never one to shy away from a good tulle skirt and I know these sweet styles will have you slipping on your ballet shoes soon too.

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2015

These skirts add a little whimsy to any outfit and are simple enough to work with all the basics in the closet. I adore the bow embellishment on the second look for an added girly touch and the texture on the black top adds another level to this stunner so don't be afraid to play! Mixing prints and textures together can be a harrowing task on your own so be sure to find some outfit inspiration and go for it- these skirts are the perfect starters to any playful outfit.

To round off my top 3 spring 2016 skirts, I have some gorgeous patterns! I know, I said just changing patterns is boring... and it is... unless you change up the silhouette as well!

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

Dior Couture Spring 2015

With a little flare for the dramatic it's easy to take some great patterns to the next level. The watercolor-esque designs in the first two looks are perfect for spring with the flowers and the smeared paint look about them. They have that easy stylish vibe that is so hard to find in just one piece these days. Adding a truly gorgeous print to an exaggerated silhouette is the best way to vamp up your wardrobe after those drab winter days.

The length of these skirts is another great highlight- Midi is the new Mini! I love the modest length of the skirts for those cool spring days when you want to show off your girly side but also don't want to freeze! These lady-like looks are perfect additions to any wardrobe and are sire to make you look and feel effortlessly cool and stylish next Spring.