Dressing for the Season!

Here are some looks for the Winter season that we've put together using our Pinterest Pins and Jewelry from our enexile.com designers. All the apparel and accessories can be found on our boards The Wardrobe and Vintage. The Jewelry can all be accessed by clicking on the link provided in the captions. The looks go from Casual to Evening - enjoy!

 

 

The Bohemian

Extra Long Ethnic Citrine Necklace by Bittersweet Designs, apparel by Free People and Lion Ring by Shannon Koszyk Jewelry

 

 

 

The Rocker

Dagger Necklace, AIKO - Kwan Leather-Sleeve Sweater, Bag by Balmain and Jesus Christ! Ring

 

 

 

 The Modern

Bag by IRM Design, Apparel by Helmut Lang, Coptic Cross Earrings, Cross Bar Ring and Balmain Booties

 

 

 

The Cool Girl 

Dagger Necklace, Apparel by Balamin and Conquistador Sterling and Gold Ring  

       

       

       

 The Romantic

Hijas de Maria Rosary, Vera Wang Dress, Jacket by AllSaints, Vintage Purse, Felicity Ring by Moss Mills, and Boots by Fly London

 

The Dress it Down

Sevilla Ring, Ann Demeulemeester Blazer, Stella McCartney black sequined trousers, Alexander McQueen Boots, Knit Sweater, Hae Ring

The Vixen

Joan of Arc Brass Necklace, Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen Bag, Batwing Shoes

 

 

 The Beauty

 St. George Earrings, AllSaints Dress, British South African Bracelet, Alexander McQueen Clutch and

Stella McCartney heels

If you like what you see follow us on Pinterest and check out our website @ enexile.com

 

Spring 2013 RTW Wrap Up

 

 I have been taking notes and scribbling my thoughts as I sifted through the seemingly endless runway shots from the Spring 2013 collections, as if I was a writer for Pop up Video. All along thinking I was going to write yet another fashion manifesto. Yet as I sit here in front of the computer, glass of wine in hand, metaphorically cracking my knuckles in that finger warm up kind of way, I am thinking, I really don't want to. Those take forever and I don't know how many people are really reading this anyhow, so I'm just going to do a train of thought kind of thing. Basically give you the abbreviated version of the note taking and scribbling - accompanied by photos of my favorite looks from the shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Here we go:

Marc Jacobs

When I first came across this look I wasn't too taken despite my love of all things striped. However, I found that the more I reviewed the pins I had been adding to our enexile board this look was drawing my eye more than any other and I have to say that it has become my favorite from the whole season. I'll tell you why, it's stripes - okay - but it's done in such a thoughtful way. I love how the top stripes curve up and the bottom curve down to echo the female form. I love that it reminds me of the Opt Art movement - most specifically the work of Bridget Riley (who is arguably the creator of the Opt Art movement.) I love the softness of the bow which again adds to the femininity, and I love the cut out at the elbow which makes it feel utterly modern and not simply retro. Love love love. So cool.



 

 

Marc Jacobs

Bridget Riley

Bridget Riley



 



Wes Gordon 

I'm not previously familiar with this designer I have to admit, but I really dig the ease and effortless cool of his designs. (Not to mention the use of Navy and Ice Green together which I love and had in my color forecast for this season.) I cannot imagine feeling anything but modern and sophisticated wearing these clothes. And though I am not typically a fan of an exaggerated flare pant, I think it works here, most notably in the 2nd look where the flare has to be as it is for the proportion to work - which it does so beautifully. I do have to say that I think the 3rd look would work just as well with a slim leg. Personally I wouldn't wear a print on a flare like that. Finally the 2nd look is cocktail party gold people. GOLD.




look 1

look 2
 



look 3

look 4
 

Sophie Theallet

I have always been a fan of using shades of the same color also of using different fabrics of the same shade so this dress is awesome. Its feminine without the usual trappings, just the lightness of the chiffon that drifts away from the body. Then the contrast of the fabric and the structured bodice, the panel in the skirt that add a modern clean element. They strike a nice balance. Finally this dress feels timeless, always a plus.

Lanvin

I don't think this really requires explanation. Classic, chic, timeless.

 

 

Nina Ricci

If you've got a minute that will easily turn into an hour than I urge you to follow this link and indulge in some of the cooooolest fashion around. Nina Ricci 

Okay, so this collection intrigued me especially because of the haphazard play of hems, cuts, draping, and layering. It was wonderful madness. Seeing fringe on the runways was a surprise and I have to say that Nina Ricci used it in the most innovative way of all the designers featuring the swishy threads on the catwalks this season. The fringe scarves seen in look 1 and 3 here are so dramatic. The skirt in look 2, with it's asymmetric lines and appliques is making fringe cool and modern again for the first time since it originally came out to play in the 20's. The fringe here doesn't look costume-y it looks totally wearable and daring. The way it looked I'm sure to those wild flapper girls back in the (hey)day.

 

look 1

look 2

the flappers

 

 

I also love these sequined lace pants which I would dress down with a tee shirt and boots. And this shirred asymmetric dress with it's cheeky underlay of netting is so drop dead cool I just don't know what to do. I love it!

 

look 3

look 4

 

Saint Laurent

This collection overall kind of lost me with the styling - which can either be an asset or a distraction. Here it felt more like a distraction from what were undeniably beautiful clothes. Anyway - I love this little cape. It reminded me of the classic Dior gown that has been burned into my brain since I can remember. I don't think I can really work with a cape though, and would love to see this as a skirt, long, short or in between.

 

Markus Lupfer

There was an abundance of new techno fabrics with strange reflective effects shown this season. I liked what Markus Lupfer did with them the best. I'm not really one for the modern techno look - it feels a bit contrived for me - like we're doing it because we are obligated to. It reminds me of when the synthesizer came out in the 80's and all the pop songs suddenly had this  "new modern sound" which as we all know now is better than carbon dating if you want to know when a song was written.
Don't even get me started on the whole "Auto-Tune" debacle. *shiver*
 

So, these are my favorite examples of the use of new fabrics. He didn't try to point out that they were "NEW"by creating strange over imagined proportions or using crazy colors or some other fashiony gimmick. He just let the fabric speak for itself in simple clean designs that I'm sure we won't look back on in 20 years and say "what were we thinking???" These looks will stand the test of time.

 

L'Wren Scott

I love this jacket. Gold sequin jacket - YES. The slim elongated arm keeps it from looking like a disco disaster which it could be if done either cheaply or ill-fitted. Neither the case. I'd wear this with everything, which is why I love that they've styled it with a casual look.

 

Naeem Kahn

I have always been a little envious of Indian women and their beautifully vibrant and embellished saris. I went though a phase where I was on eBay and scouring antique malls collecting sari's despite knowing why or to what end. I eventually ended up hanging them all around a spare room and throwing pillows on the floor, al la opium den of the 1900's. Then I later used them as curtains which ruined some of them from sun fading. Anyway, the point is I loved them. The colors, the intricacy, the sparkle and the dignity all at the same time. It's hard to wear sequined fuchsia and be dignified yes? Well a sari makes it lovely and classic. Now the dress I chose as my favorite isn't one of those bright colors, but it is drapey and sparkly and lovely. It feels Indian and Bohemian at the same time. Just beautiful and yes - timeless.

Elie Saab

Continuing on my sparkly path we have to stop at Elie Saab. A Red Carpet favorite for sure, and you can see why. These dresses are not for cocktail parties - they are for ceremonies and lavish fundraisers. Not exactly events that speak to most of us but we love to look and dream. This dress is so delicate. I love the straightness of the neckline and the subtle sheer lines that break up the gown. It keeps it from looking like a spangly armor.This doesn't look like it weighs 50 lbs which I'm sure it does and that is a feat only accomplished through excellent craftsmanship. This is a full on gown. I could see this on the Dutchess of Cambridge as easily as I could have seen it on The Princess of Wales. Elegant and Dignified.

Rachel Zoe

I watched the reality show. I liked it. Rachel Zoe is spunky and cute and I like her style. I'm surprised that her line doesn't look just like her actually... So this dress, in what I believe she calls "Gilver" a cross between Gold and Silver - is a Bohemian Rock N Roll goddess dress - so I love it. The color, the drape, the fluidity all feel effortless.

I guess that sums it up. I'm realizing after proofreading this to the best of my abilities, (I admit I am a run on sentence criminal.) That I am really focused on items that can straddle the line between modern and timeless. Almost every piece chosen I feel could stand the test of time and not be easily dated when looking back from the future. That's important to me - and perhaps to others especially when you are considering making a purchase for your long term wardrobe. I don't know how many of my picks would be considered trendsetting, I hope none of them as "on trend" is a dirty term when looking at the bigger picture. As I said before in my previous manifesto, trends are for inspiration, not investment.
Cheers!

Spring 2013 Color Forcast - Realized!

I have been scouring the Spring 2013 shows thus far and pinning like a madwoman.

 I have to say that Spring (no surprise) is just not as fun as Fall right? I mean overall. Fall has all the outerwear and accessories. Though there were some designers who clearly don't give a shit and send out models decked out in yellow ochre leather coats and boots (I'm looking at you Mulberry). I can't blame them too much as the Muse wants what she wants...but will it sell? Another question.
ANYWAY
I have been compiling info on the collections for a big review post for a later date and I have to admit that after seeing all this white and black and yellow (!?!) all over the runways I was getting a bit discouraged. But I had to drop everything and post today because finally a very awesome designer featured most of the colors from my prediction and I am feeling validated.

*UPDATE: Today I took a look at the Fall 2013 Louis Vuitton Collection, and was excited to see these colors pop up again on such a prestegious runway! Check out some examples at the bottom of this post!

Here were my color picks;

Blush Pink, Lavender, Navy, Black, Cranberry, Ice Green

Dries Van Noten - Spring 2013

Pink

Lavender



Navy

Black



Cranberry



Ice Green

 

And the accents...

Gunmetal

Gunmetal






Golden Silver

Golden Silver



So cool.

 

Louis Vuitton Fall 2013

Blush Pink

Lavender

Navy

Black

Cranberry

Ice Green

 Not only do I love the colors, but the 1930's bais cut nightgowns are on my list of historic fashion. Check oput my manifesto post here: http://enexile.blogspot.com/2011/09/historic-style.html

 

Welcome Bittersweet Designs!

At long last we are excited to say that our newest Designer Bittersweet Designs is now available to shop on the website. www.enexile.com

Vintage Button Necklaces by Bittersweet Designs

The Designer, Laurie Lenfestey lives in Santa Fe New Mexico where she stared with a line of handmade cards which were inspired by her daily collages for her children. She then developed a vintage paper line of wedding albums, baby albums, photo frames and jewelry. As a result of the wonderful response to the necklaces, she is now completely dedicating her time to designing jewelry. Each piece is handmade in Santa Fe and is made using combinations of Semi Precious stones, Vintage Czech Glass, Freshwater Pearls, Sterling Chains and Vintage Glass Buttons. She also often incorporates Ethnic pieces such as Milagros, Ethiopian Crosses and Telsums.

Supporting and empowering women is tremendously important to Laurie; she has curated nearly a dozen solo woman art exhibitions in her shop in Santa Fe, offering the opportunity for women to get their art into the world. She has offered workshops in the past and also volunteers her time weekly, teaching workshops to middle school girls, helping them find their creative voice.

We are so proud to have such a generous and talented designer join us! Welcome Bittersweet Designs!!!

Youth on Fire

So I must have been living under a rock the last few years or maybe I was having a baby I don't remember, but I just read about this young young, like not even a teenager young girl who started blogging about fashion when she was 11 years old. Her name is Tavi Gevinson and she's pretty awesome.

I have been reading through her posts from when she first started, The Style Rookie then quickly perusing later posts where she lives out her rise to fame and the starting of her own online magazine Rookie with increased amazement.
I immediately remembered when I was going to school up until 5th grade and had to wear a uniform. It used to be I would agonize over what to wear on the only on holidays "jeans day" when you only had one shot to make a statement. It was apparent to me then that clothes were this incredibly powerful and obsession worthy interest. By the time I was in Jr High  (and not having been going to a uniform school for 2 years) I would spend hours at night putting together outfits, often more than one in case the weather changed or I was feeling more or less daring that next morning.
I can't help but think if there had been blogging would I have done the same thing as this girl? Snapping photos of all those outfits, uploading all the fashion collages I made (which I do now - just check out some of the inspiration pages) or my fashion designs? Sketchbooks that I filled over the years full of of awkward sketches and agonized over color stories? Well, I didn't then but just for fun I have pulled out some of those sketchbooks and uploaded some of those drawings from my teenage years here. With all honesty most are from my later teens - I cannot bear to show the early early drawings - they are too awkward to bear.

Drew this after watching 'Butterfeld 8" for the first time when I was 16 - hence the turban.

The summer of 1995 I carried a sketchbook with me absolutely everywhere I went. I was still trying to find my style of drawing and I went through some strange phases to get there...

One of my obsessive free for all's

Getting a bit carried away with crosshatching and the wrinkle effect

It was that fall when I really stared to like my drawing style. This group is one of my favorites.

A classic color story page from 1996 - I still love these colors
(clearly right? Aren't they basically my forecast for 2103? )

The beginning of a collection I designed around the 1950's suburban housewife meets tongue in cheek when I was in design school

By December I was into a big time glamour phase ( that I've never really come out of ) and was all about the sparkle.

Here are a few clippings that I found pasted into my sketchbooks from that time that I still totally love.

Wish I knew who designed this - the dress looks like Ralph Lauren but who knows - the credit seems to say something about Marc Jacobs

This is Prada - This was the year I took notice of Prada. Love love love this!!!

This season of  Dolce and Gabanna was so so beautiful - I wish I had more pictures.

The pic on the left was the beginning or rather re-introduction of ankle socks with t-straps. A look I had rocked many times in my grammar school days...
Kate in the waterfall beaded number just kills me!

Some crazy fashion ramblings - so many pages of these. 

I saw this post by Vogue today promoting their September Issue, and couldn't help but see a correlation to this image from 1997.

Admittedly the above is like this one's trashy sister but I see a thread.

This post is all about thanking Tavi for reminding me of how inspired and awed by fashion I was when I first started looking into it from the big wide eyes of a girl full of ideas and possibilities. I love revisiting my past inspirations, it gets me excited all over again. Cheers!