Haul

Mini Haul < 3

I ventured on over to Urban Outfitters this past weekend to go through the sale section and take full advantage of the 50% off sale deal that was going on. I, sadly, only picked up one sweater for $10, which is pretty good. And as you can see below, I also got a dry shampoo. I swear, every time I am waiting on line, something sucks me in and I always pick it up... But anyways, I like it, but I do not love it. The smell is kind of musky? which isn't something I necessarily wanted... but I can deal. It was cheap... so why not. 

I was also given, by a friend, four bracelets from Alex And Ani, which I am currently oppressed with. Delicate and Beautiful. 

Small Haul... I know. But I wanted to share with you guys some of my resent pick-ups!

x

Madz

Informal Introduction?

Hello!

For those who have read my blog before and for those who are just passing by, let me introduce myself. 

For those who aren't big readers. . . I'll just do short bullet points : )

• Madeleine … but you can call me Madz for short
• 20 years old
• College Student @ The Fashion Institute of Technology 
• New York City - Upper East Side
• Fashion Lover and bargain shopper

And for those Visual Readers… here's a picture … hehe

Though this intro is short. . . it explains enough for now. You will all get to know me more through past and future posts. 

So… In the comments below, tell me about yourself. Name? Age? Favorite Store? Anything you want : )

x

Madz

#10 ~ Online Shopping

"WHY F.I.T. IN WHEN..."

The competition is stiff. Punches are being thrown. And we can all tell that that bag is totes fake. 

You might think that going to a fashion school means seeing girls and boys dressed to the nines with heels and bow ties fluttering and posing down the streets, but it's not that nice. The judgmental stares are harsh and they are definitely being directed straight towards you. 

Forever 21, H&M, Zara... we all know those stores and of course we have all shopped at them before. Come on... who doesn't have those Zara booties and those H&M leather pants.

And you might think, GIRRRRL you live in New York City, the fashion capital of the freaking world, how you alllll look alike?!? Well let me tell you, you feisty little one, come on my campus one day and try not to tell to me that we didn't just see that girl five girls ago. #realtalk

My campus is filled with look-alikes and copies, and I know it's not just my school. So... I am here to help all of you change that and become... different. 

"...YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT"

Online shopping. Yes you heard me and yes it is as easy as that. Most people want instant gratification. I do understand the fact that when online, you buy something and than have to wait a few days to receive it at your doorstep. #impatient ... Fashion is fast-paced and one day one trend is in and the next day it is out. But can we talk about how amazing some sites are and are just becoming. 

#CHOIES

I am a huge fan of YouTube and I am a dedicated follower to a few pages, one being clothesencounters! This is a fashion channel, completely ran by one Californian girl, that just rocks my world. Her fashion sense is right up my alley and she has introduced me to this one site that has become my fashion savior. 

CHOIES is an online fashion retail store that offers new, innovative styles at affordable prices. If it's on trend, it's on Choies. 
To show you all what I am talking about, let me just show you a few of my favorite pieces from the site! 

***If you want any information (sizes, prices, etc.) on the items above, please check out CHOIES OR click the banner at the top of the page! If you sign up, you get a code for 15% off your first order :) ***

So... all in all.. I think it is worth waiting those few extra days. Plus, if you can get free shipping and the return policy is easy-peesy... why not! 

Madz

#9 ~ New Fashion Show

GOOGLE+ X FASHIONWEEK

From textures and silhouettes to shows and viewing possibilities, fashion is always and forever changing. Now, with the power of the internet, you do not even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Wrapped in a blanket, you can watch shows and enjoy backstage passes to some amazing designers. 

With Google+, you can go behind-the-scenes of New York Fashion Week. Just like the photo above shows, you can watch shows live, see the madness that is going on backstage before and after the catwalk, and enjoy a first look at some presentations. 

Just like a TV Guide, you can see what fashion shows are live at all times. And no, there are not only shows to watch, but presentations, live chats, and much more! 

Another exciting part about Google+ is the live feed! Posts are made by Rachel Zoe, and other gurus and designers! 

Just remember, when it is the off season... aka not fashion week, this site isn't that poppin'. But, when fashion week does roll around again, ya'll should really check it out! 

Make sure to sign up for a Google+ account so you never miss anything exciting minute in the crazy world of fashion again! :)

-Madz

#8 ~ Lookbook

Lookbook.nu

The first thing I think of when I hear the word 'lookbook' is the site lookbook.nu! If you haven't already checked this page out, I highly recommend doing so! I am literally on here twenty-four seven!Can you say... addicted? 

To those who have never heard of lookbook.nu, I shall explain. This site is for people who love looking at or posting their own personal outfits! You can search girls or guys, hot or new, and by country to see tons of different outfits! I usually just stick with the main page and scroll down from there. I do have a few personal faves that I like to stalk and see what they are wearing that day. This site is great for times when you have no idea what to wear, if you want to see how other people style certain pieces, or if you are bored and just want to waste countless hours doing something mind-numbingly awesome. 

Now some of you may be wondering what the h-e-double hockey sticks is a lookbook... and well, I am going to tell you. Simply put, it is just a collection of photographs complied to show off a model, photographer, stylist, style, or a clothing line. Oscar de la Renta can have a lookbook and Rachel Zoe can also have her own as well! 

As you can see, there are actually a million different users on the site posting pictures every minute of the day!No matter what type of style you like, you can find it! This is an amazing website!

What a typical Page Looks like***

The lookbook that is above is from one of my new favorites. This girl is from somewhere in Europe (she doesn't specify) and she is a blogger/model (in this day-and-age... who isn't). She has posted about 60 looks and is quite the popular one on the site. Her style is sometimes over the top, but also sometimes very classy and cute! I would def check her out sometime if I was you! 

I love lookbooks and I think it is such a clever way to showcase different looks and show how creative you are. Designers use it to show their customers seamless looks and bloggers use it so people become interested in them and follow them!

I hope you liked my post and the lookbook I currently love!

#7 ~ Trunk Shows

Come Along With Me...

What is a trunk show?Simply put, it is a sales event where merchandise is shown to staff and select customers! ***Food and Wine may be included!*** My Experience?

Last week I attended my very first trunk show with a few close friends! Madison Harding, a hot, relatively new shoe company, had their very own show right on the Bowery @ Blue and Cream! 

Wow! Now let me tell you, this was super exciting! Drinks and snacks were served while women shopped around and tried on absolutely stunning heels! The energy was up and credit cards were out! We all even got to meet the two ladies of the hour, the designers themselves! It was super fun seeing so many popular fall styles, but sadly, all were still way out of my budget! Though I didn't snap any of my own pictures, I want to show just a few of the styles that were shown and sold!

This was a great experience and very interesting! I have never been to something so luxurious and... well... fashion-y! It was so crowded and some people just enjoyed the food and talked the entire time. It is definitely not like a runway show or a sample sale, but maybe a mixture of the two? ... Mmmph... 

Well anyways, trunk shows happen around the world and in all facets of the fashion industry. From bridal to couture, trunk shows are everywhere!:)

I hope you found this interesting (and insightful)! Please check out Madison Harding @ MADISONHARDING.COM and buy some rockin' shoes! 

-Madeleine

#6 ~ Oscar de la Renta S/S 14

Sweet Spot

How could  I resist? 

Of course, I had to pick Oscar de la Renta's Spring/Summer collection to break down and analyze. I do intern for him and I do know the collection on a more personal level than most. 

But before I begin rambling, let us first look at just a few looks that made their debut on the runway this past September. 

White on white. From the runway to the walls and seats, the room resembled a blank canvas, just waiting to be splashed with color and life. The first looks that came down the runway were more 'everyday' and 'business' like. But, just like always, the garments started to become brighter, shorter, and the little girl in all of us just couldn't hold in her screams any longer. Here is the Oscar we know and love. Here is beauty. Here is life and that breathe of fresh air! Thank you Oscar!

The show looked extremely put together, but I did notice those few empty seats that became an eye-sore after a minutes in, but I digress.

Oscar really highlighted on that young girl image and he played with the soul. No matter what your age is, if you wear these pieces, you will feel like a young, innocent woman!

If you are a follower of Oscar and his previous shows, you will know that he has shown at this same venue before and I will say, I think it is a perfect place for his pieces. With all the colors he introduces, there is no clashing and his garments really do shine! The room is very tight in size, so it offers a very intimate setting. The audience members are so close to the clothes, they really do get a greater look at the one-of-a-kind garments. 

Now, let us get into more of the designs, colors, and textures of the pieces. Since I had a front row seat, not at the fashion show (I wish), but at the office, I know the clothes pretty well. And let me tell you, these are some heavy duty clothes. One piece was actually over twenty pounds! (WHAT) The ladies in the office had a hard time getting that one around, and it wasn't even a gown.. No No... it was a shirt and skirt suit look. The whole piece consists of small, metal rings! Absolutely stunning! 

The colors were bold and vibrant. Even the whites looked like a whole different color than I have never seen before. He really played with the rainbow and he did not hold back. It was nice watching a show where you knew it was for the spring and summer seasons... *cough**cough* Marc Jacobs *cough**cough*... As for textures, Oscar sure used a lot of tulle to really dress up these flirty gowns. When you see the green alligator-esque dress in person (as shown above), you can really see the thinness, but deepness of the pattern. It is not like anything I have ever seen before. And the design. Well lets just say, he sure knows how to make a girl look beautiful and we shall never question that.

Overall it was a fantastic show and one of my favorites. I hope everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did! :)

-Madeleine 

#5 Key Colors

Color, Color, + Color

Colorful fall? 

No. 

Now let me explain myself. 

On my way home from school last Wednesday, I took the 'longer route', meaning I got off one subway stop before my own, so I could walk through heaven, aka... just a bunch of random stores on the Upper East Side. Zara, H&M, Bloomingdale's, New York & Company, and Nine West are just a few of the stores that line Lexington Avenue between 58th and 62nd street. While looking through each of the store windows, I was so disappointed. The lack of color, the lack of vibrancy... it was just so sad. But what else could you ask for during the fall/winter season. Blacks, grays, dark blues, and whites covered each window from top to bottom. 

There was one thing that did however pop out and pull me in closer to each window. Can you say #popacola (pop of color)! Pink/purple seemed to be the accent color most used by Zara and New York & Company, but I also saw reds, light blues, and oranges in a few windows. 

Now I do want to say that this is right up my alley. I love blacks and blues being highlighted with an accent color. But for this post I wanted to be able to say, "wow the oranges and yellows! Wow all the color!". But that won't be happening. 

The first store I passed was Zara and this is what I saw...

Ummm...I am not surprised. I usually think of Zara as a very neutral colored store. As you see in the last photo, red is being used as the accent. It really pops and grabs your attention, however, the rest of the color palette is pretty bland. I do love the light brown coat in the last photo, reminds me of fall, but that is the lightest color from all the photos.

Moving on, lets look at Banana Republic!

Again, the lack of color is pretty noticeable. There are brighter blues being used and in the last photo one model is wearing a neon yellow sweater. The rest of the palette,just like Zara, is mainly neutral colors. 

Lets now take a look at New York & Company. 

Out of all the stores I looked at, New York & Company seemed to be the only one that used a wide range of pastel colors. Of course though, neutrals were still present. As you can see in the photos above, pinks, reds, and purples seemed to be the most popular accents. I would say that they definitely made it easier to transition your summer wardrobe into the fall season. The fabrics changed from light cotton shirts, to heavy knits, but the idea of 'flowing' from season to season is much more reasonable and quite beautiful. 

Finally, lets look at some H&M and Nine West!

As you can tell, H&M looks just like Zara. No color. There is not much to say about it.... but....

Nine West!!

Here's a pop! Though all the shoes in the window were black, that background definitely stands out! That hot pink! Now that gets your attention. 

So what is the trend? The lack of Color? I say so. But, I would also say that having an accent color, a color that pops, is for sure trending right now for the fall season. Keep the colors cool, but add that little bit of fire or just that little bit of warmth to your colorless outfit. 

-Madz

Post #4 ~ The New York Times

Whatcha Think? #PrabalGurung

#1.Silhouette/Design- dress, pointed tops, skirt, bras

#2. Details- painterly embellishments, crystals, trims of feathers, plastic-looking materials, black roses

#3. Color- yellow, black, pale lavender, green, white, clear

#4. Fabric- plastic

#5. Creative "Jargon"- syrupy sweet and plastic-y, decaying roses, tissues from a prom dress, matted-down hair, boldly colored lips, dolls in a shrink-wrapped case

Read the entire article above or @

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/07/eau-de-prabal-gurung/?ref=prabalgurung

I think it is safe to say that keeping it short and sweet is definitely the way to go. The article was to the point, but the vivid images that swirled around in my brain felt like a sweet, romantic love story. I swear by the end of the last paragraph, I thought I was sitting front row next to Eric!

I loved how he did a quick recap of what he had seen so far at fashion week and then went into greater detail about Prabal Gurung.

There was one point in the article where he wrote about how the room smelled. It was such a short part, but it was so detailed. I swear I could smell that exact scent he explained. It was amazing and so interesting. 

I find it so much easier to read when I can picture what is happening exactly in my head. And of course, it is a lot more fun. I did enjoy listening to what he had to say and I will read more of his articles in the future! 

Before I say my goodbyes, here are a few of my favorite looks from the show! 

-Madeleine

#3 ~ Street Style

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Work it FIT!

What better place to look for fall trends than the Fashion Institute of Technology! Every girl and most guys strut down the street sporting a new trend or an oldie but goodie! 

As I peer down the street at hundreds of different students, I can't help but look at everyones shoes! From high heels and sandals to platforms and boots, 27th street has it all.

What I was noticing the most though was booties. Recently this staple peice has been seen on every fashionista and... maxinista..!
They are super comfortable, come in a variety of different styles, and can class up or down any outfit! I own about ten pairs myself and I practically live in them.Plus that extra height they give you really boosts your confidence if you are a petite girl like myself! 

And since fashion is not just confined to 27th street, I ventured on out into Chelsea and the Upper East Side. Not only did I see other women following this trend, but they also sure knew how to work that catwalk... aka the sidewalks! 

Now I would like to show you all some other shoes that I saw on campus and on the streets of New York that I have just fallen in love with!

Now, since we cannot forget about the boys, I of course took a few shots of some mens shoes that I believe to be in trend this upcoming season! Boots! 

Hope you enjoyed! 

~MZ