Pile It On

The modern sophisticate is not always one for brightly hued garments. Many of the chicest outfits are comprised of minimal color, channeling an organic form of chic. Most effortless combinations seem to be assembled this way, which is a likely explanation for why color is often absent in street style.
Often the simplest solution to a droll color palette in everyday life can be found in jewelry. My instinct is to leave the house with my accessory mainstays: two necklaces and a ring, each with distinct sentimental value. I tend to put more focus into the garment section of what I wear.
As a challenge to such a tendency, I've put together three ideas that use jewelry as a focal point. The foundation of each outfit is simplicity at its best. The jewelry combinations utilize the art of contrast for a collage that pairs alternative creativity with luxurious femininity.

Collages created using polyvore.com

Casual

DAY Birger et Mikkelson cotton tank top, Moschino silk shorts, Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, Rebecca Minkoff wedges, Coralia Leets earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane flat link bracelet, Ginette_ny monogram bangle, Gorjana charm bracelet, Frangos cluster ring, Kendra Scott ring.

Workwear

Topshop peplum top; McQ Alexander McQueen cropped cotton trousers; Reed Krakoff handbag; Rebecca Minkoff wedges; bracelets (from top to bottom, left to right) by Frangos, Suzanna Dai, Citrine By The Stones, Kara Ross, Alexis Bittar, and Bounkit; D_luxe spike ring, Armani Exchange stacked rings.

Formal

A.P.C. silk boatneck dress, Stella McCartney clutch, Alexandre Birman metallic leather heels, EB by Erickson Beamon earrings, Erickson Beamon bracelets.

There are many ways to assemble a wardrobe. In the future, I hope to create a mainstay of wardrobe basics around which I can create a varied collection of avant-garde jewelry.

How do you add color to an outfit of neutral garments?

Easy Does It

The basic mentality of the trend cycle can be attributed to the consistent craving for what is fresh and new. Designers such as Miuccia Prada are always one step ahead or precisely on-trend - never lagging behind - because they have mastered the thought process that determines the ins and outs of each season. Specifically you may notice the drastic hot-and-cold patterns of the fashion industry. Case in point the S/S'12 season showcased femininity at its finest, inhabited by sweet pastels and dainty details, which was followed by an A/W'12 season characterized by strong silhouettes with occasional pops of color that were loud when present. Fashion is strangely built on the foundation of change (or evolution, rather, one might hope) when there is so much emphasis on designers remaining faithful to their brand aesthetic. A paradox, one could say.

Although I am often thrilled by the latest from the big guns like Chanel and Prada, I have an unparalleled and sincere admiration for emerging labels that have a distinct style that thrives not on the pattern of the trend cycle but rather the reliance on this cultivated brand DNA that manages to inspire novel designs each season. These designers solely acknowledge trend hype with a tip of the hat, instead preferring to maintain a consistency with their products that creates a customer base who is able to rely on these brands for things they love always made anew.

Recently I was tempted into a minimalist boutique by its enticing storefront. It's not much of a secret that I love to be the one to discover the lesser-known gems of the fashion world, which is of course something that gives me satisfaction, but truly I'm always driven by curiosity about new talent because inspiration can come from anywhere.

JF & Son has one of the most wonderful brand signatures I have seen in some time, not only because I love the style, but also I love the persistent nature of the clothing that is raw and modern. The pieces have clear relation to each other as members of a collection, but each individual design introduces a new idea or color scheme. The limited number of pieces is actually a perfect amount, in contrast to the many collections seen on runways that could have used ten fewer looks, as it leaves something to the imagination yet providing an adequate satisfaction.

I'm rambling on now, so perhaps I haven't quite conveyed my point. JF & Son is the current anti-trend, and thus it is trendy. Fashion this summer season is about statement: loud prints and over-the-top personality that can't always be contained by the garment on the hanger. This label presents the softer side of color, with bright color blocking and ombres that thrive not on boldness but the simplicity of silhouette and geometrics. Sweet watercolor floral prints make a guest appearance and help complete a collection that may be subtler than what is currently en vogue but it's certainly perfect for anyone who's looking ahead, or who just needs a breather.

Images from jfandson.com

Asides from its colorfully minimalist womenswear, JF & Son offers a selection of jewelry, bags, and accessories for the home. Menswear is launching in the near future; I'm looking forward to seeing how the aesthetic is translated into looks for the male spectrum. Additionally, the new launch of JF 150 offers a small limited edition line of pieces under $150; these designs are available online and a new one will be released every two weeks until June 7.

JF & Son is a "vertical business" that owns both its studios in which the manufacturing takes place and the retail outlets that sell the designs. The goal of the label is to make quality design affordable and well encapsulates its mantra, "make new things."

One can purchase items on the JF & Son website or visit the quaint eponymous boutique at 56 University Place in New York City.

Lust List: Please Print

It's no secret that I'm a print fanatic. Perhaps part of the reason why I'm so drawn to prints is because they are such elaborate works of art. I love fashion that feels like more than just something one wears.

Clockwise (from top left): Rare London stripe floral scarf, Roberto Cavalli blouse, Erdem silk top, Camilla and Marc twill mini dress, Mara Hoffman bikini, Mary Katrantzou biker jacket, Sandro crepe shorts, Office flat espadrilles, Clements Ribeiro silk-satin dress.

As I continue to compile my summer wardrobe, I'm intently focused on vivd prints. These are but a few of the pieces that are inspiring me in my search; I'd go for a Mary Katrantzou printed biker jacket any day.

This post is unusually brief, but perhaps you've noticed that Girl Loves Color has undergone some renovations. I've been working hard on re-doing certain aspects of the site to attain a cleaner and more pleasant aesthetic. I'd be more than happy to hear your thoughts on the updated layout.

xoxo

A Katrantzou Dream Come True

I would little expect to stumble upon a Mary Katrantzou design amongst the racks of a designer resale pop-up shop, but perhaps such a meeting was destined. Upon dashing to the fitting room with my newfound dress, I found that the fit was perfect. I was ecstatic upon taking this love home, with its jaw-dropping, colorful prints innate in Katrantzou's aesthetic.

Mary Katrantzou minidress (worn as top), Topshop belt, Free People denim cut-offs, vintage bag, Ray-Ban sunglasses, necklaces by Ariel Gordon and Poupette, vintage ring from By Boe (just seen), Sam Edelman spiked loafers.

Mary Katrantzou is widely known for her intriguing silhouettes (in addition to fantastically hypnotizing rainbow hued prints). The fitted jersey number above is an example of Katrantzou's accommodations to her varied fan base; the designer often lifts prints from her runway collections and incorporates them into pieces more friendly towards daily life. It's a convenient and intelligent way to allow a wider range of wearability, which is much welcomed by admirers like me.

Words cannot describe how happy this dress makes me, and it will remain a mainstay in my closet for many years to come.

Shoes Like No Other

I have always appreciated the personal touches incorporated into fashion. For this reason, I asked my artist aunt if she would be willing to customize a pair of shoes as a birthday present. I am glad to say that she agreed, and the results of her careful labor arrived just a few days ago. What started out as a plain pair of white slip-on Keds has transformed into a work of art, decorated by hand and now able to roam the bustling streets of the city I call home. My only request, unsurprisingly, was that the final product be colorful. And colorful they are! I am so happy with the end result, and the rain we've experienced has subsided for now, therefore today I was able to don my new acquisition for the first time.
The beauty of these shoes is that they are subtle but loud, a paradox that inevitably enables the feet to capture the eye of the beholder yet not distract from the other elements of an outfit. The color scheme is versatile and the skillfully executed design juxtaposed with the classic simplicity of the Keds silhouette creates an updated version of a casual foundational piece.
You can tell that I'm thrilled.

Madewell denim shirt (worn as jacket), Free People striped dress, Echo floral print scarf (from Anthropologie), customized Keds shoes.

Photographs taken with my iPhone 4S

It's quite exciting to possess a pair of shoes like no other in the entire world. Of course, it is even more special that they were painted for me by a member of my family.
I am so happy to have received this one-of-a-kind present.

xoxo

Kit Neale: Menswear Gets A Makeover

I rarely cover menswear on Girl Loves Color mainly because, as a female specimen, I am more versed in the world of womenswear and because menswear simply seems to be lacking in the color department. Needless to say I was thrilled when I happened upon Kit Neale, a budding London designer who has taken it upon himself to make up for this gap in the world of men's fashion.

The Ravensbourne graduate is the subject of much buzz, particularly in the London fashion scene, having presented at Fashion East Men during London Fashion Week A/W '12. The collection was inspired by his father and the idea of "bring[ing] a bit of brightness to winter." The designer strives to make print and color cool for males, "taking away any stigma that it's feminine or gay." It's certainly a daunting task in a modern world where the male sex is still constrained by the classic definitions of masculinity and is subject to the harsh judgment of his peers. But it's a worthwhile cause, because women shouldn't be the only ones who can have fun with color. Whether or not fashion-conscious men will jump on the bandwagon, it is wonderful that Kit Neale is filling a void that has been empty for much too long.

Images from dazeddigital.com

Kit Neale has succeeded, injecting his vibrant menswear looks with an element of toughness that will appeal to those who are tied up in the male instinct of strength. Who knew vegetable prints could look so good?

Kit Neale and his eponymous label have a pretty bare website, but the link can be found here if you wish to take a peek.

xoxo

Summer Temptation

Australian Fashion Week came and went some time ago, as you may have known. Despite global technology there seems to be a rift between the Australian fashion world and, well, everyone else. What many of us don't seem to realize is that Oceania is budding with young talent that is trying to get the word out. It's our job to be receptive to these incoming names, who will undoubtedly contribute something unique to an industry focused dominantly on America and Europe.

The arrival of beloved Aussie brand Zimmermann in New York City marks the beginning of a new era that will be characterized by the integration of international fashion talents. The label debuted its first US store recently in Los Angeles; the NYC opening marks only its second retail outpost in the states. Zimmermann has a variety of stores throughout Australia and New Zealand and is sold in select international online retailers, but the arrival of an actual store signifies exciting American expansion.

You may have realized by now that I'm a huge freak about British fashion. Aussie fashion is undeniably a solid second, as its industry is steadily growing and also gaining awareness over here in America where we could use some new international designers to spice things up.

Images from australia.mbfashionweek.com

Anyways, I was thinking a lot about Zimmermann after checking out their latest runway show and popping into their new SoHo boutique (which is quite nice and worth a visit). The label was founded by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann in 1991 and is known for ingenious use of print.

The most vital detail about Zimmermann, however, is that the brand makes killer swimwear. If your eyes have never feasted upon these beauties, there's really no reason to delay. But it's also rarely acknowledged that Zimmermann offers fantastic ready-to-wear designs, especially if you're not prepared to splurge on that bikini.

Images from zimmermannwear.com

The lovely thing about Zimmermann is its variety. Of course the brand aesthetic is innately feminine, but the label has much to offer. Ready-to-wear tends to drape beautifully over the body and there is bound to be a beautiful silhouette for your body type. And swimwear is often a sensitive subject for the self-conscious female, but with a Zimmermann suit, one can't help but feeling confident. It's because these are basically the most insanely amazing pieces of swimwear you'll ever find.

And take note: these pieces are Girl Loves Color-approved. Zimmermann makes much use out of all that is white and lacy, but there are always lovely pops of color in every collection, and the swimwear almost always utilizes a range of hues. This brand offers a great way to wear color without being too obvious about it. The focus is on quality and fit.

Zimmermann is offered online at Net-a-Porter and Shopbop and in its eponymous boutiques. An online shop for US customers is launching this month, so never fear if you can't make it to the LA or NYC boutiques.

In the meantime, let your summer dreams run wild on the website. I'm ready for some hot weather, what about you?

xoxo

Happy Pills

A long succession of pleasant days has more or less slumped down to an average level. It is in this case that I (in part) turn to fashion to return myself to the state in which all is glorious in the world.
Ever since the album came out, I have been nurturing a newfound adoration of Norah Jones. "Little Broken Hearts" was released on April 27 and features the standout plaintive tune "Happy Pills," an ode to  to making light out of trying to shut out a negative influence.

With you gone, I'm alive,
Makes me feel like I took happy pills,
And time stood still.


If you haven't quite mastered the skills to rein in your emotions - and we all experience this at times - I find that fashion is a good solution. Perhaps this means wearing your favorite outfit, but sometimes all it takes is a few inspiring images to give that much-needed boost.
This is my guide to the best and brightest of fashion, visual stimulation that provides that daily dose.

Editorial Ecstasy


Fashion editorials are one of the most creative aspects of the industry. There are many magazines that never cease to amaze with their awe-inspiring photography combined with ingenious styling. A tremendous effort must be made to produce quality editorials, but the result is rewarding. For the best of the best, turn to the more alternative publications, such as NYLON, Dazed & Confused, Wonderland, and many lesser-known international magazines (Vogue Nippon has wonderful examples).

"In Bloom"

Dazed & Confused, July 2011

"Super Natural"

Dazed & Confused, January 2012

"Mental States"

Dazed & Confused, February 2012

"Print Power"

Harper's Bazaar Mexico, May 2012

"On the Ropes"

Go Girl! Indonesia, March 2012

"A Diamond in the Roughage"

T Magazine, April 2011 (a New York Times supplement)

If you have never seen this editorial, for your sake and mine please view it here.

This is literally the best thing ever.

Runway Rarities

The runway has received an abundance of color in the past few seasons, to the happiness of many color fanatics like me. Here's for hoping that runway color palettes remain brightly diverse.

Roberto Cavalli, Spring 2012

Jil Sander, Spring 2011

Altuzarra Spring 2012

Manish Arora Fall 2012

The Best of Baubles


Jewelry has became an increasingly exotic art form in the fashion world, as evidenced by the rise of high-end designers willing to experiment with the limits of such designs. With a rich variety of gemstones and materials available for use, it's natural that color plays a significant part in the creation of avant-garde jewels.

Dannijo Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook

Ettika bracelet stacks (sold as sets)

Shop the fantastic selection here

Ali Galgano, founder of Charm & Chain

Mary Katrantzou


It's basically love at first sight. There's nothing better in the entire world than a Mary Katrantzou garment. If I was forced to choose between a wardrobe of Katrantzou or anything else, I would go with the former. The only exception would be if I was promised a successful career that would enable me to acquire said wardrobe.
At least in my case, any dull mood can be vanquished with a lengthy drooling session over anything by this fabulous Greek, London-based fashion goddess.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these images

All images found via Fashion Gone Rogue, Tumblr, Google Images, or images' respective sources

There are many more images that regrettably could not be included in this post for length's sake, but if this collection was not sufficient you can probably satiate yourself by visiting my endless Tumblr, which is a fantastic catalogue of all things colorfully fashionable.

Please do let me know which of these images you like most, as well as your opinions on my Tumblr. 

In addition, I'd love to know what are some of your favorite fashion images that you never tire of. What are some of your favorite fashion editorials, runway shows, and designers? Where do you look for fashion inspiration?

Leave a comment below!

xoxo