Fully Armed

I've thought a lot recently about sophistication. The teenaged years are ones of trial and error, and I have particularly found this to be true in examining my style. Currently in the process of re-vamping my wardrobe, I've adopted a sort of "out with the old, in with the new" mantra that favors not so much of a purging as rather a curation of sorts. It's a challenge to be able to pick and choose when I feel sentimental about much of my clothing. But it's a necessity, I believe, in this process of growing up, to ensure that the fabrics draping my frame evolve as I do.
The first aim of my wardrobe refinement is to amp the maturity. I often favor sweet, darling pieces, which explains so well my adoration for lovely floral prints on absolutely everything. There's nothing wrong with that, but it defines almost everything I possess. With class and elegance, I plan to add staples into my closet that contrast such a mainstay.
My blog began as a record of sorts for me, and posts like these reflect this greatly. Many posts echo my life and fashion-related thoughts at the time that I sit down to write them. And now here I am contemplating pieces that I can aim for in order to achieve the cleanse I feel that I need.
The sleeveless blouse is the perfect, ladylike solution to summer temperatures. I've long considered blouses to be sort of stuffy and prim, for women much older than me. Yet there are so many youthful options, and it really is all about the pairing. The rainbow of sleeveless blouses that I have put together below would look great set against cuffed boyfriend jeans and metallic shoes. The contrast is a simple way to turn a style I used to consider intangible into one that is rather accessible to a variety of ages.

Clockwise, from top left: Tops by Derek Lam, Wayne, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Gucci, Blumarine, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Marni.

Prints are dear to my heart, but a strong solid hue provides a soothing break from a frenzied crowd of pattern. Any one of these tops would be a perfect addition to the workwear wardrobe layered underneath a blazer or cardigan and is equally adept in everyday environments.

Manon Kündig

It's known that the blog predominantly features womenswear, but the focus is certainly not exclusive. The surge of menswear designers - and, often, designers that create only mens' collections as opposed to the commonality of womenswear designer deciding to launch menswear - is creating a select crowd of creative individuals who are injecting artistry into the often unoriginal field of menswear. And where else would this scene be burgeoning but in Europe? (Here's to hoping that America can keep up.)

Manon Kündig is fresh meat in the fashion industry, having just presented her graduate collection for his Masters in the Fashion Department of Antwerp's Royal Academy of Arts. A 29-year-old hailing from Switzerland, Kündig focuses on the process of crafting a collection. The graduate collection, entitled "Bowerbird," utilizes the innovative technique of marbling to create unique patterns for each of her prints. Much of "Bowerbird" also builds on a counter to the stereotypical male image. The male bowerbird collects scraps in order to attract the female and such a technique aptly embodies the idea of the collection. Kündig's creations combine the atypical for an exotic result that calls to mind some strange bird of paradise. And perhaps it is a deeper evaluation of the human male identity: faces masked in fabric imply that the forms on which these clothes are carried may resemble our species but could very much be of another.

Collection images from antwerp-fashion.be (Antwerp Royal Academy of Arts' Fashion Dept. website)

Backstage images from dazeddigital.com

I truly enjoy the creativity that young designers are lending to menswear. Design schools are producing graduates that take pleasure from craftsmanship and the creative process, an encouragement to the fashion industry especially in thinking of the domination of trend-focused fast-fashion. 

Menswear is experiencing an exciting renaissance and the future appears bright as long as it remains in the hands of the dedicated and talented youth who no longer belong to the safety net of their academies. It is our job as fashion enthusiasts to support their moves towards independence in the competitive field of fashion design so exotic artistry can survive a world of overpowering consumerist hunger.

Just Keep Swimming

Almost every fashion magazine issue that hits American newsstands during the summer months contains some variant of that "Best Swimsuits for Your Body" article. Every year it's the same ordeal with swimwear from the latest season; occasionally the identifiers for body type shift - for better or for worse - because no one will ever agree. It's wonderful that women have something to turn to in order to aid them in the search for the most flattering strategically-placed triangles of fabric currently available.
Insecurities exponentially increase among swimsuit season for the obvious reasons, so it's no wonder that such articles are a hit. Everyone knows that if you look good, you feel good...right? Today the obsession with fit is shoving design into the background, but the plethora of options is more abundant than ever. Since there are assuredly at least five different magazine issues in print at this moment that are itching to tell you if your body type screams bikini or tankini, the Girl Loves Color approach is to solely focus on swimwear that's pretty. Shape is only half of the equation.

If you want something exotic, try Mara Hoffman:

If you're feeling feminine, try Zimmermann:

If you're in the mood for a single hue, try Melissa Odabash:

Swimwear has become an integral part of the fashion industry in recent decades. Luckily, this makes it easy to find the perfect suit. Look for pieces that catch your eye and then consider the shape of the swimsuit: many patterns and colors come in a variety of silhouettes and the popularity of separates enables one to mix and match sizes or styles.

Want more options? Check out websites such as Net-A-Porter and Mytheresa for high-end swimwear from a range of designers and browse department stores such as Macy's for budget-friendly picks. Swimsuits look amazing when they're vibrant, so don't be afraid to test out different hues - you may be surprised.

Bag Ladies

It's no secret that feminine folk carry their entire lives in one handbag. It's some sort of hoarding habit that enforces the belief that women always need not only the basics but also everything that they can imagine wanting handy in some obscure circumstance. In summer, especially in the heat wave New Yorkers are currently experiencing, it's important to keep the everyday possessions to a minimum. Carrying around a bulky bag that contains a few pounds worth of everyday paraphernalia is one of the least appealing ideas when it comes to the combination of heat, humidity, and commute.
The easiest way to ensure a lighter load is to use a smaller bag. This isn't always possible, but smaller bags encourage only the bare necessities. I went through a time in my life in which I didn't quite like crossbody bags. Now they are almost exclusively the silhouette of handbag that I use on an everyday basis. It's no surprise that I'm a fan of bright crossbody bags - I have a wonderful vintage find that I can't wait to share.
In the meantime, I have a few favorites that I've found online. Smaller bags are easier on the back, neck, and shoulders and are rarely a burden. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from a heavy shoulder bag.

Clockwise, from top left: Forever 21 Keyhole Lock Crossbody, Cleobella Medium Crossbody, See by Chloe Small Crossbody, CC Skye Bullet Crossbody, Vanessa Mooney Fringe Bag.

Bright bags such as these look beautiful set against basic summery outfits, emphasizing the lovely accessory hanging by the hip.

American Vintage tank top, Mother denim cut-offs, Chan Luu wrap bracelet, Corso Como sandals.

There are an infinite amount of possibilities: the above is just a simple one I came up with.

This summer is a great time to try out an inventive shape of bag. Different handbags can drastically change the feel of one outfit and there are wonderful options at every price range. And if you splurge on a crossbody, it will last for a very long time.

Try a smaller handbag - you'll be effortlessly chic and your back will thank you.

Juma

Siblings Alia and Jamil Juma are the faces behind the creative clothing and accessories line known as Juma. The duo's contemporary designs stem from contemporary art and culture inspiration gathered from all over the world. Although Juma is based in New York, extensive traveling to locales such as Kenya and Kazakhstan or American cities Los Angeles and Atlanta inform the exotic digital prints that are the primary focus of the creations. The line was founded in 2003 with Alia as design director and Jamil as creative director: the two serve different roles in maintaining all aspects of the brand but both work on the collections themselves. The siblings have also injected Juma with a level of philanthropy. The company has supported the Children's Aid and Through the Eyes of Women foundations, among other charities.

Juma utilizes relatively simple silhouettes in order to emphasize the quality of each unique print. Much of the clothing capitalizes on the relationship between print and color for pairings that feel modern and artistic but contain a quality that could be described by the paradox of familiarly foreign.

Accessories showcase possibly more freedom with design by eliminating the aspect of silhouette that is so defining in clothing. Juma's scarves are perhaps the most exciting creations from the brand and exhibit fascinating three-dimensional illusions captured in geometric limitations. Maybe it's best to hang one of these beauties on a wall so anyone can feast their eyes.

Images from jumastudio.com

Juma is available in a variety of specialty retailers around the world, including Ron Sherman, Harvey Nichols, and websites Revolve Clothing and Far Fetch.

Select pieces can also be purchased through Juma via Future Fashion Now.

For an inside look, take a peek at the official Juma blog, featuring the designers' current inspirations and influences.

Peter Pilotto Resort 2013

Solids may be having a moment thus far in what I've seen of Resort 2013, but the print mavens are sticking to what they do best. Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos created a masterful collection full of colorful prints juxtaposed on strong silhouettes. Echoing the artistic craftsmanship of stained glass, the prints feel more sophisticated than those of seasons past but do not fail to lend a taste of playfulness to a set of strong looks. Overall, the collection feels quite strong. There is a fine line between unusually tasteful and juvenile, but I believe that Peter Pilotto Resort 2013 has hit the mark. The collection shows tremendous growth from the line's previous designs, and I can only look forward to more.

Images from style.com

Resort 2013 appears to be a revival of women's power dressing with an edgier, feminine twist. The collections I've seen primarily exude strength. These are clothes for the women who above all savor their self-confidence without betraying their personality. The collections are on the whole rather wearable, but for she who does not let the clothes wear her.

Seasons past have incorporated ultra-femme designs that evolved into fierce athleticism. Resort 2013 is drifting towards femininity but in a more feminist manner. Clothing is for the wearer, not the beholder. The Resort 2013 women are the leaders of today and tomorrow.

View the entirety of the Peter Pilotto Resort 2013 collection here.

Roland Mouret Resort 2013

It's interesting to examine the ways in which color is reinterpreted with each season of fashion shows. Resort isn't one of the two main seasons, but it has become increasingly important in the industry in terms of retail. Spring/summer and autumn/winter are often the times when designers sense that they have more freedom to experiment with their aesthetic. The Marc Jacobs Resort 2013 collection in my previous post blatantly disproves this, but it is also - as of now - the sole exception. The remainder of the Resort 2013 collections focus on practicality and consumer appeal.
Color is an everyday visitor in many women's wardrobes, but rarely to the extent that it may be displayed in a rather avant-garde runway show à la Meadham Kirchhoff et al. The Resort 2013 collections are showing many solid colors and few prints (solids are considered to be more versatile). Additionally, color is not the focus of collections as it has been in a few seasons past. Color serves as a supplement to the overarching ideas of each collection. Color may be more minimalist, but in its sparse usage it is bold and skillfully executed.


Roland Mouret's Resort 2013 collection is an ideal example. The focus on practical dresses naturally leads to hanger appeal and profit. Once again, resort is about the client and not the designer. The French fashion designer obviously knows what his women want. 
I've included only four images from the 22-look collection, but I believe these four embody the characteristics of Resort 2013, particularly its relationship with color.

Images from style.com

I may be a die-hard fan of artistic prints and patterns (i.e. Mary Katrantzou), but I love the transition from collections that have focused on prints to gentler and more sophisticated solids. Resort 2013 is sophisticated and feminine, full of grace and poise. The season's solid hues are bold. They portray confidence and strength without aggression.

View the entirety of the Roland Mouret Resort 2013 collection here.

Marc Jacobs Resort 2013

Everything begins to make sense upon learning that the foundational inspiration for Marc Jacobs's Resort 2013 collection was Cindy Sherman's clown series. This information can be taken in a variety of ways. Most superficially, the clown series encompasses oversized proportions, vivid colors, and an overall sense of ridiculousness. A quick glance at the resort collection shows that the relationship is present. Another interpretation is the idea of roles. Sherman's portraits embody the makeover obsession, of creating ourselves anew. The photographs serve as a different take, but perhaps it's what Marc Jacobs took away from his initial influence. Fashion is in many ways about transformation and even disguise. The Resort 2013 photographs portray a distinct character, one that can't quite be relayed in words, yet they also seem to emphasize exterior. There's a sense of distance between wearer and onlooker.

It's unusual to see a resort collection such as this one. Resort is a season centered around wearable clothes that have hanger appeal and retail potential. Marc Jacobs strayed from commerciality in favor of a creative collection that seems to be in favor of the creative process and clothing as palettes instead of attire catered towards the typical resort-wear clientele. A lot of designers think of the resort season as a break; Jacobs injects fun into a runway season that is often devoid of personality.

Most people may not wear an eye-catching floral dress over equally busy wide-legged pants, but that's not really what this is about. That's for you to decide.

Images from style.com

I'm happy to see what designers are churning out for the Resort 2013 season. I'll continue to cover some more shows in the next few days; hopefully I won't fall behind.
Fashion is a fast-paced industry, and I certainly feel as if I've missed a fair amount in the last few weeks. The rapidly approaching summertime will bless me with some free moments to spare.

I hope you're enjoying the Resort 2013 shows. I'll be looking through collections on Style.com.