NYFW STREET STYLE

My heart breaks a little knowing that New York Fashion Week is over, but it picks right back up when I remember we still have London, Milan, and Paris to go! As much as I adore fawning over the creativity that goes into creating the looks that make it down the runway, I've always felt that street style is a bit more authentic. I love seeing people interpret trends in different ways, and observing how they make it work into their own aesthetic. Runway has a tendency to feel a bit distant from the average consumer, but seeing variations of extravagant runway looks on "regular" people makes the styles feel more within reach.

I adore the contrast between the rock n' roll edge of the top layering combination down to the glittery heel. The combination of a sparkly turtleneck and a glitzy heel can leave you feeling a little overly preppy, but I love the way this look is roughed up a bit with a band tee, loose jeans, and a casual suede clutch. The bright red belt scarf really sets the look off.

How darling is this monochromatic look? Sticking to a single color scheme can lead to disastrous clashing if not executed properly, but adding texture and complementary details makes this look polished, not lazy. 

Wide leg trousers are making a comeback, and I'm fully behind the immersion of the style into denim. They're comfortable, flattering, and when paired with a drape-y patterned button down, just the right amount of sexy. The pointed toe on the shoe perfectly contrasts the shapelessness of the pants, and the light basket-like handbag softens up the entire look.

Good news, shapeless & oversized no longer translate to just rolling out of bed. When paired with a statement shoe and polished accessories, it's loungewear turned streetwear. The silhouette of this sweatshirt dress is anything but sloppy, and can you imagine how comfortable it is?

All street style images from Refinery29.

NYFW STREET STYLE

When designers send a model down the runway or clothing stores dress a manikin everything is so carefully concocted and perfected. While it's usually beautiful to look at, there's not much personality in it. When it comes to street style however, you get to see how the latest fashions are actually worn. Different designers are mixed & matched to create a unique look. The styling isn't there to market a product to the masses, but instead to express individual style and push the limits. As I've mentioned before, I love street style for that exact reason. I admire the creative styling, which Im highlighting below and showing you how to easily recreate! 

How cool is this powerful pinstriped look? I love how she belted the blazer to accentuate her waist and added a red neckerchief which pairs nicely with the pinstripes. The quirky chic Louis Vuitton trunk clutch is just the cherry on top. 

By now I'm sure we all know the 70's are in. Suede, fringe, bell bottom flares, platforms, and circle sunnies can be found in just about every designer collection and fast fashion store. What really gets me is how well all of these trends were combined in this look without being too overpowering or costume-y. The white on white is simple enough to go with not just one, but two fringed outerwear selections. 

This look appears quite classic on top, with a soft pink coat, graphic sweater, and white neckerchief. However, it's quite trendy on bottom with a pair of white cropped flare jeans and lace up military booties. 

All street style images from Refinery 29.

THE TRENDS OF NYFW F/W '16

Not to get ahead of ourselves (as it's merely warming up to spring temps), but after the New York Fashion Week shows this past week it's apparent that we have a LOT to look forward to for Fall/Winter 2016. NYFW is typically the most casual in it's Ready To Wear fashion, so it's usually the best indication of what we will actually be seeing on the shelves and the streets this August. While there were many standout shows, I noticed quite a few overwhelming trends that intrigued me... 

CLEAN SLATE

Minimalism is still going strong. Designers are encouraging whites for winter and giving us a nice selection of garments with clean lines from strapless flowing dresses to robe-style fur coats. As a stylist, when I see simple pieces like these I think of them as a perfect clean slate. My mind starts running wild with ways to accessorize them with funky jewelry or a bright shoe.

Brock Collection, Brandon Maxwell, Dion Lee

FLAPPER FRINGE

Bohemian fringe has a new counterpart, it's cooler older sister: 20's inspired flapper fringe. We're getting major Gatsby vibes from these looks and can't complain one bit. 

Rachel Zoe, Zimmerman, Jason Wu

PINK AND YELLOW

Being one of Pantone's colors of the year, it's no surprise that rose quartz is gracing the runways left and right. However, select designers are taking a unique approach by styling their pinks with shades of yellow varying from bright neons to subdued mustard-y hues. This traditionally spring/summer color combo works surprisingly well with F/W fashions. Who knew? 

Creatures of Comfort, Marissa Webb, Delpozo

PATTERN PLAY

Here to contrast the stark minimalism we're seeing in fashion, pattern play is full of whimsy and color. So why not throw a leopard print coat on top of your floral silk pajamas? J. Crew did it...

J Crew, Clover Canyon, Coach

ON THE GRID

Plaid is pretty much a no-brainer when it comes to fall and winter fashion. Although this season we'll also be seeing a lot of clean, gridded patterns. The grids are a little less hectic and look more modern than your traditional lumberjack plaid. 

Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Kaelen

All images from Vogue.com. To see more trends I am loving right now be sure to follow my "Trends I Love" Pinterest board. 

Fashion Week Favorites: Beauty

I enjoy the hair and makeup at fashion week almost more than the clothes. So much so I decided to dedicate a whole post to my favorite beauty looks from NYFW. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order!) Bright lipstick and fun up-dos at Badgley Mischka:

The "wet look" holding fast at Oscar de la Renta:

Beautiful, clean faces and side parts at Marchesa:

My absolute favorite hair and makeup came from Rodarte; tough headbands and loose braids mixed with smudged eyes:

Pretty plaits from Christian Siriano:

Sleek ponytails at Michael Kors:

And beautiful, purple eyes from Jason Wu:

Images all from: wwd.com

Win a Trip to New York Fashion Week

New York City Fall Fashion Week is the biggest fashion event in the U.S. hands down! So, of course, it is my DREAM to one day be there for all of the shows and rub shoulders with my favorite designers. What if I told you that dream was handed to me on a silver platter - or rather on a silver can of Diet Coke? Well, it was, but baby girl Evjen has decided to make her due date happen at the VERY same time. Don't even get me started on HOW tragic this is to me. I'm holding fast to the truth that my baby girl will be better than any fashion event in my lifetime, but it's not the easiest to swallow. haha.

BUT, just because I can't go that definitely doesn't mean YOU can't. In fact, if your dream is the same as mine you can make it a reality by entering into a contest to win a trip to Fashion Week and an invitation to Glamour Magazine and Diet Coke's Live event where you will be able to rub shoulders with major fashion designers like Zac Posen, Cynthia Rowley, and L’Wren Scott. YEP! No lie! Here are the dets...

DIET COKE'S TAKE ME TO NYC CONTEST

Diet Coke has been a huge supporter of the fashion industry, and this year is no exception. To celebrate Diet Coke's new look, they teamed up with The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Target  to launch the Diet Coke Young Designer's Challenge where young designers have a chance to design a graphic that celebrates Diet Coke and have it sold in Target stores. What an awesome opportunity, no? PLUS, they'll have their designs judged by Zac Posen, Cynthia Rowley, and L’Wren Scott. So, they are extending the celebration to YOU by giving you a chance to win a trip to the unveiling of the winning design and obviously that means fashion week.

SO, how do you enter???

1. Using your new found addiction to Pinterest, create a fall style board showcasing FOUR of your favorite fall looks for this coming season. You can check mine out to see an example. With each look you add to your board put the hashtag #takemetoNYC in the details section for each pinned item along with your description.

2. Repin the gorgeous and now permanent new look of the Diet Coke can from Diet Coke's Pinterest board and add it to your fall style board, http://pinterest.com/dietcokeus/.

3. You have until August 18th to enter the contest via Pinterest. Four winners will be selected to attend the September 5th Glamour/Diet Coke event and flown to NYC for Fashion Week. =)

It's THAT easy! Don't miss your chance to win your DREAM trip! AND, to make sure there are no sore losers, I also have 10, yes TEN, 12 packs of Diet Coke ready to give away to those of you that enter. SO.....create a board and then leave a comment with a link to your board in the comments section of this post OR tweet me a link to your board, @alexevjen. Good luck!

*This post has been sponsored by Diet Coke*