Add To Cart: Rainboots

It's a blizzard in New York right now and while it would be ideal to stay inside, curled up with a balmy cup of hot chocolate, that just isn't the reality for everyone. And as you may have noticed, our team is also reporting from Vancouver where it's rain, rain and more rain. So what do you wear when you have to face the elements? Keeping in mind that you want to look stylish while making your trek!

I find that people constantly ask me my opinion of rainboots and whether or not they're acceptable. The final answer is 'yes', as long as we don't forget about taste in the name of fashion! While practicality is not always on the agenda for many designers, there are a few that take weather very seriously. During a recent trip to Bloomingdales, we discovered a fantastic pair of rainboots by Michael Kors (pictured below). Here's a pair of rainboots that transcend their fellow rubber relatives. They'll keep your feet dry without sacrificing style.

KORS Michael Kors Stormy rainboots, $127

While we are very impressed by the Michael Kors styling, some of you might actually want a more simple rainboot silhouette. For you, we suggest the Burberry large check rainboot. The plaid is there, but it isn't logo city. The material is a thick, high quality, yet flexible rubber and the traction is surprisingly rugged. The charcoal color and oversize pattern make this pair a modern take on a tried and true classic.

Burberry Check rainboots, $195

-AL

Fashion Forward: Luca Luca's Season Of Contrast

Review via Mochi magazine

Since its first show at New York Fashion Week in 1998, Luca Luca has earned a reputation in the industry for creating sexy collections with class. Designer Raul Melgoza, who took over the creative direction of the brand in 2008, produced a fall/winter 2010 show that reinforced the house’s reputation, using luxurious furs and leather styles—a trend we’ve noticed for next year’s fall/winter season.

Opening with a silver silk taffeta trench coat, Luca Luca sent a series of beautiful, lustrous looks down the runway. Dark metallic and black sequin dresses, juxtaposed with lighter silver and satin pieces, made up the bulk of the collection. The accent color for this line was slate blue, which came in the form of a fox jacket that left a lasting impression. There was a touch of gold as well, notably a cocktail dress that came out near the middle of the show.

Sitting front row at Luca Luca were Manhattan socialite Tinsley Mortimer and Luca Luca’s founding designer himself, Luca Orlandi, accompanied by his wife, model Oluchi. While we thoroughly enjoyed the Luca Luca show, we are curious to hear what Orlandi thought!

[images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

BeautyBiz: Turn Up The Volume

During my experiences as a beauty intern for a well-known women's magazine, trying new products was a perk in exchange for long days and early morning commutes. My personal product selection is vast; many of which recognizable from advertisements, but equally as many that carry unfamiliar names in foreign script. I select products by what appeals to my eye, as I am not usually swayed by product placement on a shelf, store personnel or price. At times it is daunting to decide what to try.

I recently tried Frederic Fekkai's Coiff Strong Hold Volume mousse, and it has taken my usually limp hair to fully voluminous. The Frederic Fekkai line was one of the first product lines I tried, based on his reputation in the beauty world. As a result, I was even told that my hair looks like Jessica Simpson's lustruous locks, with gentle waves and a healthy shine. Although volumizing sprays are a simple concept, very few work. Frederic Fekkai not only works, but also has a pleasant scent that allows you to enjoy a salon experience without the price. I am usually skeptical of paying for salon quality products, but after trying it, this mousse now has a permanent place on my dressing table.

The mousse is part of the Fekkai Coiff Collection. The haircare line features environmentally sensitive ingredients to protect your hair. The product packaging is attractive compared to most hair care products, as the back label peals off to remove the unsightly barcode label. It is available for $23 on the Frederic Fekkai website.

-EH

Fashion Forward: Twinkle by Wenlan’s Fairytale Fantasy

Twinkle by Wenlan filled Bryant Park’s Promenade tent with delight, inviting us into a world of fantasy and whimsy. Infused with fairytale elements, the collection unfolded naturally, telling the story of the urban fashionista who escapes the daily reality, to reconnect with the natural, folk roots. She effortlessly enters the realm of imagination, and returns more inspired than ever, to incorporate a playful mix of textures, hues and silhouettes into her wardrobe.

From a rich palette of mauve, cinnamon red, olive green and royal blue, to delicate snow and vanilla hues, to classic black and white, Wenlan’s pieces exude youthful exuberance through their patterns and cuts—whether geometric, sharp and fitted, layered, or draped.The highlights of the collection include the luxurious, cinched chunky knits with oversized collars, sexy sweater dresses with unexpectedly low-cut backs, and the cute and playful bubble dresses.

Exposed zippers, studded, metallic details and twisted, statement necklaces, with jewelry designed by Wenlan herself, add a certain edge.

-AS

[Head-on images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

Megan Fox Heats Up W Magazine's March Cover

If you noticed the rise in temperature at your local newsstands, it's due to spring coming in the form of W Magazine's March issue. Megan Fox covers the glossy and poses in a shoot by Craig McDean. The feature focuses mainly on Fox's upcoming movie "Passion Play", but W does dig into some of the actresses personal thoughts.

On her future: "No one believes me when I talk about this, but I'm really maternal. I worry that because I've always wanted [kids] so much, as the world goes sometimes, I won't be able to have them, even though I would be able to provide them with such an amazing environment."

On Hollywood: "I don't trust people in this industry, but I especially don't trust girls in this industry, because it's incredibly competitive, and I'm just not interested."

Aside from the interview, the photos of Megan Fox are phenomenal! The natural looking hair and makeup highlights her beauty without over doing it. As per usual with W, styling is amazing, featuring pieces by Girogio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Balmain and Lanvin. The military inspired look is 'in' and looks great on Megan Fox. The David Yurman quatrefoil diamond earrings in the cover shot are also incredible, adding a simple elegance.

-AL

[images via]

Fashion Forward: Georges Chakra F/W 2010

Review via Mochi magazine

Sophisticated and feminine was the vibe at the Edition by Georges Chakra show. Originally known for his Paris haute couture collections, Chakra has brought a level of sophistication to his Edition ready-to-wear line. The fabrics were luxurious, with soft mohair tops and flowing, chiffon gowns. Black fabrics dominated the collection, but there were also statement looks in bright red that emphasized power and passion.

Extensive detailing was prevalent in the lace and beading, which were elements in many of the evening looks. Lace conveyed an element of seduction, adding a bit of femininity to the power-woman image. Vintage Georges Chakra gloves also brought a unique element to the show. For fall/winter 2010, Edition by Georges Chakra embodied a mature style that alludes to the classic European chic designs by the likes of Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior. Chakra did a beautiful job of presenting a ready-to-wear line that carries the essence of couture, in all its glamour and romance.

Watch the Edition by Georges Chakra F/W 2010 Runway Show:

[images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

Fashion Forward: Christian Siriano F/W 2010

Review via Mochi magazine

Minutes before the Christian Siriano show, the lobby of the Bryant Park tents was crammed with guests, a scene that has become a common replay for the Project Runway alumnus. Slowly but surely, editors and bloggers were seated, and the show began. It was high drama right from the start, with dim blue lighting and a light fog drifting down the runway.

The look was a 1960s Euro glam—very Parisian chic. Clean lines gave an appearance of a smooth, touchable softness and fabrics were predominantly metallic sequins and silky satins. Keeping with signature Siriano style, smooth, voluptuous ruffles entered the scene in dark, jewel tones, followed by sheer flowing gowns.

Video highlights from the show below:

[images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

Fashion Forward: "The Front Row"

An editor's job during Fashion Week is never done: they blog, they tweet, and this season the editors of Harper's Bazaar have new roles at the shows: video stars.

For the first time, editor in chief Glenda Bailey and the magazine's fashion, features, accessories, market and beauty editors star in a new documentary-style video series, "The Front Row," at HarpersBazaar.com/fashionweek.

The 2.5-3 minute videos go live 24-48 hours after being shot, and offer a vérité view of the Bazaar team as they cover the shows, trends, people and parties in New York, Paris and Milan.

"I love the authenticity and immediacy of this series," said Glenda Bailey. "The Front Row captures the best of the collections for our readers, and introduces them to the personalities behind the bylines they see in Bazaar."

In addition to video, Bazaar.com is publishing favorite looks from the runway, street style lookbooks with commentary, the best of beauty trends -- and the entire team will be live tweeting from the runway and parties from @harpersbazaarus.

-AL

BeautyBiz: Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow

Written by Vanessa of Sweet Dispositions for Socialites Anonymous

Fashion Week is almost over, and sadly all of the glamour gets reduced to slideshows on style.com. What does live on is the enjoyment of all the goodies and free gifts that fashion week showers its guests with. One example being the new eyeshadow combos that Maybelline was promoting in the tents this week called Maybelline Eyestudio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow. I selected a palette of the copper tones from their corner area in the Bryant Park tents, since brown’s & copper’s compliment blue eyes. At first glance, the colors seemed ok…a little too rust-ish, but when I put it on the layering of the light and dark shadows made my eyes really pop and gave just the right amount of shimmer. Despite being a little dusty when dipping the applicator, it held up well all day long. I was surprised, since it isn’t the MAC or Bobby Brown or whatever your reliable go-to shadow generally is... Either way, I will be wearing it again to work tomorrow!

Check out how to wear the Copper Chic palette daily and out for the evening! And Maybelline’s interactive site and tips on wearing all of their colors.

-VK

Fashion Forward: Vassilios Kostetsos F/W 2010

Critically acclaimed and immensely popular in Greece, Vassilios Kostetsos has taken New York by storm, quickly gaining a growing following among fashionistas. The innovative designer presents a distinctly daring and dynamic Fall/Winter 2010 collection, emphasizing strong lines, bold cuts and metallic detailing, worn with confidence and fearlessness: “I design for women and men who have a modern, powerful style and a strong personality,” Kostetsos explains in an interview with us.

His signature looks include mutton-sleeved, one-shouldered, low-cut, stylish dresses, draped shapes, and beautifully-tailored, cinched leather coats, complemented by sling-back platform heels and over-the-knee boots by Haris Kazakos.

While clearly contemporary—with versatile ready-to-wear pieces that still convey a runway feel –the collection is anchored in the Greek artistic tradition, as Kostetsos cites the verses of “Antigone” by Sophocles as inspiration. The concept is maintained throughout, with black pieces, red hues, and golden and bronze tones, suggesting the themes of the tragedy, battle and love/desire.

In our interview, Kostetsos also reveals some of his favorite pieces from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection (pictured below): “The red dresses, leather coats, electric blue jackets and skirts, the golden [piece] with [a silhouette that resembles a] Greek sculpture…they’re all my children.” His heartfelt words convey a sense of his warmly enthusiastic personality, with an authentic, passionate approach that translates into highly personal, culturally-rooted creations.

Official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show video below:

Fashion Forward: Alexander Berardi F/W 2010

Front row at Alexander Berardi’s show last night, we were captivated by his collection, and engaged by its production, with lighting and music that set a bright, high-energy ambiance.

The Upper East Side-raised, Parsons graduate created an inspiring collection, alternating from crisp white shirt dresses, tuxedo pants, and boyfriend blazers, to feminine, ruffled and pleated pieces, with draped, tiered and flowing cuts.

The highlights of the show include glamorous eveningwear, with luxurious fabrics, sophisticated floral prints, and sequined pieces. We loved the organza floral print dress and red rose drape, with intricate rose detailing layered over the rich red and orange hues.

The black sequined halter dress with blazer exudes sheer sophistication and elegance, while the silver sequin mini dress and the red, pleated long-sleeved dress are effortlessly stylish pieces. The collection’s statement piece is a radiant white, beaded floor length halter dressed.

Beautifully-tailored, chic, and sexy, yet delicate and highly refined, this ready-to-wear collection is composed of fresh looks for the modern woman, juggling work and social life.

Fashion Forward: Farah Angsana

When you think of fashion week, the first thing that would come to mind is glamour. While this may not be the case for some designers, it was all glamour and beauty at the Farah Angsana show last night. The Indonesian-born designer showed a lineup of jewel toned evening wear in silky satins. Leather biker gloves added a toughness to the collection, while exquisite furs brought sophistication. Favorite look: sequins trench with fur collar and cuffs (above). The show production was also well fitted to the collection, with music by New York City music producer Roman Rojas.

Official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week video of the show below:

Photos courtesy of Michelle Huynh

Fashion Forward: Ports 1961

The Ports 1961 f/w 2010 collection had a utilitarian vibe. The colors were earthy and the structures showed off detailed construction. Lines were organic and smooth and there were also many silky satin pieces that bounced lightly as the models strut down the runway. The hair by Aveda was a highlight to the show and went really well with the looks. Elle magazine had a presence in the front row, with Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers, Joe Zee and Olivia Palermo. The City's Whitney Port was also in attendance, but strangely seated in the second row!

Favorite looks below:

To view the rest of the collection, click here. Official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway video below:

[images via GlamourNerd and Coutorture]

Rihanna's "Rude Boy" Video Released

Not to state the obvious, but Rihanna is FIERCE. Her music video for "Rude Boy" has been released and we like what we see. The white and black scene with the zebra is fantastic! Oh and then there's the single cover, featuring the Caribbean beauty holding the biggest piece of charcoal we've ever seen. Talk about badass.

[image via]

RIP Alexander McQueen

It's the first day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, but the mood is much more sullen than usual. This morning, Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London apartment, after taking his own life at age 40. While the shows must go on, we would like to recognize the brilliance of this legendary designer. He will forever be an inspiration to everyone in the industry.

To read the full story, click here.

KCD has sent out a notice that McQueen's New York presentation of his collection McQ has been cancelled today due to the tragedy.

[image via]

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York

Fashion Week has finally arrived and with it came a blizzard! We paid a visit to the Bryant Park Tents this morning and the above photo was the scene. Luckily, the area surrounding the front entrance is being kept clear, because we all know some desperate fashion victim is going to show up in peep toe Christian Louboutins stilettos. Only God can save her.

In any case, vive la fashion week! Bring it on.

Stay tuned for our runway reviews and follow us on Twitter for up the minute new from the Tents!

Custo Pre-Show

The countdown to New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is down to the hours. We're super excited and hope you stay tuned for our runway reviews!

One of the shows we're most excited for is the Custo Barcelona show. Last season the lobby of the Bryant Park Tents was completely packed before the start of their show and it definitely seemed to be the hottest show of the week. Started in 1981, Custo Barcelona has gained quite the following, so it's likely going to be madness pre-show at the Tents this coming Sunday.

The brand was inspired by the laid-back southern California attitude and rooted in Barcelona. The result of the combination is a bold line with almost every style being a statement piece. Spring was full of color and pattern (depicted below) and we can't wait to see what they've got in store for fall!

To see the rest of the spring 2010 collection, visit NYmag.com. Also, click here to become a fan of Custo Barcelona on facebook!

The Art Of The Tan

Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream, $42

It's getting to that point in winter when we're all wishing for spring, but guess what? The groundhog saw his shadow and went back into hibernation. So in the meantime that means we're stuck with near-fluorescent, untanned skin. Since UV tanning beds have officially been proven to cause skin cancer, that's completely out of the question for us at Socialites Anonymous and we're usually not fans of the smelly, messy self-tanners available at your local drugstore.

That being said, we discovered Clarins's Delicious Self Tanning Cream, which turns out to be the perfect cure to dry, pale skin. It's gentle enough for both face and body and it has a very subtle smell once dry. It has a slight tint that helps show you where you've applied it, but when it's dry it won't get on your clothes. The best part of all is that it gives you a great, natural color that won't have you running the risk of looking like you're from the cast of Jersey Shore!

Click here to try it for yourself.

Designer Double Take

John Galliano, Carolina Herrera, Donatella Versace, Sonia Rykiel, Rei Kawakubo, Vivienne Westwood – they are fashion visionaries who epitomize elegance, sophistication and innovation.

Now, one of their very own, Karl Lagerfeld, captures each designer's very distinct personal style through his photographs in the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar, casting model Iris Strubegger in “Celebrity Double Take” and transforming her into the icons.

Lagerfeld reflects each designer’s personality, signature look and trademark pose—from Donatella Versace’s radiant, glamorous look, to Sonia Rykiel's flaming red mane, to his own trademark ponytail and slim suit. We love it!

See the rest in the March issue, when it hits newsstands on March 15th! In the meantime, visit harpersbazaar.com

Spin It: Katie Melua

In the fashion world, things are getting super busy with New York Fashion Week fast approaching. For us at Socialites Anonymous, it's important to take a break every once and a while and have some much needed relaxation (to keep our sanity!) in the midst of all the craziness. Today, we decided to listen to some Katie Melua. For those of you who don't know her, you're missing out! She's got a great jazzy sound and soothing vocals. We love "Shy Boy" and "Just Like Heaven". Lend an ear below:

[image via]

Kate Moss Covers Harper's Bazaar

Now THIS is a fashion magazine cover! Supermodel Kate Moss graces the March cover of Harper's Bazaar. It's so refreshing to see a model on the cover of one of the biggest fashion issues of the year. In our opinion, Harper's Bazaar is right on point. Kate gives a great interview and for the camera she gets caught in bed with not one, but TWO men! (photo below)

On why she doesn't consider herself a fashion designer: "I’m not really a fashion designer. I just love clothes. I’ve never been to design school. I can’t sketch. I can’t cut patterns and things. I can shorten things. I can make a dress out of a scarf."

On this shoot for Harper's Bazaar: "It was with Peter [Lindbergh], and it was so much fun. He was absolutely hilarious. Peter is old-school. There aren’t many around like him anymore who really know how to take pictures. There’s him and Patrick [Demarchelier]. He really knows, and he makes it look so easy. I’ve known him since I was 18 and worked with him for Bazaar. He’s into older women, and as I get older, it gets better. He’s not into little girls. Now that I’m older, we really talk and hang out. It’s great to catch up, to grow up and be able to talk to people who used to see you as a little kid."

To read the full story and see more photos, visit www.harpersbazaar.com/katemoss