Alexis Mabille Haute Couture Spring 2010

Alexis Mabille is a favorite designer of mine because he does two things well: bows and simplicity. His new Spring 2010 Haute Couture collection exemplified this principle, though it was a little lighter on the bows than past seasons.

Models strutted down the runway with split personalities – literally. Many of the looks were color blocked with black on one side and red, fuchsia, or grey on the other side. The color blocking carried through from the hair to the tips of the models toes. It was definitely a unique look that made good show but would probably not translate very well on the streets. His signature bows popped up in different places – waists, necks, heads, shoulders and bags (my favorite!).

My favorite looks in the collection included his boxy coats and jackets. For the most part, the day looks were subdued with splashes of color. The night looks were definitely more glam with sequins, sheer panels, and satin party dresses. The bracelets and necklaces looked really interesting from afar and I’d love to see them close up.

Alexis Mabille Haute Couture Spring 2010

Alexis Mabille finished his show with a wedding gown but the only thing I liked about it was the sheer panel and the black bow on top. Other than that, it came off looking like a very expensive burqa.

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The much anticipated Chanel Spring Haute Couture 2010 show came and went and it temporarily made me forget I was sitting in dreary, rainy San Francisco and made me excited for spring.  Karl Lagerfeld ditched the trademark black, white, and navy for a much lighter palette – one reminiscent of cotton candy and sherbet.

The collection consisted of tweed suits, short swing dresses and gorgeously intricate column gowns – all in candy colors from strawberry, peach, lemon and vanilla.  Silver beading and metallic accents kept the pale shades from becoming boring and added just the right amount of pizazz – even Karl traded in his signature black tie for a metallic silver one! Chanel trademarks like pearls, camelias, bows and ruffles were all present – but used in different ways.  Instead of rows of pearl necklaces, a pearl collar elegantly held a dress up.  Ever flirtatious, the collection was very feminine and embodied Le sacre du printemps.

One of my favorite aspects of the show was the hair – it was swept up in a heart shape with giant bows and flowers front and center.  Many of the bangs featured a white streak (the Dior Spring 2010 Haute Couture show also had white streaked hair – is this a new trend for Spring?).  Makeup was kept light & sweet so as not to distract from the clothing.  I’m still waiting to see detail shots but it looks like the hot new nail colors will be white and metallic silver – but I’ll have to see the close-ups to be sure.

In the mean time, you can see the full collection at LaChanelphile.

Images courtesy of WWD.

Ban.do: New Lookbook!

Who said pretty and bold hair accessories should only be used for special occasions? From the look of the fun and vintage inspired hair goodies offered by Ban.do, we are really feeling these as everyday hair-wear!

The creative minds behind hair accessories brand Ban.do are two LA based stylists Jen and Jamie. These two J’s started their “little empire” of hair accessories in ’08. With their three collections, the lovely ladies at Ban.do have really thought of it all; no matter what occasion or the depth of our pockets, we can all have a bit of Ban.do in our lives, decorating and complimenting our latest hairdos .

Ban.do: New Lookbook!

The crème de la crème; the jewels within the Ban.do brand, is the ‘Black Label’ couture collection. This selection of hair bands start from about $200, but you really do get what you pay for. Big, Bold, Beautiful stand out, one off or limited edition hair pieces, which are delicate and unique in their own way. Save these bad boys for the extra special occasions…unless, you are one of those brave fashionista’s who are not afraid of a few stares (of admiration, no doubt) on the streets? Who wouldn’t want to wear these delicate pieces with names such as “She collects pretty things”, “Sunshine on an autumn princess” and “Last night in London”!

Ban.do: New Lookbook!

Next up there is the 1st born of the brand, the aptly named ‘Ban.do’ range which consists of more pretty hand made hair bands. Though not limited addition, these beauties feature classics and bestsellers from the original collection: floral and feather bejewelled pieces just for us! Ban.do’s latest line is the ‘Heart’ range specifically for those of us feeling a little cash strapped! Expect sweet, cutesy, easy to wear pieces, still all hand made, within this affordable range!

“…They make birthdays happier, and they are guaranteed to make you feel special and pretty…” as said by the minds behind Ban.do, couldn’t have put it better myself ladies! Check out the Ban.do web shop for all the hair goodies! Oh, and did I mention, every piece is accompanied by a handwritten haiku? How very, very cute! We love all the little details and personal touches that come with Ban.do!

Ears To The Street: Bow Out Gracefully. Frm Left to Right: Red Dress by ABS, Black dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, Sterling Silver lock from Tiffany, Stockings by Wolford, Bow Top by RED Valentino and Bow T-Shirt by Fendi.

Your presents aren’t the only thing that should be wrapped up this Holiday! You are the best gift of them all, so create the perfect package and tie it off with a bow, of course! There are so many adorable options to add to our look this Fall season. You can always go with the bow in the hair but why not wrap your toes in Louboutin bows or clutch a jewel crusted “gift” to hold your lipstick and cell. This holiday look toward your wrap and ribbon for wardrobe inspiration and bow out gracefully this year!

Ears To The Street: Bow Out Gracefully. Left to Right: Red Heels by Valention, Satin Bow heels by Louboutin, Swarovski Crusted clutch by Judith Leiber, Gloves by Dents, Red Patent Purse by Valentino.

Taking the word for “kiss” from each of their native languages partners Rana Shoar and Alejandra Hernandez, formed Boos & Besito…Boos comes from the Farsi language and Besito is Spanish. An eclectic mix of handmade goodies, Shoar and Hernandez offer up items made of recycled and deadstock vintage fabrics. No item retails for over $30, Hernandez explained this was a “recession reaction”…thank-you ladies, our wallets appreciate it! This was their first time showing the line and from the looks of things I think we’ll be seeing more from these ladies. From “Shoe Blooms”, fabric flowers for your footwear to bows for your hair, fringed trimmed scarves to slouchy “Booties” you’re sure to find something you love! For inquires on where to find, email the ladies at boosandbesito@gmail.com, tell them M.I.S.S. sent you

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Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2009

I’m a giant fan of Alexis Mabille, the man behind the Treizeor, famous for his fabulous bows.  His couture collection was very clean and simple and his program notes said it all:  “Let’s not be bothered with over-designed clothes.”  I’m a fan of simpicity and loved his color palette of red, purple, white and black (some of my favorite colors!).  Two standouts for me were the high-waisted trousers and the white wedding gown paired with a black veil.  I also loved the hair, which was inspired by a painting by Diego Rivera. Alexis Mabille is one of my favorite new designers and I can’t wait to see how he develops his line.

Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2009

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Cutie Dynamite is another brand I discovered at Chillin’ last weekend. I saw all the hair accessories on the table and immediately felt like I had landed in Candy Land and wanted to skip and twirl. Ok, so I didn’t twirl but I nearly jumped up and down when I saw all the cuteness that Cutie Dynamite had to offer. Andrea, the woman behind Cutie Dynamite, hand finishes the pieces herself. Most items are one of a kind and her hair accessories include: hats, fascinators, bows and frothy confections made from the finest materials. In fact, some of her materials are also hand screen printed original designs. Andrea loves to work with vintage velvets, lovely vintage flowers, lace, and Swarovski crystals. She also loves color so her pieces are not for the color-shy. Her inspiration is a combination of Gothic Lolita, Japanese street fashion and Victorian mourning. It all perfectly comes together in the amazingness that is Cutie Dynamite. Be sure to befriend Cutie Dynamite on myspace and lucky for you, you can purchase online! Her pieces range from $10 – $40 so they are very reasonable. She also does custom stuff so hit her up and get some Cutie Dynamite in your life.

More pics after the jump!
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This Spring we are expecting to see you ladies a bit more dolled up than usual! Adding a bit of high-class attitude to your looks by including a dressy element whether it be lady-like gloves, fancy-pants suspenders or trading-up your “59Fifty” for an old-world fedora. Here we’ve put together some key elements to “Puttin’ On the Ritz” this season. This phrase, “Puttin’ On the Ritz”, dates back to the 20’s/30’s and means to ‘dress very fashionably’. So let’s break-out the tulle trimmed hats, add a pair of spats to your look or a bow-tie to your hair and strut your stuff girl! Here’s a sneak peak…see the whole story after the jump!

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Alexis Mabille has the kind of fashion education and experience that most could only dream of. He graduated from the very fancy Chambre Syndicate de la Haute Couture Parisienne and has worked with John Galliano and Hedi Slimane at Dior. It’s only fitting that Mabille has become a favorite with his line of unisex bowties, Treizeor. Ladies can wear the bowties on their necks, hair, clothing – anywhere really. He even makes clothing and handbags – all of which incorporate bows. I love bows and this is a really beautiful and refreshing take on the classic little bow. I heart Treizeor!!

More pics of exquisite bows after the jump!
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