Trend: Fancy Back Earrings

I think the rule of three can be thrown out here and detailed earring backs can be fully considered a trend. The first piece in this category that I was really drawn to was Pamela Love's Lapis Spike Earring that I wrote about in May. Since then I placed my order for a pair on Moda Operandi and have watched the trend grow. The styles of these earrings run the gamut from understated to over the top, but one thing's for sure; the arm party has moved North.

Delfina Deltetrez Red Mouth and Pearl Earring, Wendy Nichol Black Diamond Pyramid Back Stud, Pristine Earring, Givenchy Pearl and Jet Strass Magnetic Tusk Earring, Gylda Chainsaw Earring, A.L.C. Brass and Screw Stud, Pamela Love Spike Earring

Prediction: Look Ma, No Hands

One trend that I've been thinking about for a little while and noticed quite a few times at Fashion Week was a conspicuous lack of purses. Stylish ladies are forgoing carryalls in favor of the just the bare essentials carried casually in their pockets or in a belt pouch (chic fanny pack anyone?). Jenna Lyons carried just her keys on her belt loop and Amber Venz accessorized with an adorable Chanel belt.

I like the Givenchy's necklace version of the pouch. Although I can't get on board with a Blackberry holder, it's 2012. DVF also serves up a minimalist modern belt that would look very cool on a girl with no hips. Chanel and Mulberry have great options as well.

Photos via Jak and Jil, Venzedits
Givenchy Blackberry Holder Necklace, Diane von Furstenberg Arianna Pocket Leather Belt, WGACA Vintage Chanel Belt, Mulberry Bayswater Belt Bag

Need: Shark-Inspired Jewelry

Speaking of shark tooth jewelry...I'm obsessed. I've always loved the beachy feel, but thanks to Ricardo Tisci I can pretend it's high fashion too.

Clockwise: Fallon Jewelry Shark Attack Necklace,  HidenSeek Shark Ring, Catbird Thorn Necklace, Pade Vivra Shark Tooth Necklace

I am aware that the Catbird Thorn isn't technically a shark tooth, but I have it and people always mistake it for one, so I figure it passes.

Photos via Vogue.com

Givenchy Spring 2012-Inspired Nails

When I first saw Givenchy Spring 2012 runway I thought, "get me some shark teeth" first and then, "what the heck is on their eyes." It turned out to be one of the more innovative beauty looks of the season designed by makeup genius Pat McGrath. I recreated the silver half sequin look by painting a base coat of Essie Lady Like and then painting a half-circle at the tip with Chanel Kaleidoscope. I think it would look cool to just do the half-circle tip with a clear base as well.

Photos by Mark Iantosca and Vogue.com

Givenchy Resort 2012-Inspired Nails

When I heard that Sophie from The Illustrated Nail was in town, I knew I had to get an appointment. My nail doodles don't even compare to the nail art that she creates. For the special occasion I chose a collection that I've been coveting for a while, but didn't think I could due justice on my own: Givenchy Resort 2012. Riccardo Tisci knows his way around a print and for resort he created surprisingly sophisticated optical tropical prints and one floral camo. Sophie recreated the orchids, birds of paradise, and camo to a T. It was super fun to get my nails done by someone else and I couldn't have been happier with the results.

Bonus: I ran into Matt from Style.com while I was getting them done at Seagull Salon in the West Village and my nail project got a mention on their Beauty Counter blog.

Photos by Mark Iantosca and Vogue.com

Fashion For the Dogs

Balenciaga : German Shepherd

Givenchy : Doberman

 

Just to clarify, because I've made this mistake before...

Fashionista Fall Shopping

While I absolutely love seasonal shopping features, I don't often find full looks that fit my style. A great bag here, a cute dress there is fine, but strong full looks are more rare than you would think. This is why I am obsessed with Fashionista's fall shopping feature. Especially the picks by Lauren and Dhani. Lauren gets the fun side of fashion (major fashion like Proenza and Givenchy) that is chic and never stuffy. Dhani's look is more ladylike, but still young. I could see wearing these pieces from the weekend into the office for years. And that coat is just perfection. Props to J.Crew for the (not so) subtle product placement as well.

Via Fashionista

Couture Week's Got Your Back

Last season I predicted that back shots of runway looks were going to be a big deal. Low and behold here are images from the Givenchy and Valentino Fall 2011 Couture shows.

Photos via Vogue.com and Pat McGrath