Cheryl Shops

One of my favorite party dresses is by Nicole Miller; it's strapless, bright magenta chiffon, and it never fails to draw compliments. In spite of that, I tend to associate Miller with a very tough, strong, sleek, sharply tailored silhouette; her daywear is very geared toward the New York woman, and by extension, it relies heavily on shades of black and gray. So imagine my surprise at her show on Friday, which delved into Miller's own '80s archives and was inspired by wheels in motion, i.e. bikes and skateboards—it was a lot of color and print, and once I got over my initial surprise, I found it superfun. It's definitely a younger, sportier influence for Miller, but it was interesting to see how she worked the theme into her signature trim sheath dresses and otherwise body-conscious separates. The prints were wild, and I am always a fan of bright color, but to avoid too much of a good thing, I think the most successful looks were the ones where the brightly printed pieces were paired with more subtle solids. It felt like a natural evolution of fall's colorblocking, and so far, bright '80s surfer-skater inspiration has been one of spring's biggest emerging trends, proving that Nicole Miller not only knows what's next but that she can show you how to wear it in a realistic, modern way.

Quick, grab the closest girl to you and ask her if she likes Rebecca Taylor. She said yes, right? There's something so feminine and yet not syrupy-sweet about her clothes that appeals to so many women; what's interesting to me is how she takes on current trends and makes them her own. Her spring collection injected pale neutrals with bold shocks of citrus colors, a combination you'll hear me mention frequently over the next week, and yet she wove in signature motifs like patchwork, floral prints, and sequins. I was particularly fond of the tuxedo pants and shorts—mercifully knee-length and thus actually wearable—especially when contrasted with lace details, and speaking of contrast, the sporty-jacket-with-girly-dress thing is alive and well at Rebecca Taylor, and, hey, if it ain't broke... You always hear about designers wanting to achieve the perfect balance of feminine and masculine, and while there's nothing revolutionary about the way Rebecca Taylor achieves it, she certainly gets it right.

Why am I putting Nicholas K and Tadashi Shoji together in one post? The long answer is that they pretty much run the gamut of what's shown during New York Fashion Week: Nicholas K makes grungy, casual, yet totally wearable and accessible sportswear while Tadashi Shoji makes equally accessible yet much fancier gowns for special occasions. The short answer is that these were the only two shows I went to on Thursday, the official start of Fashion Week. Aren't you glad you asked?

Nicholas K's layering-heavy look may be slightly formulaic, but its grunge ethos seems more aligned to fall/winter, so it's always interesting to see how they interpret their signature elements for warmer weather. In this case, it was lighter colors--ivory and cream, but also a dusty teal, a sea green, and even some tie-dyed indigo pieces. Transparency factored into the layers, making it all seem light in spite of the multiple components. Nicholas K's girl might put the plaid and leather away for the season, but her draped duster jackets and granny dresses are alive and well--albeit in more airy, diaphanous fabrics.

And while Nicholas K's slightly tomboyish customer is likely tuning her bass or challenging her cute downstairs neighbor to a game of pool at a bar somewhere in Williamsburg, Tadashi Shoji's is probably, at this moment, stepping out of her party dress, putting a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, and dreaming of the man she's going to marry. His über-feminine collection was inspired by tulips, which translated into lovely hand-painted fabrics, many with unexpectedly modern striped motifs, and petal-like details. Many styles featured widely flattering asymmetrical necklines; several of the tiered and blouson looks, however, only look good on models (and in the case of the blouson styles, even that is debatable). With embroidered lace, tulle, and silk chiffon throughout, it was all very light and dreamy and romantic--nothing like real-life romance for most of us, but that's the fantasy Tadashi Shoji is selling, and I think a lot of women out there will be buying it.

New York Fashion Week officially starts on a Thursday, but there are always shows the day before; in my case, I was invited to seven. So much for sticking to the calendar. Anyway, I take this day-before-the-official-start-date as an opportunity to ease myself into the Fashion Week schedule, and so I hit two low-key presentations that I was most interested in.

Mackage is probably best known for making strong, fashion-conscious, yet also timeless coats; they've eased into ready-to-wear in recent seasons, and, just like its outerwear, it perfectly toes the line between classic and current. It all seems designed to appeal to a wide range of people—not that there's anything wrong with that. Mackage stuck to a very neutral, if non-committal, palate of white, black, and beige, with nicely cut sheath dresses and slim pants. I was just starting to think of Mackage as the, well, beige of the contemporary market when I saw the look at right, which looks like it could've been designed just for me: a khaki motorcycle jacket with leather sleeves over a black dress with a pleated skirt (which is actually detachable). Who needs color when you can look this cool?

If Mackage is beige, then What Goes Around Comes Around is a psychedelic rainbow. A contemporary line designed by the owners of the eponymous vintage store in Soho. WGACA's shows take place at the Soho Grand, include free champagne (I can neither confirm nor deny whether I imbibed), and are produced by People's Revolution, thereby giving them a somewhat blasé downtown vibe. As for the clothes, they're equally off-kilter, but, much like the show, in a charming way. There were ponchos, maxi dresses, and, a trend that my inner Palm Springs doyenne hopes will come to fruition, caftans. What Goes Around Comes Around, indeed.

In case you haven't been following me on Twitter, I am, as usual, covering New York Fashion Week! Due to Fashion's Night Out last night and the ridiculously long Gen Art show tonight, I am a bit behind on reviews (as in I haven't written any at all yet) but anticipate cranking some out tomorrow. I'm changing up my coverage a bit; the exciting news is that I have a brand-new SLR camera that, I can report thus far, takes some pretty amazing photos. So please check back soon!

Leopard print cardigans are popping up in every store. You know the classic, long sleeve, round neck button ones. The one’s you’ll see on everyone from old Hollywood movies to our current celebrity starlets. But why settle for the staple when cool brands are creating original, more modernized versions that are absolutely rock star ready? Free People and Nasty Girl have created their own spin on the classic cardigan than will rival the style of any typical damsel. With unusual drapes and unforeseen fabrics, these two trendy finds will bring your current state of wardrobe boredom into a channel towards trendy, chic, hipster self-assurance. Wear it with cut off shorts for the last days of summer or layer it with a turtleneck when it comes time to start rocking fall-wear transitions. the Leopard Terry French Cardigan from Free People and the Nasty Gal Jersey Leopard Tie Cardigan will keep your style looking wild and carefree when you’re in the mood to step a little more outside of the box.

- Mira Torres

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

While being stuck inside for 48+ hours was probably not what I would have chosen to do last weekend if given the option, MW & I made lemons out of lemonade and got a bunch of stuff done around the apartment. I was a bit miffed to be missing the Bird warehouse sale, but, lo and behold, they've extended it through Wednesday to make up for lost time. Expect clothing for men & women from Bird's ever-hip roster of designers (think Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey, Alexander Wang, and the like) for up to 80% off. Through 8/31; noon-8; 316 5th Ave. (2nd & 3rd Sts.), Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Given the surplus of ridiculously cheap jewelry I've collected from Forever 21 and Old Navy (hey, it doesn't look as cheap as it is - at least not until the 10th wear, and by then it's practically bought itself!), I have a hard time justifying splurging on bangles and baubles. I mean, why spend so much money on a single piece of fine jewelry for myself when I can get a whole handful of faux trinkets for a fraction of the price? Of course, there are always exceptions... namely when a genius collaboration of designers births an accessories line so chic, I can't bear to pass it up, even if it goes against all my more practical budgeting plans. And the long-anticipated Lulu Frost for J. Crew collection is definitely one of those lines that's worth pushing frugality to the wayside. Incorporating all sorts of on-trend styles like chunky bangles, multi-colored enamel jazzed up with sparkling crystal accents, and bold geometric shapes, these updated Art Deco inspired pieces are the perfect contrast to the upcoming season's oversized sweaters, muted hues, and chunky knits! Plus, ranging in price from around $45 to $135, you can still indulge without feeling too impractical... plus, these pieces won't fall apart by the 12th time you wear them!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Fashion Week starts exactly two weeks from today, which means it's time to start planning my outfits! The challenge, as always, is finding footwear that strikes a balance between style and comfort; while I'd love for you to think I strut in 5-inch Louboutins from fashion shows to a private car, it's more like I hoof it by bus, subway, and foot from Lincoln Center to Chelsea and back. It's a glamorous life, I tell you. Anyway, I rely heavily on platforms and wedges during Fashion Week, and so I'm always on the lookout for a new pair. I'm not shy about my love of Jeffrey Campbell, and since he does those two categories quite well, I think these Fortuna platform sandals look quite promising. They combine a three-inch wedge heel with a 1.5-inch platform, which puts them just out of the flatform category--there's enough of a slope to be flattering, and what's essentially a 1.5-inch heel should be easy to walk in, especially with the slight upward angle at the front of the shoe. Another key to wearing a chunky wedge like this is having a light-colored sole--a darker color looks like cement blocks on your feet (thus making your legs look thicker), while something closer to one's skin tone color extends the leg visually. But a shoe's support doesn't come from the sole alone, and this one has lots of straps and a sturdy ankle that actually zips up the back. That said, the Fortuna is pretty stylish and, worn with the right outfit, will still hopefully get me snapped by the Japanese street fashion photographers (god only knows where those photos end up). And considering they're on sale for $99.95, I'd call this perfect marriage of style and comfort a Fashion Week–worthy bargain.

The Barneys Warehouse Sale is starting a bit late this year, and instead of running two-plus weeks, it's clocking in at a sleek twelve days, starting Thursday and ending Labor Day. Prices start at 50%-75% off, but no word yet on when additional discounts kick in; I'd advise checking Racked for the most updated information I'll probably head over midweek next week--follow me on Twitter for the latest. Of course,  please feel free to share your discoveries in the comments section below! 8/25-9/5; visit the above website for hours (they vary); 255 W. 17th St. (7th & 8th Aves.).

Ever since updated takes on the revived fad of 90s-tastic motorcycle jackets emerged on the scene, moto-inspired styles (even in the form of bags and jewelry) have proved to be quite the long-standing fashion force to be reckoned with. But despite the tough-girl coolness that automatically seems to come with a leather jacket, new updates on the style seek to show the softer side of the moto trend (literally and figuratively) with cozy-cool jersey versions of the hottest biker-gal trend. For starters, cozy up in this autumn-ready fleece moto from the Gap, or this denim-look french terry moto jacket from C&C California, which is perfect for pairing over leggings or even a casual dress to complete your effortlessly cool weekend look. On the flip side, balance your edgy-gal look by rocking your over-the-knee leather boots with a moto jacket that doesn't turn your ensemble into leather overkill; this Burberry London Jersey Jacket with leather trim has just the right amount of biker inspiration while still giving a new, more flexible spin on the style!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

If you've been in an NYC taxi anytime recently, you've likely seen snippets of Talk Stoop, an NBC talk show hosted by Cat Greenleaf and filmed on the front stoop of her brownstone, which happens to be on the same block on which I live. (Often when I come home from work, MW tells me who he's seen filming with our neighbor; recent guests have included Joss Stone and Danny Aiello.) A few doors down from Talk Stoop headquarters is the excellent Spangle Jewelry, which in recent months has begun selling T-shirts that say "Look up. Stop texting," which MW and I have adopted as shorthand for when we see a jerk walking down the street, eyes glued to his or her smartphone. It turns out the tees are the brainchild of Greenleaf herself, who's designing them under the handle Lustbklyn. Her mission is simple: Put down your phone, and start living in the now. Look Up Stop Texting = LUST. Get it? (Which, okay, as someone totally addicted to her iPhone, I should.) Prices range from $20 for kids' tees, women's tanks, and phone covers to $30 for men's tees, and you can even go analog and get a notepad for $6. But when it comes to reminding yourself to stop texting and start enjoying life, I think that's a totally reasonable price to pay, don't you?

As I predicted last week, Target has released lookbook images from the upcoming Missoni collection in stores September 13,  and all I have to say is, holy Missoni! There are clothes and accessories for men, women, and children, beauty accessories, linens, vases, dishes, office supplies, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and, yes, that bicycle. There is so much awesomeness, I can't show it to you all, lest I crash my site (Nitrolicious, on the other hand, who clearly has either an intern or a lot of spare time or both, has uploaded most of the lookbook.) But here are some of my most anticipated items from the collection.

Pretty much everything here is for sale, from the awesome $16 space-dyed tights to the iconic $39.99 miniskirt. 
 For the color-averse there are some more neutral pieces (there are even all black-and-white ones); the pumps here are $39.99, the dress ($54.99) is the most expensive part, and the cardigan is a downright bargain at $49.99.

More great pieces in shades of blue, from $16 for the tights to $69.99 for the puffer jacket.
 Think these silk scarves are a total bargain at $19.99 each!
 
There are all manner of makeup and weekend bags, from $9.99-$29.99.
Absolutely must have this $29.99 laptop sleeve!
For the home, these serving trays will spruce up your living or dining room for $19.99-$24.99.

A totally luxe duvet set (complete with shams!) for $99.99.

I'm perhaps most excited about the towels, just $10.99-$12.99 each! (The shower curtain, also noteworthy, is $34.99.)

And for the pimped-out roofdeck, an ultra-sleek outdoor furniture set for $599.99.
The items will be available, while supplies last, September 13 through October 22, although a handful of online-only items will be sold through the holiday season. I must say, I haven't been this excited about a Target collaboration in awhile!

If you want to satisfy your masstige fix now, Giles Deacon for Nine West is now available. As I predicted back in May, the shoes—particularly the Polly wedge and the Layla boot, pictured here—look the best. If sweet is more your style, however, it should be noted that this spring's Sophie Theallet collection is now 60% off; I'm thinking of ordering the Tinna espadrille in brown.

Finally, Catwalk Queen reports that Mark Fast is designing a footwear collection for Aldo. Fast, who created a line for Topshop last year, is no stranger to collaborations, and Aldo, which featured a line by Julian Louie earlier this year, it just dipping its toes (pun intended) into the masstige waters. No word yet on when the collection hits stores, but, as always, check back here for more masstige news.

Bo Concept is a favorite furniture resource of mine--the chic sleeper sofa in MW's office is from there, and I think of their wares as what you graduate to when you're too old to put together your own IKEA furniture. But at their sale on Wednesday, you can score floor samples for 60% off, which is almost like IKEA prices, plus 20% off select sofas, dining tables, chairs, and sideboards. Even better, they've invited all manner of indie designer friends over, so you can also score clothing and accessories by Stella & Dot, Torn by Ronny Kobo, SBNY, and more, too. And did I mention they'll also be serving snacks and drinks? Do you need any other reason to go? I think not! 8/17; 3-8 p.m.; 105 Madison Ave. (at 30th St.).

If you've been a fan of the casual-yet-chic desert boot trend -- more western and slightly edgier than the oxford styles, but with that same boyish charm -- or even if you weren't quite sold by the flat takes on the style, you may find a new obsession in this season's heeled versions! Without sacrificing the desert boot's laid-back feel that makes it so popular, these takes on the trend give the style a sophisticated update, while the added height makes the original low-key look significantly more strut-worthy while still keeping its comfort. Additionally, the suede finish makes the look a little more luxe, and somehow just manages to automatically scream 'Fall!' If you're not afraid of height or a nice chunky wedge, take a look at Tory Burch's 'Denise' wedge , but if you want the height without the blocky look, consider these Steve Madden lace-up Taara boots! For a more classic desert style, try Madewell's Suede Sandstorm Boot in a fall-festive shade like "Flint" or play it safe and stick with black like these 'Kallin' boots from Aldo for a pair that will carry you through the winter!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

At this time of year, when everything is on clearance, there's really no reason for you to pay full price for a pair of shoes. (Or for anything else, for that matter.) And yet, a coworker of mine had on the most chic, low-key, perfect summer sandals, which she gladly divulged were from Madewell and are apparently so coveted, they don't have to be marked down. They are the Whistlestop sandal, and with a totally manageable 1-1/2" heel, chic buckled design, and soft Italian calfskin straps, I'd venture they're worth the $128 price tag. My coworker claims they're incredibly comfortable, and she ended up wearing them all over Italy, home to some of the most fabulous footwear on the planet. These are the kind of sandals that become instant favorites in one's shoe wardrobe; had I found these two months ago, I would have totally given up on my other summer shoes by now. It may be August, but you can still get a good month's worth of wear from these, and I'd venture that their understated look will stick around for seasons to come. Which means there's a good reason this style isn't on sale: It doesn't have to be.

Considering Missoni for Target hits stores in just about a month (September 13, to be exact), it's time for a first look at the campaign images! Because I'm Addicted has 'em, and let me just say, that Missoni bike was no pipe dream! And the rugs, the vases, the linens...it all looks awesome! I can only hope they have sheets and towels--I've been lusting after the real deal for years now (adding to my list of things I should have registered for...).

I'm expecting full collection images any day now and will post lookbook shots as soon as I have them!

In parsing the name of the contemporary label Haute Hippie, I'd say the line is definitely more haute than hippie, with dresses running to the mid-to-high three figures. At their sample sale this week, prices will hopefully be more hippie-esque; the weeklong event boasts archive pieces, original samples, and current-season merch in a variety of sizes. Through 8/12; 11-6; 336 W. 37th St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

It's funny how the act of putting a designer's name in front of a "so-so" concept can make the idea or trend suddenly sound vastly more glamorous. For example, a backpack - not that exciting, right? In fact, it sounds rather unappealing.... unless you're really into backpacking in the wilderness or are one of those crazy people who can't wait for school to start up again. Leather backpack - slightly more luxe, but still not all that tempting. I mean, I'd still rather stick to my trusty satchel. But an Alexander Wang leather backpack? Suddenly a highly-covetable must-have. To be fair, even without the boy wonder's high-profile name and design prowess behind it, the bag itself is quite awesome. Smooth, ultra-soft leather, very on-trend drawstring closure, plenty of pockets, convertible straps (so you don't have to use it as a backpack), a hint of rocker-chic flair with exposed zippers and silver hardware, plus it comes in three versatile colors: black, gray, and a cool muted teal. The only problem is that it also comes with a hefty $850 price tag... but hey, that aforementioned designer name doesn't come cheap!

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Sometimes when I write about certain products here on Cheryl Shops, I wonder if any of you, dear readers, will buy them. I wonder about this, because I totally buy things I see on other blogs! This happens especially with personal style blogs (you know, the ones with gratuitous photos of bloggers wearing supercool, sometimes overstyled outfits); all it takes is a beautiful shot of something and I'm typing in my credit card number faster than you can say blogspot. (Which brings me to the inevitable question, should I be taking photos of myself? This makes me nervous for a number of reasons, but as time goes on, I have a feeling it might be unavoidable.) Case in point: the photo at right of Bee from Atlantic-Pacific sent me straight to DVF.com, where, unfortunately, her Ethyl wrap maxi dress is sold out. (If you like the print, however, I suggest the equally delicious Maximos, coincidentally on sale.) Here's the Ethyl in a different print--it's more dreamy rather than graphic, and I think it perfectly captures that '70s-bohemian-in-Laurel-Canyon moment that's happening in fashion right now. At full price, DVF dresses require a bit of an investment, but think of the robust market for vintage DVF--her designs are so timeless, they never go out of style. Which is more than you can say for much of what personal style bloggers wear (Jeffrey Campbell Lita, I'm looking at you).