Cheryl Shops

When & Where: Friday, February 11 at 6 p.m., the Studio, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: As soon as I read Nicole Miller's show notes, I knew I was going to like her fall collection—the first line was, "Angles over curves with a menswear influence." And that's a very succinct way of describing what was a mixture of geometric digital prints and piecework paired with soft, slouchy paperbag pants and asymmetrical shapes. There was a warrior-esque vibe throughout and a definite futuristic bent, complete with shiny techno fabrics and pointy pailettes. It all felt very forward-thinking and yet comfortable at the same time.
Standout Look: My camera died halfway through the show, but here's an example of the contrast Miller worked up, between the fitted, shimmery, triangular-detailed top and a more fluid, softer pair of wide-leg trousers. I loved the rich cobalt blue she used in the first few looks (the only other color in the show was in a series of persimmon-red looks at the end); using color so sparingly makes such a striking impact.
Bonus Points: I know I say this every time, but Nicole Miller is one of the few designers who puts my name on my seat (normally there's just a number). It's a little gesture, but it says a lot.
Where to Buy: Find a store here.

When & Where: Friday, February 11 at 3 p.m., the Theatre, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: Having attended Rebecca Minkoff's presentations since they were held in her showroom, I feel a bit of kinship toward her; now that she's showing in the Theatre, the biggest venue at Lincoln Center, I almost feel like a proud parent—my baby has hit the big time! Now with a full-fledged ready-to-wear business, Minkoff's fall collection was inspired by model-turned-musician Charlotte Kemp Muhl, who performed live at the show with her boyfriend, Sean Lennon (yes, that Sean Lennon). Muhl's look is very downtown-bohemian, and so the collection had a bit of It Girl-ness to it, but in a more refined, sellable (read: heavy on black) way. I find Minkoff has always had a talent for jackets, and so there were some gorgeously beaded numbers, some softy draped ones, a sexy motorcycle jacket or two, a gorgeous fur-trimmed trench, and even a cape. As for the rest, there were some vintage-looking printed pieces, printed pants (a big trend so far this season), and a hot pair of leather shorts, all of which had a chic polish, in spite of their free-spirited inspiration.
Standout Look: Is this a sweater? A dress? A tunic? Whatever it is, I want it. (For the record, the show notes say it's a sweater.) The color was warm and autumnal, and I love the super-exaggerated cowl neckline.
Bonus Points: This show was ridiculously packed with celebs: Jessica Szhor, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Nicola Peltz (Chuck's new love interest) from Gossip girl, Katrina Bowden from 30 Rock, Kat DeLuna, Louise Roe, Agyness Deyn, the rapper Eve, and Lo and Stephanie from The Hills were all front row.
Where to Buy: Click here for stores.

When & Where: Friday, February 11 at 2 p.m., the Stage, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: Count Rebecca Taylor among the designers who love the '70s, but what's unique about her interpretation of the Me Decade is its femininity and wearability—quiet floral prints and ruffled chiffon dresses paired with cozy sweater dresses and plush fur coats and vests. Lurex knits and beaded floral gowns lent a bit of disco fabulousness to the collection, but it all kept true to Taylor's sweet signature aesthetic.
Standout Look: Bold color (often mixed with another bright) is an emerging trend so far for fall, and this dress definitely caught my attention (hey, what can I say--I'm a sucker for magenta). I love the sequined flowers too--in theory, you could get away with wearing this for day, but I really think it's perfect for nighttime (and bonus points for sleeves!).
Bonus Points: Taylor upgraded to the larger Stage venue and switched days this season, allowing me to attend this show (normally Mina covers it for me) and have a seat. With so many fans of the line, I'd say this was a smart move!
Where to Buy: Click here for stores.

Where & When: Saturday, February 12 at 10 a.m., Exit Art
Runway Recap: Libertine's fall collection played with permutations of cross-hatched prints, saturated colors, sequins & shimmer, grayscale, and abrupt pants hems. Each ensemble brought a burst of charisma to the runway, despite the models' neutral presentation. Some of the grayscale outfits resembled newsprint or a canvas with paint roller marks across it.
Standout Look: Printed red/blue samurai wrap with larger-than-life puff sleeves.
Bonus Points: Vibrant high-heeled oxfords paired with shimmery printed tights! I would love to rock this look in real life.
Where to Buy: Find store locations here.

Porter Grey
A contemporary line found at the likes of Shopbop, Porter Grey has a slightly girly vibe, but with an interesting edge. There were a lot of sculpted coats, richly colored and printed silk dresses, and sexier fitted dresses with cutout details. It was kind of something-for-everyone, but when it all looks this good, who cares?

Mara Hoffman
Late start aside, a very pregnant Mara Hoffman herself presided over her Thursday-afternoon presentation, which included a live band and carried a very mystical-spiritual vibe. She complemented her signature kaleidoscopic prints with thick knits and detail like braiding, cutouts, and hoods. Fans will snap up the sexier maxi dresses and cozy sweater jackets.



Jonathan Simkhai
By the time I got to Jonathan Simkhai's presentation, I had had two glasses of wine and was eager to continue celebrating at the IFB Conference after-party. So it was fortunate that the models were rotating spots so quickly--I was able to see the entire collection in about 5 minutes. The problem was that I didn't give the collection a proper look; thankfully, that's why I take pictures of everything! Simkhai's reform-school-girls of spring have evolved into a more sophisticated, refined level for fall. There are still beautifully tailored pieces and a strong preppy influence, but Simkhai added sexy cutout dresses and richer-looking fabrics to the mix.

Dannijo
Finally, on Tuesday evening, Dannijo held a roaring '20s–meets–True Grit presentation to show their increasingly intricate and layered jewelry. Littered with Swarovski crystals and featuring bold Art Deco shapes, the line is evolving from its edgy, piled-on-chains roots. These are definitely statement pieces, but I liked that they showed them with not-so-basic clothing, proving that jewelry doesn't have to overpower the rest of one's outfit.

Where & When: Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m., the Stage, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: Name Christian Siriano and I can almost guarantee the first thing that comes to mind for most people is that gorgeous asymmetrical couture gown he designed with Chris March during Project Runway. It does for me, and while there's no question Siriano can design major red carpet gowns, well, he needs to pay the bills sooner or later. His Payless shoe line definitely helps with that, but what he really needs to do is sell clothes. He is--I spotted execs from Saks and Neiman Marcus in the audience--and for fall, he really stepped it up with retail-friendly looks. In other words, a lot of black. It was a bit more subdued than Siriano's usual Ferocia Coutura extravaganzas, but his workmanship is clearly skilled--everything looked expensive, particularly a leather jacket with Mongolian lamb sleeves and a leather-trimmed shawl-collar jacket. He lightened up toward the end with a series of gowns in moss green and mauve; this is where the black orchid theme of the collection really came to fruition.
Standout Look: Due to Siriano's penchant for dramatic lighting, more than half of my photos are somewhat hard to see. So, instead, here's one of my favorite gowns: strapless with a solid pleated bodice and a beautifully printed skirt that floated around the model's body like a cloud.
Bonus Points: My first celeb sightings of Fashion Week, Siriano's front row included the somewhat random and yet awesome collection of Mena Suvari, Gabrielle Union (Bring It On!), and Alexa Chung, my girl-crush du jour.
Where to Buy: Find store locations here.

When & Where: Thursday, February 10 at 4 p.m., the Studio, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: Tadashi Shoji tends to be inspired by accessible, natural things like light, trees, birds, etc., and his fall collection was no exception--the theme was the harmony of Far East gardens, and while the references might not always be glaringly obvious (which, I think is actually a good thing), they definitely work for Shoji. His dresses are beautifully made and quietly elegant; each one is like a zen masterpiece. For fall, he showed a series of jewel-toned draped wool jersey and silk crepe day dresses, transitioning into evening with strapless feather-fringed cocktail dresses, and finally into gathered Grecian-style silk chiffon gowns and embellished organza showstoppers. I thought the simpler looks were more successful and more interesting than the embellished ones, but overall it was, as they say, a very sellable collection.
Standout Look: The series of pleated silk chiffon gowns were my favorite in the show--there's just something so classic and ethereal about this type of dress, and yet the warm yellow hue (sunglow, as Shoji called it) looks fresh and modern.
Bonus Points: One of my favorite models, Bruna Tenorio, walked in the show, and her angular beauty was the perfect complement to the softness of the dresses.
Where to Buy: Click here to find a store.

When & Where: Thursday, February 10 at noon, Milk Studios
Runway Recap: While waiting for Vena Cava's show to start, I tweeted that the music (specifically Happy Mondays' "Step On") was taking me right back to 1994--and, as it turned out, I was entirely correct about the year Sophie Buhai and Lisa Maycock had in mind when designing this collection. While not exactly an about-face from the duo's Memphis-inspired minimalism for spring, it was an evolution of that minimalism, albeit with a very strong nod to the sexy, Calvin Klein supermodel minimalism of the mid '90s. In other words: slinky matte jersey, shrugs, chokers (by Dannijo), square necklines, and cropped tops. Steeped in nostalgia, it completely took me back to my days as a Contempo Casuals salesgirl; the unfortunate aspect of this is that if you've worn it the first time around, you're too old for the second time. Maybe I can make an exception to that rule.
Standout Look: From the knit black tank and matching shrug to the striped kilt-like skirt, this is totally an outfit my teenage self would have loved. All that's missing is a pair of Dr. Martens.
Bonus Points: The well-stocked gift bag contained Proper Attire condoms (in packaging designed by Vena Cava), hand lotion, toothpaste and toothbrush, nail polish, and 'Zina Cava, a zine detailing the collection's mid-'90s inspiration.
Where to Buy: Click here for store locations.

When & Where: Thursday, February 10 at 9 a.m., the Studio, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: For Nicholas K, the grunge era never ended, but the news for fall is that the duo has introduced velvet and tiered ruffles into the mix. Of course, there were still army jackets, plaid shirts, draped knits, and slouchy pants galore, particularly in newer patchwork-jodhpur motifs--all strong pieces for fans of the line's Seattle-chic look. 
Standout Look: Several looks carried a True Grit vibe, as in this dusty plaid ensemble, whose tiered skirt creates a slightly petticoat-like effect. It's still grungy, but an interesting way to explore new ways to wear it.
Bonus Points: All the female models wore flat-platform combats boots, which many struggled with and caused one model to take a full-on, all-fours spill, from which she gracefully recovered. Hey, the show must go on!
Where to Buy: Find a store here.

When & Where: Wednesday, February 9 at 6 p.m., Soho Grand Hotel
Runway Recap: What Goes Around Comes around is a contemporary line spawned by the legendary vintage store in Soho, and so you'd generally expect a retro vibe; their fall collection was heavy on '70s references, with chubby faux furs, floating maxi skirts, and floppy hats. It's all a sure shot for fans of rocker-bohemian vintage looks who don't actually want to wear vintage. I'd just advise not to wear anything with the cherry-red patent sandals and white cotton ankle socks as styled on the runway--too Pretty Baby.
Standout Look: The faux-fur vest here is called the Dickinson and the jumpsuit is the Racquel--references to some of the '70s' sexiest icons. And like both of those ladies, this look successfully manages to toe the line between sexy and slightly trashy.
Bonus Points: The setting was incredibly intimate: we sat around the tables in the Soho Grand's lounge (famed critic Lynn Yaeger was seated at mine) and drank pink champagne, and the models helpfully paused and turned throughout the makeshift runway. It was the perfect way to ease into the beginning of Fashion Week.
Where to Buy: Shop online or click here for stores.

Once again, I'll be covering New York Fashion Week, which officially starts tomorrow but unofficially started yesterday. I'll post reviews starting tomorrow night, but for real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Cheryl Shops on Facebook. I've resolved to go to more parties this season, so it should be an interesting week. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the tents!

If LF Stores were a blogger, they'd be Rumi Neely of fashiontoast: trendy, with a rocker-girl persona mixed with a carefree bohemian spirit. And, indeed, she often cites the store as a favorite place to shop. It's one of the best sources of crazy high Jeffrey Campbell platforms, but LF also stocks a healthy assortment  of trendy separates and accessories. Truth be told, it's a slightly more mature, refined version of Forever 21, with prices that are likewise slightly elevated. So I tend to stick to their twice-yearly sales, when prices go to 60% off retail--and, yes, that includes shoes. I'm going to hit the Flatiron location to stock up cool-girl statement pieces to supplement my Fashion Week wardrobe; additional stores include Soho and Cobble Hill. The sale generally runs through the end of February; click here for store locations.

Once saved for formal business occasions or high-pressure power lunches, blazers have quickly transformed into a goes-with-anything wardrobe staple. Seriously -- throw one on with a jeans and a t-shirt and you've sky-rocketed your look about 10 points up the fashion scale. Pair the same blazer with a pencil skirt for your Monday meeting and you're dressed to impress! However, we move into spring, your favorite jacket won't necessarily grow tired, but it's time to give the blazer some seasonal touches! Everyone went crazy over the resurgence of chambray and denim jackets last spring, and this year they'll stay prominent but with some fresh updates. What's especially great about denim blazers, as opposed to your average tuxedo jacket or denim moto, is that they boast that easy-to-wear, breezy vibe yet still look manage to look polished and not too casual. Nab a military-inspired denim blazer like this vintage-inspired one by 7 For All Mankind, or go for a sleeker, more tailored look like this Isabella Oliver 365 chambray boyfriend blazer. For something a bit more casual, I love this Gap denim blazer, which is comfortable and flattering with cinched details in all the right places.

- Alex Gambardella

VOTE for your fave Fashion Facebook Page, Twitter, Blog, and more during this year’s Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards to be announced at an awards ceremony during New York Fashion Week!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Fashion Week starts next Thursday, and the last time I checked, there's roughly three feet of snow on the ground with more to come. Now, I try not to get all wrapped up in wearing amazing outfits and getting photographed by the street-fashion photographers, but when you're around so many fabulously-dressed folk, well, the last thing you want to wear is a puffer jacket and Uggs. Footwear is a particularly distressing element; I have a vast wardrobe of booties and even sandals that I can wear with tights, but I wouldn't dare subject them to the sleet, slush, and salt currently spread all over the sidewalks. So I am contemplating splurging on this special-edition pair of Dr. Martens Darcie boots. I owned two pairs of Doc Martens in high school (the height of the grunge era), and I still have them--the shoes are virtually indestructible, which leads me to believe that they'd hold up well in the snow--this style even more so due to the heel and platform. The printed calf hair makes them look very fashiony, however (fashion people love hairy, furry things!), and it helps that they've been anointed by the high temple of cool, Opening Ceremony, where this particular pair is an exclusive. While the price tag is a little daunting, they have my size, which is a plus, and if I need these for work (hey, Fashion Week is work!), they're a tax-deductable expense, right?

For a slightly more wallet-friendly option, there's the regular Darcie, which, at $99.98 for the just-as-cool black patent style, seems like a veritable bargain (and a perhaps more weatherproof one at that).

As loyal Cheryl Shops readers know, I like my jewelry big, edgy, and subversive. Chains, Gothic influences, ethnic inspiration, raw-looking stones--the more the better. So of course I love DANNIJO, which is a semiprecious line created by sisters Danielle & Jodie Snyder; for lack of a better word, it has a very downtown vibe, but I find it pretty accessible (it's sold at the decidedly uptown Saks and Bergdorf's for one). And at their one-day sale Tuesday, it's even more accessible, with prices starting at just $10. I suggest leaving work just a bit early. 2/1; 5:30-7:30 p.m.; 423 W. 14th St. (9th Ave. & Washington St.), #3R.

Is the fashion world really ready for leopard print booties? Designers like Pucci, Balmain, and Stuart Weitzman seem to think so (or at least, they're ready!), but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the concept. It's fair to say that booties are here to stay, and leopard print is definitely making a big comeback after a temporary banishment to the realm of trashy fads, but leopard booties seem a bit... much. I suppose that is the point, and after seeing those big leopard faux fur coats everyone was going crazy about last winter, I shouldn't be surprised. After all, given society's fascination with making the intentionally tacky into something cool (dare I mention Jersey Shore?), animal print booties are hardly something to raise an eyebrow at... but that doesn't mean I have the guts to rock 'em. However, if I were to muster up the courage to walk on the wild side (ha!), I'd definitely go with one of the pairs I'm wrangled up. From the sexy bandaged bootie from Stuart Weitzman to the wrapped printed chiffon courtesy of Elizabeth & James, these select styles make the trend seem almost easy to wear, even to a skeptic like me!

Shown above: Luxury Rebel 'Lianna' Leopard Print Booties, Elizabeth & James Chiffon Leopard-Print Bootie, Stuart Weitzman 'Kilgore' Leopard Print Bootie, and Charlotte Russe Leopard Ruffle Front Peeptoe Bootie.

- Alex Gambardella

Nominate your favorite fashion brand for the Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards by February 1st!

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Just when I thought I was Masstiged out, there are some new and exciting collaborations to look forward to this year. First up, more details have emerged on Calypso for Target, and Racked has word that, based on the press preview, it looks very promising. First of all, this is a "lifestyle" collaboration, a la Liberty of London last year, so there are clothes and accessories, plus items for children and the home, all with Calypso's signature bohemian-bourgeois aesthetic. Racked also notes that--haleluah!--the collection is heavy on soft cotton voile with some silk and linen thrown in. As you guys know, my biggest complaint about the Target lines tends to be about the janky fabrics, so this is welcome news. And all for $1.99-$59.99! My calendar is marked for May 1st--May Day indeed!

Also hitting stores May 1st is Sophie Theallet's line for Nine West, which is actually part of a bigger initiative called...wait for it...Shoelaborations. According to WWD [subscription required], Theallet's line will be priced similarly to Nine West's usual fare ($79-$109), and she'll be followed by Giles Deacon in fall 2011. (Whenever I hear of Giles Deacon, I think of Henry Holland's cheeky "Get your freak on Giles Deacon" T-shirt. But I digress.) Of the images released so far--a straw bag and an espadrille-ish heel--the line looks very summery and chic. Which, considering the weather outside, is practically making my mouth water.

In even more exciting shoe news, H&M is collaborating with Swedish Hasbeens, a line of which I am quite fond. No boots--this is a summer line--but lots of chic sandals, and at just $59.99-$69.99, they're less than a third of what the real deal costs. Fashionista has photos of the entire collection, which hits H&M stores on April 20; I have my eye on these strappy red sandals.

Finally, if you just can't wait till spring to get your Masstige on, Racked has the full scoop on the latest +J collection, which hit Uniqlo stores this morning. Word is that it's selling briskly and heavy on Egyptian cotton. As they say, shop early and shop often...

Once again, there's more than one noteworthy sale this week, so I'm listing all the sales that are piquing my interest. Consider me the gift that keeps on giving.

Fall and winter samples and overstock from grungy-cool Nicholas K are at least 60% off retail. 1/26-1/29; 9-8 W, 9-9 T-F, 10-8 S; 41 Wooster St. (Grand & Broome Sts.).

Lisa Perry's mod-revivalist clothing & accessories are 60%-80% off, with one-of-a-kind samples for 20% off. 1/26-1/31; 979 Madison Ave. (76th & 77th Sts.).

Find Cynthia Rowley clothes & accessories for up to 80% off this weekend at her Bleecker Street Store. 1/27-1/30; 10-8 Th-F, 11-8 S-S; 376 Bleecker St. (Perry & Charles Sts.).

Clothingline is hosting Showroom Seven's sample sale this week, with prices 50% off wholesale on cool labels like Issa London (Kate Middleton's favorite!), Charlotte Ronson, and Tony Cohen. Through 1/27; 11-7; 261 W. 36th St. (7th & 8th Aves.), 2nd fl.

At the SPACE NK Semi-Annual Sale, discontinued items from Darphin, Jurlique, Caudalie, Eve Lom, and other pricey beauty brands are up to 75% off. 1/27-1/29; 8-8 Th, 10-7 F-S; 99 Greene St. (Prince & Spring Sts.).

Considering how cold it's been, now's as good a time as any to get a fur coat (or vest, clothes, accessories, and more) by Dennis Basso. Credit cards only; leave strollers and children under 12 at home. 1/29-2/2; 9-6:30; 317 W. 33rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.).

Finally, head over to Tracy Reese's Meatpacking District shop on Wednesday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Haitian earthquake. The event will feature exclusive Hatian designs, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a 15% discount on all non-sale Tracy Reese apparel. 10% of the proceeds will benefit the earthquake relief. 1/26; 6-9 p.m.; 641 Hudson St. (Horatio & Gansevoort Sts.).

Just when I think I've finished rounding out my seasonal wardrobe with the perfect balance of cardigans and heavier coats, it's time to move on and embrace the next season on everyone's fashion radar. Such is life for an insatiable stylista, I suppose! But instead of throwing all the current season's outerwear to the wayside for the sake of looking forward to what spring has in store, I'm all about adding the perfect transition pieces and lightweight jackets for that awkward in-between weather (and layering!) the next few months have to offer. While strong-shouldered tuxedo jackets may have taken the past few seasons by storm, this season blazers are getting a softer, more feminine emphasis with the help of peplum hemlines. The ultra-girlie skirted detail provides shape to a streamlined look and a flirty feel to otherwise straight-edge office ensembles. It's fitted where it needs to be to emphasize the slimmest part of your figure, but still provides plenty of breathing room below the waistline for a look that's feminine but still sleek!

Pictured above: Juicy Couture Burnout Peplum Blazer, LOFT Everyday Blazer, and J. Crew Super 120s Peplum Jacket.

- Alex Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

 This is the time of year when winter clothes start to disgust me. I'm not entirely sick of my own clothes (yet--that tends to come toward the end of February), but nothing in the stores is exciting. Seeing so many racks of sad, bedraggled clothes that no one wants doesn't exactly inspire me to shop. So I think of January as a time to start plotting what to buy for spring. And because, as I mentioned earlier, I'm trying to behave myself financially this month, everything here is under $100. So start shopping--everything here is "wear now," as they say.

Clockwise from top left:

In this article in last week's Thursday Styles section, Brandon Holley, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky, noted that the magazine will be ditching the bohemian look it made famous. Which, because I'm a rebel, made me want to go totally bohemian for spring. (And, also, the spring runways were all over the boho look.) This hat is totally J.Lo circa 2002, but it's inexpensive and chic, and you're totally going to wear it all summer long. Elona Floppy Hat, $20

This necklace is called Calamity Jewel, which kind of makes me laugh. Also, I don't see statement necklaces going away anytime soon. This one is over-the-top, in a Bollywood kind of way, and so it's guaranteed to perk up whatever you're wearing. Calamity Jewel Necklace, $24

This leather jacket is on sale (and is only left in black now) but its lighter weight and soft, draped shape makes it a great transitional piece. BB Dakota Cartersville Leather Jacket, $74

As soon as I saw it in the Free People catalog that came last week, I became completely obsessed with this crochet tunic, and I'm clearly not the only one, because it's almost sold out in black and ivory (all sizes remain available in lavender).  Let's hope they restock. Engineered Crochet Tunic, $98

This tote is pretty much a knockoff of Vanessa Bruno's signature sequined canvas style, but for what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in price: at $14.50, you could easily buy one in every color. Women's Sequin-Trim Canvas Tote, $15

I've mentioned this before, but I really need to get a pair of nude platform pumps. This Sam Edelman pair looks good, and the price is right (and they still have my size left).  Sam Edelman Niland platform pumps, $95

I've been wearing skinny jeans for close to 10 years, and if there's a pair out there that gets me to try the '70s flare silhouette that's all over the place for spring, it's likely these Gap flare jeans. I love the slightly higher rise, and these look just fitted enough through the hips, thighs, and knees so as to not make one's thighs look like tree trunks.  Gap High rise flare jeans (faded dark wash), $70

Finally,  as someone who changes fragrance as often as underwear, I can attest that scent can greatly alter your mood. There's something fresh and blossoming yet warm and comforting--and, yes, certainly a little bohemian--about Jo Malone's Vanilla and Anise perfume. Vanilla & Anise Cologne, $55