John Galliano and Oscar De la Renta collaboration

Fashion mavens throughout the world rejoiced when it was announced that American designer Oscar De la Renta had invited John Galliano to take up a temporary residency at his design studio. Galliano has since been MIA in the fashion industry since 2011 for his anti-semitic outbursts at a French cafe, that sent shock around the world. At the time of Galliano's downfall, many in the industry claimed that the former creative director of Dior will never work another day in fashion again, until now. Galliano is not just a creative genius when it comes to making clothing; he makes his pieces come to life, everything in which he designs has a story to tell about a romantic, modern day confident, and powerful woman ready to take the world by storm in his designs. Woman just fall in love with the allure and sexiness of his clothing.

In the recent months, John Galliano's name has become the buzz word of the moment in the fashion industry. Many of the likes such as Anna Wintor, Grace Coddington, and Alexandra Schulman have started to publicly support the former Dior designer. It was Wintor herself that suggested De la Renta to allow Galliano to formally work in his studio and lend a creative hand in his up and coming collections. Oscar agreed whole heartily, hence his Fall 2013 collection where even though John was not physically present at the show, his presence could most certainly be felt in the collection. Many of the opening suits in the show bore a powerful resemblance, mainly in the styling. Belts were knotted at the waist rather than buckled, the wool felt cloche hats were perfectly placed atop the models heads, the toile patterns on the quilted day dresses and the floral jacquard jackets in a cocoon shape were very familiar to those that follow Galliano's work. The end of the show is what killed it for all watching and left many with jaws dropped. The duo sent models down the runway with wet matted hair, lipstick styled in a watery pout, and breathtakingly beautiful ball gowns ranging from astonishing hues of shocking pink, teal, and mulberry. An echo of Galliano's past work in Pairs.

Words cannot begin to describe how remarkable the show was. However, Oscar's show will raise more questions than answers as to whats next for not only Galliano, but De la Renta himself and his line. I predict that the industry, slowly but surely, will begin to see the light of Galliano coming back into the fashion world; so sit tight fashionistas and you know what they say, good things come to those who wait. 

Who needs Jack when you've got Jill

For her fall 2013 collection, Jill Stuart mused over the modern aristocratic Brit and all the grand parties that she's invited to. "I was thinking about the beautiful dinners and the charades she and her friends play, and the great performances they'd see at the end of the night," Stuart said in a backstage interview before her show. Known from her youthful, vintage-inspired designs Stuart sent her models down the runway in rich girly girl frocks with a twist of dark romanticism. The designer stuck to mostly dark hues which included black, navy, and white with pops of color effortlessly added in with just the right touch of cool. The devil was in the detail this season for Stuart, paying close attention to her fabrics. There were tailored wool jackets and topcoats that any gal would want to slip into with exaggerated lapels, sculpted arms, and hook-and-eye closures; perfectly styled with elegant bow-neck blouses. Let's not forget to mention the dresses that Stuart also included in her fall collection, how could any girl not fall in love with just one? Perfect for parties, special events, and nights out on the town. Over all Stuart's show was breathtakingly dark, yet ultra feminine and sexy. If you haven't seen the show yet, check it out!

http://www.jillstuart.com/collection/runway/fall-2013/show-video

What influences your personal style?

The Great Gatsby

Have you ever come across a musician, even a historical figure or event in history that has influenced the way you got dressed for the day? This happens to me more often than not. I am constantly pulling inspiration from time periods, books, movie characters, or even just things or people in general who inspire me during my day to day life. I find that there is beauty and inspiration in all ways and walks of life, so why not use it as a mood board to create your outfit for the day. With spring upon us, use this as a guide and a fresh new way to revamp your style! Lately, I have been obsessing over the 30s and 40s time period were woman's fashion was romantic, yet their dress had a twist of mystery and darkness to it. I find this look and time period to be alluring and sexy. I can't help but to incorporate this into my everyday wardrobe with a modern spin to my style. I find that it's always refreshing to switch up your look or style from time to time. Keep in mind when shopping for clothing I look for key pieces for my wardrobe that are versatile. Meaning, am I able to wear and style them more ways than one. This keeps things fun and interesting and it also as interest to your personal style. So, where do you pull your inspiration from when        you are getting dress for the day or a night out on the town? 

Hiatus

After a long and way overdue hiatus, I am excited to announce that The Observatory is back up and running! I have gone through changes and overcome obstacles throughout this past year and I decided to take some much needed time for myself and get back to my roots. None the less, I am feeling positive, energized and ready to focus not only on blogging, but my styling career and passions throughout my journey here. I can't wait to share with you all the exciting things I have in store. Stay tuned!! Xo

Fall Essentials

Those blistery hot summer days have come to an end and fall is finally here. My mind eagerly awaits the days where I'm able to slip on my favorite oversized sweaters accessorized with my favorite pair of boots and truly enjoy all the resplendent traditions and travels fall has to offer. This autumn season, I'm fantasizing about rich dark hues, leathers as soft as butter, and layers upon layers of texturized clothing. Fashion has many remarkable fall trends to offer us this season. With that being said, I have been weeding through the many trends and sorting through the must-haves when it comes to adding those special pieces to your fall/winter wardrobe. Below are items that I have chosen I feel are key features for not only my wardrobe but yours as well. Fall is about turning a new leaf in all aspects, so I hope you're just as excited as I am for this autumn season.

Oxblood: call it what you want: maroon, burgundy, brick red; this color is the new black in the fashion industry for fall and it is here to stay. Oxblood is a rich and unusual hue that can be added to anyone's wardrobe, and is a great transition color signaling summer to fall. Oxblood is great to mix and match with softer and lighter reds and denim hues, which is something that everyone should have in their closets. You defiantly will not go wrong with this color for the season.

Bomber Jackets: this season designers has been taking inspirations from menswear pieces, enter the bomber jacket. A layer that every woman will want to wear for this fall. Bomber jackets are a way to add some edge to your wardrobe and come in a variety of materials. The great thing about this piece is that you can wear it with a flirty dress or skirt during the weekdays and your favorite pair of denim jeans on the weekends. They are a great to style and add a unique touch with any outfit.

Leather Leggings: not only is leather beautiful and chic but it is something that will last in your wardrobe for years to come. This fall leather is making a respectable comeback. Leather leggings look great paired with oversized sweaters or chunky knits and add a unique twist of texture to your outfit. Leather however can be difficult to pull off for those that don't have super skinny legs. To look good in this trend avoid overloading your look, choose pieces with classic shapes, and little to no detailing.

Contrasting Collars: this season the collar is having a moment with it's ladylike iterations leading the way. Look for embellished or contrasting collars on shirts, sweaters, and dresses or even make your own Peter Pan collar to add to your style. This is a simple youthful trend that anyone can get away with wearing and an adorable accent to any outfit.

Printed Denim: for fall blue jeans have been pantsed. The silhouette remains the same, however, you will start to see denim in a range of bold hues, floral and animalistic prints, polka dots, and even photographic prints. Innovations in printing technology have lead designers to let this trend come to light this season. Printed denim is a fresh take on traditional styling to your outfits and is a versatile piece that your can dress up or down.

Ankle Boots: these boots are a stylish choice not only for fall but also for the span of the seasons to come. With a variety of colors and fabrics, ankle boots are unique and easy to pair with just about anything you will want to wear this fall. So think outside of the box the next time you are shopping for a great pair of boots and opt for the ankle boot rather than your traditional leather riding boots.

On point with peplum

Peplums are something to look forward to this fall when it comes to mega trends. This has been an ongoing for the past season, and I must say I'm head over heels in love with the peplum trend! As a self proclaimed fashionista myself, this style is the epitome of lady like sophistication and glamour. Peplums first made their start on the fashion scene in the late 80s-early 90s, popularly paired with those unforgettable shoulder pads. Today's peplum is slightly softer and romantic, less dramatic this its previous counterpart. What makes me so smitten about the peplum trend is that it accentuates and hides your hips at the same time. Oh and you ladies out there with god given small waists, this is also a dream style for you as well! The magical thing about the design aesthetic of the peplum is just about any woman, no matter shape nor size, can wear this look showing off your ladylike assets. This trend makes me drool in anticipation. Peplums are easy to dress up, but dress down as well, making them a versatile piece in your wardrobe. So set up your style with this trend. And note to self ladies: when you have a womanly figure and fashion hands you something that accentuates your figure and makes you look fab rather than the universally straight and narrow, take it, take lots of it and run with it. In this case dress with it.

Mad for Metallics

"People are stopping work to watch the show, you've got to give them good reason" says Christopher Bailey, Burberry's creative director. Oh and did Mr. Bailey give us more than just good reason for his Spring 2013 London Fashion Week Show. Over the years Burberry has transformed into more than just its distinctive tartan pattern and this show is meant to go down in fashion history. 

One thing that you could not escape from was color, Bailey served up an explosion of intense jewel tones, as well as, a heady mix of textures. Inspired from the 40s British glamour, Bailey's models strutted down the runway in high-wasted hot pants, ruched swimsuits, capes, and rounded sculptural shoulders that practically resembled a 40s-era screen siren with a modern day twist. 

The show was far from dated. Rainbow hued plastic caplets and handbags gave the overall setting a futuristic feel and look, as did, the metallic silk and leather trenches, bombers, and corseted dresses. Overall, there was a strong point of view to the slick and visually overwhelming show. The most jaw-dropping moment of all had to be when the models were sent out for their final walk in trenches dipped in metallic hues that could make you melt from the sight of them, literally. 

Thus far, London Fashion Week has offered an array of new and exciting trends for fashion mavens to dream about for the upcoming spring season. On that list, metallics (goodbye neon, hello metallic!) Burberry's version is a fresh and joyful must have on my list to add to your spring wardrobe. If only it would be so simple as to decide which color to choose. One for every day of the week would be ideal!

Watch the Show: http://us.burberry.com/store/shows/#/ss13-womenswear/show