Welcoming The Chaos

Yesterday, with only four days to spare before it closes, I made my way uptown to see the Costume Institute's Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit.  I wasn't expecting to be struck in quite the way that I was, but the punk movement was just so shocking in its time, both in attitude and style, and then to see how it's inspired fashion throughout the next 30 years was amazing to see.  It seems in some way magical, yet so simple, that a designer now can look at something that happened so many years ago, and find just enough inspiration to take it, make it their own, and create something entirely modern.

 "Punk's legacy lies in its questioning of traditional representations of beauty and fashion."

I was most looking forward to seeing these Dolce & Gabanna dresses in person, they are stunning on a whole different level, and so intricate.  

"Effectively, punk democratized creativity and invention.  It broke all the rules and allowed anything to be possible." 

So this now begs the question, can anything like punk ever happen again?

Nina in Nature

I fell for Nina Porter during her runway debut for Burberry a few seasons, her coquettish look was perfect, and she became even more endearing when she fell on the runway multiple times, yet handled it like a total pro.  Here she is in the SCMP Style Magazine October issue styled by Simone Konu and photographed by Jeff Hahn.

 This whole look is so fantastic, pulled together yet casual and comfortable.

Such cool details on this jacket.

Sartorial Compass: Rachel Bilson, at the 'Port

Seeing stylish celebrities at the airport always inspires me for my next trip.  As one of the more photographed celebs out there, Rachel Bilson, is often spotted at the airport, and she never travels without her style.  Signature airport items include hats, denim, stripes and booties {and she never leaves home without her pillow}.  In her first week as Sartorial Compass, she shows us how it's done at the airport!

 Stripes and breezy bottoms are a must.  I love those super loose chambray pants, bottom left.  

 Chunky knits are a must.  Bonus points for olive green and super cute sunnies.

Hats on hats on hats.  A bowler, a knit cap and a fedora, all equally flattering and adorable.  And I'm sort of obsessed with the Burberry puffer coat in the center photo.  

Are you feeling inspired by Rachel for your next trip to the airport?  This is gonna be a good month for Sartorial Compass.  There are too many cute looks to choose from!

photos via style.com, people.com, justjared

Take Me To The Springs

For some reason completely out of my realm of understanding, it doesn't matter the time of year, the time of day, or the type of mood I'm in.  I am always drawn to editorials, and photography shot in Palm Springs.  With Coachella around the corner, I thought I'd go ahead and highlight a few of my favorite shots from the desert.  

 Regina Feoktistova shot by Andrew Yee for Spend It Magazine

 Bette Frank by Lachlan Bailey for Harper's Bazaar Feb. 2012

These. Shoes.

There's something about the dust, palm trees and mid-century architecture that I can't seem to tear my eyes away from.  It doesn't hurt that there's a hearty helping of Prada with a dash of Burberry, Proenza, and Balenciaga among other's, thrown into the mix.  This makes me crave a road trip through the southwest, more than ever before.

photos via fashion gone rogue  

Sartorial Compass: Kate Bosworth, Rest of the Best

So today is the 5th Sunday in January, and Kate Bosworth's last day as Sartorial Compass.  Here are, in my humble opinion, the rest of the best looks that she has rocked over the past few years. 

With Sartorial Compass alumni Chloe Sevigny at an event for Valentino on the left and at an event that they co-hosted for Chloe on the right.

I'm typically not the biggest Chanel fan, but I think that if I ever were fortunate enough to wear it, I would wear it like Kate in the photo to the left.  She makes it so cool and young looking, the Burberry feather dress is so great too!

The dress on the left was supposed to be in the Short & Sweet post but I missed it.  She wore the studded skirt and jacket to a Burberry show a few seasons ago, and the fur is Fendi at a show that used The Great Wall of China as the runway.  This Rodarte dress is so simple, yet clearly a product of the Mulleavy sisters.

Last but not least, another amazing look that she just wore to a CFDA event, from Proenza Schoulers' current spring collection...SO good!!  Happy Screen Actors Guild Awards day, looking forward to some great things tonight!

photos via justjared, popsugar

Sartorial Compass: Drew Barrymore, Bold & Beautiful

I know it's not Sunday but I couldn't resist posting this edition of Sartorial compass.  A few of my favorite Drew Barrymore looks happen when solids and color blocking are on the brain.  Bright hues and bold design is the name of the game in the looks below.

 in Victoria Beckham

 Jil Sander - Truly gorgeous and one of her best all time looks by far.

She shows how much of a chameleon she is going from totally classic in the purple sheath, and then jazzing it up in shocking orange.  Bonus photos below are from bold photo shoot that she did with Neiman Marcus this year...

photos via justjared, david shankbone, and neiman marcus

Sartorial Compass: Leighton Meester, Watercolor Wonder

A pretty dress can either be ruined or enhanced by a fabric choice.  Leighton Meester knows how to choose a dress based on beautiful textiles.  Often attracted to simple shapes created with ethereal watercolor prints, Leighton will always pull off a pretty dress with this formula.  Take a look at these stunners...

She wore this long sleeved Burberry dress to the Golden Globes this spring, not a favorite look of many critics but I LOVE that it isn't a flashy evening gown.  It also fits her personal style, something that I think many celebs overlook when getting spiffed up for these glitzy events.

Love these sheer sleeves!

So many of these girls have stylists, but I love when you can still see that they have a point of view and they still make sure to wear what they want, and what they're comfortable in.  And when you're able to find patterns in the things that they wear, you know that they have a say.

Lastly, not exactly watercolor but a beautiful yellow-to-gray ombre daisy print velvet dress by Marc Jacobs.  LOVELY, and how cute are these pics of she and Marc. 

photos via style.com and justjared