MILAN STREET STYLE

Street style from Milan
Photo: from The New York Times, Style

It is as much fun to look at the people outside the fashion shows during the slew of Fashion Weeks around the world as it is to see the runway creations.  This young lady caught my eye -- very little embellishment, just clean and stylish use of shape and color.

I think I will be wearing red today.

TIBI RESORT 2012

It's Resort Collection time.  For the season that takes us from spring through early fall, I really liked the easy-going looks.  They carry you from day to night with minimal fuss.

That brings us to Tibi's collection.  So simple, yet with a pop of orange when needed.

Photos:  Tibi Resort 2012 Collection, from style.com

MARTHA GRAHAM AND MINIMALIST COSTUMES

Today marks what would have been Martha Graham's 117th birthday.  The iconic dancer and choreographer completely changed dance in America, and after that, the world.  Modern Dance, as we think of it today, is really because she made it that way.

Martha Graham in "Lamentation"
photo by Barbara Morgan

She created her own dance vocabulary for the body.  Somehow, it always vacillated between rapture and pain.  She moved away from the theatrical backdrops of dance and exotic costumes, and instead, gave us Modern Minimalism.

Just look at all these photos, whether or not you are a dance enthusiast.  The costumes are timeless!  We can even wear all this out today.

"Martha Graham: Letter to the World"
fondly known as "The Kick"
photo by Barbara Morgan

The following image was not in high definition so I can only post it small:

Martha Graham
photo by Barbara Morgan

Happy Birthday, Martha!

INTERIOR DESIGN

Okay, I am having a design crisis.  I have re-modeling projects in mind and cannot find an interior designer in the area who can articulate my vision.

Your home style should be as deliberate as your fashion style.  It need not be singularly monotonous -- I mean, we all enjoy tinkering with different looks -- but it should reflect YOU.  More than any specific style, I prefer unique and clever design.  It can be minimalist, baroquely intricate, or artsy bohemian, but always with a twist.

Architecture and interior by Frank Lloyd Wright

My preferred starting point is clean, modern, but not boxy lines.  Then, add warmth with richly-hued wood and introduce texture with stone.  It's beginning to sound like a Frank Lloyd Wright creation.

However, I get excited by eclectic furnishings, art and even flea market finds picked up from adventures around the world.

Moroccan interior design
from interiordesigning-tips.blogspot.com

It adds dimension, color and texture to the space.  For this reason, I often introduce leather, furs, and exotic fabrics into my outfits.

Mexican interior design
from homearts.us

This brings me to the dearth of interior design firms in my neighborhood with that kind of portfolio.  There is, however, a plethora of design firms that  do traditional, overstuffed chintz or California Mediterranean.  I'm depressed.

Clothing is so much easier to deal with.  No need to outsource!

We haven't even gotten to exteriors yet.

Falling Water
architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright

Write to me if any of you have design firm ideas ...

MAXIMIZING MINIMALISM

I am heading for family gatherings in the tropics this holiday.  Too bad I am not a member of the Jet Set that Resort Wear was originally designed to clothe.

Packing means practical clothes that accommodate city days and nights yet can be versatile enough for island jaunts.   Luggage constraints also call for serious wardrobe editing.  I have no choice.  Simplicity is the only way to go.

(Following 4 photos from Celine Resort 2011)

Day-to-night, city or trendy resort

For style inspiration, who better to do Simple and Minimal than Phoebe Philo for Celine?  What a genius -- making simplicity utterly fashionable again.  I dig through my closet for all things minimal.  (I don't find much.)

Versatile looks in their simplicity

Love this column gown!
Goes from city party to fancy resort dinner

Minimal style is only one variable.  Fabric choice is also key for versatility.  Knit or stretch blend fabrics combat wrinkles and high maintenance steaming or ironing.  

Though not minimalist, Vionnet has neutral, relaxed dresses in their Resort collection.  The sassy draping is hip for the city, yet, it is easy enough to throw into a weekend beach bag.  You can also find budget-friendly versions of this style.  (It's harder to get away with cheap Minimalism.)

Vionnet Resort 2011

I guess the Jet Setters from days of old had their own kind of simplicity too.

The original Jet Set

(from Frances McLaughlin-Gil, Conde Nast Archives)

If Minimalism is too much for you, a little rebellion doesn't hurt.  I'm still taking tough boots and a few prints with me.

Burberry Prorsum Winter 2010
Toughen up a pretty dress with black boots

Enjoy the holidays! 

YOUTHFUL STYLE

We are finally into real Fall weather.  Time to put away the flimsy outfits and pull out the woollens.  By no means does this mean we turn gray and boring.

Occasionally, it is fun to be just on this side of quirky.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Fall 2010

Let's look at how designers approach the more youthful, fashionably quirky crowd.  Sometimes it means a separate line.  Two playful lines are Miu Miu (by Miucca Prada) and Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Here are just some of their items for Fall, though I like a lot of their pieces from past seasons too.

Miu Miu, Fall 2010

Miu Miu, Fall 2010

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Fall 2010

The silhouettes are still classic.  However, the splashes of color, texture, and a big ruffle or bow here and there, add an element of fun surprise!  Also note the clunkier shoe -- rather than a dainty heel -- to add a quirky vibe.  Even the satchel handbags or the oversized hat play with the whole look's proportions.

So take your classic dresses for a spin to the less serious side with unexpected accessories.


*  All photos from style.com runway shots.

NEUTRAL TERRITORY

Celine Spring/Summer 2010

Some of the winning looks this spring were spare, minimal and in neutral hues.  Phoebe Philo for Celine characterized this less-is-more aesthetic in her beautiful collections.

Celine Spring/Summer 2010

What woman wouldn't look great and instantly put-together in these outfits?  You can mix and match anything!  These shapes are closet staples.  But due to the simplicity, perfect fit and quality fabrics are key.

Isabel Marant 2010

For those who like frills, I love how Isabel Marant makes neutrals so hip and chic! No wonder the Cool Crowd from Paris to NYC have been causing shortages despite Marant's hefty price tag.  (What ever happened to the Recessionista?!)   This look is more studied and defies matching:

• Neutral short, ruffly chiffon dress
• Camouflage fringe boots add heft to the short length
• Silver tie wound around neck adds edge
• Accessorize with non-neutral earrings

There are many ways to take Spring's Neutral look.  Which way would you choose?