Look Out!

Lookbooks are a great source of inspiration, as well as an amazing way for designers and stylists to flaunt their talents. You can find beautiful lookbooks in a variety of platforms from print to websites to social media. Everyone loves the site lookbook.nu which allows users from all over the world to basically create their own lookbook of their personal style. Though this website doesn't show off one specific designer's collection, it is an incredible source of inspiration for styling and design. It's a cool way to see what people are wearing all over the world and to follow these personalities' style evolution.

As you can imagine designer lookbooks can take on a variety of styles. Designers create lookbooks that best suit their garments, theme, and aesthetic. Some lookbook layouts will be simple like this one for a Mary Katrantzou & Current/Elliott collaboration...

...or they can be way more stylized like the F/W 2013 lookbook for an LA boutique called Myrtle. Below are some images from the store's fall lookbook which were illustrated by 6 different artists.

Check out Myrtle's complete fall lookbook here, because it's amazing!

*Also, you should definitely check out Rachel Antonoff's lovely Spring 2014 lookbook which features Parks & Rec star Aubrey Plaza, a laundromat, and a cute poodle! Link to that here!

Trunk Shows Galore!

Whether you're in a big city like New York City or Los Angeles, or in a small town in the middle of the country, you never know when a trunk show might pop up. In order to find these gems, you've got to do your research. Designers are setting up trunk shows around the country to increase sales and publicity for their brands.

Trunk shows seem to be pretty popular in the bridal industry. This makes a ton of sense because, no matter where you live, every woman wants to have a stunning gown for her wedding. These trunk shows make designer bridal gowns available to people all over the country.

Some brands, like Stella & Dot, have created charitable trunk shows. In this case, part of the proceeds from selling merchandise at the trunk show goes to one of a variety of charities.

But the most interesting kind of trunk show I stumbled upon was the "virtual trunk show." Stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Net-A-Porter have all held these types of online trunk shows in the past. The virtual trunk shows work well for both the fashionista and the retailer. The retailer gets to sell high quantities of high priced merchandise, while the customer can get the exclusive designer clothing they desire.

If you're feeling like you need a new designer piece in your closet, maybe it's time to check if there are any trunk shows coming up soon near you!

BFFs (Best Fashionable Friends)

Rachel Antonoff puts an interesting twist on your conventional runway show. Instead of hosting a runway show for the Fall 2013 collection, the label created an imaginative fashion video showcasing the season's new styles. The concept for Fall 2013 followed the theme of "best friends." The video follows two characters who are roommates as well as best friends. We shadow them throughout their daily activities, quirks, and laughs. But, these two ladies aren't just best friends, they're also fashionable best friends. All their apparel is comprised of Rachel Antonoff designs. This type of fashion video definitely lightens up what is typically presented by designers (think--serious, dramatic, & intricately planned runway shows).  This RA video is playful and enjoyable, all while displaying fashions in a unique and effective manner. As we observe these best friends, we also take in their lovable outfits...and hopefully want them to be ours. I know I do!

Check out Rachel Antonoff's Fall 2013 video below!

& check out her past collections here.

Black & White in the Spotlight

If you walk up and down 5th Ave in New York City, you may get the feeling that you somehow fell into a vintage black & white film. Why's that you ask? Because among the already gray toned buildings, stores are now flooding their window displays with black, white, and other neutral toned fashions. Not only is the clothing unsaturated, but so are the mannequins. The visual merchandising from stores like Saks, Lord & Taylor, Aritzia, Michael Kors, and BCBG Max Azria make it clear that neutral hues are in for fall!

Lord & Taylor displays

BCBG Max Azria

Aritzia

Chanel windows at Saks 5th Ave

Saks

Michael Kors

This color trend reiterates itself on fashion forecasting sites. Fashion Snoops predicts two color trends with a similar palette to these visual displays. The first is called Cubist and the second is named Film Noir. Both incorporate a ton of neutrals. They are comprised of blacks, whites, grays, and a few nude and bronze colors. Doneger has also forecasted similar neutral tones for apparel. In edition, they predict the use these colors in heavy weight tweed and plaid fabrications. These types of fabrics are perfect for fall, and it definitely shows by looking at the current visual merchandising!

Cubist Color Trend

Film Noir Color Trend

Warm Neutrals, thick Tweed and Plaid fabrics

One color pop that did occur was the use of rich but slightly muted hues of maroon and brown. This somewhat less neutral color was used in displays at Saks, Aritzia, and at Michael Kors (in his leopard print and fur pieces). This color works well with the very black, white, and gray color trend that's happening right now. These maroons and browns spice up a monochromatic outfit without it being too jarring to the eye.

All in all, you can never go wrong with black & white. Neutral tones are extremely popular and look good with almost anything! This newspaper colored trend is good news for anyone who's like me and loves to wear black alllllllll the time!