4 Things Street Style Taught Me | NYFW

ph. by Tommy Ton for style.com

Time for the 2nd bi-annual street style lessons that fashion month graces upon us. As record freezing temperatures struck New York as the fashion scene was in full swing, it called for creative layering amongst both the attendees and more skillful than creative layering, by the photographers. And may I add, those photogs are the real winners as wind chills dip below zero, and the city streets turn into ice rinks. Like last time, here is Tommy Ton's incredible photography explaining four important lessons one can only learn through prime street style.

1: Textures are the best way to look camera ready in sub zero weather. A fur trimmed hood mixed with mesh? Well, d-uh. The secret? Tights and thermals. 

2: The opposite of a texture party? Classics par-tay. They'll never fail you. Boy meets girl sartorial workings won't either. Bonus points for keeping your leather boots spiffy. 

3: All you need in life is a camel coat and a dashing smile as displayed by some favorite frenchies. Caroline's bedhead? That's all up to you. 

4: Thanks to fashion's leading QB, helmets are better than beanies. 

West Coast Kid

Elizabeth & James SS 2015

Having been to the West Coast once in my times, I can say I'm not exactly a seasoned Cali-local. Whilst religiously watching Lauren Conrad and drama unfold courtesy of MTV, I prefer to appreciate the nicer apples in the basket that embody California's culture. 

Surf vibes meet city girl are spot on thanks to the juxtaposition of blazer and mesh, or culottes (they're here to stay!) with a little nothing bathing top. Sleek and sharp with the same sporty undertone that we saw at Lacoste, Mary Kate and Ashley did nothing but impress us with an updated California cool. The designer duo have been spending a majority of their time on the West since opening up their latest The Row store, which is where the surfer influence shined through subtly. Other favorites I fell for were white-washed overalls, floral windbreakers, and striped separates which offered a flirty aspect to the collection. 

Overall? More refined and smart, and less, dare I say, "pop culture kid"? 

All my regards to Elizabeth & James for making me, a through & through East Coast girl, a wannabe West Coast kid. 

Transitional

Wearing: Zara crop top, Asos culottes (last worn here), River Island loafers, Clare V clutch 

It's inevitable to go through any season change and not title at least blog post with the word or any word somewhat similar to transition. Face the facts here people.

Despite the sky rocket annoyance of it, I can say without a doubt that summer to fall, is one damn hard time. Especially when coats and layers are playing sartorial mind games on you.

But, let's get real. Anyone who is whipping out fall attire in 90 degrees should get their head checked out.  I'm shocked on how I managed to wear pants (erm, culottes) when it was hot and humid last Saturday for some NYFW meetings and events.

The key: popping into AC as often as possible and hoping for the best.

To keep the summer side in line, my trusty white crop top did me well to beat the heat. I cannot say the same for these loafers though... as cute as they are, the blisters are not. #bandaids4days? Oh yes.


Ph. 1 Bella Conte | Ph. 2 Shoes of NYC

4 Things Street Style Taught Me | NYFW

all photos by Tommy Ton 

I know what you are thinking.

Psh, fashion week, you learn zero from that. Or on another end, "Sloane, are you really running low on content?"  

Well, dare I correct you and say that you are wrong on not one, but two accounts? Simply because I'm feeling a little risky, why not? While clicking through Tommy Ton's latest street style snaps on style.com- which is the second best *single-word dot com* after weather.com, no less- I started to realize a few hidden lessons that were captured over the course of several days.

For the absolute joy of it, I'll be bringing you through fashion month with not only my thoughts on the latest collections, but with several things I've learnt through street style.

After all, school is always in session.

1: Fringe is in. Plus, it is practically breadcrumbs for photographers as evidenced on every fashion site currently active on the internet. My advice- don't get caught in the door. Bye-bye bag!

2: Matching with several of you peers is quite Plastic-esques (even their strides are in sync)

3: Lauren Hutton is beating us all at life. 'Nuff said.

4: Fashion week is the only acceptable time to be looking at your phone whilst walking. I wish you the best if you are wearing heels. Side note- it's the street style stars pose of choice.

Lacoste's Yacht Party

As fresh faced models worked the runway at Lacoste, designer Oliviera Baptisita wooed us sporty motifs and confirming our undying love for athletic duds for a whole another season. This time around, Baptistia drew inspiration from the favorite leisurely activity of the rich and beautiful: yachting. Nope, we aren't talking 1960s fisherman sweaters (while I do love those...) or taking hints from JFK. Instead we were presented with a sleek regatta tone that complements Lacoste's original style.

This season sporty chic was taken up a notch, sleeker and in a sense, slightly futuristic. Neoprene was re-purposed into tailored coats- for the gents, their polos- football jerseys skimmed mid-thigh and gave a healthy dose of allure to sportswear. Windbreakers were thrown across shoulders- the power of the "editor cape" is real- and layered with regatta stripe embossed sweaters.

So next time you find yourself yachting, you know what you should be wearing...

Lacoste: 1 Everyone Else: a big fat 0

Marissa Webb A/W 2014

Marissa Webb 2014

One of the standout collections this season was Marissa Webb. She has become a favorite of mine sending effortless and streamlined clothes down the runway. With a base of black, navy, and grey (a standard each Autumn season) gives the perfect backdrop to fur snoods and pops of pale pink and bright orange. Sticking to lengths of midi skirts and cropped trousers mixed perfectly with undone button downs and deep v-necks. Lace-up sandals and messy hair gives the whole look a French touch of je ne sais quoi. I might have to buy these sandals and this dress asap.

NYFW

Another New York Fashion Week has come and gone. This year, I followed along via social media and corals + cognacs hilarious behind the scenes recaps. On the runway, I had some clear favorites- classic icons like Oscar de la Renta and DKNY and newer brands: Mara Hoffman, Clover Canyon and more. There were definitely some clear trends for Spring 2014 like the crop tops, pastels, and your expected "Spring" items. I'm sharing with you some of my top picks from this year and my favorite trends.

1: Ever so classic white is re-invented again by Oscar and Tory. Both of these looks are drop dead gorgeous. Can we just talk about the ODLR dress and that Tory Burch jacket!?

2: Romantic is a revolving trend that seems to come up quite often and here it is again. Zac Posen and Rachel Zoe both show romantic styles this year with lace, silk, and soft blush tones.

3: For spring, bold and graphic prints are back. Print masters, Clover Canyon showed some stunning prints for the upcoming season- like the dress above! Mara Hoffman, who also knows how to rock prints, sent bold maxis down the runway.

4: Sporty-Chic is one of my fave trends. (see my post on baseball hats) DKNY showed her signature colorful sporty chic look with an extra bit of the cool factor- look at this showstopping dress! Milly was one of my favorite shows. I love all the mesh details but it still looks put together and fresh.

I would love to know what your favorite show from NYFW was or what you thought of this season- please share with me!