FASHION WEEK: PUCCI FALL 2012

Pucci's Fall 2012 collection is all encompassing with a diverse array of textures, colors and trends. The line features rich leathers, decadent furs, sumptuous silks, intricate beadwork, elaborate embroidery, trousers and tuxedo jackets, sheers and strategically placed slits--in a palette of pastels, deep purples, brilliant white and luminous black.

The utterly modern collection evokes both the relaxed sexuality and glamour of the disco era and the body consciousness of the '80s. It straddles the gender divide, juxtaposing manly coats with slinky dresses and rendering a tuxedo in gold.

Models alternated between conservative working girls to punk rock princesses; with some ensembles exhibiting a bit of bohemian luxe for good measure.

While the collection is a bold step towards uncharted territory, it remains rooted in the familiar Pucci aesthetic. Peter Dundas paid homage to the house's history by referencing Pucci's signature palazzo pyjamas and swirling patterns throughout the collection.

Click "read more" below to see additional pictures of Pucci's Fall 2012 collection. Click on the labels below for vintage Fashion Week and Fashion Shows Posts!

DRESS FOR LESS: EMERALD GREEN TEARDROP EARRING

Aspire

Aspire to Bulgari's $3 million Colombian pear shaped emerald and diamond earrings! As previously discussed here, the finest emeralds are from Colombia. These were worn by Julianne Moore during the 2010 Golden Globes Awards and featured in Bulgari's Spring Summer 2010 ad. These beauties weigh in at 115 carats and were first shown at Bulgari's retrospective at Rome's Palazzo delle Esposizioni.

Admire

Admire Hassan Bounkit's green onyx drop earrings, available at Charm & Chain for $385.00. Bounkit's handcrafted, 24kt gold-plated, green onyx versions are made to order.

Acquire

Acquire Kenneth Jay Lane's teardrop faux emerald earrings, seen often on Kyle Richards, for $132 here. These stunners are silver-plated, made of Swarovski crystal and are available in posts or clip-ons. It's not lost on us that Charm and Chaim offers this very same earring for $15 more at $150 and clip-on versions are available for $99 at endless.com.

Click on the label below for vintage Dress for Less posts!

FASHION WEEK: SACHIN + BABI FALL 2012

Although just barely two years old and making its debut in Mercedes Benz Fashion week only yesterday, Sachin +Babi, the eponymous label of husband and wife duo Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia has already made quite the impression on the fashion elite.

According to Women's Wear Daily, yesterday Sachin +Babi "made a name for themselves by bringing a global aesthetic to the contemporary market".

While Sachin + Babi ready-to-wear is in its infancy, albeit a precocious one, Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia have been in the fashion industry for more than a decade.

The Bombay and New Delhi natives who are the children of artisans, drapers and designers met in New York City while attending FIT and are the creators of the Ankasa home brand. In addition, they're "responsible for much of the couture hand embroideries and unique textiles utilized by some of the industry's most esteemed fashion houses." (Read: Oscar de la Renta and Valentino)

I came to know the Sachin + Babi brand because one of my favorite pieces of clothing is from the label's early collections. My gray peplum jacket is to die for. And, while I'd like to take some credit and think that I have some intuition for these things, I have to acknowledge that Sachin + Babi are about to blow whether I realize that or not.

Their style is best described as classic-meets-contemporary, but they describe it as eclectic and elan. I love it because it's both super feminine and rock and roll.

Click here to see picture of Sachin + Babi's Lincoln Center debut and click on the label below for vintage Fashion Week posts!

AD FAB:TIBI SPRING 2012 + JULIA SARR-JAMOIS

"For Spring 2012, Tibi's Amy Smilovic collaborated with two of her favorite muses for the Spring campaign. Swedish blogger Elin Kling took the lead with Amy on styling a runway show and the current advertising campaign featuring Wonderland UK Editor Julia Sarr-Jamois."

Tibi's Spring 2012 ad campaign is not a happy accident, but the result of a deliberate effort by the brand's founder, Amy Smilovic, to unite complementary aspects of fashion's new guard: new media. With styling by beyond-fashionable blogger Elin Kling--who has already designed a collection with H&M (launching February 3rd), and modeling by Julia Sarr-Jamois--the wunderkid editor of Wonderland UK, the campaign is a wonderful synthesis of fashion and new media.

"I chose Julia Sarr-Jamois for our Spring 12 campaign because I'm drawn to confident women with a strong sense of their own style. I think Julia embodies that and represents what I try and bring to the line each season." - Amy Smilovic

Former model Julia Sarr-Jamois is half French, half Senegalese, known for her good looks and regarded for her fashion sensibility. She "freely mixes Alaïa and American Apparel, Margiela with her favorite Marks & Spencer cashmere jumper, either towering stilettos or a pair of Churches brogues, 'the more battered the better'."

Click "read more" below for more pictures of Julia Sarr-Jamois for Tibi Spring 2011! Click on the label below for vintage Ad Fab posts!

VOGUE'S FIRST READER

"A carefully curated collection of stories first published in the iconic pages of Vogue"

This veritable treasure includes literary works by over 70 great writers including Ernest Hemingway and Cecil Beaton. The 557 page hardcover reader was first published in 1944 (copyright, 1942) by Halcyon House and was available at net-a-porter for $350, but is currently sold out. Get yours at Amazon for a fraction of the price! Click here to be directed to net-a-porter's collection of Assouline books on fashion and art.

JASON WU + TARGET

Left to Right: I- Blouse, $35; Pleated Skirt, $30; Bag, $40; II- Pleated Dress, $40; Tote, $50; III-Top, $27; Skirt, $30; Lace Clutch, $30

Sunday February 5th will be a big day for football and fashion fans alike. On this day, not only will Anna Wintour appear on CBS' 60 Minutes, but Jason Wu's 53-piece capsule collection becomes available at most Target Stores and on Target.com. Look for pleated skirts, Peter Pan collars, nautical dresses, printed scarves and handbags with each item priced below $60.

Jason Wu For Target Navy Poplin Dress, $39.99, available at Target on February 5

According to Mr. Wu, this collection was inspired by "French New Wave films, actresses like Jean Seberg and Anna Karina . . . that nonchalant chic, that effortless style, mixed with American sportswear."Shop the collection here and click here to see the entire line.

AD FAB: LINEAR THINKING

Karmen Pedaru and Kate King bring Chloé's Spring 2012 line to life!

It's all in the lines. Look for angular, geometric prints (and lots of color, natch) this Spring. Horizontal, vertical, oblique or straight, lines are perfect for adding dimension. Chloé executes beautifully: lines upon lines in standout color renders otherwise soft and billowous forms into architectural triumphs. Chloé's 2012 ad campaign was shot by photographer Glen Luchford under artistic director Clare Waight Keller.