My ABC’s of NYFW |

A/W 2015 #NewYorkfashionweek at a glance

It’s awesome that it’s still winter right?* I mean in the kind of way that as the new collections for the neeeeeeext cold season are steaming up the catwalks we can already calculate what we’re adding to our wardrobes now, or what hair, shoe and bag trends we’ll be keeping and which ones we’ll be ditching .

As I try (mediocrely) hard to start a capsule wardrobe for myself – um, let’s call this a “work in process” – I’m doing a mini shop in my mind for which items I’ll be buying to add to this slow-in-the-progess capsule wardrobe.

A/W 2015 fashion weeks are far from over (roll on the rest of London, on to Milan and finally my home city Paris) to finalise this mini-shop, but for now, here are a few things I’ve noticed from the New York catwalks to wet the wardrobe appetite, and a few street style favourites to give you inspiration right now…

* I talk about winter, even though as I write this I’m sitting in warm sunny South Africa having almost forgotten what cold feels like (follow me on IG @labellebcrush), I’ll be back in Paris in.the.cold soon!

THE BAGS – As a bag fiend, these accessories are always at the top of my lust-have list.
Slouchy to structured, black to printed, massive to miniature – here are my top five
(Top to bottom).
Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Narciso Rodriguez, Rag & Bone and Michael Kors.

THE DETAILS – I love noticing the small details that you can add to your outfit that won’t end up costing too much, but can set you bang on ‘trend’ or just give your look a difference.

Sunglasses are a fashionistas favourite, they change a look and can be a quick update to the new season’s wardrobe, I love Phillip Lim’s retro style shades with the super dark lenses mixed with the dark red lip.
Street style aficionado, Alexander Wang’s mix of red and black tartan with buttons and studs is a must-have addition to the wardrobe (and we’re already half way there with the red and black tartan shirt seen in most of the stores).
The smaller accessories such as Donna Karan’s multi-ring earring and Marc by Marc Jacob’s belt-purse… need I really say more? They’ll be that statement piece that picks up any dress-and-dash outfit.
Marc Jacobs also showed a bit of ankle on the catwalk as his models wore shorter pants, already a growing trend, but I especially love the sexier take with the modern fishnet stocking peeking through. And speaking of the fishnet, Proenza Schouler’s hosiery is awesome – who knew hosiery could be cool?
The last two details on my New York list are from Michael Kors – the extra long chunky knit sleeve that’s been turned over (doesn’t this remind you of wearing your boyfriend’s winter knit?) – and Narsciso Rodriguez’s twisty flash of yellow bangle – LOVE!

THE EYES – put the statement handbag on hold, let’s talk about eyes…

– Feeling a little schizophrenic and can’t decide on which colour to wear today? Give your lids a moitié/moitié look as created by Tom Pechaux for Altuzarra.
– The smokey eye is still a favourite – dark, sultry and sexier than ever for Diane von Furstenberg by Pat McGrath.
– The reverse cat-eye seen at Proenza Schouler by Diane Kendal will surely get some attention – might take some practice on getting it right but I love it!
– And Rodarte’s diamante stick-ons neatly underlining the eye also gets me trés excited, teamed with an almost bare eyelid, it’s the perfect partner to an evening out.

THE BROWS – As all make-up artists will tell you, the brows are super important and unfortunately for the busy gal, they tend to be the part of the face we leave to last. But as they frame the eyes drawing attention to them, it’s worth spending that little extra time to coif and shape them perfectly – after all aren’t they the reason for Cara Delevingne’s major success?

I’m finding some inspiration in these brow-do’s seen at Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and Narcison Rodriguez.

THE HAIR – As a huge fan of the top knot (most mornings more for convenience than fashion) I’m thrilled to see an updated version at Marc Jacobs (top middle), a little more perched on the forehead and beautifully smoothed at the back. If this neat-at-the-back seems like too much work then the messier, lower knots on the ramps of Diane von Furstenberg and Vera Wang are the perfect alternative – middle parting or side parting, with a dash of gel/gloss/oil á la Donna Karen gives the front a little texture too. And last, but not least, I love the low slung ponytail – tight or loose, neat or messy as seen at Derek Lam, Hugo Boss and Michael Kors.
Easy, laid back styles for the busiest of stylistas.

ON THE STREET – street style outside the shows has become as important as who’s sitting gin the front row and what’s showing on the ramps. Bloggers, designers, buyers, editors and A-listers are in paparazzi demand and the pressure to look good is high. Here are some of my favourite looks from the *mean* streets of New York city. Enjoy and be inspired!
(Don’t forget to look out for next week’s #LondonFashionWeek update!). XO