Pam's Pick: Alexandre Birman Python & Suede Pump, Fall 2013

Labor Day has come and gone, the crisp air has swept in, schools start on Monday (at least in NY), and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York kicks off tomorrow. This can only mean one thing: Fall fashion is officially here, and with it comes layers, cozy sweaters, hints of suede, fur vests, felt hats, pantyhose and everything else I love about this glorious season. Oh, did I mention new shoes? Not that this is an excuse to skip your pedicure – Always Be Your Best You! – but, closed-toe, pointy shoes are hotter than ever. This trend has been brewing for about five seasons and this autumn, it’s exploding in every texture and heel height.

I’ve chosen this option from Alexandre Birman as my must-buy shoe for the season because it’s a classic you'll turn to for years to come, and yet it embodies all the key flavors of the season – lady-like heel height, pointy toe, contrast toe, animal print/skin and mixed materials. Also, Mr. Birman makes the most comfortable shoes imaginable. I can play tennis in them! 

Pam's Pick 9.5.13 - Alexandre Birman Python & Suede Pump

Pre-Fall 2013 Magazine Covers Echo 50s Glamour

Red lips, sultry hips and a dose of Rat Pack nostalgia, has me thinking that fall will be my season. I live for fur, sexy lingerie just because, mascara on a Sunday morning and 24/7 glamour – Always means ALWAYS Be Your Best You!

Do you love these covers? Which is your favorite?
VOGUE with Katy Perry, W with Jennifer Lopez, or DEPARTURES with 50's American Summer  

Katy Perry, VOGUE Magazine July 2013

Katy Perry, VOGUE Magazine July 2013

Jennifer Lopez, W Magazine July 2013

 

Jennifer Lopez, W Magazine July 2013



DEPARTURES Magazine, July 2013 Cover

DEPARTURES Magazine, July 2013 feature on top chefs sizzling in Vegas

Jill Stuart Fall 2013, Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

Here’s another recap from my fabulous assistant, Tina Yu. This was the first show she ever covered. Mine was back in 2005 and I believe it was Tracy Reese. Those were fun days.
 Jill Stuart Fall 2013 Runway Show

Jill Stuart, Fall 2013

Stepping into Lincoln Center with my very own ticket, for the first time, was an exhilarating moment. Here I was, a Californian girl from the little suburban town of Cupertino, being dropped in front of Lincoln Center and it occurred to me that I’m finally living my dream. Being in the main show area of Lincoln Center was unforgettable, mostly because I was surrounded by diverse styles and could feel the vastness of the media world. Jill Stuart’s Fall 2013 collection was everything I could ask for as my first fashion show: crazy photographers at one end of the runway, a beautifully lit entrance on the other end. I witnessed bloggers capturing the hottest outfits on camera, celebrities being interviewed, and a plethora of gorgeously, gorgeous shoes. Also, I experienced the meaning of “fashionably late” (the show was 25 min late).** Besides being surrounded by clothes/shoes I couldn’t afford, the experience of the show itself was overwhelming; my eyes wandered all over the place, unsure of where to look first. I couldn’t soak up as much of each outfit as I was accustomed to doing at a store or online, and I couldn’t decide whether to continue watching the present model, or the following model. However, after a few looks, I fell into the flow of things. I started recognizing the feel of the collection.



Jill Stuart, Fall 2013

Stuart’s collection started off with tailored pieces in black and navy blue with little bits of white detailing peeping through (bows, collars, tasteful frills). Then, the clothes started to incorporate lace and fabric that had a lovely sheen, while still keeping the structured silhouettes that resonated throughout her collection. Thinking back, Stuart’s woman seems to be one who is classic, yet bold and chic. As the show progressed, colorful geometric patterns, golden flowers, polka dots, and bold stripes slowly emerged. The show ended with looks that sported the brighter of the fall colors, including applique flowers with the red, orange, and plum. Overall, I felt like her collection had a wide range of looks that speak to women who appreciate unique, dressy, yet wearable looks.
**Tina, late is waiting over an hour! This is standard.



Jill Stuart, Fall 2013



Vivienne Tam Fall 2013, Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

This season, I wasn’t able to attend fashion week. Running from show to show, standing even for ten minutes and worrying that someone would elbow me, just didn’t sound appealing or glamorous. Plus, aside from the obvious baby project, I’m cooking up something else that’s craz-y town amazing … details to come later in the year. As such, I sent my wonderful intern, Tina Yu, to a few shows. Here’s her reporting.

Vivienne Tam, Fall 2013

Vivienne Tam Fall/Winter 2013 Runway Show
Similar to other collections this season, including Tracy Reese’s, Vivienne Tam’s Fall/Winter 2013 line incorporates red and black. The difference is that Tam almost exclusively used these hues. While the silhouettes were conservative, the collection was sophisticated and politicized, vis-à-vis prints featuring abstract cartoons of President Barack Obama and the number 44. On many of her pieces, Tam used lines in unique ways, while giving us room to breathe with beautifully tailored solid dresses and coats. Towards the middle of the show, there were more separates that utilized leather and plaid, again reinforcing the sophistication of the woman she has in mind. Although I found this collection more masculine and sharp than some of her previous work, the polish is not lost. I only wish I could’ve seen more of her stunning dresses.



Vivienne Tam, Fall 2013

Tina's shots of Vivienne Tam, Fall 2013