Tag Archives: Animal Print

All Posts, Fashion

Lafayette 148 New York Spring 2013 Collection

Lafayette 148 New York is a company with an unusual name (which is based on their Manhattan, NY street address) that advertises that they design clothes for “the modern woman and her multi-faceted lifestyle”. I’ve seen Lafayette 148 NY items in many department stores, but never really paid too much attention to the brand. I went to one of their Spring 2013 collection events yesterday and got the chance to try on some of their clothes.

Lafayette 148 NY collection reminds me quite a bit of Ann Taylor. I think the main difference between the two designers is that Lafayette 148 NY is somewhat more upscale in my opinion.

Lafayette 148 NY’s Spring 2013 collection offers clothes in linens, cottons, and silk in neutral colors. It also incorporates many essential trends for this season, such as print (animal and floral), leather jackets, and black/white graphics. One of the most noteworthy items I saw was the Kendra Exotic-Print Blouse. It combines both animal and floral print on a loose fit lightweight silk. It looked really nice on the hanger, but I was a bit disappointed with how it looked on me. The uniqueness of the two prints on the blouse seemed to overwhelm me visually. However, I really like its short sleeves with drawstrings on the front. It’s a minor detail, but makes the design unique. I’d love it if they had the same blouse in solid orange or white.

I also tried on some other pieces including the Galia Print Top, with a nice multi-color graphic; the Lambskin Tunic, a simple sleeveless leather item that goes well with any color of pants or skirts.

My overall impression of the Lafayette 148 NY collection is difficult to describe. They do offer some very nice items, especially for women who are a bit older than me and prefer slighty more conservative attire, but Lafayette 148 NY wouldn’t be my top choice for most of my fashion needs. That said, I recommend you check out their collections to make your own decisions.

Print

Kendra Exotic-Print Blouse
Galia Print Top

 

Kendra Exotic-Print Blouse (left) $498

Galia Print Top (right) $498

Leather

Lambskin Tunic
Tissue Weight Lambskin Top

Lambskin Tunic (left) $998

Tissue Weight Lambskin Top (right) $598

All Posts, Fashion

Print is the Fashion Trend for Spring 2013

One of the essential fashion trends for the Spring is print. Prints can be spotted on handbags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Popular prints include animal prints (such as leopard and snakeskin), floral prints, and graphic arts.

Many designers, such as Dolce & Gabanna, Marc Jacobs, Oscar dela Renta, Roberto Cavalli, and Stella McCartney, have launched their unique print items for this season.

When it comes to wearing a print, it’s better to minimize the number of the print items on you. Do not wear the print head-to-toe. For example, if you are wearing a snakeskin print dress, don’t pair it with print shoe or handbag. Instead, pair the dress with a mono-tone accessory, such as black pump or light colored handbag. If you want to wear a print shoe, avoid wearing eye-catching clothes that will divert attention away from your shoe. In another words, the print shoe is the focus and rest of your outfit becomes the accessories.

Below are a few examples of the prints launched for the Spring.

Leopard Print

Marc Jacobs – Belted Leopard-Print Dress
Roberto Cavalli – Mixed-Print Dress & Metallic Belt

The Marc Jacob belted leopard-print dress is a classic. (left) The black belt and sleeves add the balance to the leopard pattern. The dress by Roberto Cavalli is very sexy. (right)  The leopard print in the middle blends well in the mixed print. And the silk material makes the dress stand out.

Marc Jacobs – Belted Leopard-Print Dress $895

Roberto Cavalli – Mixed-Print Dress & Metallic Belt $5,260

 Snakeskin Print

Gucci – Light Green Jacquard Python Motif Tunic Dress
Valentino – Rockstud Medium Snakeskin Tote Bag, Ivory

I really like the Python print dress by Gucci (left). The mixture of green and dark snakeskin makes it a sexy dress for Spring. This Valentino snakeskin bag (left) reminds me of a leopard bag Valentino made for Fall. They are equally nice in an eye-catching way.

Gucci – Light Green Jacquard Python Motif Tunic Dress $2,250

Valentino – Rockstud Medium Snakeskin Tote Bag, Ivory $4,695

Floral Print

Versace – Cutout-Waist Floral Dress
Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python Platform Pump

Floral print is in for every Spring. The dress by Versace (left) is ideal for a night out. The gorgeous floral python platform by Jimmy Choo (right) is perfect for the season. I’d pair it with a simple white dress, such as Herve Legaer’s Cap-Sleeve Bandage Dress to show off the floral print on this shoe.

Versace – Cutout-Waist Floral Dress $2,250

Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python Platform Pump $1,001 (original $1,495)