F/W 2011: Vivienne Westwood

images via style.com

I can only imagine how wonderful this show must have been in person. A gilded, glitzy runway - with matching shoes? With that being said, people are notoriously distracted by "shiny things", but with this collection, I'm willing to bet the crowd managed to direct its attention to the magically diverse apparel.

This collection has a wide appeal, with pieces for anyone. Named "World Wide Woman" by Westwood herself, it maintains cohesion that literally awes me. And of course, it's about more than just the clothes. It's making a statement.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Junya Watanabe

images via style.com

Though my style is probably more feminine in comparison to this collection, I have a huge soft spot for leather jackets, combat boots, and general bad ass fashion. So many jackets in every silhouette imaginable... almost makes me wish my pleather jacket had a nipped in waist to give that extra something. And of course, I'd want to pair it with a pleated skirt, like so.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Roland Mouret

images via style.com

"Live for today, love what tomorrow might bring and be grateful for yesterday" - Roland Mouret

French by birth, and English by residence, I must admit, I have never even heard of Mouret prior to browsing the newest shows on Style.com. I can't say a new obsession has formed, but I feel slightly more "in the know." (I hate that phrase, by the way.) Acclaimed for expertly tailored pieces, these were a little looser, perhaps trying to appeal to a wide audience for the opening of his first store.

...And can we note how good that chartreuse dress (middle left) is? Seriously.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Balenciaga

images via style.com

Out of all the collections I've posted so far, Balenciaga's 2011 autumn is by far the least wearable. Incidentally, it happens to be a particularly tamer collection from the brand, led by Nicolas Ghesquière. Indeed, it is more refined and a little less out there, but I still get a hallucinatory feeling from it. The floral print on those flowy skirts is a little trippy, though not reminiscent of typical "trippy" art.

Looking at this has continued my thoughts about fashion as an art. Of course, many are quick to categorize all artists as the starving/painting type, but still, fashion is regarded by some as being frivolous. I've pondered this issue before, but haven't come to any final decision. If fashion is frivolous, isn't buying an expensive contemporary painting? And pardon my stereotyping - most of the opposition I've heard has come from the middle-America-sports-obsessed type. With that being said, isn't paying $500 for a "good" seat at a football game a little absurd?

I intend to continue this thought at a later date, but for now, enjoy your weekend!

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Bodkin

I know I'm a little late on this - it's from NYFW. Also, I'm not really sure what's possessed me to post so much about the collections this season, but apparently, the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry is appealing. Kind of.

It seems only natural that I'm drawn to Bodkin's F/W line... comfy drapey pieces as well as comfy sweaters, presented with platform sandals and combat boots. And naturally, Eviana Hartman's environmental interests lure in the nature geek in me.

Images via style.com

F/W 2011: Mulberry

I can't help but describe this collection as charmingly English. Notorious for the Alexa bag, named after muse Alexa Chung, this brand also shines in its ready-to-wear clothing - literally. And the outerwear. Swoon. I love this quirky color palette applied to modernly classic pieces.

Images via style.com

xox Catherine

PS Just a reminder - once I hit 250 followers, I plan to have a giveaway!

F/W 2011: Rodarte

I love the designs of Kate and Laura Mulleavy, honest. But when I think of Rodarte, this isn't necessarily what I think of. Instead, images of perfectly feminine yet bad ass draping comes to mind. This collection is significantly more ladylike, but still maintains that cool factor rather than just promoting itself as yet another New Look inspired line, popularized by Mad Men (which I've never watched).

It's not what I'm accustomed to from the sisters, but sometimes, change is good.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Suno

I've posted about Suno before here, but this label has been the darling of New York Fashion Week since it's presentation last Saturday. More ladylike than previous collections, the designers at Suno still prove themselves masters at mixing prints. Literally. And I'm a little amused to see yet more pattern mixing/matching with clothing and footwear... a new take on seasons-long unexpected print combinations, perhaps. Either way, I'm just as smitten as everyone else.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Steven Alan

Images via style.com

Never mind that this collection was shown six days ago... I'm still glorifying it in my mind. It exudes a certain 1960's outdoorsy vibe, which I'm going crazy over. Totally wearable, too. That cool-toned A-line dress in the first image? So good. And that casually-cool coat+leopard top+sweatpants ensemble? Borderline perfection.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Organic by John Patrick

All images via style.com

As always, the last thing I want to be thinking about mid-February is more fall/winter clothing, but I feel there's usually a titch of spring in many collections. Exhibit A: (bottom left image) the perfect floral shirt dress I've never managed to find. You can bet I'd wear this all spring and summer if I could. As far as the rest goes, I'm amused with the color palette. And the silhouettes. Nothing too groundbreaking, but I'm a sucker for simplicity.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Rachel Comey

All images via style.com

I find myself consistently smitten with Rachel Comey's simple, wearable designs. As always, I'm particularly drawn to the footwear. Matching prints on shoes and pants? Why not? And those gold boots? It's safe to say I now want a pair of gilded boots.

Mixed prints? Check. Non-gaudy velvet? Check. Comfy knits? Check. Winning silhouettes? Check.

xox Catherine

PS Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I'm feeling much better, just exhausted. Incidentally, Sunday was my two-year blog anniversary and I did nothing to celebrate. My voice is back and I have a new netbook equipped with a webcam, so I'm planning on putting together a video post! Ask me questions at Formspring!