Salute to Fall’s Military Trend

If you’re wondering how to apply Fall’s military trend without looking like G.I. Jane, read on.

photo from refinery29

The runways were awash in olive greens, neutrals, army prints, lace-up boots, epaulets and utilitarian accessories.  The above collection of runway photos is just a sampling of designers who obsessed and went a little (okay a lot) overboard with the military look (from left to right: Burberry Prorsum, Wayne, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Burburry Prorsum, Marc by Marc Jacobs, ).  I’m a fashion lover but I admit, these models look like they’re headed to Afghanistan’s Korangel Valley, not a place where you want to be.

Even if you’re clueless to the runway features and somehow missed the months of fashion magazines who all exalted this trend, one step into any department store will make you stand on alert wondering how you’re supposed get in line with this military trend.   To investigate how real people plan to and actually try out this military trend, I looked to a couple of my favorite resources.

The below Polyvore set features a glam downtown take that incorporates bronze buttoned shorts, chain detailing on the shoes, jacket and purse, and a military-inspired jacket.  Some might see this jacket and recall akward memories of band camp but to fashionistas, this jacket is so on trend.

Eve Tank
$46 – idontlikemondays.us
Cheap Monday tops »

Chain Fringing Drummer Jacket
31 600 SEK – mrsh.se
Cropped jacket »

Pyramid Stud Belt
7 GBP – oasis-stores.com
Wide belt »

The below outfit is a bit more subdued due to its color range.  It also incorporates this season’s shorts emphasis.  When wearing short shorts, you’ll want to balance out baring all that skin with something longer and possibly looser on top.  This set also does a great job adding a touch of glam with the necklace and standout Chanel brooch.

Marc Jacobs Chiffon bow blouse
$595 – net-a-porter.com
Camisole tops »

Lowe Jacket
195 GBP – allsaints.com
Military style jacket »

Wool cargo shorts
$105 – theoutnet.com
Military shorts »

Azzedine Ala?a Lace front shoe boots
965 GBP – brownsfashion.com
Platform heels »

FENDI – 120MM SHINY NUBUCK ANKLE BOOTS
590 EUR – luisaviaroma.com
Nubuck boots »



For another more subdued take on the military trend, take a look at the below chic outfit.  I’m loving the idea of wearing the little leather booties with a glam shirred skirt.

Military Green & Strong Chic - Trends for S/S

Linen-blend shirt
$180 – net-a-porter.com
Long sleeve tops »

Military Style Coat
$160 – topshop.com
Military style coat »

Naja Cutout Boots
$114 – ssense.com
Juicy couture boots »

TOM FORD Sunglasses
325 EUR – colette.fr
Tom ford sunglasses »

Fendi
gotdeal.com
Fendi bag »

For inspiration from real people, I look to Chictopia.com.  Here are some of the best looks -maybe some of these will inspire you!  What do you think?


Travel: SATC2 and the Middle East Fashions

One of my favorite moments from the SATC2 movie was when the Arab women disrobed their black abayas and revealed their shared love for fashion.  Apparently, fashion, like love is an international language.   And in the Middle East, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci and Versace roll off their Middle Easterner’s tongues just as easily as they do on the set of SATC!

So much of the movie reminded me of my recent trip to Dubai during Dubai Fashion Week (okay maybe not the $20,000 a night hotel) but witnessing the lavish lifestyles, riding and balancing on camels, whipping through the endless sand dunes in a dune buggy, shopping through street markets all brought back fabulous memories.

Much like the movie SATC2, my trip to Dubai was focused on the fashion.  I was lucky enough to have been invited through a friend to attend all of Dubai Fashion Week’s runway shows, sit front row and enjoy the VIP experience.  Here I’ll share some photos that I took during Dubai Fashion Week ’08.

As you can see, abayas are pretty standard black cloaks.  They can look a little scary at first if you’re not used to them.  Personally, I couldn’t get over how it looked like everyone was seemingly floating around town (men wear all white, women wear all black). 

The exotic runway shows that featured abayas oftentimes felt as if you were seeing the same thing over and over but upon closer inspection it was all in the details (check out the trims and embellishment).  I learned to appreciate how the runways were really pushing the envelope as far as moving forward from the traditional, look. And I had to try one on for size…

You’ll notice that the runway shows often featured Eastern European models as locals are too conservative to model and have their bodies out on display.  The below pictures showcase some of the Arab fashions one would wear underneath the abaya. (Can someone say “I Dream of Jeannie?”) You can see why Dubai Fashion Week still stands out in my memory.  The experience was unlike any other fashion show I had ever seen…

Whereas less is more in the States, more is definitely more in the Middle East!

Turbans and head scarves are still very much part of the Middle East fashion as evidenced on the runways (and on SATC2)

turbanI think one of the reasons SATC2 has received such negative reviews is because many couldn’t relate to the Middle East setting, missed NY and therefore didn’t leave with the same thrill.  The Middle East may be a glamourous escape but a girl can only take so many head scarves, harem pants and maxi dresses before she starts longing for Carrie’s silly NY tutu.  The 2nd movie definitely lacked in inspirational fashions if only because they were a bit too exotic.  I found that Vogue’s photo shoot featuring their imagined scenes between Mr. Big and Carrie resulted in more awe-inspiring fashion moments .  See the pictures below (photos taken by Annie Leibovitz) and let me know your thoughts!

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