Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson Spring 2012

One of the most anticipated shows of New York Fashion Week is Betsey Johnson’s show.  For those of you who weren’t there, here is the invite and program book.

It might just be me but I enjoy all these little details – must be the event planner in me.  Here is the inside to the program book which has a cute way of listing out the models, credits and sponsors.

Her press release described how this collection blended “modern elements with her signature vintage style and aesthetic.”  The Betsey team cites Brigit Bardot and 1940s burlesque dancers as the inspirations.  Take a look at this video highlight clip and you’ll see peekaboo lingerie, corseting, flirty and sometimes borderline slutty outfits paired with Bardot hair waves.  What do you think?

Personally, Betsey’s outfits are too over-the-top-girly even for me and these runway styles somewhat reminded me of what Pretty Woman might wear in 2012… not exactly what I want to be emulating.  But you’ve got to love Betsey’s shows even if just for the anticipation of her unique model finales and signature cartwheel.  Plus you can’t beat the energy and fun factor of a Betsey show which is always why it is one of the highlights of my fashion weeks.

What caused the most stir this year at Betsey’s show was the appearance of a blue wigged, Nicki Minaj.  In fact from what I hear, the whole show started late because of Nicki’s late appearance.  Sort of a black Lady Gaga, Nicki garners attention with her outlandish outfits.  I immediately felt sorry for the poor fashionista who would have to sit behind that giant mess of a hairdo because surely that is all she would get to see!

I never thought Nicki would be the type of celebrity that PR agencies would wrangle and secure for a front row fashion show seat – she isn’t exactly what I’d call the most fashionable.  Buzz-worthy yes but mostly for all the wrong reasons.  I gasped when I heard and saw that Nicki sat next to fashion icon, Anna Wintour during the Carolina Herrera show this year – what an odd sight that was!  Sort of fashion sacrilege in my book, if you ask me!

I imagine Anna must’ve been cringing underneath those dark shades.  With all the technicolors that Nicki was wearing beside her, it is no wonder she kept the shades on!  What a contradiction in style those two make!

To win the Betsey Johnson goody bag that I picked up at the fashion show, comment here and (any) 2 other entries (and leave your email so I can notify you if you win) !

And come back for further NY fashion week updates and another goody bag giveaway!

 

Style Diary: Cloche Hats

I have a few cloche hats, one red, one green and each with a bow and another simple black one featured in a different style diary entry.  I love the retro shape and how they easily take any outfit to the next level.

Here was my work outfit today which included a 2-piece semi-formal dress by Kathlin Argiero that the designer herself gave to me for free, Burberry heels, a Sinclaire trench,  H&M cardigan and St. John tote.

The classic color combination of khaki, black and a pop of red is so Burberry.   My Burberry plaid (on the shoes) sort of just tied them all together. 

I fell in love with this trench coat at Saks.  The girly bow plus the fact that I could buy it at 44%off the already reduced sale price was simply irresistible.  This was the first time I wore this Kathlin Argiero black, 2-piece dress out to a non-semi-formal occasion.  I made it a work look by pairing it with a simple puff-sleeved black cardigan and wearing it with work heels.  What do you think?  Did I get away with making this dress work overtime?

The necklace I wore was a cheap find.  I liked the edgy metallic chains mixed with the oversized bling.

My green cloche hat is something I’ve featured before.  Here it is again but with a more work/fall look.

What do you think?  Would you wear a cloche hat?  If so, how?

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