The Resort collections are moving right along without much fanfare, which is kind of the point of Resort–not everyone and their grandma sees it, so it’s more difficult to identify which collection pieces came from and when. Pretty sweet deal for the fashion lover who doesn’t want people pointing and yelling “Miu Miu, Spring 2010!” when she walks down the street.

Some of my favorites so far:

And, apparently, Alber (’cause we’re on a first name basis) is trying to activate my ovaries with this ish at Lanvin:

How cute are they? Heartless bastard.

Images, Style.com

You'll also like:

Monday was the start of Cincinnati Fashion Week, which means there have been parties and events for the fashion forward every night. I’m old and stuff, so I can’t do it all like I did last year, but I’ve managed to hit a few stops so far:

A-Line A-list

Monday was the A-Line/CFW Warhol Factory party, held at the old CAC. I’ve walked past that building a skabillion times and had no idea it was the old CAC, though I’m sure I visited when it was. See? Old.

There were plenty of drinks (including dangerously tasty ones mixed up by Molly Wellmann–and y’all know I’m a lightweight), fun photo booths by Framester, an American Apparel fashion show, and a profusion of hipsters large and small.

To a Tea

Wednesday evening, fashion collector Mary Baskett presented her impressive collection of Japanese designers at the Art Museum. Yohji, Comme, and Miyake, oh my!

I would’ve stayed for the party, but I’d spent most of the extremely hot day running around pulling items for A-Line, and like I said, I’m OLD y’all. I needed to soak in some Epsom salts, eat a sensible dinner, and go to bed at a reasonable hour–midnight.

I’ll report back after tonight’s shindig at Landor and this weekend’s events!

You'll also like:

Remember how I was drooling over Gucci’s Fall collection and lamenting the lack of color in my own wardrobe? Luckily for me, Frida (we’re on a first name basis now, you know) also included some inspiration for us gray lovers:

…So, I took my cue from there:

Thrifted blazer, blouse, oxford, belt, and heels; Lux trousers; Da-Me hat*; Wilson’s bag

*Is it just me, or have fedoras gained sort of a douche-y rep in the last few years? How can we make that go away?

You'll also like:

The fun thing about Fall Fashion Week is that it takes place when the weather is still cool enough to wear–or at least be inspired to wear–clothes that are currently in season. A few of my favorite trends:

I’m uncharacteristically into color–reds, yellows, greens, maybe even a blue or two. No more Less gray, please!

I wear solid colors (gray and black count as colors, right?) a good 80% of the time. Right now, I’m feeling the need to mix it up, so split-personality prints are very appealing.

My menswear-loving heart appreciates all of the tux/le smoking-inspired looks.

What were your favorites from New York Fashion Week?

Ooh, did I mention I ran into George Clooney and Ryan Gosling? There were hordes of people–and by people, I mean WOMEN–charging towards them, camera phones at the ready. I happened to have my Nikon and this was the best shot I could get:

Sometimes I hate being short.

George and I exchanged a few sultry glances, unbeknownst to the rest of the crowd.

Call me, boo!

You'll also like:

Designers have been showing some pretty fantastic color combinations in the Pre-Fall collections–lots of deep turquoises, burnt oranges, and emerald greens. Even with my predilection for gray, I’ve been searching my closet for colorful pieces I might not normally put together.

Fendi, Jason Wu

The colors at Diane von Furstenburg made me swoon. Images via Style.com

The trick is to wear colors that are in the the same tonal range (how light or dark a color is based on how much gray is added), but not necessarily the same hue (no matchy-matchy). Though even that so-called rule can be broken.

Any of the colors in the same row will work well together because they’re the same tone.

The easy way

The easiest way to experiment with unexpected color combinations is to start with a deep, cool color like midnight blue, forest green, or dark purple, and add an item or two in a brighter, warm color in the same tone. I took inspiration from this simple look from Ports 1961 and really liked the way the colors worked together:

Sorry for the lack of facial expression–darn camera only let me take one picture before it ran out of batteries.

This would work with dark green pants and a fuschia blouse with gray gloves, a purple blouse with orange pants and beige gloves, or any number of combinations. Have fun and experiment!

Tips

>Stay away from pastels unless you actually want to look like an Easter egg. Deep jewel tones have the most impact.

>Beware of wearing bright, warm colors (ie fuschia and bright yellow) without a dark hue in the mix–it can look a little teen movie-ish. Ground the look with at least one piece in a darker color.

>If wearing multiple colors is too much for you, try wearing a bright color with a neutral flesh tone like peach, taupe, or caramel.

You'll also like:

Last Friday evening I hit the Purple People Bridge with Style Sample magazine photography assistant Brandy for Cincy Chic’s Red Pink and Blue event. It was much bigger this year, and I ran into a few familiar faces.

Jewelry sponsor Serket Jewelry had tons of gorgeous pieces, including a substantial collection of statement necklaces. I’m dreaming of wearing 6-7 at a time, like ancient Egyptian pectorals.

DJ Storm Bennett kept everyone entertained (he’s obvs. a ham for the camera–he struck a pose as soon as he saw my lens pointed at him), and I finally met Kasmira of What I Wore Today, who was wearing a really cute vintage-y looking dress and belt.

We had the chance to go “backstage” (back-bridge?) before the show to see the clothes, meet the models, and chat with the hair and makeup artists. I ran into two friends from Cincinnati Fashion Week–Nathan was coordinating and styling the show, and Nicole gathered the survivor models and hair team for photos and introductions.

Breast cancer, diabetes, and heart health warriors and their physicians.

Around 9, the sky turned dusky, the music pumped up, and the show started!

The models had to walk a looong way in some pretty precarious footwear, but everyone looked lovely in their ALK Fashion dresses.

Thanks to Amy at Cincy Chic for a great event for, not one, but three great causes!

Images: Tamia, Brandy K.

You'll also like:

In my blogging absence, I forgot to tell you about an opportunity to win tickets to this Friday’s Red, Pink, and Blue (RPB) event! RPB is a combination fashion show/fundraiser that benefits heart health (red), breast health (pink), and diabetes health (blue). If you recall, I attended last year and had an absolute blast.

To win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Don’t be afraid to tell me which stylish red, pink, or blue outfit you’d wear. I got all excited and made a collage with some of my picks, just in case you, um… forgot…what those colors look like. Yeah.

I’ll randomly choose and notify the winners this Thursday.  Remember, this takes place in Cincinnati/NKY, so you should probably be in the area to win. Dur.

And if you need help choosing what to wear…well, you know who to call!

You'll also like: