Oh, Proenza!

 

And once again, I am in love with every single thing Jack and Lazaro sent down the runway. Why must they tease me so?

Proenza Schouler FW12 via Imaxtree

First Chill

There's a chill in the air and all I want to do is buy every cozy sweater in sight. From a classic cable-knit to the more embellished and flashy, fall is here and it's time to start layering! Here are a few of the sweaters that I'm craving that are also seriously out of my budget. Hey, a girl can dream right? In the meantime, I'll be hitting Zara and Topshop for my fix.

 

Sweater Season by semisweetstyle featuring chunky sweaters

Living in the Past, in the Present

I've had a bit of a British week and indulged in marathon sessions of Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs. Both cover pre-war Britain before the first and second world wars respectively. I've always loved those eras and the interior design and fashion that go along with them. It's incredibly elegant, with the occasional hints of playful whimsy. I can't get enough of it and am happy to announce both will return for season 2 in 2012.

Downton Abbey

Upstairs, Downstairs

Photos from: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

New Additions, Welcome to the Family

A warm welcome to my two latest shoe purchases. I've been looking for ankle booties for a while now, especially since I've finally admitted to myself that fall is coming.

I originally had my eye on the Isabel Marant ones, but my current funemployment situation means I can't spend $$$ on a single pair of shoes. So, I got something similar instead. The black pair are Steven by Steve Madden (here) and the tan pair are DV by Dolce Vita (here). I got them shipped overnight via Zappos VIP which is beyond amazing. Both shoes are so comfy and the heels are just low enough that I can wear them all day long.

Missoni x Target x Stella & Dot

I could go on and on about what a massive logistical failure the whole Missoni for Target collaboration was, but at the end of the day, I can't help smiling whenever I see those cheerful prints. I didn't end up buying much from the collection except for a couple towels, candles, cards and a martini shaker.

My friend Kristina got a delightful sweater and she has just challenged me to style it with the latest jewelry from Stella & Dot. Well, Kristina, the challenge has been accepted!

I decided to do three looks: one for the bohemian gal who loves to pile on her jewels, another for the more serious business-oriented gal and another for a lover of all things luxe. Here's what I came up with.

Missoni x Target x Stella & Dot by semisweetstyle

Love what you see? Head to Kristina's Stella & Dot boutique: http://www.stelladot.com/sites/kristinahagerty

Runway Rundown: Spring 2012, London

Mary Katrantzou
I don't wear a lot of prints, but there's something about their expert execution at the hands of designer Mary Katrantzou that makes me want a closet full of them. With her, they're impeccably designed and never cheesy, as prints can sometimes be. Season in and out, she comes up with new ways to wow the audience visually and come up with something new and exciting. Combined with the abstract shapes and clever silhouettes she uses, Katrantzou proves once gain that she has staying power.

Clements Rebeiro
I almost turned away at the sight of the paisley. But I didn't, and I'm glad I stayed. As I clicked through the collection, something about the execution stuck with me. There's nothing kitchy about these prints, no sign of hippies. The lines are long, lean and ladylike, removing any stigma the pattern may have. Later on in the series, it was blended with more striking black-and-white patterns for a delightful contrast. It wasn't my favorite show of the season, but something about it made me smile.

Erdem
"Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." I'm pretty sure if Miranda Priestly had seen the Erdem spring collection, she would have taken back her words. Because there's florals, and then there's Erdem florals. Once again, Erdem Moralioglu has showcased the mastery of prints that has put him at the top of the London fashion food chain. The calming water color prints for spring are romantic and utterly elegant, but not without a bit of sex appeal thrown in—subtly of course. These prints, although more muted than seasons past, are anything but stuffy.

Christopher Kane
While I'm kind of bummed that Christopher Kane put the neon's on the back burner for spring, I'm definitely not disappointed in his collection. In fact, it's probably one of my favorites of LFW. I loved the structured silhouettes and use of contrasts. There were sporty knits juxtaposed against flirty florals, somber jacquard suits with thigh-high slits, and textures galore. The things that delighted the most were the unexpected: peek-a-boo cutouts, flirty slits and unique construction. It was all new and left you wide-eyed and grinning. Bravo!

Burberry Prorsum
I didn't love Burberry last season, but they're back on track for spring with the unique brand of British cool that we all know and love. For spring, there's color and texture and contrast, all wrapped up in a neat edgy package. It's really quite perfect, with just the right amount of slouch and cool girl chic to keep you wanting more. The vibe was a bit heavy for spring, with lots of layering and outerwear. But knowing the weather in London, it's totally understandable—SF is the same! Besides, Burberry is known for its outerwear, no collection would be complete without it. I do have a complaint though, why do I have to wait till next year for all of this? I want it now!

Roksanda Illincic
Despite all the color that's come up for spring, I was still thoroughly refreshed by Roksanda Ilincic's take on it for spring. The colors were saturated and rich, luscious and bold. There was a luxurious slouch to the pieces which were done in decadent fabrics, but with comfortable silhouettes. All together, it was a delightful take on the season, where the piece made a statement without being overdone.

All photos: Imaxtree

Oh, Go Take a Hike

Last winter, I was utterly enamored with Azzedine Alaia's take on the hiking boot. Done with a sexy heel, treaded platform and engaging snow leopard print, it was love at first sight. This season, he's reissued the same style, but in a more subtle print. It's still love, but at $2,220, it's out of the question. But that doesn't mean I'm over it.

Every time I see it, I still thank 'man, I really really like those shoes.' So, I'm on the hunt for something that'll rock my socks in a similar way—but for way less dosh. I know snow leopard will be out of the question, because no one does leopard like Alaia. Plus, I don't want a knockoff. But I do want something that will give the same balance of sexy, sleek and rugged that I love. Here are some of my top picks: