Spring 2014 Shows: Victoria Beckham, Derek Lam, and More

Victoria Beckham really stepped it up this season. She was looking for a boyish sportswear tailoring look, and she made it look flawlessly chic. Other designers have really gone for the tomboy 90s looks, but not her. There were so many special pieces in this collection that separated her from other designers themes that looked overt (I could name several now). Fashion is not meant for everyone � not even for celebrities who get criticized harshly when in a collaboration � but I�ll state it again, and with all the confidence in the world, Victoria Beckham is not a celebrity anymore, she�s a true designer who has earned the respect of many. 

She�s gaining confidence (and a good one) in outerwear. She began her show with a relaxed black and white ruffled top and cropped pants (these contained a very sharp tailoring) paired over a crispy white rounded shoulder suit jacket. There was only one white baseball jacket she showed � detailed with black cuffs and collar, and transparent sheer sleeves � that was breathtaking. Her sleeveless suit vests were also noteworthy. Yes, it was only a small percentage of outerwear, but enough to go for one (or two in another color).

 Now, if there was anything that assured Victoria Beckham�s designer aesthetics for details and high-tech fabric combos were the following: her midi skirts slashed to show details of pleats underneath (an interesting way to show creativity on layering), and her laser-cut inverted triangles � in fuchsia and white - etched on shirts. Beckham is better known for her immaculate glove-fitted dresses every women dreams of, but this new soft tailoring collection sure does have another run for the money. Oh, and if you wondered how Mrs. Beckham dressed for her applause, she wore a white shirt with her cropped blacked pants. So posh. 

Derek Lam is a designer who has been designing clothes for women. Sounds obvious, but that�s the only thing that comes to mind when you see his collections. His graphic checked prints were simply easy on the eye. That is what women want. Luxury clothes that looks effortless and gorgeous. There were some that may have not loved this collection, being that Mr. Lam designs for a more mature lady. But for the woman who has the opportunity to encounter with a Derek Lam piece, she sure has come across a beautiful treasure. 

He had lots to offer for next spring 2014; his color-block numbers from last season have been a sensation. His belted coats � washed gray and blue denim � may have looked minimal, but at a close-up you could appreciate all its details. Highly structured raffia skirts (especially one in yellow) and dresses were luxurious for such a fabric. These is how we�d want our mature girls rocking something out, and for younger girls, going bananas over those gladiator heels. 

DKNY, Donna Karan�s youthful sister label, conveyed a good energy for next season. Sportswear was yet again the theme of Karan�s spring 2014 presentation. Honestly, there never seems to be an inspirational theme that focuses on each collection, but the cool sporty looks make up for the uncertain themes. It is a ready-to-wear line after all, and DKNY finds ways to make each season seem different. 

Her vintage bandana prints were refreshing, while her denim fabrics � overalls and patchwork jeans � sent a 90s vibe that later affirmed with her sneaker looks and logo dresses. Her lavender and turquoise numbers projected much more girl power. One silk orange spaghetti strap dress Karlie Kloss wore seemed appropriate for a casual day to go shopping for some groceries yet well put together. 

Diane Von Furstenberg also had an �oasis� going on at her show. Her clothes never fail, are always marketed at fair prices and best of, are made for any type of curvy woman. We can tell she never thinks about clothes they way she wants them to be on skinny girls. Yes, thin models model her collections, but right away there are many options for women to choose from here.

There were selections of wilder prints to more tone down ones. She went from nice cropped tops to color-block and animal print gold buttoned denim shirts made for everyone. And her iconic wrap dresses updated to still look good on any woman.

 The most important part of wearing a DVF piece is having fun in it, and that�s what some of her smiling and graceful models were projecting. This is why she is the president of the CFDA. She herself is her own muse, managing to look youthful in anything she wears at her age, and so should you in her designs. Maybe that�s why she had the queen of the runway, Naomi Campbell, confirm that in one short gold embroidered dress. Age has no limits at DVF.

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The Resort 2014 Bestseller Collections - Sexy, Chic, Casual, Rebellious

The South is probably the most conservative of all states to savor a good dose of fashion. As you may already know, most designers have presented their newest Resort 2014 collections that will be available in most stores some time not during the next two months. Around December or next year perhaps? 

I have come to the point of analyzing several collections most women here could come to an agreement with me that the following collections are perhaps a win for their closet. Having a great knowledge for fashion here is not necessarily needed as it would for a designer (runway) collection. The main goal of a resort collection is to really, short and simple, see what pieces sell the fastest, and what pieces stay on the floor the longest. It can become quite a stressful time, since most retailers want to see profit and clothes selling and selling. Most designers have to let go of their artistic (couture) abilities and turn on their marketing skills for resort. All customers want here is easy, luxurious, no drama pieces to wear any season or occasion. Yes, it can be quite challenging for some, but as long as most of their resort collection sell out, all is fine.

Below are just a few of the resort collection, who in my opinion, think have a potential of connecting with many customers, or simply sell out pretty good. 

Vibe: Sophisticated Geometric Prints.

Prabal Gurung has got a big win in this collection. This is what most women seek in a resort collection. Something that has the designers elements (prints for Prabal) in an outfit and feels appropriate to wear for any occasion. His talent for designing incredible works of art keeps growing as the seasons pass, making him a more recognizable international designer for many. Prabal Gurung is a must have for Resort 2014. A great piece to add to your next summer wardrobe is the printed leather trench coat for those chilly and rainy days. Simply hot.

Vibe: The College Chic.

Burberry has always been one of the go to brands for the sophisticated woman. Want to know how an English lady dresses? Burberry is the answer. For Resort 2014, Christopher Bailey sort of kept the route he had gone in his recent fall collection. Playful, fetish-y, and urban-ish. Something most young girls would familiarize with. A style you could emulate from this collection is a long sleeve polo shirt with a luxuriously embroidered, black leather skirt. Now if any may not be extremely sophisticated, it totally is luxurious. It is only a matter of getting close and intimate.The college wardrobe just got better.

Vibe: SEX-Y Sailor.

Stripes never looked bright and sexy as Versace's does. Donatella Versace can never disappoint her clients. Pink, orange, lime, and aqua stripes made the original navy and white sailor stripes look so boring. Her interpretations of white sailor pants - in Medusa-head sailor buttons - definitely had that sex appeal Versace is best at doing. Her colorful micro-pleated tulle dresses were as sexy as her stripes. Take this dresses to a cocktail or party and your bet to have all eyes turned at you. This is an ideal resort collection who seeks a short, outspoken, and sexy attitude.

Vibe: Romantic Lace and Relaxed.

Lace has always been a feminine design for many woman. Some may even feel disgusted by all the covered fabric. Joseph Altuzarra was probably one of the most surprising designers for many in his resort collection. He found the perfect way to mix lace into his suits in a very relaxed manner; made for the woman who wants comfortable luxury. What was more surprising here were Altuzarra's introduction of denim. His pants were cut perfectly and his suit combo made a stunning number with his cropped lace top. If you had not seen his fall 2013 collection - outstanding body hugging sex appeal looks - you would agree his resort collection went a different route than what were used to seeing him doing. Black pants in a very slouchier version also made a good intro for the Altuzarra woman. In general, most of you would agree to be very fond of this particular resort collection compared to his actual seasonal collections that come with a slightly more bit of drama which I prefer.

Vibe: Rebellious Safari Lady.

It may sound somewhat aggressive to say this, but Mrs. Ferretti seems to have a great amount of marketing skills compared to her actual runway collections. She definitely has some good runway pieces to fall in love with, but her pre-fall and resort collections seems to be favorited the most amongst women. Her Resort 2014 collection is a great example of how talented Alberta Ferretti is in keeping everything sophisticated with a rebellious twist. It appears more youthful to say the least, but with an edge to go from streetstyle to a meeting or evening celebration. The thought she took to in a specific white skirt and jacket ensemble with zebra linings made her resort presentation even more special. I feel either a young girl or mature woman could very well fall in love with the collection. It gives the young audience another option to take the route of the modern Renaissance Ferretti Lady. 

Vibe: Easy Luxurious Ensembles.

It would be no surprise Derek Lam has made a huge leap in women's fashion with his ideas of dressing women comfortably easy while still keeping the rich status. His Resort 2014 collection are easy on the eye, come with a great amount of texture effect, and have a terrific casual vibe that would be appealing to most women of certain age. There are various ladies in the South who already have that comfortable trend going, but a little Derek Lam upgrade will not only keep you feeling comfortable and trendy, but also look like a million dollar lady. Yes, it works for any occasion you have in mind as well.

Vibe: Trendiest Outgoing Lady.

Why else is Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) the president of the CFDA? Her most recent fall 2013 runway collection - Disco party - was one to have died for. Now, her Resort 2014 collection brought of mixture that will be of great taste to women of all ages. Her python print dresses have to be one of the best resort has brought. And let's talk about her play with stripes. Simply fabulous. First time I've ver used this word. There is nothing to dislike about the DVF woman. What she wears speaks for herself. She has a wonderful life to live, so enjoy it to the max. The best thing about Mrs. DVF is how generous she is with women of all ages and sizes. Any women who wears a size 8 or 10, and doesn't feel comfortable about her choice of designer clothes, then DVF is the solution to your answer. You're not only going to look striking beautiful, but you'll be the most stylish of the day. What more do you want? More DVF perhaps.

*As featured on IFB's Links � la mode and Ariele Loewe.

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Derek Lam for Kohl's Spring Designer Collection

Shop Derek Lam for Kohl's spring collection (here)

Today in the morning when I woke up, a specific Kohl's commercial shocked me. At first, I saw Derek Lam appear in the commercial. I was confused, as for I thought it was a commercial for his luxurious resort 2013 collection. That couldn't be possible, because I've never seen a luxury designer campaign on national television. Have you seen one? 

All of a sudden, I couldn't believe it was a commercial promoting Kohl's next designer collaboration. It was Derek Lam's turn to collaborate with this mega retailer. Where was I that I never heard of this news? Maybe I did hear about, but forgot after a while. 

I can't stress enough how Kohl's has been doing extraordinarily well choosing which designers to collaborate with. I remember Narcisco Rodriguez being one of the chosen to design such a feminine yet casual collection for the everyday woman. Now Derek Lam is next in line. 

If you view the collection and are familiar with Derek's design perspectives, then you must agree this is pure Derek Lam gone affordable. We know how much his original collections can cost you - a couple thousands of dollars for a dress, top, or skirt. Well, now you don't have to spend so much if you don't carry the necessary amount needed to purchase one of his beautiful pieces. The prices for his limited collection for Kohl's range from a $36 tank to an $88 jumpsuit. How about that for the price? Girls, you can even purchase an amazing color block sheath dress for only $60. 

This will be another collection should run out very soon for all you designer freaks who are out there searching for great bargains. Again, you can't deny the collection feels like Derek Lam designed it and not someone else who put his name in the collaboration. 

As far as other designer collaborations go - Target and H&M - Kohl's has demonstrated they too can make a great collaboration team. The collections just keep getting good. It may be a little too soon to think about this, but I wonder who else they have in mind for the next collections. There is one thing I do wish one of this retailers would do, besides H&M - offer a men's designer collection. That would just be great.

What designer would you like to see next at Kohl's?

Derek Lam's Spring 2013 original designer collection

If you'd like to shop Derek Lam's second look - cotton macram� top ($1,850) - click here.

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Top 10 Fall/Winter 2012 Trends - 8. Contrast Collars

Derek Lam Fall/Winter 2012

This small trend has gotten more popular over the season. This fall, create an edgy personality with your collars. When contrasting colors, there is no limit as to what colors or patterns you choose.

Carven Fall/Winter 2012

Victoria Beckham Fall/Winter 2012

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