Prints and Tailoring; Keys to Fall

Sorry for the lack of updates this week, its been a little hectic!
Just in case you're still upset, I'll distract you with shoes!

Julian Louie x Aldo

Working on everything for the launch of Ostentology, starting classes, and working at my uber monotonous day job has worn me out! But I haven't been worked hard enough to stop looking at inspiration for my fall wardrobe! There are two things that I've dubbed crucial to any outfit I put together; proper fit, and plenty of unique prints.

The top half of this outfit is nondescript but the perfectly sized collar and pants make the look classic with an extremely chic twist. I don't think it's appropriate to tell you what kind of things I would do for those pants. The print is SO cool, I love how its on the cutting edge of fashion but seems conservative when paired with the rest of the look.

I would not hesitate to steal that bag off Brad Goreski's back to go with the pants either. I love him, but I love the bag more! I mean hello, its neon yellow.

Okay, well I'm going to go watch Bill Cunningham New York. Jealous? Yeah, you should be.

While I do that, you should read THIS!

Zach. 

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Sass & Bide S/S 2012

Sass & Bide electrified London Fashion Week this year, from the oversized polka dot prints, to their flourescent oranges, and neon tribal accessories S&B showed us exactly what we'll be needing for S/S 2012 in order to stand out in a crowd.

My Top 20 Looks from the collection

The gently structured layers in this collection, paired with the highly saturated colors made for an experience all its own at London Fashion Week. The color palette for this collection consisted mainly of citrine yellow, fluorescent orange, pale nude, navy blue, and white. The neon accessories in this collection will surely be the items of choice when fashionistas across the globe are adorning their extremities this season. Not only was this collection full of deliciously bold colors, but it also is laden with asymmetrical hemlines that give some of the pieces a very modern "hodgepodge" look. Metallic embroidered vests were paired with flowing maxi-skirts, and structured mini-skirts. The multiple asymmetrical lines in many of the pieces reflected upon days of Grecian dress with asymmetrical wrapped draping. Sass & Bide used quite the eclectic mix of fabrics including metallic leather, washable suede, fine mesh (more 90's sportswear fabrics-- see Rag & Bone), silk, neoprene, and cashmere. For F/W 2011 Rebecca Minkoff, Celine, and Ruffian showed us fantastic oversized envelope clutches; but it seems as though they have been outdone by the neon and metallic envelope clutches featured in this collection. The strong asymmetrical hemlines, eye popping colors, and impossibly gentle layers make this collection my favorite creation to emerge from London Fashion Week this season. 

Zach.

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Fall Transitions

I am sad (but excited!!!) to announce that in the next 7-10 days, The Fagazine will be coming to an end. Well, not really. It's just changing it's name, getting a face lift, and moving to Tijuana. 

But really, I feel that Ryan and I have outgrown this little ball of sassifrass pop culture blog, and it's time for us to move on to something a little more, how should I say it, fierce.

With that, I bring you Ostentology:

Ostentology came to be when I was having a conversation with friends about the way a certain celebrity dresses. They described the look as ostentatious, but I begged to differ. I have always been a proponent of the more is more philosophy when it comes to style. "Toning it down" isn't a part of my vocabulary. Spinning off of the word ostentatious, I came up with the name for the new blog, Ostentology. Ostentology is defined as follows: The science of more is more fashion. "More is more fashion" describes my personal belief that no look is over the top if you feel comfortable in it, and know how to werk it! The website will be up and running in the next 7-10 days. -Zach Shumate

Ryan and I are supremely excited to be working on this new project. We sincerely hope that all of you, the readers, remain with us through this transition. Don't worry about losing your daily dose of snark though, the content on the site, and the way I write will not be changing. It's like I said; The Fagazine is just changing it's name, and getting a face lift.

Designed by Ryan Seminara

Thank you for all of your love and support, and I hope you come along with us for this exciting change!

Zach.

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Red Carpet time, bitches.

The Emmy's Red Carpet festivities were fairly standard last night, except for the fact that there were so many fugly dresses making their way through the storm of cameras.

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan

Let's hit 'em where it hurts, shall we?

Amber, I love you dearly because you can sang. However, it is NOT acceptable to get your Red Carpet dress from the prom wardrobe rack on Glee. Is that made of cheap motel's bed sheet? You should have shined a black light on it before wearing..

I heard that Amy Poehler asked Peter Som to make this dress for her out of metallic spanx. Bad news: I can see her uterus.  Good news: She's not pregnant. 

It's time to put your cleavage away bitch. You're at the Emmy's, not the Moulin Rouge Lounge in Reno. That color is gross on her, and the slit length is awkward so her legs look like tree trunks. 

 I loved this Armani Prive dress on Julianna Margulies. She wore white after labor day, and the structured bodice is very reminiscent of Japanese couture.

Kate Winslet in Elie Saab. Vava voom red was the look of choice for the evening, and Kate did it very well. The hair is gorgeous. 

Leah Michele posing for once without overtly complimenting herself at the same time. This time I would have agreed with her. I've never seen a Marchesa dress I didn't like. But the highlights of this one are the draping on the back, and the shoulder detail. Love.

Colbie Smulders in Alberta Ferretti. Holy shitballs. That color is gorgeous. Stunning hair, love the ice, love the clutch.

Kerry Washington wore Zuhair Murad. I am DYING over the faked out fringe sheer skirt. Just gorgeous on her, and it was even more stunning when she presented an award on camera.

BEST DRESSED BOOBS OF THE NIGHT:

GAH. I love Sofia Vergara. I love that she werques her bombshell figure flawlessly. I love the deep coral color on that Vera Wang gown. And I love her ostentatious Colombian Emerald ear rings. 

That's the thing about "ostentatious" style, if you know how to werk it isn't over top anymore.

COMING SOON...

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Ralph Lauren S/S 2012

Ralph Lauren has determined that the era to emanate next season is the roaring twenties. I couldn't be happier about it. Double breasted menswear jackets, dropped waistlines, high shine satin dresses, metallic trim. I'm elated. 

My favorite 18 looks from the collection.

The daytime attire in this collection includes neat sweaters with silk shirts paired with bias cut chiffon skirts. The platform sandals, espadrille platforms, cloche hats, floral embroidered long fringe bags exudes a walk in the city during springtime in the 20's. For evening, Ralph included the gowns with metallic fringe beckoning to the flappers of the 21st century, but he also included his signature masculine tailoring showcasing wide mannish trousers and boxy strong shouldered jackets worn with club collared shirts, satin ties, and cricket sweaters. There were also the form fitted slip dresses with feather fringe trim, deco-style beading, and silhouettes that slinked the body. The long earrings, country floral prints, and feather plume brooches provided a direct line to the days of Eddie Cantor, Belle Baker, Scott and Ella Fitzgerald, T.S. Elliot, and my very favorite historical figure, Gertrude Stein. This line was special because not only are the clothes fantastically gorgeous, but it painted a vivid picture of a time passed. Now perhaps everyone will understand why half of my entire wardrobe is Ralph Lauren, it's timeless. 

Zach.

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Proenza Schouler S/S 2012

My favorite four looks from the collection.

Proenza Schouler's most recent collection has carried on the tradition of the fashion house's impeccable eye for prints, and tailoring. This eclectic collection combines motif's from African, and Hawaiian culture. The colors ranged from neon royal blue, neon yellow, and neon orange, to muted yellow, blacks, browns, and greys.

My top 16 looks from the collection.

Given the high waisted silhouette throughout, this collection is able to be worn by shapely women, and runway models alike. Most of the pieces are cropped at the midriff, flattering almost every woman's figure. This season, Proenza Schouler had a wide array of pieces in the collection: Beginning with high waisted A-line skirts paired with cropped shirts, which had sophisticated Hawaiian prints buttoned all the way up to the neck. Then came crocheted raffia dresses with full skirts, and cutaway bodices. Perhaps the most traditional part of the collection was the fitted forties-style dresses. There were also wrapped pencil skirts paired with bandeau sports bras, not my favorite look, but it could be fun with a white blazer on top for the right event. My favorite looks in the collection were the embroidered floral tops, paired with the brightly high waisted A-Line skirts with contoured paneling. Fabrics and knits for this collection included the crocheted raffia (mentioned above), the elbow length cloves were made of sheer leather eel skin (who doesn't have leather eel skin now a days?), and finally techno neon gabardine. Most of the footwear consisted of flatform slingback sandals, or brogues. My favorite accessory in the collection was the highly curved peak framed sunglasses. This collection had a hodgepodge of themes, but I loved every single one. 

Tell me what you thought! Did Proenza hit the mark, or was the collection too confusing?

Zach.

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Oscar de la Renta: King of Spring

Neon chartreuse was just one of the bright colors to electrify the runway, but it was my favorite.

Oscar de la Renta never disappoints on the runway, but this collection was taken to another level of fantastic. The waisted silhouettes, saturated colors, and bold textures are perfect embellishments for your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

 The collection is the epitome of femininity as Oscar showcased perfectly cropped cigarette pants, full blown taffeta ball skirts with simple lace tanks, and summer tweed jackets paired with waterfall blouses. The array of fabrics include lace in all different weights, chiffons, summer tweed, silk tulle, silk taffeta, beaded sheer, fox fur, sequins, feathers, and crochet. Basically every single fabric you need in your wardrobe to be a certified glamazon. The accessories were equally titillating; costume jewelry, bowling bags, multi-stranded necklaces from bright colors to blacks, wide belts, and floral scarves, all were featured. Oscar's prints included seemingly painted on vertical stripes, poppy motifs, and the ever present florals. The colors of the clothing for this collection translated just as well onto the footwear. The high multi-laced sandals, and transparent high-laced brogues were showcased in bright colors often times corresponding to the look with which they were paired.

I think we can start to appreciate the fact that this may be one of the best Fashion Weeks the industry has seen in years.

Do you think Oscar de la Renta knocked this collection out of the park?

Zach.

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Alice + Olivia S/S 2012

Top four looks from the collection.

I just got my hands on the Alice + Olivia S/S 2012 collection, and I am proud to say I have another contender for my favorite collection of this Fashion Week. Here's the full collection (minus two repeat tunic dresses in different colors.).

Simplistic vintage silhouettes enriched with bold colors, textures, and prints makes for a tantalizing feast for my eyes. There isn't a single piece in this collection that doesn't bring something interesting to your look. From full a full ballet skirt to to a drop crotch jump suit in bone white with gorgeous silk chiffon draping, this collection combines statement making fashion with vintage simplicity to perfectly embody the season of spring. I am salivating over the saturated oranges and the vintage pastel color palette.

What do you think about the A + O collection? Worthy of shop therapy?

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Plethora of Prints

Studded leopard-print Christian Louboutin sneakers.

There are a special two trends I'm crazy about this fall: Plaid, and leopard print everything. And the fact that I'm allowed to mix the two! Hehehe, over the top you say? Nay. Just wait to see what I've styled today!

Should I do a Dr. Suess themed post? I can rhyme all day.


I'm a pro at layering because its a huge part of my own style, it just so happens that layering looks good on every body type. For example, if you're not so proud of your legs, you could pair a full length maxi-dress with a fitted peplum blazer to accentuate your gorgeous little midriff. Toss on a scarf, and a hat and you're set for winter. I didn't style anything like that for you today though, sorry. There is a scarf, a hat and a peplum leather jacket. So never mind that, they are kind of similar.

This look is good for your everyday life jaunting around the city. You could style it the way Net-a-Porter did, and switch the boots for some black patent leather pumps, the paneled leather jacket for a black blazer, and you're ready for the boardroom. If you're feeling crazy you could leave the leopard print scarf on!

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania popcorn asymmetric stretch jersey top + Vivienne Westwood Anglomania philosophy tartan wool pencil skirt + Diane von Furstenberg weaver suede open-toe boots + Rick Owens paneled leather jacket + YSL leopard-print silk-muslin scarf + Agent Provocateur leopard-print calf hair driving gloves + Eugenia Kim Lauren rabbit-felt fedora.

Okay, I'm going to go find more ferocious looks in the S/S 2012 shows. Toodles!

Zach.

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Rachel Zoe S/S 2012

I know it's late, but I couldn't help myself! I had to post as soon as I got my hands on the photos from Rachel Zoe's Spring/Summer 2012 collection! The NYC presentation was so not RZ, very simple. Also, did I mention some of the models were wearing FLATS?

Images via New York Post

RZ said this collection was inspired by  "Brigitte Bardot. Late sixties, early seventies, running around the south of France, being her glamorous self, but never kind of trying to be glamorous, she just is because she’s like the coolest thing ever." 

I am in love with the collection. Rachel stayed on trend with the kind of burnt red's and the royal blue jumper, but she remained true to her own aesthetic. Its a very vintage L.A. feel, mixed with an international projection. 

The only problems I have with this collection are: The bag in the look with the brown blazer and the maxi dress, it looks like a Celine rip off. I also am not a huge fan of the gold sequined mini-dress. It looks like it is out of a Kohls collection. Maybe if it was paired with a leather jacket and presented as a day look it wouldn't look like such a filler. Otherwise, I love how Rachel hasn't compromised who she is for the sake of making sales. Although, I do miss her promoting other designers other than herself on twitter. I guess that's what happens when stylists turn to designers!

All criticisms aside Rachel Zoe is one of my great loves, and she will always be ba-nan-as.

Zach.

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Fashion Week: Trend Report

Four days of fashion have kept us on our toes this week, and the trends have become extremely apparent to those of us who have been diligently paying attention. 90's grunge has made an interesting companion for the ethereal flowing fabrics that always come with spring. Designers either rose to the occasion or missed the mark. The Row had a colour palette of bone white, with barely there layers of silk, and satin on the bottom, paired with structural pieces on top. Their collection was clearly inspired by the orient, sadly it translated into what most would call pajamas. The Row was my favorite collection from F/W 2011, and this season was short of amazing.

Images via WGSN.

Designers are cranking out color this season, specifically orange, yellow, and blue. So if you don't have any, it's time to start saving for Spring shopping.

My break out designers this season so far are Doo.Ri, Thakoon, and Rag & Bone. All of these fashion houses have honed this season's trends while remaining true to their own aesthetic. Thakoon remained true to his polished uptown silhouettes, while incorporating funky prints, and western themes. The classic feminine silhouettes paired with the western cowboy hats defines his look as "cross cultural traveller."

Doo.Ri stuck with her signature draped looks while incorporating structural pieces like blazers with oversized shoulder pads to bring the 90's theme into her collection. Her draped and twisted jersey dresses are done perfectly while allowing for imperfections in the body to be hidden.

Rag & Bone has been one of my favorite collections for men and women season after season for years now. This season is no exception. The designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville harnessed the trend of 90's sportswear, bringing in their signature copious amounts of layers, and this season's bright color palette. Gorgeous.

More updates to come later this week.

Zach.

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Epitome of Fall

Fashion trends come and go, but unless you can incorporate your own style they don't matter. 

This look is a combination of my personal preferences when it comes to women's wear and the trends for F/W 2011. If I was going to the tents for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, this is what I would have my plus one wear. 

J Crew Blackwatch plaid wool blazer + Zoe Karssen French Kissing cotton model-blend t-shirt + Yves Saint Laurent leather a-line skirt + Alexander Wang Anais metallic leather loafer pumps + Mary Katrantzou bow model and cashmere blend scarf + Yves Saint Laurent Arty gold plated glass ring + Etro celtic brass bracelet + Mulberry oversized Alexa leather bag + The Row curved square acetate- frame sunglasses.

Even though I'm not at the tents at MBFW, you could still wear this stuff to go out with me. Just sayin'.

Zach.

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10 Years, We Remember.

Exactly ten years ago, today, an event took place to forever change the shape of American reality. I could sit here, and type out every emotion I had while watching the grim footage of the World Trade Center falling. I don't want to do that. There are enough documentaries being shown that describe every emotion Americans felt, and then some. Instead,  I'll recall some facts.

View from the Sky Lobby on the 78th Floor of the World Trade Center, 7:53am , 9/11/2001

8:46am - Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Center's North Tower at 490mph between floors 94-98.

9:03am - Flight 175 crashes into the World Trade Center's South Tower at 590mph between floors 78-84.

9:59am - The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.

10:28am - The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.

2,749 death certificates were filed as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The South Tower collapsed with a magnitude of 2.1 on the seismograph, and the North Tower collapsed with a magnitude of 2.3. The effects of the impact were felt as far north as Maine.

It is widely assumed that humans by nature, shy away from physical contact with strangers. But in this situation, that assumption is proven to be a learned trait. Countless images are ingrained in my mind depicting human helping human, no matter the race, religion, sexual orientation, or political standing. 9/11 presented a sense of hopelessness but it also gave me hope. Hope that people to their core, are truly good.

Not only did the terror attacks on September 11th, 2001 shake the ground we walk on, but it shook the way we live.

Never forget what was done to our country, and be ever grateful to those who gave their lives.

Zach.

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Football Season: What to wear

Football season is here, and no matter how much we try and deny it, we'll have to break down and go to one of the games, or at least a viewing party.

But never fear, your favorite gay has constructed the perfect outfit with which you can show your lack of team spirit! Just because you have to wear a jersey to one of the games, or some kind of team memorabilia, doesn't give you the excuse the schlep something on the rest of your body. Fashion doesn't look kindly on those who schlep.

There are two reasons to go to a football game: 1) You spent too much money last month, and promised your man you'd suffer through a football game with him to make up for it. 2) You don't have a man, and you need to find one before the holiday parties roll through. This outfit is fitting for both. You'll look hot, stay warm, and show team spirit. Ready?

Why the hell do I always ask if you're ready before showing you something?

Karl Donoghue shearling belted biker jacket + Reebok Cincinnati Bengals Rey Maulaluga Women's Zebra Field Flirt Fashion Jersey + Rag & Bone mid-rise merlot stretch-denim skinny jean + Christian Louboutin Harletty 140 suede knee boots. 

Don't think I forgot about a bag to go with the outfit, darlings. You'll need something large enough to fit a copy of Us Weekly, and Vogue because by the second quarter you'll be ready to go get drunk. 

Proenza Schouler PS1 large leather satchel. 

This second outfit is geared towards an evening out with a group of friends to watch the game. This situation is ideal, because the venue can be anywhere from casual to semi-formal (door #2 is the way to go, this allows you to flex your sartorial muscles) and there is no need to adorn yourself with horrid team color-schemes. Insert fashionable but evil victory guffaw here.

KAUFMANFRANCO belted leather and wool-blend felt coat + Elizabeth and James Clarkson leather-trimmed silk-chiffon blouse + Miu Miu waxed stretch-leather skinny pants + Alexander McQueen buckled suede boots.

No need for anything huge in the bag department, you shouldn't need anything but make-up for touch ups, your Blackberry, some form of money, and your ID. 

Alexander Wang Adriel ostrich effect leather clutch.

If by some cruel stroke of fate, you don't get your way and end up going to some dive filled with drunk people in sweatshirts and mom jeans, I suggest this: Wear a predominantly black outfit with a touch of attitude. If nothing else, fashion is perfect for making a statement. For this scenario don't bring a bag, it could get stolen.

Rick Owens long-draped cashmere cardigan + Rick Owens Lillies asymmetric jersey top + J Brand low-rise legging-style jean + Fiorentini & Baker cusna leather boots.

If you have an event coming up and you don't know what you should wear, e-mail me! I'm sure I've got some ideas in this head of mine. 

Until next time!

Zach.

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Fashion Week is Up and Running

Fashion Week day three is happening. Day two was kicked off by one of my very favorite designers, Nicholas K. As soon as I get pictures from their show, rest assured there will be a full rundown.

For now, I'll show you a few street style nuggets of the trendiest of show goers. Ready? Okay!

Joanna Hillman Senior Fashion Market Editor at Harpers Bazaar. Polka's and stripes on one pair of trousers? We are meant to be friends. 

Jessica Schroeder of WhatIWore.com

I don't know who this is, but I fully appreciate her print mixing abilities.

Jane Albiter, buyer from ShopBop. Her leather booties are killing me, I NEED COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF RUNWAY PHOTOS.

Zach.

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The waiting game.

As I wait on the edge of my seat for photos from the men's shows today, I'll share with you two photographs I've come across of celebrities who may not be looking their best.

That will make everybody feel better, right?

First of all, let me say I respect Chloe Sevigny for being such a shameless self-promoter. Every single thing on her body is Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony. While yes, those shoes are utterly flawless there are two more things to be learned from this photograph. Chloe Sevigny does not photograph well when she's drunk so I guess that means she never photographs well. I know what you're thinking: "Oh NO he didn't!" and to that I say, no I didn't. Don't you see that line through the text? That means I'm morally exempt from feeling guilty about the horrible things typed under said line. Also, she's so drunk she missed the spot she was supposed to stand by 6 solid inches. Woopsie poopsie!

I don't care how fabulous Audrina's Chanel sunglasses are in this picture, I can't ignore the elephant in the room. Either she has four boobs, or she has no clue how to wear a bra. #amirightladies?

That brings me to my next point: Instead of calling people shitheads, or other profane things when they do me wrong/say something stupid, I'm going to start calling them boobs. I may not have an affinity for the object, but that word sure is funny.

Have a good day, and remember: Don't be a boob!


Zach.

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Clothing for thought.

Today, I wore a trench. Not just any trench, my navy blue waist length trench that has been begging to be let out of the closet since I bought it in May.

My point being, I was ready for this sudden dip in temperature because I am a compulsive shopper bought something in the off season. That's really just the most wonderful thing, because chances are no one else will have it, (it is the off season after all) and it probably was on sale. My trench was, 70% OFF. This is no jest my friends.

Were you ready when your sundress and Cardigan weren't enough this morning? To prepare you, I'll suggest snagging some outfits similar to these to withstand your chilly morning commute.

 Isabel Marant July embellished cotton jacket + Tibi Silk-chiffon and thick weave dress + Miu Miu Bow-side wool-felt pumps.

While you walk to work you'll definitely turn heads with that statement jacket, and when you're ready to enter the boardroom, you've got a perfectly appropriate dress. But fear not, people will still be transfixed by your shoes.

For a more casual setting..

Balmain Wool-felt double-breasted military blazer + Simeon Farrar for Japan's Kate Mouse T-Shirt
+ J Brand Bianca high-rise flared jean + Charlotte Olympia Martha In Stripes suede and leather wedges.

This outfit is perfect for going to grab drinks with a friend at a hole-in-the-wall bar, or going to a concert. Anything really, so long as the atmosphere is light, and the dress-code isn't anywhere near formal. The jacket and jeans are definitely a classic vintage look, but by adding that graphic t-shirt (which also raises money for a great cause) you bring it up to this century and show your spunky side. The heels are pretty intense, but there is no occasion where Charlotte Olympia isn't appropriate. And since when is it a bad thing to look better than everyone else in the room?

Well, I have to go shop some more prepare myself for FNO on Thursday!

Zach.

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