Author: KnowlesMalinda

Loved Working in this Helmut Lang Suiting on My Birthday This Week

Photo of Malinda KnowlesPhoto of Malinda Knowles

So it was a very long day but I still enjoyed my birthday this week! I worked all day, attended the Fashion Group International’s Ready to Wear Trend Presentation, got a mani and pedi at Bliss Spa and then shot to class at night. Despite the hectic schedule, I managed to enjoy my birthday thoroughly and it didn’t hurt that I was wearing some beautiful Helmut Lang harem suiting pants, a beautiful Helmut Lang off white with a tinge of orange blouse and an amazing bra that took the cake for design ingenuity! Thank you Helmut Lang, it was incredible to wear all day.

My Helmut Lang Work Outfit

I love clothes that are professional with an edge to break the monotony of the every day grey shift dress and black heels. Yes, unfortunately it is not quite ‘hot’ in New York City yet but Springtime is definitely here and I absolutely adore this ensemble from Helmut Lang. If you have a fairly see through top, pair it with this well-designed razer back Helmut Lang bra to have a different ‘bra strap’ effect. They also have a great dress with the same color story and some amazing exclusive runway shoes for sale that I have my eye on (shown above). I’m just loving the Spring Collection!

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Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Fashion Group International’s Fall/Winter 2013 Ready to Wear Trend Presentation

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So this week I attended the Fashion Group International’s Ready to Wear Fashion Trend Presentation with host Diane von Furstenberg and discussion panelists blogger Bryanboy, Fashion Consultant Julie Gilhart, Fashion Editor Ana Maria Pimental, Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Director Colleen Sherin and Beauty Director of InStyle Magazine Amy Synnott D’Annibale.

Between the video and panel discussion, there was a lot to be said about current Ready to Wear fashion trends. The presentation mentioned several interesting trends including what I’ve been talking about on the blog; art, graphic prints and pop art on garments like that of Tom Ford’s Fall 2013 Collection (shown below) and Mary Katrantzou Spring 2011 Collection.

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Also on the trend list, 3D fabrics and ‘touchy-feely’ quality like Commes des Garcon’s rose fabric manipulation in his Fall  2013 Runway Collection shown in Paris shown below. The presentation also touched on Marc Jacob’s nightwear to red carpet lingerie looking collection, hot pants and  the Chanel runway boots shown for Fall 2013 shown at Paris Fashion Week.

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It was noted that slouchy, comfortable and less rigid handbags like those from the Celine Fall 2013 Collection (shown below) were making the trend list.

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In an amazingly patterned arm sling, Diane opened up the panel discussion asking the question: “what is fashion?” She added that “anything goes” these days as you see people wearing high and low end, mixing it all together. She also said that “everyone is a stylist. Bryanboy answered that it was about comfort; “lifestyles are different now…women work insane schedules” so they need clothing that will go from day to night.  As someone that fits into that category, I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

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The conversation continued with comments about the future of fashion shows in the digital age, accessories on the runway, Yves St. Laurent’s Collection and John Galliano’s racist remarks. Diane brought up some major points including that shoes are really not accessories since a woman thinks about where she is going and if she will have to walk first before deciding the rest of her outfit. She also mentioned that 3D printing is big now and that if you don’t know what it is you will. When asked about the price of clothes going through the roof, Diane commented saying that her wrap dress “…was 86 dollars back in the day, now it’s about 400 dollars.” She explained that “things are different” and designers have more expenses. In the past, models would bring their own shoes to runway shows.

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Moral of the story is that there are definitely trends happening but it is true that seemingly “anything goes” these days and everyone is simply adjusting to the rapid pace of change with the advent of the digital world in which we are living.

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Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

 

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I’m Having a Curious George Moment: LED Lights and Mobile App Controlled Fashion from CuteCircuit

So yesterday I was reading that on the Today’s Show, tech expert Katie Linendoll came on to talk about her LED Light dress from CuteCircuit. I hadn’t heard of such a thing and was quite impressed. While the techies programming t-shirts and dresses for use with mobile apps, Twitter, Instagram and whatever else may be on to something great I was not that into the actual fashion of it all. But, maybe that will come down the line. For now, I’m just fascinated with the idea that you can ‘program’ your clothing and turn on a virtual light show with what you’re wearing.

Katy Perry in an LED Light Dress
Katy Perry in an LED Light Dress

I do wonder though how do you wash something like that? This is a trend that clearly has a lot of developing to do but for now, bravo to the tech geeks and folks at CuteCircuit for exploring such an idea. Check out the video from CuteCircuit below for their Pink and Black Haute Couture Collection for Summer 2013. Interesting is all I have to say.

Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

10 Favorite New Spring Handbags and Clutches

So Springtime has finally arrived in New York City and everyone has been waiting for a long time to break out their bright colored shoes, clothes and handbags. Here are a few favorite handbags of the moment that combine great design and functionality!

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Jimmy Choo Multicoloured Chandra Clutch, $2313
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Lulu Guinness Pink Shocking Pink Snakeskin Large Lips Clutch, $750
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Burberry Prorsum Red the Blaze, $2551
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Phillip Lim Medium Pashli Satchel, $825
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Hermes Orange 35cm Tangerine Ostrich Birkin, $36,500
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Soffio di Sofia Silver Orgata, $496


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Milly Aqua Jayden Satchel, $435
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Issey Miyake Blue Bao Lucent Shopper, $462
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Balenciaga Classic City Bag, $1471
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Zagliani Purple Faye Metallic Python Clutch, $2112


Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles


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Cold Weather Messing Up Things

So, this is the first April that I really haven’t been much excited about getting a cute spring birthday outfit (I’m an income tax baby, birthday is April 15), because it’s still just about 50 degrees in New York!

This is really messing up business. According to the Labor Department, accessories and apparel stores cut 15,300 seasonally adjusted jobs last month and according to Women’s Wear Daily, retail employment fell by 24,000. This isn’t just messing up Spring/Summer Fashion 2013 business but it’s disheartening Northeast spring fashion lovers too. Yesterday, I went to a Guess event in midtown and they had some beautiful, lightweight pastel skirts, pants and jackets for Spring but with the wind blowing outside, there didn’t seem to be too much impetus to buy. I did pick up this cute neon ring and can’t wait until it gets a little warmer.

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Cold Weather really is messing up things but I have some ideas to share while we wait on Spring Summer that have been keeping me feeling “winter-springy” up to this point.

Get yourself some nice leather pants and maybe some with pops of color. Yellow, magenta, and black of course will definitely be in for the Fall so not only can you wear them while we wait for warmer times, but you can wear them for Fall Winter 2013-2014 too. Check out a few below from J. Brand, Balenciaga, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Acne. For a lower price point, Nasty Gal has plenty of vegan leather leggings to choose from.

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Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

 

The NastyGal Story: Fastest-Growing LA Company

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As a 22-year-old community college dropout, Sophia Amoruso started selling one-of-a-kind vintage pieces on eBay and, according to the New York Times, Nasty Gal sold nearly $100 million in clothing and accessories last year. The name was inspired by the “Nasty Gal” album made by 1970s acid-funk pioneer Miles Davis and his wife Betty Davis.

So, with the “Nasty Gal” edge of Betty Davis, Sophia Amoruso’s NastyGal lends itself to the perfect place for the cute and pretty look, yes, but a good bit of what I like to call funky street style. And with its highly affordable prices ($15-$60 on average per item) the online retailer does not disappoint. They’re also doing free shipping on orders over $150!

Check out the site here.

 Yours Truly,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Stopped by Bergdorf Goodman this Week to see Manolo Blahnik Unveil his Spring BB Collection

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This week I stopped by Mahnolo Blahnik’s unveiling of his exclusive Spring BB Collection at Bergdorf Goodman. Impeccably dressed and wearing some beautiful blue shoes himself, he signed autographs and shoes for customers while attendees toasted champagne and nibbled on macaroons. Especially made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker’s character on Sex and the City, Manolo Blahnik has become a household name since joining the Bergdorf family in 1987.

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Manolo wanted his classic BB pump, inspired by 1950s fashion and Brigitte Bardot, to remain sleek, simple and elegant. And, it comes and it definitely does! It comes in all kinds of colors and would probably have gone great with my Alexander McQueen dragonfly leggings. Check out more of the BB Collection here.

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Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles 

Cute Looks from VOGUE Bambini Show: Petite Parade March 2013

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When I was a little girl my mom and grandmother would buy some of my clothes. But they made most of my clothes, especially for special occasions. I had handmade Christmas and Easter dresses, birthday party numbers to make the other kids jealous, and let’s not even talk about high school.

As a kid I remember like my 9th birthday dress; the flashiest yellow, orange, red and black 80s dress you’ve ever seen. And I can’t forget an amazingly beautiful red pea coat I wore to Christmas Eve Church Service when I was 4 years old. I paid some attention to what I wore but I think I  was more concerned with my Barbie and her accessories!

Anyway, it would’ve been great to have had a VOGUE Bambini Show/Petite Parade back then. Cute is an understatement to describe these kids on the runway. In a red peplum top and black leather pants above, Fatima Ptacek, voice of Dora the Explorer and actress from Oscar award-winning short film Curfew walks in the Bonnie Young Fall/Winter 2013 Petite Parade Fashion Show. And several other kids shine with playful poses on the runway. Check out designs from Silvia Heach, Pale Cloud, Ki6 and more. Doesn’t it just make you want to be a kid again?

 

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 Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Photo Credit: Richard Renda / Totally Cool ®

 

5 Things a Fashionista Can Do Around Tax Time

It’s that time of the year folks. If you haven’t done your taxes already, you better get to it, you have a bout a month.

What to do? Well you’re either getting a refund, getting nothing or paying up. So here are a few tips for whatever situation you might have.

1. Have to pay up? Now is a great to do some spring cleaning in your closet. Make some money and sell off those old handbags or clothes you haven’t worn in over a year to a consignment shop. There are plenty around and even online (i.e. I-Ella.com, or LXR & Co).

2. You can also give those old clothes and even pieces of furniture to charity for a tax deduction.

3. Getting a refund? Well you can save it in the bank if you don’t have your 3-6 months of emergency reserves. Or, you can save it in a mid to long-term vehicle like a brokerage account, cash value life insurance or an IRA.

4. Been saving all year? Pat yourself on the back and reward yourself with a gift from the new spring collections.

5. Plan a vacation. Cheap or not. It’s always great to get away. Make sure to take a new bikini and sunglasses with you.

Whether you’re paying up or getting a refund, make sure to carefully review your taxes with not just an accountant, but a financial professional to ensure that you’re not missing any opportunities to save.

First Food Trucks now Retail Fashion Boutiques on Wheels?

So CNN recently did an article on a new budding trend- retail fashion trucks. I must say food trucks in New York City are rampant, you can’t turn a corner in Manhattan without running into one especially at lunchtime. But, retail fashion boutique trucks I have not yet seen. So far we just have street vendors and Chinatown but I have a feeling that New York might just be crawling with these soon enough.

The concept? Lower start-up prices for aspiring store and boutique owners. According to the CNN article, Abigail Franklin, owner of The Trunk, described their value in saying “we can bring our products to you instead of waiting for you to come to us.” She bought her truck on Craigslist for $25,000 and has been truckin ever since. Stacey Steffe and Jeanine Romo, founders of Le Fashion Truck in Los Angeles, pay about $1500 in monthly business expenses (before inventory) as opposed to $7000 for a LA rental retail space.

Apart from tiny fitting rooms and weather hang-ups, seems like a great idea. Now I wonder how this could translate to New York City. What do you think?

Sincerely Yours,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles