August 1, 2011

Lace Embrace



My Personal Photos

Necklace: Tiffany & Co, Shirt: Banana Republic, Skirt: Proenza Schouler, Shoes: Kate Spade

If there is one trend from the Spring/Summer 2011 collections that I can't get enough of it's lace. Lace is one of my all time favorite looks for warmer weather. The inherent femininity gets me every time. What impressed me most about the use of lace in the Spring/Summer 2011 collections is the multitude of ways in which designers worked with it. 

At Dolce and Gabbana the inspiration was a bride's trousseau. Whereas Balenciaga combined a multitude of materials with plasticized lace. Lace is one of those fabrics that truly shows off a designer's craftsmanship and precision. It requires restraint on the part of the wearer. Too much lace can easily become overkill. It's about finding the perfect balance. 

For the past few years, I have acquired at least one lace item before summer's end. I generally gravitate toward a neutral color palate, but when I saw this skirt I couldn't resist. In typical Proenza Schouler style, this skirt combines a beautiful silhouette with a strong and unexpected color pattern. The word powerful comes to mind. The color combination prevents the skirt from appearing too precious. 

As soon as I saw this skirt I instantly gravitated to it. To put it simply- I was charmed. While this skirt is inexplicably different from the items in my closet, I firmly believe that every well-edited closet needs a few special pieces.

18 comments:

  1. The color of the lace is like you said- unexpected. Its muted green/yellow grabs the eye without being too showy-wonderful piece! The detail is exquisite as well. I like that the bottom of the skirt is finished with fringe instead of lace. It gives the eye a nice break before the hem.

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  2. I am not a huge lace-wearer, but this is exquisite. Lovely colours and I like the length on you as well.

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  3. I love lace, I always exercise to draw it properly :D but it's very difficult... I mean, you can draw the lines and everything but it's very difficult to represent the delicate but rich feel that the tangle is able to give...

    I really like this skirt because it adds a very modern touch to the classic shape of the skirt and the romanticism of the lace (aaahhhh Proenza Schouler...)

    You wear it perfectly, you're so classy as always, a real inspiration

    Al

    -The Red Dot-

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  4. Love the unexpected color on the lace--it really gives the skirt an interesting twist! I also like the bottom of the skirt with the fringed hem. It's details like these that point to true craftsmanship! I must admit, however, I am personally not one for lace since I can never make it look 'right.' I seem to have the problem of styling it too 'virginally' (think white bride) or too 'lady of the night.' I suppose I will just have to stick to lace underwear for now!

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  5. The lace detail is gorgeous and the colour is so interesting! A cross between some kind of chartreuse and pale yellow. This is a very nice ensemble.

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  6. I totally agree :) every wardrobe need a few special items and this skirt... very special :) It's SO beautiful and I love the way you have styled it with a simple black cardigan, Very chic :)

    Love, vanilla

    http://notesfrommycloset.blogspot.com/

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  7. I love lace on others - especially that colour, it looks great on you - but I just don't really think it works on me :( Too fussy and frou frou with my long blonde hair. The furthest I have gotten in a very plain close-weave black lace tee that is hiding in my wardrobe from when I had my pixie cut hairstyle. Every now and then when I'm feeling super confident I'll wear for a night out it under a blazer with just a black bra underneath... a little risque but lots of fun!

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  8. the skirt is gorgeous! you have such a wonderful eye; it suits you perfectly!

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  9. Austere- I really enjoy clothing that has something unexpected going on- even if it's something that others don't see. There's something nice about a unique color combination, or a pocket that's lined with a sumptuous material. To me that's what truly defines luxury.

    You are so right about the fringe. I love that the fringe looks neat.

    Ammu- Thanks! Skirt length is so important- it can make or break an outfit. This piece just felt so special to me.

    Al- I would love to see a drawing. It's so hard to capture all of the detail. It's one of those fabrics that you totally need to be able to feel.

    I find that Proenza Schouler is always able to take something that people have their minds made up about and make it modern and new. I love those guys:)

    Thank you for your kind words- so sweet.

    0000- I was so impressed with the craftsmanship. In addition to it being an exquisite piece it is so well made. One of my biggest pet peeves is garments that aren't properly lined. The lining on this skirt is so well done. I also like the elasticized waist.

    Styling lace is tricky. Generally I prefer a touch of lace on a garment. I don't own any white pieces, but I think there are ways to keep it simple and refined. Kate Middleton's Erdem Resort dress comes to mind. With lace I think silhouette becomes even more important.

    Lace undergarments and camisoles are the best!

    Joy- Keeping it interesting is so important. I think I have a soft spot for that pale yellow color. It instantly reminded me of the Lemongrass Isabel Toledo inauguration dress Michelle Obama wore. (I didn't realize how beautiful that color is until I saw the dress at FIT's museum) So pretty.

    Prêt à Porter P- I'm all about the details. They really make an outfit feel special.

    Vanilla - notes from my closet - Thank you. I really feel that a piece like this stands alone- so a simple top works best I think. Everyone has to decide for themselves what their special items are, but I love the idea of loving the items in your wardrobe and being excited to wear them.

    La Fille mal Gardée- Thanks. You are so funny. I think it's very important to have a great sense of what works on you. There are so many things that I love, but can't wear. Your black lace sounds great- I can picture it under a le smoking jacket. So chic.

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  10. What Would a Nerd Wear- Thank you. You're so right- it's definitely a piece that's very me.

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  11. This looks great on you! I like how you've accessorized simply/chicly.

    I can never bring myself to do lace, I always feel not feminine enough for it. I realize that's something I should get over...!

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  12. Alice Olive- Thank you. The skirt stands on it's own- so I like it with a simple necklace and top. I'm a firm believer in less being more when it comes to most things.

    Oh you should do lace. It doesn't have to be done in an overly feminine/girly way. It would look gorgeous on you!

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  13. It is definitely feathers and lace this season xx
    www.rawfashionmagazine.com

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  14. RAW Fashion Magazine- I'm never one to fall slave to trends but it's definately all about feathers and lace this season. It's funny when you see something you would wear anytime suddenly become on trend.

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  15. that's just gorgeous - i keep scrolling up to take another look at the detail! i just love the colour which gives it a freshness.

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  16. Son- Thank you. I'm surprised by how much I love the color too. I'm shy when it comes to branching out with color.

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  17. I love this lace skirt combined with this t-shirt and these black shoes.
    It's so chic (as usual) ;)
    xx

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  18. Camille S.- Thank you:) I have to remind myself to keep it simple. The skirt speaks volumes on its own.

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