Sun Collective

Since working at an eyeglasses company here in Nashville, I've become more appreciative and more observant when it comes to frames. I notice nose pieces, temple details, acetate quality, and shape of the lenses among other things. Even though I don't wear glasses - I'm wishing I did now because there are so many options out there that I had no idea about - I've developed a sense of what I like in a frame. Warby Parker's fresh, new spring 2016 collection has exactly what I'd be looking for if I were an eyeglass wearer.

They've recently released three new collections: Sun Collective, full of beach ready sunglasses, Windsor, a playful group of thin frames, and a spring collection with updated takes on classic Warby Parker silhouettes.

I know it's not fully summer yet, but a girl can dream about the beach and warm breezes and peach flavored sunglasses, right? So, in combining my love for film and these new specs, I've paired some of my favorite spring time movies with a few of Warby Parker's fresh frames to get everyone in the mood for warm weather. It's best to visualize where you'll be wearing these fabulous frames isn't it?!

A Bigger Splash (2016)


Laurel 16 in Bellini - Haskell in Pearl Horn with Toffee



A Bigger Splash (2016)


Piper in Digital Horn with Peony - Laurel 16 in Striped Sassafrass

The One I Love (2014)

Downing 16 in Lemon - Piper in Striped Sassafrass with Crystal

The One I Love (2014)

Downing 16 in Whiskey Tortoise - Haskell in Striped Pacific with Crystal

I am ready for some sun. Growing up in Los Angeles, I took advantage of the sunshine and the constant "nice" weather. I now spend my days living vicariously through films like A Bigger Splash and The One I Love, imagining myself wearing flowing separates and stylish sunglasses. But of course, as I love to have the best of both worlds (tell me - what woman doesn't?!), I have to have the beach and the tropics as well as the pool and the mountains. This means I need the right shades for the right setting. In Italy, I'm probably wearing the Laurel 16, Haskell, and Piper from Warby Parker's Sun Collective sunglasses collection. Yes, the colors are totally there: Bellini is fresh and peachy and vibrant, while Pearl Horn is reminiscent of the water, the trees, and the mix of them in between. Their shapes are sleek and simple. I particularly love the Piper and Laurel because they have rounded, feminine shapes that contrast nicely against the more masculine Haskell and Downing 16. And that lemon and striped sassafrass in the California mountains fits so perfectly that I want to book my plane ticket now and add the shades to my basket.

Her (2013)


Milton in Aloe Green - Henry in Port Blue



Her (2013)


Ingles in Redbird and Striped Sassafrass

Along with Sun Collective and the spring 2016 collection, Warby Parker released some updates of frames they constructed back in December in small collection of thin, unisex frames under Windsor. These reminded me of Spike Jonze's 2013 film Her. They're smart, they're not fussy, and they're clean. I love the Milton and Henry frames because they are slightly more triangular compared to Ingles which makes the face look a little more awake and open. Which is exactly why I picked a photo of Joaquin Phoenix's character Theodore smiling. Although Her is quite a depressing film, the colors and romantic lense (no pun intended here) make it optimistic. I love the simplicity and quirkiness of Milton, Henry, and Ingles. I can see people in Theodore's office wearing these; working on drafts of sentimental cards for people who can't seem to write them themselves.

And While We Were Here (2012)


Haskell in Crystal with Blue Jay - Kensett in Atlantic Blue



And While We Were Here (2012)


Finch in Bellini - Dorset in Whiskey Tortoise

Finally, Warby Parker's spring collection. It's full of updated silhouettes on classic WP frames such as Haskell. They've also introduced three new frames, two of which are here: Dorset and Kensett. Although the spring '16 collection is inspired by the circus, I found instead that the smart shapes of the frames and the refreshing colors reminded me more of the film And While We Were Here. Nothing gets you in the mood for warm weather than a trip to Ischia off the coast of Italy, now does it? Kate Bosworth's character spends her time in Italy alone, wandering the streets, transcribing her grandmother's interview, taking in the colors and warmth. If she wore the Finch in Bellini whilst scrawling in her Moleskine...oh!

Fashion Week Favorites - London and Milan Fashion Week AW 16

London

Roksanda



As much as I love a good pair of skinny jeans and a beat up leather jacket, I really love some pussy bow blouses, ruffles, and pleats. And Roksanda is making me want to replace my wannabe rocker wardrobe for some romantic colors and shapes.

Temperley London



I'm really more in love with the colors at Temperley. Those icy blues and cool periwinkles are perfect for winter, I think. It's all about the contrast: a wispy dress underneath a strong military jacket; pretty blues for dark winter days.

Milan

Les Copains



As previously stated, it's all about the contrast. And this is a perfect example of what I love the most about a good, healthy balance: thick, heavy angora knits over sweet delicate lace. I love the black against the pink and grey and the spider brooches mixed with a floral applique skirt. Gimme all of it.

For Restless Sleepers



Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a fan of prints and that I'm definitely not a fan of animal print. So why do I love this For Restless Sleepers collection so much? Because it conveys a great story and a great character. There's this glamorous woman who lives among all of her luxurious and opulent antique furnitures in the depths of Morocco somewhere. She's an Italian transplant who probably has a pet tiger and a rich husband from Spain. Who knows what her story is; this is why I love fashion.

Agnona



I think I am slowly moving away from wearing neutral colors. Give me all sorts of blush tones and throw in some grays and tans and we're good to go. Agnona's collection was short and sweet and full of some of my favorite silhouettes from one of my favorite time periods: the mid-20th century.

Fashion Week Favorites - New York City AW 16

My God, I haven't done a fashion week round up probably since I was in high school. I'm not sure what happened to me and fashion week. I used to start my fashion month countdown in December I was always so excited. I'd come home from school and just devour everything on the now defunct Style.com (currently Vogue Runway - ugh). I'd write down who was showing on what day in my school planner and people would always give strange looks but never ask who (or what) Dries Van Noten was and why their name was scrawled into a Tuesday.

I suppose I fell out with loving and obsessing over fashion week for many reasons. The main ones are probably because I lost a bit of my curiosity, appreciation for glamour and art, and naïveté. I got caught up with college and work and "real" life happened. And probably because "fashion week" as a concept became too much of a good thing. Dare I say it became too mainstream. Regular people know about Saint Laurent or Alexander Wang. Things and people who were once kept my little secret for after school.

So, because I was so impressed with a lot of the shows this season (not sure what it is - also, I mainly enjoyed presentations?), I've decided to do a nostalgic little round up for old times sake. I also liked doing these for personal wardrobe reasons so that I'd know what to look at for inspiration for the upcoming season. So there's that.

Katie Ermillo

I love simplicity and I love glamour. Those two things generally aren't put together and if they are put together, they're normally not done very well. Here is an excellent depiction of simple, classic, elegant glamour done the right way.

Cinq á Sept

It's so cliche to be into the 70s trend right now but I've always loved it. But I loved the more Lauren Hutton, luxe-camel-colored-big-knit-wide-leg-trousers-chunky-boots kind of way. This makes me love all sorts of 70s silhouettes, big or small. And it also makes me want to go red. Like now.

Creatures of the Wind

The 1970s are one of my favorite eras for fashion but I also have a strong love for the 1940s - naturally, as the 70s had echoes of the 40s. I loved Creatures of the Wind this season because it was full of classic shapes but the colors and the styling set it up for the modern era.

Hellessy

Not sure how I feel about the grandpa glasses. I'm not sure what kind of added contrast they're supposed to be doing. Thank God they don't distract from the elegance that the clothes exude. I think fur trims and fur collars and vests and anything that's not a full on fur coat is going to be a thing this fall. And I hope a royal blue chunky knit sweaters paired with a sexy side slit maxi skirt will be a thing too.

Protagonist

Slightly older woman, slightly cool young minimal 20-something power chick. I love Protagonist because it's smart clothing. That white blouse for example, nipping it at the waist just ever so slightly is massively clever. I'd wear it in a heartbeat.

Co



If I could dress like a chic 1930s 20-something all the time, I would. And I'm telling you, fur is IN for A/W 16. Pussy bow blouses used to be a thing for me back in high school and I sort of fell out of them (much like doing this little reviews), but I'm really feeling them again (just like these reviews as well!). I like the contrast of the awkwardness and elegance and the classicism and kitsch of this collection as well.

Ryan Roche



For anyone who is still following the fashion "rules" don't wear white after Labor Day or stick to cool colors for the winter months should take a look at Ryan Roche. I'm wearing whites, pinks, and warm camels all winter long this season. And I'm going to try to master layering. I'm going to take note from that last look.

Beaufille



These shapes! I can't express my love for wacky silhouettes and exaggerated shapes. I try to pull this off in my everyday life by wearing flares with an A-line, bell-sleeve top but nothing in comparison to that first look. And it doesn't have to be as wild and crazy as the first one or even the second one. Wear a textured, slightly A-line skirt with a cropped, one-sleeve top and you're good to go. Just make sure to pair chunky, mid-ankle length boots in a contrasting color.

Naheem Khan



I'm a big history buff. Especially fashion history. Naheem Khan produced such a wonderful journey throughout fashion history that it was really hard picking three looks. There were a few looks that were quite Elizabethan or reminiscent of the Renaissance even (high necks, high waist lines, circular patterns, luxurious and opulent colors and shine). And a lot of the looks were very influenced by the 1920s and the 1930s with drop waists, elegant evening gowns showing backs, and gold lamé and flapping fringe.

The Row



While this isn't my favorite collection from the Olsens, I can still find the beauty in the simplicity. It seems they've really stripped back some of the looks: a slip dress with an oversized oatmeal coat, a simple turtle neck and high waisted trousers, a chunky black sweater with matching pants. It's all about the shape and the fit, though. The length of the pants is important and so is the amount of slouch. It's all in the details.