Wednesday Wants: Rachel Zoe Fall 2016

As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Rachel Zoe. I've watched all of her reality shows and I wonder when and if Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe will back on the air any time soon. I'm also a big fan of her apparel. I own several pieces (seen here/here/here) and would gladly add more to my closet. So when her fall 2016 presentation images were released, I immediately reviewed them and picked all of my favorites.

According to Rachel, this line is very different than anything she's done in the past. As she told InStyle, "The '60s and the '70s—it's my thing, and it's never going to change. Hopefully, people will always come to me for a great flared pant or a great jacket. But I also want to show what else I can do." This collection took inspiration from the 1930s and then traveled back to the 1990s.  "We have menswear tailoring with feminine silk slip dresses, pearl beaded sweaters, velvet pajamas, and super rich fabrics. This girl feels very expensive and glamorous without trying."

What I love about the collection is that there is definitely a nod to past designs with the faux fur, over-sized coats, and sleek blazers. What I especially love this go around is the white! I'm obsessed with all the white. I adore the dramatic look of the long top coat in a mix of black and white. It's definitely a statement making piece. I love the flirty white dress with shaggy black accents on the sleeve and hem. And the grayish metallic suit is fab! Simply put, this collection is gorg!

Now, what would I actually wear from the pieces I've chosen? I would have to say a lot of it. Sure, I'm a work from home mama who doesn't really get that dolled up anymore, but when I do, I would strut it in all of this! The long coat would be amazing with flared jeans. The shaggy black vest could be worn with pretty much anything. All of the white pieces could be mixed and matched with other pieces in my closet. And the suit? Well, I would just find a place to wear it!

One last look that really stood out to me is this.

Would I wear all the pieces together? Probably not. I mean, I'm not Rachel Zoe. But the coat is ridiculous. The cropped top would be flattering with black pants or paired over a black dress to give it a little something extra. The print is amazing. The colors are crazy. And it's signature RZ!

"I like to make clothes that people want to live in and dance in all night," she says. "I want to have fun with fashion." 

I would say everything about this fall collection is just that, fun!

All photos courtesy of Rachel Zoe. 

KCFW - Saturday Evening Runway Shows

 The Saturday evening shows for KCFW were amazing! It ran the gamut of structured, feminine, avant-garde, and everyday wear. There were pieces that immediately caught my eye, or as soon as the model turned, it grabbed my attention from the back! You gotta love a look that has you coming and going. Here are a few of the looks, and designers, I loved.

The looks from Architexture were full of just that, texture. The folds, the gathers, and the draping were so detailed. And I loved the movement that the collection created. Some illusion, some full on flow.

 

House of Cochon was filled with futuristic, avant-garde, and dramatic looks that Lady Gaga, Madonna, Beyonce, and Kesha could wear on the red carpet or on stage! 

 Koko Clemence was that designer that had the head spinning effect. Every look had something coming and going. The use of basket weave was amazing, the drapey fabrics looked so comfy and chic, and I love that there was a jumpsuit and a romper within the collection!

This romper is darling! I love the details throughout and just look at the back! See what I mean?!

The final show of the evening was by designer Laura Kathleen. For all you Project Runway watchers, she was on Season Nine and Season Two of Project Runway All Stars. Her collection was chic, sophisticated, and offered something for everyone. And, I would wear every single piece!

 

Did I mention I ordered these pants? Oh, and did I tell you Laura Kathleen herself told me my butt looked good in them? She's a good sales girl!

I had the most wonderful time at my first KC Fashion Week! I loved spending the day among fashionable people, talented designers, and exploring a new eye for fashion. I've made some new friends, contacts for future events, and learned some new techniques in the world of my photography. (I'm hoping I've made my dad proud as well.) Thanks for coming along for the journey! I hope you've enjoyed a birds eye view!

Next up? Taking runway to real life. Can't wait!!

My Evening Attire

Regarding the attire for the evening shows at KCFW, I asked some of the fellow bloggers what they were wearing, and I was told that most would dress pretty formally. I instantly panicked! I hadn't planned to get super dressy for the event. I had planned to go a little more edgy. A little more risky. I immediately put on the brakes. 

I called my mom on the way home and uttered the standard phrase "I have nothing to wear!" My mom rebutted with, "I'm pretty sure you have a black dress of some sort you could throw on." And the answer was, I did have a black dress. A black dress I was planning on wearing, but now it just wouldn't do. She suggested this jumpsuit, but I thought about the dress I wore to Drink Pink last year. I tried it on, and to my surprise, it fit better than it did in July. However, the more I thought it,  the more the jumpsuit just seemed appropriate. More me.

I kept the styling pretty simple. A few pieces of bling here and there, shoes that were an almost match, and a dark wine lip. I added a little more drama to my eyes, something I rarely do, and I raced out the door!

 

I'm so glad I went with my mom's suggestion, and my gut, because it was the perfect mix of dressy and formal! Plus I received numerous compliments and what girl doesn't love those! I would say that my final night of fashion week was a total stylish success.

KCFW - Saturday Afternoon Runway Shows

 Saturday afternoon was a beautiful day in Kansas City both outside and in! With temps soaring in the 70s, it was only appropriate that L.O.D. opened the show with gorgeous tropical prints that gave us all a sense of being in paradise! I loved the use of banana leaves, various hues of green, vibrant yellows, and accents of gold jewels. The maxi dress is my favorite, but I also love the little skirt and yellow top.

 

 

 

Look at the amazing detail in this top! The structure is so unique. 

Makes me long for sun, sand, and better abs!

 

Andrea Marie Long Designs was as far away from summer prints as you could get, however I loved every use of fur (real or faux) throughout the show. Capelets, hoods, tweeds, and plaids were also on full display, and even though we are leaving winter behind, it's kind of exciting to think about wearing these pieces later in the year.   

Look at the lining in this hooded cape? Looks luxurious and so chic! And I love that belt.

 

I'm a huge fan of a fur vest, as you know from previous posts. What I love about this one is the length and slightly less volume than most of my own.

I am not currently in the market for a full on gown, but I loved the ones from Oblivion Clothing Designs. The use of texture throughout the collection is what caught my eye, and I loved the hair! Big, bold, bouffants that were so chic and very avant-garde.

 

A modern day spin on a classic 80s Barbie is what I got from this look. And who doesn't love pants under a ballgown! If it had pockets, I would buy it in an instant!

 

 

 

I loved every minute of my Saturday afternoon! And who wouldn't? Talented designers, fashionable bloggers all around me, and a gorgeous backdrop that is Union Station. I couldn't wait to see what the evening had in store!