Fashion for Thought: "Quicktake: Rodarte" at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum

This morning, I dodged raindrops and ventured uptown to the "Quicktake: Rodarte" exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. The three room pop-up exhibition visually explored the Mulleavy sister's unique designs and design processes. The Mulleavys are well regarded in the fashion and design world for their artistic, dynamic collections, which draw inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including the construction and destruction of homes, California Condors, Boris Karloff as Frankenstein, land art and Japanese horror films.

Images courtesy of Style, She Wrote (top) and Vogue (bottom)

I particularly liked the destructed sets in which the Rodarte clad Ralph Pucci mannequins were displayed; they highlighted Rodarte's recurrent theme of destruction in their designs.


If you missed the exhibition -- which closed today -- check out this video from the Cooper-Hewitt's Design Blog. The video is a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the show, with commentary by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Caroline Baumann, the Cooper-Hewitt's Acting Director, and the exhibition's curator, Gregory Krum.

Jackie

"She Wore an Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie..."

"yellow polka dot bikini..."


Well, you know how it goes.


I've been sitting in my house for most of the day listening to the torrential rain and howling winds outside, and dreaming of summer and sunshine. To get myself more in the mood for warm weather, I decided to listen to summery songs, including Bryan Hyland's iconic tribute to the two-piece bathing suit -- "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini". (Yes, that's the full title.) This, then, inspired me to quest for yellow, blue, red and variously other colored polka dot bikinis -- and one pieces -- all for under $100.00.

The Original: Guess Frill Me Yellow Polka Dot Bandeau, $49.00 and String Bikini Bottom, $45.00

Modern Classic: French Connection Pretty Polka Bandeau and Tie Bikini Bottom, $30.77 each

Sexy Super Steal: French Connection Spot Halter Bikini set, $25.64

Full Coverage: ASOS Spot Tie Swimsuit, $37.61

Enjoy!

Jackie

Chic on the Cheap: Liberty of London for Target

Get your wallets ready, ladies and gents! Liberty of London will launch its stateside clothing and housewares line for Target in just four days! The 134-year-old British brand is known for their bold prints and florals and, by all counts, the Liberty of London for Target collection will capture the essence of the Liberty look. Geoffroy de La Bourdonnaye, C.E.O. of Liberty, said that, "The collection is a very youthful interpretation of the love and rebellion values that Liberty of London stands for." Select items from the collection will also be available at Liberty stores in the U.K.

Jackie

Are silk pants hot... or not?

I have recently found myself to be the proud possessor of a Macy's gift certificate and have been spending an embarrassing amount of free time scouring their website for my next purchase.


While searching, I stumbled upon these silk harem pants by MICHAEL Michael Kors for just under $100.00. ($99.50 to be exact). While definitely comfortable and luxurious, they are certainly not practical pants. And how much longer is the harem style going to be "in" for anyway?


Despite these gripes, loose fitting silk pants seem to be a big trend for spring, as witnessed not only in shopping malls across America but also many designer's spring runways. (I am mentally recalling a pair of rose colored silk pants from Donna Karan's spring runway as I type.)


And so, I am left to wonder if this trend is a do or don't. What do you think, S.S.W. readers? Sound off below and vote in our poll at right!

Jackie

Jackie's Picks: Black Riding Boots

Lynnie and our beaus joined me this weekend to explore Philadelphia's old Fairmount Water Works along the Schuylkill River. Here are some shots from our adventure...

Walking along, I developed some serious shoe envy for Lynnie's BCBG Max Azria patent leather and suede riding boots, which she scored for a fraction of their original price at an in-store, end-of-season sale around this time last year.

I was drooling over them so much that, shortly after she left, I hit the web to find similarly chic styles at bargain prices. I always buy classic items during their off season; i.e., summer stuff in winter, winter stuff in summer. It's the easiest and simplest way to score major discounts on timeless, luxurious pieces that would normally be out of my budget.


That said, here are my top riding boot picks...

Best Classic Boot: Aldo's Berliew Boot, orig. $160.00, now $80.00

Hard Rock Chic: Aldo's Bainey Boot, orig. $180.00, now $90.00

Best Buckled: Aerosoles' Ride Line, orig. $89.00, now $59.99

Super Steal: Alloy's Classic Riding Boot, now $26.90


Looking forward to next fall...

Jackie

Lynnie’s Picks: Jill Stuart One Shoulder Tiered Chiffon Dress

As a self-proclaimed “girly girl”, you could imagine how excited I am that floral motifs are a major trend for the spring. Jill Stuart has truly mastered this look with her One Shoulder Tiered Chiffon Dress (below). Made of delicate chiffon, the dress features a soft watercolor floral print and tiered asymmetrical ruffles. Costing $228, this piece (to me) is worth the investment.

No desire to splurge on the floral trend? Below I’ve posted some reasonable alternatives.

Nettie Floral Dress $88

Kimchi Blue Floral Notch Lapel Halter Dress $58

Snow-Covered Fields Dress $148

SUPER STEAL! Watercolor Flower Dress $24.80

S.S.W. Asks: Do you plan on rocking floral motifs this spring? Which dress above has your name on it?

Lynnie