Stylish or Shocking?

By: Vera Gushansky

Presenting: Spring/Summer 2010 Most Outrageous Collections at Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week

Grade A fashion designers are undeniably sheer geniuses. Occasionally they produce collections that raise many questions, and not in a good way. I've incorporated a list of my top eccentric shows for Spring/Summer 2010. Chic or just plain ludicrous? You be the judge.

Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010

1. Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010:

Runway Show

2. Paris Fashion Week Garth Pugh Spring/Summer 2010

Runway Video

3. Paris Fashion Week Lie Sang Bong Spring/Summer 2010

Runway Show:

4. Paris Fashion Week Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2010

Runway Show:

5. Paris Fashion Week Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010

Runway Video

(Part One)

(Part Two)

1. New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010

Alexandre Herchcovitch Spring 2010

Runway Show:

London Fashion Week: Katie Early Spring/Summer 2010

Runway Video:

Style.com Top Ten Collections Spring 2010

By: Vera Gushansky

Top ten collections of Spring 2010 by Style.com:

1. Balenciaga

Runway Show

2. Balmain

Runway Show

3. Celine

Runway Show

4. Chanel

Runway Show (Part One)

*copyright problems so youtube had to disable audio*

(Part two)

5. Givency

Runway Show (Part One)

(Part Two)

6. Lanvin

Runway Show

7. Marc Jacobs

Runway Show

8. Proenza Schouler

Runway Footage/Back Stage Footage

9. Rodarte

Runway Show:

10. Versace

Runway Show

Suspended

By: Vera Gushansky

Designers and celebrities agree: suspenders are now considered a statement of high fashion. Who would have guessed that your grandpa's favorite accessory is now you most prized adornment? Let's start off with the models:

Model and fashion inspiration, Agyness Deyn, sporting red and white suspenders.

Men can spice up their outfit, and clasp their pants at the same time, when wearing suspenders.

Suspenders making their way from runway to celebrity:

Black suspenders with a white blouse underneath seems to be the bees knees for many. However, do not be afraid to bust out some zebra suspenders or some bright green suspenders. Just make sure to down play the rest of your attire and your wild suspenders will be tamed.

A new trend that is slowly picking up speed is Leg Suspenders. A few celebrities are already on board:

A few awesome stores to find yourself a superb pair of trendy suspenders:

Urban Outfitters

Neiman Marcus (Marc Jacobs Suspenders)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Store

Wasteland (in the mens section)

Bloomingdales (John Varvatos Suspenders)

Thank You Mart ($3.99 store in Westwood)

Melrose Street Style - #1

By: Vera Gushansky

Today, I took a stroll down a couple of blocks on Melrose Ave, Los Angeles. My outing was filled with inspiring new trends that caused me to rethink my purpose as solely an observer. If you are looking for an area abundant in stores with unique shops that sell one-of-a-kind pieces, Melrose Avenue is the street to hit. On the west side of Melrose, you can find high-end designer stores such as Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Miss Sixty and much more. Driving farther east, past Fairfax, you come across shops that are more economically friendly. Stores on Melrose Avenue range from grade A designers, to well known vintage stores, to humble boutiques, to stores that sell bondage. The beauty of Melrose Avenue lies in it's immense diversity. From fashionista's to punk-rock wankers, Melrose attracts anyone and everyone. Even if you do not have any spending money, your trip to Melrose can still be worth while because of all the amusing clothing you see people sporting. Below, are a few images of cats who pulled off their personal style very well.

(click on the images to enlarge)

This lovely hipster wears a skin tight black leotard, with a high waisted red and white, box patterned, skirt held by black suspenders. Her punk boots mixed with her strawberry-red hair, give her look great depth.

Fashion forward friends stick together, and what a fantastically dressed gang these three are. A vintage shirt can ironically bring any look up-to-date and a creative hair-style can pull an entire look together.

Here stands yours truly wearing a light-pink skin tight American Apparel dress underneath a thin, middle-grey Alternative Apperel hoodie. I wrapped an ebony black American Apparel scarf around my neck and paired it with solid black wedge booties from Urban Outfitters.

Although this is not a human being, a creative mind put together this inventive ensemble. A washed-out, black vintage shirt is stuffed into solid, high waisted, black jeans that are cuffed at the bottom. The mannequin wears cotton, maroon socks with 1930's style work shoes. On the mannequin's right side you can see a mock of a raccoon tail, which was an accessory that was placed on various mannequins around the store, SLOW.

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A great surprise that Melrose Avenue holds is it's bountiful supply of well-priced, one-of-a-kind shoes. Below, is an assortment of footwear ranging from $50-$160.

SLOW is a great store for both men and women to find any style of the perfect vintage shoe.

Wasteland is a great store if you are looking for vintage designer shoes. Inside Wasteland you can find vintage VSL stilettos, Gucci pumps, Chloe boots and the list goes on...

I am absolutely in love with these cream, patent leather, 1920's mens style shoes. Earlier in the year, I came across a very similar, rose pink, shoe in a Barney's catalogue. To my dismay, the shoes cost $800. However, these cream ones above, found at Wasteland, were only $98! A must have for this winter, and forever!

Sportie LA holds one of the biggest selections of rare sneakers I have ever come across. Do not leave Melrose Avenue without walking into Sportie LA.

Next time you have a free afternoon, gallivant up and down Melrose Avenue and you'll be going home with arms full of shopping bags.