The Wiseling Blog

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Trend Watch: Oversize Coats

This season, bigger is better, with larger-than-life clutches, ruffles, and prints dominating the runways and the streets. Perhaps the most noticeable and timely of these big bold trends is the oversize coat. Seen at Acne, Chloe, Jil Sander, Balenciaga, and many more, these warm winter staples came in a range of colors, textures, and prints. Better yet, just think of all of the layers you’ll be able to fit under them when the temperature dips. 

1. Balenciaga 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs 3. Kenzo 4. Stella McCartney 5. Diane von Furstenberg 6. Hakaan 7. Celine 8. Marni 9. Isabel Marant

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Trend Watch: Peplums

What can we say about peplums? This magical little piece of fabric, when added in just the right place, creates curves where there previously were none, giving even the most beanpole figures the illusion of an hourglass. No wonder this has become such a popular trend.

1. Lanvin 2. Prabal Gurung 3. Biyan Soren 4. Peter Pilotto 5. Tory Burch 6. Miss Selfridge 7. Stella McCartney 8. Mango 9. Mary Katrantzou 10. Burberry Prorsum 11. Peter Som 12. Haider Ackermann 13. Alexander McQueen 14. Carven 15. Zac Posen

Point of Reference: Intarsia Sweaters

Photo via Vanessa Jackman.

The “intarsia” in intarsia sweaters refers to the technique for knitting the garment. Unlike Fair Isle sweaters where the yarn is carried across the back of the design, intarsia knitting consists of separate blocks of color, making the resulting sweater less bulky and more comfortable. Intarsia sweaters became popular in the 1930s and 40s when the technique was used to make a variety of novelty prints.

This season, with graphic sweaters in popular demand, intarsia sweaters are enjoying a come back. This Stella McCartney intarsia sweater is one of our favorites this season. Featuring jumping reindeer and a bold pattern in soft pastels, it is right on trend, but not so festive that it can’t be worn in January.

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Trend Watch: Red & Blue

Across the country, Americans are heading to the polls to vote for our next president. This year’s highly contested race has inspired a slew of voting themed clothes, from “Rock the Vote” t-shirts to “Vote 2012” shoes. However, rather than buy pieces that you could not wear after today, why not channel the parties’ respective colors as you go about your civic duty. The person behind you in line may not agree with your political views, but they won’t be able to deny how great you look.

1. Banjo & Matilda 2. J.W. Anderson 3. Loft 4. Blue Nile 5. Cole Haan 6. Matthew Williamson 7. Proenza Schouler 8. Stella McCartney 9. Proenza Schouler 10. Cole Haan 11. Blue Nile 12. Aldo 13. Alice & Olivia 14. H & M

Have you voted today?

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Trend Watch: Varsity Jackets

Designers were not just reminiscing about prep school this fall, they were also remembering school sports. Varsity jackets, or variations of, were seen at Anna Sui, Alexander Wang, and Proenza Schouler. While some have given us more literal interpretations, others created varsity jackets in the abstract, borrowing elements from the iconic sportswear, but reinventing the look. This would be a good time to get out your old letter jacket and show off your past athletic achievements. Or, if your school didn’t give them to members of the debate team, check out some of these fashionable versions.

1. Anna Sui via The Cut 2. Madewell 3. IRO 4. Stella McCartney 5. JW Anderson for Topshop 6. Prabal Gurung 7. Marc by Marc Jacobs 8. Kris Van Assche 9. Golden Bear 10. Alexander Wang 11. Proenza Schouler via The Cut

Will you be rocking this old school favorite?

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Trend Watch: Brocade

Designers have long referenced vintage designs in their creations, but this fall, some of them are looking farther back than usual. No, not the Roaring 20s or even the Victorian Era, but the Late Middle Ages. From Jill Stuart to Marchesa and Proenza Schouler to Jason Wu, we saw piece after piece sewn from rich brocades a la Queen Elizabeth I. But these dresses, trousers, tops, and coats hardly resembled museum pieces. Cut in modern shapes and paired with basics that let them stand out, this attention-grabbing trend is a sure fire way to make a royal-worthy statement. 

1. Proenza Schouler 2. Huishan Zhang 3. Stella McCartney 4. Oscar de la Renta 5. Matthew Williamson 7. Osman 8. Roseanna 9. Jason Wu 10. Opening Ceremony

Will you be wearing this regal trend this fall?

Paris Fashion Week Re-cap 2.0

All images via The Cut

Paris Fashion Week was so amazing that we just couldn’t limit it to one re-cap. This week we saw the best of the best in the industry, all of them tempting us with beautiful pieces for next spring before we’ve finished shopping for fall. It is hard to remember that we need to start dressing in heavy knits, boots, and red leather when we are being bombarded with floral prints, sleeveless tops, flowy dresses, and the one, overwhelming trend for spring: oversize. But in fashion, seasonal confusion is the spice of life, so here are six more of our favorite Paris shows.

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Trend Watch: Cut-outs

Designers have taken scissors to their creations, leaving us with an exceptionally fun trend: cut-outs. Cut-out necklines, sides, backs, shoulders, and sleeves offer us an unexpected way to show a little skin. We love the cut-out sweaters for carrying this trend into cooler weather. What cut-out piece have you been lusting after?

1. Laura Smalls 2. Theysken’s Theory 3. Alexander McQueen 4. Peter Pilotto 5. Stella McCartney 6. Adam Chevron 7. Forever New 8. Topshop

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Trend Watch: Sporty Chic

Why just cheer for your favorite Olympic athletes?  With this sleek trend, now you can dress like them.  From dresses to shorts to shoes and more, the options are as limitless as they are cool.  Just make sure to stretch first.

1. Alexander Wang  2. Markus Lupfer  3. Diane von Furstenberg  4. Whistles  5. Alexander Wang  6. Stella McCartney  7. Marni  8. DKNY

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Stella McCartney Resort 2011