would you wear a peplum dress like…

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ah, yes, the ruffled skirt trend, the one that throws us back to our childhood. thankfully, designers have updated this little girl staple with sophisticated cuts and unexpected details.

still wondering how to wear it when you’re already over 17?

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pvc tights, sometimes latex (call them liquid leggings if you want to sound less industrial), walked down the runways around this time three years ago and its leather counterpart followed very soon after (in fact, leather pants still made it to some of the current collections). the most purist of stylists claim the pvc tights are so over because leather leggings have taken their place, but for others who are less conscious of hot-off-the-runway pieces, the pvc/latex versions of these skin-tight pants are still in fashion. in fact, since it takes a while for designer pieces to get imitated into mass produced merchandise, i have just been seeing pvc and latex tights in some racks.

pvc (polyvinyl chloride, something i used to only know as the main material in pipes and other construction items) is extremely shiny, so shiny it has that permanent wet look to it. leather, on the other hand, is less glossy, but slick nonetheless, and both have that rock star, vampy vibe to them. it is one thing to slink and slither into the things and another to actually pull them off. and whether you wear the plastic or the animal hide, it seems you have to adhere to the same fundamental rules in wearing it.

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as we reach mid-year, let’s take a look at some of the most popular styles in the hair front.

1. the quiff

seen on the runways of oscar de la renta, max mara and l.a.m.b. among others, the new quiff, an exaggerated height that challenges elvis presley’s hair to a battle of blow-outs, is the new updo. take it from the many celebs who have embraced this hairstyle. it has redefined our use of holding products.

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early this year, there were knee-high socks. ironically, as the weather in most designer-influenced countries started to become colder, the socks went down to the ankles in catwalks all over fashion capitals.

ankle socks and mid-calf socks with heels aren’t exactly new (e.g., burberry prorsum ss09 and ss08), but it seems they occur more frequently this season.

you see them in ankle boots…

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continuation to this.

my favorite shoes in 2009:

cut-away boots…

jil sander ss 09

georgina goodman fw 09

exaggerated platforms…

gianmarco lorenzi fw 09

guillaume hinfray fw 09

decorative heels…

viktor and rolf ss 09

christian dior fw 09

feathers, scales or a simulation thereof…

pierre hardy fw 09

mai lamore fw 09

pedro garcia fw 09

mai lamore fw 09

vouelle fw 09

fringe…

gianmarco lorenzi fw 09

and my most favorite pair of 2009:

gianmarco lorenzi. fabulous!

before the holidays completely overwhelm me with laziness and before the year finally comes to a close, i would like to take a brief look back at the year that was incredible shoes.

the prevailing shoe trends of 2009:

designs at the back or the heels themselves
platforms to dizzying heights: either artistically rendered or hidden altogether
fringes or feathers
scales (or a simulation thereof)
cut-away or mesh inset boots
thigh high boots
decorative ankle straps
victorian button- or lace-up

and certainly nothing even close to plain!

louis vuitton ss 09

lanvin ss 09

diego dolcini fw 09

nicholas kirkwood ss 09

devi kroell ss 09

cesare paciotti fw 09

christian louboutin fw 09

heather williams fw 09

stella mccartney fw 09

camilla skovgaard fw 09

fendi fw 09

manolo blahnik ss 09

alexandra neel fw 09

omelle fw 09

proenza schouler fw 09

versace ss 09

alejandro ingelmo fw 09

gaspard yurkievich fw 09

charlotte olympia fw 09

tanja s. london fw 09

alexander wang ss 09

michael lewis fw 09

rock & republic ss 09

baldinini fw 09

ruthie davis fw 09

the trend: orange lip color

seen on the runway:

dries van noten

carolina herrera

proenza schouler

seen on celebs:

january jones

kate walsh

rosario dawson

how to wear orange lip color:

• identify which shade of orange is best for your skin tone. there are neon-esque brights, soft peaches and corals, and deep blood red-oranges. rich shades look fabulous on olive, golden and tan skin tones; softer shades go very well with fair or pale skin tones.
• you would really rather wear orange lipstick in satin finish, or even some gloss. stay away from those that are too matte.
• since orange will make your lips look vibrant, do not pile on more color all over your face. au naturel with a few coats of mascara will complement your lips very nicely. if you really have to wear eye shadow, stick to neutral colors.
• if still not too bold to wear orange, you can combine it with red lip color to create a deeper shade that is surprisingly flattering for most skin tones.

shop for:

mac morange

givenchy lip lip lip! kiss orange

max factor ms. right