Oakridge Style

Given the number of holiday season bashes we have logged into our iPhone, we’re on the lookout for tips and tools to help us get prepped lickety split–without looking like we’ve only spent 20 minutes in front of the mirror. We want a look that says Done Perfectly while still being slightly undone.

We scrolled through our fave shots from the Fall 2009 runways for inspiration. The Goth look was definitely out. The classic beauty, though oh-so-darling with upswept coiffeand red lips, was a little too-too for our taste this season. And then it struck us: Vera Wang’s gold-accented eyes and natural hair. She paired the look with a collection that was slightly more austere than we usually expect from one of NY’s most romantic designers. We noticed that–sans the usual embellishments Wang usually adorns her pieces with, but filled with intriguing fabrics like rippling organza, techno stretch and scuba–the collection showed just the sort of understated celebratory wear we had planned to don.

It’s a look that we’re recommending for all seasonal celebrations this year: use a texturizing product on hair, then sweep it up and keep it in place with elastics and bobby pins; keep your face fair and fresh with rosy cheeks, and elegant with gold lids.

Get the Look
Ask the experts at MAC or Murale (pictured) for tips on how to pull this look off with panache.

We’re seeing a new trend, an even more daring take on the leg-loving pantslessness. Pantslessness meant seeing models, celebs, and pop stars in tailored jackets, tunic tops or dress shirts long enough to be worn alone–sans pants. But Miuccia Prada, Alexander Wang, and Duckie Brown are taking the Fall 2009 trend even further for Spring 2010. Are you ready to show off your underthings this summer?

Prada showed thigh-high boots paired with furry shorts for Fall 2009, and her haute hip waders raised the bar in terms of statement footwear. For Spring 2010, models sashayed down the Prada runway in knickers and bare legs. Apparently, Miuccia has a “passion for knickers”, and when she wasn’t sending models out in underthings, she sent them out in imitations: short biker shorts. And Miuccia’s not alone. Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs showed them for women, too, and Duckie Brown did them for men.

We’re almost afraid to ask what’s next.

Get the Look
Find underthings worthy of public scrutiny at The Bay. 

LET’S HEAR IT
Dare to bare?

Valerie Tiu

Black is back. If you were at this year’s Oakridge Fall Fashion Affair, you may have noticed an absence of colour, but make no mistake: a little hint never hurt anyone. Colour is not just a way to liven up an ensemble. It can also enhance your features, express your personality, and create a style statement. 

Fall 2009 runways–from Dolce and Gabbana to Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior to Versace–all featured pops of colour. The hot trend for fall is colour blocking, a la Marc Jacobs, and mixing brights to contrast with stark shades (think Gucci and Louis Vuitton). This trend is great for those that may typically shy away from colour or, if you’re like me, have a wardrobe full of black.

Check out Crisca, Femme De Carriere, Jacob and Teenflo (pictured) for some stylish separates that can be easily mixed with basic dark pieces. All of these retailers are also great for classics like pencil skirts and trousers.

The key colour of the catwalk was most certainly red, in any shade: cherry, burgundy, scarlet and crimson. This classic hue was showcased with head-to-toe ensembles, simple pops of colour on accent pieces, and beautifully-mixed textures. My dream look for fall consists of a cherry red knee-length sheath dress, scarlet double-breasted funnel neck coat, and dark shades from DKNY–along with black thigh-high boots from Browns–very classic, sleek and mysterious.

Cool shades of purple, blue and emerald, and warm tones like orange, yellow and pink, were all seen as perfect accents on avant garde accessories, unique headpieces and fierce footwear. Just remember to choose colours that work well with your skin tone and flatter your figure. Aldo, Coach and Blue Ruby are sure to satisfy your colour craving with their charming bangles. Nine West, Ingledew’s and Jwalk also have fabulous footwear in a wide-range of palettes.

Languid, elongating, elegant skirts and dresses are big hits this fall.

Credit Euro-indie superstar designer Haider Ackermann. His maxi skirts–loved by uber stylistas such as Tilda Swinton–are the reason we’re strutting the sidewalk in mermaid silhouettes. And we’re not just sporting the look at night. Paired with flat boots, we channel our inner English estate holder-Spanish dancer for day. And we love the high-low look we create when we pair it with a T-shirt and heels for evening.

Other design houses going to great lengths include Bottega Veneta, Chris Benz, Ellie Saab, and Erdem. Their Fall 2009 shows featured luscious, impossibly glamorous looks for evening especially.

Get the Look
Find your own languid lengths at After Five, BCBG Max Azria, and Edward Chapman Woman.

Give all the credit (or blame, your choice) to Marc Jacobs. He’s been called the most influential fashion designer in the world, and is known as the go-to for trends to come. The Marc brand of cool always has outsider undertones–loved of course, by the ultimate fashion insiders. So we’re giving him all the credit for the sudden rise of bunny ears being spotted on celebs, designers, and pop stars. First debuted in the Fall 2009 Louis Vuitton ad campaign, the bumpy head gear is now popping up at award shows, parties, and on magazine covers.

Bunny Ears Spotting

1. Madonna, in the Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 campaign
2. Madonna, in Louis Vuitton ears, at the Met Gala
3. The Olsen twins, in lace versions by Maison Michel, at the Opening Ceremony party in Japan
4. Lady Gaga, in a set also by Maison Michel, on the cover of the September issue of NEO2.

Get the Look
Find your own hair accessories at Aldo, and The Bay.

LET’S HEAR IT
Bunny ears. Take ‘em or leave ‘em?