I love playing with opposites – think casual jeans with six inch heels, neon brights with neutral darks, and Charlotte Ronson with Jill Stuart.  The two lines read as opposite ends of the same spectrum; sensual textures in dark colors with both strong and understated contrasts, fun patterns, and tasteful reveals.
The difference in hair and makeup makes a great juxtaposition, with loosely textured ombre at Jill Stuart and slicked-back chic at Charlotte Ronson. One wonders if the looks would work with either choice of styling; for me, the answer is an enthusiastic yes, but I’m sure some would be offended at my pedestrian understanding of runway dynamics.

This next collection is my ideal standard for dressing up/down with Band of Outsiders and Rag & Bone really hitting on my tastes, using yards upon yards of material in the perfect balance of light and dark. St. John appeals to my simpler tastes, with clean lines and sexy textures conveying an irresistible level of class.

Unrelated (except in my world) Cushnie et Ochs evokes images of Femme Fatale murderesses in sleek covering, while L.A.M.B. was all about Killer Geeks from Outer Space (did you catch the oversized Houndstooth pattern that looked phenomenally like the ship from Space Invaders?) Both exude feminine charm with dominant undertones.

Next, last, and my favorite so far, Herve Leger; I’ve always loved a good harness and as with St. John, the mix of textures has stolen my heart:

I’m loving the fresh-faced approach to styling, understated makeup and pulled-back hair really lets the pieces and the models shine. New girl crush: Jasmine Tookes (lower left)!
What were your favorites this year?