Red Carpet Recap!

Posted on January 14, 2013 by annie

Hollywood’s award season kicked off last night with the Golden Globes. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting the show, Lena Dunham’s two wins, and a surprise in the form of President Bill Clinton presenting the movie “Lincoln” were some of my favorite moments. And, the red carpet….stunning! All those new moms looking fabulous, (Claire Danes is ridiculous!) grown women in prom-like ballgowns, and enough skin to make Grandma blush. Yep, just another glamorous night in Hollywood!

Top Trends: All Black, B&W, Soft Colors, Red Carpet RED, Sparkle and Shine, and the classic Ballgown.

And, it was a tie for my favorite gown of the night!

~Annie K.

Today’s Obsession: Fashion Illustrations!!

Posted on October 29, 2012 by annie

With Hurricane Sandy threatening the East Coast (everyone please be safe!!), and well, it being a Monday….I thought something pretty and inspiring was in order! I have always LOVED fashion illustrations. Something about the possibilities and creativity behind each drawing. To me, the illustration is the fantasy of what the garment can be. No limits, no boundaries, just imagination!

I was lucky enough to acquire an illustration of my wedding gown drawn by the designer. (Peter Langner) Priceless!

But, my fascination with bridal illustrations did not start there…..I remember that my favorite day in my college fashion illustration class, was the day we learned “bridal shading”. Not the most talented illustrator on the block, I whipped up a little “Valentine’s Day” themed bridal ensemble, (what can I say, I was a cheeseball when I was younger!) and it might be my favorite illustration of mine to date!

I also LOVE the idea of decorating with fashion illustrations. They are so sophisticated, and can instantly add a touch of glamour to any room!

I always think it’s fun to see the beginning of a design, so here are a couple illustrations from the AKL collection! (Keep in mind, these illustrations are more for production than anything else) Do you recognize them? They are the ‘Lace Chemise’ and the ‘Fly-Away Chemise’!

And last but not least, here are some great illustrations that I hope you enjoy. (starting with the illustrations from the Neiman Marcus + Target Holiday Collection collaboration!!) Happy Monday!

(Visit AKL’s Pinterest page to see more lovely illustrations and inspirations!)

~Annie K.

Weekly Gallery: Fall 2013 Bridal Gowns!

Posted on October 26, 2012 by annie

This week’s gallery is a bevy of beautiful bridal gowns straight of the Fall 2013 New York bridal runways! Get ready for plenty of tulle, organza, sparkle, ruffles, lace, flowers, and bows…short styles, long styles, sleeves, overlays, and veils….everything that’s gorgeous about bridal! So here are some looks from Vera Wang, St. Pucchi, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, and Jenny Packham. These 30 gowns are sure to make even the most cynical bride feel like a blushing girly princess (if only for the day!).

(Click on the photo for info)

Have a lovely weekend!

~Annie

A Little Italian Lingerie Can Go A Long Way

Posted on October 17, 2012 by annie

There’s something about the way an Italian woman carries herself. She always looks “put together”, from her heels to her dark polished hair. Her make-up is flawless (if not a little heavy) and her dress hugs her curves (and maybe shows a little bra!). It’s this confident sexiness that I love. Americans are all about perfection (ahem, we can’t all look like Jennifer Aniston because 1. we can’t afford her nutritionist and 2. we don’t have time to do yoga for 10 hours everyday?!) But the Italians are all about life, love…and food! I saw women well in their sixties and seventies who had just enough of their lace bras showing to make me blush….but they love it. (Am I the only one imagining Sophia Loren right now?) While designing for AKL, I always keep a little “viva Italia” in the back of my mind!

And I love a country that has lingerie stores around every cobble-stoned corner. Here’s a few that caught me eye.

I can definitely appreciate a shop that has their “bridal lingerie” in the widow! A practical support bra may not be my first choice for romance, but those slips were gorgeous….

Ti Per Te by Kristina Ti has very pretty underthings sold through the wildly popular OVS stores. Move over VS Angels!

And then there’s La Perla. The queen of all Italian lingerie…well maybe of ALL lingerie! With their impeccable quality (yes, that’s a window display showing how they hand stitch some their pieces) to-die-for fabrics, and styles, they ensure any woman wearing La Perla feels her absolute sexiest. (This store was in Rome near the Spanish Steps – a.k.a Rome’s 5th Ave)

Two more lingerie company’s of note are intimissimi and yamamay. You can’t go more than two steps in Italy without seeing one of their billboards. (They’re comparable to Victoria’s Secret in price and their big budget ad campaigns.)

Yes, many gorgeous lingerie was seen, and I’m beyond inspired! And, even though I’m back in the U.S. trying to pencil in enough gym time, I’m going to keep a little of that Italian confidence with me. (I may even expose a bra strap or two….while eating pasta…oooh….)

~Annie K.

Off to Italy (!!): What I WISH I could bring in my suitcase!

Posted on September 28, 2012 by annie

Though I can hardly believe it, it’s true! I leave for Italy tomorrow!! A week in Rome, 2 days in Florence, a day in Siena, and 3 days in Cinque Terre!

As I stare at my tiny (TINY) carry-on suitcase, I am highly skeptical that it will be able to contain all the clothes, shoes, and accessories I will need on this fabulous vacation. Alas, I will definitely have to scale back, and I can’t help but daydream about what I WISH I could bring. My mind wonders to a dream involving me, unlimited funds, and Neiman Marcus. Here’s my imaginary packing list!

1. An outfit by Bruno Cucinelli. 2. An outfit by Versace. 3. Dress by Dolce & Gabanna. 4. Dolce Vita’s Roy Fur Vest. 5. Missoni’s Melange Infinity Scarf. 6. Deco Double Platform Bow Pump by Fendi. 7. Suede Wedge Sneakers by Giuseppe Zanotti. 8. Valentino’s Allover Rockstud Sandal. 9. Valentino’s Ruffled Lace-up Biker Boot. 10. Raso Stones Satin Framed Clutch by Prada. 11. Bottega Veneta’s Woven Leather Tote. 12. Papier Leather Crossbody Bag by Balenciaga. 13. Fendi Leather Bracelet. 14. CHANEL Les 4 Ombre Quadra Eyeshadow. 15. CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine. 16. Prada’s Baroque Sunglasses 17. Walnut Aviator Sunglasses by Balenciaga.

In reality, Hudson jeans will have to replace the Bruno Cucinelli leather pants. An REI windbreaker will be packed instead of the Versace coat. There will be no Valentino’s or Giuseppe Zanotti’s making the trip. (A pair of Sperry’s will go in their place.) I’m going to carry an old Coach cross-body purse instead of the gorgeous Bottega Veneta tote, (sigh) and I’ll be wearing Ray Ban Sunglasses instead of Prada or Balenciaga, BUT I’m bringing my CHANEL eye shadow and lipstick!!! I may look more “American Tourist” than “Italian Trendsetter”, but I will not skip out on a fabulous Italian smoky eye or a subtly stained lip!!!!

More posts from Italy to come!! Have a lovely weekend!!

~Annie K.

5 Italian Collections You MUST See!!

Posted on September 26, 2012 by annie

I just LOVE Milan Fashion Week!! Maybe it’s all the lace, the overt sexiness, or all those smoky eyes, but I can’t get enough! From Gucci’s “Rainbow Connection”, Moschino’s “60′s Revival”, Dolce & Gabbana’s “Sicilian Adventure”, Roberto Cavalli’s “Lace Love Affair”, to Donatella’s “Safari”, Milan Spring 2013 had all the glamour and drama I expect from Italy!

Gucci

Moschino

Dolce & Gabbana

Roberto Cavalli

Versace

The Top 3 reasons why I LOVE Burberry’s Spring 2013 Collection!

Posted on September 20, 2012 by annie

There were a lot of great collections sent down the catwalk in London this past week, but I have to say that what Christopher Bailey designed for Burberry Prorsum was my favorite! There were so many reasons why, that I decided to just make a collage!!

See what I mean! Click to see Burberry’s entire collection, plus the rest of London shows.

Next up…..Milan!!

Ciao, Annie K.

NYFW Favorites Part 2 (Saved the best for last)!

Posted on September 17, 2012 by annie

So many great collections in New York last week! But, I saved the BEST for last. These are my TOP 4 COLLECTIONS!! Those gowns, the colors, Oscar’s florals, Victoria’s exposed bras (LOVE), Zac’s “bridal gown”, and Monique’s prints, all made these four collections stand out above the rest of the fantastic collections last week!!

See what I mean…….Fashion’s Gold Medals!

Next up….”London’s Calling”! Fashion’s followers are flying across the pond to London Fashion week!

~Annie K.

NYFW Designer Faves (Part 1)!!!

Posted on September 14, 2012 by annie

There were so many AMAZING collections in New York this past week that I had to split up the posts! So here’s my favorite Designer Collections (Part 1) from NYFW Spring 2013!! (To see the entire collections, click on the links below!)

1. Ralph Lauren 2. Carolina Herrerra 3. Donna Karen 4. Vera Wang 5. Jenny Packham 6. Reem Acra 7. Marchesa

More to come, so check back!

~Annie K.

MORE from NYFW!!

Posted on September 13, 2012 by annie

In honor of the fact that it’s almost the weekend, and it’s New York Fashion Week, here’s an extra post! Three more FABULOUS contemporary collections from New York’s Spring 2013 Fashion Week!!!

See the entire collections of Rachel Zoe, Jason Wu, and Victoria, Victoria Beckham here! Enjoy!!

Annie K.

Top 5 Contemporary Collections from NYFW!!

Posted on September 12, 2012 by annie

NYC is all a buzz with the Spring 2013 Ready-to-wear Collections! Just as the leaves are turning, and we’re deciding which chunky knit sweater to wear, the fashion world is thinking bright colors, florals, and shorts. And, I’m loving it!! Especially the “bridal looks”. For an avante garde bride, why not choose a gown from Betsey Johnson, or a chic white pant suit from Z Spoke by Zac Posen?

Here are my top 5 favorite collections so far!

1. Betsey Johnson – She’s back in a big way. You can tell the models were rockin down the runway, and that’s just how you’ll feel when wearing one of these girly rocker looks!

2. Erin Fetherston - Known for her feminine designs, Erin Fetherston wowed with sparkly dresses and tight rocker leggings. There’s something for everyone!

3. Alice + Olivia - Quite possibly my most favorite collection, this season Alice + Olivia blew me away with the colors, and lady-like silhouettes. I would wear every single look!!!

4. Behnaz Sarafpour - What can I say…Behnaz knows how to dress a sophisticated lady! And her use of fabrics is fantastic!!

5. Z Spoke by Zac Posen - Mr. Posen created looks that any woman would LOVE to wear. Yet again, he used fabulous colors, great fabrics, and that attitude! I’m OBSESSED!!

More to come……Fashion never sleeps!

~Annie K.

Honeymoon Essentials

Posted on July 16, 2012 by annie

Brides spend all this time and money on their weddings, but the event itself doesn’t even last 24 hours. I say, your bridal style doesn’t need to end with your wedding. No way! Keep it going throughout your honeymoon!

Here are some fantastic “bridal themed” honeymoon options to keep you feeling that blissful newlywed excitement for days!! From beach towels to earrings, show the world you are now a married woman (and stylish)!! And, of course I threw a little lingerie in there, too!