Oak NYC Square Collar Denim Jacket

image via oaknyc.com

Check out this sick jacket that I pre-ordered from OAK NYC from their Black Label Collection. It's sort of a combination of several different trends I've been lusting after for some time now. First, it reminded me of this Alexander Wang leather sleeved denim jacket from a couple seasons ago. I really loved the idea of combining two different materials on such a simple outerwear piece; it turned a basic denim jacket into a cool and chic must-have wardrobe staple. But after celebs by the likes of M.I.A, Lindsay Lohan, and Rihanna were spotted wearing the Wang jacket, not only did I feel it was too trendy and of-the-moment but it also became too feminine for me to pull off confidently. Then, last winter Obey came out with a similar version for men but I passed on it because It looked a bit, how do you say...cheap?

Another trend that I became instantly obsessed with as soon as it hit the runway was shearling (and after Burberry's breathtaking Fall 2010 collection, who wasn't?) But, I wasn't able to afford the $3,000+ price tag for a Prorsum piece and I was still nervous about incorporating such a strong womenswear trend into my wardrobe. Then along came Oak's F/W 2010 collection! I almost died when I saw this shearling collared denim jacket because it was literally everything I'd been dreaming of. The draped collar is perfection and the contrasting black jersey sleeve is just bold enough. Needless to say I ordered it immediately. Although the estimated ship date wasn't till mid-October, I got the jacket in the mail a few weeks ago. Now I just need the weather to cooperate so I can rock it.

#fail

So, you know how I promised you guys sweet photos and new content from my adventures during New York Fashion Week? Well, it turns out that a very smart, alert, and responsible blogger (ahem, that would be me) left his digital camera in the back of a cab after the rag & bone show!!! It wasn't until 2 days later when I checked myself out of the Ganesvoort Park Avenue Hotel (and onto the couch of a very generous friend) that I realized the camera was even missing. It was one of the few moments in my life that I felt my heart literally drop to the floor. It was just so disappointing to think that a year's worth of memories and experiences were suddenly gone forever. BUT! I've never been one to cry over spilled milk, so I went about the rest of my stay in NYC as normal, hitting up after parties and having a blast on Fashion's Night Out. I just wish I'd been able to share it all with you guys.

Anyway! Now that I'm back home finishing my senior year (and no longer playing the role of a starving, cash strapped fashion intern) I decided it was time to make a new purchase. I debated whether or not to invest in another camera, but not anticipating any buzz worthy events happening in my life in the near future, I decided it could wait for now. So instead, I bought an iPad!!! And I must say: it's pretty rad. After spending the past couple of nights downloading apps instead of sleeping, I came to the realization that I could start blogging on my iPad from now on (which is what I'm doing now). This way, whenever there's something I'd like to blog about I don't have to write it down and get to it later (...because I never do). I can now blog instantly. So expect A LOT more from VCUstyle in the coming days and weeks. À plus!

Hope everyone had a great summer! We're in NYC right now, preparing to cover some shows for you all. BE BACK SOON! xx

Fall/ Winter 2010 Trend: Un-Originality?

This F/W 2010 Eryn Brinié look has an uncanny resemblance to S/S 2010 Alexander Wang (courtesy of Fashionista.com)

Well kids, New York Fashion Week is once again underway! In what I've dubbed "Bryant Park's Revenge", the fashion crowd has been subjected to everything from blizzards and fiery explosions to the death of a fashion legend (R.I.P. McQueen). However, it seems that another tragedy has struck and this one comes directly from the runways. Call it "inspiration" ou ça que vous voulez, but already we've been seeing looks come down the runway that appear to be blatant knock-offs of other designers work from past seasons. Earlier today, Fashionista.com pointed out the similarities between looks from the Fall/Winter 2010 Eryn Brinié presentation today and ones from the Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2010 collection (from the side-braid to the silhouette, it's almost a dead ringer). Just now, as I was browsing through a few of the collections on Style.com, I happened to notice what I think are MAJOR similarities between the F/W 2010 Richard Chai Love collection and the S/S 2010 Marc Jacobs collection (judge for yourself). I'm just hoping that one of this season's biggest trends doesn't turn out to be a lack of originality.

Richard Chai Love Fall/Winter 2010 Collection:

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010 Collection:

"gimme, gimme symphonies..."

30/40/50 Countdown!

Only one more day!

"Brodarte"

$2,670 for a slice of heaven

What! Can it be! Rodarte has finally come out with a men's collection, available only at Opening Ceremony! Oftentimes when labels begin designing for men they lose a lot of what makes their women's collection so outstanding (see: Alexander Wang...Elizabeth and James...) but Rodarte has successfully been able to maintain the essence of their brand while also making the clothing masculine enough for a menswear audience. These threads (no pun intended) don't come cheap though, with each sweater costing $2,670. Maybe you'll get free shipping? The price doesn't shock me, however, and I don't think it's an unreasonable amount considering that the garments are all hand knit here in the U.S.A and use some really exceptional and high quality fabrics like superkid mohair and alpaca. Sadly, I can't afford any of this on a college student budget (and I'm saving my extra kidney for a Rick Owens jacket) but I'll be keeping my eye on you, grey crewneck!

ACNE Winter Sale

Oak NYC channeling Louis Vuitton S/S 2010?

Large Foxtail Keychain (100% fur) $58 at Oak NYC

I was wondering how long it would take before we saw the proliferation of Marc Jacob's rabbit tail trend for Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 and it appears, dear readers, that the time has come. Granted, Oak's foxtail keychains (for men, mind you) are not exactly the same kind that were sent down the runway, and they don't come in neon colors. However, this is a step in that direction which leaves me with a question: just how much time do we have left before the Williamsburg-based phenomenon goes global? Only time will tell.

I <3 Mr. Brad Goreski

The always dapper and amazingly stylish Brad Goreski (Rachel Zoe's assistant) got some prime real estate on Jak & Jil today. The man is killing it because JUST YESTERDAY he was also featured in Bill Cunningham's "On The Street" for the New York Times (Brad was just one slide before Jason Wu). He's probably wearing head-to-toe Band of Outsiders (I own the blue oxford he's wearing in this photo) but, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I think I'd like his briefcase a lot more if it DIDN'T have the Chanel emblem so prominently displayed. But who am I to question the sartorial choices of such an icon?

Karlie Kloss plays Table Tennis. Adorable.

This is so adorable! The 17-year-old model from St. Louis (as IF she needs an introduction) goes head to head with the "notorious Wally Green", an international table tennis champion from Harlem, in a high stakes, all-or-nothing game of...ping-pong. Hahaha, watch below:

Sample Sale: Opening Ceremony 12/11-12/13

Opening Ceremony Sample Sale
12/11-12/13
210 Mulberry Street
60%-90% off

Jak & Jil Model Moments

Ash

Some of my favorite photographs taken by Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil are those of the models he captures en route to their shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris during Fashion Week. It should come as no surprise that even out of their element, these models are naturals in front of any camera-- whether it be on the runway or on the street. See for yourself!

Sacha

Karlie

Lyle

Ash

Ash, Tyler, & Crew

Garrett

All images courtesy of Jak & Jil

Here's to You Patrik!

vcuStyle wants to give a HUUUUGGGGGEEEEEEE congratulatory shout out to one of our favorite designers, Patrik Ervell, who was selected 1st runner-up of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Prize at the 6th Annual CVFF awards in New York City earlier this week. The winner of the $200,000 award was French designer Sophie Théallet (last year's winner was American superstar Alexander Wang), but Patrik was still able to take home a cool $50,000. If his recent collections (gold oxidized suits, anyone?) are any indication, I know he'll put the money to good use. See you in the Spring, Patrik!

Patrik with Vogue's Hamish Bowles and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarté

The amazingly cool (and always fly) Mark Ronson rocking the oxidized S/S 2010 Ervell suit

H&M Winter Magazine shot by Terry Richardson

If there are two things I love in this world it's (a) Cole Mohr, only one of the best male models of our generation, and (b) oversexed photographer Terry Richardson, the only man in the world with the ability to make a bag of garbage look ridiculously seductive. At first, the pairing of Richardson and H&M seemed a strange one....a low to mid range fast fashion retailer and the same guy who shoots for Purple, V, and French Vogue? REALLY??? But fortunately (and not surprisingly) the images that resulted from the project proved me wrong. The campaign is very exciting and very rock and roll. A+

Images Courtesy of The Fashionisto

Patrik Ervell S/S 2010

Patrik Ervell S/S 2010 from Patrik Ervell on Vimeo.

Company of We

I'm honestly not sure I can say enough about how friggin awesome this label is! Based out of New York City, the Company of We was founded by partners Jayzel Samonte and Christoper Crawford as the answer to high priced menswear in a tough economic climate. In their own words, Company of We was "launched in 2009 to alleviate the Bergdorf Blues—a malady inflicted from a growing inability to justify the price tags lurking within those synonymous lilac shopping bags." In my personal opinion the design, quality, and fit of their garments rival that of high-end menswear labels such Band of Outsiders, Rag & Bone, and even Thom Browne!

Ironically, Company of We has garnered so much press and attention (in addition to a tremendously loyal fan following--myself included) that the line has been picked up by some of the finest upscale retailers like Sak's Fifth Avenue, Fred Segal, Holt Renfrew, and more! Check out their Fall 2009 campaign below and visit the site to buy (honestly, guys, the merchandise couldn't possibly be more affordable).

Runway to Reality: Louis Vuitton S/S 2010

Louis Vuitton S/S 2010

It hasn't even been 5 full days yet since they debuted on the runway and fashionistas are already rocking looks from the Louis Vuitton S/S 2010 collection! While the select few who actually have access to the pieces can be called lucky, they've also got to be among some of the ballsiest people I know. Marc Jacob's collection for LV was crazy! I mean come on. Shoulder bags with rabbit tails! Neon colors! Furry kitten heels! Afros!?!? Don't get me wrong, the collection was great and forward thinking but I didn't imagine that the pieces would translate from runway to ready-to-wear with such ease. I can't wait to see exactly how much influence this particular collection will have on apparel and accessory trends come Spring.

Real-life street shots from the street courtesy of Jak & Jil:

As seen on the Vuitton runway: