We Have Moved!

Dedicated Readers,

   We are so excited to annouce that we have finally moved to our new location! Please visit us at www.combustionfashion.com !  We have transformed to a new and improved certified website and are thrilled to be expanding and exploring the new world of fashion blogging.  Our social media pages (Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram) are up and running and full of fantastic things to see.  Please go check us out and become a new follower!  We will no longer be posting on this site so, hurry up and switch over!

Ciao,
Annie

Changing Things Up A Bit!

Hello All,

   I bet you have all been wondering where the hell I have been!  Don't worry, I am in the process of changing the face of Combustion.  I am almost done with the complete transformation of something amazing.  I will post the link to the new blog by the end of the week and hopefully you will all come to visit and subscribe.  Enjoy the nice weather.

Get back to you soon!

Ciao, 

Annie

Are You Over-It-All?

Free People

Anthropologie

Free People

Anthropologie

Free People

Free People

Urban Outfitters

ASOS

Uniqlo

Ralph Lauren

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

Citizens of Humanity

     They're back!  Over the past few years we have seen the return of some very groovy fashion trends of the '70's and '80's come back to life.  First up -  the stirrup maternity leggings (this time around being worn by the skinny minis), then we move on to the flowing maternity-like tops (again, adopted by the skinny minis) and lastly, believe it or not - OVERALLS!  At first I thought the new trend was the start of transforming everything maternity and making it be acceptable for women of all ages and sizes to wear, but when the doily socks and overalls started to grace the pages of Vogue and Elle I knew I was wrong.  Just when you thought every trend that could be resurrected had been resurrected, the double strapped denim painter pantsuit comes back to haunt us, or in my opinion to smother us with comfy love!

     Overalls, are making some kind of comeback this year, folks.  I mean we aren't just seeing your regular denim Joe's here.  They're landing in silk ditsey's, sleek leathers, acid wash shorts and even suede, yes, I said suede.  And don't think that plain white tee's are the go to companion of these age old agricultural uniforms.  You know that saying, anything goes?  If you're feeling a little daring, on the trim side and ready for the warm weather, try them with just a bandeau (avoiding all caloric intake for the day).  If it's cooler and you are going for a more formal look, throw on a nice button up with a blazer on top.  Or if you are trying to channel your inner yet, fashionable artiste, then throw on a great old, classic graphic tee and let the one strap slip slightly off your shoulder. That has to be my favorite look... super cool!
     There you have it.  Overalls are, well, cool.  They get the two thumbs up.  I bet if your parents are a product of the 70's or 80's and they were remotely cool, you can go into their closet and find your mom's old, tattered Levi overalls or your father's for that matter!  Try it out.  They are nothing if not super comfy!  Isn't it true... everything old is new again? Scary how true this is! And simply amazing how talented designers and stylists continue to reinvent and invigorate these trends time and time again.

Overall-ie fabulous!

Ciao, 

Annie

Sock It To Me!

     Considering the fact that Spring has sprung we should be entering that warm weather time of year.  Here in NYC the sun may be out, but the winds are whirling and twirling between the sky scrapers, collecting speed and blasting free on the other side of the Hudson.  So, despite those daffodil buds, it's still a little too chilly to be sporting our sandals and peep toes.  But, don't you worry your pretty little minds because that's why they make socks... and fancy ones at that.   And let's be clear - no one wants to see your un-pedicured, smelly feet this early in the season.
    Socks with heels you ask? I say go for it!  No right or wrong here.  We have seen lace socks, wool socks, doily socks, striped socks, polka dot socks, knee socks - any sock would work.  Try out a few and see how they feel...and look.  At first, I will admit, it was a little strange when I looked down and saw my striped socks poking out of the toe of my emerald green peep toes, but it grew on me.  If you can't bring yourself to cross over to the wild side, then just wait it out a little longer, summer is just around the corner!

Dolce & Gabbana

Suno

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Most images thanks to Elle.com.

Sock-tastic!

Ciao, 

Annie

Accidentally Continuing The Undergarments Trend!

     No pants, revealing undergarments barely there coverage is completely in vogue right now (for many designers).  Poor Lululemon just isn't one of them.  Last week Lululemon stores across the country were frantically pulling yoga pants off their shelves left and right.  But, why?  Well, they were completely see through.  This was quite an upset in the athletic and fashion world because who wants to pay $100 for a pair of pants that show all your goods!  I think it is safe to assume that when women are deep into downward dog the last things they want showing are their sweat-consumed undergarments.  But, that is just a guess (and an educated one at that!)  This upset led Lulu to recall their luon pants with the unhappy result of some $12 to $17 million in lost revenues.  Like any reputable brand, Lulu has handled this with grace and is allowing customers to return the items and get their money back.  Shame, Lulu tried to keep up with the big dogs and missed by a mile!

You can't win them all!

Ciao,

Annie

H&M's Eco-friendly Concious Exclusive Collection!

     H&M, we all know them and love them for their reasonably priced essentials driven formula that they execute so well, right?  Wrong-o! At least not with their latest launch.  They really changed it up this time and actress Helen Hunt is arguably the one who brought the spotlight to rest on this new collection.  In case you missed it, when Ms. Hunt walked the red carpet at a little show called "The Oscars" wrapped in a gorgeous deep blue gown, everyone was dying to know what designer she was wearing.  When she blurted out, "H&M" and then followed by saying she chose it because it was eco-friendly, it wasn't long after that when H&M announced the late Spring launch of their Conscious Exclusive collection of party wear for men and women.  And the crowd goes wild!
     A green collection of formal wear??? That's something I can get behind.  It's not like we are wearing maple leaves to cover our privates either, I mean these dresses are something else.  They are totally fashion savvy pieces, made of organic cotton, recycled polyamide, recycled polyester and Tencel.  A perfect fit for prom, cocktail/evening parties, wedding attire and countless other special occasions.  Whether you are a "green" classic, dramatic or a perfectly tailored customer, there is a dress for you.   The Conscious Exclusives collection will be released in select stores around the world on April 4th, but who can wait that long, take a sneak peak below!

Tulle layering with an exaggerated sweetheart neckline!

Embellished, fun and flirty.

A backless jumpsuit...sexy!

Some pom poms to make the party more exciting!

Uneven hem with sheer patterned sleeves.

Silky cutout a-line gown!

Three piece suit with high waisted fitted pants and some zipper accents at the ankles.

A chic strapless peplum top with an attachable train and some tailored cropped pants!
My favorite!

Your little black dress.

Lady-like & lace sleeved!

Mullet dress with a plunge neckline.

Floor length trousers with a loose fitting Bohemian kimono...to die for!

     Kudos to H&M for being the biggest user of certified organic cotton in the world for the second year in a row.  Another thumbs up to H&M for becoming the first global retailer to give customers a mechanism whereby they can return old clothes from any brand, as long as they are reusable, to its stores.  Check the program out here:   http://www.hm.com/us/longlivefashion

Go Green!

Ciao,

Annie

Fashion Week In Istanbul!

     A month long span of fashion shows was not enough for these apparel lovers so, off they jet to the land of the Turk's.  Week five of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week has come and gone and was held in the colorful, exotic, spicey city of Istanbul, Turkey.  If you're thinking, "I've had Fahion Week up to my eyeballs" then at least relish the cultural infusion you've received as you've travelled the globe hot on the heels of the latest and greatest.  I personally don't think anyone has had that thought ever - so let's proceed!  We (people that obsess, drool and die over fashion) are getting to see the world, through our Jackie O sunglasses, and it's quite fabulous, actually.  Besides the absurd Turkish baths, the rainbow spice markets and the unbelievable mosaic Mosques, what did the Turk's show us? 
     Among many wonderful trends that were revealed during Istanbul Fashion Week I found myself asking the question, "Did I miss the revolution where undergarments became acceptable to be well, visible street style?"  Isn't the operative word here "under"?  Clearly, because it was a pattern among these designers that the exposure of undergarments is acceptable in fact, it's in style and if you are lacking coverage than so be it!  This reoccurring theme (or lack there of!) between designers wasn't your average cheery floral print or high low skirt trend.  I mean, I suppose their motto is 'less is more'.  Who really knows?  I guess I am going to have to take the plunge and let my granny panties peek out for the world to see.  If Turkey is doing it, why not bring it stateside?   That does it on my coverage - so to speak - on Fashion Week - Istanbul!
     

Elif Cığızoğlu

Elif Cığızoğlu

Red Beard
No slip required here!

Red Beard
Or here!

ADL+CENGİZ ABAZOĞLU

ATILKUTOGLU 

BEGÜM SALİHOĞLU COUTURE
Don't even need a top!

BEGÜM SALİHOĞLU COUTURE
Free ballin'!

Images thanks to mbfashionweek.com!

 Less is more and nothing is more!

Ciao, 

Annie

I Want To Be Famous!

    Most children dream of being famous at one time or another, right?  I was like that, you were like that, Cinderella was like that - well maybe not Cinderella, but you get my drift.  As we "mature", we also see the down side of fame: the paparazzi, tabloids, gossip blogs and E! News, but hey, a kid can still dream.  They may not all become famous, but they are certainly more style savvy, fashion forward and label conscious than kids were back in the day!  It's scary... and amusing at the same time.

     I was staying with my younger cousins for the week in what I used to call their shoe box apartment, but now I call it the Village Mansion because I have a new found appreciation for a 3 bedroom NYC apartment (hard to come by and even harder to afford).  As I was getting ready for work and they were getting ready for school all squished in the bathroom the youngest one was watching me apply mascara to my long lucious eyelashes (ok, so my sister has the long lucious eyelashes, whatever).  She procceds to say, "I need to learn how to do that because today I am going to be famous."  Surprised, I said, "Oh, really, and how do you plan on doing that?"  With serious written all over her face she said, "Annie, you are going to be my photographer and post pictures of my outfits on your blog."  Flattered that she thought my fashion blog was meaty enough publicity to make her famous, I told her to strike a pose.

     Don't think it stopped there.  She waltzed over to me with a pen, a pad of floral Papyrus paper and generously offered me her autograph and granted an interview if I was interested.  They really do grow up so fast and they're so full of it, aren't they?  She reminded me of a younger, harder to understand version of myself.  So, I graciously accepted her autograph and commenced with the interview.  I found that she gets her style inspiration from H&M and Gap Kids because they are always colorful, she will love all of her fans, she likes Juicy Couture and even if she's late for school she will stop and give autographs.

     As Andy Warhol said, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."  With her penchant for leadership (bossing people around) and pure determination I can see her becoming the President of the United States or the CEO of some outlandishly successful company and therefore her fame will last far, far longer.  But, for now, here she is! When you recognize that mug someday, somewhere, remember you saw her here first!

Fame and fortune!

Ciao,

Annie

Break Down Of A Fashion Show!

     A fashion show can be anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes of actual "model strutting" time and even longer in some rare Karl Lagerfeld cases.  Designers and their crews slave for months to meet the Fashion Week deadlines all for a show that lasts minutes.  Although it seems a bit barbaric when you really get down to the nuts and bolts, it's tradition and kind of the law, (well...fashion law) and you know what happens when you break the law!  Nothing good can come of it.
     So what exactly is the focus of a fashion show?  The clothing, right?  But, if one look is flashed before our eyes for a mere 30 seconds, how in the hell are we supposed to process the look, be able to clear our buzzing mind and have a clean slate for the next look?  Unless you have supernatural sensory power, (which is totally possible for us fashion lovers, it's the power of the clothing!) then you have to break it down into  manageable pieces and then thank Steven J. Sasson (the inventor of the digital camera).
     When I assess a fashion show I start at the bottom, with the feet.  Funny, I know! I am a shoe lover therefore, missing the shoes would be akin to missing the first act of a great Broadway production. To ensure that doesn't happen I glance at the model's feet, drink in the shoes, and then go straight to the head.  Scanning the head, neck and shoulder area for any dazzling or perhaps fabulously subtle accessories, I look very carefully and then move on to the outfit. If it's a dress, it allows a little more time to really analyze the whole look and if it's a top and bottom I get a quick peek and then like a flash it's gone.  Instantly I want to yell, "wait, stop, come back" but they have already turned the corner and are off.  Speaking of back, you simply must allot time out of your 30 second assessment for the back of the garment! There are always forgotten details that float at the back of these outfits so, make sure you don't let them pass by you.
     There you have it, my way of making sure that I see as much as I can during a fashion show. Everyone has their own methodical approach to it, just make sure you don't skip a beat because there is so much to see and so little time!

Photographs thanks to Vogue.com!

How can you drink it all in?

Ciao,

Annie