Jill Fairchild's Closet: Jill’s Fashion Week Part 1

Posted By: KK on 09/14/11 2:16 PM | Categories: Jill Fairchild's Closet

Welcome to the Fashion Freak Show by Jill Fairchild

So I started off New York Fashion Week by co-hosting an event with the legendary tennis star Chris Evert for the re-launch of the heritage sportswear brand Ellesse. (Evert won 18 grand slam tournaments in her career – truly impressive!)

Over the next few days, it was on to the show tents, where it seemed to me that spectators’ standards of dress were less about looking chic and stylish and more about trying hard to stand out and catch the eyes of the paparazzi who shoot for Japanese or other fashion blogs. The ultimate prize of these fashion characters is of course to be shot by legendary NY Times photographer Bill Cunningham, however unlikely.

Sure, there is the stylish set that epitomizes quiet chic, but they seem few and far between when you can’t help but notice women in tights that look like girders wrapped around their legs; in saris so tight they accentuate – in the wrong way – every curve; in heels so high and skirts so short they look like they might do well at the Four Seasons Hotel bar, if you get my drift, and every other manner of fashion victim around.

It wasn’t a total lost cause, though. Look at the young woman who turned classic Hermes into modern and edgy, pairing white Versace pants with Hermes shoes, the old standby Kelly bag, and a midriff baring top covered with an Hermes scarf. Or the woman who doesn’t try too hard, wearing simple all black with a flowy putty trench. Then you’ve got the women who covet their light tweed suits or skirts, or – at the other end of the style spectrum – those who prefer the bohemian chic side of fashion, like the one wearing a long red skirt and white tank, finished with a leather vest.

Let’s not forget rapper Nicki Minaj, who spurred the paparazzi with her towering blond ‘do and pompom outfits by the Japanese designer Dog. She was hard to miss and quite frankly only she could get away with wearing this. Others who caught my eye included a woman at Ed’s Chowder House (btw, I’ve been living there this fashion week) in black and white with ankle boots, and designer June Ambrose walking through in cool shoes by DSquared.

As for me – I’m keeping it simple. The first day I wore a pair of white Joseph pants, Jimmy Choo wedges, a black jacket that was a $20 flea market find, my croc Perrin Riva ball bag (which I’m obsessed with) and an organic cascading necklace by an independent designer that I’ve had for years. The next day I went with Zara jodhpurs, a vintage Gucci belt, a satin blouse with a Ralph Lauren vest, and Dolce Vita wedges I found in LA (essential for me this fashion week), and of course, my Perrin bag.

True, many at the shows might think I’m playing it too safe but, hey, we can’t all be Nicki Minaj – nor should we try to be.

Style on!

Jill

For live updates from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and more pictures follow Jill on Twitter @JillFairchild

We went shopping online to find Jill’s picks.

Tory Burch Waverly Blouse ($395)

Ralph Lauren Vest ($129)

Gucci Horseblt Buckle Belt ($440)

Zara Suede Legging ($50)

Black Croc Riva Large Ball Bag ($5465)

Dolce Vita Jade Suede Wedge Sandals ($190)

What to Wear: THE OUTNET.COM Premiere God Save My Shoes

Posted By: KK on 09/13/11 11:20 AM | Categories: What to Wear

Special 20% Discount to W2WW friends with Code: PREMIERE
Valid until 10/7/11

THE OUTNET.COM celebrated Fashion Week at the premiere of God Save My Shoes at the Paris Theater, the first documentary film to explore the intimate relationship women have with their shoes. To understand how shoes have come to hold such a pivotal place in pop culture, sexuality and women’s lives, God Save my Shoes turned to many of those who play a role in the global shoe phenomenon: Extreme shoe lovers, fashion historians and editors, psychologists, sex experts, shoe fetishists, and star designers Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Walter Steiger, Pierre Hardy, Bruno Frisoni, and Robert Clergerie, along with celebrities such as Fergie, Kelly Rowland and Dita Von Teese. To celebrate the well-heeled event, we went stiletto shopping at THE OUTNET.COM for their incredible selection of luxury shoes at deeply discounted prices. Check in daily for their latest in fashion trends at up to 75% off.

Stephanie Phair, Director of the Outnet with Karen Klopp

HERE ARE OUR FAVES FROM THE OUTNET

Special 20% Discount to W2WW friends with Code: PREMIERE
Valid until 10/7/11

Available Sizes 6, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5 - Giuseppe Zanotti Patent-leather Platform Pumps ($300) were $600

Available Sizes 6, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 - Giuseppe Zanotti Bodler Rosetter-embellished Leather Pumps $284 were $630

Available Sizes 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 - Giuseppe Zanotti Cindy Koka Leather Pumps $258 were $515

Available Sizes 8, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 - Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Slingback Pumps ($250) were $555

Available Sizes 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9 - Belle Sigerson Morrison Suede Flat Boots ($248) were $495

Available Sizes 8, 9 - Sonia Rykiel Cystal-embellished bow-front Satin Pumps ($294) were $980

Available Sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - Marni Leather Sandals ($256) were $640

Available Sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 - Ash Zip-embellisned Leather Ankle Boot ($120) were $240

FOR MORE GREAT SHOES AND FASHION, VISIT THE OUTNET.COM.

What to Wear: Hilary Dicks Picks

Posted By: KK on 09/12/11 11:38 AM | Categories: What to Wear

We asked our W2WW Fashion Editor Hilary Dick what were her “must-haves” for fall and she came with this timely selection. “This seasons mix of feminine looks and strong colors plus a nod to the 70′s is right up my alley. There are so many great options I feel like a child in a candy store!“ Military inspired GUCCI double breasted coat, a very lady-like ADAM belted dress in a beautiful blue print, GRYPHON Sherlock cape, a super great pair of this season’s shoe silhouette, the heeled loafer, Hilary’s pick is ALEXANDER WANG and for her of-the-moment, top-handled bag, she chose FENDI. What could be more in fashion than a pair of J. BRAND cordoroy jeans, paired with either the MICHAEL KORS sequin tank or the tunic sweater from H&M. Once again, Hilary’s sense of style has nailed every trend this fall, and we can’t wait to shop her chic and timely selections. Don’t wait to shop, the good things go quickly!

Top to Bottom: Gucci Lon Double-breasted Coat ($3590), Adam Lippes Leopard Print Dres ($345), Gryphon Sherlock Cape ($675), Alexander Wang Anais Leather Loafer Pumps ($650), Fendi Silvana Leather Top Handle Bag ($2050), MICHAEL Michael Kors Ring-Sequin Tank ($134), J. Brand 722 Love Story Cordoroy ($200), H&M Sweater ($25)

What to Wear: Picks for Fashion Week

Posted By: KK on 09/12/11 6:59 AM | Categories: What to Wear

The only good thing about the end of summer is the beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week when the city is teeming with fashionable excitement. So many shows to see and non-stop events that it begs the question, “What do I wear!?“ We took ourselves shopping to Net-a-Porter to find the stylish answer. We spotted some trends for fall that we love; the soft, supple leather, rich jewel tones, and the figure flattering peplum! They are all absolutely stylish and at the same time, comfortable and will look as great at Avery Fisher at 9:00am as the will at the Circa Lounge at 9:00pm. We paired the looks with a mix and match of our favorite stilhetos, a must for MBFW, some statement necklaces and our other must-haves for fall. For a complete schedule of shows, go to MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK. Please check back for our updates from Lincoln Center.

DRESSES Left to Right:

Michael Michael Kors Belted Leather Trench Dress ($600), DVF Aurora Wool-blend Dress ($385), Tibi Belted Wool Wrap Dress ($495), Stella MacCartney Cotton-blend Peplum Dress ($965)

SHOES:

Jimmy Choo Slingbacks ($665), Jimmy Choo Balance Patent-leather Mesh Pumps ($695), Kors Michael Kors Elgin calf-hair Pumps ($295)

ACCESSORIES:

Jeeyun Ha Designs Feather Earring ($130), Lanvin quilted Leather Shoulder Bag ($1965),Oscar de La Renta Necklace ($575), Etro Printe Cashmere Scarf ($780), Ray-Ban Cat Eye-frame Sunglasses ($130), Yves Saint Laurent Chyc Patent-leather Waist Belt ($575), Lulu Frost Vintage Crystal and Brass Necklace ($550), DVF Reighleigh Printed Wool-blend Scarf ($195), Dannijo Frances swarovski Crystal Cuff ($645)

What to Wear: September 11

Posted By: KK on 09/11/11 8:02 AM | Categories: What to Wear

We will never forget.

“. . . . for those of us who lived through these events, the only marker we’ll ever need is the tick of a clock at the 46th minute of the eighth hour of the 11th day.”
President George W. Bush

“The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.”
Rudolph W. Giuliani
Mayor of the City of New York

Jill Fairchild's Closet: By Jill Fairchild

Posted By: KK on 09/7/11 11:14 AM | Categories: Jill Fairchild's Closet

We are super excited to announce Jill Fairchild has joined What2WearWhere as Contributing Style Editor to the site. Fairchild will provide a weekly post that will include her fashion “must-haves” & insightful, informative and humorous commentary on all that matters about style, shopping and the struggles of trying to be chic. In addition, Jill Fairchild will design & source fabulous one-of-a-kind & limited edition items that will be available to purchase on What2WearWhere.com. Jill is the daughter of John Fairchild – legendary publisher of Women’s Wear Daily and founder of W Magazine.

Approval Matrix by Jill Fairchild

Imagine being the only daughter among four children. Not so bad? Okay, imagine being the daughter of a woman with an innate sense of style who is friends with famous designers. Still not bad? Well, what about being the daughter of an iconic newspaper and magazine editor with a passion for fashion, intuitive eye for the Next Big Thing and who terrified even the most renowned and successful designers, at times reducing them to tears with his opinions?

Welcome to my world.

I grew up in a household where fashion was as discussed as often as the weather. My outfits were – and still are – as scrutinized as if I were a model walking down a runway, with both my parents giving their opinions. “Where’d you find that?” my father will say, still eyeing fashion with the keen eye he exercised when he was running WWD and creating W magazine and striking fear into the hearts of every designer around. Or, as he remarked recently, “Don’t hit me with that handbag on your way out,” implying it was as big as a suitcase, which he hated and I, of course, loved.

His comments immediately cause me to doubt my choice, even if they are meant as a compliment or simply a curious question – since my father is, above all, curious about the latest thing. There’s worse, though. He will simply raise one eyebrow as I walk in, saying nothing. Then I really don’t know where I stand.

What that means is that my parents’ standards have become mine, and their curiosity has rubbed off on me. Friends say I love to shop, but they are absolutely wrong. I love to source, which is completely different.

Drop me down in any city and I can, and do, happily spend hours and hours simply looking at products and not even buying anything (which only stirs to increase the groans of my traveling companions). I grab a handbag, a shoe, a jacket, a pair of pants. Sometimes I try things on and sometimes I don’t. You could say I’m seeking that one thing that might gain my parents’ approval, but that would be too Freudian. Instead, I simply delight in fantastic design and quality, even if it might not be my taste. It doesn’t have to be expensive; I’m just as happy bartering over a handbag at a flea market in Marrakech as I am trying on a beautiful jacket in a shop on Madison Avenue.

So consider Jill’s Closet – and me – the ultimate sourcer-er. With this blog, each week I hope to bring you unique fashion finds, funny fashion foibles – and, of course, tales of my own fashion faux pas. And there have been plenty…..

Style on!

Jill

Here are Jills’s “Of-the-Moment” Picks from Net-a-Porter

Helmut Land Peak-Shouldered Wool-Blend Blazer ($645)

CLU Satin-Trimmed Cotton-Terry Sweatshirt ($260)

ETRO Studded Woven Leather Belt ($780)

Burberry Brit Double-Breasted Shearling Coat ($1,795)

What to Wear: Fashion’s Night Out

Posted By: KK on 09/7/11 9:13 AM | Categories: What to Wear

For the third year in a row, the after-hours shopping extravaganza Fashion’s Night Out is back! The 2011 edition of the best fashion party in history will be even better this year with new events and locations, and shoppers can participate online from home. Last year we arranged a mother-daughter outing, starting at the Tory Burch Boutique (see photo below.) This year’s plan is to start early on the Madison Avenue’s Upper East Side and travel south to downtown, where the streets swing and sway until the wee hours. First stops, Tom Ford at, 845 Madison, Tory Burch Flagship at 797 Madison, J. Crew at 79th Street, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren Flagship at 72nd Street. Then we will head down to Barney’s and Bergdorf’s with a stop at one of our favorite destinations, The Shops at the Plaza. Must stop at Saks Fifth Avenue to see our friends from GlamourpussNYC. From there, a quick stop at PostScript Couture to see the Debbie Harry Vintage Collection, then on to the Meatpacking District and the fab shops that will still be rocking. To find our ensemble that will take us the length of Manhattan in style, we went shopping at Tory Burch, the quintessential city girl who knows how to dress for Uptown and Down.

Left to Right: Tory Burch Saffield Blouse ($325), Super Skinny Cords ($195),Foundation Coin Earring ($125), Gingham Cuff ($195), Robinson East/West Tote ($550), Dorese High Heel Bootie ($425), Shrunken Sgt Pepper Jacket ($850), Resin Logo Chain Necklace ($225), Skinny Oval Metal and Shagreen Bangle ($195), Needlepoint Bond Shoulder Bag ($465), Jude Snake Print Pump ($295), Doreen Dress ($495)

We are throwing these Clines Flats in our bag for running around town!

The W2WW Girls with Tory Burch Fashion’s Night Out 2010

A Preview of the Tom Ford Beauty Collection

Another must-stop at Michael Kors

Net-a-Porter is the place to go for online shopping or visit their Pop Up Shop at 155 Mercer Street.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES AND SHOPS, GO TO FASHION’S NIGHT OUT.

What to Wear: The Harriman Cup

Posted By: KK on 09/6/11 10:45 PM | Categories: What to Wear

The Harriman Cup is a fabulous, fun-filled day in the country and a not-to-be-missed for superb polo and people-watching. The event draws hundreds of fans who arrive by trains from Grand Central Station to celebrates the legendary rivalry between University of Virginia and Yal e. Celebrating over a quarter-century of polo tradition, The Harriman Cup is a polo match and social event commemorating the life of diplomat, polo player, and former New York governor Averell Harriman. The Cup was founded in 1984 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of polo and supporting the collegiate polo programs at both schools. This year’s Harriman Cup Award recipients will be Nacho Figueras, Luis Rinaldini and Julie Rinaldini. The action begins at 10:00am and is non-stop until 6:00pm. For more information and tickets, go to HARRIMAN CUP. This is defininately a “little dress” event. We fell in love with the rich school colors of these two worthy opponents. On your feet, you will want a wedge for walking on the grass and stomping divets.

Left to Right: Tory Burch Edna Logo Wedge Sandals ($325),Burberry London Silk Ruched Dress($795), Yale Tote ($25), DVF Della Dress ($325), Callanan Zara Vintage Straw Upturn ($128), Kors Michael Kors Vall Suede peep Toe Wedges ($195), 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Faux-Wrap Dress ($675), Jack Rogers Cork Wedge Sandals ($178), DVF Jafartha Tie-Waist Minidress ($385), UVA Rolling Cooler ($60)

What to Wear: Net-A-Porter Fall Transition Tops

Posted By: KK on 09/1/11 12:04 PM | Categories: What to Wear

What are the great fall fashion pieces to buy right now? We took ourselves top-shopping at Net-a-Porter to find the answer. In addition to stocking the creme de la creme in fashion, we love their fantastic personal service. If you order by 1:00pm, they can deliver in New York City by 5:00pm. When shopping on their site, we can’t help ordering a few more chic pieces.

ANIMAL PRINTS for day or night.

Left to Right: , Rebecca taylor Leopard-print Silk Blouse ($275), Etoile Isabel Marant Jemet Leopard-Print Silk Blouse ($510), Rebecca Taylor Fairy Tale Leopard-print Silk-chiffon Blouse ($275)

PURELY LUXURIOUS with a jacket or on it’s own.

Left to Right: Ralph Lauren Black Label Rachel Stretch-Silk Blouse ($525), Michael Kors Hammered-Satin Bodysuit ($895), Theory Melise Silk-Charmeuse Blouse ($250)

POP OF COLOR to brighten any look.

Left to Right: By Malene Birger Carletta Crepe Blouse ($365), Splendid Cotton & Modal-Blend Bodysuit ($140), Diane von Furstenberg Florane Silk Blouse ($265)

LEATHER the best travel accessory ever.

Left to Right: Zadig & Voltaire Tatouc Deluxe Leather Shirt ($695), Jean Yu Leather and Silk-habotai Tank ($205), Raquel Allegra Leather and Stretch-jersey Top ($625)

What to Wear: 2011 US Open Tennis Championships

Posted By: KK on 09/1/11 10:02 AM | Categories: What to Wear

Fantastic night for the opening of the US Open 2011. It runs from August 29th to September 11th and is our absolute favorite event in the city. Not all the action is on center court as fashion watching is very much in Vogue at the Open. Just ask Anna Wintour, who never misses a match, when her great pal Roger Federer is swinging his racquet. Speaking of fashion, Venus Williams has never looked more chic on the court. Sporting her label, ELEVEN by Venus Williams, in this perfect tennis Little Black Dress with the inset lace paneled back and the exposed pink satin zipper, and pale pink bloomers to match – she was positively demure!

Anna is always looking like a winner.

Venus looking like a lady in her LBD.

Great view from the back.

Photo by Hester Hodde

For what to wear to the tennis event of the year, we went shopping at SAKS.com for these iconic Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dresses in all the new patterns for the fall season. You can live in these dresses from now until well in to the fall and beyond. If you don’t have one hanging in your closet, now is the time. It’s a fabulous transitional piece for travel, to work, out to dinner . . . you just can’t go wrong!

Inspired by Venus’ LBD

Diane von Furstenberg Julian Wrap Dress ($325)

New Prints for the Fall Fashion Season.

Left to Right: Diane von Furstenberg Golda Dress ($345), Diane von Furstenberg New Julian Leopard Print Wrap Dress ($325), Diane von Furstenberg Jeanne Animal Print Wrap Dress ($345), Diane von Furstenberg Jeanne Geometric Print Wrap Dress ($345), Diane von Furstenberg New Newsy Silk Jersey Dress ($375)

For live coverage, to check scores, find tickets and for all the up-to-date information go to US OPEN.ORG or click below.

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