Spring 2015 Trend: Ranger School

From Michael Jackson's slew of slim-fitting jackets to Olivier Rousteing's Balmain Army, the fashion industry tends to look to military uniforms for inspiration. This spring, however, this seemingly masculine fad has received a feminine make-over. If the pepto pink background wasn't enough of an indication, Marc Jacobs's collection of voluminous skirts and structured duster coats, all of which adorned with oversized gold buttons, was a telltale sign that army chic would veer ladylike this season. For Sacai designer Chitose Abe, the secret to embracing this season's troop motif was infusing feminine textiles: sheer paneling and floral prints were mixed with a traditional olive green that is militia-ready. While some designers opted for girly shapes and fabrics, others used shorter hemlines to give the classic uniform a ladylike twist. When it comes to designing masculine-inspired pieces for the modern day woman, No. 21's Alessandro Dell' Acqua used accessories to give each look a modern, yet girly, flair. With the help of pretty canary shoes and a belt to cinch the waist, dress that could've doubled as a shirt for a boy scout was fit for a lady. Craving a sexier alternative to this trend? Rag & Bone's Marcus Wainwright and David Neville offered the perfect solution. A bomber vest and up-to-there shorts are key ingredients for a daring summer getup. But if you're searching for an ultra glamorous way to sport this trend, look no further than Ralph Lauren's show. Whether paired with bright, silky tops or loads of jewels, the New York designer proved that military garb is just as suited for the runway as it is the battlefields.

Marc Jacobs Look 3 

Sacai Look 38

No.21 Look 1



Rag & Bone Look 26

Ralph Lauren Look

1. Acne Studios 2. Zara 3. Manolo Blahnik 4. Karen Millen 5. Marc Jacobs 6. Band of Outsiders 7. J.Crew

Becoming an excellent soldier, let alone deeming yourself worthy of a Purple Heart, requires strength, courage, intuition and patriotism. Fortunately, sporting an army-inspired ensemble is much easier. Though unearthening your fitted military jacket is an easy, and economical, way to participate in the fad, there are many pretty pieces to feast your eyes on this spring. And from elongated vests to tailored shorts, this trend will appease any style savant's wallet. While you may be wary about this sartorial phenomenon, finding a flattering and feminine way to wear this trend is easy.  Cursed with a complexion that repels earthy neutrals such as khaki and olive green? Opt for a tailored piece in a subdued navy or black. Let's also not forget that there's a fine between a stylish, sophisticated ranger and childhood scout affiliate. Juxtapose your rough and tough apparel with luxe,feminine accessories: a sleek pump or extravagant pearl earring is a surefire way to up the sartorial ante.

Will you be joining the fashion forces this spring? Sound off below!

xx

10 Best Looks from the 2015 Met Ball

Call it the "Costume Institute Ball"  or simply "Anna Wintour's Party", but one thing's for sure: the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual gala is a big deal for fashion people. Instead of watching basic column dress after basic column dress cascade down the red carpet, our hunger for creativity is satiated by the extraordinary. This year, the Costume Institute celebrated the launch of the museum's new exhibit, "China: Through the Looking Glass."  From avant garde headpieces to barely-there dress a la Beyoncé, Kim and J.Lo, last night's level of extravagance did not disappoint. Didn't obsessively scroll through your Instagram? For those of us plebians who weren't graced with the golden ticket, check out the ten best looks of the evening.


Sienna Miller in Thakoon: Typically, menswear-inspired pieces are sexy in an androgynous, "wearing your boyfriend's button-down around the house" way. Rarely do they bare some serious skin and require rolls of double-stick tape. Sienna Miller's Thakoon suit posesses a potpourri of masculinity, feminity and sex appeal that is hard to beat. Paired with a simple black pump and tasseled earring, which agreed with the tassels on her belt, Miller's styling allowed the outfit to truly sing.



Sarah Jessica Parker: Say what you will about her fashion choices, but let's address the obvious: when there's a theme, Sarah Jessica Parker will not shy away from a sartorial challenge. Whether it's an ornate mohawk or a truly magical Oscar de la Renta ballgown, the Sex and the City leading lady consistently does something even the most stylish woman forgets every now and then: she has fun with what she's wearing. Her H&M dress, which she co-designed, isn't couture and the Philip Treacy hat may not be the most covetable piece from the gala; however,  the actress's enthusiasm to embrace a theme while looking tasteful and age-appropriate is worth celebrating.

Keri Russell in Altuzarra: It's amazing how a unique blend of fabrics can make a relatively common silhouette metamorphose from average to exceptional. Keri Russell's feathered frock, made by New York designer Joseph Altuzarra, perfectly encompasses that belief.  Is this attire the most theme -appropriate? No. But with an impeccable fit, irrestible color and innovative textile, it doesn't seem to matter. This dress is flawless. To keep this look undeniably sexy, Russell added a strappy sandal and smokey eye.

Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture: As Sienna Miller also kindly reminded us, wearing pants to a high-profiled event is a tell-tale sign you're an It-Girl (like we ever questioned Kruger's level of coolness). While the silhouette is relatively progressive for the red carpet, the thoughtful embellishments provided a danity, unbashedly feminine twist. Kitschy and unexpected, but it's possible that Kruger's heart-shaped clutch made every on-looker smile. And for the finishing touch, the actress decorated her hair with Asian-influenced flowers. A fashion homerun, as always, from Joshua Jackson's better half.

Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy Haute Couture: In the grand scheme of all things Met Ball, this is nothing special. Yet there's no denying that the former Mean Girls star looks sublime. The subtle detailing around the bodice and waist surprising did not create the illusion of a bulkier frame. Instead, it offers an ethereal vibe that is rarely seen on a carpet as glamorous as the Met Ball's. The slicked-back hair and berry lip counteract this dress's light and airy aesthetic. Simple and relatively safe, but perhaps this is what the every girl would wear to an event this spectacular. 

Lady Gaga in Balenciaga: Goodbye meat dress, hello Balenciaga. The pop star turned Tony Bennett sidekick has come a long way from popping out of an egg mid-red carpet. But that doesn't mean the songstress has ditched her innovative ways. Instead, Gaga has arguably reemerged to be the face of sophisticated creativity. Case in point?  Last night's outfit. While the voluminous shape comanded attention, the whispy feathers and geometric jacket created a polished way to pay homage to the exhibit. Topped with an edgy crown and severe, sleek dark locks, Gaga's ensemble was perfectly daring and dramatic.  

Emily Blunt in Prada: Leave it to the former Devil Wears Prada star to sport an outfit that is both forward-thinking and sophisticated. The delicate floral pattern stuck to the night's Asian-inspired theme, but the contrasting colorways offered a fresh look at an othewise timeless ensemble. If this getup didn't have enough star quality, the berry lip and glitzy earrings made this look suitable for any leading lady.

Kate Hudson in Michael Kors: As Kate Hudson's co-star Matthew McConaughey once said in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days once, "Frost yourself." In head-to-toe gold, the actress took this line to heart and opted for a gilded getup that would make any  awards statue jealous. The shimmery brocade is a less bulky way to give the illusion of head-to-to sequins. Though the form-fitting silhouette boasted the Fabletics frontwoman's enviable boddy, the covered bodice stayed true to the integrity of the gala as well as the exhibit's theme. Goldie would be proud.

Kendall Jenner in Calvin Klein Collection: At first glance, this streamlined dress was a disappointment for America's hottest supermodel. But when you look closer, this beaded Calvin Klein dress is anything but boring. Between the labor-intensive beading and sexy ties along Kendall Jenner's frame, this dress would be ideal for an unconventional, modern-day Chinese courtesan. Though the dress is rather minimal compared to a sea of printed silk, baroque and embroridery that surrounded her, Jenner sultry bodice cut provided enough of a statement.

Rihanna in Guo Pei: Consider this a sartorial mike-drop. It's one thing to wear a Chinese-inspired dress; however, it is quite a another both sport an authentic Asian designer's creations and create this much of a statement. From the yellow hue, to the outrageous train, to the fur detailing, one would think this would cause an eye-sore. On the contrary, Rihanna's unwavering confidence and the fragility of the outfit screamed regal. Without a doubt, this is a fashion moment that will go down in history.

Which looks did you love? Sound off below!
Photos courtesy of Vogue.com and Glamour.com

xx