NYFW: PLUS+

For the first time in history, New York Fashion Week has expanded to include plus size models from around the country. The body positivity movement did, in fact, make it all the way to Fashion Week. Co-Founders Selena Weekes and Brandee Joyner wanted to make this groundbreaking event a showstopper, and did so by including a strong group of models that represented plus size women with a bang.

The designers represented in NYFW+ are Oseas Villatoro, Tatiana Castro, Marco Hall, Phoenyx Reign, Ava Jones, Danielle Ferguson, Harvest Powell, and Eula Taylor.

Legendary plus model Ashley Graham owned the runway in her new lingerie collection with Addition Elle. The motto was “I am size sexy,” empowering plus women to view themselves as such.

This event made Fashion Week history and has already shone a positive light on high fashion for plus size women. It can only continue to improve from here! #iamsizesexy

For detailed coverage, click here.

 Ashley Graham walks for Addition Elle. 

 Another fabulous motto from NYFW+

 Strutting the runway!

 Designer Eden Miller's collection on the ruway

Gorgeous looks from a collection rumored to be designed by Ashley Nell Tipton from Project Runway 2015

-Emma Evans

NYFW: Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang, the iconic designer who recently stepped down from Balenciaga in July, celebrated his 10-year anniversary this NYFW. Wang is famously known for his black urban wear that celebrities flock to; including Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga (Who all sat front row.) For his 2015 NYFW collection, Wang went back to his street wear roots with an avant-garde army inspired look that was bursting with fishnet tops, oversized hoodies, and frayed denim. The show began with a chain-strapped bra top with low hanging striped pants and ended with fringed leather and a wild after party.

Take a look at some of SMDA's favorite looks from Wang's show!

-TK

NYFW: Tory Burch

     Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer 2016 show for NYFW was rife with dreamy designs in saturated hues such as marigold, periwinkle, and coral. She also made sure to anchor her collection with plenty of cream-colored pieces featuring intricate patters and iridescent finishes. Finely tuned details including lace, fringe, and embroidery added the signature boho-inspired touch that Tory has come to be known for while incorporating the 70’s flair that has popped up in many of the designers’ shows this week.  A mix of both structured and airy pieces were seen in the show, perhaps in an effort to reveal that Tory really does have something for everyone. We know you’re already day dreaming about sporting these pieces on your next trip to The Maldives; until then, browse through some of our favorite looks from the show below:

Xx,

HG Knight

NYFW: Rachel Zoe

     Rachel Zoe's Spring/Summer 2016 collection is absolutely stunning. The runway looks embody the trends we have been seeing appear in stores and on the runway. Zoe’s collection for this NYFW captured the spirit and romance of the late seventies with a gypsy-inspired vibe. Zoe embellished her gorgeous vibrant color palette with delicate lace, playful fringe and trendy suede. Although Zoe did not abandon her signature black and white look, she also added yellows, reds and other saturated hues to her eye catching and flattering two-piece outfits. These colors and embellishments work very well together making for another excellent collection made by the wonderful, Rachel Zoe.

NYFW: Academy of Art University

     By now your insta and twitter feeds are more than likely inundated with posts regarding #NYFW, so choosing which shows to watch and trends to shop for is probably looking more daunting than navigating the quad on game day. Well, here at SMDA we are currently loving the show put on by the Academy of Art University. A major focus was put on fabrics- with shimmery, reflective, and thick materials taking center stage. Additionally, oversize backpacks and fanny packs were aplenty. Take a few minutes to catch the show here, and start thinking about how to incorporate the trends into your wardrobe for Spring. 

Stay tuned for more NYFW coverage from your favorites at SMDA!

Xx,

HG Knight

NYFW Roundup: Day 1

     It’s surreal that another season has come and New York Fashion Week is back. First thing, Nicholas K wow’d the crowd with an exhilarating show as usual. His earthy tones and “hunter-gatherer” perception created silence. 

     However, here at SMDA, we were in awe during BCBGMAXAZRIA! BCBG has become one of the largest and most popular name brands found in department stores such as Macy’s, and offers stylish clothing at everyday prices. For now, we’re dealing with some high fashion and the bar has been raised. The line was different, it was hip—and it gave “Annie” a whole new meaning. It looked like the orphans earned Masters Degrees in high fashion and took it to the nearest “Little Miss Matched.” We had never seen a runway show like this one; you wanted to hate it but you knew you couldn’t! It was chic, there was color, and there were layers!! Who else could rock layers for a Spring/Summer collection!? At one point there was a knit, scarlet tank dress over a faded pink gown that had a green long sleeve sweater under it. Stripes, layered florals, and leg warmers accompanied cohesive, chunky, booty wedges. To wrap it up the models wore coordinating, patch-work, bucket hats that we couldn’t believe would make it in the high-fashion world. But they did!! Any of these outfits could be seen in the Colorado desert, or a California beach club. Our inner hipsters, here at SMDA, definitely came out of their shells as we watched. Below, find some of our favorite looks from the runway!

     Overall it was a successful start to Day 1— the crowds were there, reviewers were glued to their phones, and rumor has it Miley Cyrus was sitting front row??? We’re all so excited to see what the rest of Day 1 has to offer (Tadashi Shoji is a must see!); so keep watching, come back for more… and start looking for a higher paying job!!

Always,

Katie

How To: Game Day Style

With the first home game right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what really matters this football season—how you’re going to dress, of course! Obviously, everyone has their own tastes and methods of styling, and there’s no better place to see them all play out than on the quad during tailgating the Saturday of a huge game. Here, take a look at five of our favorite pieces to incorporate into your game day wardrobe this fall:

1. A huge black wool hat will help shield your face from the blazing Alabama sun while conveniently hiding how stringy and damp your strands have gotten throughout the day. Check out H&M’s Wool Hat in Black ($29.99)

2. An easy white swing dress keeps you as cool as possible and pairs great with a fun wedge or classic pair of cowboy boots. Add an eclectic stack of bracelets or layer long necklaces to complete the look. We think Tobi’s Whats Not To Love Swing Dress is a breezy, affordable pick ($34)

3. Make sure you always have your essentials at your side with a chic crossbody bag. We like Zara’s Mini Messenger Bag in Black ($25.90), it even has a zippered pocked to be sure you don’t lose your ACT card when reaching to pull out your phone for snapping pics with the girls. Pro tip: wear it over just one shoulder for taking pictures to keep it from distracting from your outfit, but wear it as a crossbody once you get into the stadium to keep from losing or leaving it anywhere!

4. Neutral wedges will give you legs for days while keeping your heels from sinking into the quad as you make your way from tent to tent. Pair with a crimson colored pedicure for the perfect game day look! We’re crushing on Love Culture’s Brown Ankle Strap Wedges ($27.95), as they’re a simple yet versatile option.

5. Shorts can be perfect for game days when elevated with a dressy top and the right accessories; think bold earrings or a statement necklace. If you choose a flowy top, be sure to do a trendy front tuck to show off the scallop detail of these Faux Leather Shorts from Nordstrom ($58)

Happy styling and a big Roll Tide from SMDA!

Xx,

HG Knight