Tie Dye High

If this lookbook for LF doesn't make you giddy for all things summer, what will?

Brights in Sight

To state the obvious, I've been on a little hiatus from this blog. Now that summer has arrived, though, the creative spark is back and ideas are floating around in my head. A lot has changed in the past few months, and it has been a whirlwind since I came back from Paris. I'm happy here in Los Angeles, with so much culture right at my fingertips. I have so many places that I want to explore here, and this blog is the perfect place to document them. Although The Soph-isticate is fashion-focused, I hate to label it as a fashion blog, simply because I have various interests and plans for this blog.

That said.. I thought a summer post should warrant a summer wish list. In my effort to stray from the neutral basics that I am so devoted to, I made sure to include plenty of brights!

(Mara Hoffman bikini, Paige jeans, Elizabeth & James denim shirt, Warby Parker sunglasses, Kate Spade clutch, Topshop sandals, Tucker silk blouse, DVF wedges, Thakoon for Nars nail polish)

New York Fashion Week Roundup Part 2

Due to exhaustion brought on by piles of schoolwork and interning (though I'm not complaining), this post is at least a few weeks late. Although these collections are not new to fashion enthusiasts, I loved them so much that I had to document them somehow. Enjoy!

The exquisite lines and careful placement of color at BCBG made the Fall collection truly pop. Sheer fabrics were obviously seen in many collections, but I appreciate Max Azria's unique twist on the trend. The transparent vertical strip down the torso makes for quite an interesting look, flattering and the perfect amount of sexy.

I admire Diane von Furstenberg for many reasons, her outstanding ability to make a woman look desirable, confident, and powerful being just one. She and Max evidently had the same idea of how to incorporate a sheer element to their clothes. I'm loving the compliment of white on top of the texture of tweed, as well as the electric hues worthy of Andy Warhol's pop art. In fact, the cherry red skirt reminds me so much of my new nailpolish color, Essie's lollipop. As for the plum purple dress, is it possible NOT to picture Victoria Beckham strutting along in this ensemble, sunglasses and all??

It shouldn't come as a surprise that The Row always tops my list of favorite collections. The impeccable care and craftsmanship that Ashley (Mary-kate as well, but The Row has always been Ashley's project) puts into the clothes is always very apparent and appreciated by many. Although every piece from the label runs for more than I can imagine being able to afford, a girl can dream, right?

I have to admit, I was unaware of Tadashi Shoji until this year, when I discovered Octavia Spencer's loyalty to this incredibly talented man. His gowns are like nothing I've seen before, with their exquisite embroidery details, fairytale-like chiffon, and beautiful silhouettes. I would die to wear either of the first two top looks, and the gold dress would make for a perfect awards dress. Tadashi, you have outdone yourself.

The Rodarte girl is always fearless, dreamy, and charming. Who can forget the video of Elle Fanning dancing around in an abandoned house in none other than Rodarte? (If you haven't seen it, go watch it now!) I especially love the earth tones and the makeup in this particular collection. Here, the Rodarte girl looks like a vintage-loving sojourner who is happiest when exploring off-the-map places.

Adorn Yourself

Who says you can't wear chunky necklaces during the warmer months? Try wearing one with a pop of unexpected color to brighten up a grey tee.

(Images via Tumblr and the man repeller)

New York Fashion Week Roundup Part 1

My favorite Prabal looks are undoubtedly the more monochromatic of the bunch. He turned out some definite stunners, all of which showcase excellent tailoring and flawless lines. Prabal reworked the spring trend of sheer fabrics into his fall collection, which I think immediately gives the pieces a darker seductive quality. It also doesn't hurt that these specific looks remind of black swan vs. white swan; the eye makeup only intensifies this effect. The beautiful dresses remind me of THIS amazing moment. Well done Prabal.

Jason Wu's modern, China-inspired collection consists of an extensive color palette, ranging from olive green to aubergine, gold to hot pink. I love the silhouettes he creates, my favorite look being the very top right. Militaristic and conservative on the top but sexy on the bottom. He balances his pieces extremely well.

I can't help but be amazed with a show that mixes a great deal of head-to-toe black with luxurious shocks of color. Donna Karan expertly created numerous all black looks that screamed neither overdone nor mundane. The flared skirts add the perfect touch of polish while the brilliant blue and fuschia dresses give a rare spark to the fall season. There seemed to be a great deal of fuschia and maroon on the runways this fashion week.

Rag & Bone has the boho chic globetrotter aesthetic down to a tee. Designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright now have me lusting after a striped wrap sweater like the one in the second image from the left. Their lack of fear of mixing unexpected patterns and colors paid off significantly. The fall collection is not only unique, but also transformative; the clothes give the models a curious mystique along with an abundance of unwavering confidence.

Je suis jalouse

I love the concept behind this film for Jalouse magazine (okay, so maybe I'm just a little nostalgic for France). Watch and dream.

TEXTILE Elizabeth and James

Grab your sunnies! The TEXTILE Elizabeth and James Spring/Summer 2012 collection has a delectable pastel, sherbet-like palette. I love the simplicity of the tennis shoes paired with basics in unexpected hues. It looks so easy and summery, perfect for a California girl. All model Abby Brothers needs is a skateboard and she's ready to hit Venice Beach.

Speaking of the Golden State, it's a little chillier here than I was anticipating. However, I can't complain, as right after I left Seattle, my dad sent me photos of the first snowfall of the season. I have to admit, I am maybe one in a million who prays for snow; maybe it's the little girl in me, but I don't think I will ever tire of it.

(Images via fashiongonerogue)

Drift Away

Four more days and I'll be back in beautiful California! It's so dreary in the Northwest right now that I can't help but dream about palm trees and bright colors. Vivid ikat prints and geometrical patterns are really inspiring me right now, though I look over at my closet and it is both monochromatic and grayscale. I suppose I'm still stuck in the Parisian mindset. Although this rain isn't helping much either...

(The man's shirt, which I am kind of in love with and can't stop thinking about, is from Etsy store CREATIVENATIIVE.)

Two Takes on White

Natalia Alaverdian

Elin Kling

Style Stalking at PFW

As I am studying abroad in Paris this semester, I took the opportunity to go wander around the Tuileries during fashion week, in the hopes of catching a glimpse of some style purveyors. I was one among many itching for a perfect shot, but mostly I enjoyed reveling in the joy that comes from such direct style inspiration (a much-needed respite from photos). Being in close proximity to this magnificent, renowned thing we call "fashion week" gave me the best kind of butterflies. I better understood that the exhausted phrase, "the fashion world," emphasis on "world," really does carry significance.

Since then, I have (physically, at least) re-entered the more mundane world that consists of homework, mid-terms, and cold weather. C'est la vie!