Necklines, Mesh, and Cutouts

So many of my favorite cuts of dresses are having a moment in a big way right now.

Necklines:
Detailing, asymmetrical, or just twisted and different; all the new necklines look so cool.
My favorite one is by Alexander McQueen. I'd love to wear it paired with a pair of pumps that match the lining.


This one by Camilla and Marc is really cool looking. I like the detail on the bodice. I think the dress would look cool with boots and a motorcycle jacket.

Mesh:
Can look really 80's (and not in a good way), but if done right and toned down the look is really sexy.
Alexander Wang has a few mesh dresses that were quickly knocked off by a few mall stores.

American Apparel makes a cute (cheap!) option. I have one, it has a nice slim fit, and I like the neckline a lot.

Cutouts:
You have to be careful with cutouts because it can look like things have been ripped or they can border on tacky. So long as the dresses aren't too short, I really like the look.This one by Leyendecker is the holy grail of cut out dresses. It doesn't get better than this, stop trying.

Psst...

"Secret sales" are nothing new.
Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman have both been doing this pre-recession. People who spend a lot get "tips" on deals going on. The article goes on to point out that the whole point of luxury is to keep some people out. It has to remain exclusive to continue to be marketable. That's why I think the "secret sales" are a good idea. It's still exclusive, and it increases sales by more people (who have money) spending more. It also provides an "incentive" for those who do already shop at these stores to get a coveted invite to the sales.
All in all, it's still remaining exclusive.

Despite the discreet nature of these sales, experts warn that the luxury shopper, like the mass-market shopper, may get used to never paying full price for anything.

Which is basically what Donna Karan said at the Council of Fashion Designers of America last month. She explained that American consumers have been trained to buy things on sale. Which there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, it's stupid to pay full price.

With online shopping offering designer goods at greatly reduced prices, stores are going to have to keep up with that. There are many websites that are invitation only which offer the same thing stores do, but for better prices. It's a good idea for stores to follow this model. The invitations keep things exclusive, and the sales keep people shopping.

Heels are Dead?

I was scanning though the times fashion section when I came across an article claiming "Heels are Dead".
I'm not sure if the person penning that article had a look at any recent runways, but heels are still king. Balmain, Valli, platforms still rule and heels are getting higher and more decorative (more on that later).


Along with heels being high (as god and Louboutin intended), they're looking a lot more punk and hard this season. I like this look a lot. Mixing the "feminine" shoe with a hard, tough looking element makes it visually interesting, and makes the wearer feel like a bad ass which of course, I'm very fond of).


The article takes an offensive turn when it compares wearing heels to Chinese foot binding. I'm pretty sure even the dimmest of journalists can tell the difference between the two. My heels don't damage my feet to that extent, it's also a choice.
It seems to me some writer just got sick of wearing heels and decided to project that onto everyone else.
Flats do nothing for your legs, they do nothing for your outfits, and unless they have proper arch support, do nothing for your feet. Heels will always be the more fashionable option.
But remember, the first rule of wearing heels is that you better know how to run in them.