Derek Lam

Shopping

Alexa Chung Shows Us Why We All Need a Rad Plaid Dress

All things are pointing towards '90s grunge this season — just look to the runways of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Dries Van Noten, and Saint Laurent — and now, we're starting to see some of our favorite style stars sporting the look on the street.

All things are pointing towards '90s grunge this season — just look to the runways of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Dries Van Noten, and Saint Laurent — and now, we're starting to see some of our favorite style stars sporting the look on the street. Case in point: Alexa Chung was spotted in London over the weekend looking nothing short of effortlessly cool in a black-and-white plaid Paul Smith dress cinched at the waist with a skinny black belt. This dress can easily teeter between polished and punk, depending on how you accessorize it, but we love how Alexa opted for the latter, styling her look with black chunky-soled oxfords and gray socks. Inspired? Channeling the same look is actually quite easy; all you need is a rad plaid dress and semitough footwear, like boots from Dr. Martens or old-school leather penny loafers. Shop Alexa's exact plaid dress, plus more affordable options, below.

Celebrity Style

Take Your Low-Key Style to Cocktail Hour, the Elizabeth Olsen Way

Elizabeth Olsen's day-to-night outfits provide the laid-back girl (or any girl, really) with no-fuss ways to wear Spring's lighter layers with polish.

Elizabeth Olsen's day-to-night outfits provide the laid-back girl (or any girl, really) with no-fuss ways to wear Spring's lighter layers with polish. The more casual of the two looks utilized a relaxed silhouette and cool accessories, while her Disconnect screening attire capitalized on one slick mixed-media blazer. Olsen does a great job of combining everyday pieces — a button-down top, a maxi skirt, and worn-in jeans — with some of the season's most coveted accents. The best part? You probably have most, if not all, of the items in your closet already, so read our key takeaways on Olsen's low-key styling.

Day
Elizabeth Olsen's Derek Lam Newton Camera Bag ($1,390) could make almost any outfit look better, but she didn't rely on the structural bag to pull all the styling weight. Instead, she also added a pair of flat ankle boots (like this ASOS Adelaide pair, $75) and a navy blue fedora (similar to this Brixton Gerald version, $58), curating a trifecta of items perfect for punching up a casual look. You can copy her looser maxi skirt and button-down combo, or you can opt to tuck a striped t-shirt into a long skirt for a more fitted appeal.

Night
We love that Olsen kept the boots from her daytime look but put a slicker spin on her separates on top. She swapped out her relaxed layers for tailored ones — even the jeans fit her like a glove — and though she wore a laid-back striped t-shirt, there's nothing this leather-infused blazer can't do to give an outfit some sophisticated edge. Try this Laveer Leather Inset Blazer ($595) to channel a similar effect. If you're not feeling the denim approach, then layer the blazer over a sporty heather-gray dress as an alternative. To finish, she accessorized with a light gray quilted shoulder bag, an oversize black watch, and loose waves, and for all intents and purposes, it's easy for you to do the same.

fashion news

The Derek Lam For Kohl's Collection Is Shoppable — and 25 Percent Off

Derek Lam has been tapped as the second designer for Kohl's DesigNation, and now, the collection is available to shop online — and is 25 percent off until Tuesday, April 9.

Derek Lam has been tapped as the second designer for Kohl's DesigNation, and now, the collection is available to shop online — and is 25 percent off until Tuesday, April 9.

For Lam, it was all about his affinity to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. "I really love the city. The people are wonderful and the setting is amazing," said Lam. While we're fresh off the designer's Fall '13 runway show — a cerebral take on what the modern-day woman should wear — don't expect to experience déjà vu. According to Lam, this DesigNation collection is a "nice departure" from his usual design approach. He referenced artist Hélio Oiticica's surfwear-type print, and took inspiration from the city's sensual (read: lush jungle) side, evidenced by the jungle greens, yellows, and orange sorbet hues. Priced from $36 to $98, see the complete lookbook here, then shop your favorites!

Source: courtesy of Kohl's

Shopping

Solange Knowles Shows Us How to Wear Printed Shorts (the Right Way!)

Last season might have been all about print-on-print-on-print, but Spring's latest leans toward a more subtle way of styling your bold patterns.

Last season might have been all about print-on-print-on-print, but Spring's latest leans toward a more subtle way of styling your bold patterns. At the Diesel and Edun Studio Africa party in LA, brand ambassador Solange Knowles showed us how to style printed shorts (one of our seasonal must haves) for a look that's high on impact, but not over the top. The key to getting this trend right is finding the perfect pair of statement shorts — we suggest a pair that's not too tight and not too short — and pairing it with minimal accompaniments. Solange's abstract-print cuffed Edun shorts pop against her white Theyskens' Theory sheer-sleeve blouse, while gold metallic sandals add just the right amount of shine to her party look. For added pop, Solange polished off her ensemble with a modern Lucite CC Skye clutch ($295) and gold rings. Easy, right? Shop our editors' selection of printed shorts, then get to styling!

fashion week

Derek Lam Fall 2013 Runway

Derek Lam made it all about the details for Fall 2013.
Derek Lam Runway | Fashion Week Fall 2013 Photos 

Derek Lam made it all about the details for Fall 2013. Supple suedes and leathers in a simple palette of camel, ivory, and navy played out in deft patchworks and sweeping skirts. Cape-shape coats and tops were a fresh silhouette, while skirts swirled at midcalf. Touches of maroon appeared, continuing that shade's popularity on the runways.

fashion week

Derek Lam Fall 2013

Derek Lam showed in an airy all-white gallery for Fall 2013, and the clean lines of the surroundings were echoed in the clothes.
Derek Lam Review | Fashion Week Fall 2013 

Derek Lam showed in an airy all-white gallery for Fall 2013, and the clean lines of the surroundings were echoed in the clothes. Shades of ivory, tan, camel, and navy were pieced together for a minimalist take on colorblock. The leather and suede pieces were standouts, from a sweeping cream leather skirt to a top with intricate ladders of patchwork radiating from the neck.

fashion week

A Lazy Girl's Guide to Hair and Makeup at Derek Lam

For Fall 2013, the look at Derek Lam was inspired by his casual yet comfortable clothing collection.

For Fall 2013, the look at Derek Lam was inspired by his casual yet comfortable clothing collection. Lead makeup artist Tom Pecheux created an eye look that emulated a ray of light with Estée Lauder products. The hair, by Orlando Pita, was done up in a wavy style perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons.

The look: Braids converted into waves, a bold lip stain paired with metallic shadows, and complexion-specific nail polish
The inspiration: Minimalist decor with a comfortable and homey feel
Who would wear it: The woman who has a standing brunch appointment with friends . . . and a table full of Bellinis

fashion week

Runway Retrospective: Derek Lam

With New York Fashion Week underway, we're taking a closer look at some of our favorites designers and the collections that bear witness to their creative genius.

With New York Fashion Week underway, we're taking a closer look at some of our favorites designers and the collections that bear witness to their creative genius. Today, we hone in on the sporty-meets-minimalist wares of Derek Lam. Read on to see more of his past work as we eagerly await his Fall 2013 show.

Derek Lam made his Fashion Week debut in 2003, sending out a collection that would mark a new era in crisp, clean, American sportswear. He redefined the classics, crafting a cool line of looks that felt utterly modern thanks to smart tailoring and attention to detail. What remains in each reincarnation is an unmistakably chic aesthetic — effortless, easy, and wearable. He loves color as much as he loves black; he experiments as much with the classics as he does with edgier designs and prints, but continues to deliver a clever mix of the slick and the feminine. Click through for a look back at the San Francisco-born designer's runways and see exactly what we mean.