Have. Want. Need.
Fab Flash
1 Vera Wang Runway New York Fashion Week Fall 2011
Trend Alert
2 Trend Alert: Pleats That Play the Accordion
Love It or Hate It
3 Miu Miu Pleated Leather Satchel: Love It or Hate It?
eBay Find of the Week
6 eBay Find of the Week
Trend Alert
9 Trend Alert: Into the Fold
Bally
10 The Bag to Have: Bally Leather Zip Pocket Slouch Bag
Shopping
12 The Look For Less: Mauro Grifoni Light Gray Pleated Skirt
Trend Alert
13 Trend Alert: Do the Pleat
Vera Wang's Fall 2011 collection — perhaps inspired by Black Swan — conjured up a fashion-forward ballerina with a bit of edge. Pleated chiffon dresses of the floaty, diaphanous variety were paired with sporty-luxe fur-trimmed anoraks and further contrasted by a futuristic beauty look consisting of smoky eyes and unfussy, slicked-back hair. Wang's autumnal palette ranged from delicious taupes Read more
If you've ever wanted to experiment with pretty pleats, now's the time. Accordion pleats are cropping up in unexpected places. They're a classic take on texture, but don't think these pleats signal school girl. They're playful and fresh in other fabrics, like chiffon, à la Jessica Alba in Marc Jacobs, or even a little naughty in leather. Whether you select them as a part of the whole look, or Read more
I admit, I was growing quite weary of the current selection of Fall handbags, but my outlook changed when I laid eyes on cool pleated bags. There's something for everyone with styles ranging from tightly stitched clutches to more haphazard pleats. This fresh Diane von Furstenberg Studded Napa Bag ($595) awakened my handbag soul to a level unparalleled. Dramatic much? But doesn't it make Read more
I used to take ballet when I was little, so it's no surprise that I'm partial to the sweet ballerina look. I've been looking for a soft accordion pleat skirt, like this Mauro Grifoni Light Gray Pleated Skirt ($128, originally $315), to re-create the chic ballerina look. But unfortunately, the price and the hemline aren't quite right. I want something less expensive and sassier. To see Read more
When done right, pleats can be a beautiful thing. Check out how chuchu223 did it. To bring structure to her flowy skirt, she paired it with a boxy black jacket. Good thinking. I love the black and ivory color combo. The T-strap brown sandals are the perfect finishing touch. This look makes me want to become a pleats-a-holic! Unfortunately she didn't give us the details of her outfit, so come back Read more
Pleated and folded handbags are popping up all over, and they're kicking the butts of structured purses. I predict this Bally Leather Zip Pocket Slouch Bag ($1,195), which also comes in nude, is going to be the next coveted accessory. Look at it; doesn't it scream the bag to have? I can see Charlize and Gwyneth all over it. It has all the right components — it's buttery, has slick Read more
Time to get into the fold. Pleated, tucked, furrowed, whatever you want to call it, these gathered handbags will add depth to your look. The real beauty is you have options: tight, accordion-like folds have a rocker vibe while simple incisions stay crisp and clean. I think I need one of each. Shop This Look Read more
We've chatted about pleats. We've oogled over ruffles. What do you get when you combine the two textural forces? Something delectable. So yes, I'll take ruffles and pleats, please. And a side of Keira Knightley wearing both in her grape-tastic Erdem frock. The cherry on top? A smile from the British babe —c'mon Keira! Shop This Look Read more
Remember when I redid my closet? That is when I realized I oft feel blue when it comes to clothes. Which is ironic because clothes make me very, very happy. Blue is a versatile color that manages to look good on most people — and there are so many hues to choose from. When I stumbled across this Navy pin-tuck pleats 80s babydoll top, size S/M, I had to resist, considering I already have an Read more
Many of you were hesitant about pleats, especially on skirts and trousers. Throw your fears out the window and embrace pleats in all shapes and sizes. They can lend a pretty look, trust me! A good place to start is this Vintage '60s Ruffled Accordion Pleat Dress, XS. I like it because it's Fall up top and Summer on the bottom; perfect for a breezy day. Worn with a feminine belt, it can really Read more
