For the Boys: Homme Essential Spring 2011 Fashion Preview

Hey guys if you need a great guide for putting together your Spring wardrobe hit the news stands and pick up the latest copy of Homme Essential. This extensive runway manual showcases the hottest looks and must haves for the Spring season from a fashion insider point of view. Definitely not for the conservative closet or pocket.

Best Dressed: S.A.G. Awards...

MyStyleDallas' choice for best dressed at last nights S.A.G Awards is 14 year old Hailee Steinfeld. This Prada dress is not only playful and sophisticated, but more importantly it is age appropriate. Sticking with a similar silhouette as her Prabal Garung option from the globes, this multi-colored striped dress was an excellent choice for the "True Grit" breakout star.

Hot Fashion Find: Gucci at Neiman Marcus

Baby it's cold outside. So stay warm in this ombred buckle and chain print trench by Gucci. The coat alone makes a bold statement and your outfit will definitely revolve around the coat so style simply. Whenever styling an ombre you want to color block to add or accent your look without busying your outfit. You could definitely consider adding a pop of color at the root with a solid patent pump. Think yellow or red. Trench by Gucci available at Neiman Marcus North Park for $3400.

Art Scene: Mike Osborne at Holly Johnson Gallery...

If your headed to the design district stop by the Holly Johnson Gallery to check out the Mike Osborne exhibit. Mr. Osborne lives and works in Austin, Texas and is as graduate of UT with a M.F.A.. He delivers a photographic exhibit exploring the routines of the common man. In this exhibit his usage of bold and vibrant color negates the otherwise everyday tasks of his subjects and his linear fascination forces his work to speak with a masculine voice. Osborne's usage of primary colors further articulates the simply nature of his subjects further connecting his work with it's audience. For more information go to www.hollyjohnsongallery.com.

Haute in Paris: Jean Paul Gaultier

Most fashion insiders consider Jean Paul Gaultier to be the last of the great couturiers. Once labeled the rebel-punk of haute couture, he has since been accepted as a treasure of the fashion community and a modern symbol of high fashion for France. Gaultier's couture show differs from most in that they often have a varied story to tell with a wide spectrum of looks. From finely tailored suits to tiered floor-length ethic print chiffon dresses and it wouldn't be Gaultier without a few bondage inspired looks. A tribal element is always added to his collection, this season with the feathered mo-hawks that adorned the models. This collection marks the return of classic Gaultier and one ponders if his recent split with Hermes led to the rejuvenation of his own house. Either way, Viva Gaultier!!!

Haute in Paris: Armani Prive'

Armani is known for exquisite tailoring and creating staples that will carry you through your fashion adventures. This time he is taking you back in time for a retro look at fashion of the future. At his couture show in Paris, Sen. Armani debuted a futuristic collection featuring saucer hats by Philip Treacy and sharply tailored suits and gowns with classic Armani silhouettes. Using an organza that was woven with metal, enables the designer to mold the fabric and create a wave like effect with a hard sheen as a result. Bellisimo!!!

Haute in Paris: Christian Dior...

Editors, stylists, celeb-fashionistas, and the international jet set are in Paris this week to view the couture shows. Many insiders say that haute couture is a dying art in the age of "fast fashion." Along with a decreasing number of couturiers presenting each season, this projects a grim outlook for the art of needle and thread. John Galliano's presentation for Christian Dior recalled the golden age of couture clothing, when Mon. Dior and Mon. Rene Gruau were at the creative helm at Dior conceptualizing their "new look." Galliano obviously drew inspiration from this by presenting skirts that flared from corseted waists or dropped pencil-thin to below the knee from rounded hips. "The graphite smears, pencil strokes and scribbles, erasure marks, and gouache washes of Gruau illustrations were duplicated in cloth and embroidery." Ostrich feathers made swooshes of ink on a huge ball gown, pencil lines were picked out in sequins. Thank you Mon. Galliano for keeping this art alive.

Runway Track: Duck Sauce, "Barbra Streisand."

Check out this great dance track by New York based duo, Duck Sauce. Famed DJ and producer Armand Van Helden and sound partner A-trak were heard at the Dolce&Gabbana F/W '11/'12 Men's show in Milan last week. Enjoy!!!

Hot Fashion Find: Jil Sander at Neiman Marcus

Looking to make a statement in Pantone 102. Brighten up your wardrobe with this brilliant blazer by minimalist extraordinaire Jil Sander. Style this jacket with everything from deconstructed jeans to white trousers or black skinnies. The point is to make this jacket appear to be an accent to your outfit and not a blatant focal point. Sander's minimal lines require accessories of a simple nature. Think, an Alexis Bittar lucite necklace and cuff or accents in gold or silver. Blazer by Jil Sander available at Neiman Marcus North Park for $1375.

Male Musings: Geordon Nicol

Geordon Nicol: artist, DJ, Lagerfeld muse, fashion glamour-guy.

Le man show...cont'd

There is an air of mystery in Paris as the men's shows continue. Low slung, sharp edged fedoras where sent down the runways at Dior Homme and Lanvin. Multiple layers in sportswear tailoring revealing new proportions at both houses with motorcycle coats topping three quarter length jackets over skinny cut trousers. Over at Hermes double breasted suiting in modern-classic slender tailoring was shown, along with the return of leather. From a black jump-suit to pants and jackets, hide was strongly sought by Hermes menswear designer Veronique Nichanian. (Pictured above: Dior Homme F/W '11, Lanvin F/W '11, Hermes F/W '11.)

Le man show...

The men's shows continue in Paris this week with designers like Viktor&Rolf, Rick Owens, and Jean-Paul Gaultier. The tone was minimal and monochromatic at V&R featuring looks in red, black, and white. Rick Owens, the eternal purveyor of goth-chic showcased fuller silhouettes inspired by the paternal duty and servicemen with knee-length leather skirts and deconstructed samurai obi's. At Jean Paul Gaultier Bond was the theme. With scuba-ed tuxedo looks that immediately recall visions the famed British spy emerging from the surf ready for drinks at the Casino Royale.(Pictured above: Viktor&Rolf F/W '11, Rick Owens F/W '11, Jean Paul Gaultier F/W '11.)

Hot Fashion Find: Herve Leger

If you're feeling sexy check out this body hugging bandage dress by Kardashian favorite, Herve Leger. Originally known for form fitting hand crafted dresses, Herve Leger now headed by Max Azria, continues to celebrate the wiles of the feminine form. Azria has expanded the line by adding prints, appliqued accents, and modernizing the silhouettes. Styling is simple. The fringe accents give this particular dress more of a rock and roll vibe so add a studded bootie and cropped motorcycle jacket and your look is complete. I would recommend a cross body shoulder strap mini-studded flap bag(see Valentino) to hold your AMEX, ID, and lip stick(yes, I said lip stick). Fringe dress available at Herve Leger for $1690.

Tunes: Groove Armada, "Cards to your Heart."

Tunes: Gossip, "Heavy Cross."

Photographer: Norget Sylvain...

French photographer Norget Sylvain's original spin on hipster fashion is both humorous and intriguing. Know for his restaint and beautifully executed concepts this former interior designer, turned model, now photographer says that a chance meeting with famed photographer Helmut Newton reshaped his artistic career. Sighting a quote from Newton, "Some people’s photography is an art. Mine is not. If they happen to be exhibited in a gallery or in a museum, that’s fine. But that’s not why I do them. I’m a gun for hire.” Sylvain's work has been featured in ELLE and PHOTO magazines and his most recent book is entitled TNRP* The Naked Rabbit Project. For more information on Sylvain visit www.but.20mn.com

The Man Show...cont'd

The men's shows continue in Milan this week and fashion followers are feeling thrilled and excited with anticipation about the Fall season. Umit Benan is the talk to the town showing what many are calling "the most inspired collection." Benan's source of inspiration was America's original Wall Street psycho Patrick Bateman. Choosing models of an alternative sort, Benan showed true waist trousers with tapered, cuffed legs and in some cases long john pants with double breasted captain's jackets. Over at Moschino it was "mens sana in corpore sano" -healthy mind healthy body. Inspired by the uniforms designed by the Italian house for the Aironi Rugby Club, the models walked the runway in referee striped jackets and rugby shirts worn with blazers and rugby socks. At McQueen it was top-heavy proportions, with high collars, regal English accents and most notably models with a certain something. As Tim Blanks put it, "for all anyone knew the guys could have been from Kentucky or Kazakhstan, but dressed in McQueen, they were rough trade for Oscar Wilde..." Sexy!!! (Pictured above: Umit Benan F/W '11, L'uomo Moschino F/W '11, Alexander McQueen F/W '11.)

Hot Fashion Find: Christian Lacroix at Uptown Consignment

Real fashionistas know that looking fabulous doesn't always have to cost next months rent. Sometimes those new Manolo's are a must, but spend one Saturday afternoon vintage shopping around town and you will find some great designer looks for less. Check out this fantastic vintage find at Uptown Consignment. This fuschia and black striped original Christian Lacroix suit is an amazing find considering the designer showed his last collection in 2009. Stay warm and true to the Parisian aesthetic and think about styling it with a pair of lace stockings. Throw on a pair of suede platform pumps and you are set. Vintage Christian Lacroix suit available at Uptown Consignment for $318.

Hot Fashion Find: Escada at Neimans North Park

Check out this surprisingly chic cocktail dress by Escada. Known for their sophisticated and conservative attire, this "fantasy" print dress fashioned with a knotted leather belt, is a contemporary look for the established house. To keep this look fresh style it with an edgier bootie, think Christian Louboutin, McQueen, or Dior. If desiring a easier look but still wanting to maintain that eye catching quality, try dressing it with a red patent leather Tribute platform by YSL. Dress by Escada available at Neiman Marcus North Park for $1525.

The Man Show...

Ladies first? Not in fashion. The men's shows kick off the Fall/Winter season every year and editors, stylists, and celebrities crowd the streets of Milan hustling from one maximum capacity venue to the next. Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta are a few favorites every season never disappointing with monochromatic palettes at Bottega and slender silhouettes at Gucci. Dolce&Gabbana never lets us down by always turning up the machismo but this season revealing a more youthful collection that will appeal to both MAC's and PC's. Check back with MyStyleDallas for further coverage. (Pictured above: Bottega Veneta F/W '11, Gucci F/W '11, and Dolce&gabbana F/W '11.)

Amber Alert...

Check out Austin native and friend to MyStyleDallas actress Amber Heard. Seen at T Magazine's Pre-Golden Globes Bash in LA, Amber looks amazing what would be safe to assume is a gorgeous look by Dolce&Gabbana!

January Jones in Versace...

January Jones in Versace was my pick for best dressed at last night's Golden Globe Awards. The fresh face of Versace was styled high in a red fringe accented dress that was originally showed in turquoise for S/S 2011. Completing her look with curled shoulder length hair and understated make-up with a matte finish red lip, she looked runway ready and stole the red carpet.

Hot Fashion Find: Mara Hoffman at Elements...

Check out this playful "garden" print dress by Mara Hoffman. Known for her excellent print making skills, Hoffman produced this "row of bows" dress for her spring resort collection. Fashion it M.O.D.(model off duty) style with a cropped motorcycle jacket, and platform booties. Due to the bright nature of the print you will want to play it conservatively with your accessories. Otherwise you might overwhelm your ensemble. For a edgier Parisian inspired look a la Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, you might want to consider adding lace leggings. Print Dress by Mara Hoffman available at Elements for $330.

Runway Track: Gold Panda's, "Same China Dream."

Heard at the Rodarte spring/summer 2011 runway show, this track by Gold Panda is appropriate for the seventies inspired collection showed by the sisters Mulleavy. The collection comprised of "every shade of brown you can imagine...gold, [and] off colors like chartreuse," comes to life with Panda's "Same Dream China," recalling the day dreaming era with contemporary beats.