Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Short Sleeves are a bit of alright!


Couture Carrie is so confused as to whether she should keep posting summer looks, or dive headlong into fall, so: let's split the difference! Today's focus is the short sleeve - a lovely way to tolerate wearing a jacket on these steamy July days!
On the runway for Fall 2008, Bottega Veneta showed some gorgeous cap sleeve suit jackets. The monochrome looks, like the heathered maroon combo at top left, are incredibly streamlined and ladylike. Note the little gloves!!
CC particularly enjoys the unique neckline and angular "ruffles" Bottega's gray ensemble.
These two Fall 2008 runway shots courtesy style.com.
Another way to sport the look? As instructed by Diane von Furstenberg, layer a short-sleeve cardigan over a frilly long-sleeve blouse. What a wonderful way to get away with wearing a sheer shirt at the office! This runway look is surprisingly wearable - no translation needed! Just add a pencil skirt and a skinny belt and you're all set!
Photo via nymag.com.
Instead of a sweater, toss a light jacket or a short-sleeve belted "safari" shirt over that blouse; CC likes the look of the printed chiffon peeking out from under this short sleeve Derek Lam coat. Go to bergdorfgoodman.com to buy.
Even topcoats have gone short-sleeved! CC is drawn to this Dsquared2 crystal encrusted raincoat, available at eLuxury.com.
If you are reluctant to buy a short-sleeve coat, perhaps you might substitute a tiny cape? On the runway, Blugirl's winter white capelet stood out.
CC really appreciates the inverted triangle shape created by the capelet -- makes your bottom half look infinitely slimmer by putting the focus on a bold shoulder!
Photo at left via nymag.com.


For around twenty dollars, get the capelet look in bold orange at forever21.com (Forever 21 Lindsay triple button trapeze jacket pictured at left).

There are some amazing options for short sleeve dresses, like this stained-glass inspired printed Diane von Furstenberg Lionel flared silk jersey dress, at intermixonline.com.

And flower prints are here to stay for fall, but in a darker palette. CC is really digging this Roberto Cavalli floral print dress, available at neimanmarcus.com.
Also loving this Catherine Malandrino Vendange print dress, for purchase at Net-a-Porter.com. This one feels versatile; wear it this summer with sandals, and come fall, with opaque tights and booties!


If your look is more casual, opt for a crisp white belted mini-trench, like this Adidas by Stella McCartney. At shop adidas.com.


As ever, CC saves the best for last: How genius is the coatdress? Is it a jacket? Is it a frock? No need to decide! Behold, the beauty and impeccable craftsman-ship of this Alexander McQueen bouclé coat dress. At Neiman Marcus.
That's the long and short of it!

31 comments:

Sharon S said...

Lovely picks, especially the little trench-thats really cute!!

rg. said...

i like the dvf runway look best

Style Spot said...

Thanks for your lovely comment! Haha I know, the fashion world is always one step ahead..sometimes it's a bit hard to keep up ;p I love all of your choices, especially the one by Diane von Furstenberg!

xxx

Elle said...

OMG, I must have the second dress you posted!!! Gorgeous!!!

FASHION CHALET said...

My Mom (she's my best friend) plan to have a New York getaway together one of these days. She has been before. Stayed in Manhattan, went to Central Park, shopped Bergdorf's (my Grandpa knew one of the owners) and ate at Tavern on the Green (*I'm so jealous!*) She promises to take me to all of that and more. I really want to go to The Met! Hopefully I will get there sooner than later.. :)

Shes Dressing Up said...

I'd love a caplet!

meliindaa. said...

i like the short-sleeved style, it looks especially good if you have toned arms.

and i will go rent clueless as soon as possible! haha

alex said...

me gusta ese estilo, pero en invierno resulta complicado llevarlo con el frío. De todas maneras preciosas fotos! The ladylike style is amazing

Persephone said...

Love the look of short sleeve cardigans over frilly blouses. Probably because I love cardigans and frills, and to combine them? Brilliant! Great post, and I too wonder whether I should consider summer passe and move onto fall or not. It can be frustrating sometimes how far ahead of the seasons fashion is.

Ida said...

I am totally in love with the DVF runway outfit. It is so very classy and stylish, yet making a loud statement. I want a short-sleeved cardi now so much!

Pamcasso said...

great post! I really like the malandrino dress, it reminds me of erdem for fall.

♥ Marta ♥ said...

Love DVF :)

Ingvild Marie said...

Really nice! Great blog;)

Human Racing said...

Great post! I really like the Catherine Malandrino dress.

Mary said...

I wear little cotton pea coats even in the dea of summer just because they always look so cute... yes I might pass out, but they're adorable! Does that make me an idiot? Maybe a little, but on the coast of Canada the weather changes so often I usually end of actually needing it eventually...

Ugh doesn't retail sometimes kill you inside? My favourite is soccer moms who are like "COULD YOU HURRY UP I NEED TO PICK UP MY KID I"M LATE." It's like.. no, I can't, I'm swiping these things as fast as you can, it's not my fault you mis prioritized your child to go shopping...

Elizabeth said...

I love those runway looks. Somehow, they make sense!

Laurel said...

Hi pretty girl! I LOVE your picks, especially the Bottega super-suits. OMG HOT. Can I wear that to work, please?!


I hope you're well, my dear! xoxoxox

Laurel said...

You are a-mazing, thank you for voting like mad! ;) It goes until August 1st - so there is a bit of time left. I bumped back from 7, but hopefully things will change! Good things come to those who wait, right?! Hahaha.
Thank you so much, lover!
xoxoxo

T said...

What cute jackets!

Lil Midget said...

I love the black dress with the pink flowers :) Somehow, the flowers which are only on the lower part of the dress makes the outfit look unique. I've only seen outfits with designs on the top half.

Pamela Tan said...

ilove it paired with chiffon on the 3rd runway picture :):)

Da Fashionista said...

am loving the pre-fall dvf

Mónica said...

A summer must

thesil said...

I prefer tiny capes!They are so cute but only for winter!

Unknown said...

Great pics!! love the DVF short sleeved cardigan over the sheer blouse!!!

aizat.cinta.goddess said...

wow..fantastic choises of short sleeves!!

MY OWN YELLOW CAT said...

Great post of collage to diferent pieces...

So pretty the red little jacket! :D

ByE!!!

annabananna said...

amazing picks! cannot say more, must avoid going shopping...

Syed said...

Love these picks, they all look really cute! The trench and your first red polyvore choice are suuuper!

Victoria-Olivia said...

The Dsquared2 coat is amazing and I love the dvf look! I have to short sleeve coats I've never worn, may have to experiment with them.

Shopaholic D said...

ooh - love the ladylike looks on this post!

:) D