Lauren Conrad's Collection, Paper Crown!

Lauren Conrad's highly anticipated first collection from her label Paper Crown has finally debut!  The collection includes classic Lauren pieces.. flowy maxi dresses, leather pieces, blazers, pretty short dresses, silk blouses, shorts and skirts.  The collection is feminine, fresh, versatile and includes the core essential Lauren pieces.  According to Lauren "When I was designing [the collection] I wanted to do pieces that could be worn lots of different ways–I think it’s nice to invest in pieces you can wear throughout a few seasons. It’s modern but not overly trendy. I wanted an overall romance feel to the line, balanced out with a couple tailored pieces for a slight menswear feel and the leather pieces to balance out the chiffons."  Unfortunately, Lauren's new show (based on the collection) won't be airing, as MTV believed the show didn't suit their market...And according to MTV and Lauren Conrad Daily, the decision had nothing to do with former co-star Whitney Port.  The rumours that the girls were feuding, are incorrect.  Either way, I adore this collection!  

 

Trend: Faux Fur and Animal Print

"I think every woman should have a piece of leopard, but not every woman will wear leopard. You have to have courage to wear leopard." Rachel Zoe  Are you ready to channel your inner Rachel Zoe?  Rachel's signatory leopard print and faux fur classics seem to have created a little fashion frenzy!  Left, right and centre.. on the runway, front row, street fashion and of course all your favourite celebrities are embracing this 1970's revolutionary trend.  The leopard and faux fur trend has been slowly sneaking into the fashion world, however, now it's been taken to a whole new level!  We're only half way through fashion week and the faux fur and leopard trend has completely taken over, not only on the runway, but also front row.  And How to wear this trend? 
The minimalistic approach

A little unsure about how the trend will work for you?  Try opting for an accessory like a bag, shoes or scarf.

Olivia Palermo at Fall 2011 Fashion Week wearing a faux fur scarf and leopard sunnies

Olivia Palermo front row at Fall 2011 Fashion Week wearing leopard booties

Selena Gomez wearing a leopard scarf

The Faux Fur Vest

This possibly the most common way to were fur, because it's versatile.  

 Ashley Tisdale opting for a more casual look with her faux fur vest

Ashley Olsen pairing her faux fur vest with jeans and an oversized bag.

 Lo Bosworth at Fashion Week Fall 2011, pairing her vest with a shirt for a more classic  and polished look.

Tinsley Mortimer at New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 pairing her faux fur vest with a dress.

The Leopard and Fur Jacket/Coat

Besides keeping you warm during the winter, the faux fur and leopard jacket are truely a statement piece essential.

Rachel Zoe pairing her fur jacket with a dress and leggings for a more glam look.

Kourtney Kardashian wearing a leopard coat

The Fur/Leopard 'Professional'

 Feeling a little more game?  Try experimenting with fur and leopard.  Purhaps a leopard dress?  Or mixing and matching both leopard and fur?  Or for something a little different matching fur with a maxi dress, yes a huge trend at Fashion Week!

Olivia Palermo for Tibi in a leopard dress

Rachel Bilson wearing an animal print dress

Whitney Port in a 'fur' like skirt

Rachel Zoe mixing an animal print skirt with a fur coat

Olivia Palermo mixing a fur vest, scarf and animal print booties at Fashion Week Fall 2011 

Olivia Palermo wearing a maxi with a vest at Fashion Week Fall 2011

Olivia Palermo pairing a fur jacket with a maxi for the second time at Fashion Week Fall 2011.

New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 - Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa

Oscar de la Renta has to be one of my favourite designers.  He always seems to amaze me and this collection was no exception!  My core essential trend for this winter is of course the faux fur.  I love how Oscar de la Renta embraced this trend taking it to a whole new level.. elegance, sophistication, and femineity.  The collection includes amazing knits, classic coats, fur headpieces, jackets and vests, crop jackets, amazing gowns and exquisite little dresses.

 

     Marchesa came out in well, true Marchesa style!  The exquisite embroidery and use of lace is gorgeous and of course I love their use of tulle.  This collection seemed a little darker than previous collections as it was inspired by Miss Havisham of Great Exceptations.  The somewhat 'decaying' and 'destroyed' element added a unique twist to the pieces.