Runway Inspiration: Gabrielle Greiss

Photo Credit: via cris & cros

Formerly the creative director at Sonia Rykiel, Gabrielle Greiss, has started her own label and the results are quite exciting - the spring collection is full of beautifully draped dresses.

The eponymous line is elegant in a quiet, relaxed way.

Feminine, but not fussy, the new label evokes a modern sense of romanticism.

Spotlight on: sukan

Photo Credit: via sukan

I recently discovered an Etsy store called sukan handmade design - selling cool pillow covers and more; the pillow cover pictured above costs less than $200 and is covered with an antique kilim (a kind of rug).

Decor Inspiration

Photo Credit: In a State of Luxe, via ELLE DECOR

The rug ties it all together, and the inclusion of traditional chairs with more modern pieces adds a dose of grounded elegance to the look.

A little bit of Sparkle

{Photo Credits: via whowhatwear; FENTON, via pinterest}

Zanna Roberts Rossi of Marie Claire in an embellished top &

FENTON Crystal & Stone Sagamore Triple Plate Choker

$575 at Barneys New York

Runway Retrospective

Hey Sophisticates! Cristina here with a Spring dose of color and floral prints, but floral does not necessarily mean frills and pastels. Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2012 gave us our floral fix set against crisp blacks, whites, and smart silhouettes. And the shoes! Those leg-lengthening beauties are everything I want to wear this summer.



Next time I'm standing in front of my closet wondering what to wear I'll try this white plus floral duo, they make quite the sleek pair! What will you be wearing this Spring?

Find more fashion inspiration on Cristina's international design and style blog, Fuji Files. And, remember to look for her Runway Retrospective column here on Young Sophisticates!

Trend Report: Pajama Inspired

Photo Credit: via stylecaster

The Pajama trend for spring, embraced by fashionistas like Caroline Seiber (pictured above), Rihanna, director/Marc Jacobs muse Sofia Coppola, looks cool and quirky (if done in the right way).

Try the trend with a pajama inspired top, especially one with contrasting piping. Pair it with sleek black pants, a classic pencil skirt, or even denim.

Get the look with this fabulous Olatz Piped Pajama Top or Rag and Bone's pajama top.

Cate Blanchett in Harper's Bazaar UK

Photo Credit: Harper's Bazaar via beforeyou

Cate Blanchett looking positively smashing in Harper's Bazaar UK. The artistic quality of these photos, combined with the fashion, makes this editorial that is decidedly different.

Trend Report: Black and White

Black and white might seem so basic and boring, but after years of bright! brighter! brightest!! on the runway, this classic pairing seem fresh, elegant and new again.

This Carolina Herrera runway look (pictured above) is absolutely beautiful.

Get the look for less with this black and white Kookai dress with Peter Pan collar. It's adorable and affordable, at less than $150. And, as always, I suggest you take a look at your wardrobe with new eyes -- to create a black and white ensemble from the stylish pieces you already own!

Splurge on this Moschino black & white boucle wool-blend dress; shop this look here.

Look for Less: Fabulous Outdoor Space

Hello, Young Sophisticates readers! It's Marche' from #eyecandy with another Look for Less column! Now that many of us have been experiencing unseasonably warm weather, I thought an outdoor space would be the perfect inspiration for this post! I love lounging outside during the Spring and Summer. How gorgeous is this patio I found on decorpad? It's hard not to mistake this beauty with an indoor space. With the plush furniture, contemporary lighting, and outdoor rug, this is a comfortable place to hang out.

My favorite part of the room has to be the glass pendant lanterns. They are the perfect choice for an outside room and bring a modern feel to the space. Horchow's Faceted Glass Pendant Light is a great option. I even love the chrome finish. If you aren't able to install pendant lighting, try Zgallerie's Decan Lantern. It's much easier to move around and it's a steal at under $40!

Photo credits: via decorpad, via Zgallerie

An outdoor rug brings instant warmth to a patio. The one pictured not only protects the wood floors, but it also helps designate the patio's sitting area. A jute rug is an affordable option that will give you the same effect. Pottery Barn's Border Indoor/Outdoor Rug and West Elm's Braid Jute Rug are both perfect rugs for outdoor rooms. Both are available in a variety of sizes. You will no doubt find the perfect size!

After purchasing the perfect rug and lighting, add some bright pillows and potted flowers and you'll have the chicest outdoor space on the block!

Get more of Marche's tips on interior design, fashion and more at her fabulous blog, #eyecandy. And, remember to look for her interior design column here on Young Sophisticates!

Little Black Jacket

Photo Credit: photographed by Karl Lagerfeld, via trueblog

Elizabeth Olsen in a Chanel little black jacket.

Runway Inspiration: Sass & Bide

Photo Credit: Sass & Bide Fall 2012 via ELLE.com

Sass & Bide's Fall 2012 collection conveys a sense of energy, strength and edginess. I especially love the orange triangle print in the second look pictured above. See the entire collection here.

Inspired Living Room

Photo Credit: Interior Design by Tobi Tobin via LonnyMag

This living room feels approachable, relaxed and elegant. And, so full of light!!

The white sofas mixed with the rustic bench-turned-coffee-table gets the summer cottage feel (with a sophisticated twist, of course) totally right.

YS Look of the Week

Photo Credit: via cocoperez

Scarlett Johansson rules the red carpet in an Armani LBD at the premiere of the Avengers -- this dress is so major! Total understated elegance with a contemporary feel.

The addition of the peplum gives this otherwise minimalistic black dress an of-the-moment twist. What do you think of this red carpet look?

Decor Inspiration

Hi Sophisticates! Viv here with another installment of Decor Inspiration. Lately I've been obsessing over the sophisticated and chic look of floor to ceiling mirrors. They certainly add a bit of glamour and elegance to any room. Extra plus, they also make a room seem larger which in NYC is a must. I dream of adding two beautiful floor mirrors to our bedroom - one on each side of our bed. After all, our bedroom could use a little help in looking bigger.

Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4

Viv shares her thoughts on fashion, style, design and food on her beautiful blog, Fashion Truffles. And, remember to look for her Decor Inspiration column here on Young Sophisticates.

Runway Retrospective

Happy Spring ladies, Cristina from Fuji Files here. And with this Runway Retrospective,

I'm picturing a sunny Spring afternoon in France with Sonia Rykiel Spring 2012.

It helps that I'm listening to the Amelie soundtrack whilst writing this and eating a strawberry tart. I think I've found my go-to summer sandal here with these strappy ballet flats. A fresh new replacement for my very worn gladiator sandals! Pedicure not required. However, they may result in a very peculiar tan line.

Photo Credit: via vogue.com

Activities I would enjoy while wearing this collection include playing croquet and riding a Vespa. What would you do in this collection?

Find more fashion inspiration on Cristina's international design and style blog, Fuji Files. And, remember to look for her Runway Retrospective column here on Young Sophisticates!

5 Questions with: Designer Misha Nonoo

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Nonoo

Misha Nonoo is the talented designer behind the New York label Nonoo. Her designs evoke a tailored, feminine, and timeless aesthetic - and now she's being recognized as one of the top up-and-coming designers in the fashion industry. Misha Nonoo received the prestigious FGI Rising Star Award for Women's Ready to Wear (tying with designer Wes Gordon).

She talks with YS about trends, her latest collection and what it was like to win one of the biggest awards in fashion.

What are some of your favorite spring trends?

Misha Nonoo: I love printed pants – our Lia pant was one of our bestsellers this season, and I’m also really enjoying the color red. Minka Kelly (pictured below) was spotted in one of our red dresses and I think it looks great on all skintones.

You were raised in London and Bahrain. How have those cities influenced your style and design aesthetic?

MN: I would say that growing up in the Middle East influenced my color palette and introduced me to a very colorful world early on. While living in London, I adopted a more tailored aesthetic, influenced by Savile Row tailoring.

What was your inspiration for the Fall/Winter 2012 collection?

MN: For Fall/Winter 2012, I was inspired by the regal presence and sophistication of iconic French actress Anouk Aimee, who redefined how the modern heroine is perceived. I collaborated with director Paul Barrois and shot a video in Paris that captured the spirit of Anouk. You can view it here.

You recently received FGI’s Rising Star Award for women’s ready-to-wear, tying with designer Wes Gordon. How did you react when you got the call that you won? How did you celebrate after winning the award?

MN: We actually found out live at a luncheon and were presented the award there and then. It was a truly brilliant moment in my career and I feel as though I will always look back upon that moment fondly.

Ultimately it is amazing to be recognized by your industry peers but at the same time it is important to recognize those that helped you get to where you are. I celebrated the win with friends over a delicious dinner at Acme, which was newly opened, and went to bed tipsy and happy.

What's next for you and your line?

MN: We have introduced knits for FW12 and I would love to be able to expand into accessories and housewares in the future. I am very inspired by home interiors in my collection and it would be a dream to be able to design home accessories and furniture.

My fiancé is desperate for me to start designing menswear however I think that might take a little longer to get into as I would love to train with Savile Row tailors in order to learn the foundation of the male form and perfect the male fit which is, of course, so different to the female form. The practices are the same in tailoring, but fit is, of course, everything.

Art-inspired Fashion

Photo Credit: via vogue and coffee

Inspired by Mondrian, Yves Saint Laurent's dress, designed in 1966, and later shown on the runway in 2002 (pictured above) is still relevant today. Beautiful, timeless, and art-inspired!

Spotlight on: a merry mishap

Photo Credit: via a merry mishap

Can you believe this adorable necklace is less than $30? Shop this pretty necklace (pictured above).

Find more fun things from the Etsy jewelry shop, a merry mishap.

Look for Less: X Benches

Hi Sophisticates! It's Marche' from #eyecandy again for another Look For Less column! I can hardly believe it's already April. I love warm weather and there is no better place to enjoy warm weather than at the beach! This gorgeous bedroom (pictured above) is perfect for a beach bungalow. The simple color palette and patterns make this room perfect for coastal living.

The x benches really add the finishing touch to this room. Lately, I have been searching for x benches for my apartment. They are small yet pack a big punch, whether at the end of your bed or in your living room as a substitute for a coffee table.

Ballard Designs' X-Bench offers an identical version of the all-white benches pictured above. This chic bench not only has an upholstered cushion, but it also has upholstered legs. With over 140 fabric options, you will be able to pick the perfect look for your home!

Photo Credit: via Coastal Living, via Ballard Designs

If you are not a fan of the all-fabric option, Crate & Barrel's X-Base Bench is a great option. I love the contrast of the dark wood base paired with the upholstered cushion. Target offers a similar version to Crate & Barrel for a fraction of the cost. Their X-Leg Square Bench is less than $100! With it's leather cushion, it is much easier to keep clean.

With these x-benches, you are sure to add some extra seating and interest to your space!

Get more of Marche's tips on interior design, fashion and more at her fabulous blog,#eyecandy. And, remember to look for her interior design column here on Young Sophisticates!

Editorial Inspiration: Olivia Palermo in Marie Claire Spain

Photo Credit: Marie Claire Spain via hibiscus; via heybritneyforums

Olivia Palermo in Marie Claire Spain. Elegant, feminine and whimsical (with that Louis Vuitton feathered dress)! See all the photos from the beautiful editorial here.