Fashion Week: Marc by Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka

Alright, so yes, I realize that Marc by Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka together in the same post brings such clashing aesthetics together, but I figured, Marc by Marc Jacobs usually can't really be put in any other group aside from with its sister line, Marc Jacobs, but that post is already done. So I'm throwing MMJ and Badgley Mischka into a mixing pot and we're going to analyze them both here. Hopefully, you'll be able to identify one from the other. If not, I've got clear labels for you!

Marc by Marc Jacobs



So, by now, I hope you realize that Marc Jacobs is usually a bit off kilter and you expect something a bit wacky from the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. For those of you who are a bit behind, MMJ is the sister line of Marc Jacobs and is more for the younger crowd. Even more specifically, it's for the urban hip teen scene. However, I really don't know how anybody could feel glamorous in hiking boots.

In the first outfit, all I can even think about is lumberjacks and Paul Bunyan. Red plaid with baggy sweatpants and hiking boots? Am I seeing this correctly? Did that really go down the runway? Who would wear that out? Certainly not I. I would not be caught going out on the town in that get-up! Alright, take the plaid short top alone with a black skinny jean and ankle booties, yes, then it might work because you're mixing shapes, but as it is now, I just can't see anyway anybody but woodsmen in Montana would be willing to put this ensemble together. Although, I have to say, it's a cute handbag!

Then, the second outfit, kind of redeems the first one. It's a lot more realistic in terms of what the average teen or twenty-something, like myself, would wear. I love the simple black top paired with the flirty, ruffly bold skirt and the wide buckle belt. I actually like the bit of the woodsy flair in the thick socks here because it's not a full-on lumberjack outfit! However, I say ditch the hat. The scarf here works to give a bit of color to the top half, since the black top with just one small embellishment is rather boring. However, as a whole, I approve of this outfit.

Lastly, we have a bit of a more formal outfit. I'm a bit lost in my feelings toward this dress. For one, I love bubble skirts. However, here, with the overall shape of this dress, I'm feeling like the dress is waist is too high to be flattering. Also, the neckline reminds me of dresses I used to wear when I was seven at my piano recitals. It's just not very elegant. However, I like the use of kitschy striped socks and legwarmers to tone down the dress and make it a bit more casual. However, I'm not completely sold on either this dress of this collection for this season, unfortunately.

Badgley Mischka



Now, let's turn our attention to something a bit more high class than Marc by Marc Jacobs. Yes, I realize it's a very sharp turn to get to Badgley Mischka, but no worries! I'm going to hold your hand the entire time and guide you carefully here.

So the show started off simply enough with black dresses. Actually, the entire show basically consisted of all dresses and gowns, which is a nice change from the rest of the shows I've been paying attention to. It definitely does set Badgley Mischka apart from everyone else since even their ready-to-wear is so not ready-to-wear, but in a really good way. But I guess that's just part of their charm!

Anyways, back to the black dresses. Even the simple black dress here is not even as simple as it looks. I really love the draping of the skirt and the mix of structure in the top with the flowiness of the bottom. However, I'm not sure how I feel about the overall shape of the dress: the top seems really bulky to me and not really too special, but I guess the weightiness of it could be beacuse of the fabric used. But I guess the contrast between that and the gauzy skirt are interesting: just not my cup of tea.

From the "minimalistic" black dresses, the show progressed towards more glitzy items such as this detailed silver and black dress. The silver embellishments here contrasting with the black gauzy material remind me of Indian saris. I actually really love the one strap and slanted neckline here. It's very elegant. However, this dress is a bit too loud for my tastes, although the detailing on the strap of the gown is just to die for.

Lastly, we have a simpler gown. Again, it's all about draping here. It's done so nicely that the material just flows and looks Grecian. It's absolutely fabulous, especially with the arm band. I love the folds on the top and the waist as it adds to the whole Greek goddess imagery. The color would not have been my first choice, but seeing as it's for fall, I'll let it slide. My other concern is, as always, the shape. The problem with most Grecian-influenced dresses is the probability that it'll end up being a bit too flowing that it leaves the wearer looking like she's swimming in fabric or pregnant. You all know what I'm talking about: it's been happening with a lot of clothing styles lately, especially babydoll tops. Basically, what I'm saying is that designers and shoppers need to be more careful and body-conscious when it comes to flattering shapes!