Ah, Balmain. One of my favorites every season by far. Olivier Rousteing has only been designing for the fashion house since 2011 and it seems obvious that his vision for the label is most definitely promising. This 2012 fall collection is full of luxury, as to be expected; to me, the clothes are what modern royalty might wear, but instead of there being full length gowns, they have shrunk into embroidered minis or tailored jackets and ankle-cut pants. The textures are numerous: there is velvet, cashmere and butter-soft leather combined with the rich embroidery of crystals and pearls. I really like how the collection is kept fairly neutral with the exception of some ultra-luxe jewel tones like turquoise and midnight blue, both of which add a little bit of glamour and edge to some of the looks. I also loved how there are a number of jackets throughout the line and each one has a different structure and texture when compared to the next. There’s a black silk tuxedo jacket, a cream waist-length structured jacket covered in gold embroidery, a blazer covered in diamond-checked stitching, a black leather quilted vest, and a turquoise velvet blazer. It’s definitely modern royalty meets rock and roll, don’t you think? To die for.

Balmain Fall 2012 RTW
Courtesy: style.com

March 1st -- Peter Copping unveiled his Fall collection for Nina Ricci in Paris. Full of rich textures and fur accents, the line has a feeling of old Hollywood glamour, which was complemented by the models’ red pouts and glossy hair. I really loved how each look balanced out being both sexy and conservative. The dresses were all knee length, but then they might have sheer arms or a sheer skirt with a slip underneath. Many of the skirts had revealing slits but were paired with a fur coat or tweed jacket. Copping incorporated some fun risks as well, such as the female suspenders and a pair of sheer white cropped pants paired with elbow length gloves with fur trim. The entire collection screamed luxury, confidence and subtle sex appeal. What was your favorite look?

Nina Ricci, Fall RTW 2012
Courtesy: style.com

If I had to choose my favorite casual brand, it would have to be Free People. Considering I live in Southern California and it’s basically summer year round, I need pieces that I can layer and mix and match. Free People has always been devoted to providing cute cropped sweaters and amazing leather jackets than can be thrown over everything from a faded pair of cutoffs to a flowing maxi. I think one of the reasons I am so in love with this label is because they always stay true to their bohemian roots and consistently create clothes that are hippie cool but with a level of sophistication. Not everyone can just throw on one of their crocheted maxi skirts, belt it with a faded graphic tee, slip on their rugged leather boots and call it a day. It takes a certain person to wear these clothes the right way and nothing kills me more than to see them worn the wrong way. Free People basically originated that 70’s free spirit vibe through their clothes and they have managed to modernize yet maintain their boho roots into 2012. I pulled some of my favorite looks from their most recent catalog. I love to collect their catalogs every month; the styling is genius and the shoots are always set in such gorgeous locations. Last year they had a catalog set in Paris, so needless to say it was amazing how they incorporated the city’s romanticism into their casual bohemian pieces. As for this month's, I love that they chose Karlie Kloss as one of their models (the brunette one). She looks gorg with the free flowing hair and minimal makeup. My personal favorite is her rocking the mermaid harem pants while at a farmers market buying flowers. Why not wear super-luxe pieces while out shopping during the day?

Sheer Bedroom Maxi Jacket, freepeople.com, $148

Mermaid Sequin Harem Pants, freepeople.com, $468

Thrifty Eyes Dress, freepeople.com, $78

Bella Donna Dress, freepeople.com, $128

Romantic Insets Dress, freepeople.com, $168

Web Textured Pullover, freepeople.com, $108

The Spring ready-to-wear line for Balmain is beyond gorgeous. Designer Olivier Rousteing used a very wearable color palette throughout the line in combination with ultra-luxe details like the rich gold accents and elaborate embroideries. I love how many of the pieces entail one standout item in combination with a simple white pant or short. The line features a number of magnificently tailored jackets along with a beautiful collection of embroidered mini dresses, each showing off the extraordinary quality of both the fit and fabric. With so much luxe detailing on each outfit there’s not much need for accessorizing, however there is a pattern of thick cinching gold belts that help bring the collection together nicely by giving the models a nice shape. The more I look at the collection the more obsessed I become. How could you not love it? It's gold ritzy luxurious perfection. Heavenly.

My favorites from the collection:

1. The glitzy gold mini with the simple chambray button down tucked in. I love the contrast of something so rich with something so casual.

Balmain, Spring 2012

2. The white high-waisted shorts with the floral embroidered top and jacket combo. With the gold bangles and cinching belt, it’s pure Spring perfection.

Balmain, Spring 2012

3. The white top and pant combination with the light weight gold jacket and black boots. The boots and jacket give a nice edge to the otherwise simple all-white look. Very Kate Moss.

Balmain, Spring 2012

4. The gold and white mini dress with the matching jacket is a pairing that practically screams luxury.

Balmain, Spring 2012

5. Finally, the standout black printed slacks with the understated white top lets the bottom half of the outfit be the center of the attention. And the shoes? Totally hot.

Balmain, Spring 2012

Owning a military jacket is always a great addition to your wardrobe, regardless of what season it is. Whether it’s paired with your skinnies and flats in the spring, worn over a little white frock in summer, or with jeans and boots in the fall, a great military jacket can add a little funk to your outfit. One of my favorite ways to wear this kind of jacket is with a long flowy maxi dress and my tan fedora. Another way would be with a pair of tailored high-waisted shorts and a sheer blouse. I recommend mixing your jacket with a more feminine piece in order to balance out the toughness of the jacket.

I remember last spring when Kate Bosworth paired a casual olive army jacket with a white lace mini by Dolce and Gabbana and it was absolute perfection. She boldly transformed a day jacket into a nighttime look without fail (she was attending a party for Nylon Magazine), further proving that she’s a total fashion goddess.

Though military jackets typically come in the standard army green color, these jackets are being updated in fresh new colors and fabrics for spring. I love the idea of a nautical navy for spring or a creamy leather version. My personal favorite? The new dark mustard version from Madewell.

Offmap Utility Jacket, madewell.com, $148

Tory Burch 'Alexander' Military Leather Jacket, nordstrom.com, $895

Military Zip Jacket, forever21.com, $24.50

Muubaa Military Leather Jacket, freepeople.com, $698

Moncler Military Jacket, saksfifthavenue.com, $975