Fashionable Friends

Since I joined Twitter recently, I’ve had tremendous fun following and connecting with bloggers from all walks of life.  It’s such a great way to find new blogs to read while engaging with people in different states and countries, most of whom I would normally never meet.  One of these awesome bloggers is Lindsay, of Black & Blonde, a real-live fashion blogger from New York City.  Lindsay and I just hit it off, and we often email each other throughout the day while she is at work and I’m busy chasing after my boys.

I appreciate Lindsay’s fashion sense, which is quite different from my own, and one day, we got to chatting about the new Narciso Rodriguez line for Kohl’s.  While I was vaguely familiar with Narciso Rodriguez in passing, I didn’t know much about him, but Lindsay describes him as, “One of the few designers that really gets women and their bodies.”  Since I had some free time, I checked out the collection, took a few pictures, and reported back to my blogger friend.

I never get too excited when well-known designers create lines for middle-of-the-road stores like Target, Macy’s, and Kohl’s, because I realize they are working with cheaper materials within the confines of the stores’ demographics.  Still, it’s a fun way to try an affordable look inspired by a famous collection.  And I’ve always had great luck with Vera Wang’s Kohl’s line, so I was anxious to try this one, too.

Narciso Rodriguez favors bold colors and strong, geometric lines, which don’t suit my style easily, but are still the basis for a classic wardrobe.  I was prepared to find a lot of polyester and stretchy materials, staples for Kohl’s, and that’s exactly what Rodriguez used for most of his designs.  Still, there were a few pieces that really stood out and are worth owning, in my opinion.

I tried on the Colorblock Ponte Sheath Dress in black and red, and it was extremely flattering and comfortable.

(My dressing room shot of the dress.)

In the end, I passed on the dress, only because it would require purchasing accessories that I don’t currently own, but I’m reconsidering that decision and might have to change my mind.  I do think I could make it work for my everyday, casual style, and it would be a classic piece to have on hand.  And I successfully talked Lindsay into purchasing this dress, which is, in my opinion, the standout piece of the entire collection.  It is very modern and well-made, perfectly suited for a busy New York fashion blogger, don’t you think?

(Lindsay in her Narciso Rodriguez dress.)

(Love her curls and that necklace!)

I eventually decided to try this Tile Georgette Top and I think it will work well for colder weather, layered with a cardigan and chunky necklace.

Despite the polyester material, which I normally loathe because it makes me so hot, the blouse is fairly sheer and cool, and I think it would work as a casual outfit at Alt Summit, paired with dark jeans.

I especially love the deconstructed tile look, which reminds me of piano keys, and the satin detail on the sleeves and bottom hem, which adds a bit of formality to the look.

Even though I played it safe in my purchase, I think I’ll get a lot of wear from this Narciso Rodriguez blouse.  I’m still tempted to purchase the sheath dress, and I’ll be sure to let you know if I do.

Lindsay and I are linking up today, and to read her take on our little long-distance fashion conversation, please check out her blog here.