TRUNKSHOW WITH MODA OPERANDI

With SS 2020 Fashion Week behind us, I’ve culled through the collections and started a wishlist for the upcoming season of looks that resonate with my lifestyle. Minimalist pieces always take place front and center in my wardrobe and for spring are newly appealing in a range of beige neutrals. Leather, real or faux, is already a strong presence for fall and will continue to reign through spring. I’m embracing it in every shape and color imaginable. Suiting maintains its panache with tailored pieces taking on a relaxed vibe. Think slouchy shorts with soft blazers. Denim is always at the core of my wardrobe so I’m keeping a keen eye out for what looks the most modern. Clean and classic wins with a simple stovepipe leg, high-waist and floor grazing length. Not a frayed edge in sight. And, I’ve surprised myself with a craving for color. I’m talking bright, bold, saturated hues. But that doesn’t mean I’ll exclude black. The season’s fresh crop of offerings of the LBD will be welcome additions to a closet staple.

After I’ve curated the looks that will shape my spring wardrobe, I turn to Moda Operandi. They are the only online site that allows you to pre-order next season’s looks basically straight from the runway. More than a few times, I’ve marked my favorite pieces from a collection only to find them unavailable or sold out once the season is in full swing. To avoid that frustration and save time involved in locating items, I’ll shop the Trunkshows at Moda Operandi. Being able to select now the pieces I’m currently coveting for Spring 2020 in my preferred size and color prevents the stress of tracking them down later.

In addition to many well-known labels such as The Row, Gabriela Hearst and J.W. Anderson, Moda Operandi does a fabulous job representing new and emerging lines that don’t always benefit from widespread exposure. I’m excited to shop A.W.A.K.E Mode and Studio Cut, two labels that present modern classics with an edgy twist. I’ll get my fix for color from the selection from Emilia Wickstead and Rochas where I’m drooling over the highly saturated brights. I’m also thrilled to peruse the large selection from one of my favorite jewelry designers Sophie Bille Brah whose pieces often sell out quickly. And, without Moda Operandi Trunkshow, I don’t think I would have been introduced to the exciting collection from jewelry designer Melissa Kaye. The interesting placement of diamonds with neon enamel makes for some fabulous pieces.

I’ve put together moodboards of these pieces and more that are shaping the looks I’m inspired by for the next season. Shopping early for these unique finds and what I consider the must-haves at Moda Operandi gives me a head start to curate a personal wardrobe of things I’m excited to wear.

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THE NEW LBD

A flared pleated midi or a voluminous short dress, the LBD takes on an anything but basic attitude for spring. Pair with a white strappy sandal for a subtle contrast then add a bag in an unexpected color. Both of these dresses can be worn casually or elevated for evening depending on accessories. When styled with black, jewelry with white pearls and moonstones make a striking statement.

short dress
long dress 
diamant earrings
moonstone ring
green stamped lizard bag
leather sandals

COGNAC LEATHER CONTINUES

Cognac hued leather, a dominant color for fall, moves seamlessly right into spring. What makes it feel fresh are new silhouettes as in a loose, long short or a hooded pullover. A crisp white poplin top acts as the perfect interrupter and brings out the seasonal vibe. Forward thinking shoppers will jump on bags in a variety of interesting colors. A pop of teal adds polish and gives dimension to this palette. Keep the rest simple with a Gabriela Hearst leather sandal and a geometric gold ring.

hooded pullover
white poplin top
faux leather shorts
teal top handle bag
18k gold ring
sandals

MINIMALIST IN BEIGE

Minimalist looks are sophisticated and softened with a beige palette. Add a touch of an organic element, like an agate buckle, or a nature-inspired motif to create looks you’ll want to wear again and again. This mood is all about the subtle details and investing in versatile pieces. Take the above. The dress can be worn with heels or flats, and topped with a denim jacket as quickly as a leather bomber. Strappy sandals and a simple bag blur the line between day and evening style.

a-line dress
18k gold earrings
belt
bag
strappy sandal

SIMPLE, CLEAN DENIM

The most forward-looking jean styles are the simplest ones. Pared-back authenticly faded denim without the addition of whiskers, tears or fraying feels the most modern. Styles worn long, almost grazing the floor, are balanced with a stovepipe leg and high waist. Look for a quiet detail to stand out from the pack like the subtle red stitching on the above pair from Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini. Add a square-toe pump, oversized pearls and a bright white bag for a play on a traditional pairing.

black taffeta top
jeans
pearl earrings
square toe pumps
bag

BE BRIGHT

My color obsession started with shoes and bags. It was an easy way to bring an element of surprise to many of my low-key outfits. Instead of accessorizing with a predictable neutral, introducing a shot of color to the mix is an especially effective styling trick. Getting comfortable with color has progressed to seeking out dresses and skirts in vibrant hues. A minimalist red dress looks especially chic with a light blue shoe, or try pairing sophisticated lavender with mustard. It’s interesting how easy it is to pull off these less common color combinations with success.

red dress
lavender dress
yellow faux leather skirt
white top
turquoise pumps
green pumps
yellow bag
pearl drop necklace
drop earrings

THE NEW CLASSICS

Closet essentials with a slight tweak sum up the new classics. These are indispensable, workhorse pieces in the wardrobe so they need to be modern to look sharp. Unstructured blazers and loose shorts teamed with simple flats are a forever uniform. I love it for spring in a bleached stone hue. I’d wear it with collectible gold pieces including this handmade 18K gold link chain and these edgy articulated snake earrings. I’ve been hunting down long leather skirts for years and am so excited about the bounty of options available for spring. This dark olive beauty is a must. Other staples for the new season include a fine knit black polo which would look equally appropriate with trousers, a skirt or white jeans. The perennially chic woven tote is a bit more polished with this elegant rendition including thick leather straps and a smooth, refined texture.

leather skirt
polo
relaxed blazer
shorts
snake earrings
18k chain necklace
sandals
tote

Thank you Moda Operandi for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed are genuinely my own.