BCBG Max Azria Pre-Fall Lookbook

West Coast based BCBG Max Azria showed a live lookbook (aka showroom) unveiling of their pre-fall collection last week.  Pre-fall is that fashion industry term that defines a collection that will unveil in the stores in the heart of summer, but wants you to think autumn from a stylistic point of view.

The design team for BCBG is based in California, so it doesn't even see the snow when they design clothing for the winter seasons of the Northeast.  So what do they do?  The designers create lots of prints, (love this label for that) which emulate warm fuzzy textures without the weight.  As you can see, some of the most successful looks are tweed-like patterns printed on ultra-light fabrics.  This works in all climates, but gives the feeling of woolly styling.  If you actually ARE wearing these looks in cold weather, you can layer them.  If you are in warm weather, it is still fine.

Big caftan cover-ups can be your cardigan in cool weather, or just a cool office interior.

My sister loves BCBG footwear.  I am increasingly observing the popularity of strappy or open-toed boots.  Again, these are the perfect straddle for warm to cool weather.  I personally like these because I have trouble wearing normal heels, and strappy boots give me the support I need to carry them off.

Of course, this is all just a prelude to the big events at NY Fashion Week coming up in two weeks!  Until then sweethearts...