Elie Tahari Resort 2012 Collection

Whilst in New York last month, I visited Bergdorf Goodman, the uber sophisticated and elegant department store on 5th Avenue that, shows in the most impeccable of both standards and ways, how retail should be done. Refined and beautiful, it really is worth the trip for and was one of my favourite places in New York that we had the opportunity to visit. It was there that I found the most amazing pair of Elie Tahari sandals. I haven't managed to find the exact pair I fell in love with in store, which were in gold and much better than in ivory but I didn't purchase them simply because they were too expensive. But very beautiful nonetheless. Since then, I have began to develop a love (almost obsession) with Elie Tahari and I usually take no notice of the resort collections (I tend to wait for the mainline collections held twice a year in London), however, I instantly took a liking to summery tones, blends of colours and the 1970s vibe so elegantly conceptualized in 37 outfits.

The looks made up of crisp whiteness, flowing layers of fabric and intricate gold formations are easily the best aspects of the collection- they look the most expensive and graceful, whilst remaining glamorous. I instantly envisage a wealthy older woman at an expensive location or someone incredibly chic sashaying across a beach party sipping cocktails at nightfall. I really do have holidays on my mind. Obsession number 2! 

Spurts of salmon pink brighten up the collection, as do the mustard hues on feet and in the form of several accessories- snakeskin holdalls and metallic belts. The 1970s flared jeans add a certain nostalgic element combined with the maxi dresses, billowing gold sleeves and of course, the turbans. For those of you who are fans, Carrie dons these at least twice in the Sex and the City 2 film and Bergdorf Goodman features at the beginning.

The rest of the collection has a more urban feel to it with the neutral colour palette- beige, black and dark grey. Black ends the collection but although head to toe black, the sheerness of the fabric and peep toe shoe, keeps it feminine and pretty, thus completing the overall collection perfectly. The plain blue blazer works well with the patterned body-con pencil skirt and the sheen of the belt. Bronze tones and pale blue make for a great combination. It is the looseness, almost effortlessness created at the end and the serene ladylike glamour we see at the beginning that gives the overall aesthetic versatility and variation- perfect for a resort collection. Elegant, breezy, retro, smart... all words that apply. My favourite pieces, though, are the belted blue blazer, beige and black blocked summer dress and the beautiful white loose-fitting maxi. This would look great with gold shoes, that combined with those incredible gold cuffs, is an ideal evening outfit- even better in an exotic location.

What are your favourite looks? Did any other collection stand out for you?

All images from STYLE.com

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