We love Amber Sakai for her cleverly designed garments, perfecting the balance of sultry details and minimalistic elegance. We caught up with Amber to chat about her personal style, design inspiration and love for New Yorkers.

You mix sultry details with everyday basics for looks that are both sexy and functional? Did you take this aesthetic from your own personal style?

I have a wanderlust mindset and believe there needs to be function in fashion. And like any woman, it’s the details that become one’s own expression to set us apart. What I carry over from my personal style is my love for a perfect drape and the mystery one can create using lace to suggest what lies beneath.

You are inspired by Reginald Marsh’s paintings, who depicted a lot of New York City scenes throughout the 1920s and 30s. What about this time period, and the women who lived it, speaks to you?
I love the way Reginald Marsh captures and celebrates the strength, beauty and imperfections of women in the most feminine way. What I like about this time period is the way women dressed to be seen and admired.

You drape many of your pieces to achieve romantic, body-conscious design. What do you want women to feel when when they wear this silhouette? Who is the Amber Sakai woman?
Confidence! The Amber Sakai woman is someone who walks to her own beat. She is both sophisticated and flirtatious and not afraid to live out her every single desire.

Every piece in your collection can seamlessly take the wearer from a flea market to a gritty after-hours club. This seductive woman is so overtly New York. What about this great city and the women who inhabit it inspire your design?
My design aesthetic suits a women who is constantly on the go, as most New York women are! I love how New Yorkers fully embrace day to evening ensembles, and I find many of my silhouettes will allow her the freedom to be fashionably ready from walking out the door in the morning to any impromptu after-hours events the city has to offer.

How can you WIN these amazing pieces from Amber Sakai? Tell us in the comments how you would take this outfit from daytime to nighttime, whether it be with shoes, accessories or your favorite fur stole. The commenter with the most New York answer will win!

To learn more about Amber Sakai and shop the collection, visit her website. Questions about the contest? Ask me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.

FashionIndie‘s own Jessica Lapidos captured
during last Fashion Week by NY Mag

Go East, Young Tran!

Asia is booming! With many designers flocking to the Far East not only for business but inspiration, why not give a knowing wink to the Orient with this look, featuring a Boudicca cape, cropped McQ jersey harem pants and of course, what Asian sensation is complete without a little Hello Kitty?

1. Salt-N-Pepa

Now let’s talk about these ladies. You were not fly girl in the late 80′s and early 90′s if you didn’t model your style after Salt-N-Pepa. They completely revolutionized music by proving they were just as good as male MCs and could look damn good doing it. Not being afraid to embrace their sexuality, they paved the way for artist such as Nicki Minaj. (See below)

2. Outkast (Andre 3000)

Andre 3000 has 2 distinct styles: urban dandy & funk soul brother. He always look amazing regardless whatever he decides on. With a mix of his fashion sense and interesting flow he’s created some visually exciting videos.

3. Missy Elliot

Missy is all about a stunt and a show. Let’s be honest, that blowup jumpsuit was brilliant.

4. MC Hammer

I personally blame this man for the question that plagues me every day: Should I buy harem pants?

5. Nicki Minaj

Ms. Minaj is a modern day hip hop Barbie. She’s completely fearless when it comes to her appearance. (I can personally attest to that) She might be one of the only rappers who can wear a Dior haute couture dress and make it look bad ass and uber sexy.

6. Sean Combs (Diddy, P.Diddy, Puff Daddy)

Now whatever name he goes by the man still has unlimited swag. My favorite incarnation of this mogul was in his 90′s Puff Daddy phase when he was dancing around in shiny suits. (My mother refused to buy me one)

7. Run DMC

If anyone could make white Adidas and gold rope chains chic it would be these guys. Not only are they hip hop legends but  they will always be considered fashion icons.

8. Kanye West

It would be blasphemy if I didn’t include Kanye in this post. (Wouldn’t want him pulling another VMA style incident) Kanye went from super preppy, to super dandy, and now mega fashionisto. Whether he’s wearing designer sneakers or womens blouses you will notice him.

9. Cee Lo Green

If you don’t like Cee Lo’s style then he will probably give a big ” Eff You.” His costumes are truly wild. How many guys do you know can dress up like a bird from the muppets and still look cool?

10. The Fresh Prince (Will Smith)

Modern pop culture might tell you that Jaden & Willow Smith are coolest kids in town. This is true but people must remember that being cool is in their DNA. Before Will Smith was their daddy he was rocking the mic with is dope Philly style.

Meet our Princesses here.

Princess Elizabeth of Geisler: Princess Jasmine, those harem pants are to die, and then I could wear that ring with the turquoise in the center and pink around the outside and it would perfectly match my ensemb!

Princess Katherine of Jurado: I would most want to be Princess Grace. A beautiful screen actress and a princess? She had the career and life every little girl dreams of. Plus, she had gorgeous style that is still relevant despite decades of change and trends. Princess Grace’s style and elegance has lasted the test of time. Who wouldn’t want to be known as a fashion icon and a princess?

PrincessTashur of Frink: I would definitely want to be Disney Princess Tiana, mainly because she was determined to pursue her dreams and motivated to do so. I feel I am the same way and I will never stop to get to where I need to be in life! Also, when I see Tiana, I see myself. A strong black woman.

Congratulations to our beautiful princesses. Long live the Ring!

Here are some tip directly from the Gossip Girl herself:

Match vintage pieces with designer items. Flea markets in the summer are the best for finding bargain vintage items.  Try pairing a vintage belt with a designer handbag.

Go sleeveless with confidence with Dove go sleeveless Deodorant. Whether it is a halter, tank or strapless top or dress, Dove go sleeveless Deodorant gives me the confidence to wear what I want.

Spice up a pair of harem pants with heels. I love styles that are both comfortable and fashionable and harem pants are just that.  They are also versatile—throw on a pair of heels to dress it up the comfy pants for an evening out.

Take a maxi to the max! Longer hemlines are in this season and investing in a maxi skirt is well worth it—you can wear it during the day with a tank top or at night with a sheer, flowy blouse.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns or colors. If you’re anything like me, you own a few striped shirts.  This spring is about color so spice up the classic top with bright-colored pumps or a floral skirt.  Check out the striped shirt I designed myself at dovegosleveless.com and create your own for a chance to win a shopping spree with me in NYC!

In case you didn’t know Jessica has recently  partnered with Dove go sleeveless Deodorant to launch an online Fashion Challenge (dovegosleeveless.com) where women can create custom sleeveless tops for a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree with her in NYC.

1. Quit this: Birkenstocks
A mandal by any other name would look as bad.

Hit this: Espadrilles
An Hermès espadrille may not be ideal for Ultimate Frisbee in the quad, but it’s more than appropriate for quick munchie runs.

2. Quit this: Tie-Dye
Psychedelia  gave us many things, none of them as enduring or as tacky as tie-dye.

Hit this: Bold prints
Pucci prints are as trippy as they come so you can easily get lost staring into them for hours on end.

3. Quit this: Hemp
A durable and versatile fabric, there are more chic ways to green your wardrobe, especially without using your green.

Hit this: Organic fabrics
If you’re all about sustainability and that crap, H&M‘s new Conscious Collection is easy on the environment and on your wallet.

4. Quit this: Puka shell necklaces
Ah, the puka shell necklace, or as I like to think of it, shorthand for letting everyone know you’re a complete tool.

Hit this: Statement jewelry
A statement necklace says something completely different, like “I’m high as a kite right now and I’m going to dress like it.”

5. Quit this: Ponchos
If you’ve been indulging a little too much in the late night Taco Bell, then by all means, drape an unflattering carpet over yourself.

Hit this: Capes
However, a cape like this Alexander McQueen number is a fashionable alternative to the poncho but on the other hand, so is anything else.

6. Quit this: Board shorts
Board shorts are appropriate on only one occasion, and that is on a surf board. Any other time is just an insult to surfers everywhere.

Hit this: Suit shorts
Tom Ford doesn’t think men should wear shorts at all, but Thom Browne doesn’t expect you to play hacky sack in a full-on pant during those hot summer months.

7. Quit this: Hawaiian shirts
Hawaiian shirts are appropriate on only one occasion, and that is on Charlie Sheen. Any other time is just an insult to Charlie Sheen…which is kind of all right.

Hit this: Paisley shirts
Odds are you won’t need much to cheer you up this 420, but paisley, like this Michael Kors top, can add a dash of curlicued sunshine to anyone’s day.

8. Quit this: Baggy jeans
“So okay, I don’t want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I don’t get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair – ew – and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we’re expected to swoon? I don’t think so.” – Cher Horowitz

Hit this: Harem pants
A harem pant gives you the same freeballin’ feeling of a pair of slouchy Levi’s hanging off your upper thighs and — bonus points — the drop-crotch acts as a great weed table if nothing else is around.

9. Quit this: American Eagle
For most of us, middle school is over and so is the Eagle.

Hit this: American Apparel
Going from the Eagle to the Apparel, though, is not so much a show of growth so much as a show of wanting to get laid. But even stoners need to slut it up sometimes.

10. Quit this: Beanies
A beanie is like the stoner equivalent of the little black dress. And though I would deign to ask any pothead worth his or her reefer to abandon their LBD…

Hit this: Newsboys
A newsboy cap adds a certain air of jauntiness and charm. I mean, who would you rather get high with, beanie boy or Brad Pitt? Though the beanie guy looks baked as all get out.

Happy Toking and remember to dress is human, to smoke divine.

1. Wear more fur. I want to be on PETA‘s “Most Wanted List” in 2011. Hell, I’d kill a family of chinchillas, skin them and wear them if I could. Nature is going to shit anyway, so why not put those endangered species to good use? Drape me from head to stiletto in fur and if possible, blood diamonds — I will single-handedly ruin what’s left of this world.

2. No more jeggings. This is a hard one. I officially own more pairs of jeggings than I do of actual jeans, but the trend is already becoming horribly outdated. Still, on a bloated day, there’s nothing more comfortable than breathable cotton. Except maybe breathable cotton and a pint of Mint Chocolate Chip iced cream. I mean, you’re already bloated, might as well go down with the ship.

3. Find shoes that actually fit me. Yesterday I found a bit of blood in my socks from my combat boots digging unmercifully into my heels. And my pinky toe is all but dead from being constantly wedged into vintage shoes. But sometimes you have to pounce on a Cuban heel and suck it up for the sake of fashion.

4. Learn to tie a bowtie. Right now I only (sadly) have one bowtie, a clip on chambray from American Apparel. However, it behooves a gentleman to know how to properly affix a bowtie. That, and to mix a proper cocktail and to properly kiss another man with tongue.

5. Rely less on H&M. Gaga knows I love those damned Swedes. The majority of my wardrobe derives from Hennes and Mauritz, but as my style and tastes develop, I will inevitably have to stray from the flock. However, if they continue with their all-star collaborations, I might have to throw this resolution under the bus, much like the year I decided to “cut back on drinking.”

6. Bring back the ascot. This has been a resolution of mine since I was about 14 and why not?, it’s a perfectly reasonable neck accessory that doesn’t at all remind people of hapless, blond, teenaged snoops.  Over the years, I’ve periodically worn ascots to varying degrees of success. Once, I wore it on a job interview and I like to think it had nothing to do with my not receiving a callback.

7. Get photographed by The Sartorialist. This is partly just me stroking my own vanity. Okay, it’s completely just me stroking my own vanity, but dammit, do you think I’m walking around in capes, sequins and harem pants for fun?! Okay, I totally am, but I would at least like it documented for posterity’s sake.

8. Find a practically-sized day bag. When traipsing about New York, I like to be prepared for any and everything, thus I carry a man purse that would put Mary Poppins’ magical carpet bag to shame. More than once have I pulled out a coat rack from the depths of my tote, but no longer! I’m actually contemplating a stylish backpack (suggestions, anyone?), or a medium-sized tote for my everyday travels. And that’s what I like to call “progress.”

9. Find a good tailor. A good tailor is absolutely essential — not just to let out one’s clothing after gorging on holiday fare, though that in itself is god’s work — but sometimes the perfect pair of pants can be a bit too big or a bit too short. Enter a tailor and for a few bucks, those Cheap Mondays look a little less cheap.

10. Shop more. The bottom-line to all this resolving and promise-making is that I need to step up my shopping game. That means I’ve got to throw around more plastic than an Ultimate Frisbee championship, roll out more dough than a pizzeria and carry more bags than Oprah‘s eyes.

It’s a tough job, but in order to truly make a change in 2011, it’s necessary.

Yes. I. Can.

Cartoon: Political Graffiti

I was styling a photoshoot this weekend and pulled some Agnes b. harem pants. When I handed them to the model he thought they felt amazing, but asked if they were for men or women. I definitely pulled them from the men’s rack but that got me to think: Is is cool to wear drop crotched pants?

So this is going to be eerily similar to my post about men wearing leggings. This one differs a tad because I think these are wider accepted than men in tights. These were super trendy last summer among stylish ladies and have started gaining more mass appeal this summer. I am in love with the shape of these trousers. I will admit that they can give people the appearance that they are wearing a saggy diaper, but the upside is that they are super comfortable, like fashionable sweatpants.

Here are some more pictures of guys in drop crotched pants:

What do you think? Hot or Not?

Hear the story behind harem pants courtesy of OnSugar blog Dressing Up in Daisies.

If you have paid any attention at all to the Spring 2010 runway shows and trends, I’m sure you are aware of the comeback of the pants formerly known as “Hammer-Time” pants. Drop-crotch, hammer-time, or harem pants – whatever you want to call them, they’re back and they are being picked up by fashionistas all around the world.

Honestly, I was a bit unsure about this trend for quite some time. Sometimes they can look really, really, good; but other times they can look really, really, bad. When I saw Adam Lambert dancing around on the stage with these on for Wango Tango, I knew that more and more people were becoming open to them.

To hear more about harem pants, read more

Today when I walked into H&M, the first thing that I saw hanging on the rack were, indeed, harem pants. Something inside of me told me to grab them, but another part of me felt a bit embarrassed because I couldn't stop singing MC Hammer's “Can't Touch This” in my head. I ended up grabbing them to try on, and to my surprise they were really great! The amazing thing about H&M's version of the drop-crotch is that it isn't severe at all. It's the right amount where you can give a stylish nod to the trend, but you won't have to worry about looking like you took a dump in your pants!

If you do have an experience like me, and find a fortunate pair of harem pants, I suggest to go for it! They look really fantastic with some chunky heels or sandals, a belt, and a simple top. The mannequin in H&M had them on with a big belt cinching the waist, a white tee, some heels, and a huge-brimmed black hat. It looked fabulous! I just suggest that if you do rock them, keep the rest of your look simple so that it doesn't add to the ridiculousness of the pants. So, what do you think: to drop, or not to drop?

Xoxo,

Audrey

Want to see more? Follow Dressing Up in Daisies or start your own OnSugar Blog. We may just feature your post on FabSugar!

LINK LOVE:To Drop or Not to Drop? The Story Behind Harem Pants

Link Love: Mr. Newton

Rihanna cuts her hair again, is spotted at the Balmain Paris show wearing harem pants and a ‘spock ear‘ shoulder jacket.

LINK LOVE

Trends that have gone and come again include: harem pants, flannel shirts, and Ray Bans. Keep reading after the jump.

I just wrote a report on re-appearing fashion trends from a past era/decade and todays. I chose harem pants (suprise, suprise) since they hit up the fashion world and it seemed they would never go away! Who would have thought harem pants first appeared on the fashion scene in the early 1920′s?

I also selected the 1970′s flannelette shirt- celebs seemed to have brought this one back, introducing various cuts and colourways.

Aviators were my chosen accessory. Ray Ban made them big in 1937 and they never seemed to have disappear off the fashion radar since then! Oh the recreation of fashion trends!

Written on Cult Indie

Stop. Hammer time.  I love those sequined drop-crotch pants.  These guys both looked super fablous, and were perfectly outfitted together.  So many fashion people at the Rad Hourani event, but unfortunately the Fashion Indie cam died early into the night, but we were thrilled to at least be able to catch these dudes.

See the other photos from last night on Cult

Visiting the Topshop in New York let me disappointed, it was totally not worth the extremely long wait the delayed openings created. I left thinking I’d check back when the Fall stock started coming in, and it looks like I won’t be disappointed this time. Besides the fact that there can be no delayed openings for a collection of clothing, these looks are awesome. The leopard booties, thigh high leather boots and bleached out denim dress are so tacky-chic I can’t resist. There is a strong 80′s influence, an overabundance of sequins, crop tops and harem pants. Sounds perfect for fall, Topshop you’ve won me over again.

SOURCE: Refinery 29′s Pipeline

Melissa Magsaysay of the LA Times is convinced that harem pants can be sexy – I am not.
In her article, Magsaysay states, “When harem pants came down the runways at Chloé and Alexander McQueen for spring 2009, they somehow glided past the cartoony pop culture associations (Barbara Eden’s Jeannie in the ’60s, MC Hammer’s ’80s gold) to help define summer’s effortlessly slouchy look.”

She acknowledges the fact that they are hideously unattractive, sighting that “[t]hey tend to make the hips, rear and thighs look larger while making legs seem shorter,” but then insists that we give them a try as they (her words, not mine) “are a great way to mix up the predictable pieces of the season and add something daring to a wardrobe.”

I have never understood the appeal of harem pant and I never, ever will. The name is awful and the design is even worse. A cross between a skirt and a pair of cigarette pants, the harem is made for comfort, if anything. The legs, from the knees down, are fitted, while the crotch area is loose and baggy as it it were cut to be a skirt. This style of trouser was customarily worn by Peruvian women until about 1890, when the ruler Nair-Ne-Din saw a Parisian ballet, came to his senses, and ordered all women to wear short skirts in place of these shalwar pants. Revived by MC Hammer in the 1980s, the dreadful style seems 2 legit 2 quit.

Magsaysay insists that “[y]ou can make these pants look chic and flattering — it’s all a matter of balancing proportions and adding the right accessories so the statement is bold, not ‘I Dream of Jeannie.’” Well, no offense, but it is always a matter or balancing proportions and adding the right accessories when it comes to styling.

I guess I’m just really confused as to why the piece ever ran…the accompanying images don’t do anything to convince me of the style’s allure, which they should have, but whatever – this isn’t the NY Times, so I’ll just let it go. Lets leave this style on the runway. If you really want to add something ‘daring’ to your wardrobe, please by a pair of heels from Nicholas Kirkwood instead.

SOURCE: Um, No. Harem Pants are not Sexy.

Whether you call them drop-crotch pants or harems and whether you love them or hate them, the saggy crotch is all the go for spring and well into next season. After reading an article by New York Magazine, one which basically called them horrifying  diapers, only to be worn by models, I found it necessary and proper to throw my two cents in on my current favorite trend. 

Now, I’m sure half of you already own a pair, but for those drop-crotch skeptics, i’m here to change your mind and help you with a bit of styling. I think the first step to tackle is the droopy crotch itself…no girl want’s to look like she’s packing a lil somethin’ somethin’. The easiest way to avoid this is to buy drop-crotch pants that are dressier and of higher quality. Wear a tighter fitting, more feminine top, tuck it in and throw a belt on. A dressier pant gives you an excuse to throw heels on (highly recommended) to really feminize the look. Boots work well with drop-crotch pants because they taper the pant, slimming and elongating the leg to really accentuate the pant structure. Flats and oxfords provide a very casual look, but are best left for the girls with hight on their side!

Overall, to wear drop-crotch pants well, you must exude confidence. Last week I wore a drop-crotch jumpsuit (a double whammy!) and strutted the streets like I owned them. Sure, there were a few sneers from some prissy prep tourists, but I love the look and I rocked it out. Don’t make excuses for your style.

Now that I’m done patting harem pants on the back (erm…crotch?), it’s time to share what you think! Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? How do you wear them? 

Photo: Maje Suede Harem Pants ($445) via Net-A-Porter