NYFW Spring 2014: Marc by Marc Jacobs

The Marc by Marc Jacobs runway show takes is back to the late 50s with it's neck kerchiefs, polka dots, bomber jackets, optical lines and pinstripes. The silhouette is the precursor to the 60s straighter silhouettes and shift type dresses rule the runway.

Suits of every kind found that way onto the runway in the form of traditional pinstripes, play suits and jump suits. Thanks to being layered with pinstripes and paired with sneakers the look remains casual. Linen, satin and sequins are all made casual too with the pairing over a plain white tee. Very fitting and youthful for the Marc by Marc customer.

Soft pastel pinks and baby blues are paired with their more vibrant counterparts of cherry red and marine. Neutral mouse beige, cream and black create a base for this collection.

Graphic color blocking continues and bold motifs like studded stars and lightning give the collection a dose of rock and roll.

Interestingly enough, every menswear outfit seemed to have a female counterpart. Is it a uniform vision for both men and women or a resurgence in the dreaded couple look?

Nevertheless the final results were refreshing and fun although nothing new under the sun.

Charm Necklace Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Karen from California!
She won our giveaway for this Marc by Marc Jacobs charm necklace. Thank you everyone who entered - and everyone who emailed to say they would have entered if they used Twitter!

We've got another giveaway coming your way, so stay tuned.

Giveaway: Marc by Marc Jacobs Charm Necklace

We're giving away a fun charm necklace from Marc by Marc Jacobs (retail value $128)! We would love for you to share the blog with your friends, so for this giveaway, we're doing a Twitter contest!

To enter, tweet what you like about Sugar Rock Catwalk by midnight of next Tuesday, September 8. We'll checking entries via Twitter, so be sure to link back to us @SugrRockCatwalk (no "a" in Sugar). Contest is open to US and Canada residents and ends Tuesday, 9/8/09.

In lieu of Labor Day, contest has been extended by 24 hours. Contest ends midnight Wednesday, 9/9/09.

Remembering an Icon: Michael Jackson

Can't believe that Michael Jackson is no longer with us, he passed away today of a reported Cardiac Arrest at the young age of 50. What remains now is his undying influence on music, pop culture and fashion.

He was always ahead of the game, influencing an entire generation during the 80s and continuing to inspire designers and shows including the sequin gloves at Louis Vuitton and the crystalized jackets that sparked Balmainia. In fact, he was even seen spotted wearing Balmain in his final days. Though I'm saddened by the loss, I can't help but reminisce over his incredible impact on style.

Looking back over the years, here are just a handful of looks he's helped inspire:

Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 vrs MJ's Iconic Glove

Balmain's Spring 2009 Military inspired Jacket, MJ's many military jackets

Alexandre Herchcovitch's Joy shoes for Melissa, MJ's Moonwalking Loafers & Sequin Socks

Buckle Boots at Balmain Fall 2009, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008, MJ's Buckled Legs

Red Leather and Zippers at Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Fall 2009. MJ's Red Leather Beat It Jacket

Countless celebs including Justin Timberlake can be seen sporting Fedora's these days, MJ has been sporting them since the 80s

Who can forget MJ's eyewear of choice? The aviators, a now classic.

RIP Michael (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

dupli-CAUGHT: Alice+Olivia for Payless vrs Marc by Marc Jacobs

Alice + Olivia for Payless Fall 2009

I usually love designer collaborations because it's a great opportunity to support real design talent at a price point I can afford. It still credits the designer therefore is different from a knock-off item that copies a design without giving any credit where credit is due.

Unfortunately this time around while perusing the Payless Fall 2009 I was sorely disappointed to discover that Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia, took the easy way out by copying the very recognizable and very wanted Marc by Marc Jacobs Bump Toe Buckle Boots from Fall 2008 (that have sold out on shopbop! Barney's and more). This bothers me because this designer that was paid a sizable royalty to design a capsule collection but she did not design much.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008

There are slight adjustments, the Alice + Olivia are shinier black leather while the Marc by Marc's are a softer matte black. The Alice + Olivia has a with a black lacquer platform wedge bottom the Marc by Marc's have a rounded heel that slightly cones. But the inspiration is clear, the to shape and even the number of buckles to the tab on the back of the boot are identical. I suppose the Alice + Olivia version come around a full year after the Marc versions were in stores and the originals are almost impossible to get a hold of, but there are other options to get the buckle boot look for less. Like these Palladium's I recently ordered on Solestruck.com, I can't wait to get them! They have a slightly more rugged feel, but I have a feeling the contrast with spring dresses will be great! They are out of this style right now but here's another similar option.

What Can I Get for 5 Dollar?

These days 5 dollars doesn't get you very far, but just this weekend as I was shopping, I realized Marc Jacobs wants to help you out!

The lovely Punk Bag, is a patent vinyl envelope inspired handbag that comes in an assortment of fun colors was $48, but now $5. I picked up the Hot Pink at the Special Items Store, but it also comes in Black, White, Silver, Gold and Turq/Blue. He also has a clutch version for all your going out needs for $10.

If you go to the Marc by Marc Jacobs store, he currently has Slim Fit Corduroy pants for $5! They come in Chocolate Brown, Tobacco, Brick and Cream. The Bleecker Street Store only had only sizes 27 and 28 left, but they fit kind of snug.

Get Shoes or Lose!

Who: Marc by Marc Jacobs
What: Ballerina flats, patent-leather loafers, and acrylic-heeled boots are now 70 percent off.
When: Right NOW! Mon–Sat (12–8), Sun (12–7)
Where: 403 Bleecker St, nr 11th St (212)924-0026

Who: Marc Jacobs Collection Accessories
What: 70% Off Furs, Shoes and 1 rack of Ready to wear
When: Right NOW!
Where: 301 West 4th St @ Bank St (212)242-2207

Checked out the Marc by Marc Store today after work and there were tonnes of great shoe options. Sadly, only one lone pair of boots was in size 5, and I didn't love them. If you are a size 5 there is one flat rubber sole ankle boot with rounded toe and bow at the front ankle left. There is one pair of size 5 1/2's left, but other than that they have plenty of stock. My picks are the patent cartoon mouse flats, the previously mentioned sequinned pumps, high heel penny loafers and grey motorcycle boots. Unfortunately there were none of those great multi buckle boots in sight.

Also jumped by Marc Jacobs Collection Accessories and they are 70% off as well, but as they kept stock in the back I couldn't tell how much stuff they had left. My picks are the butterfly oxford and lace up flats.