I've just finished combing through the March issue of Vogue and I must say that it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing everything from the feature on somewhat unexpected cover girl, Tina Fey, to Alexander Wang's MOD (model off-duty) style inspiration, to the "Military Issue" fashion spread shot by Mario Testino.

The twelve page spread featuring utilitarian basics of the spring season including trench coats, safari-style button down shirts, military-themed jackets and cargo pants reminded me of a recent post on Garance Doré's blog titled "Khaki is the New Black."

A khaki color palette works well with many complexions as it includes a range of hues from beige to olive to brownish. Though I'm not quite ready to trade in my predominately white/grey/black wardrobe, I am definitely inspired to incorporate a few khaki pieces for spring. I love how the subject of Doré's post mixes khaki AND black - now that's a compromise I can agree with!

This khaki craze is reiterated in Vogue's take on styling the reoccurring military theme. By pairing more masculine, structured pieces with decidedly feminine silhouettes, fabrics and details, Vogue keeps the look modern, fresh and perfect for spring! Below is Vogue's March 2010 multi-page "Military Issue" fashion spread:

Standout surplus-style pieces from the spread include a Balmain cavalry jacket with fringed epaulets and braided cord details (image 4), Burberry Prorsum cashmere V-neck sweater with gathered sleeves and washed-chiffon skirt (far left of image 5), Comme des Garçons asymmetrical cropped moss wool jacket (image 7) and Alexander Wang peep-toe ankle boots (images 11 &12.)

Will you be sporting khaki military basics this spring?

xxKP

Featured in Vogue's March 2010 issue, Lauren Bush's fledgling collaboration with Barneys (the first collection launched in Spring 2009), Lauren Pierce Atelier, is a made-to-order collection of one-of-a-kind dresses that are created with environmentally friendly fabrics from around the world.

Each season, the model-turned-designer will donate 10% of the Lauren Pierce Atelier profits to a cause that affects women in the country from which the collection's materials have been sourced and the designs have been created. Ethically sourced and environmentally conscious, the fabrics used in Bush's latest collection have been hand-dyed by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dresses are available in five silhouettes, retail for around $500 and are available exclusively at Barneys.

"You can love the dress, plus feel great about the good it's doing," Bush tells Vogue - I couldn't agree more! Hop over to www.lauren-pierce.com for more information on Lauren Bush's chic, reasonably priced, and socially conscious collection.

xxKP

The February cover of Vogue Germany and the subsequent editorial featuring German model Toni Garrn and French model Baptiste Giabiconi was shot by none other than Mr. Karl Lagerfeld. In the multi-page spread, Lagerfeld pays homage to the 1920's silent film Metropolis - a German Science fiction complete with mad scientist and robot characters. The styling is utter perfection (I love the spotlight on sparkly jewels!) and the photography is on point and engaging. The scope of this man's genius and vision is extraordinary. The cover and a few of my favorite editorial images are below...

(images via The Fashion Affair)

Ok, that was more than just "a few" - this man is prolific!

xxKP