Derek Lam

Trans-seasonal connundrum #2,458: What on earth do you wear when it's freezing cold in the morning, beautiful and sunny during the day, and then goosebump-inducing again at night? The answer is layers! And clever ones at that. Don't fall into the trap of just wearing your usual outfit but with a big fat sweater/jacket over the top. To keep comfortable all day and avoid the Michelin-Man trap, we're going to outline the essential layering items that every wardrobe needs, and how to put them together. It's fashion maths — of the best kind!

Derek Lam has been tapped as the second designer for Kohl's DesigNation, and now, the official lookbook is here. For Lam, it was all about his affinity to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. "I really love the city. The people are wonderful and the setting is amazing," said Lam.

While we're fresh off the designer's Fall '13 runway show — a cerebral take on what the modern-day woman should wear — don't expect to experience déjà vu. According to Lam, this DesigNation collection is a "nice departure" from his usual design approach. He referenced artist Hélio Oiticica's surfwear-type print, and took inspiration from the city's sensual (read: lush jungle) side, evidenced by the jungle greens, yellows, and orange sorbet hues.

The collection is set to launch on April 5 in the US, with prices ranging from US$36, $98. Here's hoping we'll be able to get our hands on some of the well-priced wares! Meanwhile, have a sneak peek at it all here.

Source: courtesy of Kohl's

It's hard not to start thinking about our Winter wardrobes during fashion week, even though the sun in still shining and the weather is (mostly) warm in the southern hemisphere. Designers in New York and London have presented a delicious crop of Autumn/Winter wares for 2013, so the Sugar editors are going to strike while the iron's hot and nominate the standout looks that are inspiring some pre-season shopping. Sure, that exact Burberry trench won't hit shelves for another six months — but that won't stop us from getting the look now (and often for less). See! There is an upside to us Aussies shopping out-of-season. 

For Fall 2013, the look at Derek Lam was inspired by his casual yet comfortable clothing collection. Lead makeup artist Tom Pecheux created an eye look that emulated a ray of light with Estée Lauder products. The hair, by Orlando Pita, was done up in a wavy style perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons. The look: Braids converted into waves, a bold lip stain paired with metallic shadows, and complexion-specific nail polish. The inspiration: Minimalist decor with a comfortable and homey feel. Who would wear it: The woman who has a standing brunch appointment with friends . . . and a table full of Bellinis.

Photo courtesy Estée Lauder

It's pretty much a given that when Michelle Obama steps out wearing something, it's about to hit the fashion circuit in a big way. That's certainly the case when it comes to the black-and-silver embellished J.Crew belt she wore after her husband Barack's Inauguration on January 21. Cinching in her teen-tiny waist and adding a touch of glam to an otherwise dark and wintery look, it's pretty amazing just how much a great little belt can do. With that in mind, we've decided to do a little shopping for you and here you'll find 10 of the best embellished belts out there. They'll pull you in and add a little flair to any outfit, but best of all, you won't need to take out a loan to afford them. Click through and check them out!

Derek Lam's Spring 2013 show started slowly, but by the time Joan Smalls closed the show in a burgundy laser-cut paillette dress, the collection was wide awake and full of energy. By the time a set of bright pencil skirts paired with perfectly slouched jersey pullovers had commanded their way down the runway, no doubt hundreds of editors had made mental notes of "things I must own." Lam has once again prescribed exactly we want to wear — easy sportswear with a twist. The collection started slow, with a cute, simple plaid dress in such a dowdy colour only a model should wear it. The "black, sun, and fatigue" colour continued for a few looks before things got interesting, notably the arrival of the perfect trench coat, followed shortly by a bright blue leather top and dress, and then things got really exciting: macramé done in ink, red ochre, tweed and leather, rendered into textural skirts and dresses. The kicker was in one particularly killer look: easy jersey pullovers, some quilted, some sleeveless, paired with just about the coolest pencil skirts around — think gold leather, multi-coloured macramé, or bright laiser-cut pailletes. This is the look that no doubt made a thousand mental notes —it was so effortlessly chic you can't help but want it in your closet.

• Trends: Macramé, metallic, sporty, lingerie, leather.
• Colours: Burgundy, purple, navy, cocoa, khaki, grey, metallic.
• Key Piece: The macramé pencil skirts and jersey pullovers.
• Accessories: Crocodile slingbacks and pumps.
• Who Should Wear It: Fashion editors (ahem), and effortless girls like Zoe Saldana.

You'll see a beautiful sunrise-inspired palette when you gaze at the Derek Lam makeup for Spring 2013, but you'll also note a beauty look that's wearable in everyday life. Uncover the multitasking beauty staple that makeup artist Tom Pecheux used on both the eyes and lips in this involved yet minimalist look.

The look: See-through eye makeup, effortless hair, and nude nails.
The inspiration: Water and sunrises.
Who would wear it: The woman who has the same lipstick formula (or pants) in five different colours.