March 31, 2011

Fall Fashion: All About Fur

Fall fashion is all about luxurious fabrics and opulent taste. With the seventies trend dominating, it is time to embrace it to the fullest. During fall, layering is key. These photos of various models below, courtesy of Stockholm Streetstyle, never leave their runway shows without a statement coat. I don't know for sure whether or not they are wearing real fur or faux fur. However, I do not condone animal cruelty for the sake of fashion. These are just some photos for your viewing pleasure! Take note, they combine feminine details, with more edgier pieces. If you want to try wearing faux-fur, whether it's a vest or coat, add other fabric textures along with it. For example, a silk blouse under a faux fur coat with sequin harem pants. Or, if you want to try something more simple, a faux-fur vest with a denim blouse. These combinations can take your look outside the ordinary. Add unique pieces to bring more interest to your outfits. Faux-fur is definitely a great way to bring effortless glamour into your wardrobe. 
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Stockholm Streetstyle

Feeling Fruity?

Several designers thrive on inspiration from anything. It could be nature, architecture, or even food. This spring, fruit has inspired designers to create collections themed around these delicious and nutritious treats. Stella McCartney decided to bring fresh citrus to her collection, while Prada chose yellow bananas. Prints are especially popular for any season. Geometric shapes, stripes, graphic, spots, florals, animal, and tribal prints, to name a few. While, fruit prints need to be worn in moderation. Combine this print with minimal accessories. This type of look is acceptable for garden parties or drinks by the beach. It is a very loud pattern, not everyone can wear. Think less is more, you don't want to look like Chiquita Banana. If you are daring enough to wear the fruit trend, add brown or neutrals to your outfit. Don't try to match the colors in the print. I'm still warming up to this look. Are you feeling fruity?
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Stella McCartney, Prada
Vogue

March 24, 2011

Trends To Try Right Now

Do you want to update your look, but don't know how? Here are some fun trends to embrace right now.

Color blocking 
This is a great alternative to your everyday matching outfits. Try mixing it up and pair multiple colors together for a vibrant new look. 
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 Neon matte lips
Fuschia, tangerine, or hot pink, this trend is definitely for the fearless. If you do try neon lips, proceed with caution. These colors are bright and may not look flattering on everyone. However, go to MAC or Sephora and have a specialist find the perfect shade for you. That way, they can show you tricks on how to tone it down.
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Printed maxi dress 
Prints are an easy way to incorporate eclectic elegance into your wardrobe. A maxi dress is simple to layer with a distressed denim jacket or a basic blazer. Add layered jewelry and bright bangles to show off your bohemian side. 
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Polka-dots
This feminine pattern has been all over the runway for spring. Stash your boring blouses and try spots on for size. Big ones, small ones, embrace them all. 
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3-D Florals
Florals are not a new trend for spring 2011. However, 3-D florals are sure to put a whole new twist on your basic floral design. 
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Cropped ankle trousers with pointed flats
This 50's retro inspired look has been seen on various runway shows from Emilio Pucci to Paul Smith. Pucci played up a more feminine look, while Paul Smith kept it cool with some boyish charm.
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Vogue, Harpers Bazaar

March 21, 2011

Tangerine Dreams

Still craving all things orange! This mouthwatering hue has been everywhere from beauty to fashion. Here are some of my favorite tangerine-colored must-haves. 

This OPI nail polish from the Texas Collection is the perfect shade of tangerine. It's called Y'all Come Back Ya Hear? The best part about this color, is that it looks beautiful on all skin tones. Check out OPI.com. You can virtually try on several shades of nail polish from their collections, to find the perfect color for you.
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An orange head scarf would be the perfect accessory to wear with creamy neutrals, or an all-white outfit. It adds the right dose of color, to a somewhat boring pairing. I love the matching lip color, as well as the subtle smokey eye. All of these combined create the perfect spring look!
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This mini shift dress from ASOS.com is the perfect way to update your wardrobe. The 60's mod silhouette looks fresh and modern. This splash of color is a great alternative to your LBD. In addition, I think you'll be happy with the price. This dress goes for $71.72, with free shipping!
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This spring, bold lips have been featured on almost every model at Fashion Week. The best way to brighten up your smile is with a vibrant shade of lipstick. When trying a tangerine lip stain, the goal is to look like you just ate an orange popsicle, not a bag of cheetos. The matte looks works best with minimal eye makeup. Here are two photos from Fendi for some inspiration. I have found that MAC Neon Orange lipstick gives the best result. The price is $14, but considering you want to wear it sparingly, the tube will last awhile.
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Lastly, the Hermes Birkin bag. Sadly, this amazing handbag is way out of my price range. However, I love the sultry orange color. Pair this bag with dark wide-leg denim and a cream silk bow blouse for a classic seventies vibe.  If the Hermes bag is out of your price range, too and you want a more reasonable option, the Michael Kors Hamilton Tote in tangerine seen here might give you your fix. I have the Hamilton Tote in black and they look and function almost identical, if not better!
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5 Inch & Up, ASOS

March 18, 2011

Seventies Street Style

A refreshing dose of seventies street style inspiration, courtesy of Vanessa Jackman.
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March 13, 2011

Trend Alert: Electric Neon

Wear your shades because there is one trend that sure is looking bright for spring 2011. Neon hues are taking the fashion industry by storm. These eye-catching colors are taking modern silhouettes to a whole new level. If you're hesitant to try neons, pair them neutrals to keep the intensity toned down. Perhaps, a fuschia lip color is more your pace. Or, if you're feeling brave, use neon colors with metallic shades for a futuristic combination. Subtle hints of color can really transform your outfit and give it a more updated look. As you can see below, neon hues were a must-have for 2011 Fashion Week. Don't be afraid to use these colors during the day. The neon trend is your chance to think outside the norm and have fun with fashion!
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Burberry, Miu Miu
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Jil Sander, Christopher Kane
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Jil Sander

STREETFSN, Vogue

March 9, 2011

How To Look Fashionable At Any Age

20's- At this age, you can get away with almost anything. Be trendy, but also be conscious when purchasing these trendy items. Why have a closet full of clothes that you can only wear a few times and then they go out of style? Think about building up your professional work wardrobe. Find items you can mix and match. If you want to climb up the corporate ladder, wearing your pajamas and Ugg boots certainly won't cut it. You can still keep your trendier items for the weekends. Take a look at my previous posts, Dress to Invest and What To Wear To An Interview on classics that every girl should have in their closet.
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30's- In your thirties, some of you might have more important things on your mind than being fashionable. You could be a new mom, so it is not always easy to get ready in the morning and put together an outfit. However, you can still look fashion forward. Thankfully, there is a thing called the maxi dress. The stretchy material makes it easy to slip on if you're in a hurry. Add a sheer scarf around your neck with some gold hoop earrings and you have a quick daytime look. Look at Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, and Gwyneth Paltrow. These women are noted as some of the most fashionable celebrities in the industry. You can certainly incorporate different trends, such as the maxi dress into your every day wardrobe for a fast and easy outfit.
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40's- By now, you already know what fits your body type. It is important to flatter your shape, instead of trying to conceal it. So, remember to fit your clothes accordingly and try not to follow all of the trends. You can still play with fashion, but keep it to a minimum. Accessorizing is definitely a fun way to modernize your wardrobe. Add dressy items to a casual look. If bling is your thing, a statement necklace can liven up just about any outfit.  Just remember to keep it chic and simple.
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50's- While in your fifties, stick with classic silhouettes. Do some experimenting with denim. There are plenty of different styles on the market to tailor to every body shape. I always say that bootcut denim and wide-leg trousers are the best fit for women. Both have a flare, so if you want to minimize the appearance of your hips, adding a larger flare towards the bottom of your pant will create that illusion. If you want to incorporate small trends into your look, opt for bright hues. A pop of color is your best friend at this age. Whether it is a vibrant shade of red lipstick to brighten your smile or a tangerine blouse to illuminate dull skin. Chartreuse, coral, canary yellow, honeysuckle and tangerine are some of the hottest colors for spring. Mix these with neutrals for a good balance. Stay away from unflattering shades, such as a ones that are similar to your skin tone. Add color whenever possible.
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