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Fall 2010 Shoe Trends: Open-toe Platforms and Wedges

September 8, 2010 By

I grew up with a lot of fashion RULES.  You know what I mean: “no white pants after Labor Day” “velvet only between Halloween and Valentine’s.”

These days, many fashionistas just ignore such bygone distinctions, whipping out suede in July and chiffon in December.  I love a free and creative approach to style so I applaud that, even if I’m too traditional to always join in.  Even so, there’s one fashion rule I’ve happily been breaking for years now: open-toe only in Spring in Summer.  I gleefully sport peep-toes year round, which gives me an excuse (and motivation) to keep my pedicure maintained.

That’s especially good news for me this year; open-toe platforms and wedges are a big look this Fall.  Bonus: they’re a good transition style while you’re waiting for the temps to catch up to your wardrobe.  Pair them with slim skirts and pants for the most up-to-date look. 

Open Toe Platforms

1. Steve Madden Warrick Platforms

2. Steve Madden Daynty Open-Toe Clogs

3. Seychelles Hawk Open-Toe Pumps

4. MICHAEL Michael Kors St. Marks Open Toe Platforms

5. Bella Vita View Booties

To be totally honest, this isn’t my favorite of the fall shoe trends.  I typically graduate to less clunky styles.  However, even I could get really into those
MICHAEL Michael Kors St. Marks. 

What about you?  Do you see yourself clearing out a space for a pair of open-toe platforms or wedges? 

Filed Under: Fall Fashion, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Outfit Ideas: Trousers

September 2, 2010 By

If many women were asked how many trousers they own, they wouldn’t even have to check their closets.  A lot of us have let this once-essential item drift out of our wardrobes.  But this might be the season to change that, since they are very in– part of the trend towards grown-up dressing.

So what makes something a trouser as opposed to pants or slacks? In general a trouser has some (0r all) of the following characteristics:

  • Classic styling with a fitted waist and straight legs (that may flare slightly towards the ankle).
  • Quality fabric (probably a wool or rayon blend for Fall).
  • Neutral color that may include subtle prints like houndstooth, tweed, or tone-on-tone plaid.
  • Polish– many pairs are lined but if not, the inside seams are finished.

A couple of thoughts about wearing trousers:

  • Many women have the conception that they aren’t flattering.  But truthfully, a classic pair that fits well is one of the most attractive looks out there.  Take your time searching for the right pair, and when you find them, be willing to tailor them to fit perfectly.  After all, if you get a great pair, you can wear them for years.
  • Trousers are particularly flattering for people who carry weight in their hips and thighs.  Just be sure that the leg extends straight down from the hip, creating a balanced silhouette.
  • The most iconic version of the trouser features a high waist, pleats, and cuffs.  I love it on Katharine Hepburn, but unless you’re long and leggy like she was, it’s not the best choice.  Instead, look for a waist that falls below your natural waist–around your belly button, a flat front, and slash-front pockets.
  • Shoes, shoes, shoes!  Many styles complement this look, but chances are you’ll want to wear something with a heel to highlight your elongated legs.

And a couple of ideas about how to wear a specific pair:

Trousers 2

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Filed Under: Accessories, Blazers & Jackets, Bracelet, Earrings, Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Handbags & Purses, How To Wear..., Jewelry, Outfit Ideas, Rings, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Sweaters & Vests, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Fall 2010 Fashion Trends: Animal Prints

August 28, 2010 By

Animal prints are always around and always in stores, but this year they are more important than ever. Whether you want an entire dress of leopard spots or just a splash of style with animal print accessories, you’ll be on-trend if you incorporate this trend into your Fall wardrobe.


We searched around for some cute animal print items that you could nab for under $100 and we found TONS – most around $20 or $30! Handbags, shoes, dresses, belts, hats, shirts and more!

Check it out…

Will you be trying animal prints this season?

Filed Under: Fall Fashion, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Fall 2010 Fashion Trends: Layering

August 24, 2010 By

Layering is always a key trend for Fall and Winter, but this year it’s even more important than ever. We’re not just layering piece upon piece – we’re actually layering trends this year too.

You can layer the military trend with the safari trend or layer popular fall prints like tweed and plaid.

Layering similar colors is an easy way to make this trend work for everyday life. Try layering items of blacks, greys and whites for a classic look that is easy to accessorize.

Also, try layering thicker knits, leggings, socks, and heavy outerwear pieces for a warm and on-trend style!

Here are some more Outfit Ideas to help you incorporate layers into your Fall wardrobe. Hopefully you already have some workable items in your wardrobe and you can stay on budget while looking on-trend!

Will you be trying layers this season?

Filed Under: Fall Fashion, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , ,

Fall 2010 Fashion Trends: Go Boho

August 23, 2010 By

Boho chic has been trending for a couple of seasons, and it’s back in force for Fall. It’s kind of the airy yin to the military trend’s no-nonsense yang.  So if the crisp, sharp aesthetic of that trend turns you off, you can put together artsy boho ensembles and still be totally 2010. 

The key elements of this trend:

  • Patterns– particularly florals, Asian-inspired prints, and paisleys
  • Loose silhouettes– think kimono sleeves, tunics, dolman tops, etc.
  • Soft fabrics like chiffon and crocheted lace (worn casually)
  • Accessorizing with scarves and hats
  • Lots of denim (and not just as jeans)

And a couple of things to remember:

  • This look had its first heyday during the 70s (think Kate Hudson in Almost Famous and Ali Macgraw in Love Story).  So feel free to incorporate the classics of hippie style, including bell bottoms (since that uber-flattering silhouette is trending again) and platform shoes.  As always, just remember to keep it restrained, not costumey. 
  • Yay!  It’s a trend that’s definitely supposed to be fun.  Experiment with fringe, colored shoes, embroidered accents– a lot of things you might normally avoid.  Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, and you should have no trouble putting together a boho chic ensemble.   

I put together some quick outfit ideas via Polyvore. 

Restricted Paratrooper Boots at Piperlime.com, American Rag Ruffle Denim Shirtdress at Macys.com, Enamel Bangles at Target.com, Studio 36 Metallic Paisley Wrap at Sears.com, Lauren by Ralph Lauren Tapered Hoop Earrings at Nordstrom.com, and Gap Coated canvas tote at Gap.com.

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And if you like this trend– but not enough to go looking for new outfits –consider using accessories to give your wardrobe basics a boho flair. 

Boho 3

Lucky Brand Handbag, Sweet Solace Leather Patchwork Hobo at Macys.com, Womens Shirred V-Neck Tees at OldNavy.com, Skinny Dark Wash Jeans at BananaRepublic.com,  Cord Blazers at OldNavy.com, Beaded Earrings at OldNavy.com, and
FRYE Ruby Ring Flat Skimmer Shoes at Endless.com.
 

 

Filed Under: Accessories, Affordable Fashion, Blazers & Jackets, Bracelet, Dresses & Skirts, Earrings, Fall Fashion, Handbags & Purses, Jeans, Jewelry, Necklaces, Outfit Ideas, Shirts & Blouses, Shopping, Skinny Jeans, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Kmart’s Fashion Forward Fall 2010 Collection

August 18, 2010 By

Kmart‘s new fall line is so fashion-forward, they’re launching the ad campaign in the September issue of Vogue!!!

The Fall 2010 Apparel collection is based on the latest trends, pulling from current styles in the fashion world like the Military-inspired Sgt. Pepper Jacket with shoulder embellishments, a Rocker Chic Bomber Jacket and Distressed Skinny Denim.  Fall wardrobe basics like the skinny cargo pant complement bolder looks like the high-waisted peplum military jacket.

Where Kmart really stands out is in the details. Fine stitching, fully lined jackets, and streamlined silhouettes. The customer serves as the muse, with her personal style and lifestyle guiding the design process.  The line is built the Kmart core product philosophy: develop aspirational apparel that embodies a quality first point of view, delivered at a truly affordable price.  

As Kathy Huynh, VP of Women’s Apparel Design, says “We want fresh fashion that’s on-trend but also understandable and affordable. It’s about buying those few new pieces and incorporating them into your wardrobe to give everything else a fresh lift.”

So what do you think, ladies?  Will you be shopping Kmart for this new, on-trend collection?

Filed Under: Affordable Fashion, Fall Fashion, Shopping Tagged With: , , , ,

Fall Trends: Details- Zippers

August 12, 2010 By

Fashion is always in the details– never more so than this fall when the emphasis is on classic, streamlined style.

And one of the biggest details right now is the zipper.  It was inevitable considering the hugeness of the 80s fashion revival, but zippers are everywhere.  Functional zippers are being emphasized with contrasting hardware or seaming, and designers are adding extra ones as pure embellishment as well. 

The most on-trend way to wear this look is in a zipper dress.  If you’re looking for a more understated approach, try a handbag or shoes. 

Check out a couple of pieces that caught my eye, along with some quick wardrobing from my fantasy closet over at Polyvore.com. 

Zippers- Casual Errands


MICHAEL Michael Kors – Skirt W/Zipper at 6pm.com ($79.50 marked to $47.70) and Joe’s Jeans Nash Tote at Piperlime.com ($90 marked to $52.99).  Shown with Browns Fashion Turtleneck, Manumit Raw Silk Scarf, and Mossimo Supply Co. Boots. 

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Zippers- Cocktail Party

Eliza J Leather & Zip Trim Sheath Dress at Nordstrom.com ($118) and 
Carvela Women’s Gust High-Cut Evening Shoe at Endless.com ($142.05 marked to $78.62).  Shown with Pure Pashmina Cranberry Wrap, Target Tree Hoop Earrings, Tory Burch Clutch, and Debenhams Tights. 

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Zippers- Night Out


Free People Herringbone Moto Zip Jacket at Shopbop.com ($128 marked to $89.60),
Marc by Marc Jacobs Zip It Studs at Shopbop.com ($58), and
Rebecca Minkoff 3 Zip Rocker Bag at Shopbop.com ($195).  Shown with Genetic Denim Cigarette Jeans, Philippe Audibert Cuff Bracelet, and Tassel Scarf. 

Filed Under: Blazers & Jackets, Dresses & Skirts, Earrings, Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Handbags & Purses, How To Wear..., Jewelry, Outfit Ideas, Shirts & Blouses, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,