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Posts Tagged ‘Spring trends’

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Best of Spring Trends

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 27, 2011 at 9:03 am

Here are the “Must Have” trends for this season that we can embrace – and enjoy – during sizzling Florida spring weather.

Neutrals and nudes are a huge trend right now. Combine them with black for a chic look or spice it up with a color to avoid the dreaded washed out look. You may even opt for a blush color to take a neutral piece, like a blazer, a bit more feminine without distracting frills.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011

Breezy silhouettes will make enduring even the hottest day easier. Long, loose blouses and swingy dresses are a comfortable yet chic change from too tight dresses and tops.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

High-waist shorts in black or navy are the perfect alternate to a skirt and make legs appear longer – who doesn’t like that? The look can be made more casual with high-waist flared jeans, paired with a sleeveless racerback or scoop neck top. Spruce up the look with a few statement accessories to rock it at night.

Derek Lam Spring 2011

One of the most stylish and comfortable ways to step into spring is wearing wedges. They are a happy medium between flats and often painful stilettos. An easy go-to shoe with any outfit, wedges will leave your tootsies feeling great – even at the end of the day.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

Lace – It’s fun, flirty and can be combined with any of the trends above. Lace can be dressed up or made casual.  A light, lace top can be layered over a matching tank and will create the effect of a longer torso. It’s an incredibly versatile piece that can be taken from work to weekends, day to night.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011


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What to Wear to Every Occasion

In Fashion, Updates on August 18, 2010 at 4:16 am

No matter how much pre-meditated planning I do on what to wear for an occasion, whether it be a first date or a job interview, I still find myself ransacking my closet for a different choice. I ask myself why? The outfit I chose -post getting dress anxiety- was fabulous. A high-waisted pencil skirt with a collared business shirt and pumps was my original choice. Is it too ‘corporate’ looking? Should I add a pop color? Maybe I should wear pants?…ahhhh! Do you ever find yourself consumed with fear as to what is the perfect outfit to wear? You’re not alone.

Most of the confusion women feel when they are attempting to put together an occasion specific ensemble is caused by fear. Fear of breaking the “fashion rules,” fear of violating tradition or the basic fear of looking bad. Getting dressed for an occasion should not induce anxiety. Your clothes should communicate who you are. So if it calls for breaking the “fashion rules”, rules were made to be broken!

Although at times you may be breaking the rules or not, there are still guidelines to the fashion language that help make our own rules. There is a right time and right place for everything, and the ultimate look book to guide you there: Nina Garcia’s, What to Wear to Every Occasion Look Book. This book leads you through the fashion lingo for some of life’s basic occasions to ensure that your ensemble is always a flawless representation of you.

As I was aboard a 5 hour flight to Las Vegas, I was transfixed by the pages of this book. Each occasion is broken up into categories for easy cross-referencing. The book starts off with work.  There is nothing more stressful than a job interview. The job market is very competitive right now due to the economy. You not only have to consider what you will say but also how you will look. The first impression sets the tone of the interview. You do not want to set a loud tone with extremes of any kind. This is an absolute no-no. The book advises to wear a suit. It says that you are serious and that you take the position seriously as well. As I attached post-it notes to key guidelines, I came across a sometimes unnoticed detail to any look for an occasion, but most importantly to a job interview. Your handbag! My handbag is my security blanket. It literally tells a story about who I am if you dare to look inside. So, you want your future employer to see a neat and well-organized handbag equipped with a pen and notepad ready to go.

Over 300 pages are filled with guidelines and antidotes of the language of fashion. You will be informed about what to wear for an occasion like casual Friday’s, after you’ve been cruelly dumped, or what to wear to jury duty. Holidays, weddings, day, night, and many more make up the categories in which you will find the answers to your fashion fears. This book now stays in my closet and is referenced before I even attempt to think about what to wear. No more dress anxiety for me!

Also by Nina Garcia, The Little Black Book of Style, The One Hundred, and The Style Strategy.

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The Future Fashionista’s of the World

In Designers, Fashion on July 19, 2010 at 1:30 am

You can always count on generation X, Y, and Z to indulge in the world of Gucci, Prada and Fendi. However, fashion power houses are looking out their windows into today and into the future of the next suggested generation, Generation Alpha. Mom’s, now you and your bambino can sport luxury clothing while out on the town.

Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi, of Fendi has transformed the runway into a scene out of Huckleberry Finn, with a forest decor, wooden hut, blue sky and the sound of tweeting birds- no, not the tweeters in the front row either. As the children strut down the runway debuting Fendi’s new spring children’s wear collection, they were accessorized with fishing poles and rabbit tails.

For the Fendi girls’ collection natural fabrics in a palette of soft colors like pearl gray, powder pink and chalk-white were used to match the summer hues of yellow, pink and green. Small checkered bloomers, floral print dresses and soft pale color tops make up the girls’ line.

As for the boys, army green, sand beige, pearl grey and powder blue checked shirts and Harrington-style bombers give a casual and playful inspiration to the boys’ collection. However, I wouldn’t suggest letting your little one actually roll around outside for it’s still Fendi, therefore, it’s not cheap.

So moms, consider starting your little ‘tot’ early in life by introducing them to friends like Christian Dior and Fendi.

Currently, the Fendi children’s wear is only sold overseas and exclusively through Jamari International of New York. To view the spring collection visit www.jamariltd.com

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Smart Fabric

In Designers, Trends on June 1, 2010 at 2:47 pm

5, 4, 3, 2, 1……Blast Off! No, we are not going to space but we can certainly dress like we are taking a trip beyond. Jockey International is launching a new line this spring 2011 called Smart Fabric. It is probably the smartest fabric one could ever wear, even a rocket-scientist would agree! The Smart Fabric technology was originally made for NASA astronauts to help them stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate in space. The application creates sweat reduction and stores your body heat. So your undershirt can help keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The line includes a reversible T-shirt, tanks, a bikini and a hipster brief for the women. All available in colors like black, ivory, coral, pale blue and much more. The men’s line offers the jockey traditional crewneck T-shirt, along with a v-neck shirt with a boxer brief and midway. All available in gray, marine blue, black and white.

Anytime there’s technology involved in something it could get a little up there in price, however, the price point of this line is very reasonable compared to the quality. Men’s underwear come 3 in a package for $27 and women’s tops come 2 for $21. Now that’s a bargain! I have to say, I see a calling for the Jockey Smart Fabric incorporated into a U.S. Military uniform. Whoever said that G.I. Joe couldn’t wear designer labels?

When it comes to fashion, it really is everywhere. A wise woman once said that, “fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

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Espadrille 101

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on May 7, 2010 at 7:13 pm

When you throw on that adorable new sundress you purchased for the summer season, think twice before you go to put on the flip-flops. Add some style and height with a pair of Espadrilles! They are sexy, trendy and will make any women feel instantly girly. Who wouldn’t want to feel like that? However, there seems to be some confusion as to what classifies as an espadrille, so I am here to provide you with a little Espadrille 101!

These casual flat or high-heel sandals have been around for centuries. Originated in the Pyrenees, espadrilles were once worn as peasant footwear.

Love these Prada Espadrilles

Now, top designers like Prada and Gucci produce espadrilles. Unfortunately, not at a peasant-budget price though. Even so, this trend is everywhere and you shouldn’t find a problem locating a cute pair  within your budget at retail stores such as DSW or even Payless.

These shoes usually have a canvas or cotton fabric body and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material molded to look like rope. The Jute rope is the key ingredient to what makes an espadrille an…espadrille! This natural fiber is very eco-friendly and gives a casual look to any style.

Espadrilles have become a staple piece, such as an LBD (Little Black Dress) or a pair of Levi’s. I personally own about six pairs of these shoes in black, white, brown and some crazy vibrant colors that are very daring to wear, I like to live fashionably on the edge! I wear them with sundresses, capris or even my bathing suit at times. They can be worn both day and night to most events. I wouldn’t consider them an option for wedding attendance though, unless it was on the beach.

So ladies, whether you’re under the sun or chowing down at a BBQ this summer, don’t forget your espadrilles but… do forget those flip-flops!

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The Hippie-Chick Handbag

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 27, 2010 at 2:27 am

After the spring showers will come the May flowers. But before the flowers arrive let’s refresh our handbag collection with some sunshine! The Tie-Dye handbag. Yes, tie dye! Along with other trends from the 60’s, such as patterned pantyhose and flat boots, tie-dye is the handbag color of the season.

Rebecca Minkoff

The multiple colors within a traditional tie-dye print allows you to have more options when choosing a handbag that matches your outfit. Who doesn’t love more options? As long as one color in the handbag matches the way you’re dressed then you’re golden.  The tie-dye handbag is offered in many color palettes, fabrics, and trimmings. Derek Lam uses natural hues in its Nadia Hobo bag. This bag will go great for lunch with the girls after a day of shopping at the mall.

Derek-Lam-Nadia-Hobo

Nordstrom, what I like to call Nordie’s, has a great selection of tie-dye handbags this season. Designers like Be & D, Kooba and Rebecca Minkoff feature soft color palettes that will give any look a more feminine feel.  But it doesn’t stop there…these handbags come in cotton and here’s the spin, they also come in leather! Yes, you heard me correctly, leather for spring! What’s next fur in bathing suits? Ugh…hope not, but in the world of fashion, the sky is the limit.

So as you do some spring cleaning to your wardrobe, add some ‘flower power’ to your handbag collection with this season’s must have color palette: Tie-Dye!

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Basic Training

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 19, 2010 at 1:51 pm

The military inspired look has stormed the fashion scene this Spring making the flak jacket one of the must-have items this season! The Marc Jacob’s Ready-To-Wear collection was among many that had military flak jackets mixed with feminine florals and structured trousers. Balmain also took over the runway with Christophe Decarnin’s feminine, modern-military jacket– complete with his signature bold shoulders.

Celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson and the ever-fabulous Kate Moss have all been spotted with army gear spreading the military- fashion propaganda like wildfire!


For this look try the studded army jacket at Topshop…it looks A-mazing. For a more “vintage” military look take a peek at this Tempest Spring Military Jacket from French Connection- also to die for.

If the flak jacket is a bit much for your style- you can still march to the beat of your own drum, just be sure to incorporate olive green and khaki shades into your wardrobe this Spring.

Happy shopping!

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Masterpiece or a Disaster-piece?

In Fashion, Trends on April 7, 2010 at 4:59 pm

This week’s spotlight shines on an accessory that was introduced last summer but hasn’t trickled into the mainstream until now… feathered headbands! This 20s glam has been re-awakened to spice up any attire you dare to wear. Want to add that ‘pop’ to your style? Think with your head, literally. Something simple like denim jeans and a cute top paired with a peacock headband will really portray that bold statement every girl needs. I recommend purchasing staple colors such as black, brown, and even red; yes, red is a staple color in my closet! Having these colors will not limit the outfits that can be jazzed up with this glam accessory.

Although social roles since the 1920s for women have changed and resulted in a revolution in morals and values, this hasn’t stopped in 2010. Women are still showing their worth and even express it through our clothes. The question is…would you wear this ‘flapper’ accessory? Is this a master-piece or a disaster-piece?

Vote on this trend and let us know in your comments below!

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Denim Diaries

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on March 24, 2010 at 2:34 am

To say that “denim is back” would be an inaccurate statement because its never been just a fleeting trend. Denim has been a fashion staple for decades and it has evolved into a ‘must-have’ textile for many designers, season after season. Though the denim trends have been endless and vary with each decade, one thing’s for sure – the perfect pair of jeans has always, and always will be – a solid investment.

For the Spring/Summer 2010 collections denim ruled the runways. The latest trend — denim on denim. Various designers showcased their own versions of this trend, including Chloe, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana.

I know… I know… for years now we’ve been told it’s a fashion “don’t”- but don’t let that discourage you from trying this trend. Of course, we have to keep in mind that as much as we’d like to think of the world as our own personal runway, it’s best to interpret the trends and customize them to fit our daily lives (bring it down a notch).

A perfect example is Reese Witherspoon– she looks trendy, chic and is pulling off the denim-on-denim look effortlessly. (The key is to mix two different shades of denim.) The most flattering combination is a lighter denim on top and a darker wash on the bottom. Not to worry, for those hot summer days coming up just trade in your long jeans for a pair of cut-off jean shorts!

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White Blazer

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on March 10, 2010 at 4:23 pm

The Boyfriend Blazer has been a fashion staple for quite some time now, so it’s no surprise that along with the fashion seasons our boyfriend blazers must also be revamped. Instantly update your wardrobe  this Spring by swapping your black blazer for a white one.

With your new white blazer, the possibilities are endless! Dress it down with a basic tee and a pair of shorts for a day-time look while running errands, shopping or meeting the girls for lunch.

Need a fresh look for a night out on the town?  Pick your favorite cocktail dress and instead of reaching for that black blazer, go with your white one. Don’t be afraid to pair it with a cute floral dress or even bright colors! The white blazer has a lot more potential for the Spring/Summer color palettes and looks amazing with vivid colors and bold patterns. For a more casual look pair your white blazer with your most flattering pair of skinny’s, a simple top and a fierce pair of pumps! ( a la Gwyneth Paltrow)

Not only does the white blazer  update your existing wardrobe for this year’s Spring and Summer looks, but it’s the perfect addition to those chilly nights we’re still having! (Burrr…)