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Posts Tagged ‘Trends’

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Mother Of All That Is Fashion: Paris

In Fashion, Trends on June 22, 2012 at 9:42 am

One week ago, I solidified a plan to go to Paris, France for my birthday the year 2015.  With nearly three years to prepare, I have already become a bit obsessed.  What do the stylish ones wear on the streets of Paris?  What do the hotels look like?  This is one Stylista who plans to be fully prepared for her epic trip to the City of Light.

Chanel.  This is the very first word that comes to mind when I think of Paris.  For the recent Resort collection, Karl Lagerfeld drew inspiration from Marie Antoinette and the Palace of Versailles.  Chanel and the Palace of Versailles in one sentence?  Simply amazing!

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com for Style.com

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com for Style.com

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com for Style.com

Obviously, some pieces may be more practical than others, but when in Paris is there really such a thing as too much extravagance, too bold a style?  My thought would be no.

Speaking of Marie Antoinette, I have discovered a hotel suite that has more than taken my breath away.  Hotel Seven has a different and more beautiful theme in each of its rooms.  The Marie Antoinette suite grabbed my attention from the name, but the aesthetic stole my heart.  Large white couches and pink pillows, twinkle lights above a canopy bed….it is too beautiful to describe appropriately with words!

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

Hotel Seven: The Marie Antoinette Suite

These two fabulous aspects are but a droplet in the sparkling sea that is Paris.  There are hundreds more amazing designers to shop at, quaint cafes, beautiful architecture, and of course, The Louvre.  Art has always been a part of fashion, and there is no better place to experience it.

Dior Paris

Christian Louboutin Paris

Palace of Versailles

Le Petit Linc

The Louvre

Where is your dream destination to experience fashion?  You better believe, Tampa Bay that I will be bringing a few pieces of Paris home with me…if I can bring myself to get back on the flight home, that is.

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Re-Invent the “Earth Tone”

In Fashion, Trends on May 18, 2012 at 7:50 am

The fact that the fashion industry defines the “Earth Tone” color scheme as flat, muted versions of brown, tan, orange and green is not something that I particularly agree with.  The Earth is a magnificent, beautiful place filled with bright, vibrant colors to be described as anything but flat.

Think of the breathtaking aqua waters of Tahiti or Mexico.  A bright, floaty dress in this color would be nothing less than summer perfection.  Aqua is such an amazing color that seems to brighten the skin of just about any tone.   I dare say it is timeless.

Tahiti

Penny Ruffle Dress from reddressboutique.com

What about a bright pink which can be found blooming on the flowers of any tropical oasis?  A stunning pump in this color would be the perfect accent to breath life into a nude colored dress, or simply mix it in with an already bright ensemble for a more eye-catching effect.

Tropical Flowers

Pink Crystal Pumps

There are so many other choices:  Lime, coral, fiery red.  All of these colors that we so adore are derived from nature.  This summer, why not re-invent the “Earth Tone” pallet and strut yourself to a bright, playful season.

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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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Chuck Taylor Reincarnated

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on August 21, 2010 at 8:33 am

Converse was once just a ordinary canvas sneaker with a rubber sole. They were first produced in 1917 and called  the “All-star”, until being popularized by professional basketball player Chuck Taylor, which soon made the sneaker known as the ‘Chuck Taylor’ or ‘Chucks’. After years of the traditional black canvas, rubber sole with the Converse star logo on the side, the Chucks have been reincarnated with some funk.

While window shopping at my favorite shoe department: Nordie’s, I came across these all black canvas sneaker with an all black toe and a studded tongue. As I examined every detail on this trendy sneaker, I noticed a familiar star logo… OMG…these are Chuck Taylors. It didn’t stop there, Converse’s new collection had color, glitter and much more. So, I did what any shoe lover would do and tried them all on.

I tried a grey and baby pink ruffle slip on Chuck. The canvas was grey, they had no laces and pink ruffles trimming the shoe lace loops. They were very pretty and feminine. After trying on other sneakers in hot pink, glitter, studded, low and high-top, I came across the ultimate Chuck Taylor. An ‘XX Hi’ knee-high sneaker. This knee high shaft updates a classic lace-up style designed with a back zip entry for easy on-and-off wear. Talk about taking sneakers to the next level.

After driving my shoe guy Victor crazy, I decided to go with the all black canvas, black toe and studded tongue Converse. However, I still have my eye on those ‘XX Hi’ knee high sneakers. That will be on next week’s shopping list!

For more Converse styles visit www.converse.com or www.nordstrom.com

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Showing the Inside Out: The Graphic Cuff

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on July 20, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Over the years, jeans have become a bit more complex. We used to have very few options when it came to jean styles-boot cut or loose fit. However, through inspiration from music and celebrities, the turn of the millenium has brought us more jean styles we could possibly even ask for. I actually find it challenging to shop for jeans now-a-days. Especially when shopping at Gap. Their options are endless…stretch, jeggings, bootcut, skinny, curvy, long and lean.

The newest edition to the jean library at Gap has you taking what’s on the inside and showing it out; the graphic cuff jeans. You would cuff the bottom of your jeans to reveal a whimsical bird graphic. This means, you will be drawing  attention to your ankles so I recommend not only pairing your new graphic cuff jeans with fabulous shoes but always remembering to accessorize so consider some trendy ankle bracelets. The graphic cuff jeans can be dressed up or dressed down.

So, on your next shopping adventure, be sure to visit a Gap near you and explore the galore of jean styles, especially the graphic cuff jeans!

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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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