With that being said,my first topic is Fall Trends. Summer is officially behind us (boo) and as the cooler weather shifts in,we all need to prepare to not lose our swag to the blunder of cold weather. As your store away the maxi dresses and sandals,here are some alternatives:
The Cardigan
This is a multifunctional piece that should be in every ones wardrobe. This lightweight cover-up goes great with jeans and a tee or layered over your favorite sleeveless cocktail dress. Especially important as we enter in to fall, this can be thrown on easily over almost anything and just as easily shed if it gets too warm. Word to the wise,pair a longer cardigan with slim fitting jeans and tops and chose cropped cardigans for more flowing skirts and baggy jeans.Loose on top of loose only adds pounds to your shape. Don't be afraid to put a skinny belt over your cardigan for added punch!
The City Look
New York City exactly. To channel this look,think edgy,biker,no limitation attitude. The go to color for this trend is typically going to be black but sparkly sliver also adds to this look as well. Think studded leather jackets,studded sky high stilettos and skin tight jeans or jeggings which are leggings that appear to be jeans but actually are just pull on leggings. Channel your "inner rock chic" by adding heavy ornate silver necklaces in layers and bracelets. Don't be afraid to go wild with this trend as it is intended to be a fearless look. One who consistently pulls this off is Rihanna,who hardly ever does any wrong in my book!
Structure
Clean business suit pieces shape this trend. Although we are far beyond the 80's, shoulder pads are a part of this look. Professional office attire such as pencil skirts,crisp,clean blouses round out one of this years hottest looks. The boyfriend blazer as well as the classic trench coat add to this. Square purses on a chain add a different approach from your typical hobo bag as well. However, you don't want to look as if your all business and no play so jazz up this look by adding textured leggings and round toe stilettos to this look. I would go with a suede pump, just to add texture.
Draping
How to stay fierce during the most dreaded week of the month? Draping! This look allows for a billowing,flowing effect of preferably a chiffon or jersey knit fabric in one concentrated area,while accentuating your curves in other places. Draping is not just for masking unwanted bulge,but can instantly add drama to your ensemble when worn as a one shoulder top or dress. which is also all the rave this year. This look is especially sexy because it shows a little skin but keeps pretty much everything covered up so your not overexposed. My recommended colors for this look are amethyst,teal,or orange. Deep,rich hues add dept to this look. Minimal jewelry is needed with this look, a cocktail ring and bracelet and your done!
The Shift Dress
The LBD (Little Black Dress) has some competition this season with red and white day dresses. Now a day dress is just another word for the dresses that we see Mrs.Obama in all the time. I did say white too. It is automatically assumed that you cant wear white after Labor Day but that is so not true. That ruling was trumped a long time ago so don't hesitate...try it! This is a sophisticated look that can easily be jazzed up with a draping necklace and its also very easy to slide in to on those rushed mornings with the kids. Drinks after work? No problem, just shed your leggings, add a sparkly clutch and earrings and margaritas,here we come!
The Leather Jacket
Now this is my favorite fashion trend this year by far. The leather jacket was around last year and has maintained its momentum again for this fall. Leather jacket is often associated with the biker look but the genius in this,is that this piece is multifaceted. Now no biker look is complete without it but, this can also be added to very feminine pieces. When going for the tough girl look,pair with skinny jeans and white v-neck tee and long silver jewelry. When added to a feminine dress,just throw over that delicate piece with chunky leggings and some funky booties and you have just turned that angelic look into rock angel!
The Over the Knee Boot
For years this look has been reserved for the"working woman",think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. That has all changed now,since this sizzling hot look hit the runways in lots of Fall 09 runway shows. This is a trend that walks a fine line between being so fashion forward,to being mistaken for a street walker. When wearing this look, don't pair with anything skin tight,spandex or really loud. I like this look with skinny jeans a long cardigan or long vest and a form fitting top. Also this looks fab with a floral dress that hits just above the knee. You can totally wear this with leggings, but be careful to pair with a chunky sweater to tone down the over all look. More mature women should probably just watch this one from the sidelines,dont want to look like your trying too hard.
Colored/Textured Leggings
This is something fun that all ages can take part in. This look can be toned up or down.When going for wild attention grabbing fun, try loud colors and animal prints. Be sure when doing this that your leggings are the busiest part of the outfit and that you don't over do it with a loud outfit. When wanting to add a bit of texture to your ensemble,pair this with your over the knee business suit skirts and pencil skirts. For those who are leary of this trend, first try it with a simple knit tight that adds a slight punch to you fit. Younger people can wear this with short skirts and dress while,older woman can pair with longer pieces just to add flare.
