Sunday, October 10, 2010

Two fashionable people

For this write up.  I captured two women out shopping who I thought captured the Fall trends.
First let's evaluate the looks:


Here is a pretty blond just coming out from meeting friends for coffee.  She has a black leather coat, a black lace dress with a conservative length but almost mini.  Mini length skirts are the trend for length in many skirts. She accessorized the dress with black boots.  Her necklace of gold chains layered is also a style I've seen in many stores.  It's conservative in going with black and not mixing other colors but the overall effect is beautiful.


Next I chose a trend opposite from the above in style:



This beautiful girl is right on trend for urban street wear.  Ripped leggings, Harley tee, mesh metal purse and leopard boots.  Her floral blouse over the shirt is also a trend in that the fabric is sheer with kimono like sleeves.

Two Window Displays

For this weeks post, I wanted to highlight  two window displays for Fall which show current trends with their mannequins.


This beautiful display shows many trends.  The colors of gray, black and two shades of orange, are all trend colors.  I will analyze the mannequins from left to right.  First, we have a fur coat in gray with a burnt orange blouse and gray skirt, a great fall color palette.  Then, the black dress with a fitted silhouette is very simple but elegant and black is a neutral color so you can accessorize this dress with pretty much any color.  The plaid pullover with black pants is a very classy look.  The gray, purple and taupe plaid sweater blend perfectly in their color values.  The fourth mannequin is my favorite.  I love the draped tiered collar in gray suede paired with gray leggings and a brown leather belt to accessorize.  Suede is also seen in the darling ankle boot in the first mannequin and the chocolate brown purse in the second mannequin.  I love the Indian fur purse adjacent to the second model in fur and leather.  The Indian trend is a micro trend and I have noticed it on brooches, dresses and purses.  It has a very nice Fall touch.  Then we have the over sized copper leather purse with pleating.  The last thing is a gold metallic evening bag.  Metallic is also a trend.
'
The next window display is all about the boots:



Boots are everywhere in all colors and styles and I saw them in most store displays.  I have seen lace up type boot in other stores in various styles and lengths; some are refined and some are rugged.  The top lace up boot in this display in brown leather captures this rugged style boot with its bands across the ankle giving it a bit of a military look but it also has the English equestrian trend as well. I think it is very stylish and a cool boot that I would love to own.  Then we have two traditional boots.  First a brown leather ankle boot with a wide cuff.  I've noticed a lot of the sweaters have a wide shawl collar and this boot would tie in perfect with those sweaters.  The high heeled black boot is a staple for any women who owns boots.  I know many women who own several pairs of  black boots since black is a neutral color.  I feel black is more of a winter shade and brown a fall shade, but a lot of women feel comfortable with black and wear it all year long.  The ankle boot to the left of the black boot is very stylized: it has a gathered look at the top, a tab, a zipper and a trend color taupe.  It looks like suede and has a army theme feel to it.








Monday, October 4, 2010

The Gift Guide

Today,  I am acting as a stylist for my niece Erin. She is a born and bred California girl and grew up in Orange County. I am styling her for Fall/Winter, her style is classic mixed with a little bohemian.  I have put together an evening outfit for her to go out to dinner with friends at a nice restaurant.



  First I featured her in a comfortable yet beautiful knit dress by Proenza Schouler in Gray:


Proenza Schouler

Full-Skirt Dress
Jersey knit long sleeved dress. Open round neck, dart details at front. Curved-seam waist with gathered pleating throughout, full skirt. Slips on.Fits true to US sizing.
Black
48% Viscose, 41% Nylon, 11% Elastane
Dry clean
Imported
Price: $850.00

Picture and details courtesy of kirnazabete.com


Next I accessorized with a really cute purse from a local O.C. manufacturer LOST,  It is available in purple and black and either would work but I will go with the black:

MADDY TOTE

$44.50
Style# 10795101

COLOR:BLKCOLOR:PUR
$44.50
Style# 10795101





  • Faux basket weave tote




  • Detachable interior mini purse




  • Faux leather





  • Picture and information courtesy of lostenterprises.com




    For the jacket and shoes I went with Kate Spade:

     bisous bow trench

    $645






    • BLACK




       
       
       


      
    a classic double-breasted trench with a modern, flattering fit. made of water-resistant polyester, this style features sunburst pleating and playful bow detailing in back. includes flap pockets, shoulder epaulettes and lipstick print faille lining, for a final, whimsical touch.

    • water resistant 100% polyester trench coat
    • classic trench collar with two button neck belt
    • double breasted
    • high fitted waist, flap pockets with easy side entry
    • decorative large bow detail in back, sunburst pleating at center back skirt
    • avec amour print on 100% polyester faille lining; sleeves lined in satin acetate
    • size 4 is 39” from highest point of shoulder to hem
    • imported
    • style # NJMU0


      Then we have some beautiful boots with a bow by Kate, Erin is very feminine and loves bows:
                                                                                                                         

    kolleen
    $595 

    be assured that you'll step lively on all your most fabulous fall adventures when wearing these crush-worthy boots, crafted in supple italian suede. perfect paired with a pencil skirt and cardi at the office and understatedly chic with jeans when meandering the halls at the met. items come pre-boxed.
    • suede boot with covered heel and bow detail
    • style # S942619
    Above pictures and details courtesy of KateSpade.com

    Next we'll accessorize with some bohemian pieces to offset the classic look of this outfit.  First this beautiful black onyx ring which is exquisite:


    11mm Hematite Albion Ring

    $890.00
    From the Albion#174; Collection. Sterling silver hematite and pave diamond ring. 0.24 total carat weight. 11mm.

    Store Style Number: R06910DSSAHEDI
    Web Style Number: DYF11_Y05GY

    picture above and details courtesy of davidyurman.com


    Next we'll add a bohemian bracelet: 

    Croft & Barrow® Silver-Tone Stretch Bangle Bracelet
    original $18.00

    Show off your artistic flair with this Croft & Barrow silver-tone stretch bangle bracelet. Purple, tan and green inlay adds a chic touch of color to any ensemble.
    • Bracelet stretches to fit comfortably around your wrist.
    • Details:


      • 2 1/2-in. diameter
      • Slip-on
      • Silver tone

    bracelet and details courtesy of thefind.com



    then these darling earrings:

    Onyx Dangles

    Item#: EYS19008
    Gold plate faceted onyx dangles on hooks. Extremely lightweight
    Size: 1 3/4" L, 1/2" W
      $40.00

    above earrings and details courtesy of richrocknyc.com


    The last accesory is the necklace which is truly bohemian, I found this through Amazon by a store named
    SiennaJulia.  I think it's stunning and pulls the whole look together.  I was curious about Sienna Julia and found that they have a store in Del Mar, Ca. (just about and hour to hour and a half south of O.C.).  I like that they are somewhat local.

    :
    Bohemian Glass Stones Topaz Necklace
    No customer reviews yet. Be the first.

    Price: $135.00

    o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
    Ships from and sold by SienaJulia.


    With the jewelry I tried to bring what I thought Bohemian means to me: different metals, different colors, different patterns with no set look.  It doesn't apply to a code.  It is freeing in it's style.  Although, I chose a couple expensive jewelry pieces for the look, I could of completely styled this in other pieces that were less costly and just as effective.  This is why I feel the appeal is so popular now. The outfit breaks all  price points and works.  I love the opposite juxtaposition of the two styles: classic and bohemian.  Classic has definite guidelines and bohemian doesn't but together they make a beautiful ensemble. 
















    Monday, September 27, 2010

    You don't say

    This brief  write-up concerns Coco Chanel, a designer I think many of us loved for her style, her wit, her outspokenness, and her flawless work.

    A particular quote of hers that I like is: “Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.”

    I think this speaks volumes about perseverance.  Today, so many businesses fail due to the current economy and yet as a designer you have to believe in your product.  Failure in business has happened to many but yet they still persevere and then become successful.  Fear of failure is with everyone and no one wants their business to fail.  However, if you don't ever try in spite of the odds you will never have the satisfaction to have achieved the happiness of success in whatever size, form or shape it can take on.






    Spring Trends for 2011

    Hello there!  Today I am writing about current trends for the upcoming Spring, 2011 and I am tracking just one designer. It was difficult to pick one designer as there are so many good designers to choose from
    However, I finally decided upon this collection because I love it!  It is none other than Dolce & Gabanna.  I am going to point out trends they utilize in this upcoming collection.

    The first trend is so new it is going to be interesting to watch because it's appeal may only apply to a certain amount of women.  However, Dolce & Gabbana present this trend in a beautiful and tasteful approach.  The trend is Lingerie as to be worn as outer garments.  It is a bit controversial, definitely artsy and how well the public will embrace this remains to be seen. It will take the test of time.  A true trend lasts around 2 years or a bit more or otherwise it could peak early and become a  Fad.  The choice of Fabrics is going to be a selling point for me because even if it is Spring and it goes into Summer.  I would not wear any Lingerie outer garments that wouldn't breathe unless it is natural fabrics.  The humidity on the East Coast is enough not to wear this if it is a synthetic. No worries for Dolce & Gabbana as they use the best natural fabrics but the knockoffs will soon follow.
    Some other designers are a bit racy with lingerie but Dolce & Gabbana effortlessly present this gorgeous piece and the color white is a spring trend color but it is also a staple that is used in Spring because it works.
    Pictured below is a white lace-up lace lingerie as outerwear blouse and skirt. Dolce & Gabbana utilize four trends (minimum) into this one look:  First they use the lingerie trend, second they use the lace trend, third they use white as a trend color and fourth they accessorize the model with clogs which is also an upcoming shoe trend.

    This outfit is darling and also ladylike.  Ladylike is another trend and I'm not sure if they were incorporating that trend as well.  That would be five trends in one look.  Parts of the design are sheer at the waist but not too sheer.  Sheer is another trend and obviously sheer and lingerie go together like hand in glove.  It's obvious why Dolce & Gabanna are so successful, they are gifted at their craft!





    The next picture Dolce & Gabbana use below is the ever popular animal  print trend incorporated with white in the design with the ladylike trend as well.  Unless, you are completely confident as designers the values of white and leopard print do not match and yet it is a blend  that completely works.  They accessorized the purse in black another trend color.  The skirt is full and captures yet another trend, the full skirt.  The models dark hair and olive skin work perfect for this outfit.  It is so beautiful and terrrrrific! Okay, there used to be an old commercial for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes back in the day and Tony the Tiger would say, "it's Terrrrrific!"




    The next picture shows yet another beautful ensemble utilizing the latest trends.  I am going to say that although I haven't read it but by my observation is that this beautiful shade of blue will be a trend color.  They utilize this blue/gray shade in a short cropped jacket which is also a trend.  They utilize the previously other mentioned trends of  lace, sheer and white.  It is a cocktail trend but presented in the most beautiful manner. The cut-out lace I have seen in person in Venice is exquisite.  This is absolutely stunning!  I love the blue embroidery detailing on this jacket.  The last thing I want to comment upon is the silhouette.  The silhouette of  all of the skirts are minis, the blouse are fitted as well. This goes along with yet another trend the 60's.  Dolce & Gabanna are brilliant!