BOLD Statements: Metallics

For fall 2010, add some decadence to your wardrobe with metallic fabrics. There were some unforgettable pieces on the catwalks for the season that featured gleaming foil printing, shimmering brocades and fluid looking skirts. Lavin, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu and MaxMara hit the nail right on the head with their use of metallic that brought a luxe look to even the simplest of silhouettes. For some reason in previous seasons I felt the look to be cheap or tacky but when done right there’s a distinct feel of glimmering richness.

Runway to the street: This is a trend that’s completely transitional to the street. Not to mention, with the holidays around the corner, a perfect idea in a strapless number that you’ll sparkle in at that party you’ve been looking forward to. Take a look at some metallic pieces in a jacket, top and dress options.
1. Milly Amia Metallic Teardrop Silk Top $325
2. Aqua Metallic Jacquard Dress $248
3. Leifsdottir Gilded Flare Blouse $198
4. Rachel Roy Signature Boucle Metallic Sheath Dress $395
5. DKNY Metallic Jacquard Strapless Dress $395
6. Elie Tahari Odessa Metallic Jacquard Jacket $252
7. BCBGMAXAZRIA Ruffle Trim Metallic Jacquard Dress $348

FAUX or FO-REAL

How to Wear a Fur Vest

If you haven’t already spotted this trend, take it from this trendspotter, fur vests create a major stylish look for fall 2010. It’s a perfect cooler weather transitional piece, one that you can wear over and over again.

It doesn’t matter if you’re pro fur wearing or completely against it, you can strut just about anywhere wearing a faux or real piece and you’ll look hot.

>Cinch it at the waist with a thin belt and jeans
>Wear it long and open with a funnel neck sweater or casual tee
>Cropped is short and sweet paired with a mini skirt and tank
>Embellished pieces look great with a basic cocktail dress silhouette

Faux or Fo-real vests are cute but the real fur has a significant price difference from faux from $100 to $300. So here’s some options in both.

From left to right:

1. Theory Martise American Raccoon Hooded Vest $895.
2. Halston Heritage Faux Fur Vest $375
3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Vest Plus $140
4. BKE Bobcat Vest 59.95 buckle.com
5. Kensie Faux Fur Vest $78
6. Aqua Faux Leopard Fur Vest with Leather Belt $148

Designer Spot Light “NINA RICCI”

The Nina Ricci fashion house dates back to 1932, when times and fashion were completely different. Nina Ricci’s designs were reveled as romantic, feminine and refined. Although decades have since past, the same remains to be true. Today the Creative Director is Peter Copping. Peter Copping has quite the resume, spending 12 years of working with Christian Lacroix, Sonia Rykiel and Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton. He’s managed to keep with the original image and style of the Nina Ricci brand while making sure it reflects modern times.

Peter Copping, Creative Director, Nina Ricci

The main two keys to Nina Ricci pieces are the detailing in construction and the fabrics! Floral jacquards, draped lace, satin pencil skirts, are all examples of a line truly meant for a polished woman. And with the price tags they come with, a woman with quite a bit of disposable income! My favorite thing about this line is the ability to take a sophisticated woman and dress her in a way that makes her feel sensual and mischievous, but yet there’s nothing else you could think of a woman in Nina Ricci that’s short of CLASSY!

Department stores you can find Nina Ricci at are Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. There also online stores that carry some pieces like shopstyle.com and yoox.com.

Trend Alert: White Denim

Among the latest wardrobe essentials is a pair of white jeans. Every girl needs a pair! The fresh and clean wash packs a punch and paired with airy colorful printed tops, makes for a great day look. White skinny styles go well with platform pumps and edgy cut-out sandals.

The best pairs come in skinny styles as well as some great choices in boot-cut versions. They’re a definite way to give you a long lean silhouette! Every denim brand offers a style in this wash, take a look!

And in case you haven’t figured it out, NEWS FLASH! Colored denim is out and make way for washed out denim! Blue and black jeans aren’t the only way to do casual chic!

1. Joe's Jeans “The Chelsea” Ultra Slim Jeans in Jenny Wash $172 Bloomingdales
2. Quotation Hudson White Signature Flap Pocket Skinny Jeans $165 Bloomingdales
3. True Religion “Becky” Bootcut Jeans in Body Rinse Wash $196 Bloomingdales
4. Citizens of Humanity “Phantom” Skinny Jeans in Santorini $150 Bloomingdales
5. Paige Premium Denim “Verdugo “Stretch denim Leggings $158 Nordstrom

Go Out and Get ‘em Cocktail Dresses

Ladies don’t blend into the crowd, STANDOUT! Step into the spotlight with a dress that will make an impact and get all the right kind of attention! I just can’t get enough of the one shoulder dresses right now. They’re uber sexy, glamorous and feminine. The one exposed shoulder teases the eye and has such an allure about it.

Mesmerize your date or potential date in a body clinging dress with draping to ruffles to prints and shake and shimmy the night away. The intoxicating appeal of you in that one shouldered number will send him off the charts!

(First set from left to right)

1. French Connection Zero Dotty One-Shoulder Dress $168
2. BCBGMAXAZRIA Belted One-Shoulder Jersey Dress $278 Bloomingdales.com
3. Alice + Olivia One Shoulder Ruched Dress with Belt $396 Bergdorf Goodman
4. Hervé Léger One-Shoulder Dress with Beading $3,800 Bloomingdales.com

(Second set from left to right)
1. Diane von Furstenberg Carmona Lace Dress $550 saksfifthavenue.com
2. Robert Rodriguez One Shoulder Silk Dress $418 saksfifthavenue.com
3. Amilla and Marc Alexander One Shoulder mini Dress $550 saksfifthavenue.com
4. Catherine malandrino Asmmetric One Shoulder Mini Dress $595 Saksfifthavenue.com

Designer Spotlight "Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet"

Stacey Bendet’s brand, Alice + Olivia has evolved into something pretty fabulous! Since its inception in 2002, its reach has multiplied and has picked up many fans. Fans by the likes of super celebs J.Lo , Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker. The brand got its original start by making the “gotta have” pair of pants. It became an instant success and after she teamed up with Andrew Rosen, the founder of Theory, the boundaries for Stacey and her brand have become limitless!

Alice + Olivia offers up fashionable items for the spunky trendy type of customer, and incorporates a retro vintage vibe that’s got a natural cool about it. Never boring, even the brand’s t-shirts have an off the shoulder cut or some type of accessory like a brooch or sewn on necklace. The style Stacey offers in this line is ultra femme and mega sex appeal with lace leggings, sequined mini skirts and form fitting cocktail dresses. Her pieces can come right off the runway and hop on to the red carpet or hop right out to a girl’s night with cocktails!

Not only does the brand offer a gorgeous contemporary women’s line but also includes men’s line called Anthony + mo, a children’s line and an accessories line. Stacey’s looking ahead to 2011 for the Alice + Olivia shoe line to hit stores, so something to look out for! You can find the seasons hottest pieces at stores around the world in department stores such as Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus, in addition to the free standing Alice + Olivia retail stores in New York, Los Angeles, Malibu, Greenwich, and South Hampton.

From top left to right:

Alice + Olivia Charlie Embellished Ombre Dress $346.5

Alice + Olivia Rigby Sequined Tube Minidress $346.5

Alice + Olivia Tessa Silk Knotted One-Shoulder Dress $396

Alice + Olivia Jordana Polka Dot Dress with Belt $227

Alice + Olivia Samantha Silk Sequin-Striped Tee $385

Alice + Olivia Karilyn Double Strap Belted Wrap Dress $330

Alice + Olivia Off the Shoulder Top $140

Sandal Flats

Beautify your feet and show off your toes with a great pair of sandal flats! There are so many styles to go with any outfit. While they may not have a heel, and can look rather casual, they can also still look dressed up. Grecian styles are elegant and girly. Gladiator styles are tough and rugged. Embellished pairs with hardware to jewels to beads are eye catching and interesting. Any of these pairs will give your look an instant touch of tribal or bohemian chic! These sandals look best when worn with shorts, skirts or dresses. Make sure you show them off! They accentuate your ankles and decorate your feet! They work great to accessorize when your jewelry is minimal. They’re a ball of fun and in my opinion everyone should have at least one pair!

1. House of Harlow 1960 Sienna Flat Sandals $178
2. Miss Sixty Lucille Sandals $140
3. Vera Wang Lavender Label Debbie Stud Gladiator Sandals $195
4. Cynthia Vincent Jewel Stone Flat Sandals $230
5. Steve Madden Devinne Sandal $59.95
6. Loeffler Randall Carlie Strappy Sandals $325
7. Corso Como Fressia Sandal $118.95

Denim Trend - The Boyfriend Jean

Radiate classic casualness with this great style of denim! The Boyfriend Jean! Can’t hack it in those skinny jeans for a full 12 hour day? Jump into a pair of these with a distressed wash and guaranteed you’ll scratch off all those things on your todo list!

This look juxtaposes the skinny jeans and loose flowing tops, which means since they have a loose fit; a fitted top goes perfect with them, be it a tank or tee! My favorite shoes to go with a pair are cute flats. Try some girly strappy sandals or trendy oxford style shoes.

There are cropped to full lengths but either way don’t forget to roll them up once or twice to get the look!

1. Joe's Jeans Kicker Cuff Stretch Denim Capris $158

2. AG Adriano Goldschmied The Tomboy Boyfriend Jeans $175

3. Current Elliot The Boyfriend Jean $210

4. Citizens of Humanity Dylan Drop Rise Cropped Jeans $185

5. CJ by Cookie Johnson Boyfriend BFF Vintage Jeans $200

How to Wear a Long Vest

A vest is a perfect way to spice up any outfit and create a stylish look that’s effortless and classic. There’s some great oversized vests that can be paired with a flirty dress, a great pair of skinny jeans or even casual khaki cargo shorts.

Whatever the occasion you’re dressing for a vest is the best opportunity to play mix and match with sporty vs. feminine and business vs. party. Take a look at my tips to make the vest trend work for you.

Get vested in a great look with a menswear inspired piece or a romantic draped style and Im willing to bet they’ll balance your ensemble and make a lasting impression.

Pair one with a Dress: Throw this draped beauty over a textured dress with tuff gladiator sandals and thick western style belt. The accessories offset the feminine vest and dress.
Pair one with skinny jeans: This oversized menswear vest will look great unbuttoned over a casual white tank or tee.
Pair one with shorts: For a rugged girlish look pair a denim vest with a mid-length short over a tank. The fitted seams in this vest will flatter your curves. Distressed boots and bag give it a boyish appeal and look fab.

Designer Spotlight “RACHEL ROY”

If you haven’t heard of Rachel Roy, then where have you been!? She’s one of my favorite designers out right now that’s completely accessible and totally has high fashion style! Rachel pushes the envelope without alienating the mass market of women shoppers. Her designs are eccentric and so much fun that it’s a fashion MUST DO to own at least one piece for your closet! Her patterns and colors are vibrant and strong, and alone make a statement, but paired with some of her beautiful accessories or ethnic and sexy shoes can make anyone look like an A-lister!

She’s a female designer to definitely follow and look out for! You can find her line in stores such as Macys to Bergdorf Goodman, with pieces to fit any budget. For a wider selection visit her website at http://www.rachelroy.com/.

1. Embroidered Moroccan Tunic $995 Bergdorf Goodman
2. Rachel Roy Signature Tailored Vest $325 Bloomingdales
3. Rachel Roy Signature Cotton Tweed Mixed Media Dress $486 Bloomingdales
4. Highwaisted Combo Dress $129 rachelroy.com
5. Looped Pullover top $51.00 rachelroy.com
6. Rachel Roy Signature Belted Soft Volume Dress $595 Bloomingdales
7. Twisted Cargo Romper $71.40 rachelroy.com

Shorts and Your Body

Its spring, time to dust off those shorts and show some leg! Thoughts that come to my mind?
Whatever your body type and age maybe, you’re sure to need some versatile shorts. The right shorts are the ones that accentuate your best assets. In short, ease and comfort is what you’ll need so you can worry less about how you’ll look in your shorts this spring and focus more on having fun in the sun.

If you want to show off your legs : Short Shorts

If you want to hide your thighs: Mid-length Shorts

If you want to elongate your legs: High-waisted Shorts

If you have long legs: Long Shorts

Rompers & Jumpsuits

Finding a look that can be both comfortable and sexy can seem impossible! But believe it or not, the two can go hand in hand, because chances are if you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll feel great and exude sexiness!

My favorite piece that does the trick you ask? Chic rompers and jumpsuits! There’s something so playful and youthful about them that makes it easy to hit the beach wearing one over a swimsuit, yet so sassy and alluring you can pair one with some strappy sandals and bangles and you’re ready for the evening.

Theses picks are full of fun and allow you to show off your shoulders and legs, with flirtatious styles and prints!

Evening:

Prints:

Casual/Beach:

Whimsical Summer Accessories

It’s nice to feel like a girl again in fanciful floral accessories! Get in touch with your feminine side in jewelry with a bit of whimsy. Springs must haves are statement necklaces, great cocktail rings and bedazzled bangle bracelets featuring flowery details in pretty pastels and bright hues of color.

With all the rocker chic and edgy tuff accessories out there, its time to try switching it up and play up the softer elegant you for Spring.

There’s a lot of boyfriend dressing trends going on in apparel with gender bending styles and silhouettes; these accessories pair well with these looks to add a bit of girlish flavor and offset masculine details.

What I love most about these accessories is the ability to catch attention in the best way possible. If you were to step out in any of these show stopping pieces you’re sure to get compliments by the boat load!

Wedges: Taking you to new Heights!

Get roped in! While the sun is shinning its time to swap out our boots for some open toed sandals. My favorite sandals for the season come in platforms with roped and corked wedges that scream spring! Designers broke out with eye catching styles and they pair well with anything!

These wedges are great for a height boost and are really comfortable. They look cool and natural, with an understated chicness. Choose from slip on to ankle straps to go with your spring dresses and skirts! My picks, choices in basic back, white and neutral, are smart to invest in. They’ll pair well with more than a few outfits, guaranteeing you more bang for your buck!

The Best Spring Tops for Work

Feminine tops with touches of romance are among my favorite picks for Spring. Flowing ruffles are so indicative of the season and styles with these frilly details include elegant cascading ruffles down center front to sweet ruffle edged sleeves.

My suggestion for the perfect and suitable place to wear them, to work! Sure they can be great for a dinner date but I totally believe the right style is completely work appropriate and will look best under a tailored blazer or paired with a fitted pencil skirt!

Fun feathery prints draw in the eye and the volume from ruffles can minimize hips and thighs.

Solid tops with conservative high cut necklines are meant for the office and the best ones come in deep jewel tone colors and classic black and white. The tops below all have flattering cuts and show off your figure in the classiest way.

The Cool Cropped Pants of the Season

Cool, Smart, and Polished. Did I just describe your kind of style from head to toe? I have a great style tip for you! Cropped trouser pants epitomize those three words! They are so versatile and this fresh take on the new “pants” for Spring will be a hit at the office and on the street.

Here are options for professional and casual looks. Most look best with heels, especially if you’re on the shorter side, since they can cut the legs short. But if you got those long legs you can totally pull off some flats!

For the Office: These styles look best when worn with pumps. Pair them with a tucked in silky top and you’ve got a chic business look. A pleated style is fun but watch the proportion; it can add too much volume around the hips.

For Play: Slouchy, breezy picks are comfy and cute. Pair them with some wedges or flat strappy sandals and a loose long tank. A no fuss look but oh so trendy!

Spring’s Must Have Handbags

Get rid of your baggage! Springs reigning in the new “it” handbag for the season, and guess what the oversized satchels and hobos are so out! Bags are coming in mini versions galore.

These purses are marvelously convenient one of my favorites is the mini crossbody bags in vibrant bold colors. Interesting and cool little bags were seen on the runways most notably at MARC by Marc Jacobs. He paired his tribal/ethnic prints and looks with these fab little gems. There sure to complete any outfit adding just the right amount of snap, crackle and POP!

Spring Trench Coats

Its time to say bye-bye to your wool jackets and say hello to chic trench coats! Though the sun is shinning, there’s still a slight chill, time for something that’s light weight, stylish and versatile. Springs trench coats are just what the Dr. ordered, perfect with any outfit weather dressed up or casual.

There’s a great selection including long to cropped length styles with full length to ¾ sleeves, double breasted, single breasted, and belted/tie waists.

The best light weight fabric coats come in comfy cotton/polyester blends and lush linens. As far as colors go, my suggestion is to stay with classic colors such as tan, white, and black. There are vibrant colors and prints available this season, but these tend to limit your use of the piece.

Here are my favorite picks for Spring 2010. All of which have great detailing and silhouettes, with picks that range from high end to affordable. Take a look!

1. Diane von Furstenberg Crinkle Spy Trench $465 Bergdorf Goodman

2. Rebecca Taylor Twill Trench $465 Bloomingdales

3. Theory Hummingbird Nania Linen Trench $385 Bloomingdales

4. Elie Tahari Angie Jacket $195 Bloomingdales

5. Michael Kors Short Trench $100 michaelkors.com

6. Nanette Lepore Jolly Roger Cropped Trench $498 Neiman Marcus

7. Betsey Johnson Belted All Weather Trench $118 Nordstrom

8. Calvin Klein Belted trench $128 Nordstrom

Good Brands for Work Suiting Separates Between $50-200

Now on the other hand if you’re looking to buy suiting that is budget friendly, there are many options for you as well. While these brands cost much less then the first three I visited, they are still great choices and offer some pretty great business separates for a variety of ages and body types. I guarantee one or more of these brands will work for you, so here’s details on what each brand has to offer and extra tips on the fits.

Semantics is a Nordstrom private label brand, which means you won’t find it anywhere else. The majority of its pieces are found in the Point of View department. Nordstrom has really developed this line and made a name for it in the suiting world.

It offers suiting that fits really well on most body types. Its jackets offer extra room in the bust area and also have feminine lapels and trimming. Its pants are very flattering with mostly wide waistbands, like the ones above that are styled with a contoured waistband and a full leg with low rise fit. Additional business separates offered by the brand include cardigans and blouses, that pair really well with their pants and skirts.

JCrew offers suiting in a variety of wools from stretch wool to crepe wool and high quality cotton. In their pants they offer a city fit, their lowest rise and sits just above the hip. This fit is best for a straight up and down body type. Also their favorite fit, the most universal fit with a medium rise that sits below the waist. This fit works best for a curvy body type, those with a little more tush and/or hips. Their jackets run big, so try going a size or two down from what you usually wear.

Calvin Klein suiting fits similar to Semantics suiting, so it’s good for most body types. The detailing tends to be simpler and comes in basic colors like black, grays, and blues. Also if you like your suiting to be thicker fabric than usual this is your brand.

CK has some gorgeous business dresses that you can pair with a blazer. Like this dress with a light weight flutter sleeve top and skirt bottom with flattering belt. Pair it with their blazer that has contour seaming and secures with a single button for a smart finish.

Halogen is another Nordstrom private label brand, found in the Point of View department. Its fits tend to be much younger than that of the Semantiks brand. Its pants fit straight up and down for a more narrow hip body “boyish” type.

This brand has a lot of separates options with cute jackets, trousers, skirts, blouses, and cardigans. Though Halogen has some stylish youthful detailing watch out for garments that get to be a little too detailed, make sure its evenly styled. For example if it has a stylized lapel on a jacket and decorative buttons make sure the pockets are not too much as far as size and placement.