Monthly Archives: August 2011

Fall 2011 Shoe trends: The Loafer Pump

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged fall 2011 / high heels / loafer pumps / winter 2012 by

Shoes styles for fall 2011 are not too much different than the shoe styles we have been seeing over the past several seasons. There are platform pumps, two-tone colored pumps, ankle straps, open toe booties, lace up boots and shades of rose, burgundy and plum. There is one shoe style for fall which is fresh and new, giving Fashionistas a flashback to the mid and late 1990’s; the Loafer Pump.

In the mid to late 1990’s the Loafer Pump was found in everyone’s closet. The versatile shoe was being worn in various styles including penny loafers, oxfords, Mary Janes and classic tassels. The fashion world loved the Loafer Pump since it was heavy enough to be worn with pants yet sleek enough to be paired with a skirt suit or dress.

For fall 2011 the style is back and it is taking store shelves by storm. Everywhere a fall shopper looks the Loafer Pump is calling and telling shoe lovers they need a pair. This season’s Loafer Pump is being shown in a variety of colors as well as color blocking. There are classic penny loafers and styles with tassels as well as designer interpretations of the shoe.

The fabulous thing about a pair of Loafer Pumps is that they can be worn with almost anything; making them the perfect shoe for business travel as well as any vacation. It is always easier to pack one pair of shoes rather than five!

When shopping for a Loafer Pump this season, look for more classic and neutral styles which can carry you into 2012. There is a good chance the Loafer Pump, being new on the scene, will continue for many seasons to come. By making a neutral investment this season, you will find the shoes pay for themselves over the next few years. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

Fall 2011 nail trends trends: The new nail length

 in Beauty / Nail Polish / Trends  tagged celebrity style / fall 2011 by

Nails are getting a new look for fall 2011. Gone are the days of short, neat nails. Fall 2011 nails are going to new lengths; long lengths. Over the past four years nails have been short and sweet; which has been in line with the dark nail polish colors that have been du rigueur of late. Short fingernails have been the perfect canvas for dark colors. Nail polish does not chip as easily or quickly when nails are short; allowing dark colors to last longer than if they were painted on long nails.

Although dark polish is still very much the look for fall, nails are turning up their nose to practicality and going long; very long. The long fingernail is back and reminding Fashionistas of days when they needed to use a pencil to hit the buttons on their calculator.

The shape of the tip of the nail is very important for fall too. The shape of the tip needs to be very distinct in the form of squared off, sharply pointed or well rounded.  Celebrities such as Fergie, Rihanna and Lady Gaga have been spotted wearing the new length in fingernails with very pointed tips.

Will this bring fashion-savvy nail polish lovers back to having tips applied? Perhaps. It should be interesting to see if this new look in nail length makes it off the runways, red carpets, stages, pages of glossy magazines and onto the hands of the fabulously fashionable.

 

Finger nails by bayareafashionista featuring chanel beauty products

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: Below the Knee Hemlines

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged dresses / fall 2011 / runway / runway trends / skirts by

Hemlines have taken a tumble; below the knee that is. One of the biggest trends on the fall 2011 runwayswas the feminine or “Ladylike” trend. This trend showcased vintage inspired designs with hemlines that hit just below the knee. The skirt length was the only part about the hemlines that showed any consistency. Hemlines were shown in every form from straight around to asymmetrical to wrap.

One trend in skirts that has made a comeback this fall is the fluted hemline. This trend was huge in 2004 and it has come back with a vengeance. The fluted skirt is a pencil skirt with a sudden flair from just below mid-thigh to below the knee. This sassy style has a 1940’s vibe and works perfectly with the season’s biggest handbag silhouette; the top handle tote.

Dresses and skirts with the new hem length are also being shown in a variety of fabrications including silk, sheer chiffon, velvet and wool. In addition, patterned fabric, plaids and solid colors are being shown on skirts; giving every Fashionista a chance to rock this trend for fall.

The new, longer hemline is a breath of fresh air for those who have loathed the shorter than short hemline in recent seasons. Although the below-the-knee hemline might appear matronly for those who love their minis, the fluted hemline offers a body conscious silhouette that is very demure-think Dita Von Teese!

The silhouette for fall’s new hemline varies drastically depending upon the designer. Skirts are being shown in every shape imaginable from full skirts to body hugging, curve boasting pencil silhouettes. Whichever shape you prefer, you cannot go wrong. This season look for a silhouette which compliments your shape; as long as the hemline hits below-the-knee you are on-trend and fabulous for fall!

Wondering how to wear the new hem? Always wear heels since the below the knee length can shorten you. If you are under 5’4” opt for a platform pump and stay away from ankle straps or ankle booties which will shorten your leg. Also, since leg coverings are du rigueur for autumn, try to keep the color of your skirt, leg coverings and shoe close together. This will also help elongate your legs and keep them from looking short. As always, happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

knee length skirts by bayareafashionista featuring a pull on skirt