Bay Area Fashionista

The Lady Bag for fall

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged fall 2011 / runway trends / satchels / winter 2012 by

The “Lady Bag,” or top handle satchel, was a huge handbag trend for fall 2010. When the spring 2011 runway collections hit the catwalk, the top handle satchel was nearly absent; minus the classic designers who keep the style in their collections regardless of the trends du jour. While Hermes and Christian Dior showed Lady Bag styles for spring, most designers such as Roberto Cavalli and Gucci opted for the trendier, 1970’s inspired shoulder bag with a long strap.

Consumers and Fashionistas everywhere were not ready for the classic yet trendy “Lady Bag” to fade into the background for spring, so shoppers continued to purchase the handbag style and store buyers happily stocked shelves with the satchel. Due to the demand for the classic top handle satchel, designers retuned the style to the runways for fall 2011; as if the handbag had never left the catwalk.

Almost every designer imaginable featured the top handle satchel for fall 2011 on their runways in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Some designers such as Christian Dior, featured the style with a detachable cross body strap to add versatility to the style. Gianfranco Ferre and Nina Ricci showed the classic silhouette with one top handle while Hermes and Christian Dior showed double handle totes for fall.

Whether you purchase the double or single handle style “Lady Bag,” the handbag is a classic and perfectly on trend for now into fall. The best colors to look for when purchasing a top handle satchel are neutrals that will last the test of time such as shades of Ivory, black, brown and navy. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

Project Ethos Fashion.Music.Art San Francisco 2011

 in Bay Area Fashion / Events / General Fashion / Local Designers  tagged project ethos / spring 2011 / summer 2011 by

Project Ethos Fashion*Music*Art took place on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Ruby Skye in San Francisco and it showcased up and coming artists, musicians and designers as well as the new swimwear collection from Frederick’s of Hollywood.

The event began fashionably late and featured amazing artists who showcased everything from photography, to art with a message. A little over an hour after the event began; Geographer took the stage and wowed the crowd with a fusion between alternative rock and new wave sounds. The violinist wasa-ma-zing! Who knew a violin could rock out like that!?

After Geographer’s performance, there was a DJ set by Gio of The Limousines for about one hour and then it was time for Frederick’s of Hollywood’s swimwear collection to kick off the runway show.Frederick’s of Hollywood showed amazing swimwear for spring and summer that was unique and flirty; perfect for basking in the sun at Stinson Beach or enjoying the scene in Santa Cruz.

The designers featured long, red carpet gowns, swimwear and daytime attire that was unique and easy to wear. In addition to Frederick’s of Hollywood, designers showcased during the event included Cardiwarp by Kymaro, Danielle the Dressmaker, Lucy Bea Swimwear, MENK Clothing and Zoe Hong.

Artists featured at Project Ethos included Odeh Amarin, Kristine Baguiao, Alejandro Chavetta, Arnold Randall, Gabriel Schama and Karina Sagastegui.

For more information about Project Ethos, please visit projectethos.com

 

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: Vintage

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged 1930s / 1940s / 1960s / 1970s / 1980s / fall 2011 / runway trends / vintage styles by

The fall 2011 runways in New York, Milan and Paris gave the fashion world a glimpse of what will be hitting store shelves later this year. Although there were many trends and unique looks from designers around the world in February, March and April, one of the more dominant trends from the runway was the vintage trend.

The vintage trend seems to make its way onto the runways every season in various forms from accessories to hair-styles to overall silhouettes and ensembles. The fall 2011 runways seemed to favor a few time periods this season which are continuing from spring 2011 as well as appearing for the first time in a few years.

The 1960’s and 1970’s were all over the spring 2011 runways and continued to make an impact for fall 2011. Designers such as Blumarine (1960’s) and Marc by Marc Jacobs (1970’s) featured a simple decade in their collections and created an instant vibe that took viewers back to a different time. The influence in the runway collections as a whole from these decades gave the fashion world a continuation of 1960’s bright colors, 1970’s wide leg pants, 1970’s hats, 1970’s shoulder bags and shoes from both eras.

The 1980’s also made a small appearance on the fall 2011 runways. Dolce & Gabbana created collection for fall which instantly took the fashion world back to a time of bubble gum pop, oversized shirts and eclectic mixtures of colors. The 1980’s showed Fashionistas that mixing colors and loose tops over thin bottoms are du rigueur for fall 2011.

The Great Recession has led designers to be inspired by the styles of the Great Depression. Designers such as Louis Vuitton showed vintage silhouettes from the 1930’s and 1940’s with top handle satchels, below the knee skirts and ladylike looks that evoke memories of black and white film.

The vintage trend for fall 2011 is diverse and includes contrasting decades and influences from bright and swinging eras as well as times of struggle. It should be interesting to see which time periods buyers decide to gravitate towards.