Bay Area Fashionista

Spring 2011 Jewelry Trends: The Double Cuff

 in General Fashion / Jewelry / Trends  tagged cuffs / spring 2011 / summer 2011 by

The cuff was one of the prominent bracelet styles on the runway for spring 2011. Designers showed cuffs in various colors of metals as well as fabrications. The cuffs on the New York, Paris, Milan and London runways were, in general, embellished with semi-precious stones, carved or anything but plain. The solid metal, polished cuff from last year was scarcely seen on the runway as designers opted for more unique and eye-catching styles.

In addition to ornate cuffs, the cuffs were not left to adorn just one arm, no no! Designers created two matching cuffs and placed one on the left and one on the right. The double cuff was prominent on the runways and took fashion savvy onlookers back to earlier in the century when the double cuff was the only way to wear a cuff bracelet. The difference between the double cuff trend for spring 2011 and the double cuff trend from yesteryear is that the current cuffs are embellished, whereas last time around the cuffs were polished and simplistic silver or gold.

Resort, which is usually a snapshot into spring, did feature the double cuff in it’s previous form; highly polished metal. Designers such as Celine showed highly polished silver and gold double cuffs in their resort or cruise collections taking Fashionistas back in time. While other designers, such as Chanel, went right for the spring trend of the embellished double cuff.

Chanel showed double cuffs for both cruise and spring with chunks of varying colors of semi-precious stones. Derek Lam featured double cuffs in heavy, multi-colored metal with heft. Stella McCartney created cuffs that appeared to look like tuxedo cuffs with black enamel set into brass. 
The majority of the cuffs from the spring 2011 runways are bold, over 2″ thick and embellished. There was not one dominant metal color as silver, yellow gold, rose gold, brass and dark metals were shown. This is one trend where you can shop your jewelry box for cuffs from the last time this trend was hot. Otherwise, this is a good time to start looking for a fabulous cuff times two. Of course, the more embellished with semi-precious stones, the higher price. Thankfully there are jewelry lines which are more affordable for buying in two’s. H & M has several cuffs with heft or embellishments that are right on trend for spring. Cookie Lee also offers fabulous cuffs at fabulous prices. Happy Shopping and stay fabulous 

Spring 2011 Fashion Trends: Rocker Chic

 in General Fashion / Shoes / Trends  tagged rocker chic / spring 2011 / summer 2011 by

Rocker Chic appeared on many of the spring 2011 runways including Burberry Prorsum and Chanel. The Rocker Chic trend includes black leather pants, black leather shorts, motorcycle jackets, leather skirts, studs, fingerless gloves, heavy make-up and edgy jewelry. Unlike the Rocker Chic trend a few years back, the spring 2011 trend is sleeker and more understated than the last time around.

Designers included small studs in both gold and silver on the spring runways for 2011. The studs appeared mainly on accessories such as handbags, shoes, gloves and cuffs. The studded handbags from a few years back were heavily studded and included large hardware on the straps. For spring 2011 the studs are more minimal; being shown as trim around the edges of handbags.

The Rocker Chic footwear for spring 2011 included motorcycle style boots; both ankle and knee high. The boots include studs, buckles and zipper-like details as well as other, small metal embellishments.

Rocker Chic is a trend which is not being done head-to-toe for spring 2011. The look is to be understated with one or two hardcore pieces mixed together with basics or minimalist pieces. You can pair studded footwear with Levi’s and a tee-shirt or a motorcycle jacket over a soft sundress with classic sandals. You may want to look for one or two pieces of this trend that catch your eye such as a handbag or fabulous pair of boots, and then mix the items in with the rest of your wardrobe.

This is one trend that can easily be found in many Fashionistas closet’s. Since the Rocker Chic trend was around just about three to four years ago, many fashion savvy shoppers have motorcycle boots and black leather tucked away in their closets. Also, Balenciaga lovers will be right on trend with their BBags in any style of hardware.

The Rocker Chic trend can easily be found on store shelves right now, making it one of spring’s trends that can be jump started right now. Nine West currently has fabulous ankle booties with studs for fall which can be worn now throughout 2011; after all, the ankle bootie is a huge shoe trend for spring 2011 too! In fact, the Nine West collection for fall includes multiple rocker chic pieces which can easily carry you into fall, and the prices are not too shocking on the wallet  Happy Shopping and stay fabulous 

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Fall boots from Nine West at Nordstrom Valley Fair. Photo Credit: Bay Area Fashionista ©2010

Fabulous and fashionable umbrellas

 in General Fashion  tagged fall 2010 / rain gear / umbrellas / winter 2011 by

One of the more cumbersome parts of a rainy day is the need for an umbrella. Fashion savvy men and women spend time on their hair and putting an outfit together, the last thing anyone wants to happen is to look like a bucket of water was dumped on top of their head. Although a hooded rain jacket can sometimes do the trick, hat head can happen easily, therefore ruining a perfectly good hair day. What every fashion conscious man and women needs is a fabulous and fashionable umbrella.

Say goodbye to a boring black umbrella! Unless you are taking public transportation or plan to be outdoors where you might need to place your umbrella on the ground, there is no need for a black umbrella. Black umbrellas are a must for any umbrella collection as they serve a practical purpose, but, when a black umbrella is not needed to hide the dirt, a fabulous umbrella is in order.

There are plenty of ways to express your fashion savvy knowledge through an umbrella. There are classic umbrellas such as the nova check umbrella from Burberry or a signature G umbrella from Gucci and there are also fashion forward designer umbrellas such as the patterns from Marc Jacobs. These are both good ways to express your fashionable side as the sky opens up.

There are also umbrellas which fit into the current trends. A vintage umbrella is a great way to match your umbrella to your vintage, fall outfit. Why not use a 1960’s umbrella paired with a mod dress and fabulous, brightly colored rain boots! A vintage floral umbrella can easily blend with the current feminine trend and carry you into spring when the rain showers appear and you are wearing spring’s hot floral print trend. A floral umbrella can even spice up a solid, pale colored outfit; another trend for spring 2011. A floral vintage umbrella can also double as a parasol when the sun is shining bright in the spring and summer.

Getting married during the rain? There are even wedding umbrellas to match that fabulous Vera Wang wedding gown! Why not use a petticoat white umbrella which can easily double as a parasol in warm weather.

Although umbrellas are practical and a necessity of life when it comes to a rainy day, there is always a reason to find a fabulous and fashionable umbrella. Even better if that umbrella can double as a parasol in the warm weather. Classic and fashionable umbrellas can be found at stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Unique umbrellas can be found at umbrellas.net. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.