Bay Area Fashion


Classic mustard wrap dress for fall by San Francisco designer Karen Klein

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pictured: silver ball earrings c/o SugarFix by BaubleBar / Bobbi Brown lipstick “Plum” / mustard wrap dress c/o Karen Klein / Chloe Nile / black and silver leather watch / Chanel fall nail polish / bold silver cuff (on major sale!) / Gucci slides

Mustard is such a hot color this fall! Although it is a traditional autumn hue, it has not been as popular as it is this season for many, many years! This is actually the first time mustard has been popular that I have put it into my closet, and loved it!

I was thrilled when Karen Klein reached out to me to introduce me to her collection. Her collection has several mustard pieces in classic, and fashion-forward styles; so I was excited to learn more about her, and share the collection with you! Karen Klein is a local, San Francisco Bay Area designer. Her designs come to life right here in San Francisco! I love that her clothing is not only made in the USA, it is made in San Francisco! Love!

Karen Klein clothing is fabulous because it is made to fit any shape or size. When I attend fashion week in New York, I see SO MANY styles go down the runway that can only be worn by a size 000. If you look around you, how many people are a size 000? Um, I rarely see one! Most people walking around are wearing sizes much higher then 000, 00, 0, 2, and 4. The last time I wore a 4 I was a freshman in high school. I wear an 8 now, and I am perfectly happy with my size. It is so refreshing to look at Karen Klein’s collection and know that all of it will not only fit me, but it will look good on me! Let’s face it, just because something comes in your size, does not mean it will look good. Karen Klein’s clothing just looks good on any size body!

When I look good, I feel good. I love clothing which makes me feel secure in myself. This wrap dress looks good, and it is really comfortable, Plus, it can double as a topper over jeans, and a thin sweater when the weather gets cooler this winter. I look forward to wearing it over jeans-and yes, I will post that look later in the season when the weather calls for it.

In addition to this dress, I also have this black dress by Karen Klein, and this fabulous jacket. Those too, will come to the blog soon! So stay tuned. . .

Be sure to check out more from Karen  Klein at her website, UbyKarenKlein.com

My accessories:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

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Fall menswear blazers and how to style one

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fall menswear blazers outfit: large gold hoop earrings / Bobbi Brown lipstick “Lilac” / black short sleeve tee / oversize menswear blazer / distressed boyfriend jeans / Chloe handbag / Chanel holiday nail polish / black boots (old, similar pair here on major sale!)

The menswear trend is still going strong, and fall menswear blazers are a huge way to rock this runway trend on the street. I love the menswear blazer trend, because it reminds me of one of my favorite trends from the 1990s; the blazer trend!

In the 1990s, the blazers we wore over jeans were usually gabardine, or a rougher wool fabrication. They were typically black, or near black. My blazer was by DKNY and it was such a dark shade of green, most people mistook it for black. I loved that blazer, and wore it often. Now that the trend has returned, I am sad that I don’t own it any more!

The difference between the menswear blazer trend of the 1990s, and the fall menswear blazers trend of 2017, is that we have more options this time around. The perfect fall blazer does not need to be black, or near black. It can be any color from this season’s color palette; plus, it can be houndstooth or plaid. Love that!

If you are wondering how to wear the fall menswear blazers trend, it is super easy; just add jeans! Menswear blazers look on point this season when paired with jeans. While you can throw one over a dress, the ideal way to wear one is with jeans. It is an easy outfit to create, it’s comfortable, and it can make any jeans and tee combo look put together. Love!

I’m really happy with the blazer I found for the fall season. It isn’t too heavy, so I can wear it when temperatures reach the 70’s. Since our fall season here in the Bay Area is typically moderate to warm, this weight of jacket is perfect. The oversize silhouette is flattering too; if you have some junk in the trunk you would like to hide, like I do. haha Lastly, I am in love with the frayed hemline on this blazer. I think it adds a little somethin’ somethin’.

Shop my fall menswear blazer outfit:

What do you think of the menswear blazer trend this season? Will you be rocking it too?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

how to style fall menswear blazers


Academy of Art spring 2018 and fall 2018 NYFW

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One of my favorite runways to see when I attend New York Fashion Week is the Academy of Art University’s collections. When I was a student at the University of San Francisco, we socialized with the kids from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, so I have always felt a tie to the school. As one of the most world renowned art schools, I am also proud to say it is located right here in the Bay Area. I love seeing the fresh take on fashion that students from the University produce. They are the future of the fashion industry. Seeing their show, is getting a glimpse into the future of what emerging designers will create for us to wear.

For the spring 2018, and fall 2018 seasons, the Academy of Art University showcased ten emerging designers from both the BFA and MFA programs. The designers took their inspiration from the world around them; including San Francisco’s own landscape.

The designers from the Academy of Art University who showed at New York Fashion Week included; Hailun Zhou, Eden Slzin, Dina Marie Lam, Carlos Rodriguez, Rheanna Oliver-Palanca, Saya Shen, Joanna Jadallah, Cana Klebanoff, Ryan Yu, and Jelly Shan.

“Every year our designers have shown an amazing showcase of their talent and this year is no exception. This group has crafted each collection, and every piece within their collection has its own unique identity,” comments Jayne Foster, Graduate Director of Fashion. “They have stayed true to their vision and pushed their creative process into collections that show exploration of silhouette and textile techniques. These are the designers who will inspire and lead the next generation of new creatives. It has been a privilege to work with them.”

While the spring 2018, and fall 2018 collections offer an artistic take on fashion, they do reflect what we see trending in the world of fashion for the upcoming year. Hot trends for 2018, spotted on the Academy of Art’s runway include; black/white, geometric silhouettes, silver/metallic, knits, prints, suiting, and the emergence of one piece dressing for men.

To learn more about the Academy of Art’s spring 2018, fall 2018 New York Fashion Week runway show, as well as the designers, please visit FashionSchoolDaily.com. To learn more about the University, please visit AcademyArt.edu

My iPhone final walk video: