General Fashion

Pop of green on a cold day

 in General Fashion / Jewelry  tagged bottega veneta / casual style / express / lois hill jewelry / outfits / winter 2023 by

Wearing: sunglasses / star necklace c/o Lois Hill (under $100, use code CathyO-20 to save 20%) / black long sleeve tee / black sweater coat / spring nail polish / bracelets c/o Lois Hill (use code CathyO-20 to save 20%) / green shoulder bag / straight leg jeans (under $100) / golden boots /

We had a tiny little glimpse at spring, and then boom! The weather swung back to winter! Thankfully this sweater coat is super cozy and perfect for staying warm when the weather drops into chilly temperatures.

In order to spice up this basic black sweater coat, I added this beautiful silver jewelry and a pop of green. After all, green is predicted to be one of the top three colors of 2023! So, if you like green, this is your year! Love that!

My spring 2023 trend report is coming up very soon, and one of the topics I will discuss is jewelry. As we move towards anonymous handbags, and far away from loud logos, the trends in jewelry are returning to a more classic and investment minded look. This year, it is time to invest in timeless pieces that can be layered or worn alone. Jewelry should transcend trends, and be something you can invest in. You will want to look for pieces that can be worn for years, even decades. Jewelry you can pass down to your children is main goal. Of course, the early 2000’s bling look is currently reserved for dressier, or formal, occasions. This means for our daily jewelry pieces we want casual investment pieces, or investment pieces we can wear with both jeans and our little black dress. This is why I am in love with Lois Hill Jewelry. They have beautiful, crafted pieces you can layer, wear alone, dress up or down, and wear forever. Love that!

In addition to timeless jewelry, the color trends for 2023 are happy and bright. As you know, magenta and shades of red or pink are hot this year. In addition to magenta, red, and pink, we are looking at colors from the orange family and also the green family. I am not a big fan of the orange family, but when it comes to green, I am huge fan! I love green! Since it is still winter, my green handbag is perfect for rocking the green trend. As I shop for spring, I will be keeping my eyes open for more green; and pink. I love pink too!

Stay tuned! My complete spring 2023 trend report is coming up next on the blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

BAF Weekly IT List

 in General Fashion  tagged baf weekly it list / spring 2023 / winter 2023 by

BAF Weekly IT List from top left: black shoulder bag / star necklace (under $100, use code CathyO-20 to save 20%) / Chanel nail polish / Dior spring nail polish / spring sweater / straight jeans (on sale, under $50) / silver bracelet ( use code CathyO-20 to save 20%) / green handbag / black classic satchel / ivory moon shaped bag / lug sole boots /

Can you believe it is already the end of February? Where did this month go? Mother nature gave us a few spring-like days in February, but now the weather is back to freezing: despite the beautiful blossoms on display all over town. I love seeing the Cherry Blossoms, pear trees, and magnolias in full bloom. The camelias bloomed late this year, so they are still putting on a show, making it a beautiful sight around Silicon Valley, this almost-spring season!

Looking at all these blossoms as I drive around, bundled up in my coat, makes me dream of the spring season. Therefore, I am making sure my closet is ready for the day when 70 degrees hits again!

This spring we are looking at straight leg jeans, flare jeans, and wide legs jeans for casual days. For office attire, look for straight trousers, and wide leg trousers. Skirt lengths are above the knee for structured looks, and for flowing looks, it’s all about the maxi.

Of course, when it comes to handbags, small or medium satchels, shoulder bags, and hobo bags are still hotter than hot. Shoes are trending towards a square toe, and street sneakers are still a thing.

The overall vibe this spring, as well as throughout 2023, is classic, investment style dressing. When it comes to jewelry, look for classic, thoughtful pieces. I am in love with these silver pieces from Lois Hill Jewelry right now. They are timeless and can be layered or worn alone. Lois Hill Jewelry looks fabulous with office attire and casual looks, as well as going out ensembles. I love them so much, they gave me a coupon code to share with you. You can use code CathyO-20 to save 20% on your purchase on their website! Love that!

Stay tuned! My spring 2023 trend report will come out soon!

Shop the BAF Weekly IT List online:

What are you looking forward to this upcoming spring season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Fall 2023 trends from NYFW

 in General Fashion / Trends  tagged fall 2023 / kevan hall / laquan smith / new york fashion week / nyfw fw23 / runway trends / sally lapointe / son jung wan / tadashi shoji / tanya taylor / winter 2024 by
Pictured: Sally LaPointe / Tanya Taylor (PR Photos)

The last model has walked off the fall/winter 2023/2024 runway in New York, and we are left with continuing trends, as well as a few new ones. So get ready!

The fall 2023 season is looking a little bit brighter, and also giving consumers celebratory styles to covet in the next cool weather season. Designers opted for bright hues, sparkling fabrics, cold shoulder necklines, asymmetrical and dramatic hemlines, power suiting, menswear inspiration, and looks which really show off all the work we have been doing at the gym. Get those abs of steel people!

Pictured: Sally LaPointe / LaQuan Smith (PR Photos)

It doesn’t matter how cold the weather gets; you better be showing off those abs next season! Designers are showing all sorts of cut outs, low waistlines, and cropped styles. Make sure you don’t skip Pilates class, because your abs will be on full display next fall.

Pictured Sally LaPointe / LaQuan Smith / Son Jung Wan (PR Photos)

Classic black and white combos graced the majority of the runways for the fall/winter 2023/2024 as well as all-black ensembles. In contrast, bright hues from all over the rainbow also graced the NYFW runways. Look for solid, tonal looks in bright hues you would expect in the spring or summer, not the fall. Be bright! For the more popular hues, check out the top ten from Pantone.

Pictured: LaQuan Smith / Kevan Hall (PR photos)

Not in the mood to suffer through high heels and a dress? Yeah, I feel ya. The feminine tuxedo is back! This trend is fabulous. It evokes power, plus, you can make multiple outfits with one tuxedo. Invest in one; especially if you go out a lot. Love it!

Pictured: Tanya Taylor / Sally LaPointe / Tadashi Shoji (PR Photos)

Metallics are still hot! Next fall, you will find shiny fabrics, sparkling fabrications, and metallic handbags. You can add a shiny blazer over another outfit for an understated look, or go full head-to-toe metallic. How bright do you want to be?

In addition to the five trends featured in these photos, also look for more oversized bags; we shall see if consumers pick up this trend, so far, it’s a no-go. Also watch for more small satchels; in the fall you will see more kitschy shapes instead of classic lady bag silhouettes. Also, faux and real leather, as well as faux fur, puffy coats, and statement coats. Of course, let’s not forget shoes! The square toe is coming back, so watch for square toes; you will already see them on store shelves now. Start investing!

What do you think of the trends coming in for the fall/winter 2023/2024 season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

*All Photos courtesy of designer PR, collages made by me. Kevan Hall photos by Arun Nevader, courtesy of PR.