Trends

Which trends to buy, keep and ditch from 2013 into 2014

 in Trends  tagged fall 2014 / resort 2014 / spring 2014 / winter 2014 / winter 2015 by
Buy:

Prints: Prints are still hot! For 2014, look for larger florals, softer colors, graphic prints and statement sprints. 2014 is all about prints, prints, and oh yeah, prints!

Mesh: Mesh detailing was spotted all over the runways for spring 2014. Look for cutouts, trim and details in small to large meshing.

Crop tops: Get going on your ab routine because rock-hard abs are in order for 2014! The crop top has been an emerging trend over the past few years and for 2014 it is hotter than hot. So no excuses, hit the gym!

Sheer details: Look for cut-outs, stripes and other sheer details in every sheer fabric imaginable. Sheer details are being found on everything including tops, skirts, dresses and shoes. Make sure your tan is even!

Florals: Florals did not just appear as prints and patterns on apparel and accessories; florals were shown as 3D details. Look for floral detailing on handbags, shoes and other accessories.

A-line and full skirts: Large, flowing T-Length skirts which could easily use a crinoline underneath dominated the runways. Look for 1950’s inspiration without the poodle dog.

Mini skirts: 1960’s swing is still hot! Look for straight hemlines on dresses and skirts which barely cover what needs to be covered. Please, do everyone a favor and make sure you are wearing full coverage underwear. That’s my two-cents. 😉

Matchy-matchy: Shoes and handbag that match, top/jackets with matching printed bottoms (modern suit-like) are back! Crop tops with matching skirts or pants are also hot. Match it and you’re in like Flynn 😉

Side Slits: Side slits were huge on the runways! Look for double side slits which run almost all the way up the leg on maxi hemlines with a straight silhouette.

Drawstring/bucket bags: The drawstring bag is hotter than hot. It is so hot for 2014, it is on fire! Especially if your drawstring handbag was made by Mansur Gavriel. (Note “IT” bag status). I suggest you run, don’t walk, to purchase a drawstring bag. Now!

Keep:

Maxi dresses and skirts: While not dominating the runway as in seasons past, the maxi length had its place on the spring 2014 runway. I would not overbuy this length as it seems to be on a downward spiral, but it is still relevant for 2014 and a must-keep.

Studs: Studs and spikes have been huge over the past few seasons. While some designers, such as Rebecca Minkoff, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent and Valentino still showed studs for spring/summer 2014, the hardcore rocker chic look is starting to fade. Keep your studs from 2013, but try not to invest in any new hardware for 2014.

Black and white color blocking: While not popular on the runway, many designers are hanging onto the trend and showing black and white color blocking for spring 2014. The trend has been dead on the street since early summer 2013, but since it is still relevant on the runway, you are safe to still rock this trend if you love it.

Mini Handbags: The mini handbag trend from 2013 is still going strong as we move into 2014. Keep on rockin’ those mini-bags you purchased throughout the year.

Elongated pencil skirts: An emerging trend in 2013, the elongated pencil skirt is still going strong in 2014; just make sure you can walk in one.

Ditch:

Large handbags: The large or over-sized handbag trend is over. 2014 is all about keeping things simple and light. Store your large handbags and use them only for travel; or sell them to raise money for purchasing a fabulous drawstring bag.

Neon: You can put your sunglasses away now, no one will be blinding you with their neon threads. Neon is over. It has gone back to the 1980’s and is now a nostalgic memory. Thank goodness!

Peplum: Peplum is feminine and flattering; unfortunately designers did not show the flirty style on the spring 2014 runways. It is time to store your favorite peplum, sell it or donate it to charity.

Platforms: A few platform shoes can be spotted on store shelves for spring 2014; but that doesn’t make it right. Platforms are over. Done.  Kaput. Sell them unless you love them; if you love them-store them. You can always be a disco queen for Halloween 😉

Trend of the moment: black metal

 in Handbags / Jewelry / Shoes / Trends  tagged black / fall 2013 / resort 2014 / spring 2014 / street style trends / winter 2014 by

black metal

Gloves / Bracelets / Watch / Ring / Shoes

One of the big trends to come out of Paris and Milan is the black metal trend. Over the past few years we have seen a big uptick in non-traditional colored metals used in jewelry. One of the popular colored metals in fine jewelry has been black. While this may not seem like an odd color for metal, being that iron is often black, it is not a traditional metal color for jewelry. David Yurman even used blackened silver in his special “Ice” collection for Neiman Marcus several years ago.

As we entered 2013, designers began to use black on items such as handbags and shoes in lieu of traditional yellow, silver or rose-gold metals. The black metal hardware used in accessories offered an edgy yet understated look to luxurious items such as Chanel’s “So Black” classic flap handbag and Valentino’s “Rockstud” handbags and shoes.

With the uptick in black metal being used in accessories, more designers and brands are starting to use black metal in their pieces as an alternative to traditional metals. While black metal will never replace gold, silver or rose-gold metals, it is definitely enjoying its’ place in the accessory spotlight at the moment. It may even be possible that black metal becomes a quiet classic in the accessories hardware department; and possibly in the jewelry department too!

What are your thoughts on black metal? Is this a trend you enjoy wearing? Do you envision it becoming classic over time?

Black metal accessories from around the web:

Street Style Trends 2013 into 2014: Laced Up High Heel Sandals

 in General Fashion / Shoes / Trends  tagged black / resort 2014 / sandals / spring 2014 / street style trends / winter 2014 by

DSC_0008

Photo: Rebecca Minkoff shoes / Essie Nail Polish “For The Twill of It“

There is a hot trend in shoes on the streets, and it is taking fashionable closets by storm. Fashionistas have been spotted everywhere wearing high heeled, black sandals, which can double as pumps, with laces! That’s right! The hottest shoe trend to hit the streets is the laced up high heeled sandal.

This hot shoe trend hit the streets back in spring 2013, but it did not explode until winter 2014. Not dominant on the runway, consumers favored the style when it hit store shelves earlier this year and in response, designers, brands and stores have stocked their shelves for the fall/winter 2013/2014 season with the daring style. This is not a conservative look; these shoes are attention grabbers!

There are several variations of the laced up high heel shoe. Some designers have a true lace-up where the wearer must tie her shoes, while others have false laces that look more like a series of thin straps rather than laces. Both styles are relevant, and fit perfectly into this hot trend.

The laced-up high heel is a great addition to any Fashionistas’ wardrobe. The shoe style can be worn dressed up with skirts, dresses and trousers as well as casually with denim skirts, jeans and sweat-suit trousers. They can be worn during the day, or for evening events. This is one versatile shoe style!

I found a few fabulous pairs of laced-up high heels in black; the hottest hue for this even hotter street style trend. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉