Spring 2012 handbag trends: the IT list is in

The handbag trends from the spring 2012 runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London gave handbag fans and Fashionistas everywhere a sneak peek into which trends are continuing from 2011 into 2012, as well as which trends are taking the world by storm. Bold color, daytime clutches and satchels showed themselves yet again, signaling they are three trends worth investing in now; since they are not going anywhere in 2012. Newer trends to watch for are the return of decadent luxury, black/white, color blocking, casual tote bags and sweet details such as bows.

1)      Bold Color: Bright, neon and bold colors were du rigueur in 2011 and are showing no sign of stopping as we head into 2012. Handbags have been anything but neutral and colorful bags are even more important as we head into spring and summer 2012. Look for bold shades of orange, pink, yellow, green and blue.

2)      Color Blocking: Blocks of color took the spring 2012 runways by storm. Look for handbags with two or three shades on them; preferably colors you would not expect together such as orange and pink.

3)      Shimmer and Shine: This is not a season to hide in the shadows. Look for shimmering and shiny details such as patent leather, faux patent, glittering beadwork, sequins and anything that will catch the sun.

4)      Decadent Luxury: The only reason a handbag should be plain and simple is if it is a solid color of neon or other hue requiring sunglasses. Go lux.

5)      Satchels: The double handle satchel is a classic yet very important handbag style for spring 2012. If you cannot handle going bright, pick a classic satchel in beige or black-just make sure it has some details on it. Look for inspiration from the Chloe Marcie.

6)      Totes: The ultimate handbag for the weekend this spring 2012 season is the casual tote. Look for color blocking, plaid or any kitschy fabrication. The tote should be roomy enough for a beach towel without being roomy enough to tote the kitchen sink; literally.

7)      Daytime Clutches: The clutch has been one of the most important handbags in 2011 and is showing no sign of slowing down for 2012. Look for bright colors and enough room for your daily handbag essentials.

8)      Going Vegan: There is a huge move away from animal by products and towards vegan fashion. Faux leathers and materials are hot for spring. Look for animal friendly fashion from Stella McCartney, Olsen Haus and Jill Milan. A few designers are starting to add animal friendly items to their collections, look to Valentino for fabulous, non-leather handbags which no-one will ever guess are faux.

9)      Bows: Bows are huge and being found everywhere from details on a shirt to the main feature of a handbag. Show your sweet side with a bow. Our favorite way to wear this trend is with one of Valentino’s bow handbags. Valentino makes the bow sophisticated and uptown; love it!

10)   Metallic touches: Metallic has been in style for the past few years and is showing no sign of fading for spring 2012. Combine metallic’s with bright colors for an over-the-top statement or use it to update your basic black wardrobe.

11)   Black and White: Black and white geometric patterns and color blocked apparel and handbags are hot for spring 2012. 

 

The verdict is in. Look for bright colors and classic silhouettes for the ultimate spring handbag wardrobe. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest, most fabulous and fashionable Thanksgiving ever!

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Cojo reveals the hottest trends from the red carpet for the holiday season: exclusive interview

Cojo took time out of his busy schedule on Thursday to talk to me about this season’s hottest trends which have come straight off the red carpet; and according to Cojo, “The red carpet has become the ultimate runway.” What celebrities have been wearing on the red carpet translates well into reality.

Cathy: The holidays seem to be approaching so quickly this year! What do you see as the biggest fashion trends this holiday season?

Cojo: The tux jacket. Tuxedo jackets are everywhere in L.A., and we are seeing them in gabardine with satin piping. Tuxedo jackets are being worn with jeans and with dresses. In fact, I just saw some at TJMaxxand at Marshalls. They have tuxedo jackets from huge designers you would see at luxury department stores. The tuxedo jacket is so versatile and easy to wear; it is a great way to update a dress from last year. In fact, I have seen Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwenyth Paltrow wearing tuxedo jackets.

Faux fur is huge this year; emphasis on FAUX. Incredible faux fur vests and faux chinchilla are huge. This season is all about decadent luxury. Faux fur can easily be dressed up or down. I have also seen incredible faux fur at TJMaxx and Marshalls.

Cathy: One of the challenges in staying fashionable during the winter season is the weather. How do you recommend staying fashionable and warm during the rain or snow this holiday season?

Cojo: It’s not about utility anymore. You can look just as fashionable in the rain or snow as you can any day of the year. Throw on boots, cardigans, cable knit sweaters. It’s important to have a winter coat that is in a cheerful, beautiful color such as bright pink/fushia. There are so many rain boots in incredible colors out there as well. There is no reason to have boring rain boots.

Cathy: Leg coverings are a huge trend right now. How do you recommend wearing this trend?

Cojo: Tights are everywhere, there is tights fever. There is a move away from wearing leggings and into wearing tights. Tights are also a practical and great way to cover up and look great at the same time.

Cathy: Some holiday events call for “festive casual” attire. How would you recommend dressing for this type of event?

Cojo: For festive casual, I would say wear layers and accessories. Keep the dress simple and add sparkles and accessories. Add a bejeweled clutch and a chunky necklace. Keep the wardrobe simple and make a statement with accessories. Scarves, bangles-they can make the outfit pop. Statement earrings and giant earrings are huge this season. We are used to celebrities such as Michelle Williams keeping it clean and understated; now we are seeing the same celebrities wearing statement accessories. TJMaxx and Marshalls have a huge selection of statement accessories.

Cathy: What trends are you seeing for men this holiday season?

Cojo: There is a resurgence of preppy formal. We are seeing bow ties and a move away from black. No more “Mad Men” looks. Men can update their look with a bow tie that has polka dots and they can also add finishing pieces such as a pocket square with polka dots. It’s all about accessories. We are also seeing a lot of burgundy and red this season for men. There is also a lot of mixing high and low together; it’s street cred with a hipper edge. I just got a plaid tie at TJMaxx for $9.99, and I wear it with my designer navy suit. It’s fun to wear bright bow ties and pocket squares this season.

Cojo: George Clooney and Hugh Jackman are the epitome of modern elegance. They are well dressed men.

Cathy: There are men out there who don’t like wearing a tux for formal events. What alternative do these men have for formal attire?

Cojo: To pass for formal, they need a black or navy suit. They need to add very dressy finishing’s. A silk or satin tie, formal cuff links with faux diamonds, patent leather shoes; formal finishing’s and a fancy tie will raise the level to formal.

Cathy: What is one style tip you give your clients that you would like to share with our readers?

Cojo: Quality. One well-made thing is better than fifty cheap things. Look for investment pieces. I love TJMaxx and Marshalls because they give accessibility to big designers with the best cuts, fabrics and drape; at affordable prices. Shop wisely.

*Special THANK YOU to Cojo for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk about the current trends and share his style secrets with us. THANK YOU!

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