Bay Area Fashionista

All about the Chloe Hudson

Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott (with gold and tigers eye) / Lipstick: Chanel Melancolie / Top: Frame Denim (last seen here) / Bracelets: Kendra Scott (with gold and tigers eye, and gold with white pearl)/ Nail Polish: Chanel Fortissimo / Handbag: Chloe / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity petite (cute reg flares here) / Boots: Tory Burch

Have you ever put an outfit together for the benefit of your handbag? It is something I find myself doing quite often when I have a new handbag. I pre-ordered this Chloe Hudson in early summer, so now that I have it, I had to design my outfit around it.

The Chloe Hudson has an obvious, 1970’s influence. Since I wanted a casual look for the weekend, I decided to play off the 70’s style and wear my favorite pair of flare jeans. In order to not compete with the handbag, I paired the jeans with classic black boots, and my favorite black top; which I wore recently at fashion week, and find myself reaching for often. I thought the basic outfit would draw the eye to the handbag.

As you know, I love handbags; and Chloe is one of my favorite handbag designers. The Chloe Hudson first caught my eye when it sailed down the runway for fall 2015. I was excited when it became available for pre-order a few months ago. The original delivery date was in November, but thankfully, it came in September. I’m in love!

I am looking forward to pairing my Chloe Hudson with a variety of looks this fall. I have more casual outfits in mind, and cannot wait to pair it with my suede skirt, last seen here, and more! It also made an appearance on the spring 2016 runway, so this handbag definitely has longevity. Love that!

For the fall and winter season, I also found I needed a new pair of black boots. I am thrilled to have found this classic pair by Tory Burch. The sole has a small lug sole which will be perfect in the winter season to help keep me from slipping on wet sidewalks, or icy surfaces. They may have to come with me to fashion week in February!

Do you ever find yourself designing your outfit around your handbag?

I will be reviewing my new Chloe Hudson later this week, so stay tuned for the upcoming post!

Betsey Johnson spring 2016 New York Fashion Week

Photos: Cathy OBrien/Bay Area Fashionista

Betsey Johnson sent her spring/summer 2016 collection down the New York Fashion Week runway on September 11, 2015. This was no ordinary Betsey Johnson spring 2016 collection, this was her 50th anniversary celebration collection; which was beyond any other runway performance at fashion week.

Although my photos are not very good since I was sitting towards the back, you can see there was fun to be had on the runway. Betsey Johnson featured segments on her runway which celebrated themes from decades throughout her career. The models walked down the right side of the runway, then back up the left, then they stepped onto a platform runway which was placed in the middle of the regular runway; and they walked down that, then stood in line dancing! It was unlike any runway show I have seen thus far.

When all of the models were dancing on the raised runway at the end of each segment, Betsey Johnson told a poem which related to the decade theme of the segment. The themes were playful, saucy, and downright fun! Isn’t that what Betsey Johnson is all about? FUN!

Throughout the decades, Betsey Johnson played with prints, color, bold accessories, and silhouettes. The spring 2016 collection evoked the correct vibe for each decade, yet offered something fresh and modern on each piece. This made the collection ideal to wear, while feeling a little bit of historical significance with each piece. This fusion between modernity and historical fashion is hard to achieve, of course, Betsey achieved it effortlessly. Love it!

Of course, to close the show, in true Betsey Johnson style, she came down to the end of the runway surrounded in large silver balloons which read “50.” At the end of the runway, Betsey herself did one of her signature cartwheels which had the crowd standing, cheering, and clapping on their feet. I have never been at a fashion show where people stand and cheer like they are at football game before. It is amazing how Betsey Johnson knows how to bring the FUN into fashion. Which is what fashion is really about. It is wearable art which expresses who you are; so why not be fun!

To learn more about Betsey Johnson, please click here.

Video credit: FatalefashionIII (they have amazing videos, I recommend subscribing)

Loafers, creepers and oxfords for fall 2015

From top left: black oxfords / oxblood creepers (under $100!)/ black creepers (I own these and love them!)/ stacked heel loafers / low heel loafers (under $200!)/ iridescent creepers

Loafers, creepers and oxfords are a huge trend for the fall 2015 season. With the menswear trend continuing from last year, it is no wonder that this trend in shoes is still hotter than hot.

Creepers, loafers and oxfords not only complete a menswear inspired ensemble, they also offer a nod to 90’s inspired styles which are still very much on trend on the streets. Oxfords, loafers and creepers were a huge trend in footwear in the early 1990’s. So it is only natural that this trend in shoes return when waistlines on denim are on the rise, cut-outs on jeans are considered du rigueur, and crop tops are perfectly acceptable shirts.

The fabulous part about this footwear trend, is that it is comfortable! The lug soles found on loafers, creepers and oxfords offer extra comfort for the footbed. They also offer traction in icy conditions, and during rain. Love that!

Creepers, loafer and oxfords can be worn with both casual attire, and business casual ensembles. They look fabulous with boyfriend jeans, overalls, and full or a-line skirts. This is considered the “street version” of the trend.

For a menswear look, oxfords, loafers and creepers look amazing with full or wide leg trousers paired with a blouse, shirt or sweater. An unstructured blazer could complete the look if one needed an extra layer in the office. This is how the trend was shown on the runways for fall.

The lug sole is an important aspect of this shoe trend. Creepers, oxfords and loafers for fall 2015 can be found with traditional, flat soles; but these are considered a more classic version of the style. For the fashion-forward version of this shoe trend, look for 90’s friendly lug soles. You will love the lug sole since it adds height, like a platform, and grips the ground during inclement weather. Love that!

I found a few fabulous pairs of oxfords, loafers and creepers around the web and assembled them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

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