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

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 😉


Chanel Cosmic nail polish review

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Photo: Chanel Cosmic nail polish from the “Nuit Magique” collection. Shown with one base coat and two coats of color. Photo taken in direct sun.

Chanel Cosmic is the second of two nail polish hues from Chanel’s limited edition collection “Nuit Magique.” This beautiful, special collection of nail polish was inspired by the fall/winter 2013/2014 runway collection and offers a bridge from the nail polish colors of fall and winter to the darker hues of spring 2014.

That’s right! Spring 2014 will be all about dark nail polish; despite the fact that the apparel of the season will be in medium to pale hues! Chanel Cosmic offers a neutral black background with sparkling star-like shimmer. Inside of Chanel Cosmic nail polish are thousands of beautiful, silvery circles which are tiny and powerful. The sparkles add a “cosmic” element to the nail polish which evokes the feeling of star gazing at night with a loved one.

I wore Chanel Cosmic nail polish with one base coat and two coats of color, no top coat, for a full week. Chanel Cosmic did not chip! The nail polish, which is seemingly black with silver sparkles, looks like a deep chocolate brown in artificial light. I am still convinced it is black and the deep, dark chocolate hue I see while indoors is due to poor lighting. Please leave a comment below if you have tried Chanel Cosmic nail polish and have experienced a similar color phenomena.

Chanel Cosmic nail polish is priced at $27 and can be found at Chanel Boutiques as well as Chanel.com. I have also found a few similar nail polishes around the web at softer price points which  assembled into the shopping widget below. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉


Silver and black

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Photos: Earrings: Kathy Kamei (similar here)/ Lipstick: c/o Laura Mercier Mocha Myth / Top: BCBG (on sale!) / Bracelet: c/o Twisted Silver (use code INSIDERS for 15% off) / Handbag: Chanel (also love SAVE or SPLURGE) / Nail Polish: Chanel Magic / Pants: Gap / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

The weather has warmed up a little bit here in the San Francisco Bay Area which has allowed me to dress lighter than last week and enjoy a few rays of sunshine. Over the weekend I felt like wearing silver and black when spending time with my family and enjoying holiday activities with the kids. The studded sweater I wore was warm and cozy without being too heavy, which was perfect for the sixty degree weather we enjoyed. I am very thankful I found this sweater on sale at the BCBG store at Santana Row in San Jose!

I am also in love with these silver jeans from the Gap. They are comfortable and I was able to buy them in ankle length. Since I am only 5’4″ the ankle length is perfect. When I purchase regular length jeans or pants I always have to hem them or roll them up. These jeans are an easy way to wear the metallic trend this season, and into spring 2014! I am looking forward to pairing them with other colors both casually and dressy.

Have you been wearing the metallic trend this season? If so, what is your favorite metallic hue?