winter 2011


Fall Fashion Trends: Jewel Tone Colors

There are so many different trends for Fall this year. Fashionistas are looking forward to the vintage trend with styles from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. There is also the return of minimalism giving Fashionistas the simple, solid color look, sans jewelry, from the 1990’s. Other prominent trends we are seeing for Fall include lace, pops of red, full skirts, lady handbags, animal prints, chunky knit sweaters and light eye make-up with dark lipstick. There is also another trend popping up for Fall that is being seen on dressier clothing for the office, dinner dates and formal events; jewel tone colors.

Jewel tone colors last made their appearance in the mid-1990’s just before minimalism took over the closet’s of Fashionistas everywhere. In their last run, jewel tones were bright pops of tourmaline pink, emerald green and topaz blue. Tops and dresses matched semi-precious gemstones and candy store finds. For Fall 2010 the jewel tones are more sedate and in line with the darker color palette Fashionistas have traditionally seen for Fall. The blues are deep and the reds have blue undertones. Greens are deep and turquoise is quiet. Purples are bright, yet not blinding. Instead of being shown with black, as jewel tones were in the nineties, Fall 2010 is giving Fashionistas jewel tones alone.

Emilio Pucci sent a model down the runway in red pants with a red silk blouse, red suede jacket, red scarf and fabulous red leather belt with grommets. Donna Karen showed a purple skirt with matching jacket and purple silk blouse. Akris showed a fabulous mustard suit on the runway and Vera Wang created jewel tone dresses fit for a wedding or formal gala.

The jewel tone trend is a great way to perk up a rather dreary Fall wardrobe that has embraced minimalism. Jewel tones will also be fabulous for evening events and formal affairs. If you are not into the vintage trend, jewel tones mixed together with minimalism will make a great Fall wardrobe that is versatile and easy to mix and match. This is also a trend where you can shop your closet to see what is inside! Jewel tones have been in recent Fall collections the past few years, just not all together like they are this year.You may find pops of red, mustard, purple and green from the past five years stored in the back of your closet. It should be easy to create a new look for Fall starting with a purple top from 2008 or a green skirt from 2007. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.

Halstonf10jeweltone

Halston Fall 2010 Jewel Tone look
Photo Credit: Marcio Madeira


Twilight’s Influence on Fall Fashion

Twilight has influenced fashion in a subtle way for Fall 2010. The movie Twilight has a fierce fan following and is one of the most googled movie’s of present day. Twilight has become so popular that a spoof movie is hitting theaters this month called “Vampire’s Suck.” Not only have vampires invaded the pop culture du jour, they have inspired designers in Paris, Milan and New York; whether the designers are aware of the movie or not.

Twilight influenced fashion was seen throughout this Fall’s runway shows in the form of head-to-toe dark styles as well as accents to other trends for Fall such as minimalism and vintage. Black lace is one of the hottest Fall trends and can be found on everything from pencil skirts to vampire style, velvet jackets in deep maroon. Designers such as Alexander Wang are showing deep red dresses accented in lace evoking feelings of vintage fashion worn by Hollywood style vampires. Moschino, Burberry and Jean Paul Gaultier are showing black dresses with lace accents that can either be worn vintage style with a lady bag and classic make-up or Twilight inspired with a black clutch and the new make-up trend of wearing deep, dark red or purple lipstick without eyeliner and blush.

Black lace blouses are being shown with black leather skirts and pants evoking a bad-girl, evil look when worn with dark lipstick and pale make-up. The look reminds Fashionistas of the vampire attire from Twilight. Capes by designers such as Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent can be thrown over Twilight inspired outfits for a dark, nighttime look that reminds Fashionistas of the time when San Francisco was invaded by vampires in the Tom Cruise movie, “Interview with the Vampire” from 1994. The image of a vampire flying over the Golden Gate Bridge, wearing a black cape, dressed in 1800s vintage attire with a pale face, launches Twilight inspired Fashionistas into the current vampire look for Fall. The modern vampire trend, inspired by Twilight, plays with modern vintage styles from the 1950s and 1960s by adding a dark shadow with the use of black lace, velvet and dark lipstick.

The Twilight influenced fashion trend for Fall may not be for every Fashionista, but we might find ourselves inadvertently wearing the trend while mixing lace together with a minimalism look or trying out the new make-up trend for Fall.

The head to toe Twilight look will fade once the popularity of the movie becomes hidden by the glitter and glam of the next movie du jour. For this Fall, Fashionistas who would like to have a little bit of fun can play with the Twilight vampire trend and buy pieces that can easily be incorporated into their current wardrobe. A dark red velvet jacket trimmed in black lace can be worn casually over jeans or in a formal environment over a dress. Lace boots can be worn during the day with a skirt or pair of jeans as well as paired with a black dress and deep purple lipstick for the overall vampire look. Whether or not you choose to play with this trend is up to you. It will fade in about a year or two, so why not play with it and have a little bit of fun? Happy shopping and stay fabulous.


Men’s Fall Fashion Trends: Corduroy

Men who love fashion are in for a treat this Fall! Corduroy is back and it is being shown on more than just pants. Corduroy is finding a dressier, crispier life for Fall in the form of structured, slim pants and form fitting blazers. Men will be able to wear corduroy for office casual looks without worrying about looking too casual. The cords are small which gives corduroy a finer, more structured look that is modern and cool.

Gucci gave men a wide variety of corduroy for Fall with different cuts of slim pants hitting at the top of the ankle as well as just below the ankle bone. The pant cuts are classic yet slim  and give men a thin silhouette. Designers are showing deep navy, dark military green, rich browns and black on corduroy pants giving men dark pants to pair with cozy cardigan sweaters, cashmere pull-overs and crisp cotton shirts.

Etro, Ralph Lauren and Dolce and Gabbana have created both pants and blazers for men made from corduroy for Fall. Blazers are being shown in form-fitting cuts as well as more casual and forgiving cuts in casual browns and washed corduroy. Men will be able to find blazers that can be worn to work and out to dinner as well as the perfect casual blazer for the week-ends. The one fashion rule men will need to follow this Fall is to stay away from pairing the corduroy blazer with corduroy pants. The blazer will work great with a dark pair of jeans for the week-end or paired with crisp, gabardine pants as shown on Gucci’s runway.

Corduroy swings in and out of style every Fall so men might be able to save some money this Fall by what women refer to as “shopping your closet.” Take a look inside your closet and see if you have thin corduroy pants stored in the back. If not, this is a great season to buy a few pairs of corduroy pants and at least one blazer. The corduroy look for Fall is a great way to look polished yet still feel comfortable. Corduroy is also a classic fabric that can be worn season after season. If you are looking for an investment, stick with classic colors such as black, chocolate brown and navy. Stores such as Banana Republic and Macy’s have corduroy blazers and pants at reasonable prices. You will never go wrong! Happy shopping!