winter 2012

Fall 2011 Shoe trends: The Loafer Pump

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged fall 2011 / high heels / loafer pumps / winter 2012 by

Shoes styles for fall 2011 are not too much different than the shoe styles we have been seeing over the past several seasons. There are platform pumps, two-tone colored pumps, ankle straps, open toe booties, lace up boots and shades of rose, burgundy and plum. There is one shoe style for fall which is fresh and new, giving Fashionistas a flashback to the mid and late 1990’s; the Loafer Pump.

In the mid to late 1990’s the Loafer Pump was found in everyone’s closet. The versatile shoe was being worn in various styles including penny loafers, oxfords, Mary Janes and classic tassels. The fashion world loved the Loafer Pump since it was heavy enough to be worn with pants yet sleek enough to be paired with a skirt suit or dress.

For fall 2011 the style is back and it is taking store shelves by storm. Everywhere a fall shopper looks the Loafer Pump is calling and telling shoe lovers they need a pair. This season’s Loafer Pump is being shown in a variety of colors as well as color blocking. There are classic penny loafers and styles with tassels as well as designer interpretations of the shoe.

The fabulous thing about a pair of Loafer Pumps is that they can be worn with almost anything; making them the perfect shoe for business travel as well as any vacation. It is always easier to pack one pair of shoes rather than five!

When shopping for a Loafer Pump this season, look for more classic and neutral styles which can carry you into 2012. There is a good chance the Loafer Pump, being new on the scene, will continue for many seasons to come. By making a neutral investment this season, you will find the shoes pay for themselves over the next few years. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Cape is the New Coat

 in Trends  tagged capes / fall 2011 / outerwear / winter 2012 by

When Hermes sent models down the spring 2011 runway wearing coats draped over their shoulders allowing the arms to dangle in the back as if they were capes, it was only natural that the rest of the fashion world would get inspired and respond with capes one season later. The new coat is the cape. While classic pea coats and trench coats are standard for every wardrobe; whether male or female, the cape is taking over as the ultimate way to stay warm for women this fall.

The fall 2011 runway shows tossed coats and jackets on the shoulders of models in a cape-esque fashion. Although the cape itself did not dominant the catwalks, it did make an impression on buyers who flocked to designers and ordered capes for their stores. Buyers have stocked their shelves with capes by Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Chloe to name a few.

The cape is in stores as we speak and it is proving to be a highly sought after way of keeping warm when the fog rolls in off the bay. Capes are being shown in classic black, shades of brown, camel, bright colors and one of fall’s hottest hues; burgundy. While the cape will never take the practical place of the great pashmina trend of 1998, this form of warmth is fresh and new and definitely a sassy alternative to the same old coat from last year.

Capes for fall are being shown in many sizes and fabrications for fall 2011; from soft cashmere to wool gabardine. There are capes that flow down to the knees and others which barely cover the bottom of the shoulder blade. Cape-like details are also popping up on dresses and blouses; which is in line with the overall flowing silhouette of the season.

Since the cape trend is in its’ infancy this fall, there is a good chance that it will continue for a few more fall and winter seasons to come. If the cape trend for fall tickles your fancy, this is the perfect time to invest in one that catches your eye. By purchasing a fabulous cape at the beginning of the trend, you will get more wear out of the piece than those who wait until everyone else has one. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

capes for fall by bayareafashionista featuring Nordstrom Collection

Kal Rieman is coming to the Bay Area!

 in General Fashion / Shopping  tagged fall 2011 / kal rieman / local shops / winter 2012 by

Kal Rieman, a hot new designer from New York, is sending her first shipment to the West Coast; and it will be here in the Bay Area! The lucky store is Iniam located in Oakland, California and they will have Kal Rieman’s fall collection on store shelves this September.

Kal Rieman’s collection has been getting noticed and celebrities such as Edie Falco are flocking to her designs for appearances. The new fall collection is filled with menswear inspiration, pops of red or blue and fresh silhouettes. Fashionistas here in Bay Area, as well as around the world will be excited when her collection hits store shelves.

Iniam is located at 5902 College Avenue in Oakland, California. To learn more about Iniam, please visit iniam.com.

To view Kal Rieman’s current collection, please visit kalrieman.com.

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