Shiny metallic colors will be seen in many retails stores across the nation come fall, so you will want to add a few shimmering pieces to your wardrobe as soon as possible. Metallic is different from beaded or sequined, which can be confusing since all three have been seen on the runway this season. Metallics are usually made of one material that has a bit of a glint to it. In order to choose the best metallic for you, make sure that you do not overdo this glossy look. Metallics work best when they are combined with other solid colors, so matching an entire metallic outfit is not recommended (unless you are heading to a night club!).

It may be a bit harder to find some metallic materials this season, since many people will shy away from this trend. But, if you find yourself in need of something a bit more bold than usual, here are a few retailers that have already start to stock metallic tops.

American Apparel has just added some new shiny skirts and dresses to their fall collection. The great thing about this store is that the prices are always right. If you are daring enough to try out the new “Late Night Mini Skirt,” pair it with a loose sweater, or a long tee with a great belt. The other piece that American Apparel is showcasing is the “Nylon Tricot Figure Skater Dress.” This dress can be a lot of fun, but it will work best on a very thin frame due to its rather full skirt.

Other shiny pieces can be found at Old Navy (“Frost Free” vest in “Sweet Pollen”), Banana Republic (“Silk Camisole Top”), and at various other retail stores across the country. Search for classic lines and simple fabrics when you search for metallics, but overall have fun with this style. Let yourself shine with the new metallic line!

Labels: accessories, colors, fashion trends

So, by now you know that hats are all the rage this season, but if you are feeling a bit anxious about trying one on your own head, here are a few basic hat style tips.

Since a hat will frame your beautiful face, you must take into consideration your face shape. Find your face from the list below and look underneath to see which hat will flatter you the most.

Oval Face: If you have an oval face, you are relatively fortunate when it comes to hat shapes. Your face can support almost any shape and your hats should be worn straight across your brow or across your hairline. The only caution with an oval face shape is to make sure that the crown of your hat is never more narrow that your cheek bones.

Round Face: If your face is somewhat round, you will want to avoid “flower-pot” type hats, which will only accentuate your round face frame. Instead, choose asymmetrical lines that are worn on a slight angle. This face shape usually can’t accommodate a hat that sits straight, so try to tilt it just a bit.

Square Face: Lucky for you, your square face can hold just about any shape. The same rules that apply to an oval face shape apply to you. Make sure that your hat sits straight across your brow and that the hat rim is never narrower than your cheek bones.

Oblong Face: If you have an oblong face, try to avoid narrow and very tall hats. In order to find the right brim for you, try on a few different hats. Make sure that they hat you do choose will provide a sort of balance between your shoulders and the rest of your body.

Follow these basic tips, and make sure to try on your hats before you buy them. Hats can be a lot of fun, so don’t be afraid to peek out shyly from underneath the brim and practice your best sly smile.

Labels: accessories, hats

It’s time to dig those silk scarves out of your grandmother’s drawer; scarves are back this year and they are beginning to show up in some of the most unique places. Scarves this season were reminiscent of an Italian “nonna” as they were seen loosely knotted around the head in various colors. Scarves also showed up on occasion tied around the neck in a masculine tie knot, and even on the wrist as a sort of makeshift bracelet.

Though scarves are back, they are still done in classic style with simple, old-fashioned colors and classic patterns. So, your mom’s old flowered scarf from the seventies won’t do it this season. Focus on simple black, grey, and the occasional cream. If you are having a hard time imagining this trend, just think about past stars such as Audrey Hepburn, wearing a scarf around her head as a sort of mysterious fashion item. The idea here is mystique and glamour, so go ahead and tie one up.

If ever you think about buying a timeless scarf, you must consider the legendary house of Hermes. Hermes has been making fine scarves for centuries, and this year’s collection comes in some great styles. Hermes’ classic “silk twill scarf” is just perfect for this season ($325). Choose yours in a solid black or blue color and you have a scarf that will easily be handed down from generation to generation. If Hermes is a bit out of your price range (add it to your wish list!), smaller retailers have an abundance of scarves as well.

JCrew is featuring two choice scarves that are all made up in black and white for the fall season, or you can head to Banana Republic, which happens to have a whole array of different scarves for any style. If you still love the look of luxury, but can’t afford the high price tag, your best bet is www.bluefly.com where you just might find that perfect designer scarf for much less.

If there is one accessory that is easily found and easily affordable that you must try this season, it is the scarf. Go ahead and tie one on, or loosely wrap it around your head for a bit of mystery. Whatever you do with it, the scarf is your perfect accessory for fall.

Labels: accessories, fall, fashion trends

Belts are back this fall and they can be seen tied around nearly everything. A belt is a great way to accentuate your waist, so give this trend a try. Belts look great loosely tied around a long tee or sweater, and you can even put a belt with a dress or skirt for an original look. Out of all the belt designers on the current market, here are a few must have belts for fall 2007.

You can hardly mention a runway show these days without coming across the name “BB Simon.” This belt maker has a way of taking belts from ordinary to extraordinary, and everyone from the fashion elite to the average girl on the street will want one of these belts. BB Simon uses items such as Swarovski crystals to decorate his belts, so the price tag tends to be a bit high, but you can easily find replicas of these belts all over town. In particular, the new “Copper Finish” belt ($360) is adorned with jeweled crowns, hearts, stars, and everything else that screams sugar and spice. The “Turquoise” belt reflects a classy cowboy with style from its crystal inlay to its turquoise center, this belt would be perfect with a pair of jeans and heels. The last belt from BB Simon sure to catch you eye this season is designed in gold old-fashioned bad girl style. The “Golden Shadow-Silver Finish” belt ($260) has a great skull wearing a sailor’s cap on the front of the buckle. Wrap this around a classic black dress and you have your own sassy style.

If BB Simon is a bit too flashy for you, you may want to try the other designer lighting up runway style, “Kippys.” Kippy’s belts are similar to Simon’s, but they are a bit less flashy. All of these belts are still studded with crystals, but they are a bit more conservative. The best thing about Kippy’s belts is that you can choose your own crystal color. So if you would like your new belt to show off a bit of purple with a few sapphire crystals in between Kippys will accommodate you style choice. Of course, because they are custom designed they tend to be a bit pricey, but if you choose a classic style your belt can last for years to come.

No matter what sort of belt you choose, make sure that every outfit this season comes with your own wait line accessory. Tie them up, leave them loose, use different materials and colors, but make sure you belt it up.

Labels: accessories, belts, fashion trends

If you are wondering what to adorn your limbs with this fall season, wonder no more. The latest trend to hit the arms and necks of runway models are shiny, white, metals and large, stunning jewels. Most of the jewelry showcased was big in size and made a very bold statement.

The good news it that you will never have to pay a large amount of money to replicate these looks. Retail and accessory chains across the nation are already starting to push these trends and you can find great fashionable jewels for a fraction of the price at Urban Outfitters and large department stores near you. Also, don’t underestimate the looks that an accessories store such as Claire’s can offer you. Although Christian Dior was showcasing large rubies wrapped in emeralds, you can often duplicate this look for much less with some great costume jewelry.

One little gem found on the runway this season – that just may be worth the high price tag – was a small “skull and heart” necklace, which is sure to be a hot item. This necklace makes wearing the ever so popular skull design even more appealing with its almost weepy look. Sure to be as big of a hit as the old Tiffany’s dangling heart bracelet, this is one fashion accessory you will want to look out for this season.

If you are unsure how to accessorize your new fall black ensemble, go ahead and pair it up with some clunky red jewelry, or a simple skull and heart necklace – add some red lipstick and a great hat and you are on your way to becoming a fast trend setter.

Labels: accessories, fashion trends

If you have been paying attention to this season’s trend of black, blue, and grey, you will soon have a wardrobe full of muted, classic colors. But, I know you are just drying for a splash of color this season, and sure enough it has shown up in the least expected places.

This fall, it’s time to start seeing red. Blood red slicked the lips of runway models while bags in red satin and silks seeing to float in a sea of black and grey. Perfectly done up red bows graced neck lines and suits were set off with bright red belts. A favorite pick out of all these fall trends has to be the look of a red stained lip peeping out from underneath a black velvet hat. What can say “vixen” more than this look? The idea this season is to be a bit mysterious while also managing to be more than just a tad classic.

To help you pull off this look, choose red lipsticks by Sephora, Nars, or Make Up Forever. Make sure that your red shade is not too much on the orange side (or you risk looking a bit brassy), and always test out your color before you buy it.

If red handbags are more your speed, check out bags by Jimmy Choo (the”clutch” is a patent leather dream). If you don’t like the look of red too much, luckily bags have been dotting the runways in metallic colors as well as in vibrant purples and exotic animal skins. Those slithering creatures that are hot on this season’s fashion list? Crocodiles, anacondas, ostrich, and leather are all popular trends for this season. When searching for the perfect handbag keep in mind that geometric shapes are in while rounded bags are out. A bag is the perfect affordable accessory to update any look, so go ahead and splurge this one time (I won’t tell!).

Labels: accessories, colors, fashion trends

There’s just something about a classic black hat pulled seductively over the eyes that makes a girl want to paint on the red lipstick and act the part of a femme fatale. Well femmes, hats are back and they are making a gigantic splash. Some styles are reminiscent of the roaring twenties, while some are simply sinful, and some aren’t even hats at all, but mere head scarves. It seems that this fall women will be covered from head to toe in classic flavor.

You don’t really need to spend a bundle to get the perfect looking hat, but because hats are so personal you might not want to buy one off of the internet. Your best bet is to wander into a hat store and try on every kind possible. Or, you may try your local thrift shop. A classic broad rimmed hat is relatively easy to find at almost any second hand store, so go nuts. In fact, there are no seeming restrictions to the new hat rule, designers are showing everything from fur to orange and back to classic black.

If you want to go the designer route, Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, and Michael Kors are all featuring great hats that you will love to wear. If you want to hit the retail stores, opt for a larger department store that is sure to have a large variety of perfect hats. If you find one that you like, go ahead and make it your own by adding a flashy pin or perfect ribbon, but the look for fall is centered around sophistication, so keep it simple.

Hats are one accessory that nearly every woman can wear, so go ahead and try out this new trend, you might like what you see.

Labels: accessories, fashion trends, hats