While the hottest fashion trends are being seen in miles of grey, black and brown fabrics, they are not boring in the least because of the many textures that designers are creating with. The texture of the fabric is what enhances the otherwise bland color choices, textures like velvet, suede, tweed and jacquards, not to mention the return of patent leather for our handbags, belts and even jackets. But, where has the color gone? There seems to be an unwritten rule that we should stay within these color schemes, well I’m here to dare you to mix it up with splashes of color.

Why not try something bold with those black and white birds eye pant, let’s say a red or muted gold. Maybe you are little more daring and want to add an eye catching scarf to that brown and grey glen plaid, find one in a vibrant blue and you’re catching on.

Color is cropping up everywhere this season; mod-ish dresses, sweaters and accessories can be found sporting bright blocks of color. One must have item to spice up your fall wardrobe is a knit dress with a mini silhouette in bright graphic details, try wearing it over tights and boots or stack-heeled pumps.

Color is not a fashion faux pas, as long as you don’t over do it, color is back and not for the faint of heart.

Labels: colors, fashion trends

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

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

After all of the navy blue and black that is just about everywhere this season, you will be happy to know that there is also a splash of color hitting runways that are geared towards fall. Shades of orange, royal purple, ocean blue and canary yellow have lit up the fall fashion shows as of late. Whether leading designers simply couldn’t handle another swatch of black fabric, or whether they just wanted to pay homage to the fall colors is unknown. But if you love vibrant shades, now is your chance to mix it up.

But before you go adding yellow and purple together, remember the basic rules for color matching. Make sure that a color doesn’t wash you out completely (yellow and oranges can do this to some people), and make sure that you don’t clash. Colors this season are paired with smart black stockings and classic pumps, so only allow the top of you to exude light.

A few choice retailers that have color in store for you include JCrew (check out their “Peacock-print Emma dress”), Abercrombie and Fitch (“Lisa” dress is very trendy), and Guess (the “Valerie” dress is just perfect for this season). No matter which retailer you choose, check the hemlines (this season the skirt hits just above, or just below the knee), the color combination in contrast to you skin, and the overall material for the price. It’s color, have fun with it! Your wardrobe will need a little bit of life after all the black that it will be seeing this season.

Labels: colors, fashion trends, style