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

Although there may be a little splash of color at a retail store near you this coming season, you are far more likely to be seeing lots of black. When most people think of the “color” black, they think of a multi toned, rather boring shade, but that thought couldn’t be farther from the truth. Black can be sensual in satin, sizzling in suede, or simplistic in subtle hints of lace.

Most women love black because they think that the shade is very slimming. Well, this is only partly true. Usually black is slimming if it is done right. For example, a little black dress, or a black silk blazer will help you to slim down, but if you start adding layer upon layer of black you will only achieve a bulky look. Aside from the obvious designer black frocks that are abundant this season, here are a few glimpses into the every day retail world, and what they have to offer you in the way of black this season.

This review will cover two dress makers that can be a tad pricey, but when you are going to a huge event or have a special dinner, you’ll want to head to either BCBG or Betsey Johnson. To start off, let’s look at Betsey Johnson’s “Taffeta Bustle Dress” ($300). This dress is the epitome of how black can be very flirty, while at the same time being very sexy. The frill at the bottom of the skit perfectly offsets the semi-form fitting dress. Don’t overlook the corset top to this strapless beauty. Any dress with a corset top is your best friend, so if you have an event coming up, you will want to consider this perfect black dress.

For a classic design that can easily turn from day to night, look to the ever fabulous BCBG, and in particularly, the “Gradual Striped Jersey Day Dress” ($160). Even though the name of the dress evokes thoughts of birthday parties and sunshine, don’t let this timeless sundress fool you. Make a splash by adding a strand of pearls to this dress and a shiny red pump, and watch it turn from innocent day dress into vintage vixen. This dress does black with a classic pinstripe running through it, and it is made from jersey, which fits almost any form perfectly. This is an all around versatile dress that you will want to have in your closet for any occasion.

There are simply a ton of black dresses out there, but when you look for the perfect one, remember the Betsey Johnson frill, and the BCBG classic look. You don’t have to purchase one of these gowns, but if you look for something similar you can pull off a desired designer look for a lot less.

Labels: black, fashion trends, style

Sorry girls, those comfy ballerina flats are out – they didn’t do too much for shorter people anyway -- and in their place reigns the ever so tall platform pump. The styles are sleek, the colors are classy, and the toes are (for the most part) round. Nothing seems to scream elegance and panache quite like a foot that is sumptuously pointed to reveal a perfectly pedicured toe, or a black patent leather pump that just shines with triumph.

Some great places to find these must have shoes are at Steve Madden stores, Ralph Lauren retailers, and – of course – Manolo Blahnik (with a twist). Although these shoes are technically classified under “platform” chunky wedges are not what this season’s designers have in mind. Instead you will find pointed heels or straight stove pipes that leave your legs looking long and glamorous. Go ahead and wear a classic black dress (with zippers if you must) with a shiny patent leather pump, heads are sure to turn wherever you go.

If you aren’t such a fan of tall and slender heels, opt for a heel that is just a bit lower, but still has a lot of class. This season tiger prints are out and crocodile prints are in, and though there seem to be an awful lot of ribbons and bows attached to some heel toes, be cautious about too many frills in one spot. A deep suede can often have the same effect, but done up in a much more stylish way. Fashionistas, this one is for you. These beautiful shoes are already in most store windows, so what are you waiting for? Get shopping!

Labels: fashion trends, shoes, style

If you remember the eighties and you couldn’t get enough of the zipper fad back then, it’s time to pull back out your favorite zipper clad outfit. This fall, you will see shirts, pants, and everything in between decked out in an array of zippers. Thankfully, the color “hot pink” has not returned with the zipper trend, but you will find classic frocks fitted with semi-colorful zippers throughout the land.

How do you avoid a zipped up catastrophe? First, make sure that there are no more than two zippers on any one outfit. Forget about those black leather jackets with a zipper appearing in every direction, and if you see something that resembles this look out on a bargain retail shelf, do not pick it up. Instead, skirts and dressed that are colored in muted tones and zipped stylishly up the front seem to do the trick.

Designer Derek Lam seems to capture this look expertly, while designer Behnaz Saeafpour seems to have gone a bit over the top this season. You are sure to find many different styles of zippered dresses across the nation at various retail shops, though this trend might not hit every major retailer for fear of overstock. If you are daring enough to give this trend a try, pair it with simple black tights and classic shoes. The retail store Urban Outfitters seems to have a few choice zipper pieces, or you might turn to the GAP in search of a few zipper styles. It’s true, zippers are back, so give it a try – in careful moderation.

Labels: fashion trends, style

Ladies! Pants are back! And this time they aren’t taking on any form fitting pencil legged shapes. Instead, slouch into a pair of fabulous men’s type trousers. Everything from pin striped to wool to classic black is back for this fall season. These pants are high-waisted and flow around the legs allowing women to feel free once again.

This season is all about bringing class back to the city streets, and what better way to add a bit of chic city style to your wardrobe than with some flirty flowing pants? The beauty of long legged pants is that they flatter nearly every shape. Make sure that you find menswear pants that fit loosely around the leg and a bit tighter on the behind. You will also want your new pants to slightly cover the tops of your shoes, so don’t have them tailored too much.

Runway hits featured Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Narcisco Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, Zero Maria Cornejo and many more. All the latest designers seem to pick up on the feeling that women were tired of that tight ankle nightmare from last season. You can find retail versions of these great new pants at every retail store in the country, or you can simply head to a men’s suit shop and create your own look.

Any color seems to work while trying to replicate this trend, but sticking to classic navy blue, grey, black, and pin stripe seems to be the best look. Throw those leggings out the window, grab your charge card, and head out to snag the season’s hottest new look in pants.

Labels: body type, pants, style

If you live in a climate that turns to ice and snow sometime around the end of November, you know just how great a large, oversized, woolly blanket can be. There is nothing better than wrapping your frigid body in great warmth come winter time, so why not wear your blanket everywhere you go? No, I’m not talking about a new trend in ponchos, I am talking about the latest oversized craze to hit the runways – big, layered, sweaters.

The latest sweaters are made from chunky cable knits and warm braided wools, but almost all of them seem to hit the body just underneath the waist line to provide optimal swing. Runways were showing these large sweaters with either pencil skirts, or loose men’s trousers. The best looks seems to be a bulky sweater paired with an above the knee skirt. This way the sweater and pants don’t start to resemble a tent.

Wearing thicker tops can be a bit of a challenge since not everyone is comfortable with taking on a lot of extra bulk. The longer, chunkier, sweaters work best on a tall, thin, frame. However, if wearing a lot of extra layers in not within your comfort zone, you can still take part in this fad by finding a sweater that is a bit more form fitting, but still on the thicker side. One great example of a sweater that almost any shape can wear is the waist cinching sweater by designer Bruce. Other designers picking up on the sweater trend this season are Malo, Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Anne Klein, and Bruce.

This trend is sure to hit every top retailer in the country within the next few weeks, so keep on the lookout for your oversized winter needs.

Labels: style, sweaters

Tweed is a rather classic material with a very bad rap. This fabric is often associated with the older generation, and your mother’s ancient couch. But, done rightly, this fabric can actually give you a tailored look that you will love.

Tweed can be tricky. Try not to layer it too much, search for classic colors – stay away from the bright pinks and purples – and watch how much other material is sewn onto the tweed fabric. For example, a smart skirt and mid-waist blazer done up in grey with a few black buttons screams “classic diva,” but a mix of purple and pink tweed with patches of yellow leather selectively splattered on the arms or on the skirt is s definite no-no.

Match your tweed with sheer black stockings, or opaque grey tights, but make sure you are not adding too much contrast. The great thing about tweed is that it will give off the illusion of a slender silhouette, since the fabric is not overly clingy. Find a tweed suit or jacket that fits a bit loosely around your frame, and don’t be afraid to wear it.
Some designer tweed trends to watch include Oscar de la Renta, Thakoon, Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, and, of course, Burberry. Tweed outfits may be one thing that you should consider splurging on. As previously mentioned, if tweed is not done in the right manner it can appear less than frumpy. In order to get the latest tweed look without breaking the bank, take a peek at http://www.bluefly.com/. You can often find designer items on this site, at a fraction of the cost. Don’t be afraid of tweed, only make sure that you stick to traditional styles and sophisticated colors.

Labels: body type, shopping deals, style

Look out ladies, the loose summer dresses are a thing of the past. As we move into the fall season, nothing but form fitting, cinched-at-the-waist dresses are hitting the runways. These new shapes are all about outlining your silhouette from head to toe. Fall means change and nothing could be further from the spring and summer “dress over legging” trend than these classic shaped, pencil lined dresses. Hitting just below the knee, this season seems to be heading back into the former trend of feminine mystique by covering most of the body and exposing just a bit of flesh.

Runway versions of these dresses can be found by shopping Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, and Narcisco Rodriguez. But if you aren’t living on a designer budget, this trend is already starting to hit retailers such as H&M, GAP, Macy’s, and almost all other retailers. If you are feeling a little apprehensive about wearing a garment that outlines your every curve, here are a few ways to wear the latest fall trends.

First, when it comes to wearing a silhouette slinking dress, make fabric choice your number one priority. Stay away from spandex, unless you are super model thin, and choose wool, cotton, or linen in order to hide any imperfection. You may think that a form fitting dress is your worst enemy, but if you choose your selection wisely you will actually appear much thinner than you would in a large trapeze or bubble dress. Embrace this new fall trend, and don’t be afraid to wear your shape with pride.

Labels: body type, dresses, style