Shopping Guide: Metallic Shoes

Lately, we’ve spotted feet in a range of shades that run the gamut from bronze to pewter. 24K heels bring us back to the days of ’70s and ’80s excess, barely-there flats have us longing to soak up the sun in Capri, and strappy sandals allow some of us think we’re partying in Ibiza, even if we’re just in a seedy nightclub. Fulfill your greatest (shoe) fantasy with all of the gilt and none of the guilt!

Add comment August 9th, 2005

Shopping Guide: Circle Skirts

We love this season’s tiered skirt, but we have an itch that it’s going to end up on the sale rack this fall…just like last season’s poncho. A refreshing departure from that is the circle skirt, with just a little fifties charm and all of its timeless elegance.

Some of our favorite ideas:

Add comment August 3rd, 2005

Shopping Guide: Grey Denim

Looks like the denim industry is using its head. After season upon season of complicated rinses and treatments, jeans are going grey this fall.

As the most sophisticated denim variety, grey denim has versatility, refinement, and a dose of cool. It instantly elevates an otherwise so-so outfit, whether you’re going out for groceries or going to a club. Integrate this versatile piece into your wardrobe by pairing it with anything and everything in your closet, especially your whites from spring and summer.

What’s the verdict? Grey matters.

Check out some of our favorites, from Yoox.com:

For men…

Neil Barrett Jeans | $55 at Yoox

Cloak Jeans | $74 at Yoox

For women…

Habitual Jeans | $58 at Yoox

Helmut Lang Jeans | $128 at Yoox

Add comment August 2nd, 2005

Trendscape: Tunics

This season’s hottest trend, the tunic, shown here from A to Z.

Michael Stars Sheer Caftan in Blue | $54 at Amazon

Crisp white for seaside strolls.

Metallic Thread Embroidered Tunic | $58 at J.Crew

Encrusted with beads, this saffron number
evokes images of sipping spiked lemonade poolside.

Beaded Tunic in Curry | $69 at Liz Claiborne

For someone who wants more
than a mere trend, this simple tunic is timeless.

Short Tunic with Contrasting Stitching | $178 at Tory by TRB

Love comes to mind here with the lilac
georgette, cinched detailing and ruched sleeves.

Vivienne Tam Lilac Chiffon Cinched Tunic | $145 at Bluefly

Nothing could be as unique as this top
with silk-trimmed French lace inserts.

Ilana Moses Marrakesh Long Sleeve Blouse | $220 at RavinStyle

Overflowing with images of crystal-clear waters.

Ascension Caftan in Aqua | $97.99 at Blush

Zealous about this year’s tunic trend? Nothing spells pure
luxury like this exquisitely adorned Tory by TRB number.

Tory Linen Tunic with Mirrors in Brown | $598 at Tory by TRB

Add comment July 19th, 2005

Shopping Guide: Espadrilles

First spotted on the border between France and Spain, espadrilles have been a mainstay of casual chic for centuries and have made a huge comeback this summer. While traditional espadrilles are made with a canvas or cotton upper with a sole made of hemp or rope (like Steve Madden’s Espana, below), there are some great updated versions out there in leather. Particularly trendy this season are wedges, which have been seen on everybody from Gwyneth Paltrow to Jennifer Lopez.

Some of my favorites:

Nail It Espadrille Sandal in Bronze | $98 at bebe

Dr. Scholl’s Twine Espadrille in Natural | $65.95 at Zappos

Tommy Girl Holly Espadrille in Ice Purple | $65.95 at Zappos

Bodkin in Gold Leather | $69 at Nine West

Espana in Lavender Fabric| $44.97 at Steve Madden

Add comment July 7th, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Of Stripes and Sailors, Part Deux

Whether or not it’s in style, I’ve always been a fan of the nautical look. And it just so happens to be really big this season. You can’t go wrong if you stick to the basics: flattering boatneck tees in blue, black or red stripes, coats in primary colors and sailor pants (my favorite). Dress it up with sandals and a peacoat, or make it sportier with a windbreaker, canvas sneakers and a bucket hat. Part of the charm’s in the casual elegance of the look, so remember to have fun with it!

Classic Straw Hat | $49 at JCrew

Textured Knot Earrings | $95 at Tiffany and Co.

Striped Half-Sleeve Tee | $34 at Ann Taylor

Hampton White Bootleg Sailor Capri | $39.99 at Ann Taylor

Boat and Tote Weekender | $89 at LL Bean

Maggie Sling | $12.99 at Payless

Add comment June 30th, 2005

Trendscape: Of Stripes and Sailors

One of the things I like most about this nautical-inspired trend is its inherent timelessness. Sailor stripes were chic even before Sarah Jessica Parker wore them in the final season of Sex and the City. And who can resist the understated elegance of knotted embellishments? Chances are, these items won’t be relegated to the back of the closet when the fashion magazines move on to the Next Big Trend.

A few items worth a look…

Stripe Tissue Camisole | $14.50 at JCrew
I know I’ve mentioned this one before, but I just love navy + green!

Whitney-Stripe V-Neck Tank | $28 at JCrew
Tiny horizontal stripes can be more flattering than wider ones.

Bridget Mesh Wrap Polo | $88 at Blue Label Ralph Lauren
Love the knot detailing!

And For Men:

Striped Lisle Polo | $79.50 at Polo Ralph Lauren
For a similar style at a lower price, try the Trapper’s Gorge Polo ($49.50)
at Abercrombie & Fitch.

Champlain Valley Polo | $39.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch.
A touch of pink, for those men who are comfortable with their masculinity!
Be careful, this one can come out a little "jailhouse."

Cotton Maritime-Stripe Crewneck | $58 at JCrew
Feels French, somehow.

3 comments April 15th, 2005

Trendscape: Tiered Skirts

I’ve just been seeing these skirts Everywhere. Department stores, chain stores, boutiques, and most importantly—on people. Kind of reminds me of that time when Everybody and their mother was wearing a peasant blouse.

Tiered skirts are one of the latest takes on the Full Skirt phenomenon that’s hitting the stores this season. And while they are fun, I feel responsible for telling you that they won’t be around forever—I predict they’ll be around for the next year and a half, maybe two. Wear them now, have your fun, and then be done with them until the fashion people decide that they’re “the thing to wear” again in ten years, plus or minus a few.

The plus side to the tiered skirt is that its full shape can be forgiving to many figure types. If you happen to have big hips or ample thighs, go for a slightly draped cut that skims your figure. If you’re petite, steer clear of ankle-length ball-gown-esque skirts: they’ll only make you look shorter than you are. Instead, try a skirt that ends at the knee. Another note for petite girls: avoid skirts with loud, large patterns. There’s a very real chance that those skirts will wear you, instead of the other way around.

A few tiered skirts worth mentioning:

Ankle Length Tiered Skirt | $118 at Banana Republic

Dip Dyed Tiered Skirt | $59.99 on sale at Urban Outfitters

The Urban Outfitters skirt looks like a shorter version of an ankle-length dip dyed skirt by Candela. You can find the Candela version for $150 at Girlshop.com.

Crinkled Silk Tiered Skirt | $44 at American Eagle

2 comments April 9th, 2005

Trendscape: So Fresh And So Clean

White on white looks especially fresh this Spring. However, a plain white outfit can feel monotonous. To mix things up in a monochromatic outfit, try adding texture through embellishments (e.g. beading, sequins, embroidery) and/or fabric treatments (e.g. pleating, smocking, etc). Or try an unusual silhouette with features like asymmetry or cutouts.

Some items worth mentioning:

Add comment April 6th, 2005

Inside LA Textile: Womens Trends and Colors for Spring/Summer 06!

Just when you thought that the style landscape for this season was complicated enough, here I am telling you what you’ll be seeing in stores Next year. How’s that for getting ahead of the fashion curve?

Here’s the scoop from a presentation from Promostyl, a leading fashion trend reporting company. Coming to stores near you, in Spring/Summer 06:

Bohemia
We’ll be seeing hippie-folk items: think of a 21^st Century revision of the 1970s. You’ll see embellished items, tiered prairie skirts, and an explosion of prints on voluminous proportioned tops, skirts, and even pants. Think flowy airy tops, long voluminous skirts, and wide-legged (and even pleated!) pants. Men’s suiting will take a bohemian turn as it blends with folk-inspired silhouettes, in the season’s spirit of contradiction.

Look for cool violet colors matched with blended brights, reminiscent of the colors of a parrot. Be on the lookout for orange and yellow, in particular. Saturated pastel colors will continue to be stylish, as will the color white. So hold on to your white items from this year—they’ll work nicely with the clothes you’ll see in stores next year!

Eastern European Avant Garde
The trend is strict, graphic, and tailored. Picture industrial Berlin, with its dynamic graphic influences and focus on efficiency. It’s a tough underground look that’s simple and streamlined. Uniform-looking clothing will be seen, along with severe looking suits and shirtdresses. A standout item in my eyes: a tank top updated with a men’s tie. Look for graphic shapes and architectural lines, both in colorblocking and seaming.

Colors will be gray-based shades, but fuchsia and green, reminiscent of the 1980s, are standout colors.

Refined Nostalgia
This is a delicate, elegant trend that blends today’s tastes with those of the past, particularly the 1940s and 1950s. The feeling is ladylike chic with a slight country feel. Detailing on clothing will include sleeves puffed at the shoulder, lingerie touches, and the use of boudoir fabrics. Fabrics will be pintucked, smocked, and shirred. One interesting silhouette involved tops with open backs—these shirts fastened at the top near the neck. These tops can be worn alone or layered over another shirt.

Colors include scarlet, ochre, and watered down pastels.

Fantasy Refuge
The Fantasy Refuge style is a trend that revolves around emotion and the want for escape from reality. Youthful, naïve looks feature, though the glamour factor is turned up. Look for empire waists, stylized waistlines with belts, shrunken jackets in unexpected materials (e.g. terrycloth), and an emphasis on softness, volume, and transparency. A convergence between activewear and sportswear will also be seen: think of the Adidas/Stella McCartney collaboration.

The color palette for Fantasy Refuge combines strident, acid brights with innocent pastels. Think: cotton candy pink, rosy pink, red, lime, spring green, and sky blue. Neutrals combine with pastels, and the pink/grey combination I mentioned last week in Style Q&A will still be seen.

Now go impress your friends with your insider style knowledge!

Add comment April 5th, 2005