While the country is gearing up for Election 2008, the powers that be in fashion will be gathering at the tents at Bryant Park for Fashion Week Spring 2009. Like we did for Fashion Week Fall 2008, we’ll be concentrating on trend analysis to bring you the trend information you need for next Spring and Summer.
While we gear up to start our Spring 2009 fashion coverage, check out our Fall 2008 Fashion Trend Report.
We’ll be returning to our regularly scheduled fashion tips, tricks, and answers on Monday, September 15!
Posted by Trisha on September 5th, 2008 in News |
It’s a popular fashion "rule" that red and pink don’t mix (except maybe on Valentine’s day). The idea is that red and pink look too girly–and that they don’t look great together in the first place. We’re out to prove these fashion misconceptions wrong with a sophisticated outfit that’s as ladylike as it is chic. Here’s how to create a red and pink outfit that works:
Choose the Right Shade of Pink. It’s hard to make pink work with red–but it can work with the right shade of pink. We love a deep, rich pink like the one shown on the top, especially when this pink is paired with a chic fire engine red.
Look for Elegant Details. To counter the girly nature of red and pink, take care to choose elegant details like the buckle on the bag and the double row of buttons on the skirt. Style is all in the details, and these elegant touches will make your look ladylike instead of girly.
Accessorize with Warm Neutral Colors. Against the backdrop of the red and the pink, warm colored neutrals are going to work best. We love the chocolatey browns paired with the rich red and pink.
What are your favorite color combinations? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on September 4th, 2008 in How To, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
Fall is a-coming, and you know what that means! That’s right, a presidential election…and new clothes. Certain trends seem to be continuing, namely plaids and the cardigan revival. Other trends, like blue collar “working man†clothes, are new for the season. For your shopping inspiration, here are our key menswear looks for Fall, with picks from every price point:
The Khaki Pant
The Original Khaki | $44.50 at Gap
Patrick Robinson continues his Gap revival with these khakis. Slim and comfortable, these pants are helping to make it cool to shop at Gap again. Also consider Save Khaki pants ($105 at Bergdorf Goodman), our favorite khakis of the moment.
The Plaid Jacket
Buffalo-Plaid Jacket | $395 at A.P.C.
Plaid is in. It was in last Fall, it was in through Winter, it was in this Summer, and its in again this Fall. I like plaid best when it peeks out from under something muted, like a dark-colored peacoat. However, this jacket is so handsome that you should show off the plaid. I love the rustic feel of this jacket, and it goes fantastic with dark denim. But then again, few things don’t.
Also consider a more subdued plaid on a fantastically cut trench, $250 at Banana Republic.
The Plain Sneaker
Rod Laver Clean Lowtops | $100 (approx) at Adidas, 212-777-2005
Last year, the Italian-made Common Projects exploded onto the scene, with its signature….well, lack of signature. Those shoes, almost always monochromatic in color and sans logo (the individual numbering in gold writing on the outer heel is the closest thing), were a huge hit. I will suggest those shoes as long as they exist, but if you don’t feel like dropping $200+ for sneakers, these Rod Lavers are a great alternative. Just as clean and just as white, these low tops are simple and understated. Haven’t you heard? Minimalism is in.
Also consider Common Projects Sneakers, $278 at South Willard, or white Converse Chuck Taylors, $69 at Zappos.
The Casual Jacket
Barn Jacket, Engineered Garments for Levi’s | $350 at Bloomingdales
A few months ago, we spotlighted Engineered Garments and predicted big things from them. The fashion world has noticed: the label recently won the opportunity to design a small collection for Levi’s. The collection, which will hit stores in a couple of weeks, reflects their signature style: clothes for the American working man, but with a stylish twist. What I like about this unstructured jacket is that even though it has its fair share of pockets, they are patch pockets. Patch pockets don’t bulge out like cargo pants pockets, meaning that you can dress this jacket up or down.
Also consider: Cargo jacket | $68 at Gap.
The Corduroy Pant
Straight-fit 5-pocket Vintage Cord | $69.50 at J. Crew
Cords are great as long as they are pinwale. (A wale is the “thickness†of the cord. We prefer a sleeker and smaller wale.) Wear them when you want to give your jeans a day off; they are similar to jeans in their feel, look, and formality.
Also consider cord jeans by Levi’s, Gap, and John Varvatos. I especially love the Gap ones.
The Black Loafer
Black Canvas Loafers | $42 at TOMS
If you’re like me, then you’re always looking the perfect shoe that is somewhere in between sneaker and loafer on the casualness scale. Bucks? Yeah, but a bit too much sometimes. Boots? Sure, but a bit too…urban, sometimes. Enter TOMS, makers of these fine canvas/leather loafers. I love these shoes because they’re as comfortable as my bedroom slippers, yet they’re handsome enough to wear when I want that upscale casual feel. Best of all, they’re pretty affordable. And for every pair you buy, Tom’s donates a pair to charity.
The Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere Sweater | $188 at J. Crew
Ok, so $200 (after tax) isn’t exactly cheap for a sweater, but if you caught my comment, you’ll realize that this sweater is probably worth more.
Also consider: the 3.1 Philip Lim piece (below).
The Sophisticated Tie
Grey Wool Tie | $98 at Michael Kors
I have long loved the simplicity of a white shirt and solid gray tie. There’s something about it that’s just so sleek yet elegant. These wool ties by Michael Kors are exactly what you want; matte and with texture. Thom Browne says that every day, he wears a grey suit with a white shirt and grey tie. I can see why.
Also consider this grey wool tie by Thom Browne ($150), from his Black Fleece collection for Brooks Brothers.
The Leather Jacket
Leather Jacket | $348 at Gap
Leather jackets are back in, and I for one am glad. Done right, a leather jacket is versatile enough for both casual and more formal occasions. And, by “right,†I mean snug and trim, like this one by Gap. The Italians wear leather jackets the best: fitted like a blazer, with a thin layer underneath. As with most things in style, it pays to follow their lead.
Also consider: the leather jacket for the guy with the bottomless pit of money, by Julius.
Bonus Picks: Omiru considers many aspects, including price, when suggesting pieces for both men and women. Lifting that barrier on price for a moment, we want to show you some other great (but pricey) picks for Fall.
The Striped Top
Wool Jersey Top | $312 at Yigal Azrouel
This is not just another rugby shirt. First, there’s the cotton/wool blend, giving it a luxe feel. Then, there’s the asymmetrical seam (see it diagonal from the shoulder?). If you’re looking to splurge on a shirt, this is the one. It looks fantastic underneath a trim black peacoat and either dark denim or well-cut slate-colored khakis.
The Hand Knit Sweater
3.1 Philip Lim Hand Knit High Collar Sweater | $646 at Oak
Okay, so it’s pretty darned pricey and I’m not going to try to justify the price of the sweater this time. But you should know that if you get it, you’re getting the best sweater of the season: chunky, comfy and ultra-luxe, with its blend of 40% alpaca and 18% wool.
The Plaid Shirt
Dries Van Noten Blue Red Fitted Small Plaid Shirt | $261 at South Willard
If you know me, you’ll know that I’m not a huge fan of L.A. “style†– Details magazine recently declared Los Angeles as the most unstylish city in America. Despite this title, LA has nurtured a safe haven of style in the form of Ryan Conder’s excellent boutique, South Willard. Prices are far from bargain basement, but you can always find clothes that will add that extra dash of style to your wardrobe. I like this plaid piece; it looks great underneath a trim, dark colored peacoat.
The Classic Watch
Toywatch Brown Sports Watch | $ 275 at Toywatch
I know I’ve suggested this watch before, but I only reiterate my suggestion because I love it. As far as watches go, it’s relatively inexpensive. Sure, you’re paying $275, but it looks like you paid $2750 for it. This watch has earned me many compliments from both friends and coworkers.
The Perfect Jean
Dior Homme Brut Denim Jean 21cm | $325 at eLuxury
What does $325 get you in the denim world? The best. These jeans are made from Japanese selvage denim, the most coveted and rarest denim in the world. The dark indigo wash is, of course, essential, as is the purposefully unembellished back pocket.
Posted by Trisha on September 3rd, 2008 in Men, Shopping Guide |
We asked: Would you wear Slouchy Sweaters?
You said: Yes to Slouchy Sweaters, with 67% of the vote.
Style tip? The Slouchy Sweater is indeed going to be a key piece for Fall 2008. We love the Slouchy Sweater belted and juxtaposed against a great pencil skirt or pair of menswear trousers.
Next question: Continuing on with Fall Trends, the biggest shoe trend we’re seeing is the Bootie–an ankle-length boot. But what do you think? Tell us, would you
wear the Ankle-Length Boot? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Cowlneck Sweater | $58 at Gap.
Posted by Trisha on September 2nd, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I am loving the whole relaxed boyfriend jean or wide leg jeans but I feel I have very limited options when it comes to tops to wear with them. What are my options for casual tops, and what tops can I wear for a more formal feel?
A: Wide leg jeans can actually be pretty versatile–here’s how to wear them:
Start with a dark rinse jean. The darker the wash of the jean, the more versatile it will be. A dark rinse jean pairs well with fresh whites, bright colors, and even other dark colors.
Wear a fitted top. Create a classic small-over-big silhouette with a fitted top to balance out the volume of the wide leg jeans.
Slip on a pair of heels. The elegance of wide leg jeans comes from the long, clean leg line that they create. Add to the illusion of mile-long legs with a pair of high heels.
The three tops shown here all straddle the border between casual and formal, and can be dressed up or down with the appropriate outerwear and accessories. More casual options include sailor striped tees, tanks, henleys, and brightly colored sweaters. To give your wide leg jeans a more formal feel, choose drapey tops in sumptuous fabrics.
What do you wear with wide leg jeans? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 29th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
There’s no better time than summer to drop your work and go out for a night out on the town. Whether you’re hanging with the girls or out with your beau, we have a flirty-yet-sophisticated outfit for you. Here’s why it works:
Anchor the outfit with a design detail. Here, ruffles tie the outfit together. Ruffles are the showcase of the tiered skirt, they extend to the detailing on the camisole, and they even appear as a trim on the bright yellow sweater.
Opposites attract. It seems to be a rule of nature–it’s true for subatomic particles, for people’s personalities, and even for colors. The bright yellow cardigan and clutch really pop against the deep blues of the camisole and skirt. Why? Yellow sits on the other side of the color wheel from blue, almost directly across from it. Sidebar: Blue’s direct complement is orange - note the strategic addition of orange as trim on the camisole.
Don’t forget the surprise. The camisole and the skirt work well together, as do the coordinated cardigan and clutch. No real surprises here. What does provide a bit of a jolt are the bright blue shoes. They toe the line (no pun intended) between fitting in with the rest of the blue outfit and standing out. The shoes shout "look at me!", but they’re also a great foundation for the rest of the outfit.
What’s your go-to outfit for going out on the town? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 28th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
The US has Gap, Japan has Uniqlo, Sweden has H&M, and Britain has Topman, the UK-based menswear-only designer that has been gaining more and more publicity in the UK. Topman is appreciated for its budget-friendly prices, but the clothes aren’t half bad either. But best of all, Topman is coming to the United States this Fall.
In the meantime, you can purchase Topman clothes online and have them shipped to the US. Here’s our six favorite pieces from Topman’s UK Fall 2008 collection:
Knitted Grey Toggle Cardigan | $75 (approx) at Topman
Chunky cardigans are in this fall and this is your chance to get a great one. I love the texture and the toggle detail. Plus, it’s machine washable, unlike most sweaters.
Orange Check Scarf | $19 (approx) at Topman
Perfect for when the leaves change, this scarf adds an instant burst of color to any outfit. Wear it when the rest of your outfit is muted to make it really stand out.
Navy Blue Skinny Tie | $19 (approx) at Topman
Maybe I’ve been watching too many Mad Men reruns, but I am all about monochromatic outfits this year. This tie is simple and stylish – although, at 3.5 cm, not “skinny,†as the site labels it. One of my favorite ways to wear a solid navy tie is with a medium gray suit and a simple windowpane shirt.
Style tip: For all things ties, be sure to check out Tie Crafters. They specialize in cleaning ties and can narrow, widen, shorten, elongate, reline and even retip your ties. They are based out of New York, so unless you live there, you will have to mail your tie to them. But it’s worth it. Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto, CA, charges $112 to narrow a tie, but Tie Crafters sets you back just $17. Not bad.
Brown Hudson Leather Brogues | $140 (approx) at Topman
Topman seems to favor selling “distressed†(or in their words, “creasedâ€) shoes. I prefer to buy a clean pair and distress them myself through wear. I love loafers and lace ups that are really worn in.
Grey Check 5 Button Waistcoat | $56 (approx) at Topman
I think waistcoats should be worn more often. Waistcoasts aren’t just for bankers wearing three piece power suits. I think a great waistcoat can look fantastic with a tie and shirt over jeans. It’s a great going-out-in-the-city look. If you want some visual inspiration, look no farther than Mr. Simon Spurr, the creator of his eponymous label.
Grey Dogtooth Skinny Blazer | $104 (approx) at Topman
A one button blazer is about as rakish a blazer as you will find. I like the grey “dogtooth†(I don’t know what that is either; I’m assuming they mean houndstooth) detail; it gives it character from afar and is a cool little detail up close. Most of all, I love the look of a slim lapel, which this piece surely has.
Posted by Trisha on August 27th, 2008 in Designer Profiles, Features, Men |
We’ve gotten a lot of questions from recent college grads (and some not-so-recent college grads) about building a wardrobe from the ground up. The situation? You already have jeans, tees, and plenty of weekend wear. But the foundations of a chic wardrobe? Maybe you need some help. You’ve come to the right place. Here’s a 10 piece skeleton wardrobe from which to build upon:
The Business Suit
Classic Blazer and Trouser | $198 and $98, respectively, at Banana Republic
School’s over, and you’re off to work. Keep a pant suit or a skirt suit around for interviews - and buy multiples if your office is business formal.
The Perfect White Button Down Shirt
Solid Kelly Shirt | $54 at J Crew
Fit is key for any garment, but it’s especially important for your foundation wardrobe. Start your button-down shirt collection with a crisp white shirt, and then build out your shirt wardrobe with patterns and colors.
The Going Out Top
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew
The ideal top is a stunner that can seamlessly travel from work to cocktails.
The Knee Length Skirt
Pencil Perfect Skirt | $69.50 at Martin + Osa
An a-line skirt is universally flattering, but feel free to choose one that works for your figure, your personality, and your lifestyle. I personally have a collection of pencil skirts hanging in my closet. I love the hourglass shape they create, especially since I’m shaped like a boy.
The Perfect Fit Trousers
The Perfect Trouser | $54.50 at Gap
How do you know that the fit is perfect? It should be fitted but not tight at the waist, and it should drape nicely, with a slight flare from knee to foot. Have your trousers hemmed to a length that works with leg-lengthening heels.
The Go To Evening Dress
Sleeveless Origami Knit Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Because you never know when an emergency party situation will come up. Keep a great evening dress in the back of your closet for spur of the moment dress up occasions.
The Go To Day Dress
European Collection Wrap Dress | $78 at Gap
Because a dress is a great alternative to jeans and a cute tee for weekends, and dresses spice up your work wardrobe. Need some inspiration? Try a shirtdress, a wrap dress, or a sweaterdress.
The Wear Everywhere Sweater
Tartine Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
Perfect for breezy mornings and cool evenings–and for times when the AC is turned up too high at work.
The Tailored Blazer
Two Button Cotton Blazer | $104 (sale) at Martin + Osa
A simple, sophisticated look? Pair your tailored blazer with your crisp white shirt and jeans. Substitute a tee or polo under the tailored blazer for a younger, more playful look.
The Trenchcoat
Classic Puff Sleeve Trenchcoat | $150 at Banana Republic
The trench is my go-to coat–so much so that I have a trench collection. The trench is so versatile and yet so chic. And it works for all of those times when a blazer isn’t just right.
What are your go-to wardrobe pieces? Tell us, what else would you recommend to build out your foundation wardrobe?
Posted by Trisha on August 26th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Gold?
You said: Yes! 62% of you would wear Gold, with only 38% of you saying No to Gold.
Style tip? Gold is a warm colored metal, and it looks best with warm colors. Think reds, oranges, and yellows, and warmer shades of blue, green, and purple. Our favorite gold color combo? Gold and a warm shade of purple with lots of reddish undertones.
Next question: With the whole menswear as womenswear look continuing for Fall, we’re seeing some great slouchy sweaters in stores. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear The Slouchy Sweater? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Xhilaration Tanya Strappy Sandal | $14.99 at Target.
Posted by Trisha on August 25th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I’ve been seeing a lot of blouses with various ties and bows at the neckline. They’re cute, but I have trouble with people constantly mistaking me for a teenager. Is it possible to wear this trend without looking too young and cutesy? I’m a grad student in my late 20’s who has pretty slow wardrobe turnover and dresses fairly modestly, so something I could wear for a few seasons and without major cleavage would be super.
A: Tie-neck blouses and blouses with bows are a decidedly girly look, but their femininity doesn’t mean they can’t look professional. Here’s how to wear a girly blouse while looking like an adult:
Choose a Tailored Blouse. Ties and bows are going to look the most professional on a shirt that’s already tailored. Pick a top where structure meets style.
Wear a Masculine Bottom. Balance out your feminine top with a masculine inspired bottom. Man-tailored trousers will do the trick.
Finish off the look with Polished Accessories. In order to complete the adult look, pick up a pair of professional pumps and a work-appropriate handbag.
Have a great tip about looking like an adult while wearing a girly blouse? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 22nd, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
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