A Diva State of Mind

The queen of the Kardashian clan, Kris Jenner, was spotted out in LA in a $1,128 Dolce & Gabbana Striped Sleeveless Dress, $1,195 Valentino Rouge Patent Leather Rockstud T-Strap Pumps and a $2,995 Valentino Rouge Rockstud Chain Flap Bag.

This is a great example of how to incorporate a trend (black and white) into your wardrobe effortlessly. She can wear this dress for multiple occasions and the a-line silhouette won’t ever go out of style.  This outfit is great for a day wedding, lunch meetings, an outdoor event (like the Kentucky Derby paired with a black hat) and much more!

If you want to recreate this look, check out these pieces below!!

Photo: Fashion Bomb Daily

Last week, Shivawn of Love + Labels & Joneses contacted me to write a guest post on what to wear for a movie date and outdoor date. Check out the post below!

Dating can sometimes be stressful, but choosing the right outfit shouldn’t be! When it comes to dressing for a date, you want to be stylish and dress appropriately (what you wear to dinner is going to be different than what you’d wear to go bowling). Most importantly, you want to be comfortable. If you’re comfortable, you will feel more confident; therefore, focusing less on what you’re wearing and more on your dating experience.

If you’re going to the movies, the perfect date outfit is casual chic. Blazer, jeans and heels are the epitome of casual chic but you can take it up a notch by wearing a printed blazer like this floral one from Dorothy Perkins with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and sandals.  Use neutral eye shadow colors to create a smokey eye and top the look off with a nude lip.

The blazer will keep you warm in the movie theatre since they are sometimes chilly. Most likely you’ll go out for dinner and/or drinks afterwards so this is an outfit that can easily transition from one activity to the next.

The second outfit suggestion is one for an outdoor date. From music festivals to touring the city, an outdoor date means you’ll want to leave the heels at home! Go for a fun and flirty look in a printed romper like this one from Nordstrom paired with gladiator sandals (a huge trend this season).

Since you’ll be out all day, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun with a cute straw hat, sunglasses and of course sunscreen.  It’ll be too hot outside for a full face of makeup; instead add coral blush or bronzer on your cheeks and complete the look with tinted lipgloss for a sunkissed glow.

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear them on a date?

While the weather would suggest spring isn’t coming soon, it’s right around the corner! That means it’s time to get our wardrobes ready. Below are some of the season’s hottest trends. Remember, the key to trends is to pick a few you like and incorporate them into your current wardrobe. If you love prints, add a new printed top, skirt or pant to your closet and wear it with pieces you already own. If you’re a fan of black & white, mix a black & white skirt with your favorite colorful top. Incorporate trends in a way that are modern and reflect your individual style.

Black & White

We were first introduced to this trend in the fall and it doesn’t look like it is leaving us this spring season. Black & white is a great trend because these are colors you already have in your wardrobe. In order to shy away from the uniform look (black pants and white blouse), have some fun by wearing various patterns (stripes, floral, polka dot, ruffles) and apparel options (skirts, blazers, tops).

What do you think of this season’s trends? What trends are you excited about wearing? What are some other trends not listed above you plan on wearing this season?

Last Thursday, I attended the CapFabb & Macy’s Impulse Collection launch party at the Macy’s Metro Center location.  The Impulse Collection includes MICHAEL Michael Kors, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Else, Bar III and more.  Guests enjoyed desserts, free manicures and a fashion presentation of this year’s spring trends.

Major trends to expect this spring season: pastels, prints (and combining prints together), shades of blue, printed jeans & pants, leather (faux leather) and bright colors.

I really like the offerings and the way the pieces were styled together. I want to go back and check out the collection when it is less crowded in that area of the store.  I think the Else printed jeans, jumpsuit and navy handkerchief pants need to be added to my wardrobe!

Based on the pictures, will you be checking out the new Impulse Collection at Macy’s?

I know it’s really hard to talk about Spring while it’s 30 degrees outside, but you know the fashion world is always a ahead of the current season.

It’s no secret women’s fashion includes florals, but what about men’s fashion?

According to LuxuriousPROTOTYPE.com, one men’s Spring 2013 trend we can expect to see is Print and Patterns/Arty Abstractions: abstract art, florals , abstract lines and digital prints.  We don’t often see florals in men’s fashion choices but it looks like things are changing in 2013.

Christian Louboutin recently released the Rantus Orlato Tapestry High Top Sneaker in an all over floral tapestry design.   This design definitely screams vintage and is one design I wouldn’t expect to see in menswear.

If you’re a guy that may be on the fence about florals but is interested in trying the trend, a shoe like this is a great subtle way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.  Fellas, pair the shoes with a pair of dark denim jeans, blazer and/or blazer, white t-shirt or button up for a clean, casual look.

Floral trend on the Spring 2013 runway:

The sneakers retail for $725. For more information, check out the Christian Louboutin online store here.

Guys, what do you think about the floral trend? Are you going to try it this year?

Source: LuxuriousPROTOTYPE & Danchiz

If you follow me on twitter, you may have noticed that I have been giving you a sneak peek at this fall’s trends.  These trends are also the ones I’ve seen the most at local retailers meaning you’ll have an easy incorporating these trends into your current wardrobe.

Burgundy

This is THE COLOR of the season! From pants, tops and skirts to nail polish, you’ll see burgundy everywhere. If you’re wondering “what do I wear this color with?” the answer is everything. Treat burgundy as a neutral and pair it with rich colors like orange, mustard yellow, and navy this fall season.  Two retailers I’ve seen offer great pieces in this color are Banana Republic and The Limited.

Leather

Leather is always in for fall, but this year you will to see leather pieces in other forms than just a motorcycle jacket.  Leather (and faux leather) skirts and pants are making a comeback this year. The good thing about leather is that no matter what form, it is always in style and can be worn for so many different occasions. You can purchase a leather skirt today and still wear it two years from now.  If you don’t want to make a huge investment in a real leather skirt or pants, check your local thrift store and consignment shop or eBay online for real leather for less. Also shop faux leather options.  I’m in search of a pair of leather skinny pants!

Black & White

Expect to see a lot of black & white combinations.  Black & white is classic and will look great combined with a pop of color. Want to incorporate black & white with other fall trends? Wear a black & white dress with burgundy shoes or pair a black & white top with bright color pants.

Printed Pants

Many would expect to see printed pants (and jeans) in the spring only, but expect to see them this fall season.  This fall they’ll look great with leather jackets, fur vests and silk tops.

Color Pants

Color pants and denim were extremely popular during the spring and summer season and the trend is here to stay for fall. Instead of pastel, you’ll see rich deeper shades like hunter green, cobalt, burgundy, mustard yellow and orange.  For the fall/winter season, pair your color pants with boots and sweaters (both solids and prints).  The great thing about color pants in the fall is that you can transition them to spring.

Reptile Print

While reptile will show up in apparel, expect to see a lot of accessories in this print including clutches, handbags and shoes.  Remember, reptile print can be treated as a neutral so don’t be afraid to wear this print with another print in your outfit. For example, reptile printed shoe with a striped blouse. Want reptile clutches for less? Check Target!

Winter White

Does winter white every really go out of style? Talk about classic, especially an all winter white look like the ones below. Go for an elegant monochromatic look or break up your white and pair it with other trends like color pants, leather and fur this fall.

Curve Conscious

Sheath (especially color block) and peplum dresses are the two styles that fit the name “curve conscious” perfectly.  These dresses create volume in the right places for those with a boyish frame and tastefully highlight the curves of women who have them.  These style dresses are feminine but sexy, great at creating a waist.  These styles are ones you can easily wear in the boardroom and to happy hour all in the same day!

Expect to see fall favorites sequins/embellishment and fur; they don’t ever really need to be listed on a trend report because they are always in!

As we transition from one season to the next, now is the perfect to hire a personal stylist to help you make sure your wardrobe is ready for the fall season.  Click HERE for a list of services available and to schedule an appointment. I’d love to help make sure you step out looking your best this fall season!

Ladies, how would you feel if your man started wearing tights? Yes, tights like the ones we wear during the winter season to keep your legs warm?

Fashion sites have been buzzing about a new trend in men’s accessories: mantyhose.  According to New York Mag, 2 to 3 percent of annuals sales for hosiery retailer Emilio Cavallini are by men.  With the trend rising over the past three years and to cater to demand, Cavallini decided to create unisex tights that allow for greater breathability:

“When we started our online shop we noticed that a lot of tights sized medium-large were being purchased by men.  So I did a search on the Internet and discovered there is a cult following for mantyhose.”

According to Clutch Magazine, the retailer claims that men are wearing the pantyhose the same way women do; underneath clothing for an extra layer of protection from the cold or underneath shorts; this looks has been seen on Italian men.  Have men not heard of long johns?

It’s one thing for men and women to wear matching hats or shirt, but matching tights? Absolutely not; this is a hot mess!  Just like men wearing skinny jeans, these should be off limits for men too!

What do you think of mantyhose?

Spring is right around the corner which can only mean one thing. It’s time for the Spring 2012 Trend Report!

As usual, there are more trends than we can all keep up with so this is a list of the most popular trends I think can be easily applicable to all of us. These are trends we can easily incorporate into our wardrobe.

1. Neon & Bright Colors

Hands down, this is the most popular trend of the season.  We were introduced to bright colors last season. This season, neon has been added to the mix. I know for some it’s hard to incorporate the latest trends into your work wardrobe.  If you have to wear a suit everyday, brighten it up with a bright blouse (fuschia, orange, cobalt) or wear your favorite bright shirt with your dark denim jeans on casual Friday.  Another option is to wear a bright pencil skirt with a neutral color top. If you’re not a fan of wearing bright colors, but still want to try this trend, incorporate neon and bright color accessories and beauty products into your look.

2. Pastel Colors

If bold colors are too much for you, the pastel color trend may be more up your alley.  Pastel colors are soft, delicate and create a a real sense of femininity. Accessories and beauty products also come in pastel colors.  Mint is the most popular pastel color you will see this season.

3. Peplum

A chic style of the past has returned! This peplum style is very flattering as it creates a narrow waist, hides the tummy if that is a problem area and balances a woman who is larger on top.  For slimmer frames, the peplum accentuates your hips by adding volume. For both body types, this style dress helps create the desired hourglass shape.

4. Floral

Floral print is a Spring trend that isn’t ever going out of style.  It’s chic, ladylike and very feminine.  Typically women wear floral dresses during the warm months, but switch things up this season by wearing a floral printed skirt or jacket.  You’ll definitely be a show stopper!

5. Tribal Print

This was a MAJOR trend for the Michael Kors and Donna Karan Spring 2012 collections.  You can wear this trend in everything; dresses, shoes, accessories.   If you don’t currently have tribal print in your wardrobe and want to add it this season, Forever 21 is notorious for having tribal printed tops, dresses and clutches like the one below.

6. Metallic

Metallic is a great option for evening looks, but that shouldn’t keep you from wearing metallic during the day, via tops and beauty products like nail polish! Like many of the other trends of the season, the metallic trend comes in a variety of accessories too.

If you need help updating your wardrobe for the new Spring season or need assistance with creating new looks with your current wardrobe, contact me!  You can schedule a consultation and appointment at [email protected] or (301) 836-1451.

In response to this week’s post, What Should I Wear With A Fur Vest, blogger Jennifer of Comme Coco commented “I’m dying to wear a fur vest soon but I can’t find the perfect one. I want one I can wear with black and every one I find is brown based.”

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a brown vest with black, after all they are both neutrals, trying to find a black or black/grey vest can be challenging but not impossible! Below are some vests (other than brown) to wear with black this Fall/Winter season.

More LOFT…

Along with the stores listed above, others include Kohls, QVC, JC Penny, New York & Company, H&M, Victoria’s Secret and Fabulous Furs.

If you have style questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

When we think of trends, the first thing we usually think of is apparel; printed skirts or tops, bright pants or jackets. But let’s not forget, the season’s trends carry over to accessories as well.

A must have for EVERY diva is a bright bag. Clutch, satchel, tote, it doesn’t matter! A bright bag will definitely add some flair to any outfit. Bright bags are also a great option for those of you who are more conservative in your apparel color choices but still want to integrate the bright color trend in your wardrobe.  Bright bags can be found at any store and at various price points, making this an easy trend to incorporate. We are all searching for a new bag for the Spring season, so why not make it a bright one?!

More Marc by Marc Jacobs…

 

Day Dresses by Ann Taylor
Sandals by Badgley Mischka