September 2010


Let’s protect all of our gorgeous shoes and handbags! Spray Kiwi Super Protector* to guard our goodies from water and dirt. Repeat at a minimum annually. Make them last for years to come.

* Corporate Fashionista is in no way affiliated with the company, we just think it’s a great accessible product.


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3 Fall Trends Worth Trying

September 22, 2010

Do you consider yourself a risk taker? In business…in love…in life? What about in fashion? What would you say if I told you that the degree with which we choose to stay modern and current with our outfits directly reflects the degree of perceived risk we take in all areas of our lives? Yep, it’s true! When we appear fashionable in an appropriate and flattering way, others perceive us as being in the forefront of today’s modern life. This definitely includes our professional lives too!

It is undeniable that we desire to be around those “front-and-center” people that seem to be actively engaged in all facets of our society’s evolution. Many of them dress the part well. Great style often demands fashion risks. We are lucky, since creative designers consistently provide us with the opportunity to renew our sense of adventure in style and to have our personal presentation accurately reflect our passion and engagement.

My goal is to tempt you to step outside of your fashion comfort zone and experiment with the latest fashion trends while still keeping your attire suitable for your individual lifestyle. Some trends will work better than others. The secret to appear on trend but not trendy is to select and incorporate classic versions of current trends. This way we will not only be able to prolong the life of each piece, but, more importantly, add gorgeous, flattering and versatile pieces to our active modern wardrobes.

So come on! Let’s take a look at some more fashionable fall trends. Since they are hot trends, they are available in several options. One is bound to work for you.

LEOPARD PRINT


3.1 Phillip Lim – Quilted Clutch w/ Detachable Strap – La Garçonne – $375

All things leopard print are huge this season! Taking part in this trend via accessories seems to be the most versatile route. I couldn’t take my eyes off of this absolutely gorgeous clutch bag designed by the acclaimed Phillip Lim. The combo of leopard motif displayed on quilted suede fabric is chic and a key element that makes this bag so special and unique. His use of fabric, rather than the expected and over produced haircalf for a leopard print bag, is refreshing and exudes charm and luxuriousness.

The actual size of the leopard print pattern is attractive to boot. It is not too small of a print where it would be challenging to see and admire from afar, nor is it too large and bold, where it certainly would overpower an outfit. The structural design details are alluring as well. This fold-over clutch can be locked to safely secure our belongings and its favorable dimensions allow us to easily grasp the bag in our hands. If that wasn’t enough, this clutch bag additionally has a detachable shoulder strap. Now, we have several style options easily at our disposal. We can’t ask for more than that!

MILITARY-INSPIRED



JCrew Waxed Utility Jacket – $148

Military-inspired garments are a hot trend this fall season, particularly, the utility jacket. Its more recent popularity started last spring and hasn’t stopped! Since the word utility expressly states that it should be a useful garment for us, I wanted to share with you a very versatile utility jacket. Obviously, this trend will not coincide well for every work environment, but weekends, well, we should be a-ok to throw one on.

JCrew’s version of the utility jacket is extremely desirable because it is water repellant. Oh! And, of course, it’s undeniably cute…it’s designed by JCrew. But the added water repellant feature in this style…well, that is rare.

We also have the option to zip and/or button the jacket which allows us easy on and off access. The front chest pockets are not too big or too small, so it will fit many body types. Plus, it is has a nice mix of feminine details in a rather masculine silhouette. You could even place a belt on the outside of the jacket as another styling option. And, finally, the color is a flattering dark elm green versus a common army green. We want to be unique and fashionable!

WEDGE SHOES



Kate Spade New York Marli Too – Zappos Couture – $298 $220

The trendiest version of a wedge shoe this fall is a wedge boot. However, I wanted you to be able to participate in this trend to the fullest. So, I opted to highlight a pair of Kate Spade black patent leather wedge shoes. They have a classic yet strikingly modern design. This allows us to wear them straight from the office and out to dinner with friends. Plus, black patent material wares better than most dress shoes under fall’s wet weather conditions. Essentially, these shoes can be worn all year long.

A well-designed wedge shoe has a wonderful balance between contemporary aesthetic and actual physical comfort. Its design structure leans towards a more comfortable fit for us to wear throughout our long days. A wedge shoe allows our foot to place more weight along the entire foot to create overall balance with less pressure on the balls of our feet. So, when you find a great pair like these, grab them and run!

One of the greatest things about discovering trends that we wish to wear is that there are plenty of styles in the marketplace at all price points. Let’s decrease our fashion risk aversion and just go for it when the mood strikes! We owe it to ourselves!

Do any of these fall trends inspire you to step outside your fashion comfort zone? I would love to hear what’s on your most-wanted list this season.

vss-logosmallIf you need help finding the best versions of these trends for you …it’s easy… simply sign up for my new Virtual Styling Services by clicking on the link and I will do the rest! Be sure to complete the VSS Questionnaire for best fit. signaturesmall3

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Fashion Tip: Hemline Basics 101 - The Skirt

Alexander Wang – Alana Stretch Velvet Boot – F10 – Style – Don Ashby – FirstView

 

Not sure which skirt/dress length is most appropriate in business? When in doubt, secure a hemline near the latter one-third of the knee region. More specifically, note the physical indentation on the outer leg line between the top of the calf and near the bottom of the knee. A hemline just above this spot will showcase the naturally beautiful feminine curves of our legs, allow the legs to still appear long and lean and yet keep them comfortably covered when we sit down, lean over, reach high or bend low during work activities.

Note these gorgeous Alexander Wang black stretch velvet mid-calf boots straight off the runway. LOVE!

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Cool Combinations: The Transitional Wardrobe – Fall 2010 Edition

Stella McCartney – F10 – Style – Marcio Madeira – FirstView

Chloé – F10 – Style – Marcio Madeira – FirstView

Derek Lam – F10 – Style – Greg Kessler – FirstView

Dries van Noten – F10 – Style – Marcio Madeira – FirstView

Stella McCartney - PF10 – Style

Sophie Theallet – F10 – Style – Marcio Madeira – FirstView (L-R)

Is the temperature chilly outside? Or, is it warm today? Not sure what to wear right now? Join the ranks of the baffled fashionista! Let’s face it … the transitional season has become common place. There is no time to waste; we have got to find guaranteed solutions within our wardrobes to help us look our best each and everyday regardless of the unpredictable weather patterns.

Fret, no more! One of my tried-and-true approaches to an effortless transitional wardrobe this fall season is to combine multi-seasonal trends. This mix can be strategically designed in one item or exquisitely executed in an entire outfit.

For example, let’s feast our eyes on designer Stella McCartney’s luxurious camel and black striped wool top. This is a prime case of combining the splendid spring/summer nautical trend with the unmistakable fall/winter camel color trend, blended together for one über chic garment that is absolutely appropriate in a transitional wardrobe.

Hannah MacGibbon of Chloé has also clearly showcased the ideal way to continue to wear our chambray button-down shirt that we lived in over the spring/summer months. She simply paired it with a multi-tone fall/winter camel suit and overcoat. Truly imaginative!

The transitional fashion ideas continue with the brilliant Derek Lam, giving us the perfect excuse to participate in our clog obsession throughout the year. Mr. Dries Van Noten, who is undeniably gifted at the layering process, clearly demonstrates how we can easily merge military-inspired pieces (a trend ignited last spring) with all-things-gray, another super power trend this fall/winter season.

Once again, Ms. Stella McCartney lets us know that the fusion of rolled-up pants with fall outwear is a success! And, one of my other preferred fashion and style options for a truly triumphant transitional wardrobe this fall season is showcased by this year’s winner of the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Sophie Theallet. The French born designer has wisely styled many of the outfits in her fall/winter Collection with nude colored shoes – a popular spring/summer trend – this time in appropriate fall/winter suede material. Ingenious!

Tell me which of these style techniques grabbed your attention the most? I would love to know what favorites you are wearing right now.

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