Trend Report – Suiting Goes Short

Shorts aren’t just for lazy days at the beach, leisurely vacations and summer days of heat and fun anymore – in fact they’re not just for summer either. Shorts, when married with its matching blazer lends some panache and playful sportiness to a classic that can tend toward the drab. Today’s short suits can be worn anywhere from the office to weekend fun and evenings out.

Half of me is drawn to the flirty and fun side of short suits like Willow’s woven metallic-flecked jacket and tweed shorts  – love the peplum detailing on the blazer. Zara’s floral print suit is not only cheerful and playful but its vibrant print looks amazing as separates when paired with white.

My other half leans towards the simplicity of Acne’s ultra chic monotone sand linen blazer and shorts, and Rachel Zoe’s stylish white cotton double-breasted blazer and shorts. Simple but never boring! Which do you Prefer?

Ist photo from right to left: Akris, Bottega Veneta, Jason Wu, Wes Gordon, Erin Fetherson.

Clockwise from top left: Willow Woven Metallic-Flecked Jacket $1305.00 www.netaporter.com, Willow Fench Riviera Tweed Shorts $520.00 www.netaporter.com, Acne Bonnie Linen Shorts $254.00 www.mytheresa.com, Floral Shorts $35.90 www.zara.com, Rachel Zoe Suzi Shorts $239.00 on sale for $144.00 www.mytheresa.com, Rachel Zoe Irene Blazer $464.00 on sale for $232.00 www.mytheresa.com, Pique Floral Blazer $99.90 www.zara.com, Acne Cindy Linen Blazer $635.00 www.mytheresa.com.

Trend Report: Sweat Shirt’s New Make Over

There was a time, not long ago, where sweatshirts were worn either to the gym or to cuddle up in when lazing about the house. It certainly wasn’t considered high fashion or a major fashion trend, but this spring changes all that!

Sweat shirt fashion blossomed this past fall with Balenciaga’s 80s-era imagery done in sculptural fits, Proenza Schouler’s Asian motifs (like silky embroidered birds), and Derek Lam’s re-imagined sweatshirt in soft leather. This spring the trend is in full bloom with everyone from major designers to smaller brands taking a turn at their vision on a tried and true basic.

This spring think cropped (Adidas By Stella McCartney), consider bold bright graphics – Preen’s poppy cropped sweatshirt is one of my favorites, or simply add a vintage twist (similar to the ones we wore in our college days) – Etoile Isabel Marant’s Noah sweatshirt is a must have!

Sweatshirts are no longer mundane, but embody casual chic at its best!

Clockwise from top left: Glamorous Cropped Sweatshirt $31.57 www.asos.com, T By Alexander Wang Cropped Chunky Cotton Hoodie $295.00 www.alexanderwang.com, Adidas By Stella McCartney Cropped Sweatshirt $92.00 on sale for $65.00 www.mytheresa.com, Etoile Isabel Marant Noah Sweat Shirt $340.00 www.barneys.com, Preen Poppy Cropped Sweatshirt $534.00 www.matchesfashion.com, Vince Raglan Slub Sweatshirt $95.00 www.neimanmarcus.com.

Trend Report – Faux Fur

 

What’s even better than the real thing? Not much,  faux fur maybe one of the few exceptions! It keeps animal lovers and activists happy, and doesn’t wreak havoc on your budget. Fur (and by extension  faux fur) is a major trend this fall/ winter showing up on everything, even dresses – love L’Agences faux lambskin dress ($522.00 on sale for$365.00).

 

Another favorite is Juicy Couture’s lapis faux fur cape ($495.00). It works extra hard this holiday season pulling double duty – looking rocker chic with a pair of skinnies and ankle boots, or the perfect way to stay warm and cozy when wearing your smashing (yet skimpy) new evening dress.

 

And, for $33 Oliver Bonas’s faux fur snug scarf  makes the perfect gift. So perfect you might give yourself one!

 

 

Clockwise from top left: Barneys Co-Op Faux Fur Vest $255.00 www.barneys.com, Juicy Couture Lapis Faux Fur Cape $495.00 www.stylebop.com, Faux Fur Snug Scarf $33.00 www.oliverbonas.com, Fur-Lined Parka $129.00 www.zara.com, L’Agence Faux Lambskin Dress $522.00 on sale for$365.00 www.mytheresa.com, DKNY Animal-Print faux Fur Jacket $295.00 on sale for $206.50 www.netaporter.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Editor Chelsea: Luxe Lace Trends

The lace trend will be seen more than ever this Fall 2012 season. Lace has always been a classic staple, most frequently adorned on formal blouses and cocktail dresses. What I love most about the trend this season -  the creative use of lace mixed with multi-colored layers, color-blocking, and unusual texture combinations (which was seen earlier this year in the designer runway shows).

My style tips: to spice up a classic lace cocktail dress this Holiday season simply add a vibrant purple or emerald slip underneath. Pair a basic lace blouse with denim or patterned jeans for an everyday look that can go from day to evening. Mix feminine lace blouses with a leather jacket or leather accents to give your outfit contrast and edge.

The best way to get the most compliments on your lace trend…have fun and be creative!

 

Clockwise from top left: Joie Nevina Top $208.00, Sanctuary First Peek Dress 108.00, DVF Sarita Lace & Leather Dress $398.00, DVF Ladder Sweater $258.00, Joie Cina Blouse $228.00 and Sanctuary Good Fortune Lace Dress $148.00.

All designs available at Chelsea Brentwood 11704 Barrington Court, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310)471-4770 www.chelseabrentwood.com.

Trend Report – Accentuate The Waist

This fall is all about accentuating your waist, it’s the trend to emulate this fall – the hour-glass figure of the ’40′s and ’50′s. Think Bridget Bardot (20″ waist) and Elizabeth Taylor (21″), who both managed to have the tiniest of waists while still looking wonderfully feminine and soft, not at all sickly skinny.

Helping to define this trend are peplums, panniers and skirts that add a little padding to the hips (remember Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress) which designers across the board have taken to with an affinity.

No matter what you fancy, be it tops, dresses or skirts (how fun is the Acne pencil skirt with the shearling peplum), there is a look out there this fall that gives you that nipped in waist vibe. Can you say VA VA VOOM!!

Alice & Olivia Stretch-Crepe Peplum Dress $395.00 www.netaporter.com, Studio Dress W/Leather Frill $159.00 www.zara.com,Tall Ribbed Peplum Top $90.00 www.topshop.com,  Nude Peplum Skirt $46.00 www.missselfridge.com, Acne Fiona Shearling Peplum Pencil skirt $900.00 www.my-wardrobe.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Belted Satin-Twill Top $550.00 www.poylvore.com.

Fall/Winter 2012 Trends

Fall is inching closer and if you can’t tell by the weather just pop into your favorite boutique and you’ll see and feel it there. Every new season gives us trends to look forward to and some spillovers from the previous one to manifest again.

1.) Accentuate the positive.  – With the success of The Duchess of Windsor’s (Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen) wedding dress, focus has zeroed in on the waist with peplums, panniers and padding to the hips.

Left to Right: Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Lanvin.

2.) Brocade & Embellishment – There was a common golden thread running through the season. Dries Van Noten, Dolce & Gabbanna, and Olivier Rousteing at Balmain channeled baroque opulence with rich brocades and embellishments.
Left to Right: Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta.

3.) Fur Accents – For those of us who fur coats are over kill yet still love a little taste, this is your trend. Shoulders, sleeves, vests…. a little fur goes a long way.

Left to Right: Fendi, Missoni, Band of Outsiders.

4.) Gothic Leather – After seasons of blinding bright hues and busy prints, fashion has turned a nouveau gothic corner. Tough black leather turned up at Proenza Schouler, Givenchy, and Versace to name a few.

Left to Right: Valentino, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent.

5.) Lace – Sugar and Spice and everything … lace.

Left to Right: Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, Valentino.

6.) Outerwear – This season outerwear is over sized and goes away from the body. Think convex to concave.

Left to Right: Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Valentino.

7.) Printed Pant Suits  -  We’ve been seeing printed pants for some time now. This season pairs the matching jacket to the pants.

Left to Right: Etro, Rag & Bone, Prada.

8.) Winter White – White has always had its place in the fall season, but not like this! Most every designer had their way with the color.

Left to Right: Bottega Venetta, Pronza Schouler, Alexander McQueen.

Trend Report – Round & Cat-Eye Sunglasses

With a little over a month till Labor Day, summer has gone whizzing by way too fast. But if you haven’t scored your ideal pair of sunnies, there is plenty of sun (and time) left.

If you’re looking for the latest trend, round sunglasses is the way to go. Coming in every color and variation you can imagine, and covering a wide price range, it will be a cinch to own a pair that screams “YOU”! My favorite, the Proenza Schouler round aviator’s, are urban chic and casual cool – available at Barney’s for $325.00. Another great pair, at the opposite price point, are the Celebrity Round Sunglasses from Sunglass Wherehouse ($14.41) – fun and glamorous.

Not keen on round, cat eye’s are still trending strong, DKNY’s ring in at $79.95 making them the perfect pair for the more price conscious. More of a classic kind of gal? Ray Ban’s classic Wayfarer will never go out of style and at $150.00 neither will their price.

Clockwise from top left: Proenza Schouler Round Aviator $325.00 www.barneys.com, Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses $165.00 www.netaporter.com, Celebrity Round Sunglasses $14.41 www.sunglasswherehouse.com, The Original Wayfarer $150.00 www.ray-ban.com, Girls Selima Sunglasses $49.50 www.jcrew.com, DKNY Sunglasses $79.95 www.sunglasshut.com.

Trend Report — It’s Okay To Feel Blue

This spring/summer it’s okay to feel a little blue – as long as you’re talking the latest spring/summer trend. This season blue is everywhere, and every shade of blue, from turquoise to baby blue to royal blue – there’s a shade that is right for you.

This fab trend is easy to wear too, it looks smashing with white and when paired with black can really make the hue pop. And, of course, the color rocks a pair of blue jeans. Another awesome way to wear blue is to combine the different shades for a color-block look!!

 

Clockwise from top left: Rodebjer Sheer Blouse $216.00 www.pixiemarket.com, Bubble Plastic Shopper $36.00 www.topshop.com, Diane Von Furstengberg Alba Dress Available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Pedro Garcia Jessica Swarovski Crystal Embellished Sandals $550.00 www.netaporter.com, Rag & Bone Skinny Jean $176.00 www.singer22.com, School Boy Blazer $175.00 www.jcrew.com.

Micro Trend – Short Shorts

Not since Daisy Mae Dukes (The Dukes Of Hazzard) have shorts been so popular or so short! Everybody’s wearing them – they were rampant at Coachella with Rihanna, Kate Bosworth and Kristin Stewart seen in this micro ( literally) trend.

Dress them up or down, there is no shortage of prints, fabrics, and silhouettes you can find this summer staple in. Weather it’s the original daisy duke denim with frayed edges (Siwy and Moto have the best pairs I’ve seen), edgy chic leather (Emma Cook’s butter-soft leather shorts are the hippest way to master fashion’s hot yellow trend), printed chiffon styles to stretch tweed (Rag & Bone have a few to-die-for pairs) let shorts be your go-to piece for Spring/Summer 2012.

If you need to be on the dressier side of fashion and don’t want to miss out on this hot trend try a short suit or a silk fabric in longer lengths paired with a blazer. Another style tip to remember – you’re showing off quite a bit of skin so keep your tops on the simpler, more demure side. And lastly, remember a little bit of faux tanner goes a long, long way to va va voom gams.

Clockwise from top left: ASOS Floral Printed Premium Short $54.54 www.asos.com, Crochet Shorts $49.90 www.zara.com, Moto High Waisted Hot Shorts $60.00 www.topshop.com, Emma Cook Leather Shorts $530.00 www.netaporter.com, Sam & Lavi Storm Knit Short $75.00 www.singer22.com, Isabel Marant Snake Print Shorts $380.00 www.barneys.com.

Trend Report — The Pointy Pump

The latest fashion trend to come from the Mad Men (Sunday’s On AMC) craze is the pointy pump. This spring the sexy 50′s silhouette comes in a multitude of colors and heel heights — some as high as 5 inches.

Pumps most attractive benefit is their versatility, they can compliment most any outfit — from all your work clothes to your boyfriend and favorite skinny jeans, to skirts and cigarette black pants. Another benefit, what these shoes can do to a pair of legs is something else — they  have a seriously sexy vibe.

Need another plus? This trend isn’t going anywhere — J Crew recently revealed Manalo Blahnik’s collection of pumps for next years fall lineup. The styles will still be quite pricey but will come in a variety of prints and colors new to Blahnik. But there is no need to wait until then, in the mean time enjoy the multitude of styles and colors in stores now. I’ve put together a selection of a few of my favorites.

Clockwise from top left:Vince Camuto Prima Pump $195.00 www.vincecamuto.com, Court Show Metallic Cap-Toe Pump $129.00 www.zara.com,  Theyskens’ Theory Edison Pump $345.00 www.ssense.com, Game High Snakeskin Pumps $96.00 www.topshop.com, Christian Loubouitin Pigalle Patent Leather Pumps $625.00 www.netaporter.com, Co-Op Barneys Harper $275.00 www.barneys.com.

Top photo: J Crew’s Manolo Blahnik’s Fall 2012 Collection.