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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

L’agence Nailhead Tank Inspired Night Life Ensemble

As soon as I saw this L’agence nailhead detail tank I knew I had to have it. With the holiday season creeping up, and the slew of parties in the beginning planning phases at this very moment, I know I will put it to work – A LOT! It’s also extremely versatile, besides this elegant night life look, it can be toughened up with a pair of jeans (denim or leather) and biker boots for a rocked out vibe.

I love the Zara Jodhpur pants for a change from slim, cropped trousers or skinny jeans, and the Versace black pumps with the gold buckle and toe cap detail are a fun way to spice up black pumps – the $752.00 price tag can make these unattainable for some, so I found the perfect alternative. A sleek pulled back pony tail is the flawless way to keep your look modern and on trend!

Clockwise from top left: L’agence Nailhead Detail Tank $325.00 www.intermix.com, Zara Jodphurs $59.90 www.zara.com, Versace Black And Gold Pumps $752.00 www.lindelepalais.com, Vince Camuto Lana Clutch $228.00 www.vincecamuto, Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings $80.00 www.charmandchain.com, Melody Long Sleeve Fitted jacket $398.00 www.juicy couture.com.

In Honor Of London – Union Jack Goodies

In honor of the Summer Olympics’ host city, London, I’ve curated a selection of a few Union Jack logo goodies. The Gold Medal goes to, of course, Alexander McQueen‘s mini box clutch with a not-so mini price tag of $1,157.00. ASOS’s Rolling Stones Union Jack tongue T-shirt takes home the silver, and it’s a tie for the bronze, between Juicy Couture’s taxi charm and Jimmy Choo’s Union Jack sunglasses.

Good Luck to all of the amazing athletes participating in the Games!! I’m off to watch the opening ceremonies!

Clockwise from top left: Alexander McQueen Union Jack Box Clutch $1,157.00 www.matchesfashion.com, Alexander McQueen Union Jack Box Clutch $1,157.00 www.matchesfashion.com, English Taxi Charm $58.00 www.juicycouture.com, Rolling Stones Union Jack Tongue T-Shirt $58.00 on sale for $18.23 www.asos.

Juicy Girls Launch New Line Skaist-Taylor

The ladies behind the mega popular Juicy Couture are at it again. They launched their new line, Skaist-Taylor, at New York”s fashion week last month, previewing a fashion show in the basement of Lincoln center that drew the likes of Anna Wintor and good friend, Rachel Zoe. Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy sold Juicy in 2003 to Liz Claiborne for 53 million, and remained as its creative directors till 2010. Upon their departure in 2010 they signed a non-compete agreement for 18 months that expired in June 2011 leaving them free to create their new venture.

The collection, which will be in stores for fall 2012, is a mix between vintage bohemian (vintage-inspired peasant blouses and paisley maxi dresses) and sexy rocker chic wear ( leather mini skirts, black mini dresses and see through tops) with a strong emphasis on outer wear (many with fur details).

While these designers will never be known for their craftsmanship or their ability to ” create fashion” that is outside the box, they do know whats fun and flirty, what women want to wear and, most importantly, what they will part with their money for. Juicy made them a fortune, here’s guessing Skaist-Taylor makes them another.

All photos Skaist-Taylor Fall/Winter 2012.

Trend Report – LadyLike Fashion

What makes fashion so exciting is that it never stays in one place for long. Trends may carry over from one season to the next, but the difference in those seasons spares the trends from a copycat existence. The ladylike trend has been slowly introduced back into fashion and has hit a fever pitch this Fall/Winter 2011 ( and stayed for Spring/Summer 2012).

Just to be clear, we’re not talking dowdy or matronly, but more along the lines of feminine and soft while retaining a healthy dose of sex appeal. It takes more than fashion to make a women “ladylike”- I’ll never forget Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady repeating, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane”, over and over again or learning to walk with books atop her head – yet there is nothing like the feeling of wearing a chiffon or lace dress to make you feel feminine and womanly.

Perhaps, Ken Downing, the senior vice president and fashion director at Neiman Marcus summed up the Ladylike trend best when he was quoted as saying, “Coming out of a challenged economy, designers have given great thought to what women want to wear. The clothes are ladylike, closer to the body and designers are really embracing color. Colored pants are everywhere in the market and everyone is doing a trench with trim. Feminine blouses with ruffles and lace are a continuation of dressed-up looks”.

Clockwise from top left: Juicy Couture Guipure Lace Dress $330.00 www.netaporter.com, Enzo Angiolini Cornell Pump www.dsw.com, Banana Republic Tie Neck Blouse $49.50 www.bananarepublic.com, Love 21 Knee Length Pencil Skirt $17.80 www.forever21.com, Nauticus Pleated Dress In Mocha $49.95 www.shoprouche.com J Crew Edie Purse $238.00 www.jcrew.com.

Just For Fun! Four Fabulous Finds!

Just for fun, we found these four fabulous finds that are sure to make you smile. This bright patterned tote is perfect for Spring-keeping you on trend and with enough room to pack for a day at the beach or walk the farmer’s market in style. A fringe necklace will jazz up a solid tee and is the perfect statement piece to make you stand out in a hip way.  Classic black stilettos are given a slightly playful twist with bows…we love how flirty and classic these are. Benefit’s, limited edition, Crescent Row Eue de Toilette set will prevent perfume ho-hum dull drum-with four scents to choose from you can conjure up different personalities depending on your mood.

Go ahead, splurge!

Clockwise for top left: Trina Turk Tiger Leaf Tote $175.00 www.trinaturk.com, My Fiona Stilettoes $26.80 www.forever21.com, Wanderlust Gradient Fringe Necklace $128.00 www.juicycouture.com, Crescent Row Limited Edition Set $36.00 www.benefitcosmetics.com.

Spring Forward in Style

Daylight savings was originally invented as an effort to conserve energy, however, we also see it as a good excuse to spruce up our Spring-time accessories. The extent of designs for watches this Spring 2011 is impressive-designers have incorporated bright colors and more bracelet-like elements to offer us a fun fashion statement.

The act of keeping time doesn’t have to be boring nor limited to the traditional wrist-watch. Try wearing a ring watch like La Mer’s, strung onto a vintage chain by itself or with charms. Simplify wrist clutter with a wrap bracelet/watch all in one, and don’t be afraid to choose a bright color for Spring, like blue or coral.

And if you forgot to set back your clock, maybe it’s the perfect excuse to invest in a friendly reminder.

(Clockwise from top left): The Spree Pendant $100 www.nixon.com, La Mer Portofino Wrap Watch $160 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, The Rocio $100 www.nixon.com, La Mer Ring Watch $65 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, The Smalto $1400 www.glamrockwatches.com, and Lively Blue Watch $250 www.juicycouture.com.