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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trend Report: Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers

The most sought after shoe by celebrities these past few seasons has been Isabel Marant’s hi-top wedge sneaker – seen on Miranda Kerr, Dakota Fanning, Joan Smalls, Alessandra Ambrosia, Rashida Jones to name a few. The shoes popularity among celebs and fashionites has made this trend one every shoe designer wants in on.

Chole and Marc Jacobs are a few other high-end designers that have joined Marant (whose metallic sneaks are her latest vision) and put their stamp on the latest “it” shoe, as well as your mainstream designers such as Steve Madden, Jeffrey Campbell and Ash -  the more affordable versions.

There is now a color or print for everyone – Ash alone has 8 different color and color combinations available (my favs are the color combination versions). Make sure to team this leg lengthening trend with a denim short whilst the summer sun shines on, and switch to a skinny leather jean for the new season urban cool.

Clockwise from top left: Isabel Marant Bird Metallic Hi-top Sneakers $755.00 www.lagarconne.com, See By Chole Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers $375.00 www.endless.com, Steve Madden Olympiaa Hi-top Wedge Sneaker $99.95 www.nordstroms.com, Serafini Hi-top Wedge Sneakers $286.00 www.farfetch.com, Jeffrey campbell Venice Wedge Sneaker $165.00 www.jildorshoes.com,  Ash Black Stone & Colbalt Sude Bowie Wedge Trainers $232.27 www.my-wardrobe.com.

Top photos -Clockwise from top left: Arizona Muse in August Vogue, Giselle Bundchen, Dakota fanning and Joan Small.

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.

Trend Report — Wide Waist Belts

The wide waist belt has made a comeback (not that it went far) this spring/summer and will continue trending strong come fall. Everyone from Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum to Jean Paul Gaultier to Albar Ebaz for Lanvin is crazy for this belt. They cinched everything from outerwear to dresses to separates.

It’s a fantastic way to get that curvacious, lustworthy hourglass silhouette. Cinch a wide belt around your waist to create a more form-fitting look with fuller dresses or baggy T-shirts. These belts also look superb with pencil skirts (a la the 50′s bomb shell) and wide leg trousers – lending femininity and sex appeal to the men’s wear inspired looks. Don’t forget outerwear, adding a wide belt to last years coat is a fresh new way to update and modernize your look.

Give your waist the attention it’s been craving!!

Top row – From right to left: Lanvin, Burberry Prorsum and Jean Paul Gaultier. All Spring/Summer 2012.

Bottom rows – Clockwise from top left: Belgo Lux Wide Leather Belt $68.00 www.nordstroms.com, Alexander Wang Wide Eel Waist Belt $450.00 www.netaporetr.com, ASOS  Wide Belt With Contrasting Buckle $27.27 www.asos.com, Burberry Prorsum Beaded Woven Waist Belt $698.00 www.mytheresa.com, Rag & Bone Merton Belt $175.00 www.barneys.com, Grey Suedette Cage Belt $36.00 www.topshop.com.

Guest Editor Chelsea – Birds of Feather Flock Together!

“Free as a bird”, the saying epitomizes Spring. And what better way to capture the essence of the season than with a bird necklace.  By nature they have a whimsical spirit, being able to fly high at a moments notice is the essence of freedom. Birds symbolize freedom and have a whimsical spirit by nature because they can fly high in the sky.

Birds and feathers are a major trend this Spring 2012 with jewelry designers everywhere incorporating them into their collections. The hummingbird symbolizes an optimistic approach to life, it reflects on the gentleness of the individual. Sparrows are honeyed little birds that exemplify companionship, and are a symbol of hope. They are also a sign of fertility and renewal as well as rejuvenation of the spirit.

(Top Four Photos: Gorjana Lovebird Charm Bracelet $45.00,  Gorjana Firefly Earrings $48.00, Gorjana Feather Earrings $45.00, Hummingbird Necklace $58.00, Gorjana Love Bird Charm Hair Tie Set $25.00. Available at www.gorjana.com.)

(Bottom Two Photos: Rachel Miriam Feather Necklace $98.00, Rachel Miriam Sparrow Necklace $78.00. Available at www.chelseabrentwood.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.

Trend Report — Flirty Peplums

Peplums, on skirts to tops to dresses, invaded the Spring runway in a major way and it looks like this super-flirty trend will be around through Fall/Winter 2012. Take a look at my favorites on the market right now, and pick your poison.

I’m lovin the pale pink Zara peplum dress for when I’m in a coquettish feminine mood, and if I’m feeling a bit more dangerous, my choice would be the ultra sexy Rebecca Taylor leather bustier. Let me know which peplum style you fancy!

First Group – from right to left: ALeander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012, Givenchy Spring/Summer 2012.

Second group – from top left corner: Zara Dress With Frill Waist $99.00 www.zara.com , ASOS Peplum Playsuit $80.57 www.asos.com, Ribbed peplum Body Con Skirt $56.00 www.topshop.com, Rebecca Taylor See Ya leather Bustier $350.00 www.shopbop.com, Paprika Peplum Dress $57.30 www.asos.com, TIBI Peplum-waist Striped Cotton Jacket $495.00 www.netaporter.com.

Accessory Report: Great Spring Finds Under $100

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to revamp the wardrobe and add fun and colorful accessories to the mix. With so much to choose from online and in stores, we’ve curated a fashionable assortment of some of our favorite finds…and to make them even more enticing we kept each piece under $100!

A few key accessories are all you need to be on trend this Spring 2011. Chloe wire-framed glasses on sale are always in style and who’s really going to know you got them on sale, right? Gold earrings in geometric shapes are all the rage this Spring 2011, as well as interesting bangles in bright and bold colors. Speaking of color; turquoise, coral and white always say Spring is here.

A lightweight scarf is also a must have for those cooler days and for throwing on at night. We love International Goodwill Ambassador (and supermodel) Liya Kebede’s new line of handmade scarfs called Lemlem, meaning “to bloom” in Amharic. The line is ultra hip and was started as a way of providing Ethiopian weavers with a means to escape poverty; so not only will you look good but you’ll feel good too!

Finally, the well accessorized gal always has a floppy hat in her closet; the perfect accessory for a quick getaway to Palm Springs or a leisurely day in Malibu. 

(Clockwise from top left): Trina Turk Enamel Brick Bangle $98.00 www.trinaturk.com, Lemlem Printed Scarf $99.00 Exclusively for J.Crew www.jcrew.com, Chloe Sunglasses $95.00 www.theoutnet.com, La Vie Crystal Necklace $95.00, Available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Collection XIIX Bold Stripe Straw Hat $38.00 www.nordstrom.com, Dazzle Earrings Orig, $45.00 now $35.00 www.bananarepublic.com.