Tag Archives: Runway

Wear Now, Wear Later

Posted on October 2, 2012 | 12 Comments

It’s maddening to buy clothes that have a one-season shelf life. We spend a lot of time shopping for clothing, that we might only wear for a short amount of time. I’m always interested in getting more mileage out of things, even trendy items, which by their very nature are short-lived (maybe 2-4 seasons, i.e. all-white has been going steadily for about 3 seasons and is heading into 2013 as strong as ever).

With the Spring 2013 runway collections wrapping up in Paris, next year’s trends are already starting to crystallize. Since most of us are still shopping for this season, why not kill two birds with one stone? You can add a few forward-looking trends to your closet right now, that will have you ahead of the curve come March.

Vertical Stripes

Les Copains spring 2013 runway

Les Copains, Spring 2013

Anthropologie, $158

Yellow

Gucci spring 2013 runway

Gucci, Spring 2013

Anthropologie honeycomb lace dress

Anthropologie, $288

Printed Pant

Balmain spring 2013 runway

Balmain, Spring 2013

Anthropologie Lace Slims pant

Anthropologie, $158

Plaid/Grunge

Dries Van Noten Spring 2013 paris runway

Dries Van Noten, Spring 2013

Need Supply, oxford shirt dress

Thom Dolan, $350

I got a kick out of the Dries Van Noten spring collection this year. He makes me want to pick up some plaid and relive the 90s. His layering techniques and materials are masterful. Click the link above and see how he turned grunge into a posh affair.

My Spring Fashion Pinterest board is up to 141 looks. If you want to see what else is trending, go take a look and get ahead on your shopping.

x Laura

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Posted in Fashion, Fashion Shows, Trends

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What You Want: Fall 2011

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 4 Comments

DVF F/W11 (photo: Style.com)

The September issues and fall fashion Lookbooks have rolled out. Are you devouring them? I’m particularly excited about the rich hues of wine, berry, burgundy, ruby and deep plum, but also see ochre, golds, teal and rich green. Prints abound and at times, take on a life of their own as mixing shifts into high gear. Hemlines have fallen (just like our stocks), with midi and maxi lengths ruling the runway. Sportswear gets a pop of color as bright accents keep things lively. Coats get updated this season in standouts silhouettes such as capes and voluminous 60′s toppers, and other designs with punches of color.

Jewelry, Handbag & Shoe Outlook

Jewelry has continued its chunky direction, with thick cuffed bracelets, architectural silver pieces, and ornate chokers. Handbags have been over-hauled from heavily decorated to streamlined and structured. You’ll see more and more handbags with dual carrying options, both top handle and shoulder straps. Of course, crossbody bags continue to be widely available as women love the freedom of having two hands during morning commutes, traveling, shopping, and mingling. Many pumps have lost their thick, platform under-footing, in favor of thin soles. New for the season are loafer pumps, cut-out booties, color-blocked designs, ankle straps and luxurious-looking slip-ons.

Carry-overs from Spring

Printed pants are a trend that seem to be continuing from Spring 2011, as is the collegiate 70′s look, complete with wide-brimmed hat. You’ll also find a strong showing of shearling coats, boho fur vests, parkas and military designs that still look fresh. Orange is a color that won’t be stopped and I’m happy to see it stay on for autumn weather. Any of these items purchased last season will holdover nicely and serve you well through the new Fall/Winter season.

Trends In A Nutshell

  • Bright Colors & Color-blocking
  • Coats: Brights, Parkas, Capes, 60′s Volume and Fuzzed-out Furs
  • Mash-up Prints – Mixing prints with abandon
  • Polka Dots
  • Vintage Cuts: 40′s, 60′s, 70′s
  • Native Graphics – Western and Tribal elements
  • Evening wear: Elegant Tuxedo
  • Shoes: Loafer Pumps, Pointy-toe flats, Edgy Booties, Non-Platform Pumps
  • Handbags: 70′s Classics, Squared/Structured, Leopard & Snake, Mini-crossbody bags & pouchettes, Textured (Lace, Woven, Fabric)
  • Jewelry: Chunky Cuffs, Chokers, Architectural Silver

How To Update

Women are looking for their fashion dollar to really stretch this fall and won’t be spending their hard-earned paychecks on items that won’t go the distance. Here are some ideas for updating/raiding your closet for trend-worthy items that keep it current:

  • Grab a blouse, dress or jacket in any Burgundy, Wine, Plum or Berry hue.
  • Sling a Leopard Crossbody bag over your outfit.
  • Add a Lace pump to your evening wear.
  • Wear an updated Midi or Maxi skirt that flatters your proportions; try one with a slit.
  • Pick out a Colorblock or Printed Day Dress for work.
  • Update your jewelry. A standout piece or two is all you need.
  • Ready for drama? Go for it with a Cape.
  • Update your Classic coat look in a bright color or one with leather trim.
  • Wear a Loafer Pumps by day and switch for an Ankle-Strap heel for night.
  • Add a squared-off Structured Handbag or a Mini-Pouchette to your rotation.

I’m just starting to make my own Fall Shopping list for clothes, which will include pants, a go-to dress, colorful tops, day bag and some new arm candy (like a strong cuff). What are you shopping for?

All photos via Style.com

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Posted in Fall 2011, Fashion, Handbags, Shoes

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Street Inspiration: Men’s Color

Posted on January 25, 2011 | 3 Comments

Last week, we took a look at what’s coming down the runway in Milan for Menswear Fall 2011. That might seem like a long way off, but guys, you can begin infusing color into your wardrobe now and be ahead of the pack. Take a look at what street style photographer and blogger, Tommy Ton shot during his stint in Milan and Paris last week and you’ll begin to be a believer. There’s no reason to zombie out this winter in your Matrix black, when you can grab some color and wake this place up.

Tommy Ton for GQ.com (Milan)

Tommy Ton for GQ.com (Milan)

Tommy Ton for GQ.com (Paris)

Tommy Ton for GQ.com (Milan)

Least you think I don’t see the subtle differences between Italians and Americans, I do. Perhaps you’re not ready for bright pants or purple paisley scarves, that you’ll see in the full Tommy Ton shoot for GQ.com. I get ya. The street inspirations above take that bright pop of color we saw on the Milan runways (check out last week’s post) and bring it forward into Heartland wearable ways with a contrasting shoe, colored scarf, bright pullover or orange sport-banded watch. Just the jolt of energy that’s needed when you’re in the depths of winter.

Where to Shop It: Boulder

Click It: Online Retailers

Chukka, Topman, Converse, Diesel, Burberry
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Posted in Fall 2011, Fashion, Mens, mens fashion, Shoes, Street Style, Style

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How To Read the Runway

Posted on February 11, 2010 | 1 Comment

ADAM Pre-Fall 2010: Look #1

ADAM Look #2

ADAM Look #3

New York Fashion Week begins Feb. 11 for the Fall 2010 collections and there’s a buzz in the air. The designers will be showing us what’s new for Fall/Winter and which trends will be hot. Runway shows often dazzle us with the fantasy of fashion. The artistic concepts of couture and ready-to-wear shows give us drama, the designer’s point-of-view and the entertainment of theater. It’s amazing, fantastic and confusing. How do you translate all those wild looks into what to buy next?

Here’s how to read the runway:

  • Color - What colors are the designers using? Are they bright, soft, neutral or metallic? In the photos above, ADAM shows how blue will be a major trend.
  • Fabrics - What kind of fabrics are the collection showing? Are they heavy or light? Often Fall collections show tweeds, lace, leather, brocade, velvet or denim.
  • Prints & Patterns – For Spring 2010, the collections showed Ikat, florals and digital prints; what will you see for Fall? Things to look for might be animal prints, plaids, or bold graphics. Notice the embroidery down the side of each piece at ADAM.
  • Sculptural details – This might be pleats, folds, bubble hems, applique, shoulder padding, tulip hems, ruffles, etc. ADAM is showing soft folds and nipped waists.
  • Influences- Designers love to draw from influences, whether it be a time period, like the 70s, or a genre like, global gypsy or slouchy menswear.

Also look for trends in Hair, Make-up and Accessories:

  • Accessories - Check out the shoes and bags the models are carrying. Many times designers will use the same shoe for many models to drive home the trend. Look for open-toe, round-to, platforms, straps, color, boots and stilettos. Here, ADAM shows the same shoe and strappy belt for each look.
  • Beauty/Hair – Recently, Alexander Wang kicked off a side-braid trend in his runway show, that you’ll be seeing on woman all over the planet this Spring. Shows also give make-up cues about lip and eye colors that will be hitting your locals stores.

Shows are meant to inspire, but it’s not an edict. Take what you like and pass on the rest. Wear what suits you and makes you feel beautiful. That’s the best style there is.

To see the full slideshow of ADAM Pre-Fall 2010 Ready-to Wear, Click here. You’ll notice slouchy menswear, soft fabrics, blue hues and nipped waists throughout the collection.

Photos: Style.com

–http://bucklebuttonzip.wordpress.com

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