Monday, August 29, 2011

Fall Color Trends - Jewel Tones

Image via National Geographic
Summer is drawing to a close, and fall clothing is starting to fill up the stores and magazines, and I've noticed that the rich, jewel tones are definitely in this season. In fact, the colors on the fall runways seem to mirror the colors of nature and autumn leaves themselves. From deep emerald and jade greens to mustard yellows and ruby reds - and everything in between. Jewel tones in general are big this season, but marigold, emerald and ruby red are definitely the number one picks.

Marigold

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Banana Republic, Roland Mouret, Lanvin and Fendi



I have to say, one of my favorite ways I've seen this color worn is as a warm wool coat - like Taylor Swift's, below. It's just such a bright and bold color for a season that can be so gray and dark - especially here in Seattle.

Beyond Beauty Basics and Fashion Copius
Frankly, I am a little intimidated by wearing such a bold yellow color like marigold or mustard, but done the right way, anyone can pull this color off. If its not the best shade on you, avoid sweaters and tops that are near your face and try a cute skirt or pair of earrings. It's also a great when matched with gray - a very chic and modern combination.


Cardigan - Splendid, Corduroys - Current Elliott, Earrings - Erikson Beamon, Skirt - Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Dress - Victoria Beckham, Skirt - Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, all images via Net-a-Porter

Emerald

Milly, Ralph Lauren,Valentino, Zac Posen, all images via Style.com
 The emerald trend first started popping up a few months ago on starlets on the red carpet at the Golden Globes, and its still going strong. It's a great color for a top or dress for an evening out this fall.

Stockholm Street Style, Source Unknown, Wit and Delight
Maxi skirts are still in for fall, so think about getting one in this rich color - it will definitely liven up your wardrobe. If you are feeling particularly gutsy and fashion forward this fall, think about doing fur in this color - fur is another huge trend for the upcoming season!

As for me, I want to wear these Oscar de la Renta earrings - I can't take my eyes off of them. I am also thinking about trying out the green Essie nail polish in "Going Incognito".

Earrings - Oscar de la Renta, Bag - Fendi, Nail Polish - Essie, Long Dress - Gucci, Short Dress - Roberto Cavalli

Ruby Red

Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Monique Lhullier and Prabal Gurung
Red has always been a popular color for fall and winter seasons, but I've seen more of it on the fall runways this year than ever before. If I had to pick one major color for the season, this would be it!

Victoria Rice and Mode Pass
Is there any combination more chic and ladylike than red and black? A red coat is a fall and winter wardrobe staple that I have got to get my hands on this year.

Another piece I'd love to get my hands on? This glittery red pouch from Marni - j'adore!

Red Glitter Pouch - Marni, Dress - Giulietta, Purse - Jason Wu, Sweater - Moschino Cheap and Chic, Dress - Theory

Which color is your favorite? Will you wear all of them this fall?

xoxo

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Kate Spade's Fall Collection

All images courtesy of Kate Spade
I've fallen hard for the fall and winter collection from Kate Spade. As usual, it's filled with plenty of colorful baubles, sparkles and glitter, chic and ladylike silhouettes with retro flair, and cheeky accessories. I would love to carry the multi-colored glitter clutch - and not just during fall and winter, I would wear that baby out!

All images courtesy of Kate Spade
I am looking forward to the upcoming bedding collection from Ms. Spade as well - I can't wait to see what she does - her collections are always so bright and playful, I am sure I am going to love it - as per usual. In the meantime, I need to get my hands on one (or three) of her lipsticks...I can't get enough of the pretty packaging and that they all say "Pucker Up" on the side!

Kate Spade does it yet again!

xoxo

Fashion Inspiration: Arm Candy - Stacks of Bracelets

Image via 20 Something Chic
Lately, in my endless search for fashion and style inspiration, I've been seeing a ton of images of women stacking bracelets upon bracelets all the way up their arms. Truthfully I first started seeing it a few months ago, but recently, its seemed to take over.

Otherwise known as 'arm candy', piling on the bracelets seems to be all the rage right now - and its a trend I can definitely get on board with. I love the way it looks - glamorous and a little bit over-the-top, its a fun way to accessorize and go all out once in awhile - especially if you're wearing a simple or understated outfit.

Sources Top to Bottom: Pretty Stuff, Surlaliste, Cause We Are Young, The Glitter Guide
 I think the key to pulling this look off is not to be shy with your picks or over-think matching your bracelets. Mix and match silver and gold, textures and colors, thick bangles and skinny ones. Adding a watch is always a nice touch, but most importantly, just have fun with it.

Sources Top to Bottom: Gem Gossip, Surlaliste, Atlantic-Pacific
Building a collection of bracelets large enough to create this look is what can take time - and money - at least in my case. But I am determined to start collecting pieces, and I think my first stop will be vintage and second-hand shops for some cute but cheap options. However, any of these would do nicely as well...

Stacked Gold Bangles - Natasha Couture, Oversized Gold Link Bracelet - Yves Saint Laurent, Woven Missoni Bracelet, Studded Black Bangle - Marc by Marc Jacobs, Wrap Around Bracelet - Chan Luu, Gold Cuff - Yves Saint Laurent
How amazing is that colorful woven Missoni bracelet above? I can just picture it with a chunky gold watch and plenty of skinny gold bangles.

Colorful Woven Bracelet - Carolina Bucci, Green and Gold Bangles - Alex and Ani, Tortoiseshell Bracelet - Michael Kors, Coral Bangles - Isharya, Woven Gold Wrap Bracelet - Carolina Bucci
Do you love this trend as much as I do? Ready to stack 'em high??

xoxo

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Style Report: Fall Shoes

Miu Miu Bootie via The Glitter Guide
One of my favorite things about each new fashion season is seeing the new shoe styles - because, quite honestly, I am a complete shoe addict. From stiletto's to flats, I love them all - love how many variations there are, how they are like little works of art for your feet.

This fall, the shoe collections are big on wedges, high-healed loafers, bright colorful pumps, satin fabrics, patent leather, booties, ankle straps and thick chunky heels. Here are some of my personal favorite picks for the season...

First up - booties! I love them paired with tights and short feminine skirts, or mini-dresses. They make me feel so rocker-chic and like a true fashionista.


Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Plum Suede Boot - Alexander McQueen, Buckle Boot - Stella McCartney, Suede Camel Boot - Alexandre Birman, Blue Suede Boot - Chrisitan Louboutin, Blue Peep Toe Boot - Alexandre Birman, Brown Slip-On Boot - Bally, Black Lace Up Boot - Alexander Wang, Black and White Slingback Boot - Aperlai, Stitched Platform Boot - Jimmy Choo - all images courtesy of Style.com


Next up -wedges! I am a big fan of the wedge - mostly because I can get the height without quite as much pain as a stiletto. I am dying over the leopard print wedge - if I could only pick one shoe this fall, that could quite possibly be it.

Ankle Strap Wedge - 3.1 Phillip Lim, Loafer Wedge - Jill Stuart, Leopard Print Wedge - DKNY, Color Block Wedge - Pierre Hardy

Brightly colored pumps are next. I wish I had more of this kind of shoe in my closet - its such a fun way to jazz up an outfit and add a little punch to an all black ensemble during the fall or winter months.

Green Tweed Pump - Aperlai, Blue Satin Pump - Jason Wu, Red Ruffle Pump - Sergio Rossi

Since purple is one of my favorite colors of all time, I naturally had to pick my favorites in every shade of this lovely hue. The Jimmy Choo bootie is amazing and so glamorous, but I also love the D'Orsay loafer with the low heel from Oscar de la Renta - I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it before.

Bejeweled Bootie - Jimmy Choo, D'Orsay Loafer - Oscar de la Renta, Large Buckle Sandal - Roger Vivier, Peep Toe Heel - Yves St Laurent

And finally, a few simply stunning white and black options that make my little heart go pitter-patter. Especially the cream feathered ones from Christian Dior - imagine them under your wedding dress - be still my heart!

Feathered Platform Pump - Christian Dior, Patent Leather Ankle Strap - Christian Louboutin, Peep Toe Ankle Strap Pump - Pierre Hardy
Now, if I could just fill my closet with one of each of these fabulous pairs of shoes, I would be the luckiest fashionista in the world. 

Which one would you pick if you could pick only one?

xoxo


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Trend Love: Color Blocking

Image courtesy of Vogue
Summer is quickly drawing to a close, and new fall trends are on the horizon. One of the biggest of the season - color blocking. The concept of color blocking in fashion is nothing new, but this fall its brighter and bolder than it has been before. It may seem like a daunting trend to try and pull off, but its simpler than you think - pick separates in your favorite shades and make sure they are complimentary and contrasting. Consider combinations like purple and orange, pink and orange, red and purple, yellow and gray, and blue and green.

Via Left on Boise, Stockholm Street Style and Elle
I am loving this bright color block trend for fall because I can only imagine how much brighter the dreary fall days could be when wearing an outfit with this much punch to it - its a great way to stand out! If you're not into standing out that much, consider trying the color block trend with more muted fall colors like navy, orange and green.

Milly dress, Chinti and Parker sweater, Comme des Garcons pouch, Joseph dress and Pierre Hardy wedges, all via Net-a-Porter
Think you'll try this bold trend come fall?

xoxo

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Monday, August 8, 2011

Currently Coveting: Style and Fashion Books

Via Style At Home
I am the epitome of a bibliophile - I should not be trusted in a bookstore with a credit card - I could quite possibly buy the entire place out in one afternoon, and I have a stack of books waiting to be read on my nightstand that is only growing taller by the day. 

My latest obsession is beautiful style, design and fashion books - especially the big glossy ones I could artfully arrange on my coffee table. If I could own an entire collection and display it in my home, I would - I can only imagine the inspiration to be found in those pages, and the gorgeous images there would be to ogle. I think its time to start building my collection...

 
Prada, Louis and Ford...oh my!

What are you favorite style books? Anything I should add to my list?

xoxo