British
The Bootine: Hot Again for Fall 2008
What: Bootines, booties, ankle boots, everywhere
What We Say: Last year, the bootine was THE shoe for fall. Well, this year isn’t very original, but once again the bootine (or bootie, or ankle boot, or whatever you wish to call it) is super hot again. Still perplexed on how to wear it? Don’t be, because it’s more versatile than you think—pair them with a pencil skirt and button down blouse; a sweater dress; or just denim or dress trousers, like you would any other boot. There are plenty of budget versions to be had (and if you have a pair from last year, even better!), but we’ve ...
Read MoreFashion Trend: Cross Body Purses
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
A friend of ours recently arrived to a party with a small, white leather bag with a long strap worn across her chest. Inspired by her off-the-beaten-path style, we set out to find these purses at our favorite shopping haunts. Since our friend is in love with fashion, we weren’t surprised to find that the small purse is growing in popularity; we assume it’s a reaction to the gigantic totes and hobos we’ve been carrying for a few seasons, and we’re happy to see that there are more options out there for those of us who don’t carry everything and ...
Read MoreFashion Trend: Houndstooth Print
Though traditional plaid has been heralded as the pattern for fall, we’re seeing more and more houndstooth and quite frankly, we’re feeling more warm and fuzzy about that trend—there’s something both modern and classic about it, which is an ideal combination for those of us over, say, 21 who would like to participate. Our advice? Pick one piece and keep the rest of the outfit clean and neutral—houndstooth is bold enough to be the sole focal point. Also, if you’re petite, a houndstooth dress might be more than you can pull off—consider a pencil skirt, or a houndstooth accessory, like a ...
Read MoreFashion Trend Alert: Checkers
Checkers and gingham have been updated with bright colors and modern cuts—meaning they’re no longer relegated to the farm. The trends been spotted on Reese Witherspoon, Ashlee Simpson and Lauren Conrad, and we have to say, they all look pretty cute and comfortable in their loose, button-down shirts and jeans. The bright color trend of the summer, of course, is translated to the checker trend, but you can go with the classic black and white if you want to keep it traditional. You can wear the checkered shirt with jeans like Reese, or other bottoms like skirts, twill pants, and even ...
Read MoreFashion Trend: Open Front Cardigans
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: Drapey, open front cardigans as an alternative to the jacket or traditional cardigan
What We Say: Because it’s feminine and interesting, we like it—however, we have some reservations. 1. Too much draping could add a whole lot of bulk where you don’t want it. 2. All that extra fabric in front could get in the way if you are, say, doing anything other than posing for a catalogue photo shoot. We wouldn’t recommend cooking in it . . . 3. It will probably look dated in about two months. Okay, having said all that—we still like it, we’re just ...
Read MoreFashion Trend: On the Fringe
What: The latest thing in fashion embellishment—fringes.
What We Say: We thought maybe it was just us, but we’ve definitely noticed a significant increase in fringing lately, on everything from shoes to handbags to dresses . . . and as long as they’re not on the sleeves of a cropped purple suede jacket with giant shoulder pads, we figure they might be okay to try out. With the Roaring 20s being touted as the next big decade for fashion inspiration (more on that later) we’re kind of partial to a fringy dress (and especially after seeing it on So You Think You Can Dance’s Cat Deeley on ...
Read MoreFashion Trend: The Head Scarf—Start Practicing Now
“THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: According to The Telegraph’s Style Page (and thanks to designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana) the head scarf may be poised for a return this fall.
What We Say: To return, the headscarf would have had to have been popular sometime in the last 20 years or so, which, in mainstream circles, it has not. Does that mean it should be avoided? Not necessarily, but it’s not an easy look to pull off. Even The Telegraph’s Celia Warden is afraid of looking like she’s wearing a Babushka. Let’s just say this—we love, love, love a beautiful ...
Read MoreFashion Advice: Navy as a Summer Neutral
What: Not ready to get back to black? Navy is another great neutral that’s not too heavy for the hottest part of summer . . .
The Lowdown: Black will be hot this fall, but it’s still, well, hot, so summer is by no means over. An alternative neutral? We’re all about the navy—it’s summery (think nautical), classic, and easy to match. No, really—pair it with other neutrals (white, khaki, gray) or muted metallics (which are, of course, the new neutrals), and then pump your look up with some bold colored accessories (think red or yellow, chunky beads or enamel pieces, for maximum ...
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Summer Fashion: Colored Denim
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: Colored denim is cycling back to the top of the trend heap.
What We Say: More than a year ago colored denim (a la 1985) started to make the fashion rounds. It’s popularity had been marginal on the whole (meaning it didn’t quite make any waves between the coasts) and we were pretty much ready to write it off completely, but a recent resurgence has us taking a second look. We’re seeing lots of teal blue, red, and yellow denim, and after all those primary colored dresses slipping into a pair of jeans is kind of a welcome change, if ...
Read MorePaint Splatters: British Style on a Budget
Who’d have thought that your old paint-splattered t-shirt reserved only for DIY could become the trendiest item in your wardrobe? This season, designers have delved into their paint boxes and splattered blouses, dresses, skirts and pants with Pollock-like prints.
Ad hoc expressionist designs were kept chic on simple shift dresses at Chloé, and Marios Schwab featured vivid prints on floaty chiffon dresses with edgy cut-out detailing, whilst Pringle of Scotland showcased A-line frocks fit for summer garden parties in fabrics decorated with delicate, crayon-like scribbles. Clashing is ...
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