Trends
The Clutch: British Style on a Budget
It seems like anyone who’s anyone on the London scene is clutching a clutch. Brit starlet Emma Watson (soon to be the face of Coco Mademoiselle) was recently seen with one in tow, and everyone from Pixie Geldof to Jamelia is following suit. Whether it’s oversized, patent, raffia or mock-croc, the clutch is a chic, if a little impractical, addition to a cocktail dress, or, for the Carrie Bradshaws among us, a purse to be carried in daylight hours.
Everyone is talking about Chloé’s supersized, bright purple croc clutch, an accessory not for shrinking violets. Models on the runways of Alexander McQueen and Chanel toted silver metal purses – think Audrey Hepburn goes space travelling. Always known for its covetable ‘It’ bags, Prada didn’t disappoint, with stripy fold-over clutches in candy colours to match the label’s larger Harlequin bags. At the fashion house’s sister label, Miu Miu, small purses with butterfly prints were clutched, rather than held by their handles: Miuccia certainly knows how to design purses that will have fashionistas in a flutter.
Faux snakeskin is big this season: Miss Selfridge stocks a great clutch in a mock snakeskin finish for £20 ($39), or opt for Warehouse’s glimmery pewter version (£20/$39), and save on CPW (cost per wear), since metallics really do go with every outfit. Bring a tired dress into this season, by working a clutch in a bright, block colour, like this fuschia one, £25 ($49) from Topshop, or save your pennies and seek one out in a charity shop.
Images courtesy of The Fashion Spot, Style.com and Style Finder
Jumpsuits: British Style on a Budget
Whilst some are jumping for joy (geddit?) at the return of the jumpsuit, others are wondering exactly how one is supposed to go about making bathroom breaks in this rather impractical (but fabulous) item. As usual, British fashion icon Kate Moss was ahead of the fashion pack when she stepped out in her full-length, star-print playsuit by Chanel at her birthday bash a few months ago, complete with seventies-style wavy hair. A chiffon or silk jumpsuit is a great way to make a statement at a party this summer: a fitted waist shows off your hourglass figure if you’re blessed with curves, and gives the effect of one if you’re not, and a wide, full-length pant with super-high wedges gives the illusion of legs that go on forever.
Stella McCartney ticked all the boxes for Spring/Summer with her floral jumpsuit in flowy chiffon – we hear that Rihanna’s a fan. A lemon playsuit at Paul & Joe was less swinging sixties, and more eighties sleek, underneath an oversized blazer and giant, brass belt. If hippie-chic and eighties power-dressing are not for you, then why not take a leaf out of Alexander McQueen’s book? His skin-tight, structured, grey playsuit gave a nod to the seventies (think Farah Fawcett strolling down the promenade at St. Tropez) whilst capturing the high-octane glamour of the forties.
Make like Ms. Moss and go all starry-eyed in this Chanel-lookalike halter-neck jumpsuit, £55 ($109) by Topshop – perfect for drinking cocktails under/with the stars. For a night out on the town, curvy girls will love Motel’s silk onesie, available in bright turquoise or bottle green, complete with waist-cinching belt, for £35 ($69). American Apparel’s simple, lightweight playsuit (£19/$38) is casual for daytime and can be punked up with black, patent gladiator sandals. Two words of warning: belt at the waist to avoid looking like you’re wearing a shapeless sack. A tricky trend perhaps, but one that can look stunning with an injection of confidence.
Images courtesy of elleuk.com.
News Alert: H&M Expanding in the South
What: H&M recently opened its first full-concept store in the Southeast, according to WWD. It’s located in the Atlantic Center in Atlanta, GA. There’s two floors of women’s,men’s, children’s, accessories, lingerie and swimwear. It’s the first store in the Southeast to boast offerings from Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, and Karl Lagerfeld.
What We Say: We’re so happy that the beauty of H&M has reached the Southeast, but we’re surprised it wasn’t there already. The aisles that overflow with pieces fresh from the pages of fashion magazines. The ability to buy an entire outfit and accessories for less than 100 bucks. Designer clothes are no longer limited to NY’s Fifth Avenue. Smaller H&M’s are already open in the Southeast, but nothing compares to their full-concept store. Hopefully, they’ll open more in different Southern states soon.
Photo from trend911.com
Charlotte Russe: Daily Deal
The Deal: Now is a great time to pick up cheap and stylish tops, shoes and pants at Charlotte Russe because they’ll knock $25 off your order when it reaches $100. The offer expires June 30 Click here to use the discount.
What We Say: Charlotte Russe is a great store to pick up the latest trends, which generally should make up 30% of your wardrobe. Their website and store is full of popular styles like ombre, fluid silhouettes, bright florals, tuxedo jackets, pencil skirts and cocktail shorts. Charlotte Russe is a good choice for sexy, slinky going-out tops as well. Their extensive jewelry department has cute bangles, chandelier earrings, and long, charm necklaces.
Some of our choices:
Fluid, A-line silhouettes are becoming a trend quick—check out this one, patterned with stars. $19.99.
Pair these sateen shorts with platform sandals and a sexy camisole for a night on the town. $22.99.
This black and white floral handbag is big enough to hold all your necessities, plus your folder of coupons and iPod. $16.99.
Pictured: This beautiful dramatic, floral halter top also matches with the sateen shorts. The tube top inside provides extra coverage. $21.99.
Avenue: Daily Deal
The Deal: Get 20% off your entire purchase at Avenue.com. Swimwear is already discounted up to 40%.
What We Say: Avenue is a great place for plus-size women who do not want to cover up their body with drab clothing just because they’re voluptuous. Their merchandise is just as stylish and updated as that of a store for smaller-sized women. Avenue knows how to make a plus-sized woman feel great-looking and confident with clothes that complement a woman’s attributes. Now is the time to scour their extensive collection of dresses, shirts, tops and bottoms. Their already reasonably priced items are even more appealing when you get 20% off at check-out.
Pictured: This glamorous, purple sleeveless top matches black slacks. We like the peek-a-boo keyhole in the back. Check out www.avenue.com for more great styles.
How to Start Your Own Fashion Trend
Trend forecasters observe cultural, economic, and social factors affecting society to determine the “next big thing”. Since fashion often reflects the mindset of a society, these factors are excellent cues to what will be in demand at your local department store. For example, the popularity of California based shows like The OC and the influence of Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson has made elements of west coast style like the mini-skirt and Ugg boots, must have items. Another example is the recent nasty weather in the east coast popularizing rubber rain boots (a.k.a Wellies).
Follow these tips to becoming your own trend forecaster:
Turn to the Streets.Fashion Designer often turns to the streets to find inspiration for their collections. Marc Jacobs hit big in Spring 2001 with his Steven Sprouse graffiti designed bags by Louis Vuitton. Juicy Couture sweat suits, bear an eerie resemblance to the terry cloth sweat suits worn by early hip-hop artists like LL Cool J. Watch music videos, particularly hip-hop music videos, to get a feel for how to be Ghetto Fabulous. Head to your nearest urban center and observe what the young and hip are wearing, and don your own version of the trend.
Watch T.V.The popularity of shows like Fox’s The OC, led to the biggest national increase in California style, since Brenda dumped Dylan on the other hit Fox show “90210”.
Put on Your Traveling Shoes. When traveling observe the local styles and pick-up items that are indigenous to that place and/or culture. I’ve purchased some of my most fashion forward pieces on trips to places like India, Jamaica, and Iowa.
Observe Social and Economic Cues. Fashionable leather tote bags became popular as more women entered the work place and needed bags to transition from work to play. On that same note, “murses”, designers like Coach and Jack Spade to give men a stylish, masculine bag to carry their pdas, cell phones, wallets, and other items introduced male purses.
Do the Exact Opposite of What’s in Style.Another way to start your own trend is to observe the current trends and do the exact opposite. If pointed toed shoes are all the rage, then wear round toed shoes. If mini-skirts are in, wear floor length skirts. At some point the trend you’re wearing will come back in style and you will be perceived as being fashion forward.
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