Stylist Commentary
Fall 2010 Trends – Chicago Designers via Lucky Magazine
It’s hard to believe it’s September already, our Chicago summer is winding down much to our dismay. But there is some good news – with Fall on the horizon we are all a flutter for these fall trends that we’ll be rocking sooner than later!
Thanks to Lucky Magazine for giving some of my favorite pieces some love! See it here
Best Shoe Trend:
Ladies I’m sure you are as crazy about this shoe as I am. I mean the vibrant color and zipper detail alone makes me melt. I of course recommend getting two of them.
Best Dressed Trend:
If there is one silhouette I think is a must do for fall it’s the one-shoulder. This is a perfect go to dress for a cocktail or fashion show. And don’t worry this look can transition to several other versatile looks – hello Friday night!
Susan Elizabeth Designs - Hawaiian Cuff
Best Accessory to make an entrance: This is one amazing cuff. Sporting this little (ahem, killer) number with just about anything will put you in the “who is that” spotlight. This statement piece can take any outfit from great to fabulous in 2.2 seconds. A must have.
Borris Powell - Jacquard Slim Dress
Best Va Va Voom:
I think the word “Wow” sums up this my thoughts on this dress. That deep V might get you into the type of trouble that is common place for the vixens of the silver screen – And I’ve never been one to shy away from a little adventure. This is outstanding for a formal event – you can’t get more dynamic than this!
5 Must Haves for Fall
The Leather jacket
Yes, the bomber is a jacket to keep you warm, but why not pair it with a trendy satin dress? Wear it during cocktail hour with eye-catching heels and bold accessories.
Lovely Floral
Keep the summer feel going with a floral print dress, but in fall’s hottest colors. A whimsical floral dress can be paired with a great chunky sweater and some cozy tights. One key thing to remember about this outfit: match the sweater to one color in the dress so you don’t look too much like a flower child. Keep it sleek.
Feisty in Leopard
If you are going to buy one trendy piece this fall make sure it is leopard. This print looks best when paired with solid colors. Leopard is great on cardigans this fall because it can be worn with a cute dress and leggings or just casual with jeans and a tank.
Cargo
One of this season’s “it” colors is olive, making the cargo pant an effortless way to dress on trend. This fall cargo pants can replace your every day jeans. Pair them with fun heals or neat flats to get your desired look. Cargo pants are coming out in a wide variety of cuts, check out tapered cargo pants that give a flattering and slim fit.
Flare it
Get that desired slimming look with a flared skirt and put it with a body-grabbing blouse. Even a great belt can be added to give the look of that ity-bity waist everyone wants.
Emmy Recap
Who was best dressed at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards? Here are some of my Hits and Misses.
Hits
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
“True Blood’s” Anna Paquin wore this stand out Alexander McQueen dress from the spring collection. She has received a lot of criticism for this dress, but I believe she really pulled it off. It was very flattering on her and really fit for the occasion considering the tough and strong character she plays on “True Blood,” Sookie Stackhouse.
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
“Glee’s” Lea Michele looked radiant in the color of the evening, navy. This Oscar de la Renta gown hit her in all the right places and was the perfect combination of fun and sophisticated for the 24 year old. Her Lorraine Schwartz statement necklace was the icing on the cake, and even her dark nail polish really pulled the look together.
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
My top pick of the night was the Best Actress in a Miniseries or Movie winner, Claire Danes, from “Temple Grandin” in this stunning Swarovski crystal-encrusted Armani Prive gown. It was simple, yet elegant. Perfect for the Best Actress winner.
Misses
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
“Parenthood” star Lauren Graham failed to impress in this Yigal Azrouël dress. The cut, the fit, it was all wrong.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Christina Hendricks from “Mad Men” was a feathery disaster in this Zac Posen dress.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kate Gosselin looked matronly in her Carmen Marc Valvo dress. It was a bit top heavy.
Men’s Pick
photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com
Ryan Kwanten from “True Blood” is my male pick of the evening. He stood out in his plaid double-buttoned suit and stand out patterned red tie. It was refreshing to see this young star in something other than the basic black tux.
Top 10 Global Brands with Staying Power
Forbes recently posted an interesting article about the 10 world brands that have stood the test of time. Here is a quick overview!
1. Burberry
AP Photo/Sang Tan
Founded in 1856 the brand took off in 1880 when Burberry created gabardine, a waterproof yet breathable fabric. The iconic Burberry trench coat came about in 1914. In 1998 the brand launched its first ready-to-wear collection and cemented its luxury status in 2001 thanks to then new designer Christopher Bailey.
2. Chanel
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (AP Photo)
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel started her brand with a millinery shop in 1909. Chanel is best known for freeing women from the constricting fashions of the era and developing the “little black dress.” In 1984 Karl Lagerfeld took over the House of Chanel a decade after Chanel’s death. Lagerfeld is best know for his ability to continuously reinvent the brand while preserving its roots.
3. Chopard
Chopard logo
In 1860 Chopard began as a pocket watch company. The brand became famous for producing all of its watch movements in-house. Chopard continued to be a family business until 1963 when it was bought by Karl Scheufele III. This year the brand is celebrating its 150th anniversary and continues to be known for watches and more recently, jewelry, thanks to its red-carpet presence.
4. Hermès
Hermès logo
The brand was established in 1837 as an equestrian supply shop. In 1880 Hermès began making saddles followed by its first bag designed to hold a saddle for travel in 1900. The brand has come a long way from its equestrian roots. Today Hermès has 14 product divisions and is well known for its handbags like the Birkin Bag. This iconic bag was created in 1984 for Jane Birkin and continues to be the desire of countless women everywhere.
5. Louis Vuitton
AP Photo/Andy Wong
Found in 1854 this brand was first known for its flat bottom trunks with trianon canvas. By the end of the century there were so many copycats Louis Vuitton introduced its iconic monogram canvas pattern. Today the brand is known for its logo bags with a twist. In 2001 a collection featured graffiti on top of the classic monogram. In 2003 Takashi Murakami introduced a multicolored monogram. The top sellers continue to be the basics.
6. Montblanc
AP Photo/Diane Bondareff
In 1906 Montblanc started as an upmarket pen company. The Meisterstuck, the brand’s most famous pen, was introduced in 1924. Montblanc holds about 60% of the luxury pen market and started producing watches in 1997.
7. Panerai
Launched in 1860, Panerai later became the official supplier of watches to the Royal Italian Navy. It has become a cult brand because if the vintage feel of its timepieces. Collectors and celebrities alike continue to crave this brand.
8. Persol
Persol logo
Persol began in 1917 and was considered a sunglass innovator. The glasses later became iconic thanks to features in movies like The Thomas Crown Affair, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and La Dolce Vita. Persol is another cult brand and continues to offer covert luxury. In September the brand is re-launching a limited edition pair of Steve McQueen Persols.
9. Pringle of Scotland
Store
Founded in 1815 this knitwear brand has been around for almost two centuries. In 1905 the brand became famous for inventing the notion of knitwear as outerwear. Pringle is also the inventor of argyle in 1920 and the twin-set in 1930. The brand continues to focus on modernizing its Scottish heritage and reminds customers that it is one of the few luxury knitwear brands around today.
10. Salvatore Ferragamo
AP Photo/Antonio Calanni
The brand officially was created in 1927. Ferragamo has long been considered a shoe innovator with the invention of the wedge heel, shell-shaped sole, the ‘invisible’ sandal and metal heels. The brand continues to thrive and is luring in younger shoppers by launching its more affordable line called My Ferragamo.
More Animal Print
Due to the huge popularity of animal print this fall we are doing a double feature on this trend!
Here are some fabulous and unique animal print accessories that we couldn’t help but get excited over! Every woman must have one of these in her wardrobe.
Last year we hit on how hot skinny belts were going to be a staple in the fall lineup, and this year these Leighelena belts are definitely on our must have list. Classic yet individualistic, we are ready to pair with a long cardigan or over a simple sheath dress.
“Fall is all about strong accessories and this brand hits it out of the park. These bracelets feature bold color pallets and interesting execution – I love the metal detailing on the buckle…and cannot wait to add these bold pieces to my fall staples!” -Erin Creaney, owner Studio-808
Double Wrap Bracelets in black stingray, grey lizard, cognac lizard, army green lizard, bone lizard, and black stingray
Licorice Belts in red lizard, natural python, cognac lizard, and black anaconda
Who doesn’t need a little stingray or anaconda print in their wardrobe? These prints are sure to take your fall classic looks to the next level!
All of these accessories and more are by Leighelena and available at www.leighelena.com.
Leighelena also has a retail store for those in the Austin area that we recommend definitely checking it out!
1215 Corona Drive, Austin, Texas 78723.
Fall’s Hottest Trends – Animal Print
With fall right around the corner it is time to talk fall fashion. Starting this week there will be a weekly series on fall’s hottest trends. I love summer, but there is something about fall sweaters, boots, and colors that I just can’t resist!
This weeks trend spotlight is: Animal Print.
Animal print is going to be big this fall. You are going to see it on everything from clothes to shoes to handbags. If you were ever hesitant about wearing animal print before, don’t resist this season. Let out your wild side with a fun bag or fabulous pair of pumps. Since these playful prints are going to be everywhere it should be easy to accessorize an outfit at any price point, or go head to toe in a flattering dress paired with some eye catching heels.
If you are having trouble deciding on the right animal print to buy, leopard is going to be the choice of the season. While there is plenty of zebra and giraffe prints out there, leopard is really going to be the hottest trend.
Here are some of my favorite finds!
Coach Madison Ocelot Maggie www.coach.com
Zebra Print Pencil Skirt www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
Enzo Angiolini 'Sully' Platform Pump www.nordstrom.com
Just Cavalli Giraffe Print Stretch Cotton Dress www.nordstrom.com
Christian Dior’s Haute Couture Collection
Remy de la Mauviniere
On July 5th Dior designer John Galliano opened the fall-winter 2011 haute couture collections in Paris. While this collection is meant for the winter of 2011 all was in bloom on the runway.
The designer chose a floral theme with bright bold colors. Even encasing the models’ heads in colorful cellophane to complete the bouquet of flowers look. Galliano’s creative genius created a garden of couture. The extravagance of the designs were reminiscent of Dior’s past lines from the 1950′s. Especially Christian Dior’s “Tulip Line” from 1953.
The Associated Press described the show as, ” a riotous celebration of what couture, at its best, can be.” There is no denying that.
What do you think of Dior’s latest haute couture collection? Would you wear these looks?
Remy de la Mauviniere
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Studio-808, Inc. is the brainchild of Erin Creaney, a PR executive with a near-athletic enthusiasm for emerging designers. Finding herself searching the city for great designers with new and different looks, she knew a larger operation was in order. What's more, she felt the world needed to know about the fashion percolating in the Windy City. Thus was born Studio-808.com.
