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Showing posts with label Wardrobe Essentials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wardrobe Essentials. Show all posts

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Top Spring Trends


 
 
 
 


Try to look past that last bit of unexpected frost most of the nation has experienced and on the other end you will see spring! Yes it is right around the corner. As we embark on this time of year where we experience longer days, balmy evenings, and the shedding of winter layers. Cozy sweaters begin to resemble constricting chrysalis from which we seek escape. Our toes dream of playing peek- a- boo in a cute pair of peep toe pumps, knees and elbows long to make a guest appearance in our daily wardrobe choices once again. Luckily for you and I one of my favorite retailers is offering a variety of on trend items at a very affordable price.  Let’s have a look at ZARA’s interpretations of this spring’s trends.



 

Bold Graphic Mixing
This would be considered a micro-trend.  It has a very short lifespan. I would recommend investing the least in this trend. It will definitely read dated within a season or two.  If you are a fashion forward type of gal it is a fun way to stay ahead of the crowd as it is not for the faint of heart.

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 


Color Blocking

Color Blocking is a trend that has been returning for the last couple of seasons. Black is a great color option when color blocking because it ups the chic factor and allows it to correlate with a basic wardrobe and will provide the ability to mix and match with current wardrobe basics.Pairing black and white color block garments with brighter more traditional spring colors can add yet another layer of color blocking and showcase your personal style.  I would recommend spending a little more on this trend if it speaks to you. I do feel it will a trend that posses staying power.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ruffles
A staple feminine design detail showed up in a big way in this Spring's designer collections. GUCCI showed a variety of oversized ruffle sleeves in their collection.   Zara has made this trend very wearable with a few ruffle additions to sleeves and hemlines. I know these looks will fit very comfortably into anyones closet

 
 
 
 
 
 
Asian Influence
 
 
Add a little something to your world by taking your normal spring florals a step further…. Add Asian influence to the mix. Oriental prints are a fresh way to push past your comfort zone and yet stay comfort adjacent.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHEER PANELS
Subtle sexy is the name of the game with this trend. The illusion of skin is a lot sexier than viewing the obvious chunks of flesh we are so often bombarded with in our present culture. Strategically placed sheer panels allow one to project a youthful image with out the fear of coming across as trashy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Haute Designer : Max Azria



As stated on the Biography on bcbgmaxazriagroup.com

Executive Officer Max Azria. In 1981, after eleven years of designing a line of women's wear in his native Paris, Azria moved to the United States and launched Jess, a series of new-concept retail boutiques offering hip French fashion to American women. After years of success, Azria decided to pursue his dream of launching a design house that spoke to the modern woman-thus BCBGMAXAZRIA was born. Named for the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, a Parisian slang meaning "good style, good attitude," the brand embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit.

 
He and his wife Lubova now work closely together and oversee the operation of the label and overall brand.


I find the Azria’s designs to be continuously fresh, offering up both on -trend and innovative looks. Tailoring is one of the designers strong suits. He presents a  variety of mix and match separates and youthful yet sophisticated dresses. His pieces are chicly cut and well tailored, collection after collection. Ive highlighted some of my favorites from his website www.bcbgmaxazriagroup.com
Dresses
 
COCKTAIL
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
WORK
 
 
 

 
 
 
Separates
 
JACKETS
 
 
 
 
TOPS
 
 
 
 
 
BOTTOMS
 

 
 
 
 

I have strategically chosen looks that I feel will highlight or add to your Wardrobe Essentials. Each look has some classic feature yet makes a statement on its own, which will allow you to keep it in your collection of clothing for years to come. The choice of colors of several of the pieces are currently on trend but can be confidently worn during many springs to come or while vacationing in a warm climate, as bright colors are always appropriate in a hot climate. The trendier the item the more conscious I was of the price point. I hope these tips are helpful in your quest to remain Haute.
 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Wardrobe Essentials Part 1

Wardrobe Essentials

 
 

As mentioned in an earlier post the establishment of a wardrobe full of essentials is ideal. Lets  outline what this essential wardrobe looks like. High on the list of must haves are a perfectly tailored pair of black pants, one for heels another for flats.
 
jcrew

 
You should look for a seasonless wool blend material that allows you to wear them comfortable throughout most of the year depending on where you live. You want to be sure you shop for both a pair to wear with flats and one with heels as the fit and length will vary considerably depending on this factor. Depending on where you shop for these trousers you may be able to take advantage of in house tailoring services if not I highly recommend taking them to a tailor or even your neighborhood dry cleaners. A perfectly fitting pant will lessen the grievances’ we  women often have towards what "we" view as our body’s imperfections. A great pair of tailored pants will surrender to our shape as opposed to us trying to shove the lower halves of ourselves into a one shape fits all mold, that garment designers must create in an effort to effectively mass produce clothing.
 
Here are a few examples to get you started
 
SLIM FIT
 
 
 


 
 
 
Notice that each pant highlighted has a flat front detail. Flat front trousers as a rule work best for all body types. The flat front provides a smooth even surface,full coverage and doesn't add bulk like pleated fronts have a tendency to do.  A flat front detail can be found in each pant silhouette.
 
 
WIDE LEG
 
 
 
 
 
Deciding whether you would like a cuff on your wide leg trouser is completely a matter of preference. The cuff is there solely for aesthetic purposes. The wide leg silhouette can be worn by all body types. For those of us who wish to minimize full hips and thighs this is the go to silhouette.
 


CROPPED


 
 
 
 
 
I highly recommend adding a cropped pant to your wardrobe because of the versatility it offers you. These pants can be worn with a slim heel, a stacked heel, or with flats. Crops are the ideal "flats pant" because they stop just shy of the ankle. You can always buy a full length trouser and have your seamstress crop them to fit "your" ideal length for a flat shoe, or you can bring your favorite flats along with you while shopping for a great pair of cropped pants.
 
 
The perfect tailored black trouser can be worn to work, dressed up for a night of cocktails, dressed down with a trendy tee and crazy shoe or even a canvas sneaker on the weekend. 
 
 
Black trousers worn with sneakers? It can be done. Check back as we continue to cover Wardrobe Essentials.