Tuesday 22 January 2013

Non-Neutral Hues to Beat the Winter Blues

Color ruts happen, even to the most inspired fashion devotees among us. Black is so easy! Throw in some gray, some white, a hint of beige and you're a walking classic. Never is the danger of this situation higher than in the cold, dark months of fall and winter. First of all, black is all around you, everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't you? Because after reading this article, you're going to know better. Dark skies and dark clothes day in and day out might affect your mood, your personal sense of style, or even your sense of femininity. We're not suggesting you go banana yellow from head to toe, but there are some seriously gorgeous color trends from the fall runways that are worth giving a try in lieu of the habit-forming neutral wardrobe so many fall prey to this time of year. As they say, the best offense is a good defense, so here's your chance to plan ahead by looking at some of the colors we fell in love when we saw the Fall 2012 shows. We've even thrown in a suggestion or two on how to fit them into your pre-existing wardrobe.

Red

You've probably heard that oxblood is the go-to color for this season, and it's true that it was a major trend. But why not try full-on red? It's a standout color, perfect for jackets and coats.

Teal

Shirt dresses are so versatile. You can belt them and you can layer them over or under sweaters and turtlenecks. All you need is one to provide several totally different looks.

Caribbean Queen

Thinking of sipping a cocktail in a coconut while laying on the beach? Why not let your daydream fantasies inspire your wardrobe by adding a touch of Caribbean blue?

Cobalt

Sure you can wear a skirt suit in black, slate gray or even white, but why not try a dark blue shade like Stella McCartney? It'll still pair perfectly with your favorite black blouse and tights.

Pumpkin

When it comes to wearing color, separates are a surefire way to incorporate an unexpected hue into your pre-existing looks. If you love a color, but it's not the perfect shade for your skin tone, you can wear it as a bottom to great effect. And burnt orange is a classic fall color not to be missed out on.

Jewel Tone

It's deep, it calls to mind royalty, it's sumptuous. Whether you call it eggplant or amethyst, purple works on all skin tones. Included in a dress like this that works for day or night, you can't go wrong.

9 Runway-Inspired Ways to Wear Denim

While pencil skirts and twin sets evoke the perfect display of Parisian chic (or a British librarian, depending how you look at it), denim is a steadfast reminder of American style. At this point, even the hautest European designers have dipped their toes in our sartorial waters, creating denim looks that elevate or destroy this ever-versatile textile at their whim. Here, we give credit where it's due and pull our favorite looks from recent past, present, and future collections. Italians do it. The French do it. And Americans do it, too. Feast your eyes on the lastest denim looks to covet.

Go Wide

A girl just can't have a complete denim wardrobe without a pair of wide leg jeans. They're 70s chic and flattering for a wide array of body types. With a pair of heeled boots underneath, your legs will look miles long and the proper fit will draw emphasis to your backside and hips -- in a good way. Need more inspiration? This style is worn almost exclusively by stylist and designer Rachel Zoe, who also happens to have a look in this list.

Cropped and Cuffed

The 50s vibe of this overall look is just too delicious. Those little dark cropped jeans paired with heels are going to be all over spring street style blogs. Get a head start and snap up a pair the first chance you get.

Button Down

It's a denim button down shirt and it works with everything from a sequin maxi skirt to a daring mini to tuxedo pants. Own one.

Lighten Up

Dark denim is a tempting rut to get yourself into. It's slimming, it's easy versatile, it's your go-to. But don't forget about the, um, "dark horse" of denim, which ironically is light-colored duds. From white to barely-there blue, it's unexpected enough these days to feel chic and modern.

Dressed to Distressed

What is it about pairing a pair of stained-looking destroyed denim with -- anything -- that makes your look feel cool and hip? Wear something like this on your movie dates, brunches with friends, and virtually any other time that doesn't include your office.

Long and Lean

Another must-have denim silhouette: the dark wash skinny jean. Notice here how easy it is to make it look upscale with a sumptuous top like velvet and how chic it looks tucked into knee-high boots.

Little Denim Jacket

We love this layered look that elevates a simple denim jacket by letting it poke out of a tuxedo-inspired jacket on top. Layering is perfect for fall and winter. We highly recommend emulating this from head to toe.

Studded to Perfection

Studs are another add-on that's making the rounds on everything from bags and shoes to jewelry and clothing. Here's an example of a studded denim duster coat that makes us think of a tough millennial cowgirl. Find your own denim studded piece and wear it until it's worn in to perfection.

Gold Plated

Metallic threads are everywhere these days and a new process of coating denim in different finishes from glossy to gold is most definitely in. Take a cue from Cavalli and seek out your own pair of gold standard jeans. Wear them out at night and be the shining star of your crew.

Best of the Fall 2013 Menswear Collections

Before Haute Couture gets into full swing and New York Fashion Week gets its start, here's a look at some of the most notable Fall 2013 Menswear collections from London, Milan and Paris.
   

Alexander McQueen
A little military, a little Hugh Hefner and a little dandy, this season's McQueen collection was certainly not tailored for suave male seducers or dapper gentleman. Oversize silhouettes, colorblocked outerwear and head-to-toe prints made for an engaging show, but a hard sell in terms of wearability.

Burberry Prorsum

Sure, there were some major fails (ahem, contrasting animal print outerwear) but there was plenty to love in Christopher Bailey’s Burberry collection. Among the standouts were military-inspired outerwear and adorable heart print separates.

Ermenegildo Zegna

Leave it to Zegna to get it right with every look. Whether casual or dressy, this season’s collection of impeccably tailored suiting included classic suits alongside more fashion-forward pieces (think a dotted velvet suit) for a collection that will undoubtedly hold its appeal for many seasons to come.

Dior Homme

It was all about the cinched waist this season at Dior. Will this translate into retail? Probably not, but luckily, most of the looks presented would work exceedingly well minus the belted detail. As for silhouettes, this season found most of the cuts slim for a variety of bodycon day and night looks.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Always the showman, Jean Paul Gaultier had his models, peep show-style, strip down to their long johns on the runway. Drop crotch high waist pants may be a hard sell – as well as long johns for that matter – but skinny suits, fitted tops and military trenches held more wearable appeal.

Sunday 20 January 2013

Forum Street Style: Printed Pants, Stripes, and Solids

In the past week, forum members picked up on the printed pant trend, stepped out in stripes, and stuck to their tried and true solids. Below are some highlights from this week’s display of forum street style.



Bloo90fashion let her printed Zara pants do all the talking. She kept the rest of her look black, with a blouse from Romwe, strappy heels, and a Zara bag.
Juneping wore a pair of Isabel Marant Itzel snake-print cord jeans with an Asos top, a Zara jacket, Christian Louboutin pumps, and a Givenchy bag.
Shoutouttoyou also went with one of Isabel Marant’s takes on the printed pant in her Navajo print Renell jeans. She wore the jeans with a loose fitting tank top from Zara, a nude Boyfriend blazer by River Island, and black pistol boots by Zalando.


Sam! dressed up her H&M Against Aids collection sweatpants with an H&M button-up blouse, a Zara jacket, Zara heels, and a Michael Kors watch.
Lafindesiecle paired purple pants from H&M with a thrifted Calvin Klein sweater, black lace-up booties, and an H&M backpack. Her striking dark lips come courtesy of Kate Moss for Rimmel. “Obsessed with this color!” she posted.
Liina stepped out in slim black pants by Pieces, an Acne sweater layered over a NN07 denim button-up, Jeffrey Campbell studded loafers, an Alexander Wang clutch, and Karen Walker sunglasses.

Gucci | Fall Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show | Menswear | Exclusive


"Gucci" Spring Summer 2013 Milan Pret a Porter Woman by FashionChannel