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


Forum Street Style: Transitional Dressing

We’ve fallen once again into that weird time of year where seasons merge and it’s not quite winter anymore, but it’s really not spring yet either. Forum members are facing the weather with lighter layers, reinforcements against the unexpected cold of warm days and chilly nights, and a marked increase in tights with shorts and short skirts. Here are some of their latest looks.



Sam! wore a mini dress by Dagmar with a coat and belt by H&M Trend, Acne boots, and a Zara bag.
Justlikesushi combined florals with pants and a blouse by H&M that she topped off with an Ohmyfrock leather jacket, and accessorized with black wedged high top sneakers, and an Arrogant/Minnie black bag.
Amour_amour363 wore a Gary Bigeni dress with a Haider Ackermann leather belt, a Celapiu woven cowel, and Ash wedged boots.



Liina donned a graphic tee from Bikbok with Gestuz pants, a Zara jacket, Topshop loafers, a Balenciaga bag, and House of Harlow sunglasses.
Juneping paired Elise Overland suede pants with a See by ChloƩ top, a Michael Kors fur vest, YSL leopard print heels, an Isabel Marant scarf, and a Givenchy bag.
Tweenspirit elevated a simple look of Our Legacy jeans, a Uniqlo shirt, and Florsheim by Duckie Brown shoes, with a red gingham blazer from the Spring 2009 Junya Watanabe for Brooks Brothers collection.

Saturday 19 January 2013

Isabelle Fuhrman: One to Watch

She may only be 15, but Isabelle Fuhrman is making a name for herself up on the big screen in The Hunger Games as well as on the red carpet. Isabelle’s fashionable hits just keep coming as she promotes the record-breaking movie. She even has a few more films in the pipeline, including M. Night Shyamalan's After Earth with Will Smith.

The young actress looked stylish on the orange carpet at last weekend's Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards dressed in a Jason Wu Spring 2012 petal printed number. A black clutch by Kotur, Blue Nile jewels and a pair of Casadei wedges completed the look. Isabelle’s big break came when she starred in the thriller, Orphan. Back in July 2009 at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Isabelle wore a sweet navy dress paired with embellished nude flats.

At the Teen Choice Awards the following month, Isabelle also picked an age-appropriate selection. Her purple sequin shift dress was a fun choice for the notoriously free-spirited event. She had grown up considerably by the 17th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in January of this year. Isabelle’s mixed media Christian Siriano Spring 2012 frock was combined with neutral ankle strap sandals.

Isabelle made sure to attend Christian Siriano’s Fall 2012 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City this February. She opted for a sleek look featuring a high-waisted light-colored skirt and black top set off by a dynamic clutch along with flashy heels. Her publicity tour for The Hunger Games has really seen Isabelle making quite an impact on the red carpet. For the Los Angeles premiere last month, she donned a champagne-colored tulle cocktail dress from Oscar de la Renta styled with a golden Jimmy Choo clutch and Vita peep-toes.

It was a striking Valentino Pre-Fall 2012 black and white dress with bubble skirt and bow accent for the New York showing a little over a week later. Isabelle finished off the look with Blue Nile diamonds and black ankle strap heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. She also dressed to impress at the Valentino Rodeo Drive flagship store opening in Los Angeles at the end of last month. Isabelle’s Valentino white tulle illusion dress was teamed with a studded clutch and a pair of slingbacks, both also by Valentino as well as even more Blue Nile jewelry. She rounded out the chic look with a standout side braid.

Isabelle is managing to capture our attention as well as admiration with her recent stylish red carpet showings, and we sincerely hope this rising star continues to shine.

On Our Radar: International Fashionista Fan Bingbing





Who: Fan Bingbing
She’s a Household Name In: China
Why She’ll Be Known Worldwide: Unless you speak Chinese, you probably haven’t seen any of the films or television shows that have earned Fan Bingbing countless awards and a huge fan following in her native China. If you’ve been paying attention to the front row at the last few fashion months, however, you’ve probably noticed her—although you may not have known who she is. That’s because Fan Bingbing’s fashion sense is hard to pin down; she looks equally stunning in the elegant and elaborate Chinese-inspired gowns she dons on the red carpet and the more avant-garde, free-spirited ensembles she favors for press conferences and fashion shows. She turned heads at this year’s Cannes Film Festival when she dazzled in a gown inspired by a Chinese vase by Christopher Bu and a green Elie Saab clutch (above). Her ability to work different hairstyles—from this classic Tang dynasty updo to long and flowing waves—adds to her chameleon-like sense of style.

Look of the Day: Teresa Palmer’s Oscar de la Renta Pale Pink Party Dress

Who: Teresa Palmer

Where: InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe After Party Los Angeles, California

Why we like it: The Australian actress stood out in a pale pink sleeveless Oscar de la Renta creation. Teresa's perfect party dress was styled with a black belt and a matching clutch along with a pair of Christian Louboutin Love Me bow-accented pumps.

Street style_Alexa Chung








I like AC's taste of dresses. She chooses diffrent dresses depends on diffrent  occasions.Sometimes it is casual,sometimes it is rock'n roll,and sometimes it is classic and faminine.