Bundle Up in Style

Military inspired looks continue to dominate this season.

Choosing the best coat to keep you warm and stylish is perhaps one of most challenging tasks when shopping.  My suggestion is to have three coats for this season.  One casual, a professional look and the go-to for those sub-zero temps.  Some of the key trends for the season include bright color, military styling, mixed textures and patterns.

For that professional look keep the styling simple and choose colors and textures that give a modern feel.  Silhouettes that are classic like a trench inspired look have a lasting appeal and can be worn for years to come.  When staving off the bitter cold, finding down filled, water-resistant jackets are usually best.  Fighting the bitter cold also is about layering the right clothing under your jacket.

J.Crew

Down-filled, fur-lined coats keep the winter cold at bay.

Tracy Reese Fall 2012

 After designing that dress worn by Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention, Tracy Reese continues to get rave reviews for her work.  The designer has been in the business for over fifteen years but gained worldwide attention with Mrs. Obama wearing her dress.

She has long been one of my favorite designers.  Her collection for this season is modern, simple and can be worn by the everyday woman.  It's not a collection that's pretentious or out of any woman's reach.  It's wearable by various body types.  A woman doesn't have to be a six foot super skinny model type to look good in her clothes.

Take a look at the highlights from her fall collection.

What do you think?

NY Fashion Fall/Winter 2012

The fall chill is already being felt in most parts of the country but the warmth of fashion is enough to have anyone embrace the winter chill.  Designers at New York Fashion Week showed a range of styles for fall 2012 earlier this year.  This video features a wrap up of the highlights from FashionTV.

Marc Jacobs had funky large hats that made me think of the mad hatter of Alice in Wonderland.  Models strutted in shoes with jeweled buckles, oversized coats, skirts and jackets.  Brocades, prints and Scottish inspired checks were also prevalent in Jacobs collection.  

One of the great things about New York is that it has its own distinctive American flavor yet, every designer is able to present a uniqueness that makes them stand out from the others.

My personal favorite from NY Fashion Week was Diane von Furstenberg.  She always manages to create effortless style for the modern woman.  Check out the video for more.

Tough Leather

Black Leather is one of this seasons trends that goes against the bright colors dominating our wardrobes the last few seasons.  It's timeless.  Every fall it makes a comeback in a different way.  This time it's constructed using more angles, styling and detail.  Designers including Givenchy, Versace and Proenza Schouler all had leather variations in their collections.

For the daring woman, black isn't the only colour for leather.  Designers this year had patterns, bright colors and varying textures in leather.  Don't be afraid to give leather a try the next time you're looking for something new to add to your wardrobe.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2012

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2012-2013

Marc Jacobs went all out for the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection for the house of Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week.  It was an ode to an era gone by as a vintage styled train entered the runway tooting its whistle with the car filled with models dressed in the fall collection.  It was like a scene from the early part of the twentieth century.  A train conductor stood outside and aided each model dressed in lady-like coats and then each accompanied by porters carrying her baggage.

Double breasted jackets, worn with cropped trousers, long dresses and big hats by Stephen Jones reminiscent of another era decorated with large feather-like flowers.  It was the 1900s mixed with 1960s and 1970's influence.  Jackets were adorned with brooches that served as buttons and many fabrics were brocade.  These were women on the go who have travelled from another place and stepped into this century as modern women.  Perhaps she is a socialite heading to her next VIP event.  Or she has just returned from a business trip.  In any case, this woman is confident, classy and a modestly sexy.

If the video doesn't play for you above click here to watch the runway show directly on youtube.

Time for a Bootie Call

Casadei suede ankle bootie for fall 2012. 

Yes, it's that time of year when we transition from the hot, lazy, days of summer to the barely warm days and cool nights of fall.  During the beginning of the season we can still look forward to warm days that remind us of summer but are quickly nudged with a cool breeze on a fall evening.

Back view of booties by Matt Bernson

Early fall is the best time to wear booties with the open back or open toe style.  Save the fur and sweater trimmed looks for the cooler days of October and early November.

Matt Bernson booties

Booties looks great but they can also be a tough footwear choice because they tend to make the ankles and calves look bigger than they are.   Wearing a pair of booties with tights, leggings or slim trousers the same color as the boot give the lean look that won't make your calves look heavy.  Color blocking tends to bring attention to your shoes but you risk looking shorter or making the leg look stumpy.

Lulu by Sam Edelman.

This year there are so many styles to choose from, you're sure to find what will look best on you and mix with your wardrobe.  If you want an edgier look go for a studded or embellished bootie like the one by Oscar de la Renta pictured below.  Perfect for an evening out, this bootie would look great with a plain mini dress so your shoes are the showstopper.

Sequined ankle bootie by Oscar de la Renta.

                                  

The Handbag

Alexander Wang

A great handbag can become a woman's best friend.  It hauls everything you need for an entire day.  Sizes range from the tiniest of clutches to the large bags that could double as overnight or weekenders.

Large purses continue to be popular with women for their might and ability to become a conversation piece.   Find them in a range of sizes, shapes and colors.  Neutrals mixed with black were seen on runways like BCBG Max Azria.  Bright colors continue to make a splash in the handbag department with bright oranges, greens and even patterns for fall.

BCBG Max Azria Fall 2012 purses.

Louis Vuitton

Wearing Fall Trends from H&M

H&M's fall 2012 collection marks the return of the strong woman.  With strong shoulders and tapered waists the pieces are all made for a woman of style and substance.  No delicate looks for this season.  Embellishment, clean lines and tailored trousers and pencil skirts are key items in this new collection by H&M.  Watch as stylists discuss what's in store the coming season.

video: barracudatv.se

Fall Trends at H&M

H&M Lookbook Women Autumn 2012 from Barracuda Film & TV on Vimeo.

 Each season H&M brings the latest trends to the masses at lower price points.  This fashion chain has always been successful with bringing what's on the runway to real life.  The fall collection is no different.  It has a variety of styles and silhouettes.  Watch this video featuring the fall lookbook for H&M

Caped Crusader

Actress Freida Pinto in Cape inspired top.

With Batman hitting it big in theatres this year it's only natural that fashion has embraced the signature look of the caped crusader in various shapes sizes and colors.  This isn't the first time this look has been adopted into our wardrobes.  But it seems like now more than ever it's a big hit.

The trend was featured in many designer collections for the fall season and you're sure to find them in stores at all different price points to suit your budget.

The cape can be sleek, elegant and even have a little edge depending on the shape, length and silhouette.
For a more professional look tweed, wool and cashmere capes will be the best way to carry the look in a corporate environment.

For the edgy personality, wearing a leather cape gives that Gothic feel reminiscent of Batman.





Delicate styled versions like the one worn by Freida Pinto at a recent event looks feminine and classy.  Smaller capes are known as capelets and are a nice touch to an evening look or just to add a little retro feel.

Overall, the cape is an easy piece to slip on over your outfit on those cool fall days.  Instead of a heavy jacket it's the best alternative to keep cozy without covering up your entire look.

David Peck, Fall 2012.

Vintage Capelet

Ready-to-Wear Paris Trend Cape or no cape... by afp-fashion

Riding in Givenchy

Givenchy Fall 2012

The sleek loook of the Givenchy boot collection for fall is nothing short of spectacular.  These riding boots are so lovely I don't think any rider would want to risk damaging them by actually riding.  Instead pair them with equestrian inspired looks or even with a beautifully tailored suit or evening dress. 

Some stars have already been seen wearing these.  Lala Anthony was wearing them with denim shorts at an event.  Personally I like the look more dressed up as they are in the looks pictured above.

Fall 2012 Givenchy boots.

 

The Fold-over look was all over Givenchy runway for the fall season.

Kick Into High Gear

Fall 2012 collection of footwear from The Frye Company

One of my favorite things about the fall season are the great boots available.  Kick yourself into high gear with a great pair of boots to start the season.  This year everything from over-the-knee to ankle booties are all on trend.  It's about sticking with what works for you and your lifestyle.

Chunky ankle boots are a hit this year.  Top left to right: Rocket Dog, Forever 21, PacSun.
Middle row left to right: DSW, ASOS, ModCloth.
Bottom left to right: ASOS, Rocket Dog, Wet Seal.

These booties are great style for reasonable prices for those who are budget conscious.  You don't have to spend a lot to look good.  How you wear ankle boots can be tricky.  They are a style that can look tacky depending on how you style them. 

Be aware of your leg length and your hemline when you decide to wear ankle boots.  If you've got great legs wearing ankle boots with a mini can work great.  They also look cool with a pair of skinny trousers or jeans.  If you have thicker ankles try to pair them with tights that are the same color as the boot so it creates a uniform longer, lean line and doesn't make your legs look like two stubs. 

They always look great with a nice fitting pair of jeans too.  Have fun and try all the latest trends for the season.

Top Summer Items To Wear in The Fall

There are key pieces you can still wear into next season, including this peplum top and full skirt. 

Summer is quickly winding down. So it's transition time. You may have some summer items you can still wear into the fall season. No need to let go of your summer trends just yet. Here are my picks for the top pieces you can transition into the fall season.

THE PEPLUM

Wearing a custom made Peplum top with pencil skirt.  I had it custom made in
Accra, Ghana.  Here I am at the 3rd Annual AfroChic Cultural Exhibit.  I was the
Host of the event, which was held in Toronto, Canada.

The Peplum is one of this year's biggest trends for women.  It's the item that highlights the curves of a woman.

Don't be afraid to wear a peplum.  Some women shy away from it because they fear it will make them look too big but in fact it's about choosing the right peplum.  There are various shapes and sizes of this trend you can choose based on your figure.

But if you really don't like your hips then it's best to stay away from this trend because it does draw attention to this womanly part of your body.

I love how it makes me feel sexy and feminine.

This trend is one that you can work into your fall wardrobe with ease.  With this two piece I wore as the Host of an event this summer, I will likely split them and wear the top with a pair of black pants for the fall.  The other option is wearing the pencil skirt with a white tailored blouse and black or brown blazer for an office look.  That way I stay on trend and keep the pop of color while toning it down with a darker shade.

BRIGHT COLOR

Bright color has been everywhere this summer.  Keep wearing it into the fall by toning it down with neutrals.  In this picture you see the model wears the bright skirt with white and a sand cardigan.  In the summer you might have worn it without the cardigan or with a white blazer instead of the sand color.  Adding the orange shoe keeps it on trend too while still welcoming the fall season.

Bright trousers were also a big hit this summer that you can wear into the fall.  Instead of wearing all brights from head to toe, again tone it down with a softer color on top or stick to neutrals like black, charcoal or brown.

ART DECO/GRAPHIC PRINTS

Carolina Herrera spring 2012.

Color blocking, art-deco and graphic patterns are must have items you can wear now and later.  The simplest classic is a black and white combo like the one by Carolina Herrera pictured here.  The nice thing
about this is the way the lines help define the curve in your body.  The small color accent is done using a skinny belt or you can do this with your accessories and shoes.

But don't limit yourself to black and white.  There were so many graphic prints this season with color that would work well into the fall season.  Basic things like wearing a solid cardigan or cropped jacket will make the trend work for fall.

BOHEMIAN

The bohemian trend moves from summer to fall with wide brimmed hats, mustard shades, olive greens and of course black and charcoal.  The trend was popular for summer in many colors and patterns.  For fall different colors bring the trend into the new season.

But if you own a summer dress you can still wear it in the fall by adding layers; cardigans, cropped jackets or sheer pieces worn over will help you go from summer to fall with ease.

Men's Lookbook from H&M

I think almost everyone has a piece of clothing from H&M.  There are so many pieces that can be mixed into your wardrobe.  I really love the way the men's looks are put together in this sneak peak video for the Fall 2012 Collection at H&M.  It's mid-August but you're sure to find some of these items already in stores.  Take a look and enjoy the preview.

Transitional Style

Left to right:  Billy Reid, Imitation of Christ by Tara Subkoff, Lanvin and Ruffian)

It may be the middle of summer but retailers and designers want you thinking about the upcoming fall season.    Stores are already beginning to stock some of the latest for autumn.  Even though the temperatures are still blazing hot, you can still find some pieces that you can mix in your summer wardrobe for transitional style.

One of the trends I love is that bold color continues to dominate.  Blue is one that almost every skin tone can wear.  Because of it's boldness you can actually start wearing this right now during the summer season.  Instead of wearing it with a black or brown shoe accentuate it with bright colored sandals or pumps in red, yellow or even green.

Bright red platforms look fabulous with blue dresses.

Try yellow wedges like this pair by Jimmy Choo.

Joe Fresh Style

Canada's best in fashion recently showcased their collections for Fall 2012 at World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto.  One of the big success stories in Canadian fashion is Joe Fresh.  It's amazing how quickly the brand has grown from items you can pick up while shopping at the grocery store to becoming a major player in the fashion business.  They launched flagship stores in Vancouver, Toronto and New York City last year.  Take a look at the runway show for Fall 2012.  It's filled with colour, simple silhouettes and classic styling.  

Tadashi Shoji at New York Fashion Week

Tadashi Shoji, has been dressing women on the red carpet for years.  The Japanese designer's clients include some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood.  Actress Octavia Spencer wore one of his gowns at the Academy Awards as she won her first Oscar for her role in The Help.  Tyra Banks, Beyoncé, Kate Beckinsale, and Kelly Osbourne have all been seen wearing his dresses.

Shoji opened up Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York last month with a collection that brought the guests through an era of luxury.  The dresses showed an influence of Shanghai in the 1930's.  The colors were in soft shades and the textures included Chantilly lace, chiffon and velvet.  Shoji told IB Times TV that he was inspired by the 1932 film "Shanghai Express" starring Marlene Dietrich.