Michelle Obama in Tracy Reese

Michelle Obama walks onstage at the Democratic National Convention in
North Carolina.  

Tracy Reese is an American designer whose work is timeless, classic and always looks good on a woman.  She is one of my personal favorite designers and I was happy to see that First Lady Michelle Obama chose to wear one of her dresses for her speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Black (African-American) designers rarely get opportunities like this on a national scale to have their work seen by the masses.  The dress was custom made in a silky rosy pink, with grey around the hem.  Sleeveless, it showed off her strong arms and the silhouette was fitted with the a full skirt.  She wore the Everly Suede heels in rhubarb from J. Crew which were the perfect finishing touch to her look.

Twitter was buzzing with tweets about what the First Lady wore.  Tracy Reese herself tweeted, "So honored." when she appeared onstage in the dress.

This isn't the first time she's worn Reese.  She was also seen at the London Olympic games wearing a pre-fall ensemble from the designer.  

Michelle Obama in Tracy Reese at London Olympics

Wearing White After Labor Day

Transition your summer whites by mixing them with neutrals like black, brown or grey.  (Clothing by Zara.)

Labor Day is celebrated in both the U.S. and Canada on the first Monday of September.  It marks the 'unofficial end' of summer.  It's also the time when fashion has dictated that it's not okay to wear white after Labor Day.  For decades people have followed this rule of not wearing white without even knowing the real reason behind it.  Even some who consider themselves experts in fashion have no idea.  It's only been the last decade when designers and fashion stylists have thrown away the rules of caution.  White has been embraced by a few who continue wearing it through the fall.

Why the no white rule?  White was a color worn by the rich.  At the onset of summer it was traditional for them to get rid of the dark clothing worn the rest of the year and head to vacation spots where they adorned themselves in white and other light colors.  Of course the poor couldn't afford to buy new clothes just because it was a new season.  Time Magazine published an article about the history of wearing white after Labour day and they spoke to author Charlie Scheips.  He is the author of American Fashion and co-authored Andy Warhol: The Day the Factory Died. and he told Time Magazine, "If you look at any photograph of any city in America in the 1930's, you'll see people in dark clothes, many scurrying to their jobs. By contrast the white linen suits and Panama hats at snooty resorts were 'a look of leisure'." 

By the time the 1950's came around the tradition was stuck and people continued not wearing white after Labor Day.  It was a rule just like the rules of etiquette and nobody chose to break it.  If you did you were usually ridiculed and some even shunned.  

One of the other reasons often sited for white in summer-only months was that it's the color that reflects light and thus keeps you cool.  In the days before air conditioning wearing clothing that would keep you cooler was a key part of beating the heat.  It also is associated with the lightness of summer because it's not dark and drab.  Because this color is associated with the season, psychologically, people move away from this once the season is over.  

(Left to Right) J.Mendel, Reed Krakoff, Alexander McQueen, Nina Ricci and Derek Lam.

These days the fashion rules are not so strict and people do what they feel most comfortable doing.  When it comes to wearing white in the fall and winter months you can tone it down by mixing it with other neutrals like black or grey.  Another way to wear it is layering various shades of white or soften it up with cream.  The other important thing is to avoid linens and very lightweight materials in the cold months when you wear white.  Choose fabrics that are rich and have some texture to it.  Go for wool, polyester blends worn in a winter or eggshell white make for great items in your wardrobe for the new season. 

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

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.

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.

Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2012



Diane von Furstenberg Fall/Winter 2012-13. (Photo: PRPhotos.com)

 Diane Von Furstenberg is one of my favorite designers.  Her work always makes a woman look and feel glamorous and beautiful.  Even if it's the simple wrap dress she's famous for.

Her fall/winter 2012/2013 collection proved why her label has so much longevity.  With simple silhouettes that convey effortless style the pieces evoked a modern women; from off-shoulder dresses to printed jumpers and plenty of color.

To view the entire runway show click the link below.

Click here to watch the entire runway show.

Photos: PRPhotos.com

Christian Dior Fall 2012

 It's currently Paris Fashion Week and although the shops are busy stocking spring fashion, designers are preparing us for what's in store for fall 2012.  The House of Christian Dior showed us why lady-like style always prevails.  The collection was befitting to the true essence of the Dior brand.  With full skirts and peplum tops cinched at the waist it was reminiscent of the 'Dior new look' of the late 1940's.  Colors were softly muted pinks, grey and shades of beige with small doses of bright color.  Take a peak at the runway show in the video above.

Herve Leger Fall 2012

Herve Leger fall 2012 (Photo: style.mtv.com)

Corseted detailing in Herve Leger fall 2012 collection.
(photo: fashiondailymag.com)

Herve Leger is known for iconic bandage style dresses that mold and shape a woman's figure the same way corseted undergarments do.  Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford were seen in Leger dresses at events and around town throughout the designer's heyday.  The company was bought out by BCBG Max Azria Group in 1998 and went through some changes over the years.  After the label relaunched in 2007 under the design direction of Max Azria, it has gained a new following.  Everyone from Tyra Banks to Gisele Bundchen have been photographed wearing a Leger.  There are even several knock-offs of the bandage style dress on the racks at various retailers around the world.

The recent show at New York Fashion Week for fall 2012 stayed true to highlighting a woman's figure.  The silhouettes remained body conscious and were layered with leather body harnesses, corseted details and wide belts.  With emphasis on the waistline the garments were paired with knee-high gladiator boots while hair was kept simple and swept back in sleek ponytails.  Take a peek at the collection in this video from PopSugar TV. 

BCBG Fall 2012

BCBG Max Azria was one of the first collections to hit the runway this week during New York Fashion Week.  The design duo of Max Azria and wife Lubov, created something for fall that was reminiscent of the seventies.  Dresses had high slits, color blocking and fluid shapes.  The label is known for simple styling yet a sense of elegance.

Fall For White

Akris fall/winter 2011/2012

Contrary to the old popular belief that you can't wear white after Labour day, modern fashion says you can.  Designers continue to show white on the runways no matter what time of year.  They key is to choose fabrics that are appropriate based on the season.  Leave your lightweight and linen items for the summer months.  Choose white blazers and trousers made in light wool, heavier cotton/polyester blends and with more structure. 

Pairing white with neutral tones like gray, brown and beige are a great way to transition to fall.  Don't go overboard wearing white head to toe as you might in the summer.  The footwear you select is a key element in creating a seasonal look.  For example if you are wearing a white suit choose footwear in sienna, tan, chocolate, or a metallic like gold or silver.  Wear belts that contrast like brown, black or red.

When wearing white into the winter season it's best to choose a winter white not as bright.  Warmer shades of white have hints of ivory, almond and rose.  This soft variant of white is often closer to eggshell, or what some call off-white.

Are you ready to wear white after Labour day?

Yves Saint Laurent, Fall 2011 (photo: coolspotters.com)

Burberry, Fall 2011 (photo: coolspotters.com)

Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2011/2012

H&M Fall 2011 Sneak Peak

It's time for a sneak peak at what's coming up for the fall season.  I know it's hot outside but, it's alway fun to see what we might be wearing once the temperatures start to dip again.

~Ivy

Louis Vuitton Fall 2011 Highlights

Versace Fall/Winter 2011

I know we're excited for spring but fashion has already shown us what's coming up for fall 2011. Versace never disappoints. The collection was a little understated from the typical sex appeal of Versace but it was very sleek and modern. Dresses had abstract appliqués with a Baroque feel to it.  Leather jackets and skirts had a tough chic appeal.  Overall great collection.