STYLE | GOLD CAMOUFLAGE

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac spring 2014. (Photo: style.com)

 Paris Fashion Week always bring out some of the most interesting collections of the many fashion weeks each season.  The last few seasons camouflage, traditionally reserved for army uniforms has infiltrated our closets.  The pattern has been worked into so many shades and styles for men and women.  It's no surprise that designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac glamourized the traditional combat pattern.   Castelbajac made it hip, modern and definitely not to be worn in the line of duty.  The designer changed the classic green pattern bringing in the metallic power of gold mixed with beige and black.  The models with hair swept to the side and strong red lips looked perfectly dressed for an evening affair despite the fact they were wearing camouflage.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac spring 2014. (Photo: style.com)

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac spring 2014. (Photo: style.com)

STYLE | GARDEN VARIETY

Chinese Laundry

 The floral trend in fashion is not reserved for just pretty dresses and flowy blouses.  The trend has made it's way to the feet.  You're sure to find a garden variety of styles, colours and shapes.  Everything from skinny heels to wedges and sneakers.  Make your shoes the focal point of your outfit by keeping your look monochromatic.

Ego and Greed bowler Espadrille shoe.

Vans spring collection in full bloom. 

Mango Summer 2013 Collection

Summer is in full swing and now is the time to find items in store that may be on sale.  Check out the full show from Mango's spring/summer show.  Hurry before these items are all gone.  Fall 2013 stock is arriving soon if not already in stores.

Spring's Black and White Trend

Spring 2013 has plenty of fashion trends to choose from.  One of the most notable is the black and white trend we are seeing everywhere.  It looks amazing on everyone and it's so easy to style because the two colours look great together. Watch this video by PopSugarTV for a few looks of the season in black and white.

Pamella Roland Spring 2013

Pamella Roland's spring 2013 collection was another example of the black and white trend in fashion this season.  Her collection was inspired by the artwork of American artist Ellsworth Kelly.  The clothing was filled with simple, clean lines and geometric shapes.

Jason Wu - Spring 2013

Jason Wu (image Wmagazine.com)

Jason Wu's spring 2013 collection opened with what first appears to be a simple black shift dress.  The details of sheer lace and leather look bra over the bodice were both classy yet sexy at the same time.  It was followed by various combinations with a black and white pallet.  A simple combination that can be worn day or night.  Wu has a way of making a woman look amazing without too much fuss.  A pop of colour was added with pink and the classic choice of navy.

(Watch full runway show below)

New Year New Color

Pantone made their official announcement late last year that Emerald was the color of 2013.  You may remember that last year it was tangerine tango, a reddish orange shade that promised to be the perfect energy boost to any wardrobe.  

This year's selection of emerald is full of life.  Pantone calls it a "lively, radiant, lush green."  Green is certainly a color that signifies life and growth.  I think of plants, nature and spring.  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute said, "The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum....Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world."

You're going to see this color in everything from fashion to cosmetics and interiors.  It's a great color that balances out everything. 

H&M Spring 2013

It may be the middle of the Christmas shopping season but retailers are getting geared up for spring.  byt the time it's the end of January expect to see stores almost completely flipped into spring.  Here is a sneak peak at what fashion retailer H&M will be bringing you for the next season.

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.

Full Figure Fashion Week

Full Figured Fashion Week took place this summer in New York City for the fourth year in a row.  Each year both retailers and independent designers showcase their latest collections.  This year designers included Savanna Red, Youtheary Khmer, Lavender Jungle, Jill Alexander, SWAK, Jibri and Curvato.  Celebrities including R&B singer Faith Evans were even spotted in the front row at the shows.

Times continue to change as designers and retailers are recognizing the importance of fabulous style for the curvy woman.  The plus-size fashion business has grown into a 17 billion dollar industry and isn't showing any signs of slowing down.  Women wearing over size 14 are demanding stylish clothing and retailers are finally recognizing how important that is.  International retailers including H&M, The Gap, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein now carry an assortment of styles in plus sizes.

Youtheary Khmer collection at Full Figured Fashion Week.

Theary Sim is the designer behind the label Youtheary Khmer (pronounced yut-terri-come-air). She once worked as a celebrity stylist and now creates clothing for the curvy woman.  Her latest collection was full of fun, bright and youthful colors.  She brings her eye for style to the average woman who doesn't fit the 'stick' figure of a model.

Ashley Stewart show at Full Figured Fashion Week, New York. 

Ashley Stewart is a powerhouse when it comes to style for women over size 14.  They are one of America's biggest retailers for plus size fashion and presented a collection at this year's event.
Click here to watch the full runway show.

http://fffweek.com/2012/home

New York Fashion Week: Nicholas K

 

 New York Fashion Week is underway and designers are showing us what's coming for spring 2013. Even though we are getting ready for the cool, crisp fall weather, it's still fun to see what we might be wearing next year.  Silhouettes were fluid and I saw some hints of mid-east influence in some of the garments including scarves wrapped over model's heads like those worn by women in the middle east.  Check out the latest video of Nicholas K's collection for next season.

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

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.

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.