Ombré over?

I don't think so. Not quite yet. The trend that first started making an appearance on the runway a few seasons back, was still prevalent on the Fall 2012 Couture runways, demonstrating that the shaded look is still going strong. 


Here's how I worked the ombré details...

Ombré scarf, Esprit
Mesh shirt, ZARA
Shorts, Mossimo
Shoes, ZARA
Purse, Accessorize

The trend dominated Matthew Williamson and Prabal Gurung's collections back in February 2011, with the ombré fluffers making quite the statement:

Prabal Gurung, Matthew Williamson

Here is another favorite of mine, reminds me of a berry creamsicle!

Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2011, Cake by Maggie Austin

But more recently, we saw the look on the Resort 2013 runways:

Missoni, Alberta Ferretti

And even more recently at the Fall 2012 Couture shows:

Chanel, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani Privé

Whether it's in hair, nails, or fashion, I think the ombré influence is here to stay, at least for a little bit longer. 

Sheen in Sheer

If you haven't seen or heard about Emma Stone's UH-MAZE-ING Gucci gown that she wore at "The Amazing Spider-Man" premier in Paris, then you've been missing out, but now you know!

Emma Stone in Gucci

The first time I really took note of the sheer trend, was when Fergie rocked this number at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards back in February. Remember this?

Fergie in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture

Here are some other favorites that the stars have been sporting lately:

Gwen Stefani, Anna Dello Russo & Kim Kardashian all in Stella McCartney

But my favorite to date, is this sheer number that Halle Berry wore back in 2002 to the oscars. A classic for sure!

Halle Berry in Ellie Saab

Here are some more affordable ways to add a few sheer pieces to your wardrobe:

1. Wallis, $52
2. Republic, $30
3. Own the Runway, $31
4. Paul Smith, $180
5. Chinese Laundry, $70
6. MANGO, $31

Arm Party

Whether it's home made pieces, store bought, or a combination of  the two, bangles, chains, friendship bracelets, cuffs and the likes are where it's at this summer. Think a collection of bright, unique, textured, bracelets to create an Arm Party!

But who to invite? Here are some of the A-List stars that should definitely have a spot at your arm party...

Dola Designs, Spike Friendship Bracelet,  $66

The Great Frog London, Skull & Roses Bracelet, £380

Kate Spade, No Sleep Till Brooklyn Idiom Bangle, $88

nOir Jewelry, Barbie Pyramid, $165

Dola Designs, Boho Friendship Bracelet, $44 (comes in a variety of colors, interwoven with silver)

Stella & Dot, Luna Wrap Bracelet, $89 (left) Hematite CupChain Bracelet, $59 (right)

Joolz by Martha Calvo, Black Diamond Lava Bead Macrame Bracelet, $175

 

Dola Designs, Skully Chain Bracelet, $79

Joolz by Martha Calvo, Tribal Bead Bracelet, $80

Please share your own arm party pictures for a chance at a shout out. Email them to me at djfshn@gmail.com

So fresh and so MINT!

Jumping into a pool, the ocean, or a shower, is not the only way to stay feeling fresh. This summer, mint is cool! So get fresh with it! 

Here are some of my personal favorites:

Elkin Mint Skull Bracelet $70
Seven For All Mankind Mint Super Skinny Gwenevere Pant $210
Vespa Mint Green illustration from Etsy
Diane Von Furstenberg Mint Green Sudan Wedges $175
Mint Vintage Stripe Print Tee $12
Miss Heartbreaker PolkaDot Dress $39

For a bohemian chic look, I would recommend pairing a pair of mint skinny jeans with a lacy blouse, or a top with floral prints. Alternatively, work the romantic look by matching the mint with another pastel color, such as salmon, or a baby yellow. I think these are great combinations that you can only really pull of during the spring and summer months, so I recommend you take advantage!


Feel free to incorporate the minty fresh with one of this season's other trends: bright colors! Whether it be neon, or color blocking, minty green is a tame enough color that you can vavavoom it up with a bright splash of color. My personal favorites? Black & mint for a more sophisticated look, maybe more appropriate for the office, and bright pink & mint for a more playful, fun, summer look that is sure to show off your extra color.


While these are a great way to get a subtle minty flavor, don't hold back from the "total look." Mint Green is a subtle enough color in and of it self, so you can wear it head to toe, either in the form of a maxi-dress, or perhaps a pair of mint green skinny jeans with a mint green polka dot blouse. I would recommend that if you do take this route, you add a splash of color, or contrast with your accessories; sunglasses, purse, jewelry, shoes, watch or belt.


I'll keep you posted on what I pair with my favorite mints. Please share yours too!

Sizzling Summa..

I'm heading to the beach today for the first time this season! Breaking in the beach season if you will! Whether you will be enjoying the sun's rays on an exotic island, a local beach, or the closest pool, make sure you do your summer loving in style!

If you are at a loss for what the bikini trends are for this summer, you're in the right place. For starters, we're in luck ladies; there are a vast array of styles and trends this summer so I am confident that we can all find something that works with our own personal sense of style, and comfort zone.

Here are some key words for summer 2012: metallic, tie-dye, ruffles, fringe, vintage, one-shoulder. Now let's take a look one by one..

1. I hold Rihanna responsible for this trend, and I absolutely love her for it! I have my fringe bikini packed and ready to go! Additional bits such as a fringe, can add weight to that part of the body, so this is perfect for girls like me who are smaller up top.


2. This stunning bandeau bikini pays hommage to the metallic/mermaid influenced trend. Very bond girl if you ask me, and sure to catch the eye!


3. It wouldn't be a revival of the 80s without a little tie-dye. If you don't feel comfortable adding it to your day-to-day or office wardrobe, why not have some fun on the beach with it? This little number also incorporates the ruffle trend.


4. For bustier ladies, who might be nervous about the support of a regular bandeau bikini: the solution has arrived in the form of the gorgeous one-shoulder bikini. Nervous about tan lines? Simply pull the strap down when you are laying out.


5. Vintage bikinis, in my opinion, are pure genius. They were created to stylistically and structurally sculpt our bodies to look like we are all pin up girls! Definitely a good choice if you want to accentuate your curves.


6. As you saw from my previous post, gold is a big trend for this fall. But don't be afraid to be ahead of the trend game by rocking a metallic gold bikini like this gorgeous piece, to perfectly transition from a summer to a fall trend.


For all you bargain hunters, keep in mind that the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale started on Tuesday (June 12th) and they carry most of these trends at affordable prices! I recommend that you get in to a store, or online, and snag a few staple items...both for the bedroom, and the beach.. ;)


Remember life is a beach, so play in the sand!

Stylish Mullets?

No I'm not talking about the cringe worthy hairstyle. These are mullets in the form of skirts and dresses.
As far as I'm concerned, the most famous mullet dress is the wedding gown worn by Stephanie Seymour in the video for the 1992 Guns N' Roses hit "November Rain." Remember this?

I'll be honest, at the age of 11, I thought that this was the most beautiful and original thing ever! And swore up and down that when I got married, I too would have a mullet wedding gown. Most of you will probably be happy to hear that I decided to go with something a little different. What do you think?

Vera Wang, "Gemma" Fall 2011

While I went a different route with my wedding gown, I do think I will be incorporating a few of the mullet pieces into my summer wardrobe. For example, I love this mullet skirt from MANGO 

MANGO, $49

They've paired it with a loose fitting blouse and some strappy heels, but this would also be great with a fitted tank, and some flat sandals. 

This pretty turquoise mullet skirt would be great with a white tank, a denim jacket, some brown wedges, and accessories such as bangles or a long necklace.

 TOPSHOP $80

URBAN OUTFITTERS $69

I'll be the first to admit that I would never have thought that a mullet could be stylish, but there you go; another case of never say never. The final decision is yours, to mullet or not to mullet?

Neon; noble gas or noble trend?

It seems like every where I turn, I get the sneaking suspicion that the 80s are back! Well, at least when it comes to fashion trends.

One of my favorites is the burst of color that has flashed back into our lives in the form of neon. Neon made a return to the catwalk last fall and winter during the Spring/Summer fashion week shows.

The neon craze of the 1980s is most often associated with graffiti, street wear, ravers and other trends that you might cringe at the thought of. However, trust me when I say, neon is back with a much more sophisticated flair!

I am especially excited about how the neon pieces that I have recently added to my wardrobe, will look with the bronze glow that I hope to acquire this summer! But don't fret, even if you are not one to bask in the sun's rays, there are certainly elements of this trend that are for everyone!

When it comes to neon, remember that there are subtle ways to incorporate this trend without looking like a glow-stick. Here are some to keep in mind:

1. Bracelets, belts, or a clutch are a great way to incorporated neon in a subtle yet sophisticated way

2. Minimalist make up allows you to bring in some of the playful elements of the trend without looking like you're giving Cyndi Lauper a run for her money.

3. Don't wear all the trends (or pieces) together at once! Think a flash of the 80s versus Material Girl!

For those who are perhaps uncomfortable with the boldness of this trend, I recommend adding one or two staple pieces in the form of accessories.

Ann Taylor Bracelet $89

Ann Taylor Loft has a variety of pieces to accessorize your outfit, from bracelets, to shoes, and clutches.
I love this bangle which could be pieced with a black pencil skirt and black blouse to add a fresh hint of this trend, allowing you to work the trend into your office wardrobe.

Illamasqua in Smash $14

Drugstores and higher end department stores all carry a variety of neon nail polishes for those who would rather a more subtle splash of the 80s. You can also find a lipstick or a gloss to get your neon fix!

Mease 56 by ALDO $80

My most recent neon purchase was these amazing pink puppies from ALDO. I LOVE them! So far I have only worn them with a little black dress have brainstormed a number of other outfits that I plan on pairing them with including jeans and a tank, and miniskirts.
















Always remember that you are the best judge of what works for you. Like many other fashion trends, this one is about confidence, which comes from being comfortable with what you're wearing. So find what works for you!