RED for FALL 2012

This season's color is RED!!!  I LOVE!  If you know me, I like all colors but I love red lips...red shoes...red nails...red handbags..and red dresses..you get the point!

Michael Kors

Giuseppe Zanotti

Chloe

Chanel-Fall2012

There were 64 looks.  Only 3 of the looks struck me as wearable.  The others were either simply artistic expression or hideous.  The gowns would be so beautiful on a women that had more "curves."  My favorite items from this collection:

More Menswear Inspired-Armani Prive FALL2012

Structured but loose.  Tailored but soft in color.  More menswear inspiration for Fall 2012.

AZTEC

June 15, 2012

I should have posted this long ago!!!  Whoopsies

So as you all know, Aztec inspired accessories and clothing items are the IT thing for now.  They are cute and can be found from super cheap to uber expensive.  I like how the following people used this cultural/ethic fashion to fit them and their (fashion) personalities.

Beyonce....everyone knows I love her and she's always in the spot light.  She has her own blog now so that really allow people to see more of her.  I think she's wearing a lot of everything at once but she's so cute she can get away with mostly anything.

Nails. (I'm not too sure about the pyramid with the eye but the artist is amazing!)

A few (PRE-) Fall FAVES!

Giambattista Valli (Pre-Fall 2012)



Akris





Dolce & Gabbana





Alberta Ferretti





Lanvin

Menswear Inspired-Celine Fall 2012 RTW

I thoroughly enjoyed the tailoring, structure and menswear influence in the Celine RTW collection for Fall.  Clean lines and proper tailoring always catch my eye and are, in my opinion, essential during every season, but even more so in the fall.   There is nothing more pleasing visually than a completely "put together" man or woman.  This line is both classic and trendy.


I do not particularly believe that complete looks from this collection would look great on every body type but by taking certain pieces from the collection and pairing them with complementary items will work for anyone.  For example, the white skit above would look good on a woman with a curvy bottom but the top will make the hips appear wider.  By pairing a fitted top to enhance the waist, the bottom is....showcased rather than being....exploited.  No one wants to be exploited! :)

I've been gone for a little while but....I'M BACK!!

Had a glorious morning and to add to the beautiful morning....I saw this Dolce&Gabbanna dress in my email and....I want it!!

Sandals

Surviving the summer without sandals would be tough.  There are so many hot shoes out for this spring.  If you prefer basic or intricate either desire has potential to be fulfilled. 

Giuseppe Zanotti has so many shoes that are sexy and colorful for this spring.  The colors are bright and there are also tribal influences in a few of the designs. 

For woman with a shoe budget that is less than $695+ a pair, you have several options for brightly colored and tribal influenced designs (and more money in your account).   

Try your local mall for stores like Bakers, Nine West, and Steve Madden. 


At Nine West...

Click here to view the KRYSTEN sandal...CUTE!!

For a great online store option, try endless.com or zappos.com.  I am a HUGE fan of endless.com because they offer almost every brand of shoes and free shipping both ways (if you return) with 2 day standard shipping. STEAL!! 


**Note:  Some people are unaware that the Spring lines are revealed in the Fall and the Fall lines are revealed in the Spring. So these shoes that are in the Spring/Summer 2012 line were revealed in the Fall of 2011.  Due to the fact that the majority of people do not live on that schedule, I will update my blog based on the needs of woman that do not live in or work in the fashion industry.

Most of the blogs for the month of February will focus on print and pastels for the spring...stay tuned!! :)

BUTTON DOWNS...OVERSIZED AND TRADITIONAL

Anyone that knows me, knows that I like button down shirts.  I have 30+ button downs that vary in length, fit, and color/print.  I have been asked why do I have so many.  I have a few reasons why I own so many button downs.  Meetings and interviews are just two reasons.

On the days that I have to run out of the house (I was moving when the pic above and below was taken) or don't want form fitting clothes, I like to wear leggings and an over sized button down shirt.  When it's hot out, I leave the leggings behind if the shirt is long enough to pass as a dress.  I also throw in a belt at the waist from time to time to accentuate my waist.  I like my figure so I have no problem showing it off. :)

That being said....over sized clothing should never be used to hide anything out of insecurity.  Love yourself and your body the way it is at whatever stage you are in.  If you're unhappy with your weight, lose the weight.  If you have small breast or no butt or wide hips...accept it and move on. 

This is a photo of me in one of my over sized button downs and leggings during my last move.  If you are having a hard time finding an over sized button down specifically made for women, buy a men's dress shirt or take one from your man. (Don't tell him I said so!!)

It should also be noted that if you are a plus sized or petite women, this look has the potential to make you larger or stocky.  This same concept goes for women with an apple shape.  This will make you look pregnant even if you aren't.  Plus sized and petite women should accessorize with a belt at the smallest part of your waste.  Do not buy a shirt that is way too big (in width).  The photo below gives a fairly good example of a good length to wear an over sized shirt if you are plus sized.  A few inches shorter wouldn't hurt and the belt could have been better selected.

Accessories should always be proportionate to your body and even more so when you are either petite or plus sized.  The girls in the middle get to play a little bit more when it comes to these things.  Remember, you never want the accessories to wear you.  You are the one wearing them.

These are bad examples...

....frumpy is not a good look for anyone.(see below)

....the petite girl....not a good look..

Pregnant women get a pass when it comes to this look.  Let's be straight to the point.  If you are pregnant, you are allowed to look pregnant BUT only if you are pregnant.  Your temporary shape should definitely be flaunted for the duration of your pregnancy.

 

As I mentioned earlier, the over sized shirt can be worn without leggings when the weather gets warm.  I bought one from ASOS to wear into the spring.  I had every intention of wearing it a little this winter but I think it'll just debut this spring.  American Apparel and Urban Outfitters both carry a variety of over sized and traditional button downs for a reasonable price.

Button downs do not just look good with leggings or a suit.  They can be worn with shorts, jeans, or a skirt.  When wearing any of the aforementioned bottoms with your button down, tucking all or part of the shirt in depends on how big the shirt is and if it is flattering on you.

These next two ladies sure do love a button down!!

                                                                              

 

Nice job with the shoes....

Also, tying a knot in the bottom of your button down is a good idea. 

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2012 line features an over sized button down.  The piece looks comfortable but, in my opinion, is a little bit too over sized in the upper back and the sleeves.  

Don't be afraid of the button down!!  It's not just for the business professionals.  Button downs, especially white, are a essential to every wardrobe because they are very versatile and look great on anyone.  Fashion can be quite simple.  Don't make it hard.  I hope this answers the questions in reference to the button down shirt.