1950's revival

One of the biggest trends this Spring/Summer is the 1950’s looks. Designers like Dior, YSL, and Lanvin to name a few have incorporated a revival of the 1950’s.

No matter the occasion, the 50's looks is perfect for any shape, and any personal style. It is O.K. to incorporate some items into your everyday look and achieve that 50’s flair.  

Be creative, think of glamorous women, old Hollywood films, and la dolce vita to the fullest, J’adore! 

Revival:Paul Smith silk top, Chloe crystal lapel cropped silk jacket, Tabitha Simmons wedges, Ralph Lauren shoes, Sportmax necklace.

Miu Miu multi colored jacket, Manoush white and blue stripes jacket, Fendi cotton pullover, 3.1 Phillip Lim high waisted shorts, Barbara Bui sandals, Miu Miu denim bag, Pedro Garcia Violet Pearl Platform Sweetheart Peeptoe.

Marni sleeveless pearl print top, Acne pants, Giambattista Valli silk crop cardigan, 3.1 Phillip Lim silk top, Acne shoes, Gucci sandals. 

RM by Roland Mouret aphrodite dress, Lanvin brooch, Lanvin drape linen dress, Lanvin raphia shoulder bag, Givenchy studded booties, Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses, YSL linen tribute sandals. 

New York Fashion Week - Fall/Winter 2010

New York Fashion week was last week, and as a tradition now I will give you the runway trends for the Prêt-a-porter for fall/winter 2010.  

For some designers, the trend was more about mixing hard and soft, tailored and ruffled in one outfit. Others went for the black on black approach, leather outfits, but the overall trend was the mixture of hard and soft fabrics.

The biggest trends on the runway were velvet, black, fur, red, menswear, shiny silver, and camel/grey.

High-waist paints are stronger than in spring, silver is back, fur vest will continue but in longer shapes. Capes, big chunky knit sweaters, paired with big and prominent scarfs especially in fur. Almost all designers had hats of any kind but preferably soft materials. Long gloves, over the knee hosiery, open toe bottie-shoes will still be in the fall and fur bags will be some the accessories for fall/winter 2010.    

Among my favorite shows were, Michael Kors, Marchesa, ADAM, Allude, Brian Reyes, Carmen Marc Valvo, Carolina Herrera, Dennis Basso, Reem Acra, Derek Lam, Elie Tahari, Elisa Palomino, Halston, Richard Chai and Oscar de la Renta. 

Le scarf so chic!

Hmmm this is one of my favorite accessories… I just LOVE any type and style of scarf! No matter my mood my scarf will always represent how I feel…

The great thing about a scarf, is that it is easy to mix and you can wear it in many different ways. Top images show the different looks for spring/summer 2010, ad campaigns, and some of my favorite scarves to update your look.

Some scarves ideas...

Knot: Simply toss a long scarf around your neck and let it hang loose.

Tie: Worn as a tie around the neck, a scarf literally ties an outfit together. Brilliant!

Neck: Tuck a scarf around the neckline beneath a cardigan (or white buttoned-down shirt) to frame the face with gorgeous light, color and texture.

Belt: A scarf can make a great belt! Make sure the texture is soft and your waist can still be appreciated.

Head: Head scarves are equally chic for conservative girls and boho chic looks. Wear this on bad hair days, too.

Bag: Express your personal style by weaving a scarf through the hardware on your favorite handbag. Or, just tie a scarf around one of the straps for instant elegance.

Scarves: Dianora Salviati tie dye scarf, YSL leopard scarf, Matthew Williamson rainbow light weight scarf, Dries van Noten floren scarf, Alexander McQueen polka dot scarf, Missoni accessories, Etro patchwork silk floral scarf, Erdem silk print scarf, Ebony and Ivory vintage silk scarf. 

For further consultations please write to: blog@xtravagans.com

You can read this editorial here: http://xtravagans.blogspot.com/2010/02/le-scarf-so-chic.html

Valentine's gift ideas

I have always considered Valentine’s day to be friendship day, and show your friends how much you love them and appreciate them…but I know the majority of you do celebrate it, and give gifts to your loved ones…so, I thought that if I was going to do a Valentines edition I would make sure I give you great ideas!

If you happened to be really busy, the internet is your best option. It is easy, quick, and most of the internet sites have special delivery options for this weekend.

Buying for a man is easier than a woman, but nonetheless we have to dedicate some time and thought to the gift. I have always liked “useful” gifts, things you know they would enjoy, besides a pair of cufflinks or a tie… (Those are Christmas/Birthday gifts) so here are some ideas…Wallet, Button -Sweater, Car book, Scarf, Ipod holder,  Golf accessory set, Trench coat, and zipper sweater.

When it comes to us women, we want something that we can remember. Some of you may not care too much about this date….but when someone asks you, what you got; you remember perfectly… ironic, right? Here are some memorable gift ideas… Key ring, Chocker, Diamond, Vintage earrings, Tote bag, Love letters, “Loved” bracelet, satin clutch, and heart necklace.  

Happy friendship day

These Brogue shoes are fading away…

I definitely enjoy doing research on the different things we currently see today as “fashionable” wearable items and remember that whatever we see today, it was “the piece” 40 or 50 years before.

Particularly this style of shoe, reminds me of my grandmother and how many shoes like these she had and deeply enjoyed. I remember when I was 15, I also had different types of brogue shoes, and today I realize that the word brogue means a fully punched-shoe but can also have derby lacing, and is not the same as the term brogueing which refers to punched patterns along the seams and outer layers of the shoe uppers. Wao, right? I bet many of you did not know this…I sure didn’t!

On the image above, we can see from Fred Astaire to Madonna and how these shoes have always been an instant classic no matter the decade or the trend. I do admit that these shoes needs to be part of your personal style, and I believe that is why designers today have taken the Brogue shoe to the next level by adding modern heels so they are more wearable to the current modern trends.

One of the easiest ways to wear brogue shoes is with high-waist pants, and a tucked-in shirt, or just do the opposite and wear an a-line skirt or cropped pants. Wear these Brogue shoes with personality, and as you walk with them feel like a dancer, an actress or my favorite a Queen!

Shoes from left to right from top to bottom: Repetto, Jill Sander, Marc by Marc Jacobs, ACNE, Christian Louboutin, Tod’s, Lanvin, Gianni Barato, Church shoes, Valentino Garavani, Lidford, Gianni Barato, Tabitha Simmons, Sergio Rossi, Proenza Schouler, Moma