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

Breton stripes

Breton stripes! "The Breton stripe shirt originated in Brittany—a French province that occupies the peninsula between the English Channel and Bay of Biscay—which may explain its nautical affiliation."

Breton stripes are a classic look that can be worn throughout the seasons. One of the advantages of owning a Breton stripe shirt is that is versatile, easy to wear, well priced and casual.

Ever since I was in my teens, I felt I had a special connection with Brittany, and last year I saw the Coco Chanel movie with Shirley McClain, and since then, I can’t stop thinking about it... so hopefully this year I will take a few days and head up to visit.

Stripes are very tricky to wear, and to wear them and look good you have to be very fit, or just know the right type of stripe that best compliments your body and features.

Here are some ideas on how to wear your Breton stripes.

Tuck in your stripe shirt with black skinny jeans, add a blazer to layer the look and add a splash of red as scarf to brighten your face. Update your look by looking for different variations of the stripe shirt like the Bailey 44, ACNE, Stella McCartney, McQ, Armani Jeans and Sonia Rykiel shirt.

Another way to wear your stripes is with an A-line skirt, and knee length boots. Wear a longer stripe Breton like Markus Lupper or Marc Jacobs as a dress or with wet look leggings, for that edgier look. For a more classic or nautical look try Blumarine stripe shirt and pair it with high-waisted pants or jeans.  

Buy Keep Store 2010

I would like to start the year with one of my favorite editorial issues – What to buy keep or store right now. Some of us are still in the “cold” wave, with clear blue skies, and some of you live in the tropics and want to start mixing some spring trends into your outfits.

Here are some guidelines on what to do right now….

BUY – If you want to start incorporating some key spring items into your winter wardrobe I recommend that you look for dresses in nude or pastel colors. Look for that shape that best fits your body, and if you want to wear it now, I recommend wearing it with high boots in dark brown, or beige. Continue to match your outfits with big heavy metal necklaces; just remember to balance it with smaller earrings, and vise versa. Wooden shoes will be very big this coming spring/summer, so if you still have them from previous seasons get them out! When it comes to Jackets, soft materials will be more appropriate than structured jackets, trying to achieve that flow and loose look. Soft jackets will help you give movement to your cloths and it will also help hide those extra kilos you may have gained over the holidays… just make sure that when you use layers you use block colors to cover that area you most want to hide…

One of the biggest trends this spring/summer are prints with techno vibe, look for prints that flatter your body type and tones that compliment your skin color not the print that is in fashion.  When it comes to handbags, crocodile, snake, and reptile skins will be the “most have” material in bags this coming spring, as well as skin clutches with metal accents.

KEEP – Floral dresses will continue to be very popular in the warmer months; I recommend that you choose the right floral pattern, the one that makes you look fresh and young, and brightens up your face. When I say floral, I don’t mean big and bold, I mean the one that you like the best, and reflects your personal style. Continue making a statement with big bead necklaces, and strappy sandals. Keep your sharp shoulder jackets, and also those shirts, and T-shirts you bought with shoulder pads and big sleeves. Slouchy bags will continue to be key pieces this coming spring.

STORE- My biggest advice is to avoid wearing all black outfits from February on, and store those dark black hosieries, and exchange them for beige, and browns. Animal charms won’t be very “in” in the next couple of months, so store them for the moment and once it’s hot get them out! Mary Jane shoes are great for any time of the year, but if we want to experience the change in season let’s store them until next fall. Cropped jackets are also very wearable but let’s try and incorporate softer looks. Store your plaid prints, until the next school season, as well as your boyish messenger bags.  

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