Archive for the ‘fashion trends’ Category

best dressed

Monday, March 8th, 2010

BlogOscars

March is the culmination of award season and what better way to celebrate it then the Oscars.  We congratulate all the nominees and winners, but what we really care about is what was everyone wearing. Here’s a list of who wore it best during Oscar night in alphabetical order beginning with first name.

Anna Kendrick – in Elie Saab haute couture gown in pale pink mousseline hand draped with cap sleeves, delicate applique at the bust, and a slit line adorned with Chantilly lace.  She accessorized her look with Sergio Rossi sandals, a Judith Leiber crystal clutch, and Kwiat diamonds.  We loved this dress, but the color was a little too drab for Kendrick’s skin tone.

Cameron Diaz – in Oscar de la Renta gown in champagne tulle, metallic ribbon, and gold paillette embroidery.  She wore Cartier jewels.  Diaz’s look was complete, even her soft and wavy romantic hairstyle matched.

Demi Moore – in Atelier Versace blush gown with full tiered skirt and rose detail accessorized with satin double platform Versace sandals, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, and a dark gold Ferragamo leather envelope clutch with pale pink stone closure.  She looked fabulous and we still can’t believe she’s over 40.

Elizabeth Banks – in Versace gray gown with cascading ruffles, Ferragamo clutch, and Fred Leighton diamonds.  She just looked perfectly beautiful.

Helen Mirren – in Badgley Mischka sparkly demure gown with Chopard earrings.  She looked lovely like always.

Kate Winslet – in Yves Saint Laurent champagne bustier gown and a 2.5 million Tiffany & Company diamond necklace.  Understated elegance.

Kristen Stewart – in Monique Lhuillier strapless midnight blue silk and satin organza trumpet gown with H. Stern diamond bracelet, and Bally heels.  Though she looked slightly uncomfortable in her attire, her look was ravishing on the red carpet.

Meryl Streep – in Chris March (Project Runway alum) white gown, accessorized with Jimmy Choo Zena platform sandals, silver Swarovski Mysthic crystal mesh clutch.  Stylish and age appropriate.  She looked regal and slim.

Rachel McAdams – in Elie Saab haute couture strapless gown made with panels of organza and mousseline with a sweetheart neckline and hand pleated bodice in a romantic print containing shades of pinks, blues, and greens.  She wore Lorraine Schwartz diamonds and a lilac Ferragamo satin clutch.  Refreshing.  She was the belle of the Oscars and looked simply divine.

Sandra Bullock –  in Marchesa silver beaded column gown with embroidered illusion bodice.  She wore her own jewelry with a metallic silver Celestina clutch.  Statuesque.  She looked every bit the Oscar winner.

Some noteworthy trends on the red carpet that may carry into spring and summer wardrobes include:

1) stylish metallics – in silver and gold tones, and also used in accessories such as clutches and heels

2) bold vibrant colors – lots of reds and blues

3) pale pinks and nudes – very feminine, soft, and understated

4) one shoulder dresses

5) ruffles galore

6) ornate – intricate beading, glittery jewels, gems, and sequins

7) statement jewelry – large earrings or showcase necklaces and bracelets

spring forward – 2010 fashion trends

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

by Cassandra King

SpringTrendsBlog

Even though most of the nation is coping with severe cold snaps and rain storms, this has little bearing on retailers, who are displaying shipments of spring wares.  Back in September, major fashion houses were showing their spring lines and even though spring is barely here, fashion lines are already in production with their fall 2010 offerings.  Crazy isn’t it?  It’s so hard to keep up.  Most of us are too busy to pour over designer sites, the New York Times fashion section, magazines, and countless blogs.  Well, have no fear.  All you need to know to get yourselves ready for spring 2010 is right here.

Although the New Year’s Eve ball already dropped earlier this month, you can catch the top ten countdown of spring trends below. Starting with number ten.

10.  the boyfriend blazer – The boyfriend blazer is still going strong.  Pair it with skinny jeans, fitted tops, or sweet skirts. Wear the trend with: boyfriend sweater.

9.  patterns and prints – Graphics are bold and busy this season.  Pants and dresses dominated the runways showcasing these styles.  With the onset of spring, we can always expect to see floral prints.  In addition to the posies, designers also debuted strips and abstract artsy prints. Wear the trend with: rumi, monet, moderne, jenny, pleated knit, purple watercolor, malaga, navy wrap, speckle, flocked zebra, abstraction, pink watercolor, butterfly, watercolor, erica, tropicale, and zig zag.

8.  denim and chambray – Think soft blues that look broken in.  Shredded, ripped, torn, or patched, jeans are sexy and revealing.  Invest in this look, it will inevitably keep going long past the season.

7.  futuristic warrior, military, and tribal - Military is the new classic and has been evolving.  Elements of military history are being reinterpreted with a modern, futuristic twist.  Think wilder and more fierce with inspiration coming from ancient Rome, Egypt, and the Celtic warrior.  Look for metal plating, leather tunics, and tribal inspired motifs in clothing and accessories.  Mix these elements with glamorous pieces such as sequins or pair soft flowing fabric with sharp metal plating or studded pieces. Wear this trend with: tribal bracelet, graham petal charm, graham leather wrap, rockstar clutch, and sario clutch.

6.  knee high and over the knee socks -  Socks are back in the forefront and can add volumes to your outfit.  As a defining look, socks are transeasonal and will carry on into winter of 2010.

5.  see-through and sheer – Not everyone is gutsy enough to go with this look.  We blame it on the rising temperatures and the desire to show off.  Be sassy, yet cool.  Style tip:  match sheer tops with lacy camisoles or tanks.  Neutral shades work best. Wear this trend with: ruffle mini and gigi ruffle.

4.  urban sporty – Sportswear is suddenly streetwear.  It’s sexy, svelte, and effortless with it’s youthful tomboy chic .  Designers take inspiration from tennis, football, baseball, golf, and dance.

3.  jumpsuits and boy shorts - There’s a one piece clothing revival and anything goes when it comes to length.  It’s all about jumpsuits, playsuits, and rompers.  Though not for everyone, it offers you plenty of options. It’s also time to hit the gym now that hemlines are shorter than ever.  Shorter-than-short is the new mantra with hot pants and boy shorts back in style. Wear this trend: madeira romper.

2.  minimalist.  Less is more and this is true for spring.  Imagine collections from designers like Calvin Klein, Jill Sander, Miuccia Prada, and Giorgio Armani.  There is no better way to ring in spring than to be fresh, simple, and clean. Wear this trend with: habutai silk, palomar, vanderbilt, lita, gwen, lada, and rose.

1.  ruffles – Whether on handbags, sandals, tops, or skirts, this ultra-feminine trend is everywhere. Wear this trend with: jaime, marble, newport, envy, emma, ruffle, gigi ruffle, side ruffle, and ruffle mini.

color watch – Break away from the bleak black and gray of winter.  Green, pink, blue, indigo, and yellow are great colors to liven up your wardrobe.

There you have it ladies, now go and get it!

about the author – Cassandra King is owner and CEO of Concepts de Mode, a fashion consulting and image management firm in San Francisco.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Cassandra at (925) 360-4707 or on the web, at Cassandra@conceptsdemode.com.

(Photography by Marie Padilla & Ryan Gabriel | Styled by Loralei Rose Bingamon for bellamaven.com| Modeled by Abby Nyema, Denise Ammon, Loralei Rose Bingamon, and Molly Pool.)

top ten trends for fall 2009

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

by Cassandra King

top ten trends for fall 2009Most of the general public has no idea how much time and how advanced fashion houses must be in order to compete in the global world of fashion.  For example, during my years at Gap Inc., we would be seasons ahead of what was actually in stores at the time.  By summer, the fall fashions have arrived, marketing materials are being finalized, and then off to plan for the biggest period for retailers – the HOLIDAYS.  Think Christmas in July and that’s pretty much the seasonality of the fashion world.  Quick, quick, quick.  So while the rest of us are soaking up the sun during the final days of summer and wearing light rayon, silk, or poly-blend fabrics, we really need to be gearing up for fall because it’s coming on September 22nd whether you like it or not.  Now seeing as how I care about my readers, I am not going to let you fall into fashion this year without providing a list of the top ten items you need to keep your wardrobe current.

1.  boyfriend blazer – This look, like some of the other styles this season are largely influenced by the 80’s with a slightly modern twist.  The blazer looks best when paired with leggings and uber high heels.  Try rolling up the sleeves and throwing it over a mini dress.

2.  leggings – Just when I thought they couldn’t get skinnier than the skinny jean, they hit us with leggings.  This season leggings are everywhere and with styles ranging from your classic black to leopard print and leather.  Yes, that’s correct, leather.  There should be something out there for all of us.  Choose from an array of leggings with zippers, studs, patterned designs, and shiny metallics for fall.  Go nuts!  I must however draw the line at leggings with stirrups. Ladies, please leave it to the equestrians.  Ick, how awful!

3.  red and purple – Simply stated the “it” colors of the season.  Get it!  (bird lace tote, purple hearts tote, hobo with chain and tassles, fringe bucket bag, miranda handbag, nolita handbag, pikake handbag, solid dress, and red/black print dress)

4.  vampy heels – Yes, they hurt and are bad for our backs along with a myriad of other side effects, but they look soooo…good.

5.  gray – The fashion industry is deeming gray the new black of the season and why not.  Sweater, jeans, scarves, etc., gray can go all the way. (vanderbilt dress, gwen dress, duchess dress, habutai silk dress, and hobo with chain and tassles)

6.  one shoulder dress – Oh, so sexy. (side ruffle dress)

7.  leather – The classic leather jacket is boldly breaking through, but look an ye shall find sleek fitted versions along with jackets adorned in zippers and hardwear.

8.  velvet – One look that can be tricky, but elegant if done right.  I suggest velvet jeans, a fitted blazer or slinky little dress, which will come in handy around holiday party time.

9.  over the knee, thigh high boots – One thought comes to mind, Pretty Woman.  We all remember the iconic image of Julia Roberts strolling along the L.A. streets with her patent leather, over the knee boots.  Hmmm, yes she was a hooker, but does that mean you will look like one too?  Absolutely not!  This look is recommended only for you fearless fashionistas out there.  Try pairing these with a mini, leggings, and the boyfriend blazer or a tunic.  Tres chic for a night on the town.  Watch out!  One tip:  tone the look down with a simple hairstyle.

10.  animal prints – Grrrr.  You gotta have some grrrr in ya.  If not throw on a leopard print dress and you’ll feel it.  If you are a bit more demure, try a pair of ballet flats with animal accents. (flocked zebra tunic, brown python bag, silver python wallet, blues wallet, cheetah wallet, python duffle bag, metallic satchel bag, python bowler bag, liliane handbag, eclipse clutch, and midnight clutch)

about the authorCassandra King is owner and CEO of Concepts de Mode, a fashion consulting and image management firm in San Francisco.  For any fashion related questions or for more information, please contact Cassandra at 925-360-4707 or by email at Cassandra.e.king@gmail.com.