New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013

To regular people, last Thursday had no special meaning, but to fashionistas around the world, Thursday meant the kickoff of one amazing week. And by amazing week, I mean New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013. For the first time, some of the shows were live streamed on the internet, which means that if I wasn’t at class (homework included) or sleeping, I was most likely mesmerized by glorious designs appearing on my laptop. Since my love of Fashion Week is quite immense, I realized that doing only one update this week would not be doing it justice. So not only am I posting today, but I am posting tomorrow as well. Today’s post is going to be about the trends that I have seen popping up across the runways, and I can promise you that you are going to love them!

So the colors that I have seen on the runways are one of my favorite trends. Basically every color has been shown on the runways for fall, but one that I am especially noticing is red. Now red will always be in style, but it has made a showing in almost every show I have glanced at. Also darker colors such as army green, brown, navy, and black seem to be popping up all over the runway. I could not be happier with these color trends because as a red head these are some of my go to colors. In general though, these colors look great on almost anyone, plus they can be mixed with so many other colors. Neutrals such as camel are also a big hit on the runways, but more as accent colors rather than whole outfits.

Prints of all kinds are taking over the fashion world, and to this I say HOORAY! I love wearing prints, and Fashion Week is making me feel absolutely daring when it comes to them. And what do I mean by that? I am talking about wearing full outfits made up of printed fabrics. Now to many, this trend may seem ugly and wrong on so many levels, but I am head over heels in love with it! Whether it is all one print or multiple prints, I am feeling inspired and want to dive straight into this trend. While “out of this world” patterns might not be everyone’s cup of tea, a pattern that is really making a strong impact on the runways is animal print, and who doesn’t like animal print? Whether it’s shown how it is found in nature or looks like it has been taken over by a rainbow, I am loving it. I think everyone feels a slight bit more confident when wearing animal print, so I challenge everyone to take on this animal print trend.

Fur, fur, and more fur.  That’s right, this trend is faux real (see what I did there!) and isn’t going anywhere any time soon. From fur vests to fur accents, this is a trend that I am in love with. Having recently purchased two fur vests (one of them is like wearing a polar bear!) I couldn’t be happier that this is such a hot trend for Fall 2013. Although, when fur is used just on the sleeves I am not such a fan because I don’t really want to look like my arms have been replaced with a gorilla’s.

Going along with the fur trend is leather. When thinking of leather you are probably thinking of jackets, but the trend is taken so much further for Fall 2013. Not only is it used for skirts and pants, but leather is now used as an accent on elegant evening gowns. Plus if you are ever looking for some thigh high leather leg warmers, BCBGMAXAZRIA has you covered! I think what is so great about this trend is that it can take quite a feminine outfit and turn it into an edgy fashion statement. Everyone should embrace the greatness that is leather!

To add to fur and leather is velvet. Since I was an Irish dancer for many years (11 to be exact) and velvet was always a big trend in that world, I have always had a soft spot it. Pants, dresses, and jackets have all been taken over by this trend. I definitely want a pair of velvet pants at this moment, and possibly even a velvet blazer. I think this fabric is a classic and can definitely add a little sophistication to an outfit, but can also be taken in an edgy direction. I would have to say that this is by far one of my favorite trends for Fall 2013.

When it comes to embellishments, sparkles and sequins are all the rage. I believe this requires a little happy dance because I am a girl who never turns down a little sparkle and shine. Entire dresses are being made out of sequins, and since that isn’t appropriate for day to day wear, this trend is used in many other ways. Sparkles are being used to accents outfits and really make clothing pop, so I highly advise this trend for anyone who loves to feel glamorous on a daily basis. Plus, doesn’t everyone want to sparkle and shine?

As I just said, to go along with sparkle is shine, which is why metallics trending. Well maybe not, but in my mind that is the reason. A great thing about metallics are that they are a great replacement for when sequins are not appropriate, like for work. Now I do not own any metallic clothing, but seeing it used as an accent on clothing really makes me want to shop around for something metallic. Even seeing it used as a whole jacket makes me want to drop everything and run to the nearest mall. While this isn’t a trend for everyone, I advise that if you are a daring you should try it.

I cannot wait for fall to come about because I absolutely love these trends! I am sure there are many, many more trends, but unless you want this post to be the length of a novel I advise you do a little research of your own. Now if you can’t tell by how lengthy this post is, I really do love Fashion Week, which is why I am posting again tomorrow. Because let’s be honest, a whole week of new fashion cannot be put into a single post. So you should check back again tomorrow to see some of my favorite looks that walked the runway, and what shows made me stop in my tracks. See you tomorrow my fashionistas!

Fashionately,

Sarah

PS. If you want to know what shows pictures are from, just ask in the comment section.

Fashion + Fashion = Style

The great Anna Wintour once said “Create your own style… let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” Every person, fashionable or not, has their own style, and this style cannot be described with just one word. People may identify themselves as “boho chic” or “prep”, but I think they are lying. Not one person has a style that solely consists of just one type of fashion. You must make your style unique to you, just like Anna Wintour said, and if you try to identify yourself as one type of fashion then you aren’t being different at all. My style is influenced by many different fashions such as prep and hipster, and because I have multiple influences, my style is something that people can identify me by. You could even consider me a prepster, just like in the photo. Recently I have been thinking of how many different fashions there are, so I figured I would identify some of the massively influential ones, which in turn will hopefully influence you.

Just might be true love!

Prep is a fashion that influences a lot of people’s style, including mine. There is something so classic about prep, and it has been made well known by designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and J. Crew who are some of my personal favorites. I have always wanted to be a part of the Hilfiger family, but who hasn’t at one point or another? When I think of prep I think of very clean lines, bright colors with neutrals, and lots and lots of polos. However, that alone does not make up the prep style. I think to pull off the prep look you must look groomed and very put together. Just look at Ralph Lauren models, and if you want a real treat look at the male models. The prep style oozes confidence and pride, and is a very American style. Something that I have picked up about dressing prep is that on days that I am just not feeling like myself, if I throw on a button down/sweater combo and some penny loafers I instantly feel better and more confident. Prep fashion is all about looking and feeling confident, and maybe a little bit of elitism, but who doesn’t like feeling a little bit above everyone else?

Hipster. I don’t think I could describe this fashion even if I tried. To be hipster is to dress different and just not care about what people think. So many people say that being hipster is so cliché, but those are the people that think this fashion is all about wearing glasses and carrying a type writer around instead of a laptop. I would say that hipster has a large influence on the way I dress, but you don’t see me bashing everything that is main stream. I think when dressing hipster you need to take mainstream items and wear them in ways that you normally wouldn’t. Also if you want to be hipster, try and avoid Abercrombie because some things are just too main stream to make different (there is a little main stream bashing for you). Stop caring what people think because if I cared every time somebody looked at me funny or thought what I was wearing was strange I’m pretty sure I would be curled up in a ball and refusing to leave my dorm. I think the reason why I let hipster influence my style so much is because I hate to be dressed like everyone else and I like to make people question what I am wearing. “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Even Dr. Seuss was kind of hipster before hipster was even a thing.

Everyone has days where they want to be carefree, at least I do, and that is where boho comes into play. An easy going attitude and light weight flowing fabrics is what comes to mind when I think of boho. Now this fashion does not have much of an influence on my style because, to be honest, nothing about me is carefree. Although, I do admire anyone who can pull off this laid back look. Maxi skirts have become a staple to nail this look, but you have to pair them with the proper kind of top to look boho and not hobo (just don’t mix the letters around and you will be fine). Looser tops can be worn with maxi skirts, but not to the point where they look like a sheet. Also a lot of loose knits look great with this, and who doesn’t love a loose knit top. Maybe one day I will be able to pull off this fashion, but at this point I would have to stop being so uptight and just relax a little, and as of now that won’t be happening.

Vogue has become a place where I can let my mind wander to the land of couture. By no means can I afford couture clothing, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream of wearing an Elie Saab gown on my wedding day (Gossip Girl’s finale only fed that dream). Couture isn’t necessarily a big influence on my style identity, but rather an influence on all types of style. It is something that can be taken in so many directions, which is why I think it is so influential. From designers such as the always fabulous Valentino to the more daring Dior, these aren’t styles that can be worn on a day to day basis, but can definitely inspire them. I drool over the pages of Vogue and would do almost anything to put on a couture gown, but as far as I’m concerned that won’t be happening any time soon. A lot of the time you can tell clothing that has been inspired by the couture side of things because they do look more expensive and stand out in a crowd. I’m quite sure that I won’t be wearing couture clothing at any point in my life, but I can wear couture inspired clothing!

These are only a few fashions that I admire, but there are so many more that inspire today’s style. Eras such as the eighties (hands down my favorite) are still influencing fashion and style to this very day. Eras in general make come backs every once in a while, all you have to do is look and you will begin to notice how past eras inspire todays. Also there are many fashions that don’t have an influence on my style such as goth, skater, and even scandalous (may also be referred to as trashy), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture into them. So I hope that by seeing all these different types of fashion you begin to think of what fashions influence your style (let me know in the comments) and maybe even consider trying something new. Overall I just hope you are being unique and standing out. Who knows, your style might even influence others!

Fashionately,

Sarah

Tossin' Some Rules Out

I am not one to break rules, but from what I have heard, rules are made to be broken. I guess when I think about it, there are rules that don’t matter, especially in fashion. Yet in fashion, there are also many rules that should not be ignored, such as wearing socks and sandals. That in my mind is a rule that was made to last forever, and should never ever ever be forgotten! So I think it is time that people start being more daring with their fashion choices by breaking some of the rules, but if you go too far, the fashion police will come after you.

Everyone has heard the rule “Don’t wear white after Labor Day,” but that rule is outdated and completely irrelevant. From the runway to the magazines, winter white is becoming red hot. Now, with every broken rule there are new rules that are put in place. Such as, winter whites need to be paired with heavier fabrics like knits. This is what makes wearing the white appropriate, and keeps the outfit from looking too summery. Along with knits, you could throw on a fur vest or a warm scarf, which kicks winter white up a notch. Just to be clear, the fact that you can wear white after Labor Day does not mean that you should pull out your flowy white dresses or white daisy dukes from the summer. Those are only for summer and for nothing else. That is final. So if you are feeling like a daredevil, pull out your white jeans and throw on an oversize sweater (darker colors preferred), and if someone tries to tell you the rule, tell them to pick up a fashion magazine.

I have never thought that sequins and sparkles should be reserved only for nighttime, so now that that rule has been swept under the rug I could not be happier. However, a little sparkle goes a long way in daytime fashion. So this means that your skin tight sequined booty shaking dress should never be revealed during the daytime, and I mean it. By a little sparkle, I mean sequined tank tops or slightly bedazzled blazers. Actually, a fully bedazzled blazer can be worn during the daytime, as long as you pair it with the proper items. The way to do this is by dressing the sequins down. Wear the sparkly blazer with basic items such as skinny jeans and V-necks, and instantly a timeless outfit turns chic. This minor rule applies to anything that has sequins on it, and by that I mean that you have to dress down the sparkles to turn them into a daytime look. So to all you daring fashionistas sparkle on whether it is day or night.

So to the rule followers who say you can’t wear black and brown together, have you ever worn animal print? If your answer was yes, then you have been breaking your own rule all along. Sure black and brown can be tricky to pair together, but when you get it right, the color combo looks great. Personally I think warmer shades of brown look best with black, but there are ways that a dark brown can really stand out. To go along with the color combo rules, I would also have to disagree with the rule that states you can’t wear navy and black together. Most people have worn a black T-shirt with a pair of dark wash jeans, which means that this rule is easily disproved. The only time this rule does apply is when you are wearing suits. You should never pair a navy blazer with a pair of black dress pants or vice versa. If you do it just looks like you either can’t tell the difference between the colors, or you don’t care if you look sloppy. If you want to get this color pairing right, go for a shade of navy that is not too close to black, and from that point on it is as easy as one, two, three.

There are many rules that should be broken now a days, so here are a few more. Denim on denim, need I say more?  If you don’t believe me read my post Make It Work: Denim. Mix those metals, and by that I mean silver and gold can live on the same wrist at the same time. On a side note, what does Gold say when he walks into a bar and sees his enemy? A U, get outta here! Sorry, just my inner science nerd making an appearance. Anywho, to all my redheads, whoever said that we can’t wear the color red is completely wrong. It is adding fire to fire, which ends up making a bigger fire, therefore making redheads even more attractive than everybody else. Did I mention that I’m a redhead? If you haven’t noticed mixing patterns is one of the biggest trends in the fashion world right now, which clearly shows that that rule has been thrown out the window. So go ahead and mix stripes and floral, just make sure they have complementing colors. Any other rules you think you can break and make fashionable? Let me know in the comments.

As I said earlier, there are a lot of rules worth breaking, but there are also rules that are NEVER meant to be broken. So here are rules that I do not, and I mean do not want to see out on the street.  Leggings as pants, have I gotten my point across yet? If not, you probably should read my other posts about my love (NOT) of leggings as pants. Pajamas are meant to be worn at home, so that means they should never be worn in public. Panty line, do I even need to say that this rule should never be broken? Shorts should always cover your bottom because nobody wants to see your cheeks hanging out. I guess some guys do, but I can promise you that those guys aren’t worth your time and are not keepers. Never wear black tights with light colored shoes because it actually does make you look a lot shorter. Have anymore unbreakable rules? Share in the comments. I am sure that most know the rules of fashion, so if you ever look in the mirror and question if you are breaking a rule that shouldn’t be broken, you might want to change your outfit.

If you haven’t figured it out, fashion has a lot of rules. Some are important and others not so much, but I think hands down the most important rule is to express yourself. Fashion would not exist if people did not let their personalities shine with their clothing, so by all means express who you are with your clothes. Just follow the necessary rules, or you might end up on a list of fashion gone bad. So to all my fashionistas, be daring and toss those breakable rules out the window.

Fashionatley,

Sarah

Fashion in The New Year

Considering the New Year is only a few days away, I figured that I would share a few resolutions. Now I am not talking about your average resolutions like losing ten pounds or eating healthier. I’m talking about fashion resolutions! These resolutions will not only make you more fashionable, but I think they help you feel even better about yourself. So here are some fashion resolutions that are easy to do and turn you into a true fashionista. Let’s make 2013 the most fashionable year yet!

First, NEVER WEAR LEGGINGS AS PANTS. This is a huge pet peeve of mine, and I wish the so called “trend” would disappear. My rule of thumb when it comes to leggings is that as long as your shirt/dress completely covers your bottom and a little more (mid-thigh would be perfect), then I would say wearing leggings is acceptable. To go along with wearing leggings, don’t wear a skin tight shirt on top. Not only does it not look good, at least in my eyes, but it also isn’t very figure flattering. By wearing a looser top you are taking away pounds, not adding them.  So if this is a resolution you think you can achieve, wear a longer and looser top, and never ever think wearing them as pants is acceptable.

Second, DON’T LEAVE THE HOUSE IN SWEATS OR YOGA PANTS UNLESS YOU ARE WORKING OUT. Along with leggings, this is another pet peeve of mine. Putting on a pair of jeans is really not that hard, you don’t even have to iron them. If you are in public who looks more presentable, and person in baggy sweats or a person in jeans? Personally, I am going with the person in jeans, and if you think the person in baggy sweats is more presentable, you might want to pick up a fashion magazine. There isn’t much to this resolution other than not putting on sweats and yoga pants, so if you are looking for something that doesn’t require much effort, this might be for you.

Third, DON’T GET IN A FASHION RUT. Everyone has one trend that they are head over heels for, but wearing it every day just wears it out. There are so many trends out there, so don’t get stuck with only one. Even try mixing trends together, it is just like mixing prints. As long as they are similar, a great outfit can surely come from them. You may also have and outfit that is your absolute favorite, but if you wear it every week, it begins to lose its specialness.  To avoid getting in a rut, try and not wear the same outfit twice. Now I don’t mean never wear the same outfit twice, but don’t repeat it for at least two weeks. That way, when you do repeat an outfit, it seems new again. Also by adding new accessories to classic outfits, such as a T-shirt and jeans, you easily make them a new outfit, and stay out of the classic rut.I know how easy it is to get in a fashion rut, but it is also quite easy to get out of it. To achieve this resolution, just think outside the box and be creative.

Fourth, TRY SHOPPING AT NEW STORES. This is something that I absolutely love because I always have pieces of clothing that nobody else has. As I have gotten older, I have realized that a label doesn’t make the clothing great. I am not afraid to shop at places such as TJ Maxx and Target, or even Sears and Wal-Mart. I’m sure right now you are questioning these choices, but because I shop at a variety of stores, my wardrobe doesn’t match anybody else’s. This trend may seem kind of intimidating because you might worry that people are going to laugh by shopping at unexpected places, but all I have to say to that, is get over it. Your wardrobe is going to be a lot more diverse than others, and that will make you more of a fashionista.

Fifth, BUY THE SIZE THAT FITS NOT THE SIZE YOU THINK YOU ARE. I cannot emphasize this enough! You may think you are a size 2, but a size 4 might fit a whole lot better. All brands fit differently, which means that you are not the same size in every brand. Don’t be afraid to buy a large, when you are usually a medium. Even I took some time learning this lesson, and even cried when it came to sizes, but now I don’t care what size it is as long as I know I look good in it. If the size of a piece clothing bothers you, just cut the tag out. Size truly does not matter when it comes to clothing, what matters is how good you look in the clothing. This is a resolution that I think everyone needs to take part in.

Sixth, TRY SOMETHING NEW. I know this is so cliché, but it is so fitting when it comes to fashion. I there a piece of clothing you are too scared to try or a color that intimidates you? Just try it on. Trying it on isn’t going to kill you, and by doing this you can stop wondering on whether it looks good or not. Plus you might find out that you look drop dead gorgeous in the dress that taunts you every time you walk into the store. This resolution is something that every single person can take part in. Just do it!

Now these are only a few fashion resolutions and I am sure you can think of many more. By reading these I hope that your inner fashionista has become inspired and that you are ready to take a chance with fashion in the new year. I can promise you that doing something daring when it comes to fashion can make your year. Don’t believe me? This year I took a chance and got a pixie cut, and now I wouldn’t think of going back to long hair. So as the new  year rolls in take a chance and don’t look back. You won’t regret it.

Fashionately,

Sarah

 PS. Happy New Years!