Reining it in from past seasons of embellished brights and quirky colors, ready-to-wear is taking back black and white is tagging along for the ride. Jil Sander and Narciso Rodriguez class it up, while other top designers like Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang move toward the edgier side of the contrasting colors.
It’s the absence of color that has taken the runway by storm this fashion season. The best footwear and handbag designers are using this crystal clear trend to project a mix of elegance and sophistication with stylish and innovative shapes and sizes. While slight hints of color are employed to make a shoe pop and handbags stand out, it is the lack of color that make these accessories a hit for spring. Not to mention, it offers a versatility that allows for easy pairings with almost anything in your closet.
This season shoes will have you floating in air, or at least look like it, according to top fashion houses like Givenchy. Footwear has long been a focus on the runway during fashion week, and this year was no exception. The runways were paved with a plethora of sky-high stilettos and eye popping pumps. But how exactly do you rock the crystal clear trend? That’s easy! Effortlessly shift from day to night with a sophisticated oxford, highlighting stylish cut outs and invisible side paneling, or take that little black dress to the next level sporting see through pumps with invisible straps from Michael Kors. Pair it with a clear tote from Fendi or translucent crystal-like clutch from Gucci.
Fashionistas know that no outfit is complete without the perfect pairing of jewelry, bags, belts, and other fun accessories. Thousands of online retailers have launched in recent years and are offering specialty products that appeal to varying styles. More importantly, these boutiques provide a uniqueness that can’t be served up at the local mall. We’ve narrowed it down to five established and emerging boutiques that are sure to appeal to all you fashion accessory lovers out there.
Love, Always
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has come to a close. But, to celebrate next season’s trends coming down the runway, SKYY Vodka has created delicious signature cocktails inspired by the season’s standout trends!
As the official vodka of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 Collections in New York City, SKYY Vodka has an exclusive on site presence at all official receptions and VIP lounges, serving up the sassy cocktails with names like ‘Catwalk Queen’ and ‘Enchanting Kiss’.
Fashion insiders were treated to four signature SKYY cocktails in the tents celebrating the 2013 Spring/Summer season’s trends: Classic, Romantic, Glam, and Progressive. Whether you will be front row at Lincoln Center or creating your own Fashion Week moments at home, be sure to try these trendsetting cocktails. See the fun recipes below. Cheers, everyone!
The classic polka dot pattern is back in a big way. The pattern, made famous by Minnie Mouse and itsy-bitsy bikinis, is showing up on everything from hats and dresses, to underwear and umbrellas. Which means, for those of you who are pattern-shy, there is an easy way for you to incorporate them into your wardrobe too! No need to mix patterns if you don’t feel like it; these hot spots look great on their own.
Move over satchel, there’s a new must-have handbag in town. Please remove the image of that old school drawstring bag from your mind, and make room for fashionable 2012 version, as they are being carried into the forefront of the fashion world. The drawstring bag is definitely the rage this season. With so many beautiful styles, it is not hard to see why this is the new must-have.
When it comes to shoes, many of us seem to put them on the back burner until we are just about half way out the door. The biggest problem (for many of us) is having the right practical shoes in our wardrobe. If we had just put a little more time and consideration into our weekly Sunday shopping spree, this issue could have been avoided. Check out our guide to having the right shoes in your wardrobe this winter that will leave you feeling prepared and stylish for any occasion.
Flat Riding Boots
Booties
As the weather turns from morbidly hot to fantastically crisp, most stylish women are all too happy to break out their tights, sweaters, pea coats and scarves. All-encompassing fabrics such as velvet, corduroy, tweed, and wool have always been fall wardrobe staples, but this season saw the addition of one more unexpected must-have texture: fur, faux and real (but vintage).
Designers such as Chanel and Prada have shown faux fur in recent runway shows and ad campaigns, and fashion magazines such as Elle sing the praises of this humane alternative to an otherwise cruel fashion practice. A slew of faux fur accessories fills the pages of nearly every major fall fashion magazine, and the windows of stores from Neiman Marcus to Forever 21. If you simply must wear "the real thing", go the slightly less guilty route of shopping for vintage fur. A variety of gorgeous options is available online at sites such as Modcloth and Shareen Vintage.
Yesterday’s “matching,” is today’s color blocking. Because it wasn’t difficult enough color coordinating our shoes with our bags with our coats, and so on, this year fashion threw us a pop quiz on how to really make color pop through color blocking. We can almost see the tiny beads of sweat forming on your forehead from trying to figure out the scientific calculation behind stacking solids on solids to create a chic color paradigm with clothing. The easiest way to figure this out is to first know the most popular groupings of solid colors.
The questions that arise and haunt you while you’re getting dressed infamously affect your wardrobe decisions; exasperated sighs from irritated boyfriends; and harsh reprimanding from whoever you’re late to meet this time. But we understand, even if no one else does. The woes of the fashion conscious are innumerable. Risk doesn’t always bring reward. And playing it safe can leave your ensemble feeling underwhelming. One intimidating trend that seems to have this affect on women is socks with shoes – [insert dramatic instrumental].