animal prints

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Like velvet and feather, animal prints have the potential to be either in vogue or a catastrophe. To avoid looking like a Vegas show girl gone terribly wrong, wear classic, simple pieces with conservative lines such blouses, trench coats, or mid-thigh to knee length skirts. Avoid anything too revealing as that too leads to Vegas show girl faux pas.

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Another faux pas to avoid is covering yourself head-to-toe in an animal print; I have nothing clever to compare this to, it's just overpowering and bizarre. Instead, limit your ensemble to either one main animal print piece or to a few animal print accents(cheetah pumps, a skinny belt with an animal print, an animal print scarf, etc) to an ensemble composed of neutral pieces. Wear animal print pieces with denim, cotton, and other gender-neutral fabrics in neutral colors and very light and very dark blues. Shy away from ultra-feminine fabrics as they will make your outfit too busy.

high-waisted flared jeans/bell bottoms

fashionising.com

The 2010 Fall/Winter and 2011 Spring seasons are ushering in an old 1970s favorite: the high-waisted flared jean. "...the high waist and wide flare are both flattering and comfortable. I think the flared style is a refreshing change from the dominance of the skinny jeans," states Maddison Rothery, and I certainly agree. The revival of 1970s fashion in general has been a fresh change from the bold, overpowering 1980s theme.

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When shopping for bell bottoms, avoid anything that goes anywhere near the hips; choose only high-waisted bell bottoms. A high-waisted cut accentuates the natural waist (the smallest part of your torso) by drawing attention to it, and the flared cut of bell bottoms draws attention away from the thighs by grazing over them and flaring out, where skinny jeans make it impossible to disguise any imperfection by being skin tight all over.

Pair bell bottoms with flowing blouses, tucked in, with intricate detailing, leather belts, sweaters with Native American inspired patterns, and of course, heels.

shearling jackets

Shearling Jacket, LOOKBOOK.nu

Balenciaga Shearling Jacket, JAK AND JIL

Leather  jackets are an essential piece for fall, however, most are not very well insulated. Enter the leather and shearling jacket. The cozy, warm combination renders one more impervious to the winter chill, but still allows one to maintain the chic, casual, cool mien of a leather jacket. Pair with ultra-feminine and delicate dresses and tops, and pieces in neutral colors as wells as deep reds and purples. Shy away from super rich fabrics like velvet. And for the love of fashion, no UGG boots* with this, or anything, please, lest you look like a fashionably confused teenage girl.

*Classic UGG boots are ONLY acceptable when worn for a functional purpose (i.e snow or for warmth to and from the gym).  Other models of UGG boots like the Annabelle boot are perfectly acceptable and fashionable fall/winter boots.

peter pan collars

Evoking images of a mid-20th century school boy uniforms and Minnie Mouse's red polka dot dress,  blouses and dresses with peter pan collars give an outfit an instant cutesy vintage feel.

Peter Pan Blouse with Skirt, LOOKBOOK.nu

Blouses with peter pan collars are most often worn with mid-waisted (just below the belly button) to high-waisted (around the smallest part of your torso, i.e. the natural waist) mini-skirts and shorts, most likely because the look that inspired them, mid 20th century school boys, consisted of a peter pan blouse, tie, sweater, shorts, and knee socks. However that does not mean they cannot be paired with pants. When pairing a peter pan blouse with pants, stick with a pant that is slim fitting in the legs; too much flare will take away the cutesy charm of the blouse and replace it with a busy frumpiness. 

Peter Pan Dress,  LOOKBOOK.nu

Peter pan collared dresses most often either have a full A-line silhouette (fitted at the top, gradually widening towards the hem) or are very fitted to the natural waist, and have an A-line skirt. Solid colors, as well as designs like polka dots or small flowers are good pattern choices. Shy away from stripes. This Fall/Winter season, try pairing a peter pan dress with tights or thigh-high socks, oxfords or oxford booties, a cardigan, and maybe a belt around the waist.

feathers

Full skirt with feather detailing, SSense.com

For most, when we hear "feathers" we equate it to "gaudy feather boa," and we cringe. However, throw out your preconceived notions, because the feather trend is all about moderation. It's not about feather-covered pieces, it's about pieces with feather detailing. Delicate feather details on hats, collars, accessories, skirts and dresses, as well as feathers on hems of skirts and dresses mark this trend. Maintain the elegance of the trend by wearing only one feathered piece per outfit, and by avoiding lace, chiffon, and other gossamer-type fabrics. Stick with silk, cotton, rayon, and for nights out, velvet. "Ostrich, peacock, pheasant, and marabou are some favorable feathers to look out for," according to fashionising.com

cigarette pants

Conjuring images of Audrey Hepburn, the older, more sophisticated cousin of skinny jeans, is the cigarette pant. Otherwise known as tapered trousers, cigarette pants have a similar silhouette to skinny jeans,with a few major differences: they are high-waisted, the hem hits a few inches above the ankle, and they are not necessarily denim.

To give cigarette pants an elegant chic air while still maintaining a level of casualness, pair them with a tiered blouse, or a blouse with ruffle or lace detailing, tucked in, and a thin leather belt. For shoes, stick to basic flats or pumps with no embellishments.

BDG Hi-Rise Grazer Cigarette Jean, Urban Outfitters

For a casual-cool feel, pair cigarette pants with an over-sized top like Anthropologie's Hermitage Top and knit scarf, or with a basic, more fitted blouse layered under a  classic cardigan. Booties and oxfords, as well as basic flats and pumps are optimal shoe choices. 

full skirts

Wow Floral Printed Skirt, Free People

Full skirts add a flirty flare to to simple blouses while still maintaining an air of chic femininity . They typically high-waisted with a wide waistband (2-3inches),  and then is pleated slightly, creating a lot of volume.

This season, look for floral-patterned skirts with a muted palette, as well as solid neutral-colored skirts with compelling textures. For an ultra-feminine touch and a little more volume and bounce, wear a tulle slip underneath your ensemble that is just barely longer than your full skirt, causing it to show just below the skirt's hem.

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Always pair a full skirt with a simple, non eye-catching blouse, to avoid an outfit that is too "busy." Wear them with simple blouse, blouse and scarf, or blouse and cardigan combo. Avoid too many pieces made of lace, chiffon, or other ultra-feminine fabrics, as well as anything with intricate detailing or lots of ruffles. The full skirt should be the focal point. Tights, thigh highs, oxford booties, and over-the-knee boots compliment full skirts well.

knit eternity scarves

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Knit eternity scarves not only add a bohemian flare to an outfit, but functionality; they keep you warm and toasty. Adding to the functionality, many eternity scarves can be worn as a hooded scarf. They come in many different lengths (just around the neck to hanging a foot from the neck), colors, and styles (simple to funky to soft and girly).




Ways to Wear:

• Wear simple eternity scarves with lace or chiffon blouses or dresses, elaborate frocks, or cocktail dresses  to create a more casual, gender-neutral feel.
•  Add some flare to a basic t-shirt or solid-colored frock by looping a longer eternity scarf around your neck with unequal length loops.



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• Accent a bomber jacket, peacoat, sergeant  or velvet blazer in a subtle way -contrasting textures instead of colors- by layering a cable-knit eternity scarf over (all four) or under with a bit peeking through (bomber, peacoat, sergeant).

sweater coats

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 Sweater coats are a staple of the Fall/Winter 2010 wardrobe. They range from thin and cardigan-like (for layering) to thick, warm , and winter coat-like (for outerwear). They can accent your cool-weather ensemble in one of two ways: a very flattering way, or a sloppy, robe-like way.  There is no one particular silhouette to look out for; just avoid sweater coats that are too tight -you should be able to button it without gapping- and that are too loose -there should be at least a hint that a woman's figure is under the sweater: it should not look like an amorphous sweater monster with a head and legs poking through.

MarieClaire.com

Since sweater coats come in a variety of silhouettes, colors, and textures, one can be found for almost any outfit. However, this season layer cardigan-like ones over ultra-feminine dresses (pictured left), and wear thick, warm ones as a coat -with a chunky scarf and thin leather gloves- over any cool-weather ensemble.

off-the-shoulder sweaters

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 Off-the-shoulder sweaters are a quintessential blend of sporty, casual, comfortable, and cool; they are a perfect layering piece for the transition from warm weather to frigid: Fall. This Fall, shop for off-the-shoulder sweaters in warm, earthy tones. However, sweaters are not typically marketed as "off-the-shoulder," so you must discern, when shopping for one of these, whether or not the sweater in question fits the criteria.

• Look for a loose-fitting sweater with a wide neck.  Sweaters that are loose enough to swim in can make you look like a vagabond, while sweaters that are too tight not only remove the coolness factor of the over-the-shoulder sweater, they are difficult to layer comfortably, and they make you look like you are begging for attention.
• Look for non-bulky material. The sweater should have a laid-back air about it. It should flow easily with your movements, not inhibit them. So, instead of looking for a chunky-knit sweater, look for one made out of super-soft cotton or even jersey.

Inspiration from Fashionising.com

Off-the-shoulder sweaters can be worn alone with skinny jeans (as a rule, if you have something loose on top, wear something well fitting on the bottom) or, as pictured, with shorts and thigh-high socks. Also, they can be layered over an ultra-feminine top -think lace, ruffles, or chiffon- and skinny jeans or shorts and thigh-highs to go along with a facet of the minimalism  trend, where, instead of wearing pieces with vibrant colors or patterns to enliven an outfit, pair pieces with discrete, or contrasting, textures. Please do not wear this in a formal setting.

minimalism

Gucci, Fall 2010

Gucci, Fall 2010

Minimalism, this fall, is about choosing  simple-silhouetted dresses, simple tailored trousers, and simple non-eye-catching shoes: the emphasis is on clean, simple lines with a smattering of elaborate detailing and fabric textures. Minimalism is about leaving the loud colors and bold patterns of Spring 2010 behind, and, in turn, switching to a muted palette of navy, black, grays, browns, nudes, and almost-brown purples. However, this trend is anything but boring; it makes up for the lack of exciting colors with a multitude of textures such as lace and velvet, as well as jackets with feather detailing and dresses with sequin detailing. Another mark of this trend is geometric; jackets with squarish collars, boxy jackets, and dresses with geometric cutouts.

heels and socks

StyleBakery.Com

First spotted  on Prada runways, the socks and heels trend has slowly become more and more popular. However chic it is, if not worn properly, the trend can easily take your outfit from fashion forward to fashionably confused tourist. Keep in mind "This is NOT about wearing your stripey knee socks under a pair of 5-inch patent leather Pleaser Mary Janes," a rule so aptly put in an article on HauteMacabre.com. In other words, avoid shoes that are more suited for a sleazy profession. Wear neutral colored non-frilly socks that are not too dark and not too light; save more feminine socks with ruffle or lace hems for ankle booties and field boots. Sock lengths anywhere from just-above-the-ankle to just-above-the-thigh can work well, however, just-above-the-ankle to mid-calf length socks are most prevalent.

neo double-breasted jackets

Gucci, Fall 2010

Oscar Wilde meets Coco Chanel in this jacket where a menswearish piece is designed to fit and flatter the female body. What differentiates the neo double breasted jacket from a double breasted jacket is its minimalistic design: simple, clean lines, and a muted fabric. It is totally unembellished and sans frills. Pair it with a simple silk blouse for an continuation of the masculine feel, a blouse with lace detailing or ruffles and slim fitting pants , or over a super-feminine mini dress for a balance between masculine and feminine.

lace

Herringbone Lace Dress, Free People

Lace is intricate, delicate, classic, and feminine, and, like velvet, it can easily be overdone. Flowy, lace tops and mini-dresses put a modern twist on this elegant classic.

Choose a lace mini-dress that you can comfortably move, sit, and stand in without exposing undergarments. If you are not ready to go for a dress that is entirely lace, look for a silk or cotton dress with lace, or even crochet, detailing. Lace dresses work beautifully with over the knee boots.

Lace tops are often see through. To avoid the obvious faux pas, choose a neutral-colored cami, or a cami that is the same, or similar, color of the lace top. Pair them with slim-fitting jeans and cords, or with skirt with a basic fabric; avoid any piece with a busy pattern, as this will, in turn, make your ensemble too busy.

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 To avoid overdoing lace, minimize jewelry. When choosing jewelry to wear with lace, look for one or two simple pieces with an antique-y feel. Also, to give lace a less old-fashioned feel, pair it with leather, denim, and other more gender-neutral fabric.

velvet

Lush, soft, feminine, and striking all in one, velvet is synonymous with elegance. This fall, velvet is putting a fresh spin on fall staples, as well as bringing warmer-weather pieces into fall. Velvet jackets, especially velvet peacoats, dresses, skirts that hit mid-thigh. However, to avoid looking like a fairy princess, velvet must be worn carefully. Tights or thigh-high socks can be worn well velvet dresses and skirts.

Free People's Velvet Echoes Skirt

• Don't wear velvet head-to-toe. Avoid making chic velvet pieces appear old-fashioned by following the one piece rule: one velvet piece per outfit. Also, choose velvet dresses and skirts that are between that are between mid-thigh and two inches above the knee -anything less is vulgar, and anything more will seem old-fashioned or costume-ish.
• Don't pair velvet with other eye-catchingly bold, feminine fabrics. Other ultra feminine fabrics, like lace or chiffon, and anything suede, can also take your ensemble from chic to costumey. If you really cannot resist the urge to incorporate more ultra-femininities into your outfit, try pairing a blouse with barely-there lace detailing with your velvet jacket or skirt, or, with a dress, try wearing it over a slip with ruffle hem that peeks out below the hem of your dress. However, velvet jackets, especially cropped ones, work well with more feminine items, such as a Free People's Vintage Charm Slip or a white dress with tiered ruffles. Otherwise, stick with more basic and gender neutral fabrics like leather -a bomber jacket over a velvet dress- denim, and cotton. 
• Keep jewelry to a minimum. Pair simple items like silver and gold bangles, and pendants with clean lines and shapes. Choose timeless pieces, not trendy ones.

a few tips...

• Never pluck/wax off the majority of your eyebrows, unless you want to look surprised, just remove stray hairs and allow your brows to frame your face.
• Your eyebrow start right above the inner corner of your eye, arch above your iris, and curve down towards the end.
• You brows should be two shades lighter than your hair color, unless your hair is blonde or gray, then they should be two shades darker.
• If you have short or heavy legs, avoid dark, heavy shoes: they will make your legs appear even shorter and fatter.
• No matter how many antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial things a skin or hair product claims to have, it won't make your skin, nails, or hair any healthier. You must eat a healthy diet to have healthy and beautiful skin, hair, and nails.
• Two coats of mascara is enough. I swear.
• Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet, it causes split ends. Instead, use a wide tooth comb.
• Two coats of mascara and a light application of eyeliner is enough to enhance your eyes; too much eyeliner makes your eyes look small and beady.
• Avoiding tanning beds, and tanning extensively in general, means avoiding early aging, leathery skin and skin cancer later.
• Pink, shimmery blush is universally flattering.
• To tone down a bold lipstick color, dab it on your finger, and then apply with your finger. This creates a stained effect.
• Don't wear intense eye make-up and a vibrant lip color at the same time; people won't know which one to look at, and it will make you look like a clown that is trying too hard. Rather, choose one or the other. If you choose bright or intense lips, wear two coats of mascara, a little eyeliner, and a small amount of eyeshadow in a neutral color. If you choose intense eyes, wear a matte,  non-eye-popping shade, or choose a lip balm with a hint of color, such as Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate or Plum, both universally flattering, or Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb or Raisin, also universally flattering.
• If you want the liquid eyeliner look without the mess of liquid eyeliner, try an eyeliner marker, such as Physician's Formula Felt Tip Eye Defining Marker.
• Always apply primer before applying foundation. Primers smooth out skin and help camouflage imperfections. 

over the knee boots, booties, and oxfords

Anthropologie's Upwards Boots

The hottest shoes this season are over the knee boots, booties, and oxfords. Over the knee boots add just the right amount of edge to soft, feminine dresses like Free People's Chiffon and Lace Slip and their Dolled Up in Cashmere Tunic. When pairing over the knee boots with a dress in the day time, wear thigh-high socks , and at night, with tights, a more edgy dress, and maybe a leather or sargent jacket. Aside from the normal smooth or ruched boots, lace-up over the knee boots are also trendy. The Frye Company is a great place to find quality boots of any kind, and they have a good selection of over the knee boots this fall. Anthropologie also has a great selection of over the knee boots.

Off The Beaten Track's Ashland bootie

No heeled booties and oxfords add a quirky flare to casual shoes. Pair them with jeans and an over-sized blouse, or with thigh-high socks, tights, or even with bare legs,  and frock with a leather jacket, sweater dress,  or a lacey, feminine dress and a chunky sweater, and a scarf. Both booties and oxfords have a fun, throwbackin', vintage feel.

chunky sweaters



Free People Catalog, October 2010, pg 23



Cozy, chunky sweaters are functional and versatile. Cropped chunky cardigans and cocoon sweaters can be paired with oversized blouses and skinny jeans or cords. Long sweaters like Free People's Dotted Stripes Hoodie and their Front & Center Pullover can be worn with long tunics, thigh high socks or tights, and over the knee boots, or, if the sweater is a pullover, it can also be worn alone with thigh high socks or tights and over the knee boots. Native American prints are especially cool, however argyle is also a great pattern.



frocks


 The frock silhouette is a very simple, flattering, and versatile dress silhouette. It can be worn alone, worn over a simple, sheer, lace or similarly textured layering top like Free People's Dotted Mesh Layering Top, worn with a bomber jacket like Urban Outfitters' Members Only Leather Aviator Jacket and an Eternity Scarf, or dressed up with a necklace like Free People's Sunburst Drape Pendant and oxford pumps. As with high neckline dresses and blouses, look for silk or soft cotton. Super bright colors, especially reds, are great.





Urban Outfitters' Lucca Couture Ruffle Dress has a Frock Silhouette

 

high neckline dresses and blouses

Free People's Silk Burnout Dress

This fall,  dresses like Urban Renewal JOHANN Lacy Luck Dress and Free People's Silk Burnout Dress, and blouses with high necklines are great alone, and for layering. Opt for dresses and blouses with warm muted colors and fabrics like silk or soft cotton and lace or ruffle detailing. Dresses can be layered over lace tops like Free People's Dotted Mesh Layering Top or worn with a cardigan such as Free People's Eyelet Ruffle Cardigan and a belt. Blouses can be worn with slim fitting jeans, cords, or a pencil skirt.

anoraks



Mike & Chris "Jagger" Hooded Anorak, Bloomingdale's

 One of the most versatile layering pieces of this season is the anorak. They work well everything from sweater dresses and over the knee boots to a basic,  well-fitting t-shirt, jeans, and engineer boots, to a playful minidress and field boots. When shopping for an anorak, look for neutral colors or muted dark colors.

military

When one thinks of the military, one typically thinks of rules and structure. The military trend also has structure: structured clothing. Large golden buttons, the color olive green, and utility pockets mark this trend. Well-fitting double breasted jackets like the Fall Remembrance Coat(Free People) and slim fitting cargo pants such as the FP Skinny Military Cargo Pants are the most recognizable components  of the military trend. However, other pieces, such as the MARC BY MARC JACOBS "Kelly" Cropped Wool Military Sweater, have a less pronounced military feel. Wear military pieces with other pieces that have muted colors. Wearing a structured military cardigan or cropped jacket over a light colored tiered top(Sleeveless Layers Top in silver)creates a pleasant balance between structured and loose pieces.

fur



Quotation: 525 America Rabbit Fur Vest, Bloomingdale's



Fur is best in moderation. A fur vest, cropped fur jacket, jacket with a lush fur lined hood , or a long jacket with a fur skirt (just one per outfit, not all four) are easily enough fur for one outfit. As a rule of thumb, avoid pairing fur with anything with a bold color; the fur should be the focal point of your outfit. In many thrift stores you can find quality fur pieces more budget-friendly prices.







leather jackets



Free People's Nicholas K Leather Jacket



One of the best fashion staples is the leather jacket. Leather jackets add just the right amount of edge when paired with soft, feminine shirts, such as Free People's Strappy Scoop Neck Stripe Cami in ivory, or dresses like Free People's Open Circle Sweater Dress and the Pins and Needles Skirted Strapless Romper found at Urban Outfitters. If you want something with a little more edge, try pairing your jacket with shirt with nautical stripes and a brown or deep purple scarf, somewhat similar to the model's outfit in the photo to the right. When making an outfit with a leather jacket, avoid accompanying pieces with lots of embellishment to keep from looking like a fledgling member of a motorcycle gang.

fall trends and tips

 Fall means boots, even to those who do not consider themselves experts on fashion. This fall, over the knee boots, ankle booties, lace up boots, and wedge boots are the must have boots. With over the knee boots, a major plus is to have a pair that is convertible, meaning they can be worn over the knee, or folded or pushed down and worn lower. Pair over the knee boots with dresses hitting the mid thigh such as Free People's Velvet Foliage Dress or Kimchi Blue Strapless Sweetheart Dress found at Urban Outfitters and a bomber jacket. Also, try pairing over the knee boots or pairing booties with thigh high socks -another trend this fall- with a skirt such as the Pins and Needles Circle Skirt and a structured blouse.

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  "Go modest with high necklines and granny-chic, loose-fitting dresses.

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  Tone down the color palette and focus on layers of textured fabrics like lace and pleated silk under a heavy wool coat.

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  Look for jewelry that resembles a well loved flea-market treasure- nothing shiny and no bling." -marie claire, November 2010

Other fall trends include faux fur, chunky sweaters, leather jackets in fall hues (plum, tawny, olive, brown),  oxfords *flat and heeled*, crossbody leather purses-especially a Vintage Coach Crossbody (pictured right), cuffed skinny jeans, high-waisted skinny jeans (cigarette pants), cords, bouncy mini-dresses, peekaboo zippers, anoraks, and  military and majorette jackets. 

When shopping, always invest in higher quality materials. Avoid fake leather, unless you are vegan, and anything mostly polyester, as these "fake" material do not allow evaporation of sweat and cause body odor. It is much better to invest in a quality item than to buy several items with a nice style, but cheap material.

Live by this rule: Quality Over Quantity.