Style Epiphany — Fashion Blog

September is here and we are only weeks away from a fresh new color palette (if you can wait that long).  The Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2010 has me even more excited for the upcoming season.  With so many great trends, from minimalism to faux fur, it’s easy to imagine these colors enhancing the clothing and accessories we can barely wait to slip into.

Here is the palette that the color experts at Pantone came up with for fall 2010:

• Endive (fresh yellow-green)
• Golden Glow (warm and bold golden yellow)
• Living Coral (bright pink-orange blend)
• Lipstick Red (deep red)
• Purple Orchid (bright purple)
• Chocolate Truffle (deep brown with plum undertone)
• Lagoon (tropical bluish-green)
• Woodbine (earthy olive green)
• Oyster Gray (soft gray neutral)
• Rose Dust (pinkish-beige neutral)

The palette takes us on a journey from the beach to the woods, which will keep our ensembles looking season appropriate without being dull.  Imagine combinations like Oyster Gray and Purple Orchid or Endive and Lipstick Red.  We could spend days mixing and matching these beautiful colors.

Shoe Angels just may be the divine intervention that your favorite shoes have been waiting for.  If you drive a lot, you may have noticed the scuffs and dents on the backs of your shoes left from using the gas and brake pedals.  Thanks to Shoe Angels, you can protect your beloved shoes from that damage.

I received a Shoe Angels Introductory Package, $19.95, to review.  The business card type case is chic and convenient.  It holds up to 14 cards containing Shoe Angels adhesives.  There is a place on the inside of the case to stick the Shoe Angels that are still sticky enough to reuse.  Peeled and applied carefully, you should be able to use each set of Shoe Angels for a few weeks.  The transparent adhesives themselves are smartly designed to fit any style of shoe.  They provide a clear, thin barrier between the back of your shoe and the floor mat.  It’s amazing that something so simple can make such a difference.

Protecting everything from your frequently worn ballet flats to your special occasion stilettos is easy thanks to Shoe Angels.  Pick up your pack on the Shoe Angels website.

Denim and lace just seem to be made for each other. Perhaps it’s the fact that opposites attract that makes this fashion marriage so intriguing.  Today, I dressed up my casual look with a gauzy gray top.  The touch of lace at the neck and down the sides adds just enough contrast to soften my denim jacket.

I don’t know where summer has gone, but for the last few days, I’ve had to pull out my jackets.  I do love the crisp, late summer air that calls for some layering, magic, though.  With apples on the trees (which you might glimpse in the background) and a brisk breeze blowing, my denim will get the attention it’s lacked for much of the summer.  With lace being in again in the fall, I will likely be on the lookout for some new lacy frocks.  I like to keep my lace minimal, but adore the romantic touch it offers.

Do you like playing with contrast?  This loose top has something of a choir girl meets beautiful maiden air that makes me want to roughen it up with some layered chains.  There’s always something on my shopping list…but a girl only has so much money.

Denim And Lace Look:

• Square Silver Filigree Earrings From Betsy & Iya
• Denim Jacket By Tommy Hilfiger
• Gray Lace Top From H&M
• Turquoise And Sterling Silver Flower Ring

Every year, we see it all on the Emmy Awards red carpet: gowns that provoke gasps of adoration to those that cause our jaws to drop and leave us wondering what happened to good fashion sense. This year’s event was full of safe, predictable looks, yet full of glamour. Nude, black and white were popular colors. There were lots of sequins, ruffles, and a few Grecian-inspired gowns. Overall, the Emmmy Awards 2010 ceremony brought some beautiful fashions.

Here are my top three picks for best dressed women at this year’s Emmy Awards:

1. Claire Danes:  The nominee chose a timeless, muted bronze Giorgio Armani Privé gown, full of sequins and Swarovski crystals.  Danes smartly chose to allow her gorgeous gown to be the focal piece, skipping the baubles.  Her hair and makeup were perfectly done–and not overdone.
2. Lea Michele:  The first-time nominee wore a romantic, navy Oscar de la Renta gown.  With ruching and ruffles, Michele dared to add trendy black nail polish, bold diamond jewelry and a Swarovski clutch.  Leaving her hair down and adding a smoky eye, the starlet made it work, looking sexy and stylish.
3. Kim Kardashian:  The popular socialite turned businesswoman opted for an elegant Grecian-inspired Marchesa gown.  A sleek up-do, flawless makeup and bangle bracelets added to Kardashian’s goddess-like look.  For a girl who favors body-conscious dresses by day, she showed that she knows how to turn up the glamour.

Photo credits: Frazer Harrison/Getty, Mathew Imaging/Getty, Jason Merritt/Getty

Looking especially fresh-faced in her new pixie cut, Emma Watson strolled the streets of London in a casual, feminine ensemble.  With light makeup, flat shoes, delicate jewelry and no-frill clothing, Watson is ready for fall’s minimalism trend.

Watson’s look works because it is well balanced and simple.  She smartly pulls off a few current trends (skinny jeans, a floral dress and flat shoes) by keeping her look soft and relaxed.  An unbuttoned cardigan with the collar of her dress peeking out adds a carefree, perfectly layered element to Watson’s late summer look.

This is a great example of a transitional outfit, which will take you from summer to fall.  This type of look will also ease you into getting back to the basics, which may take some work after seasons full of embellishments.

Get The Look For Less:

• Dogeared “It’s The Little Things” Sterling Silver Necklace With Lotus Charm $48.00
• 14K White Gold Hoop Earrings $69.99
• ASGI Women’s Faith Loafer $62.80
• Eryn Brinie Cardigan $41.99
• Old Navy Women’s Ruffled Flutter-Sleeve Sundress $25.99
• Calvin Klein Dark Indigo Skinny Jean $55.00

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One of the most anticipated trends for this fall and winter is minimalism.  Going back to the classics with items like: plain sheath dresses, solid shifts, smartly cut suits, no-frill trenches, diamond stud earrings, single strand pearl necklaces, sleek clutches and ladylike handbags lends that “no glitz, but still glam” air.

Turn down the fuss and turn up the fab by going back to minimalism style. While you may not want to dress simply every day, the trend offers a wonderful break in monotony. You might fall in love again with the well tailored jacket, pay more attention to the cut of a pant or notice the simple beauty of the classic black pump.

To immerse yourself in minimalism style, step away from the statement necklaces, embellished tees and gladiator heels. Embrace sleek silhouettes, solid colors, neutral tones and the beauty of simplicity. The secret to wearing this “plain Jane” look is paying attention to the color and cut of your clothing. The way your clothing falls on your body will make the statement that you typically use accessories and other embellishments for. Returning to the basics will leave you looking effortlessly feminine and sophisticated.

Fab Minimalism Finds:

• Blue LagoonBy Mikimoto Cultured Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace $595.00
• Nine West Boutique 9 “Carly” Pumps $130.00
• Jessica McClintock Large East/West Satin Clutch $31.00
• Diamond Yellow Gold Flower Cluster Earrings $398.00
• Coach “Mia” Leather Large Carryall $398.00
• MICHAEL Michael Kors Hooded Double-Breasted Trench $160.00
• See by Chloé Metallic Wool-Blend Jacket $196.00
• See by Chloé Metallic Wool-Blend Pencil Skirt $78.00
• Theory “Uma” Fitted Knit Dress $215.00
• Tahari ASL “Jenna” Ponte Jacket $178.00
• Tahari ASL “Deirde” Ponte Dress $179.00

This feature contains some affiliate links. Read the disclosures for more information.

Have you ever noticed how your style changes over time?  Personal style naturally grows and changes with us.  We are works in progress–right down to the soles of our stilettos.

We all experience style epiphanies which influence our personal style.  Things like challenges, accomplishments, love, heartache and education shape our style.  Whether we are learning to conform to a work dress code or experimenting with a new trend, we tend to find a way to use style to express ourselves.

We each tell our stories through style.  Maybe you’re that spunky teenager pushing the limits with your hem length.  Maybe you’re that determined college student discovering the beauty of vintage.  Maybe you’re that professional expressing your knowledge through a smartly cut suit.  Maybe you’re that proud  new mother yawning in a tee and yoga pants.  Maybe you’re that elderly woman clutching your favorite ladylike handbag.  Whoever you are, wherever you are, your beauty and fashion choices tell a bit about who you are, what you do, and maybe even a bit about where you have been.

Once we are aware of the interconnectedness between our minds and bodies, style comes easy.  Some girls seem to be old souls, instinctively knowing how to create effortlessly stylish ensembles.  Other girls develop their personal style by taking the scenic route, trying each twist and turn in hopes of finding just the right fit.  No matter how we get there, the important thing is that we embrace our personal style and own it.

Style is really subjective, yet many of us spend a great deal of time fretting about whether this or that is stylish.  We forget that one of the most attractive traits is confidence, and that if we wear our style as a reflection of who we are, that in itself is beautiful.

Style is fluid, and once we commit to moving along with it, it becomes part of us.  While the degree to which we entertain style is up to us, each of us expresses ourselves consciously and subconsciously through style.

Fall is coming, and leopard print is coming back!  This particular animal print is a popular choice for fall due to its warm gold, black and brown tones.  Leopard print can be found in every shade of the rainbow, but he classic black and brown combination has a grown up look that is both elegant and timeless.

When wearing leopard print, use it as a focal point.  Choose one fabulous piece, and go with it.  You can wear a bold leopard print dress or jacket, or go in the other direction, using leopard accessories to add more personality to a solid color outfit.  Dark and camel leather are beautiful complements for leopard, but don’t be afraid to accessorize with a pop of color such as red or turquoise.  Like most prints, it’s all about balancing out your look when it comes to leopard.

Add a little “meow” to your fall with leopard print clothing and accessories.  Whether you wear it bold and sassy or subtle and sophisticated is up to you!

Fab Leopard Print Finds:

• Autumn Cashmere Black Leopard Cropped Cardigan $48.29
• Elie Tahari “Madison” Leopard-Print Stretch Silk Skirt $268.00
• Kate Spade Small “Denise” Handbag $245.00
• Spiegel Silk Leopard-Print Scarf $29.00
• Robert Cavalli Leopard Print Sunglasses $390.00
• Steve Madden “Caryssa” Pumps In Leopard $89.95
• Vermeil Leopard-Print Bangle Bracelet $112.50
• Betsey Johnson Small Flower Earring $25.00
• W. Kleinberg Leopard Haircalf Belt $175.00
• Banana Republick “Samie” Animal Print Ballet Flat $98.00
• Nine West Party Box Leopard Minaudiere $59.00

This feature contains some affiliate links. Read the disclosures for more information.

On Saturday, I stood in my closet contemplating what I’d wear for a sunny day stroll through a local dinosaur-themed park.  This easy-fitting dress practically yelled at me, “It’s a chambray kind of day!”  I took her word for it.  This is one of my go-to dresses because it’s relaxed, with just the right amount of “I still care.”

Not enough can be said about a casual dress with a little attention to detail.  This type of dress works for everything from “I need to lose that baby weight” to “I’m going to be doing a lot of running around today.”  I find myself resorting to the relaxed dress when other girls would opt for shorts.  Maybe my age is showing, but I love a good dress.  On a hot, sunshiny day, a dress is refreshingly cool, too.  With simple details like an interesting neckline or detail at the waist, an easy-fitting dress can look chic and pulled together.

The trick to wearing one of your favorite dresses over and over again is to accessorize differently whenever you wear it.  I’m really into the turquoise and coral combination that has been extra hot this summer, so I used that for inspiration.  I adore this long turquoise necklace that my mom gave me.  I wear it looped around two or three times, depending on my outfit.  It’s a fun layering piece.  This large rectangle turquoise ring is one of my favorites.  You can’t miss it.  Since I don’t have any coral colored  items in my stash, I opted for a red handbag.  I love the contrast between the cool turquoise and hot red.  I added blue toenail polish to keep my look modern and fun.

Let’s hear it for comfy dresses and the amazing accessories which allow us to wear our favorite dresses over and over again.  It’s really amazing how many different looks you can come up with if you sit down and give your wardrobe a little quality time.

Chambray Ensemble:

• Chambray Dress By BCBG Max Azria
• Long Turquoise Necklace
• Large Turquoise And Sterling Silver Ring
• White Watch By Skagen
• Red Hobo Handbag By Ellington Handbags
• Off-White Wedges By American Eagle

After making a comeback last year, leggings are still hanging in there, and will be a staple for most women this fall and winter.  Rumor has it that jeggings, or denim leggings, will maintain popularity for awhile, as well. With the masses embracing the leggings trend, we have all noticed that leggings can look great or really, really bad.

One of the biggest reasons leggings continue to be a hit with most women is because they can be worn so many ways, adding depth to our wardrobes. With layering becoming quite an art these days, leggings provide one more way for fashionistas to achieve the perfectly layered look. Regardless of the reason they choose them, there is no doubt that more and more women are slipping into leggings these days. 

I am no stranger to leggings, which you can see here and here.  Personally, I like the versatility that they add to my wardrobe.  I prefer black leggings because they look the most chic and flattering, in my opinion.  I favor the J. Crew Signature Black Leggings, which are affordable, comfortable and wash really well.

Leggings can help you create the perfect look or really ruin it, depending on how you wear them.  If you want to avoid the fashion police, a few simple guidelines should be considered when wearing these form-fitting bottoms.

DO:

• Choose leggings in black and other neutral colors.
• Choose a flattering fit that is not too tight or too loose.
• Wear them with long, loose tees, button-downs, tunics, sweaters or short dresses.
• Wear them as tights under denim or corduroy pencil skirts
• Pair them with wedges, flats or over the knee boots.

DON’T:

• Rock PVC or wild patterned leggings.
• Wear them with tops that are form-fitting or fall above the thigh, revealing your bottom.
• Wear ones that cut off at the knee.
• Pair them with stilettos.

By choosing the right pair of leggings for you, you can not only avoid the fashion police, but create a beautifully balanced, fashion-forward outfit.  While there are pricey options available, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look great in leggings.  Above all, it’s about pairing your leggings with tops and accessories that make you look and feel pulled together and polished.

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus