The Midi, Plaid and a little Fringe Fashion Trends Holiday 2015

 from the November edition of Sassy Magazine

The holidays are a time when we become one with our inner diva and confidentially wear all the glitz our beings can handle.  This season, evening wear trends take a turn for the different. This might be the year you invest in a few new party pieces in your winter wardrobe. Here are some trend notions to get you started shopping.

 This season, look for a little fringe and feathers.  The feel of these details is instant luxury. A hot look is a-symmetrical fringe.  Dresses with feathers at the hemline, lace dresses finished with long fringe, even car wash fringe is making a big come back. Because these styles are such a statement in and of themselves, go simple on your shoe and accessory choices. With makeup, perhaps a bold lip will be all you need. 

The A-Line dress, which of course is juxtaposed with the pencil dress, are the sought after silhouettes of this holiday season. The A-line dress is one that looks great on everyone. Timeless and elegant. Of course, because fashion is a story of opposites, the other hot silhouette is a pencil dress.  This form fitting dress is most trendy this season when it is longer, a midi length. Know which cut is best for your figure. Try these styles with a peep toe evening shoe bootie! 

Holiday means metallic; this season the hot metallic hue is champagne.  It’s not beige, it’s not pink, and it’s a little goldish with silver. This metallic is great for any skin tone because it encompasses both warm and cool undertones. Other great colors for party attire this season include deep purple and ruby red to marsala. To balance the color is an abundance of black and white styles from high-end fashion houses. Head to toe black and head to toe winter white is what the chicest of fashionistas will wear this season. 

70’s inspiration is seen in fashion this season, evening and party wear is no exception. 70’s vibe color combinations done in sequins ala Dance Fever.  Think disco. Deep necklines, long blouson sleeves and very short hemlines all harken back to when Saturday Night Fever was a way of life. This look should be done with hair and makeup that balances the strong look of this style. Simple hair, beachy waves might be best. With makeup, a soft lip with strong cat-eye may be a great look for you. 

Try plaid with metallic threads. Plaid is everywhere this season, so of course holiday collections will include a little plaid done with metallic threads. The metallic feel will offer a glimpse of formality, while the plaid still carries the weight of something more casual. Plaid might be a great choice for more casual affairs on your calendars; office parties, neighborhood get together, kids holiday programs at school. Plaid can be revved up easily with paired with leather. Try plaid jacket with leather leggings and a peep toe shoe-boot. 

Whatever your social calendar dictates this season, don’t be afraid to infuse a little new-trend into your holiday wardrobe. These styles aren’t going out of style soon, so embrace a “new after-5 you”, and invest in yourself!  And remember my rule of thumb in trying a new style, “If you put it on and wonder if its right, the answer is no. If you put it on and instantly stand up straighter and feel like you have more swing in your hip…then the answer is YES!”

3 Winter trends to start wearing NOW

(from the November edition of Sassy Magazine)

Whether you are adding some pieces into your fall wardrobe or just need a little fashion boost to your current style, these 3 noteworthy trends are wearable at any age, any budget for any lifestyle.

Lumberjack Plaid

What it is:  This is a strong big plaid, think black and red flannel shirts.  This plaid is being seen as a detail on jackets, in skirts, socks, leggings, skirts…basically everywhere.

Beware:  Because this is such a big bold print, be careful if you have soft coloring (light brown, blonde hair, hazel, blue or light brown eyes).  The contrast in this plaid can be overwhelming on you.  Likewise, if you are petite, this print might be a bit too much on you.

How to wear it:  This trend has a distinct masculine feel.  Be sure to pair this strong print with something softer and feminine. It also has a youthful casual vibe. To wear this plaid in a sophisticated way, fabric choices will be very important. Leave the flannel at home. Opt for silk or wool for the office.

Skater Skirts

What it is:  A circle skirt that hits above the knee.  We are also seeing longer versions of this trend. This look is voluminous.

Beware:  If your body shape includes having some ‘junk in your trunk’, you might want to pass on this trend.  This skirt adds volume to the hip-booty area.

How to wear it:  Because this style is full, the shirt you pair with it should be fitted. The short nature of this skirt lends itself to a leg-baring look. For the office, a dark opaque tight with a like-colored oxford or boot would be perfect. 

Royal Blue

What it is:  This blue is a bold, bright blue.  If you have been to the mall recently, you have probably noticed the abundance of this color in the stores.  

Beware:  Everyone can wear this color well.  How much of it, and what you compliment with it is key.  Head to toe Royal Blue is too much.  Pairing with blue jeans is too much. The best combination is with a neutral (like camel, grey or black) or with a pop color (using the blue as the neutral).  Some color combinations to try are:  Royal Blue and Radiant Orchid, Royal Blue and Sangria or Royal Blue and Aurora Red.

How to wear it:  Look for a signature piece in this great hue this season.  Maybe a winter jacket or something in leather. Be sure to seek out a good blue shoe.  Because this is such a hot color this season we will be seeing a lot of shoes done in blue (which isn’t typical).  Try a bootie! Seek out prints that have hints of this color.  This will make it simple to begin to use Royal Blue as your new neutral.

Outerwear trends

from the December edition of BOOM Magazine

This winter, style will transcend bright pencil skirts and boots to your outerwear.  Trends in scarves and coats include everything from swing car coats, to shawls and very structured Jackets. This is the first winter in recent memory that I can remember a real such emphasis on outerwear.  Here is what to look for:

DETAILS

A military feel is seen in most of the coats this season.  We see trench coats with strong hardware and militaristic details, and of course the military feel comes into play with the style of the Pea Coat.

THE COAT OF THE SEASON

The one coat that stands out as THE trend this season is the trench.  The trench coat is one that is classic in style, and will be in your closet for years to come.  It is an investment, and a wise one.

JACKET FOR OUT AND ABOUT

If you are one that is out and about a lot during your day, consider adding a Pea Coat to your outwear wardrobe.  A very classic style but this season, done with new details.  Look for a Pea Coat in a bright color or one with unusual buttons. 

DRESSING UP

Peplum is a detail that is very popular this season; seen in skirts, tops and yes, in outwear.  The Peplum coat is a great look to dress up a simple t-shirt and jeans, or as a detail that will mix perfectly with your holiday best.

A SIMPLE VEST

A simple vest isn’t so simple anymore!  I love the idea of throwing on something cozy, like a vest, to get me from the car to the grocery store.  The vest is such a smart way to not overheat when running errands.  My challenge has been finding a vest that is cute, fashionable, that didn’t make me feel like the Michelin Man. This season, that challenge has been answered in the fur (or fuzzy) vest; such a great on-trend addition, yet functional.  The fur vest will add instant style to any outfit…so when you look in the mirror and think “I need something else to finish this look”…look for the fur vest!  You will be glad you did. 

FUR and LEATHER

If you aren’t adding some leather and fur to your closet this season, you are missing the trend boat! Fur on boots, as collars on jackets, as a detail on a scarf – fur is everywhere! The definition of fur this season doesn’t necessarily mean an animal skin, but rather refers to anything furry or fuzzy. 

Leather (or pleather – faux leather) in details and in statement pieces for outerwear this season will be very important. For example, a peplum cut jacket in leather will show you are leading the way in trends! My advice: don’t invest in the leather pieces, instead look for pleather. Your budget will be glad you did.

SCARVES

Scarves became the ‘it’ accessory several years ago.  This season the scarf to have is called the foulard. This style refers to a small print in several (generally bright) colors. Loosely wrap this seasons scarves around your neck in a “thrown on” way.

BOOT TRENDS

 from the December edition of Sassy Magazine

I count down the days until temps dip below 60 so I can break out my boots.  Generally from sometime in late August until Spring I’m in boots. Hello my name is Kathy, and clearly I am a shoe addict!

The trends for this season have me salivating. I’m considering implementing a no-cash option in my business…just buy me boots!

RIDE ‘EM COWBOY

Western influence is seen all over feet on the runway. If you don’t have a western feel boot in your shoe wardrobe, this is the season to add one.

DETAILS IN THE BLOCK

Color block, texture block, shine blocking – all are big trends in boots. Look for a contrast heel, or a pop of color on the foot of the boot.

RIDE OVER THE KNEE

Riding boots are not only practical, but trendy too.  This office-to-weekend boot is being seen in the over-the-knee variety this season.

GIVE ME SOME SKIN

Animal skins are crawling into boot trends this winter. Look for alligator, snake and pony. The faux versions of these skins are just as big of a trend as the real thing.