Crochet and Cutouts

Geometrical cut outs, slashing, and interesting needlework are all hot new mini trends for 2011. Featured in S/S as well as Pre-Fall 2011 Runway shows. Designers like Emilio Pucci, Matthew Williamson, and Christian Dior are embracing the playfully bold look in creative new ways. The flattering new neckline is sure to make it mainstream in the near future. The look highlights the collarbone and adds a fantastic interesting edge to any simple garment.

Savvy Social Seniors

When you think Social Networking many, myself included, think of tech savvy twenty something’s with smart phones, Facebook pages, and fashion blogs. Parents, even grandparents aren’t exactly the model cyberspace navigators. Well think again. A growing population of senior citizens are establishing an overwhelming web presence. The days of 65 year-olds being clueless about how to navigate the web are over. The statistics are quite shocking. While teens are focused on Facebook and Twitter, seniors ages 35 to 73 are on the hunt for information and search the widest range of websites and blogs in addition to their Facebook accounts. Even some of the most popular Tweeters are senior citizens. Think Oprah and Martha Stewart. Premiere forecaster, David Wolf stresses the importance of the over 50 demographic in his trend report for Spring 2011. The sorely neglected age group is just as tech savvy as the youth generation and continues to be overlooked. With more spending power and discretionary income then any other US group, the senior citizen group is worth $19 Trillion. Keeping in mind the online presence of this age group when developing products and services would be extremely wise. 

Trend Report: Antiques Roadshow

The rise in popularity over antiques and vintage fashion has translated itself onto the runways for an exciting show of lace, knits, and pastels. Antique shows are popping up in trendy neighborhoods all over. Just last week New York notables like Martha Stewart, Valerie Steele, and Nora Ephron attended The American Antiques Show at The Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. Designers are using the antique inspiration to create garments made of delicate weightless lace, open stitch knit, and airy silk. A palette of pastels and watercolors are airbrushed into soft bouquets and gentle floral prints. Nude lips and angelic swept up hair complete the fairy like look. Daydream of the past, look to history for inspirations, it’s like a Midsummer Night’s Dream with a modern finished edge.

Check out Valentino, Proenza Schouler, Graeme Black, and Donna Karen S/S 11 on Style.com to see the complete shows.

Gone Fishing....

It’s classic resort with a twist. There’s a new captain in town! Rather then your typical sail boat captain S/S 11 draws from the inspiration of fishing boats and oil riggers. The look has been roughed up a bit and raincoat yellow is everywhere. Another huge trend I first noticed on the Sartorialist is the grungy worn and torn work boot. Multiple buckles, rubber soles, and metal clasps. Fashion forward cities like NY and London have adopted and embraced the new look. Innovative new fabric finishes arose this year that result in garments appearing wet and ocean misted. Definitely another big trend for the season! 

Top 10 Spring Sandals

1. Jimmy Choo 

2. Fendi 

3. Thakoon

 4. Stewart Weitzman

 5. YSL 

6. Donna Karen 

7. Dries Van Noten 

8. Manolo Blanik 

9. Balenciaga

10. Edmundo Castillo!!

Gold accents, beaded embellishments, thick buttery leather straps, braided wicker, exaggerated animal print and bold stripes are the big trends in designer shoes this season. January’s Vogue featured a photo shoot focused on Spring’s hottest new accessory. The highly wearable Wedge! I get so excited for the time of year when I can pull my sandals out of hibernation and the majority of them have always been wedges. Wedges are perfect for every occasion and the ultimate benefit: you don’t feel the need to rip them off and walk home barefoot after a few hours of torture…you know you’ve done it.

My Grandma’s Closet

Rummage through Granny’s closet and you’re sure to find a treat. There’s nothing like vintage shopping, but one thing I have found is that vintage stores tend to be somewhat picked over and often overpriced. If you think about it, women primarily sell items to consignment stores that they no longer want, not their most prized attire. That is usually reserved for family. Well luckily in my case my Nagymama (Grandma) absolutely loves when I come out to Palm Springs for the Holidays and offers up fantastic vintage dudes for the simple reason that she knows I appreciate the beauty and value as much as she does. Plus I am family right… Anyways, my suggestion to find unique accessories to pair with the bright, innovative, and fashion forward looks coming out this year is to raid the closet of a loved one for that special classic piece to link with the new contemporary styles of 2011. 

Idée Fixe

I can always trust The Zoe Report for fabulous shopping tips and today's isn't any different! I am absolutely in LOVE with these luxurious new bookends by Lunares Home. This is my first visit to their site but I am already lusting after almost everything they sell! Their choice of materials is impressive and entirely organic, recycled, and anti-cruelty. They are perfect for any office space or home library, I can already think of dozens of way I would display them.

Carmen Object and Bookend

The Little Black Ballet Flat

Miss Portman’s movie The Black Swan may have just hit theaters but ballerina influenced shoes and apparel are already swarming fashion forward department stores like Barneys New York and Fred Segal. Currently we’re seeing the well-known ballet flat transformed into a more traditional Pointe shoe with a flat toe. Forecasters and Designers have planned ahead for the release, and before you can say Plié the ballerina trend is going to be everywhere! Voluminous Feathers, spandex leos, delicate tights, and frilly bows, the ballerina trend is back in a big way. Chloe and Valentino are even showing full-scale tutus on the runway! And remember trends don’t only affect fashion; ballet inspired workouts, television shows, movies, diets, children’s toys ect.. are all being modeled after the huge NEW TREND! It’s just a matter of time before we see a “Top Ballerina” reality show.

The Black Swan: Well Not Exactly

Graceful Glossy and Lustrous the hottest new trend for watches this year is definitely jet-black! The look pairs mischievous elegance with powerful poise just like Natalie Portman a la Black Swan. Imagine a feathered frock or fabulous plume accessory worn with a sleek midnight timepiece. Stunning!

Balenciaga, Cartier, Rolex Cellini Collection, Chanel Camelia and J12, Louis Vuitton Emprise and Marc by Marc Jacobs Pictured Above

Road Trip Palm Springs

Phillip Lim 3.1 Spring 2011

 Crossing the Mts to Palm Springs Holiday 2010

Celebrity Closet Inspirations: New Year New Wardrobe

It’s Makeover Time Again! I have found that the best form of therapy, reinvention, resolution or what ever that nagging self-discovery/improvement thing is your trying to obtain can be achieved simply with a little closet re-organization! Think of your closet as the physical manifestation of all the negatives in your life and organize, compartmentalize, rid and dump all the fads of the past and move into a beautifully color coordinated 2011. So I get that your life is not as simple as your closet, but the personal meditation you will achieve from closet organizing is totally priceless. Not to mention how amazing all your frocks will look all lined up on lovely little wooden hangers.

Draw inspiration from the closets of designers and celebrities. Some of my fav closets include those of Rachel Zoe, Jenna Lyons, Paris Hilton, Olivia Palermo, Eva Longoria, and of course Mariah Carey’s infamous shoe closet!

Dressing for New Years Eve: The Little Sequin Dress

Inspirations for 2010 NYE festivities come in an array of sequined metallics and shiny accessories as always, but with a new exciting twist. Silhouettes and shapes have evolved into highly geometric and elegantly understated. The in your face flashy mini is so OUT this year and has been replaced with full sleeves or longer hem lines draped and fitted perfectly. Absolutely Magic!!

All accessories can be found on Net-A-Porter.com

Runway shots from Style.com

Best Dressed Pick for 2010: "The City Girl"

Year after year this savvy socialite never stops dazzling me with her oh so stylish and flawlessly put together ensembles. There is NOT an outfit I have ever seen her wear that I didn’t want to recreate for myself. Since her premiere on the hit TV show “The City” I have followed her constantly. Olivia Palermo has become one of my top five styling inspirations of all time. She has a knack for trendy accessories and possesses a practical yet always fashion forward wardrobe that mixes totally affordable pieces with a splurge item here and there. Thank god for Miss Palermo, ANYTIME I am at a loss for outfit options or how to mix and match within my closet, I turn to her for a fresh take on classic staples.

Hot New Trend for 2011: The Floppy Hat

The Brigitte Bardot-esk seventies floppy hat is back again! A retro inspired Spring/Summer welcomes the timeless classic with open bangle clad arms. Spotted in Elle, Marie Claire, Bazaar, Louis Vuitton Ads, and countless runway shows, these oversized sun hats are a seasonal must have. A dark designer shade and floppy hat combo is ALWAYS glamorous. Pair it with nude polish, orange glossed lips, and a low chingnon bun or braid, and you’re ready to hit any swanky retreat in the world.

Flawless Resort Styling

It’s Resort Season and labels like Miu Miu, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton are right on key with the season’s newest trends. Feminine candy pinks, sage greens, and honeysuckle oranges are making a beautiful impact on and off the runways. Ad campaigns featuring fruits and flora, Editorial photoshoots with mountains of ruffles and Victorian landscapes, Home décor displays with whimsical patterning and vivid splashes of this season’s hottest new colors. The ladylike styling of Miss Jessica Alba in Elle’s December Issue is reflected everywhere right now! She looks just as delicious and artistic as the treats lining the walls of Dylan Lauren’s Candy Bar in NYC.

Why You Absolutely Need A "Weekender" Bag

Traveling and style go hand in hand, so why not express your sense of style with fabulous luggage! In order to embody a true jetsetter persona like Jackie O, Kate Moss, Emilio Pucci, Marghertia Missoni, and Nina Garcia, you must fully embrace the look with a smart bag. Toss it in your car for a fun weekend get away, use it as a carry-on for a long stay, or simply as an overnight bag. No matter where you are going your weekend/overnight bag says everything. Mulberry, Marc, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ferragamo, Le Sport, Hermes, are a few of my top choices for a smart investment splurge. Who knows, as Nina Garcia says, “on a plane if there is a girl in a sweatsuit and a girl in cashmere and there is the possibility of an upgrade, cashmere beats sweatshirt every time,” you might just find your new bag paying for itself right there.

PS! the BEST TIP EVER for packing…Get a rolling rack! It is quite possibly the most important tool for strategic packing. If you are a chronic over packer like me, a rolling rack will change your life!!!! Everything can be laid out neatly and separated from the rest of your closet so that you know exactly the pieces you are taking, which gives you the ability to mix and match before you pack your suitcase.

My favorite Tune for the night before travel: JOSHUA RADIN "The Fear You Won't Fall"

Pantone Announces Color Choice For 2011

Color in the fashion world is about to make a drastic metamorphosis. Breaking away from the subtle greys and beiges of 2010, emerges a shocking splash of vibrant color for 2011. Honeysuckle is the new it girl of the color world this year, and was chosen as the “brave new color, for a brave new world.” Honeysuckle was designed by Pantone to lift up the spirit, instill confidence, and get the adrenaline going.

This titillating new hue is exactly what the fashion world needs! Just look at the genius ways top designers Marc Jacobs, Elie Saab, and Valentino are finding to use this striking color. Not to mention how amazing Pantones collection of designer sketches look with the bold artistry of some of the industry’s best.

Fashion Windows

They say that a woman's eyes are the windows to her soul. Well if this is true, then the designer windows along Via Montenapoleone in Milan, Italy, would be mine. Visual merchandising is a unique form of self expression and art. Store window displays can be some of strongest literal inspiration there is. Nothing makes me want to shop more then a beautifully decorated store window display, especially this time of year. All photographs from my personal archive that I took Summer 2010.

Beer and Cotton Candy

Always a combination I highly recommend. Color and texture inspirations can be found in the strangest places. Think Mark Jacobs Spring Runway Collection 2011....

VIEW THE SHOW ON STYLE.COM

Inspiration du Jour: Tory Burch

Tory Burch is the epitome of style, business savvy, and class. Her clothing line tells a story with every new luxurious addition. Imagine lounging poolside at a vintage boutique hotel with a drink in one hand, double T logo tote in the other, draped in a beautiful orange embroidered tunic. Attending a garden party surrounded by tea light candles, guests wearing bright A-line skirts and dainty embossed sandals. Possibly, a roof top bar in Manhattan, socialites clad in sequin shift dresses; their jeweled hands holding tiny sleek clutches.  When a clothing line inspires me it is because the line tells a story. I can clearly imagine who is wearing it, where she is going, and what her life is like. I believe that this is the true test of any clothing line. If it does not tell a story then chances are it is dull, lifeless, or unoriginal. The best thing about Tory Burch is that it creates an image of a dazzling lifestyle that women cannot wait to be a part of.

Born With Style: Italian Women

 Limone Sul Garda Italy 2010

Malcesine Italy 2010 

 Milano Italy 2010

Photographs from my personal archive. While traveling through Italy I noticed three traits that all Italian women share. The all smoke, they all enjoy red wine, and they are all eternally stylish individuals. Never in my life have I witnessed such a saturation of impeccible street style in one location. Vive Donna Elegante!!