Derek Lam Resort Collection 2011
Derek Lam's collections, season after season, embody what Fashionistas in the Bay Area seek; high-fashion designs that fit into the California Lifestyle. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, Fashionistas seek styles that can easily be worn to work in a fast-paced start-up as well as to a winery in Napa for weekend of wine tasting and five star dining.
The understated elegant, California Casual hybrid style of dressing has reached beyond the San Francisco Bay Area over the past decade and into the closet's of Fashionistas across the United States. This is why Derek Lam's designs have become so popular, so fast. After working for Michael Kors in the 1990's, Derek Lam launched his first runway show during New York Fashion Week in 2003; and Fashionistas everywhere have been flocking to his designs ever since.
The resort collection that Derek Lam launched for 2011 is one of his most unique collections thus far. Lam has the incredible ability to blend current trends with classic styles that are easy to wear for almost any occasion. Lam has created a resort collection filled with wearable dresses that include asymmetrical hemlines and necklines while keeping in line with the above-the-knee trend for resort, and presumably Spring 2011. Derek Lam chose a color palette that combines bright orange and purple from the candy-colored 1960's trend, with the neutral, rich tan, black and white minimalism color palette. Derek Lam's pieces are loose fitting which makes them lady-like and appropriate for the current and ongoing lady-like or feminine trend.
Derek Lam has also created a cleaner, more classic handbag line than in past collections. To read about his handbag line for resort 2011 click here. . .
It should be interesting to see what Derek Lam shows on the runway for Spring 2011. Fashionistas are hoping for more dresses and patterns; perhaps an expansion of his resort line. Since resort collections are a snapshot into a designers Spring collection, Derek Lam's resort collection is a great way to start your Spring wardrobe. Why not pick up one of resort dresses for next Spring? The dresses from his resort collection are perfect for so many occasions. Although pricey, Derek Lam's dresses are a good investment that you may find yourself wearing quite often. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
Derek Lam resort 2011. Courtesy photo.
Alexander Wang Resort 2011
Alexander Wang gave new life to the 1960's mini-skirt trend that was shown by designers on the resort 2011 runways. Wang showed asymmetrical silhouettes made from linen, cotton and lightweight leather. There was a nod to the upcoming menswear trend with cropped ankle length trousers and sleeveless, button down shirts in crisp white cotton. Wang's more casual looks featured leggings under linen shorts, cropped tights under skirts, socks with flat sandals, chunky knit cardigan sweaters and chunky knit cropped, pull-over sweaters. Alexander Wang's use of leather was the focal point of the runway show with a bordeaux patent leather, cropped jacket and leather mini-skirts reminiscent of the 1980's.
Although Wang's collection was mostly edgy and casual, the upcoming feminine trend which began in the Fall and has continued into resort 2011 was seen in Alexander Wang's collection in the form of elegant black gloves and knee length dresses. The color palette for Wang's collection was a throwback to Fall's minimalism look with neutral's such as white, dark beige, black, grey, cream with a few pops of teal and bordeaux.
Alexander Wang handbag fans will be excited to see to the Rocco mini-duffle continue into the resort season. To read about Alexander Wang handbags click here. . .
The resort 2011 collection from Alexander Wang is a snapshot of what Fashionistas will see in his upcoming runway show this month during New York Fashion Week. it should be interesting to see if Wang continues with his edgy, minimalism look and nod to the 1960's look; or will he insert more color and fresh silhouettes into his Spring collection.
Alexander Wang Resort 2011
Christian Dior Resort 2011
Christian Dior's resort 2011 runway show happened back in June, but the collection is going to hit store shelves in late September and October. As we head into New York Fashion Week this month, Spring fashion and trends are on the minds of Fashionistas here in the Bay Area as well as around the world. Resort 2011 has given Fashionistas a glimpse into what might be seen on the runways during the upcoming Spring shows in New York. Christian Dior resort collection seems to epitomize the upcoming resort and Spring trends for 2011 with a combination of vintage 1960's styles and colors with 1980's and 1990's ankle trousers, feminine fabrics, ladylike details, menswear, tonal dressing and handbag strap length.
Dior showed 1960's styles with hairstyles to match in candy colors such as pink, purple and pale orange. There were several pieces in purple leather paired with feminine lace and chiffon. The fabrics for Dior's resort collection play right into the upcoming feminine trend with tiers of chiffon, soft brightly colored lace and bow details. The hemline was at the top of the knee and mid-thigh. Dior's jackets are cropped and boxy either in solid colors or 1960's black and white plaid.
Coats were in recognizable 1960's shift silhouettes with solid colors or prints. Jewelry made a comeback on Dior's resort runway with the chocker as the key piece. Evening dresses were in candy colors or pink and purple as well as pale blue and soft orange.
The lady bag has found new life for resort and seemingly for Spring with longer, 1980's/1990's strap lengths. The handbag straps on Dior's runway were double and the bags appear to stretch down to the top of the hipbone on the tall models. To read more about the Dior resort handbags click here.
Resort 2011 has given Fashionistas a glimpse into the upcoming color palette for Spring with candy colors and feminine styles. Office attire seems to be heading towards a menswear trend with cropped trousers and neckties. The up and coming colors appear to be candy pink, candy purple, light orange and pale blue. It should be interesting to see what the Spring 2011 New York runways give Fashionista hungry for a move away from minimalism.
Resort 2011 is a great time to buy a few items that will carry into Spring 2011. Why not get a head start on the new, upcoming trends? Black and white items from Fall can be carried over into Spring if the fabric is light enough and classic items from last year that play into the 1960's trend can also be carried into Spring 2011. Resort 2011 is the perfect time to focus on candy colors whether they are frocks or handbags.
Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
Dior resort runway collection. Photo credit: Zhong Hai
Sammy handmade in Ethiopia
Bay Area Fashionistas may think of Ethiopia as the country plagued by famine and political unrest. Sammy handmade in Ethiopia is giving Fashionistas another image of Ethiopia by showing the global community that Ethiopians have a culture filled with traditions such as weaving, embroidering, cotton spinning and dying. By combing the traditional fabric processes of Ethiopia with modern items, Sammy handmade in Ethiopia is providing jobs and a possible future in the global fashion industry for Ethiopians.
Sammy handmade in Ethiopia is creating beautiful, embroidered scarves in solid colors, stripes, and with designs such as hearts and flowers. The scarves are lightweight and perfect for Fashionistas in the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, or anywhere near the coast where the fog rolls in. Sammy handmade in Ethiopia is of course, created in Ethiopia where temperatures are high. The lightweight scarves are designed for warm climates which allows them to be easily worn during the summer. Sammy handmade in Ethiopia scarves can be worn in lieu of a belt with a summer dress or through the beltloops of shorts or pants. The scarves can also be worn around the neck and spread out like a small shawl when the fog roll in or a cool breeze kicks up. Although the fabric will not be as warm as a cashmere scarf, Sammy handmade in Ethiopia scarves will block the cool breezes created by the bay or the ocean thus keeping you warm, even in 60 degree weather.
The handbag pouches made by Sammy handmade in Ethiopia are casual and fun; they also make a good pouch that can either be worn as a clutch or used for organizing items inside of luggage or a work bag. To read about the clutch in detail click here.
Sammy handmade in Ethiopia also creates home items such as throw pillows, runners and curtains. They are casual, home products which work well in a home office, family room or bedroom sitting area.
Sammy handmade in Ethiopia products can be found at Barney's in San Francisco and nationwide.
Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
Sammy handmade in Ethiopia scarves.
Fashion's Night Out Events 2010
The clothing featured during Fashion's Night Out is typically regular-priced. For Fashionistas on a budget, this is a party to attend with a mission and an iron-clad shopping list. Before attending one of the fabulous Fashion's Night Out events, shop your closet and decide what on your shopping list is a need versus a want. Don't have a list? Here is something to help you get started:
Something red; coat or handbag.
Something leopard; accessory or clothing item from Roberto Cavalli.
Full Skirt: dress or skirt
Kitten Heels: Prada Bow pumps perhaps?
Boots: So many styles, must choose one!
Something military: need a starting piece for this trend? Go for a jacket.
Something camel: Fabulous camel coat perhaps?
The Lady Bag: Ah, what to choose: Dior 3D, Chanel 2.55, Balenciaga City Tote, Fendi Peekaboo Tote or Cole Haan top handle tote?
Pearls: Fabulous pearl necklace or bracelet or earrings, or all three!
Gold Pendant : One perfect and classic gold pendant reflective of your personality.
Classic Cuff: The minimalism look screams for a classic yet bold, gold or silver cuff. Fabulous!
Sweaters: Cardigan sweater for the 1950's trend and a chunky knit sweater for a cold December day.
Pencil Skirt: Two trends in one skirt: minimalism and 1950's lux. Lovin' it!
Jewel Tones: Perk up that minimalism outfit with a fabulous top that is amethyst, emerald green or sapphire blue.
Bay Area Fashionistas will be flocking to the most fabulous Fashion Night Out events in the San Francisco Bay Area on September 10, 2010 from 6pm-10pm.
1) Neiman Marcus on Union Square is hosting a fabulous Fashion's Night Out party complete with informal modeling, photography and games such as foosball and pool.
2) Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto is hosting a Fashion's Night Out party which includes appetizers, drinks and a DJ. There will be a runway show on level 2 showing all of the fabulous Fall trends.
Louis Vuitton fans are in for a treat during Fashion Night Out at Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto. Fashionistas can customizes their very own Louis Vuitton Neverful with their personal monogram. Bay Area Fashionistas can further customize the Louis Vuitton Neverful with their choice of color for the handbags' lining. There are 17 colors to choose from!
3) Trina Turk in Burlingame will be hosting a Fashion's Night Out party complete with champagne and a gift with purchase. The gift with purchase is a Mum's word scarf with a purchase of $250 or more.
4) Ted Baker-Santana Row
5) Betsey Johnson, 160 Geary Street, San Francisco
6) Jimmy Choo, 845 Market Street, San Francisco
7) Loehmann's, 222 Sutter Street
8) Macy's on Union Square-Appearance by Countess LuAnn de Lesseps from the Real Housewives of New York.
9) Nordstrom, 865 Market Street, San Francisco Centre: San Francisco- Chanel's Girls Getting Gorgeous. Visit the Chanel Beauty counter for a fabulous make-over event. There will also be an in store chance to win a $2500 shopping spree.
10) Ted Baker, 80 Grant Avenue, San Francisco
11) True Religion Brand Jeans, 845 Market Street, San Francisco
12) Saks Fifth Avenue on Union Square: DJ, trivia contest, informal modeling, sketsh artists,
13) Saks Men's Store off Union Square: Vessel Nightclub will transform the 5th floor into a club. Saks customers from Fashion's Night Out will move on to Vessel at 8pm with free admission and one free drink.
14) Bloomingdale's at San Francisco Centre: Informal modeling and refreshments.
15) Simayof Jewelers, 295 Geary Street: gift with purchase of $350 or more.
16) Naramacie, 352 Sutter Street: Champagne, contests and gifts with purchase.
Fashion's Night Out is a great way to shop alone or with a group of your closest friends. Fashion's Night Out also happens to co-incide with the kick-off of New York Fashion Week, giving Fashionistas even more reasons to celebrate. Food, fashion and friends. The only f-words this world needs.
For more information regarding Fashion's Night Out feel free to visit fashionsnightout.com.
Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
Gold Pendant Necklaces for Fall
Gold pendants were the necklace of choice for Fashionistas earlier in the century as well as in the late nineties. Fashionistas chose pendants which were either simple, yellow gold or small with diamond chips. The gold pendants that were popular were either flat circles with a special engraving such as a zodiac sign, or they were a playful shape such as an initial or horseshoe. This Fall, gold pendant necklaces are making a huge comeback in similar fashion to their last run. Jewelry designers are showing circles with engraving, shapes with texture and surprising shapes which will add personality to any Fashionistas wardrobe for Fall.
Jewelry designer Ippolita has a small and simple 18K yellow gold pendant set as a charm on a chain link necklace which is sold separately. Sonia Renee is showing a throwback to SATC by bringing back the name tag necklace in 14K gold. David Yurman will take your heart away, and much of your hard earned money, with his fabulous yellow gold heart pendant necklace. KC Designs is showing several different yellow gold pendants with diamond encrusted designs inside of a circle such as this paw print gold pendant. Heather Moore has mixed together the military trend and the gold pendant necklace trend by creating a birthday gold pendant that contains your personal birth information. That is not a necklace that should leave anyone's sight! Talk about identity theft. . .
Yellow gold is at a high price, especially for Fashionistas who are on a tight, recession budget. Thankfully there are options for the cash-strapped and style-savvy. Cookie Lee, a jewelry designer who offers fashionable jewelry at fabulous prices, is showing two very pretty yellow gold pendant necklaces for Fall that are right on trend. This is also a trend where you can easily shop your closet. Perhaps you have a yellow gold pendant from ten years ago in your jewelry box waiting to be worn! Yellow gold pendants are, in general, a classic piece of jewelry. They can easily be worn with the 1950s, 1960s and minimalism trends for Fall and they are also a staple, classic necklace. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
Greek Coin Pendant necklace set in yellow gold.
Photo Credit: gemteck1
Photo License: Creative Commons
Diego Dolcini Shoes
Diego Dolcini creates shoes that are mixtures of texture, color and period design. Dolcini is showing an art deco style pump for Fall with four muted colors and sky high heels. The "Collage Cutout Bootie" appears to be inspired by 1960's era color combinations and art deco architecture. The "Circles Metallic Peep-Toe Pump" also defies gravity with its' heel height and art deco design. Dolcini's "Galaxy Shimmer Boot" gives Fashionistas something to use in order to add sparkle to a minimalism outfit this Fall or to amp up a shift dress at night. Dolcini's line in general features carefully arranged feathers, studs, flowers, exotic skins, suede and metallic leather.
Diego Dolcini's shoe line for Fall can be mixed with the 1960's and 1970's trends as well as added to the minimalism trend to make the minimalism look not quite so. . .well. . .minimal. Dolcini's finely crafted designs are quite pricey for Fashionistas hit by the current recession. Diego Dolcini shoes are well over $1000 per pair. This might be a shoe designer worth splurging on, or, for Fashionistas priced out of the market; wait for the First Call sale at Neiman's. Happy Shopping and stay fabulous.
Diego Dolcini Circles Peep Toe Pump with 5" heel s/s10
Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Convertible Clutch
Nancy Gonzalez creates classic exotic handbags that last a lifetime. Her designs can be worn season after season without ever looking dated. The strong crocodile that Nancy Gonzalez uses in her handbag line is scratch resistent has can stand up to the toddler jumping on the bag test, bag getting stuck in a door test and pet playing with the bag on the floor test. And yes, this happens in real life! With fragility of Hermes leather, Chanel lambskin and Gucci calfskin, Fashionistas need at least one indestructible handbag in their collection. Nancy Gonzalez serves this need with reasonable prices for exotic leather handbags that last a lifetime.
The Lady Bag Trend is in full swing for Fall, continue reading here to learn about Nancy Gonzalez's convertible shoulder bag clutch. . .
Nancy Gonzalez convertible shoulder bag clutch Fall 2010
Balenciaga Shoes for Fall
Balenciaga shoes are crafted in Italy with fine, soft leather. The fashion house adorns their ballet flats and moccasin's with covered hardware and perforated leather trim. This gives Fashionistas a comfortable flat shoe that is anything but boring. Balenciaga flats are edgy and add personality to casual outfits such as summer shorts, sundresses or everyday jeans. The ballet flats offer a slightly dressier touch to Balenciaga's flats as opposed to their moccasin style which is more on the casual side. Balenciaga's flats look pretty paired with casual, everyday clothing or this Fall's full skirt trend; full skirts which hit above the knee. If a full skirt hits below the knee, flat shoes can add a bit of "frump" to an outfit.
Balenciaga Ballet Flats in Anthracite
Balenciaga also offers beautiful wedge sandals which are also a Fashionista favorite here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although wedge sandals are more of a Spring/Summer shoe, Balenciaga is offering them as part of their Fall collection and since we have such mild weather here in the bay area, wedge sandals can be worn all year long.
Balenciaga shoes and handbags are offered in scrumptious colors and classic colors every season. For Fall 2010, Balenciaga is showing Noir, Bronze, Bois de Rose, Seigle, Blue Roi, Cypress, Sahara, Anthracite, Castagna and Pivone. Noir, Anthracite, Sahara and Bronze are classic and neutral colors that Balenciaga tends to offer every season, or at least every few seasons. For Spring 2011, Balenciaga is offering Noir, Anthracite, Vieux Rose, Grenadine, Mimosa, Ardoise, Praline, Militaire and Nuage. Along with Balenciaga's classic colors, the shoes and handbags can be found this Spring in Militaire! How fabulous is that!! It appears Balenciaga is carrying the military trend into Spring 2011. Hmmm. . .this seems to be a trend worth investing in right now.
Neiman Marcus is celebrating 10 years with Balenciaga by offering an anniversary line in stores and on-line. The anniversary line includes the fabulous Balenciaga ballet flats and classic city tote handbag. The Neiman Marcus anniversary line is featured in sparkling, crinkled agneau leather in Noir, Bronze and Bois de Rose. These are classic colors will be easy to take through all of the seasons.
Let's face it, Balenciaga is one of the few fashion houses on Earth that creates classic AND edgy fashions and accessories for the discerning Fashionista. The Fall fashions Balenciaga sent down the runway feature color blocking, in minimalism color palettes along with chunky funky platform heels that do not seem to make it to the feet of very many Bay Area Fashionistas.
Balenciaga is pricey, there is no way around it. Thankfully Balenciaga offers classic shoes and handbags which can be worn for decades, yes! DECADES! This makes Balenciaga shoes a fabulous investment worth saving up for. Your wardrobe and happy feet will thank you for the investment. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
Balenciaga Fall looks featuring runway platform pumps. Balenciaga wedge sandal for Fall 2010 in Noir.
Gucci Trench Dress for Fall
The Gucci trench dress can be worn in many different ways. Gucci's trench dress can be worn to the office with a classic pair of Manolo Blahnik Mary Jane's and simple pearls or dressed up for dinner with platform Prada's and some serious bling. The versatility of the Gucci trench dress allows for almost any type of handbag. The Gucci trench dress can be worn with a clutch or chain shoulder bag for evening and a tote during the day for work.
This season's military trend can be applied to the Gucci trench dress by pairing the dress with a military jacket, coat or blazer that is one the structured side. The Gucci trench dress should not be paired with a Burberry trench coat, as this would be a little too much "trench" shall we say.
Gucci's trench dress can also be worn in this Fall's minimalism trend. The trench dress can be paired with simple pumps or boots, no jewelry and a black coat. Since the Gucci trench dress is a fresh, new style it will not be boring and should definitely stand out on it's own;, creating the perfect fashion statement.
Gucci created the trench dress in several different styles. There is a fabulous silk version which can be worn to the office and dressed up for evening. There is also a fabulous, animal print trench dress which adds a bit of va-voom to the otherwise classic and conservative style.
The Gucci trench dress is a beautiful and classic dress that will find a lot of uses in the closet's of Fashionistas here in the Bay Area as well as around the globe. The light fabric makes this dress style perfect for our local climate while easy to travel with and top with a warm coat. Although the Gucci trench dress is wildly expensive, Fashionistas need not fret! Stores such as Bluefly.com offer the summer version of the trench dress for under $100. Rachel Roy has a white trench dress with long sleeves that can be transitioned into winter using winter white accessories such as a scarf and pair of boots. As the trend gains momentum, other stores and designers will present the fashion world with their own version of Gucci's classic trench dress for Fall. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.
1) Leighton Meister on the Gossip Girl set in Gucci's animal print trench dress. 2) Gucci trench coat. 3) Gucci animal print trench dress on the runway for pre-Fall 2010. Photo Credit: Gucci Press
