Looking like a Lady

Trying to decipher all of the fall trends can be exhausting.  And, after we spend months pouring over the trends, the real kicker is that these fashion trends don't dictate how to dress any longer.  At least not in the sense of several decades ago when skirt lengths, pant styles, etc were mandated by the designers.   Now it is more about inspiration, personal style and what works best for your body.  

As far as inspiration goes, if there is one trend this season to pay attention to, it is Ensemble Dressing.  It can also be referred to as Lady Chic or any other ladylike adjectives... I think you get the idea.  And, if you are wondering, this does not mean that you are to dress as if you are right out of the 1950's.  Although, Ken did mention that if you could walk in your pencil skirt, it wasn't tight enough!  

This trend is really about looking put together.  It is about paying attention to all of the details of your outfit... making sure your outfit looks thought out versus thrown on in a mad dash because you are late for work.  You might say that this means you should pay attention to what coat you are wearing with a particular dress, or make sure that your shoes and handbags complement each other in style (they do not have to match, but it is okay if they do).

Below are some pictures from the Ken Downing fashion show at Neiman's that I attended back in October.  These demonstrate the art of Ensemble Dressing.  Just note, there are many different styles below with one thing in common... they all look like finished outfits, and that is the key!

Bright colors, scuba inspired with a pop of yellow (going to be a big color this spring)

Patterns are a great way to add some excitement to neutrals.

Zebra prints are a great way to add interest.  Also note the pattern and texture play... a chic combo.

1920's inspired Chanel... note the drop waist... another big trend this spring.

Once again playing with texture... perfect for mixing neutrals.

 A previous show at Neiman's illustrating the same Lady Chic art of dressing.  I love the hat as a perfect finishing touch.

Once again, Chanel, always gorgeous.  However, easily replicated at lower price points.

Handbags, fur stoles, hats... my favorite part!

                                   - Allison

Breaking Down Bold Color with Ken Downing

Wow!  Things have been so crazy lately, I don't even know where to begin... so many trend presentations, great news and items to share.  Who knew half-day kindergarten was going to be such a time commitment!  I am going to do my best to bestow all of my fantastic news in a timely manner, so keep checking back.

*On a side note, Blogger has added new template options... very exciting!  So, you may see my site changing around a bit as I play with everything.  Feel free to let me know if you like/dislike any of the changes. :)

Ok, so back to business.  I had the opportunity to sit in on a fabulous Ken Downing runway show at the Neiman Marcus in Paramus this week.  First, I love Ken Downing.  He is amazing!  And, two, he broke down one of the biggest trends with some simple, short and very easy to follow advice.

Bold color and color blocking go hand in hand this season.  Bold color is important as an accent for the neutral lovers out there and it is just as fabulous when put together with other bold colors for the more adventurous fashionista.  Or, you can happily settle somewhere in the middle and add touches when and where you feel comfortable.

The only challenge is how to mix up the bold colors, and how do you know which is the right bold color to add?  First you have to take your coloring into account.  Only you know the colors the make your eyes pop.  And two, stick to color families - cool tones or warm tones.  It makes things so much easier and and the colors blend better.  This helps to achieve a more polished look.

Ken's advice builds on these initial concepts.  For warm tones... reds, pinks, purples... imagine roses.  All of the colors that blend together.  Even a painting would work.  The way the artist blends different shades of the same color.  For cool tones, think of a peacock feather.  The deep blues, greens, teal... sometimes a bright blue - so gorgeous, right?!  Use these image to help pick the colors that you would wear together.  You shouldn't stress too much about things being perfect.  As long as the color combo is pleasing to the eye, and the colors look like they belong together you are going to look super chic!

Ken's main focus was on the red and pink family.  He is obsessed with burgundy this fall.  He even created a lip and nail color exclusive to Neiman's!  However, the cool tones are still big as well as other color families.  It really all depends what colors you prefer and what your comfort level is with color.

Another trend that you may pick up on in these photos is "Lady Chic".  The polished, put-together look is very important this season as well.  I will touch on that later, but when putting together your colorful ensembles; keep in mind that the look is very tailored right now... very Grace Kelly meets the 70's!

Fashion Show, Neiman's Merchandise Director, Fall Trends... I'll be there!

I have a sneaking suspicion that this might not be the last time that I say this... Every time I think Neiman Marcus has offered an amazing event to attend, they turn around and have an even better event the following week!  I am not joking! There were guest stylists and gift with purchase two weeks ago, a scavenger hunt for Nancy Gonzalez clutches last week and this week... a presentation by the NM merchandise director, Kareen Mallet!  

Kareen Mallet will be at the Paramus NM at 12pm on Thursday, October 6th for a fall trend presentation.  It is a chance to see a fashion show and meet Kareen.  And, if I know a NM event, you will get a chance to pick her brain for answers on your most burning fall fashion questions.  

So, take a long lunch or call a sitter and make your way to Neiman's on Thursday at noon.  But, you must make sure to rsvp! Send your rsvp via email to kimberly_kaufman@neimanmarcus.com.

See you there!

                                        - Allison

The First of the Fall Trends

I completely loved being a guest stylist at Neiman Marcus this past weekend.  Not only was it very exciting and a lot fun, but it also forced me to really narrow down my top picks for fall.  At the beginning of every season, I love everything.  I like to imagine how and where I would wear the various trends, until I come back to reality and realize that most of the gorgeous clothing available would not fit into my lifestyle.  This usually happens midway through the season... after I have either bought and returned half of my wardrobe, or ended up with pieces that just don't get worn.  I never thought that this event would be so helpful for me, personally!

The Wednesday before the event, I scoured Neiman's contemporary department with my rolling rack for about two hours.  After lots of contemplating, I came to the conclusion that there are about ten trends that are worth considering this fall.  Some can be combined, other's you may have covered or not be interested in this year.  I will discuss them all and let you decide.  For the sake of time, I will touch on all in the next couple of weeks.  Today, I would like you to consider one of my favorite looks... the maxi dress.

Many of you will remember that I have been taken with the maxi dress since earlier the spring.  When I saw this trend carried on through the fall (and even next spring), I jumped for joy.  I feel that the maxi (dress or skirt) is so easy to wear.  I liken it to putting on my yoga pants everyday... I slip one on in the morning, grab my flip flops or ankle booties and I am ready to go.  Granted, if you are heading to the playground or a conservative office, this may not be the ideal piece of clothing, but believe me it will take you far.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that the long line of the maxi will help lengthen you while disguising any problem areas (just play up your assets).

The beauty of some of my favorite maxi's this season (so far) is the drama and versatility that they possess. For example, I could put the dress on in the morning with my worn out leather belt, a pair of Frye booties... maybe add my fur vest if it is chilly.  At night, I would wear the same dress with a pair of gorgeous earrings, a fab ring and maybe a pair of platform booties or heels... maybe python, maybe something in color, or just basic black (depends on my mood).  Either way, it is a killer look!

I would literally die to own all of the dresses below... cut beautifully and understated enough to allow you to "play"!

Theyskens' Theory Long Silk Gown... I think the picture says it all... fabulous!

Sachin + Babi Vanessa Silk Gown... this is the one that I used at Neiman's!  I die!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Bound Corset Maxi Dress... I love the simplicity of this dress.  It comes in 4 different colors, and I would like them all!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Decollete Bias Maxi Dress... I have this dress in a green floral.  It fits beautifully.  I am dying to wear it with some sort of cozy black sweater... I just haven't found the right one yet.  I will keep you posted!

Your mission this week is to find your perfect maxi dress.  Happy shopping!

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com and cynthiavincent.net.

Pulled my "Top Picks", its Showtime!

Yay!  The Current Event at Neiman Marcus starts today, and so do my top picks at the Paramus NM!  I can't wait to post pics, but until then you will have to stop by the 2nd floor to check them out.  I tried to touch on most of the trends, but wanted my picks to be pieces that you are really going to wear and be able to mix and match.  There is fur, some '70's glamour, a bit of sparkle, bold color... let's just say that I wish all of my picks could have a home in my closet!

As I cruised around the contemporary department with my rolling rack, the I could not stop "ooohing" and "ahhhing" over everything.  The hardest part was editing down my picks to a complete look for one mannequin and then 5 must have pieces.  Well, I couldn't quite edit my must haves down to the 5 pieces, but I came close... In the end, it all comes down to your lifestyle, as it always does.  Whether you stay at home or are in the office everyday, there are definitely pieces to fit your needs.

This is a pic of the fab Pedro Garcia peep-toe shooties I picked to complete my look.  I am completely obsessed!  They are a perfect transitional shoe, plus you can add tights when the weather gets cooler.

Stay tuned for a full report...

And, coming very soon, my write up on my day with Rachel Zoe and Ken Downing!  I am making some finishing touches and will be posted on Bergen Health & Life's website very soon!  Plus, I have lots of pics to post as well!

                                      - Allison