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

Killer Deal... One Skirt, Many Looks

Amidst all of the craziness around here... freak snowstorms, falling trees, power outages, 70 degree weather, etc, I just discovered that one of my most favorite skirts for fall has been marked down... again!  This skirt is amazing!  It is so amazing that I just might have to order the ivory for the fabulous price of $89.99!

The skirt I am speaking of is from Madewell.  It is the Alexa Chung Grandma Skirt.  A change in the name might have helped it sell better originally, but I am not going to complain.  It is a silk maxi skirt (ankle length or shorter depending on your height).  It is high-waisted, cut on the bias, slim through the hips and thigh area with a flare towards the knee... completely gorgeous and flattering.  The reason that I am so enamored with this skirt (besides that it makes me feel pretty) is the versatility.

I originally bought the black.  I have worn it to a large tailgate/steeplechase otherwise known as The Hunt, to run errands, out to dinner and around the house.  I love wearing it with my fur vest and cowboy booties just as much as I do with "dressy" booties and sequins.  I am also looking forward to wearing it with fairisle and some sort of snow boot in the coming months.  When I find a good wedge bootie, this will be the perfect skirt to pair with it as well.

I know that I have become quite the "maxi pusher", but I can't help myself.  I love the drama of the longer lengths.  I recently read an interview in which my fave, Rachel Zoe, was talking about the maxi.  She said to think of it as you would jeans or pants... just switch your old stand-bys and slip in the dress or skirt.  It looks great with chunky knits or tee's.  Really you can't go wrong.

Happy Shopping!

                                  - 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!