Recently in Trends Category

I mentioned in yesterday's post you could get an authentic Saint James French stripe shirt from J. Crew... it made me think, why not get it from Saint James?  So I googled it and it turns out they have a shop in my own back yard! (well, maybe front yard, it's on Madison Ave.)

The Saint James New York boutique is at 1045 Madison Avenue between 79th and 80th streets.  This location also ships orders for their online store: http://www.saintjamesboutique.com/.

They have several options in the classic striped shirt realm.

Galathee, $85. Stripe tee with boat neck and 3/4 sleeves avail. in several colors including 4 options in blue/white. 100% cotton.

Huitriere II, $100. Similar to above, 95% cotton with a bit of stretch.  Only 1 blue/white color option among the 9 options.

Lezardrieux, $165. Similar in style to the 2 above but in a 91% meryl and 9% elastane blend.  This one has slit sleeves and button detailing.

They could really do a better job explaining the items. It's hard to say why the 3rd shirt is worth $165, based on the skimpy product descriptions.  Anyway, I think I'll go check out the boutique one of these weekends...

It seems like we've been seeing a lot of the French sailor shirts here and there lately.  I guess virtually every Spring and Summer, bits of nautical style pop up.  Of late it's probably part in thanks to Audrey Tatou in Coco Avant Chanel. (she looks great in everything!)  The dvd releases Feb. 16 by the way...

Can you imagine that it was way back in the early 1900s that Coco Chanel popularized the look at her store in Deauville (around 1917).  Before that the French label St. James had been making the shirts and sweaters for sailors since about 1850.

Here is Coco in 1930.

I'm afraid to imagine how much a Chanel version of the shirt would cost. But you can still get the original Saint James verision from Calypso. ($135)

 

A couple more modern versions are this one from Anthropologie ($68)

and this tissue tee version from J. Crew ($32.50)

According to People Style Watch, here are 2009's biggest fashion trends (view slideshow and vote on them here):

picture source: peoplestylewatch.com

1. suiting dresses (yes - menswear fabrics like wool plaids - I have one from Banana and 1 from Nanette Lepore, love them both)

2. lace tights (yes - got mine from Banana)

3. cuffed khakis (no - I don't think this was really a "trend")

4. formal short shorts (yuck - "trend" if you're tacky like Heidi Montag)

5. fingerless gloves (sorry, no)

6. thigh high boots and jeans (done right these can be very cool, but I didn't buy any this year)

7. fur vests (no - not a vest person)

8. tie-dye jeans (hell no)

9. cross-body bags (no, boring)

10. black leather pants (come on, not a "trend" these are classic for every year)

11. multi color pearls (pearls were big in general, didn't have to be multi color)

12. jean jackets and maxidresses (no)

13. fringed sandals (hell no)

14. cropped harem pants (hell no)

15. denim vests (again, not a vest person)

16. ripped black jeans (yes, ripped jeans but not in black)

17. exaggerated shoulders (most can't pull this off, ok if it's Balmain...)

18. cut-out sides (these have been around for years - think Black Halo dresses)

19. gray leopard print (okay but didn't buy this year)

20. puff-sleeve dresses (weah - that means no)

 

 

This morning as I was putting on my J. Crew toothpick jeans, I was thinking about one of my very first Flairvoyant posts, "Skinny Jeans: Approach with Caution", written on July 11, 2006... I actually said, "Personally, I think they look pretty dumb even on skinny people".... wow, how things change... how seeing something over, and over, and over changes your perception...

J. Crew Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in twilight wash, $125 

I definitely still think large people should not wear this look. That may seem mean, but we all should wear things that are flattering... To me, that is common sense and a lot of what fashion is about... I mean, really, fashion is about looking good, right?

Anyway, these toothpick jeans are the most narrow ones I have now, and putting them on reminded me of 8th grade when tapered jeans (that's what they called them back then) were in style - - I actually sewed a pair of jeans super, super narrow because you couldn't buy them like that.  (I had my own sewing machine, pretty cool, right?)

PS - I did retract my dislike of skinny jean on Sept. 26, 2006 (see entry)... so I havn't been that slow.

I mentioned the other day that I've just had a birthday.  I'll admit that I've reached an age where I wish that would stop happening.  It's funny, suddenly finding after being "young" for one's whole life, that perhaps you're not anymore?  It's a strange disconnect because inside you feel the same.  Perhaps it is a bit more amplified for me with my life choices, being single and childless (quite by choice), there is nothing that makes me feel older. I suspect that the responsiblity of parenthood certainly changes one's perspectives.

So with fashion, I'm pretty much in the same place I've always been. (except I admitted to wearing flats to/from work, something I'd never have done in my 20s)  Skinny jeans, leggings, mini skirts, crazy tall boots, booties, torn jeans, boyfriend shorts, a dash of leopard... these are all fun fashion things that I participate in.  Is that wrong?  Am I going to wake up one day and see a Nicolette Sheridan in the mirror or Mariah Carey?  (I guess I'd rather be Nicolette since at least she has the body for the inappropriate clothes she tends to wear)

For example, goodness, this is SO a don't. A skinny little 20-something could get away with this without looking like a sl*t.  But this just does not work, at all. 

It's an interesting dilemma.  Something to think about... well really I'm not that old... yet. I've always tended to mix trendy items with classics so I think I'm okay...

Harper's Bazaar has the section in each issue where they show items for dressing your age - 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.  I find there is usuallys stuff in every section that I would wear. I think the key is how you mix it and remembering what is appropriate for your body. As unfair as it may seem to some, I think you can stretch more youthful looks into older age when you are thin... things still look the way they're supposed to (or not - case in point above).

Shopbop has a nice feature/slide show on ways to wear the season's lingerie-style looks. Think black lace, slip dresses, stockings, bustiers, sheer tanks and the like...

I love this black lace dress (above) American Retro Lizzy Dress, $254. Certainly a cheaper way to get a bit of the look is these gorgeous Falke stockings, $59.

Ever since shoulders pads popped up in Balmain and Vuitton's SS09 collections (shown last Fall), we have seen it coming... the onslaught on the shoulder pads.  Eek!

Jennifer Connelly in Balmain

I remember back in the '80s everything had shoulder pads, normal shirts, t-shirts, jackets, ugghh.  I remember cutting them out.  Maybe for younger women who don't remember the '80s, this trend will be okay, but for me - it's a pass! 

Regardless, shoulder pads are here for a while.  The marketing has begun: see below from Topshop.

 

Here's a cool and relatively inexpensive over-the-knee boot.  This looks seems to be a Fall must-have, but I don't think it's smart to spend a ton on the really trendy looks. 

Boutique 9 "Charissa" Belted Boots, $285

They have a 3.75" stacked heel and are leather with fabric lining and leather sole.  I like the round toe and substantial look, they would nicely balance out a look with leggings and a long sweater for example.

 

Okay, I know, People magazine is a bit cheesy but I pretty much have to read all of the September issues.

Here's what they're saying...

pg. 30 "Looks to Keep"

- wide belts

- boyfriend jeans

- biker jackets

- florals

- snakeskin accessories

- super high heels

- one-shoulder looks

- lace

"Looks to Lose"

- electric blue

- feather headbands

- short harem pants

- mod

- sheer

pg. 68 "Fall Style Essentials" as per Isaac Mizrahi

- brights worn with black

- plaid

- tailoring (proper fit)

- layering

- belts

- all of the above, worn with confidence

pg. 122 "10 Fall Must Haves"

- red

- saddle bags

- ruffles

- leopard

- black leather

- lug sole heels

- bold necklaces

- sheath dresses

- neon pink + black

- leggings

pg. 139 "5 Hot New Beauty Trends"

- bright lips

- metallic eyes

- polished waves (hair)

- sculpted cheeks

- green nails

pg. 148 "Good Finds"

- sparkly shoes

- bright bags

- embellished tees

- vintage look jewelry

Elle's September issue included (p. 265) "The Elle Fashion 25" trends for Fall:

1. camel coats

2. capes

3. toggle coats

4. coats with robe style ties

5. mini dresses

6. neon

7. grecian styles (draping)

8. one sleeve looks

9. deep v-neck blouses

10. lace blouses

11. white shirts

12. optical stripes

13. menswear trousers

14. draped skirts

15. leather shorts

16. legging pants

17. embellished biker jackets

18. tuxedo-inspired styles

19. ruffles

20. chalk stripes (pinstripe)

21. over-the-knee boots

22. day clutches

23. drawstring pouch style bags

24. buckle boots

25. treaded soles

Here are the Fall trends as per In Style:

- ladylike luxe

- lace detailing

- ornamentation (shine, sequins, chunky jewels, fur)

- legs (tights, overknee boots, leggings, minis)

- country/equestrian

- city (motorcycle jackets, zipper details, chunky metal necklaces, studs, grommets)

- structured tailoring (coats, jackets, suits)

- dark sparkle (sequins etc. with black and dark gray)

- draping (goddess looks, draped dresses, tops)

- fur accents (vests, scarves, wraps)

- bright coat or camel coat

- cardigan

- day dress (sheath dress, etc)

- romantic shirt (white w. ruffles, lace, bows or pleating detail)

- leather jacket (motorcyle, zippers, punkish)

Here's what Bazaar is saying for for Fall 2009:

"Secrets of Effortless Style - Fall's Key Pieces" (pg. 227)

- strong shouldered blazers

- sequins (dress, jacket or tee)

- tailored evening shorts

- microminis

- cropped baggy jeans, paper bag jeans

- neon vest (ugg, really?)

- doubled up cuffs

- statement necklaces (bib, etc)

- tough chic booties

From further on in the magazine, looking through the editorial pages here are more trends:

- dresses - one-shouldered and lady-like tailored styles

- jackets - collarless, leather (motorcycle), boyfriend

- pants - cropped, skinny, pleated

- 80s retro / menswear mix

- brights (including neon)

- ladylike suits

- leopard

- metal (studs, grommets etc)

- fur

- chunky jewels

- red

- nudes

- booties and over the knee boots

Here's what Marie Claire is talking about for Fall 2009:

Biker Jackets

Statement Colors

Chunky Jewels

Leather + Denim

Fur

Misc:

Model Spy: Cutoff denim shorts worn with black tights

Fall Wish List: The Bootie (showen below Louboutin Ni Toi Ni Moi Ankle Boot, $1195)

Here is Neiman's list of Fall trends:

 

None of this seems very exciting or new.  It seems, in fact, that they say almost the same thing every Fall, hoping that since it's been a year we will have forgotten.  (by "they" I just mean the fashion world, not Neiman Marcus, per se)

I'm going to be re-capping what each fashion magazine's September issue says the exciting trends are, and then when they've all come out have a big comparison.  Fun. fun.

Okay, so I was making fun of those Prada boots yesterday, but it's looking like they're going to be one of the trendy looks for Fall.  It seems like nearly every designer has turned out some for Fall: Chloe, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Giuseppe Zanotti...

I can imagine Paris Hilton, Rhianna and other youngsters turning up in these come Fall.

The Gucci version is called the "Divison" - 4.1 inch heel with 1.4" platform, over the knee boots in black, black stretch and black patent leather.  $2950, yikes.

 Christian Louboutin also has a couple of styles.  Here is one, the OTK platform boot in suede. 4" heel.  $1,995.

I don't know about you, but I am so sick of patent leather.  I wish it would go away and stay away for another 10 years at least.  I just don't understand why they make very expensive bags and shoes out of a material that looks exactly the same as patent vinyl????  It's just silly.

Examples:

$1,350 Marc Jacobs Satchel

$894 Versace Peep Toe Heels

 

These are both very expensive items, but they just look cheap to me, like plastic.  I guess it's a matter of personal taste. But I guess a lot of people must like patent leather because it's been around for a few seasons now.

 

We're seeing white jeans all over the place for Spring '09.  What do you think? Hideous or Fabulous?  You remember how your Mom always said white clothes make you look bigger? Mabye I just can't get that out of my head.  Anyway how "big" can a size 0 look?

These do look pretty cool: J Brand Low Rise Slouchy Cigarette Jeans, $209.

These particular jeans (above) are on Bloomingdale's "Lust List", the Spring must-haves as per their fashion office staff.

J. Crew is showing at least 4 different kinds of white jeans: matchstick, cropped, bootcut, high heel flare, etc.

You just can't get away from the "boyfriend" trend this Spring. Maybe it's Katie Holmes' fault since she was photographed in New York many times last Fall wearing the look ... But since then this "boyfriend" jeans/jacket/cardigan etc. etc. look has been popping up everywhere... Reece Witherspoon, SJP, Jennifer Anison, even Victoria Beckham.

Here's a shot from Bloomingdale's "Springs Best Trends" mailer.

I think the jeans: Yes and jacket: No. The jacket they're showing above isn't as stupid and 80s looking at most examples.  The jeans need to be worn correctly, however.  Like above with really cool shoes, I don't recommend the Katie look (flat sandals or ballet flats, and rolled up just to the ankle). I really don't care if they are Lanvin flats, it just doesn't look good.

I like the way J Crew shows them.

(This is their Distressed Vintage Slim Jean in Antique Destroyed Wash, $148.)

They're showing a lot of black leather rocker/motorcycle looks this Fall. Bloomingdale's put out a whole "Hot Rocks" catalog and did their 59th street windows in the same theme. Sadly this catalog is not posted on their website, as some are.

Here are some of the looks.  This delicious Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket is done in soft washed leather, $798.

For a ladylike version of the rocker look (if that exists), this Juicy Couture leather coat could work. Shrunken fitted style with rounded collar and gold buttons, $698.

 

And it would look good with their "Mona" Tall Leather Boots, $478. They're fairly simple with a classic round toe and 3 1/2" heel, but also have a horsebit buckle to jazz them up a bit.

The Bloomingdale's catalog had this really cool MICHAEL Micheal Kors belt, black leather with black pyramid studs (only $42) - kind of a toned down version of the Carrie studded belt from the SATC movie. I guess this belt was very popular because it is nowhere to be found now! I can't even pull a picture from anywhere on the internet to show it. :-( (I need to get a scanner)

Anyway, this belt is also amazing - - but insanely expensive: Alexander McQueen croco embossed leather belt with chain detail, $469. Thank goodness it's made in Italy for that price... and it comes with a belt dust bag (so you can feel like you got your money's worth!).

They're also showing a lot of the low heeled motorcyle boots. I'm not a huge fan because I always prefer a heel, but if I were tall and didn't have that problem, I'd be loving these. DKNY lace up boots, $475. The lace up style can work really well if you have thinner calves, so you can make them fit better.

Walking through the frenzy that existed today at Bloomingdale's 2nd floor shoe salon, no one would ever guess that we'd just been through an historically bad and shocking week on Wall St. The scene was a mess: totally crowded, shoes everywhere (on the floor, mixed up, out of order), no place to sit, no mirror space to look.... annoying 15 year olds with their Moms buying them $400 shoes... etc. etc. It was really quite a debacle.

Anyway, I endured to try on some cool L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani shoes.  They were these killer super high pumps with a Vivienne Westwood kind of feel. L.A.M.B. Women's "Fen" Leather Platform Pumps, $395

I was very tempted, but I was disappointed that the line is made in Brazil. And, for the price I didn't think the leather was as fine as it should have been. I'm thinking about it. The other problem with these is that at a 5"+ heel, they will make my pants too short since all my pants are hemmed for 4" heels.

Here are couple more of the designs:

L.A.M.B. Women's "Finsbury" Leather Platform Pumps, $400

L.A.M.B. Women's "Rosebury" Leather Platform Ankle Boots, $520

Here's a good one for the hideous or fabulous category: from Gucci's Fall Collection Shoes, the "Babouska" High Heel Open-toe Sandal/Bootie. $1195 (black leather with antique brass studs, 4.1" heel)

When I first saw these, I thought definitely hideous! But I was looking through the NY Times style section and they have some slide shows from fashion week, and one of the models is wearing these shoes. And, wow, they really look great.

It's so true, you know how your Mom would always say "you have to try it on", and it turned out sometimes she was right... Well these look SO MUCH better on than not. Clearly, you have to be a certain type with a strong fashion sense to pull these off (in good style), but they're not hideous at all! It's good to be wrong sometimes!

According to the fashion people at Neiman Marcus, the top 7 important trends for Fall '08 are: berry colors, high-vamp shoes, satin, lace, sleek shapes, romantic blouses and statement jewelry.  Okay, none of this is really new, but it's all about marketing, eh?

Here are my picks from their selections in each category:

Berry Colors

Okay this is a bit over the top, but I LOVE this dress!  Donna Karan Draped Crossover Gown, $2,895 in "Winter Berry" red. 

Here's another option that is actually affordable. Tory Burch Croc-Embossed Patent Leather Reva Flats, $225.  I'm not a flat shoe person AT ALL, but sometimes you just need to be able to walk really fast, so it's good to have some cute flats around.

High Vamp Shoes

These Versace Cutout Booties, $785 are super fabulous, I'm already imaging some great outfits! (thinking pencil skirt) And they've got a 4 3/10" heel!!!

Satin

For satin, this Carmen Marc Valvo Dress, $595. An absolutely gorgeous cocktail dress in a rich "port" color in silk with black lace trim. WOW. For a dress this beautiful I think $595 is quite reasonable.

Lace

THE lace of the season is hands down, Prada's couture lace. Handmade in Switzerland and super expensive.

For us mere mortals, something like this Robert Rodriguez Lace Top, $298 will do the trick quite nicely.

Sleek Shapes

There are plenty of options in the sleek shapes category, but for me the pencil skirt is the #1 must have. Like this Milly Pinstripe Pencil Skirt, $285.

Romantic Blouses

I like this peasant style Stella McCartney Ruffled Silk Top, a bit outrageous at $1,195. But hey, it's silk and made in Italy.

Statement Jewelry

Here are some great (and fairly inexpensive) pieces.  Not "real" but not "junk" jewelry either.

Rocca Clover Ring, $510. 18k gold plated bronze with quartz stones. And Jose & Maria Barrera Quartz Earrings, $215. 14K gold plate with faux peals and quartz drops.

I'd say it's a pretty good list. Cheers to Fall, the best season of the year!

This Spring Giuseppe Zanotti has come out with some crazy looking cut-out wedges in various styles.  Hideous or Fabulous?  I'm going to have to say hideous.  Although I would wear them, I think they would look great for part of a mod Halloween costume.

Cutout Turquoise Satin Wedge - available at the Giuseppe Zanotti boutique 806 Madison Ave., NY - $675

Cutout Leather Sandal Wedge - available at Zappos.com Couture - $754

Cutout Leather Sandal Wedge with Zipper Detail - available at Net-a-porter.com - $695

I posted a couple of weeks ago (see Feb. 26th entry) about high heeled gladiator sandals for Spring.  I found another good pair, so I had to put them up. They have a 4 1/2 inch heel and are $268.  I've found Coach shoes to be very well made and a good value... just not in the same league as Gucci, etc.  You cannot buy a real Gucci shoes for $268 anymore, well maybe flip flops.  That's because Gucci shoes are hand made in Italy and Coach shoes are not. 

We're seeing a lot of the gladiator style high heel sandals for Spring this year.  With platform or without, many with wood heels.  They're also showing the gladiator flats, but personally, I don't like those.  I'm a heel girl (always).  The high heel gladiator is a pretty versatile look - wear with skinny jeans, pencil skirts, tunic dresses, shorts etc.  Here are some options from drool-worthy Chloe and YSL to quotidian Nine West.

Chloe Platform $920 

Yves Saint Laurent "Tribute" $760 

Tod's "Plateau" $595  

Michael Kors "Granger" $164 (on sale) 

Daniblack "Nance" $140 

Nine West "Gaulla" $89 

The Nine West shoe is a Rachel Zoe "pick" on piperlime.com. I'm not sure that' a selling point though. I suspect her association with a Gap, Inc. company has more to do with a fat check than her actually liking most of the shoes. (Okay, maybe that's too cynical?)

We already know that all of the magazines are talking about brights for Spring 08. Yellow of course, also Hermes orange, kelly green, cobalt and turquoise blues, etc. etc. I think a great way to accomodate a trend that you may not want to wear in clothing is with a handbag.  Here are some high to low ideas.

Jimmy Choo Maddy $1595   

Zac Posen Hobo $1295

Mui Mui Hobo $1095 

Marc Jacobs Palai Royal $895 

Coach Slim Carly $478 

J Crew Carnaby Carryall $198 

Nine West Gain Hobo $49.99 (sale)

As I was doing my Gucci update yesterday I was thinking about the color yellow since they're featuring that color in their spring/summer line.  We've been seeing yellow a lot more in the last year or so.  Yellow on the red carpets was huge in 2007.  Reece Witherspoon in Nina Ricci, Angelina Jolie in Emanuel Ungaro, Kate Hudson in Dior, Thandie Newton in Fendi, Kerry Washington in Oscar de la Renta, etc. etc.

For us mere mortals, yellow is popping up a lot this Spring. Take a look at J. Crew's spring preview catalog that they shot in Rome (don't get me started Rome... that's an entry of its own), it's full of yellow.  Like the really cute Fontana dress, see below.

Net-a-porter is featuring yellow as the "Y" in their 2008 A to Z of Spring Fashion.

I have to admit as a person who pretty much lives in black, charcoal and denim; I tend to be slow in adopting color.  But I think I'm going to get some yellow this Spring!

I find myself having to retract my skepticism of the skinny jean trend... because (good grief) I have bought some!  I am shocked myself.  I've been curious for weeks to try some on because now nearly everyone is wearing this trend.  I guess it's been growing on me.  So I was at the Gap this past weekend and I tried on their 1969 Skinny Fit in dark rinsed denim.  (see picture)  And surprisingly enough, I found the proportions to be interesting.  I will not wear these with flats as the Gap model is.  I think the line looks great with a chunky high heel pump, much like the style Gucci has been doing for at least 3 years now.  Or you can tuck them into a pair of tall boots.  Also this look works with the layering looks that they are showing for Fall.  I mean that for people who have nothing to "hide" too.  Lots of skinny mini types are wearing the layering look and it's certainly not to hide a flaw.  I think a nice textured big sweater and chunky heels will create a nice look.  Anyway, my skinny jeans are at the tailor right now being hemmed.  I'll report back after I wear them.  :-)

We all know that Hollywood hipster types have been wearing skinny jeans for quite a while now... Cameron Diaz, Sienna Miller, Nicole Ritchie, Hilary Duff etc...  and now skinny jeans are at retail virtually everywhere.  My advice is PLEASE, approach with caution! 

Skinny jeans should be worn only by super skinny people with small butts... sorry rest of the world.  Skinny jeans put a focus on your lower legs and ankles - if the top of your legs and butt are large this contrast is just not going to look good.  Personally, I think they look pretty dumb even on skinny people. 

I am sure that 99% percent of fashionistas will disagree with me about skinny jeans.  People are always looking for a look that is new - and skinny jeans are - we haven't seen tapered jeans since the 80s.  Perhaps it is easier for younger people to adopt the style because their fashion history reference points don't really go back that far.  I guess I'm just an old fogey.

If you must wear skinny jeans, they can look cool tucked into a killer boot.  For the non-super skinny who must wear them, it's probably good to pair them with a tunic style top which are pretty popular now anyway.

Okay, who would have guessed that J Crew has sold out for the season their "tangy orange" Bermuda shorts with embroidered yellow crab critters? I know this because I was on their website today to order them and they were not there, only the kelly green critter shorts are left. They are currently searching every store in the country to find my orange critter shorts for me.
Why did I dally? I knew I loved them the first time I saw them in one of the seemingly weekly catalogs they send. The reason was the very fact that they were "tangy orange". I thought this color was just too crazy to actually wear. But clearly I changed my mind because I was trying to order them today.

My feelings on orange have been changing for quite a while. My first dealings with the color include life jackets, carrots and the absolutely dreadful orange vanity in the downstairs bathroom of the house I grew up in. (yes, the house was built in the 70s!) I am quite sure that my dislike of orange continued all the way through college. It is sometime thereafter that the color started to change for me. I bought my first Hermes scarf in 2000 and I still have the beautiful bright orange box.  Hermes loves orange! How can they be wrong?

Of course I probably owe a lot to Christo and Jeanne Claude and their brilliant Gates exhibit in New York last year.

That totally did it for me, the orange juxtaposed against the bleak colors of the New York winter was brilliant and beautiful. These days orange is extremely common in both fashion and home fashion. Today I was surprised to see that a normally traditional home décor company (Peacock Alley) is offering bright orange "kumquat" linen accessories! Their show bed features a bright orange pillow against traditional blues and white.... again - brilliant!

Love live orange!