Sporty Minimalism (#10)

We've seen full-on sportswear from the likes of Alexander Wang for years, but this go-around, we've noticed a paired-down approach to athletic influences that keeps the look fresh. This is what my video is about. The subtle differences in wearing an athletic sneaker with a dress, instead of the oh so typical wedge. Check it out! 

CND's Digital HQ gives me LIFE! (#9)

There is no surprise that the World Wide Web has created opportunities for various brands to flourish and get noticed. There are numerous platforms available today, such as Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, etc. I personally adore companies that can satisfy my retinas on the daily. CND has definitely done this! Their Digital Headquarters focuses on bringing life to fashion through various nail colors and designs. They have revamped their digital presentation with highlights from Fashion Week shows, as well as, their collaborations with designers. This is a very creative and new design that brings more notice to their company. Since nails have become a popular way of expression and essentially an extension of fashion, there is no telling how far CND can expand it's brand!

Click here to see CND's Digital Headquarters!

H&M S/S 15 Lookbook (#8)

I am familiar with the more traditional way of presenting lookbooks. Traditional being that the outfits were depicted in photo books. This is a new take on the urban male wardrobe at H&M for Spring/Summer 2015. H&M is the perfect brand to highlight. They have very fun and engaging videos that show behind the scenes footage, as well as a printed lookbook available in stores. Video lookbooks show the personality of the brand and their models. I enjoyed this one in particular because the male model showed his charisma and charm. This makes me want to support this brand. The model, the clothing and the brand exude relatability and personality. H&M menswear for Spring/Summer 2015 defines an urban masculine wardrobe for a modern-day take on city dressing. heck out the video below.

Flashback Trunk Show: Ria Miranda (#7)

Today, I wanted to highlight a designer that the US folks may not be aware of. Admittedly so, I recently discovered this gem while doing some research. The brand is called Ria Miranda. This is an Indonesian brand that aims to inspire Muslim women to use fashion as a statement of beauty. The Trunk Show below shows their 2014 collection. The subtle patterns, flowy fabrics and beautiful prints show how versatile  and beautiful these women are decked out in their hijabs. These women look absolutely stunning and it seems as though the felt confident in the garments. Check out these fun looks below:

Christian Dior S/S '15 Fashion Show (#6)

Although DVF's F/W '15/'16 show was traditional, the feel of the venue and keyhole entrance worked perfectly. Who can say anything ill about it when she used a 50 Shades of Grey reference with the music choice. Yet, this more traditional way of presentation is becoming less relevant in today's culture.

Designers are utilizing different spaces to work with, such as grocery stores and libraries. So there is no surprise that Christian Dior pulled out something new for this show. The S/S '15 fashion show was very interesting. The use of scaffolds, staircases and pink carpet were things I have not seen before. Although this setup was similar to a construction site, the use of the rich colors and textures allows the garments to stand out. Further, this setup allows viewers, who may not be seated in the exclusive front row seats, to have a better view of the various pieces. Hope you enjoyed this show!

Window Display Showdown...(#5)

What is a college student to do on a budget? Window shop, of course! Personally, I am a culprit of window shopping when I have the itch to shop but can't and/or won't bring myself to spend money. This concept has been for years. It gives the consumers an opportunity to see the creativity of the retail windows. The creative appeal can either draw you in or freak you out depending on the display. 

February is known for Black History month, as well as Valentine's Day.  Retailers tend to go with the theme of love in their windows during this time. As I perused through the Westchester Mall, I noticed lots of windows were decked out in LOVE. The ones that stood out to me were Kate Spade and Banana Republic. 

Check out some pictures below:

Kate Spade's creative space included an enormous heart and eye as the mannequin head, as well as hands that were holding the purses, I think this is youthful, creative and bold. Especially in the jewelry world, lots of people are buying the eyeball rings. It is very trendy now. The color scheme was black and white with a pop of pink. This almost made me want to go in and buy. 

Banana Republic displayed their key colors and an aspect of love in just one window. BR displayed trendy outfits that can be dressed or dressed down. This navy, white and denim trend is picking up speed and BR is along for the ride. 

Is It Really All In What You Say? (#4)

Too often, things are said in ways that may be difficult to understand and wrap your head around. There is no difference within the fashion business. Fashion journalists and bloggers have such a keen eye for fashion and imagery that it shows through their writing. I took a look at an old article by Vanessa Friedman to analyze her language of choice. She is very descriptive, yet not overly colorful. 

Davos 2015: The Power Set’s Ready-to-Wear Show in the Snow

By VANESSA FRIEDMAN

 JANUARY 23, 2015 8:06 AM January 23, 2015 8:06 am

Photo

Pharrell Williams, right, tied a scarf in an ascot style to appear onstage at Davos with Al Gore, former vice president of the United States.Credit Michel Euler/Associated Press

January means showtime, from men’s wear (currently wrapping up in Paris) to couture (stay tuned next week); the red carpet (Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday), and, this week, that executive style fest otherwise known as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. If you want to know how the power set dress in the snow, this is the catwalk you need to watch.

Read the full article at...

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/davos-2015-the-power-sets-ready-to-wear-show-in-the-snow/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Style&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body

Fashion language break down:

1. Silhouette & Design

-big furry hats

-snowmen wearing scarves 

-basic plaid wool kind of neckwear

-traditional tie

2. Details

-long, skinny, impressionist floral print

-striped silk scarf-cum-ascot

-draping expertise to wear right

3. Color

-big, silk, red and white print

-impressionist floral print

-soft greige Loro Piana type

4. Fabric

-super-thin silk or cashmere

-denim suit

-rubber boots

5. Creative "Jargon"

-Ready-t0-wear show in the snow

-qualify as a bona fide movement

-one more day to go in the biggest of what are affectionately (or not) termed “elephant bumper” affairs

-offers an alternative to the traditional 

-kind that acknowledges the (bad, complicated) weather and then triumphs over it

-Call it casual Friday 2.0: casual conference. 

Street Style: Nike Roshe Runs (#3)

The culture that we live in today has been greatly influenced by activewear. Leggings, sweatpants and other gym attire have been seen on the streets of New York. People wear them with no intentions of heading to the gym. The sole purpose of this trend is comfort and style. Making activewear fashionable has become a huge success. Seeing as though the work place has become more casual, simple sneakers have been OKed by many. Except maybe if you are working on Wall Street or at a law firm. Suits are definitely a must in these fields! 

One of those sneaker trends I have been seeing lately are Nike's Roshe Runs. Surprisingly, these sneakers are able to be paired with casual, dressy or work apparel. Everywhere you turn, you see sneakers infused with trendy outfits.

You can see blogger J.L. pairing her Roshe's with a more feminine look! 

Check her out at: www.ClosetVoyage.com

Color Trend: Spring 2016 (#2)

Fashion is evolutionary, not revolutionary. Styles and trends have various product life cycles; yet, always seem to make an appearance at a later date, of course with a twist. Spring 2016 will be all about color! Specifically, showcasing how various hues with an orange influence will be relevant. This pop of color is very versatile, being used in the apparel industry, as well as the beauty industry.

I typically think of orange as being more Halloweenesque, but I can see how more of a persimmon or papaya color would be trending and a key item in our wardrobes.

WeConnectFashion:


TrendStop:



 I envision that a key item for Spring 2016 will be a chic colored, high-waist trouser. These will be a statement piece when you walk those New York City streets.
 

 *This color reminds me of a nail polish by Essie called Resort Fling. 

Blogs to Keep an Eye on… (#1)

Now a days, everyone is blogging. It is all the rave! The ones that draw my attention tend to be very artsy, colorful and girly. Due to the Internet and social media causing a commotion and becoming impossible to pull away from, blogs have become incredibly crucial at finding unique trends and experiencing different styles. Here are a few of my favorite bloggers. Enjoy!

Looking for unique fashion trends, hair illustrations, as well as inspirational quotes 
Check out Niki's blog at http://nikisgroove.tumblr.com/

Looking for classic and chic styles, as well as lookbooks and videos
Check out Yanin's blog at www.idressmyselff.blogspot.com 

Looking for posh, elegant and simple fashion and beauty ideas
Check out this awesome blog at http://chanel-and-louboutins.tumblr.com/

***BONUS: Another must see is http://www.manrepeller.com/