Tuesday, August 14, 2012

My current business look

My current business look


Silk blouse
$580 - veryeickhoff.com


Valentino pencil skirt
$650 - farfetch.com




Lisa Freede bracelet
intermixonline.com


Pippa Small earrings
$5,180 - net-a-porter.com


Stila eyeshadow
stilacosmetics.com


Chloé fragrance
$69 - pret-a-beaute.com


Thursday, August 9, 2012

A MIXED BAG: Pre-Fall to Winter 2012/2013



I am in a quandary. Next season’s trends are not exactly making my heart sing. I’m seeing far too many unwearable outfits for everyday and very few for professional women! What are we supposed to wear?

Interestingly, I have noticed a new phenomena occurring in the fashion industry, which may contribute to the lack of attention to professional women and the perplexing mixed bag we have for this season.  Challenged by brands like Zara that produces new merchandise on a weekly basis, designers and luxury brands have added to their calendar “Transitional” collections.

So, instead of two collections, we now have four: fall/winter; cruise/resort; spring /summer and pre-fall. Chanel shows six collections a year!

Financially speaking these additions have been a real commercial success. Proof that novelty has the power of attraction.

One thing for sure, this season’s trends are influenced by both the distant and immediate past but they are all over the place. However, two trends stand out as this season’s markers: the return of the peplum and the 3-piece ensemble.

Here is a snap review of what to expect in the stores. I’ll let you untangle the puzzle and decide for yourself what works for you!

Baroque: All things ornate with lavish latticing on suits and coats. (Not my cup of tea.)
Borrowing from the boys. Very IN. From over-sized jackets to Oxfords.
Colors: Bright!!! Oranges, purples, hot pinks, greens.
Details: The feminine silhouette of the peplum is back again.
Dresses: Simple, elegant, close-fitting, ¾ sleeves, below the knee hemline. Safe bet for professional women and YES, perfect choice to wear from work to dinner.
Fabrics: Solid colors for elegance and chicness to embellished Gothic.
Faux-fur Collars (or any other fabrics): Ideal for quickly updating a dress or coat before dashing out the door. (Saw these all over Paris a couple of months ago.)
Gothic: who says 'noir' was boring? Rethink this!
Handbags:  Structured to hobo.
Hemline: Asymmetric, mini to maxi.
Leather: Mixed in with other textures, like tweed. (I did like Vince’s suede leggings!)
Makeup: Cherry lips, strong eyebrows.
Military style: Luxurious fabrics and more fitted silhouettes give it a fresh appeal.
Pant Suits: The three-piece look is big! With a twist. Narrow pants just below the ankle with matching short dress and jacket.
Ripped: Everything! Hem skirts and sleeves are unfinished. (Seems like designers are creating trends that lower the cost of manufacturing!)
 Silhouette: Fitted to boxy.
Shoes: Super high platforms to knee-high boots, the hottest item on the runways. 
Trousers; A la Marlene Dietrich, front pleated and flowy.  


That’s a wrap! Have fun shopping!

A bientôt
Michele
An excellent professional women's dress. 

Colors to watch this fall.