Shopping for an Event?

With the awards season in high gear, 
the best part for me has always been not necessarily who wins the
award, but what she wore. The red carpet designs influence what
we will see in the special occasion and evening wear depts next
season when we shop for our own events. Here's a look of what
you can expect-

Color is bigger than ever in formal wear.
Black is always an elegant choice for a gown, but color has become
more and more popular and can actually be very flattering and fun.
Pattern  and florals are newer looks to consider.

 

 
Kate Winslet and Tina Fey look amazing in green and red flattering dresses.
Naomi Watts and Ellie Kemper are beautiful in patterned gowns.


The mile high slit continues as a hot trend in 
evening wear. Works best when simply done as in the top two
photos worn by Laverne Cox ( rockin' it) and Sarah Hyland.
A little too many parts competing for attention in one dress in the bottom
 two photos -Eva Amurri ( with Mom, Susan Sarandon in not the most
flattering outfit) and Bree Larson





What happened to leaving something to the
imagination? There has been a lot of boobs on the red carpet
and I'm not sure it's really flattering
 
Sarah Silverman's dress oozes glamour but is just too over the top for her, and
makes her look wider than she is. Kate Mara's gown while beautiful, shows her
nipples in close ups. There was a way add some fabric to make that more subtle.

You can look elegant, beautiful and age- appropriate
for your child's wedding, a black-tie event or a red carpet moment and flatter your
figure like these class acts-
 
 
Rachel McAdams is a knockout in an Ellie Saab ballgown. Queen Latifa's
dress is simple yet elegant. Helen Mirrin rocks her Jenny Packham gown.
Viola Davis accents her positive in a beautiful neutral by Zac Posen.

Diane Lane is understated elegance in this classic

With the Oscars and Tonys still to come, we'll surely see some more exciting and
glamorous fashions that will influence what filters down to us in the stores. Which
one would you choose if the designer options were open to you?

Spring Trends to Try

  Pantone Colors for Spring

Every year the Pantone Color Institute comes up with the color(s)of the year
for both fashion and decor.Serenity, a pale, cool shade of blue and Rose Quartz,
a pale pink, blush shade are the season's hot colors for the season.
 Style these shades as your new neutrals.

Etcetera top, Vans sneakers, Sephora lipstick




Cold Shoulder

Shoulder cut-outs and off the shoulder styles are everywhere for spring.
Nearly all the designers had at least one on the runway, so you can expect
to see this style available locally and everywhere.
                        Etcetera blouse
                                                                                           Cooper&Ella top


Lots of Denim
Anything and everything denim is in style- dark, light, washed, distressed, white
tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, shoes and bags- it's all hot. Worn head to toe,
or just as an accent, you can't go wrong adding more denim to your spring wardrobe.
Shoes- Stuart Weitzman   Outfits- Etcetera

Sport Chic, Sportif, Athleisure
You want to be comfortable. You want to look great.
Gym clothes are making their way out of the gym and becoming
a part of everyday wardrobes, especially for weekends.
Casual, comfy and pulled together- whatever you want to call it,
it's a trend!



      Etcetera top left, Athleta top right
Stella McCartney for Adidas below

Lace and Lacing
Lace is like animal prints. It came out as a trend a few years ago and each season
it persists in dresses, tops, skirts, pants and shorts. It can be formal or casual,
sweet or edgy depending on how you pair it. Lacing is a new take on this root
word- as in lace up tops or lace up details on sweaters, pants and more.



Etcetera top, Vince dress, BCBG top, Trina Turk skirt

Fall Fashion for Less

As we head toward Thanksgiving, I know you
must be wishing for a drop in the temperature.
Me, too. I am ready  to wear Fall clothes. I've got 
a few suggestions to update your wardrobe now,
 because if you wait for the weather to turn before 
you shop, you'll be looking at Resort and Spring
clothes in the stores!

Shades of red and wine are big this Fall. This fun, angled front pull-over
 in a new chunky knit from Banana Republic is a great addition.$79.50
but you know they are always having a 30-40% off sale.
A cashmere V-neck is a Fall-Winter staple.
                                                Wear it with jeans or try the new look of tucking it
                                               in to a full skirt. Wear it alone, with a cami peeking
                                              out or over a button down for a classic look. Uniglo
                                              has one that is inexpensive and doesn't pill easily.
                                              They are medium weight, great for Floridians. $79
                                       

Over the knee boots popped up last Fall with the higher end designers.

This year they are more affordable and available. They'll keep your skinny 

jeans relevant this season. (Tucked in to the boots) Michael Kors, "Joanie" $199.90

                                                                           

Capes and ponchos are making a comeback this season. I particularly like the idea
 of this one because it is lightweight for Florida winters and features fringe,
 another big trend. It's also reversible! The price is right at $78. Nordstrom brand
                                                             
        
                                                A saddle bag is a new look for a Fall handbag.
                                             This structured "astor"  from Rebecca Minkoff comes in
                                             several great colors. On sale now for $162.



 Still haven't decided to buy a pair of higher waist
                                                  flares? Here's your chance with the Gap's Resolution
                                                  Skinny flares. Flattering and leg-lengthening in cotton,
                                                  poly and spandex for a comfy fit. $69.95, but watch for
                                                  a 30 or 40% off  sale day. I may try these.

This is the year to add a fun suede or leather piece to your wardrobe. There's lot of
 skirts, vests, pants and dresses try. You already know a suede or leather jacket is
 a" must have". Faux leather, now known as "vegan" leather is popular, very available
 and more reasonable. Here's 2 pairs of pants I like because they look great and fit and feel good.

Both are Blank Denim
                                     One is a pull on Vegan legging and the other is a jean style
                                     Polyurethane and viscose give a stretchy fit and the seaming
                                                  really  flatters the leg. Both are $98.
                                                 Available from Amazon and Shopbop