The adults are back in the 70s, the kids are back in the 90s.


The 70s trend brings back fur vests, fur collars, bright colors, silk blouses, high wasted pants, earth tones, and snake leather prints, the 90's trend adds heavy knit loose sweaters, combat boots, black tights, ripped "boyfriend" jeans, and miss-matched colors and prints. The geek-chic black framed glasses are still lurking around, but are now being replaced with bigger frames.
There is much to love about the current vintage-inspired trend mix. For the budget fashionista what better place to find vintage 70s and 90s pieces than thrift stores? And don't forget Missoni for Target line hits stores September 13th - a great occasion to stock up on those stripy knits that are oh-so-70s! The 90s pieces can be found at Urban Outfitters, more thrift stores, and of course if you are a 90s child like myself, possibly your own closet. Don't forget to check out our favorite budget shopping places H&M and Forever21 for some key pieces.
Combining these key elements this Fall will keep you right on track with the trends.

photo credit: Bloomingdales website, Urban Outfitters website.

Design Audit - Fall 2011

For those of us living in San Francisco, this summer has been barely noticeable. None the less, in the hopes of an Indian Summer being just around the corner, we are hanging on to our summer clothes. This is a good time to look over your closet and figure out what can be worked into the Fall wardrobe. This weekend, I sat down and created a design audit out of all the magazines I had lying around. I cut out all the essential and most relevant looks and key pieces for the fall 2011 season. This way, I can have a visual reference to see what I need to keep, add, or donate. Go ahead, start thinking about your Fall wardrobe!

Creative Direction




Being a creative director for a fashion brand is a dream come true for any designer. My current heroes are the creative directors of brand identity for katespade.com and bloomingdales.com. These sites are so beautiful, it's a joy to browse the site for the sites sake. Kate Spade creative team designs amazing e-marketing material, as well as amazing website content.

Sudden Urge to Splurge!

Summer is taking it's sweet time to arrive this year. Nonetheless, with every five minutes of sun we get here and there, I suddenly feel the need to re-stock my closet. The good news is I love where trends are right now. I love the 70's bohemian vibe, the bright colors, the skinny jeans, and of-course don't forget the shoes!
If you are on a budget, there are lots of floral patterns, neon work-out gear, and cute skinny jeans at some budget stores to shop - Forever21, H&M, Target, and all your favorite website "sale" sections. (Tip of the day - always wash your "cheap" jeans before wearing, the dye often runs!)
If you feel the urge to splurge, then he is some gorgeous eye candy just for you!


photos: Bloomingdale

Styles include:
Pour La Victoire "Jaclyn" Espadrilles $269.00
Quotation: Plenty by Tracy Reese Exclusive Maxi Jersey Dress PRICE: $225.00
French Connection Shimaree Printed Cotton Maxi Dress PRICE: $198.00
COACH Jade Logo High Wedge Sandals $198.00
Ruthie Davis "Cactus" Platform Pumps PRICE: $1,195.00
Furla Appaloosa Mini Bag PRICE: $275.00
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Classic Q Percy Crossbody Bag PRICE: $198.00
Element Elle Striped Racerback Tank Dress PRICE: $39.50

Fabulous First Date Outfit on a Budget!

If you are looking for a stylish sexy outfit for a first date, and you are trying to save money, check out these great finds!
The Draped Flutter Dress from Forever21 is $24.80, and would look great with the Infinity Cardigan at j.crew for only $39.99 (on sale from $89.50). Pair this up with the Havanna boots at bakershoes.com for $59.99. Also, add a sexy piece of jewelry such as the Coral Reef Earrings $23 from NYmetals on Etsy.
The cardigan and the boots are especially a great versatile find, as they will last you a few seasons and can be paired up with any outfit.


Forever21.com Draped Flutter Dress $24.80
Infinity Cardigan $39.99 from $89.50
havanna boot $59.99

Coral Reef Earnings Etsy $23



all photo are from etsy.com, jcrew.com, forever21.com, and bakershoes.com

Post Valentine's Day Blues

Blue hearts from Etsy seller "Wood Hearts Decorative Country Shabby Chic Cottage Decor" $24

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by all the red the day after Valentine's, sooth your blues with some turquoise and periwinkle! Check out these Etsy designer goodies.

Turquoise necklace from LuckilyDesign $21

Robin Egg Blue and Copper Ring by missypumpkin $5

Vintage Navy Blue Dress by AffordableVintage $40



http://www.etsy.com/?ref=hdr

Keeping Up with the Trends

Whenever I find myself uninspired by my closet and thinking I have nothing to wear, I turn to some of the best sites for outfit inspiration straight from the streets of New York. Photographer and style reporter Tommy Ton, photographs the most stylish ladies going about their business amid the NYC busyness. Check out some of their amazing outfit choices at http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/020911_Tommy_Ton_F2011RTW/ for your own inspirations!

photos from www.style.com photographer tommy ton

Finds Everywhere!

This recent article on Yahoo just goes to show that you don't have to spend a lot of money to look great! Just look at our first lady Michelle Obama in this feminine stylish polka dot dress for H&M for $34.95.

photo by Peter Kramer/APphoto from H&M

LOVE


If there should be a whole post dedicated to a shoe, THIS is the shoe.
For all of us shoe-aholics, this is the reason why we LOVE shoes. This is a MUST MUST MUST have style from Kate Spade. The "Darla" red suede round-toe heels are $298 on katespade.com

Valentine's Day - Coming Soon...

Alas, I have rediscovered my inspiration!
Today's topic is the wonderfully red Valentine's Day. This day has always had a special place in my heart for many reasons. First, I love hearts. Second, everyone looks good in red. And third, growing up we always had a Valentine's Day Dinner Party at school, and every year we had to wear red and black. All the junior high and high school kids send each other a rose. Most of the roses you got from your friend, but there were times when you got an unexpected secret admirer rose - that was always fun! As dress code, more often than not, girls opted for black slacks and red tops from Moschino and D&G.
Now that we are all grown up, what do we wear for Valentines Day? Here are some fab pieces and accessories!


Helmut Lang at Nordstroms.comKate Spade at Nordstrom.com Sondra Roberts at Nordtrom.comSondra Roberts at Nordstrom.com

Zara at Zara.com Zara at Zara.com

Kate Spade at bloomingdales.com



(all photos cutesy of bloomingdates, nordstrom, and zara shopping sites)

Design Soundtrack

On a personal note - music I design to:

"Stuck on Repeat" Little Boots
"Panic Switch" Silversun Pickups
"I Disappear" Faint
"L.E.S. Artistes" santigold
"Lights Out" santigold
"Bye Bye Bye" the everly brothers
"Players Club" eazy-e & too short
"Ride Wit U" Joe feat G-Unit,
"Beggin'" madcon
"Forthenight" musiq child
"I Wanna be Adored" the stone roses
"The Reeling" Passion Pit
"Changing" Saosin
"Shake It Out" Manchester Orchestra
"The Great Escape" The Rifles
"Then He Kissed Me" the crystals
"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" the bee gees
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" smashing pumpkins
"Vampire" antsy pants
"Be the One" the ting tings
"Sound of Silence" simon & garfunkel
"Don't Forget Me" neko case

The Vest

The fur vest is a key item this Fall.

For budget fur vests go to:
http://www.curlyfurimports.com $145
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18341795 $145
http://www.bebe.com - "Ostrich Feather Vest" $55

Jeremy Scott - Art Imitating Art

Two different centuries, two different designers, but Jeremy Scott's whimsical and art-inspired designs are very reminiscent of Elsa Schiaparelli.
Elsa Schiaparelli designed in the 1940's 50's and 60's. She was heavily influenced by Surrealists such as Salvador DalĂ­ and Alberto Giacometti. Jeremy Scott is known for his iconic Pop cultural references and humorous prints. In his line for Adidas, you can see such pieces as his high top sneaker with an extended wing - it has become an instant best seller and a cultural Icon for Adidas.




Ironic Trends


My friend once explained why she liked pugs so much, "they are so ugly - they're cute!" Is that how people feel about the 80's right now? The big haired, magenta-colored, leggings and shoulder-pad wearing era has been considered one of the least flattering time-periods in fashion. Just a while back, calling something "so 80's" was a bad thing. Now, we ask if it's 80's enough. But, it's not only the leggings and clunky shoes, and short floral cotton skirts that frighten me. It seems that the uglier and less flattering an outfit is, the more it is "in." You can say, today's fashion is very ironic. So, next time you leave your house, ask someone if your outfit matches - if it doesn't - you are "so hot right now!"



copyright: all photos taken from Elle publication and Topshop Fall collection.

Long Live Michael Kors!


When Michael Kors designed for Celine it was pure magic; the fabrics, the textures, the colors, the elegance, the timelessness! I'm thrilled to see that while other designers are throwing themselves into the "ugly" trends, Michael Kors has created a truly magnificent line for this Fall 09 season. It is everything I've always loved about my favorite designer! Hooray for Michael Kors!






all photos from style.com

2009 EMMY AWARDS

One thing for certain, there was a whole lot of red on the red carpet at this year's Emmys. Also, at the top of the list were metallics, dusty pinks, pale browns, purples, and burgundy. I thought mostly everyone looked fantastic – some better than others, but none the less - stunning!
I was “unexpectedly” pleased with my top choices, but my "usual" favorites have not delivered this time around.
So, let me share some of my choses for the “breathtaking,” followed by “best dressed,” and followed by “less than best dressed...”

Breathtaking:
Drew Barrymore – she is glowing in that elegant and youthful gown!
Ginnifer Goodwin – her gown is so fashion forward yet classic, an she is the best dressed one here!
Rose Byrne – stunning!

Anna Torv – simply perfect!
Best Dressed:
Olivia Wilde – although this gown remind me of a wedding dress inspired by “Swan Lake” I love it none the less!

Kourtney looks so sweet and full if life in this black gown!

Heidi Klum – can this women ever wear anything she doesn't look amazing in? I don't think so.

Always love Debra Messing!

Dana Delany – the color is perfect for her.

Chloe Sovigny – this gown expresses her fashion forward style, yet looks very appropriate and fresh.

Anastasia Griffith, this is a great color and a great dress.
Less than Best Dressed:
Patricia Arquette – a little dark, I wish she wore a color than brought out her features more.

Padma, what is that red thing on your hip???

Mila Kunis – I can't decided on this one, the color is great, but the tulle is a little too Halloween-ish..

I adore Leighton Meester, but this outfit is too frumpy and her lipstick and up-do are adding on 10 years to her lovely face!

Kyra Sedgwick – too much going on, and I don't love the color on her.

Kim Kardashian – I guess this white one-sleeve mermaid dress is a bit too boring for me. I would've loved to see her hair down as well.

Jessica Lowndes – I wish she wore something more sultry, this outfit is a little too “ballerina-like.”

I love Jane Krakowski, but this gray off-the-shoulder gown is just not working for her.