APPAREL

According to Wikipedia, Masstige is a marketing term meaning downward brand extension or “prestige for the masses”.  These products are “premium but attainable” or otherwise called democracy in luxury.

There seems to be an increasing trend among premium designers to use their names and talent to create short or long lived affordable lines. From Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Wang, Stella McCartney’s to more recently Lanvin; they have all dibbled into the lower markets. WWD quotes Jil Sander, “I took part in the transformation of fashion from a couture craft into a contemporary industry. We are much better equipped to realize quality on a much larger scale.” Recently, she has been quoted as saying, “To me, luxury has nothing to do with high prices”. So, now you have it. You don’t need to break the bank to be elegant. Designers say it, and consumers couldn’t agree more.  Where do you find all these affordable brands? From Kohl, that successfully carries Simply Vera; to H&M, Target and regular department stores; everybody seems to have them. What’s the best way to play the Masstige game and win? Learn your brands. Product knowledge is important – not just for vendors, but also for consumers.  Once you find the designers you love, check out if they have a better priced line and make these items the backbone of your wardrobe.

With New York Fashion Week behind us now, Spring 2011 trends are on our minds. Luckily, there is no need to wait for the warm weather to return, you can incorporate some of the haute Spring 2011 trends right now into your fall wardrobe and wear them into the next season. Here are our favorite Spring 2011 trends and ideas on how to wear them right now.

Sheer Fabrics

Sheer fabrics were omnipresent all over the Spring 2011 catwalks, which maintains the ethereal theme of SS11. ProenzaSchouler did the sheer trend tastefully by layering sheer fabrics over more modest fabrics. Pairing sheer tops with silk camis is a delicate and classy way to show some skin. You can incorporate this hot trend into your wardrobe by investing in a beautiful sheer top in black or nude (colors that are always “in” no matter what the season) and wearing them over a beautiful silk camisole. You can wear this look stylishly with a black pencil skirt for day and dark wash skinny jeans for night.

Silver Embellishments

Designers have been bedazzling their clothing for a few seasons now and this is one trend that is here to stay. For SS11 designers favored silver embellishments that are striking and eye-catching. Silver embellishments covered everything from tops, miniskirts, dresses and even pants. Jenny Packham showcased beautiful silver embellished pieces in her SS11 runway show that were breathtaking. You can easily fit this trend into your closet by buying fabulous, statement making costume jewelry in silver so that you can amp up plainer tees, shirts and dresses in a snap.

The Full Skirt

With the return of spring we will see the return of the full skirt. A more modest and conservative hemline is all the rage in fashion right now and Spring 2011 will definitely be the season where this trend will take off in full force. Vena Cava showed beautiful full skirts that were still sexy when paired with more form fitting tops. To get in on this trend now and wear it into the next season, look for subtly printed skirts in bright colors that you can pair with a form-fitting turtleneck along with knee-high boots now and a tank-top and sandals in the spring.

Orange Is The New “it” Color

Orange is definitely the “it” color of the season. From nails, lips, dresses, shoes and everything in between orange was everywhere on the catwalks. Carlos Miele featured beautiful orange dresses du jour, which look absolutely gorgeous against tanned skin. You can work orange into your Fall 2010 wardrobe by using little pops of it here and there. Maybe try a pumpkin colored nail polish or try an orange satchel.

Wide Leg Trousers

Skinny jeans are a thing of the past. Fashionistas and designers are now embracing the wide leg trouser. From Marc Jacobs to Tory Burch, wide leg trousers are making a comeback and in a big way. Luckily, for us, they are super easy to pull off on any body type and look great when paired with a crisp white collared shirt and a blazer work as well as an embellished halter and sky high heels for night.

By Millissa Mathai

Fall 2010 Runways were bursting at the seams with exciting new fashion trends. From digital prints to the return of velvet the fall catwalks were filled with a wide range of new trends. So which trends should you incorporate into your wardrobe this fall? We complied a list of he top five Fall 2010 Trends. Read on.

Orange Handbag
A trendy handbag is an easy way to refresh your look for the new season. Orange handbags are the “it” bags for fall and are a great break from the typical neutral handbags. Look for orange handbags in simple shapes to balance out the bold color. (Editor’s Pick: Michael Kors Hamilton Satchel)

Lacy High Heels
Lace is a major trend for fall but instead of wearing a lacy top or skirt like everyone else will, go for a sexy pair of lacy high heels. You can pair your lacy heels with virtually anything and everything from your little black dress to your tweed suit. Look for a lacy heel or bootie with a kitten heel to keep the look demure and not gaudy. (Editor’s Pick: Manolo Blahnik Lacy Kitten Heels)

Leopard Print Dress
Leopard print strutted down the runway at what seemed to be every single show. Transform yourself into a Sicilian vixen by slipping into a fabulous leopard sheath. Make sure to keep your accessories simple and sleek as this dress is going to do all the talking. (Editor’s Pick:  David Meister Leopard Print Wrap Dress)

Bib Necklace
The bib necklace is hotter than ever and is a great way to spice up your outfit in a flash. Pair it with a white tee-shirt for play or a white collared shirt for work. Remember, when it comes to bib necklaces, bigger is always better. (Editor’s Pick: Ranjana Khan Crystal & Silk Bib)

Cashmere Tights
Forget leggings this season, they are passé. Instead opt for ultra luxurious cashmere tights. They feel luscious against your kin and will keep you warm even when you opt for you micro minis. (Editor’s Pick: Wolford Cashmere Silk Tights)

By Millissa Mathai