FASHION

Fall 2011 catwalks were filled with fabulous fashion that simply wowed the crowds. New York designers have really stepped up their game and delivered the best fashion has to offer for Fall! Be prepared to indulge yourself in gorgeous furs, striking red coats and menswear inspired tuxedo blazers come fall. Here is your cheat-sheet to fall’s hottest trends.

Menswear Inspired Pieces Menswear was everywhere at New York Fashion Week, but the designer who takes the cake on this haute trend is Jason Wu. Wu’s perfectly tailored cigarette pants and tuxedo jackets stole the show. The young designer was able to seamlessly blend delicate femininity with classic men’s silhouettes. To get in on the trend try adding a luxe blazer to your wardrobe and also invest in a pair of black cigarette pants which you can wear with everything from a white button down shirt to a glamourous party top Editor’s Pick: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Mix ‘n’ match Mixing and matching prints is definitely one of fall 2011’s hottest trends. Preen’s Fall 2011 collection shows mixing and matching prints done to perfection. To do this look right, stick with the same color family and make sure each piece has a little bit of one color. Editor’s Pick: Preen Fall 2011

The Cloak The Cloak will be a must have fashion staple for Fall 2011 designers from Rag & Bone to Derek Lam had their own take on the trend. It’s a great way to stay warm while looking put together. Look for a cloak in a dark shade with embellishments for a luxurious look. Editor’s pick: Rag & Bone Cloak

A Touch of Fur Fur was shown on many New York runways and whether you choose to wear faux fur or real fur this trend will add a touch of glamour to your outfit. Carolina Herrera showcased fabulous cashmere sweaters with fur trimmings in her collection. You can also buy a fur collar and wear it with everything from a turtleneck sweater to a little black dress. For a more dramatic look try a full length fur coat like the many seen on the catwalks of Michael Kors and Chado Ralph Rucci. Editor’s Pick: Elie Tahari Fur Collar

Longer Hem-Lines You’ll probably be eager to put away all your mini skirts after you see the beautiful new long skirts form New York designers. Prabul Gurung’s collection showcased beautiful dresses, skirts and pants which swept the floor. The best way to incorporate this trend this trend into your wardrobe is to pair a top and a floor length skirt or wide-leg pants in the same color.This look works best on tall and slim physiques. Editor’s Pick: Prabal Gurang Pink Evening Dress FW11

Lady In Red Brighten up winter’s mellow tones with a splash of red! The bright color will be a great compliment to Fall 2011’s sea of neutrals. Try a red coat or a red dress paired with a camel coat. Other colors that were popular for fall include emerald green hues and honeysuckle pink. Editor’s Pick: Victoria Beckham Red Coat Fall 2011

Millissa Mathai

Already heard? Knitwear is the next big thing! Chunky knitted capes, cardigans and sweaters are the stars this spring. So say goodbye to in-between-season jackets and hello to the new knits! Hot tip: Go for casual styling with slim jeans, a plain top and flat boots to get this Cameron Diaz’ on-trend look!

Pure White Long Tank-Top By Malene Birger Stylish long top in white cotton, soft and comfortable quality. A classic combination basic, can be worn as tank top underneath or solo, with moderate broad straps, feminine crew neck in slim and figure hugging cut, waist fitted, mini dress length. Pair with tube jeans, leather leggings, pencil skirts. Was $75.00, Now $45.00

Tempted Skinny Leg Jeans by Citizens of Humanity Stylish jeans leggings in dark blue stretch denim. Classic 5-pocket cut. Tight tube cut, as comfy as tights. Style with a glamorous tunic, rocky biker jacket or elegant cashmere sweater Price $215.00

Burnt Brown Shannon Vent Boots by Belstaff Luxurious boots in cognac-colored antique leather, hip biker meets ridingboot look. Round toe, wide knee-high shaft, slim straps, typical Belstaff, flat heel.Comfortable, robust, stylish, ideal with tube jeans, jeans mini, shift dresses, tunic dresses. Price $725.00

Antique Oro Bow Wow Wow Anabella Necklace Gold necklace with coral heart pendants from the desired limited edition by Juicy Couture. Pendant with rhinestones and bow, small logo tags and robust closure. Girlish costume jewelry, works with blouses, V-neck sweaters and shirts, adjustable length. Price $125.00

Couture designers turned into exhibitionists showcasing daringly transparent designs on the couture catwalks. From Chanel to Valentino it’s all about peek-a-boo fashion this Spring and we have the scoop on how to tone down this hot runway trend and for the real world.

A Transparent Top A very easy way to try this trend is to try a romantic sheer blouse. It’s best to pair your sheer blouse with a full nude camisole for work and daytime looks. For night you can be more daring and pair your sheer blouse with a lacy bra. If you go for the latter, make sure to also drape a beautiful cashmere shawl across your shoulder to keep the look tasteful. Zac Posen makes gorgeous transparent blouses in strong silhouettes perfect for work and play.

A Clear Bag Totally transparent handbags have been trendy in European countries and they are slowly making their way stateside. Designers like Chanel and Furla have come out with the most adorable clear handbags which make finding your keys a much easier task. Look for roomy totes with a designer logo. Try one this spring and make a statement.

An Organza Coat An organza coat is the new Spring must have and for good reasons. The effortless luxury that comes with topping a little black dress with a beautiful black organza coat is unsurpassed. It’s a great way to try the transparent trend while having a peace of mind knowing you can wear it for seasons to come. You can find great organza coats from designers like Donna Karen and Oscar De La Renta.

A Little White Dress A little white or cream dress made from transparent fabrics like chiffon and Georgette silk with embellishments is the perfect dress for summer cocktail parties. Look for dresses that are heavily embellished to hit two trends with one stone as embellishments are still super trendy. Elie Saab’s Spring couture collection showcased beautiful dresses in shades of white and nude with heavy beading, while Valentino kept it classic with sheer white dresses with elegant rose detailing.

Clear Heels Clear heels are going to be huge this Spring, designers are creating playful heels with lucite heels. To keep this look classy look for platform or short chunky heel styles, a longer heel like a stiletto in a clear material is not appropriate. You will be able to find lucite heels this summer from every designer at every price.

Millissa Mathai

As the temperatures reach below the freezing point, it’s time to take a well deserved vacation to somewhere warm, colorful and fabulous. Traveling is by far a fashionista’s favorite hobby. Whether you’re traveling across the country or the world, we have some insider tips on how to do it in style.

Chic Luggage Is A Must
A great luggage set that showcases your personality without compromising style is a must. Look for high quality suitcases that are durable. DVF has an amazing luggage collection which you can find at Macy’s. The collection includes extremely stylish suitcases embellished with fashionable accents including faux alligator lining and studs.

 The Perfect Outfit To Travel In
Sitting on a plane for hours can be an uncomfortable situation, so do yourself a favor and dress comfortably. That doesn’t mean you should resort to wearing a Juicy Couture velour suit and UGG boots, which can look messy and will not get you an upgrade to first class. Instead throw on a pair of comfortable black leggings or dark wash jeggings, a long tunic or designer white tee that is long enough to be a mini dress paired with a long cashmere cardigan. To accessorize, add large cuffs that you can easily slip on and off, oversized sunglasses and a pair of flat riding boots.

What To Pack In Your Carry On
You should carry an oversized tote, which is roomy enough to store all of your necessities along with reading material, snacks, passport, etc. along with a rolling carry on suitcase. You should pack an extra outfit in case your luggage gets lost in transit. The easiest outfit to pack is a LBD and a pair of black pumps. Since you can only carry toiletries that meet the 3 floe oz requirement be sure to find your must have beauty items in the right size on 3floz.com. 3floz.com is a travel beauty product site which carries all of your favorite beauty products in a travel ready size, saving you the headache.

How To Look Fresh On Arrival
Looking fabulous after a long flight can be tough. The easiest way to look revived is to spritz cold water on your face then moisturize with a rich moisturizer, preferably tinted. Apply a touch of blush and swipe on a little bit of lipstick and dab a little gloss on the center of your lips. Top off the look with your oversized sunglasses and you’ll be good to go!

Happy travels!

By Millissa Mathai