Fashion Trends

While most fashionistas take their cue from the latest runway season, it goes without saying that each city adopts and finesses those styles to a certain degree. After all, you’re not going to find spring scarves and lots of layers in a sultry city like Miami or Los Angeles where skin is in and sweat is avoided at all costs. And in an ultra posh city such as Milan or Paris, you’ll be hard pressed to find the ultra casual frocks donned in laid back boroughs such as Houston or Seattle.

Clearly, every town has its own fashion senses. Naturally, these senses are based on the local climate and character of said city, but there’s also a certain style vibe evoked by the town’s residents.

For fun, the Stylish City has conducted a mini investigation into the real live stylish cities around the world.

Tokyo Anyone who’s walked the streets of Tokyo (myself included), knows that fashion forward Japanese women love to experiment with textures, colors and patterns. Tokyo street styles often equals layer after layer — layered with more layers, of course — bright pops of color, kitschy shoes and accessories, and quirky hair that isn’t afraid to go there. Milan As is expected, stylish women in Milan sport polished, well-thought out ensembles that are nothing short of vogue. We’re talking crisp colors, perfect coiffures, and sophisticated prints wrapped up in a posh-meets-femme package. New York The big apple serves as home to some of the world’s most eclectic personalities, so expecting anything less than multifarious street style is just plain wrong. This spring, New York City street style is as diverse as ever. Current trends, though, include ultra bright pops of color via both pants and tops (a nod to the retro, colortastic ’80s), mixed patterns, Mad Men mod-meets-modern mod duds, and a sort of classy grunge that seems oxymoronic, but totally works.

Credit: Tokyo Fashion

By Wendy Rose Gould

While some regions of the country are still dealing with nippy temps, California’s annual Coachella music festival is sure to be ripe with dripping sunshine, balmy breezes and fertile fields. So, if eclectic ensembles, such as Girl Talk, Dr. Dre and Snoop, The Black Keys, Florence and the Machine and Bon Iver don’t tempt you, perhaps the sublime weather will draw you in.

Before you board your plane, though, remember that Coachella is often just as much about the music — and weather — as it is about fashion. Naturally, you’ll want to tote around items that serve a utilitarian purpose (giant hobo bags and oversized sunglasses, anyone?), but also experiment with compliment-worthy accessories and apparel. Basically: be the girl people want to take pictures of. In fact, it should be your mission to land on the e-pages of at least one fashion blog.

Based on trends and weather reports, here’s The Stylish City’s Coachella fashion survival list. May you go forth, luggage in hand, and dazzle the crowds.

• Funky Sunglasses (the funkier, the better)
• Feather Accessories (feathers in your hair add a sweet-meets-hippy vibe)
• Crossbody or Hobo Bags (basically, free your hands but make sure you can carry around all your necessities)
• Sheer Caftans
• Printed Maxis
• Quirky Rompers (try geometric, animal, aquatic or color blocked)
• Color Blocked Summer Dresses (the summerier your dress is, the better. Bring a leather belt to cinch your waist)
• Comfy Espadrilles, Wedges or Boat Shoes
• Wide Brimmed Hats (keeps you cool and protects your face from the sun)
• Look-at-Me Printed Flats
• Denim Vests (looks great with almost any tee)
• Screen-Printed Tanks
• Colorful Shorts (jean or not)
• Breezy Skirts
• Vintage-Inspired Floral Printed Anything

Oh, and don’t you dare forget an SPF, waterproof mascara and reusable water bottle.

By Wendy Rose Gould

When you think about fashion’s past, the runways seemed to have a great influence over what became regular occurrence in popular culture. Today, however, roles have been reversed. Instead of fashion influencing the public, many times it seems as though the public — and what the public will pay for — is what influences fashion.

Unlike 30, 20 or even 10 years ago, today we have we have myriad celebrities designing their own lines and reality TV shows making a giant splash in the style scene. And with the Internet greatly decreasing magazine sales and creating more competition for designers (it seems that nearly every one with an inkling for clothing design can now put their work out there for the masses to see and buy), more and more magazine editors and fashion designers are preoccupied with creating a product that’s easy to sell, as opposed to a product that’s purely innovative

Kristin Chenoweth, Lisa Rinna and Brooke Burke  wearing the Women’s Ottoman Pencil Dress from Kardashian Kollection.

Credit: KhloeKardashian.Celebuzz.com

We would be unimpressed with art that was driven only to please the eye. True art lovers want to be inspired, influenced and even changed by what they see. A beautiful picture of a flower has its purpose, but flower after pretty flower gets boring very fast.

Fashion is like art. It should strive to provoke and evoke. It should dare to go there and not merely be manufactured for the sake of a quick and easy paycheck.

The History of Fashion Design entry on Wikipedia says, “For many of the own-label designers who emerged in the early years of the 21st century, financial factors became increasingly critical. Many new young talents found they now depended on investors (to whom, in extreme cases, they would even surrender their names) and were always burdened by the risk that their partners, motivated by market realism and the desire for quick returns, would severely restrict their autonomy.”

If this continues, do we risk having a “blip” in the fashion timeline — a period when fashion is uninspiring to future generations? What are your thoughts? How do you think today’s fashion will be remembered in the years to come?

Fall 2011 – 60s Vibe!

The 60s were back on the runway for fall 2011 – brightly coloured tunics, oversized buttons, peter pan collars, pea coats, kitsch plastic trims and huge sequins. Swing in to fall 60s style.

Credit:  Style.com

70’s/Boho Trend
Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear

This spring I am most looking forward to the retro, earthy trends that have been spotted on the runway from designers such as Derek Lam, and Etro. Awaken the hippie in you, dig out those vintage pieces, and mix em in with the new!

Credit: Style.com

By Wendy Rose Gould

Spring is in full swing and fashionable ladies everywhere are donning the latest warm-weather trends. Though we all covet SoHo style and Upper East Side budgets, not everyone can afford designer duds to showcase their spring spirit. Thankfully, there are many ways to embrace the latest trends without emptying your purse. Strut your frugal stuff with the following tips.

1. Bright Denim
Nothing beats a fashion trend that transcends seasons. Fall’s bright denim trend is still hot this spring with pastel and neon options. If you already have a pair or two in your closet, you’re set. If not, consider shopping inexpensive retailers like Kohl’s or Target for your first pair, as this fad will likely disappear within a few seasons.

2. Pastels
Just in time for Easter, pastels are hot this season in their typical subtle, subdued manner. A statement piece — like a blazer or sheath — will go a long way without overwhelming your wardrobe or your budget. H&M offers several great styles for less, or you can grab a Nordstrom coupon before investing in a high-quality alternative. The luxury retailer offers free shipping both ways, so you can order multiple sizes and send back what doesn’t fit.

3. Metallic
Fall saw its share of sparkly, shimmery fashion, and spring continues the trend with emphasis on metallic style. It’s easy to incorporate this look on the cheap with shiny accessories, including bangles, statement necklaces and even shoes. If this look really speaks to you, go ahead and invest in a shimmery tank or statement pants to enjoy the trend while it lasts.

4. Sporty
Runway models looked mighty fit on spring runways with pieces inspired by workout attire. This doesn’t give you permission to live in hoodies and sneakers all season, however. Look for sport-inspired pieces like this racerback dress from Athleta, or find a mesh, off-the-shoulder sweater to pair with skinny jeans.

5.  Floral
The fashion world is so happy to see spring again that designers are incorporating its signature icon into their art. If your style tends toward the bold, look for a bright spring dress or floral capris. If you want the more subtle approach, wear a flowery graphic tee under a blazer or opt for floral shoes.

6. Tangerine Tango
The official color of 2012 offers a bold and altogether crisp accent to any outfit. Again, head-to-toe tangerine is a great option for those with bright style (think maxi dress). You can also find inexpensive accessories in this versatile color at such places as Charming Charlie.

7. Peplum Skirts
Nothing says feminine like a flirty skirt, and the resurgence of the 20s-era peplum skirt this season is no exception. Opt for a classic color like black or navy to extend its trendiness into subsequent seasons. Embrace the look fully with classic pumps, a fitted blouse and cat-eye liner. Add a pop of this season’s “it” lip colors – red or hot pink – and strut your stylish stuff during a glamorous night out on the town.

By Kendal Perez