Fashion Trends

December 6th was a big day in the fashion world. Why? Because Pantone finally made an announcement regarding 2013’s color of the year. The big winner was…drumroll… emerald! (Sidebar: As a fashion writer, I cannot express to you how delighted I am to hear the announcement. I’ve had about enough of this tangerine tango business and am excited about an easier-to-style — and often more flattering — color.)

The jewel tone, inspired by the Earth’s own precious gemstone, has already finagled its way onto Spring 2013 runways via apparel, accessories, shoes and even makeup. Emerald is sure to transcend beyond the fashion world, as well, into underwood interior decor, electronics and electronic accessories, etc.

Says the Pantone website on emerald: “Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.” Wall Street Journal writes, “Diamonds may be forever, but emeralds are for 2013.”

Below we’ve highlighted some fashion examples that feature emerald as their leading lady.

Alice and Trixie Greta Top, $275	Michael Kors Emerald Crystal Bracelet, $250
Anya Hindmarch Holly Faithful Tote, $880	Trina Turk “Monarch” Sheath Dress, $298
Kate Spade New York “Licorice Too” Pump, $328	Articles of Society Acid Wash Skinny Jeans, $69

By Wendy Rose Gould

Metallics, namely silver and gold, are especially befitting throughout the winter months. Perhaps it’s the coolness of their tones or the way they blend in with holiday decor, but silver and gold are a classic fashion choice November through February.

From jewelry to coats to bags, shoes and dresses, we urge you to wear at least one silver or gold something this winter 2012/2013 season. The best part? As long as it’s a classic silhouette constructed from quality materials, it’s sure to last you for years to come.

Whoever said you can’t wear silver and gold together got it all wrong. While pairing the two metals does take a little skill, the combination makes for a sophisticated visage worthy of any Sartorialist snapshot. Here are a few tips and ideas for pairing silver with gold:

– Wear either a gold or silver dress and then accent with the opposite color. For example these Manolo Blahnik metallic leather and mesh silver pumps would complement this ethereal, one shoulder metallic gold dress by Maggy London. Alternatively, try a strappy heeled sandal.

Maggy London
One Shoulder Metallic Dress

Manolo Blahnik
Metallic Leather & Mesh BB Pumps

– Since you’re already stepping toward the figurative fashion cliff by mixing your metals, make sure you keep everything else you’re wearing in the same genre. For example, don’t mix slouchy boho silhouettes with edgy geometric or grungy urban pieces. Keep it in the family, ladies.

– Don’t go too mix-y match-y with the hardware on your clothing and accessories. For example, your boots may have silver buckles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pair them with a purse that has gold fixtures. You wouldn’t match your fingernails to your lipstick to your shoes because it looks too over processed and thought out when you do. Don’t do the same thing with with your hardware.

– Stick to a neutral toned garment and then wear an even mix of silver and gold accents. For example, this classic Michael Kors LBD would pair well with this Lord & Taylor silver, gold and diamond accent necklace and Anya Hindmarch’s sparkling silver clutch. The same would work with a red, beige or white dress.

Michael Kors
Black Embellished Dress

LORD & TAYLOR
Sterling Silver with 14Kt. Yellow Gold
Diamond Pendant Necklace

Anya Hindmarch
Silver Valorie Clutch with Enameled Fastener

– If you’re hesitant to mix silver and gold, start off with something easy. Many designers — who are paid and adored for their fashionable third eye, mind you — pre-mix silver and gold together in one single piece. Dresses, watches, shoes, bags — there’s no accessory or garment off limits.

Haider Ackermann
Asymmetric Linen-Silk Trenchcoat,
Wrapped Blouse & Cropped Silk Pants

Stella McCartney
Silk Brocade Pants

Pierre Hardy Metallic Bag

– Wearing silver and gold together is all about finding the right balance. Don’t overpower the senses by wearing a silver blazer with a gold skirt or by wearing a silver pant with a gold blouse. If you’re mixing metals, choose only one metallic for your garments.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Urban edgy — like other fashion terms — is a somewhat vague phrase. In short, an urban edgy look is one that combines minimalist street wear with a hint of sass. It’s sophisticated but hip, fashion-forward but effortless. Urban edgy looks consist of a lot of black, a lot of leather and pops of print, animal skin, leather and metal. As for the hair and makeup, neither is ever prissy or painstakingly perfect, but both are thought out and styled to a certain degree.

Still sound vague? Well, again, like most fashion, it kind of is. That’s one of the most beautiful parts of the style world, though. We, the buyers and wearers, get to decide how we interpret a trend. As long as you incorporate the basic elements (listed above) and stay true to your fashion preferences, you’ll pull off urban edgy without a hitch.

Below are two pulled urban edgy looks, different price points, to give you a better feel for the trend. Let them inspire your own looks. Let us know with your comments what you think. Would you wear any of them? Which one?

Look “A” Total Cost: $5,190

Acne Boots at Saks Fifth Avenue $750

Alexander Wang Nappa Shearling Hoodie at Saks Fifth Avenue $2,750

Marc by Marc Jacobs Thunderdome Handbag at Saks Fifth Avenue $598

Casey True Religion Jeans at Saks Fifth Avenue$167

HELMUT LANG printed blouse at Barney’s $390

Aurelie Bidermann Shark Tooth Pendant at Bergdorf Goodman $540

Look “B” Total Cost: $1307

Equipment Liam Zebra Satin Blouse, $198

Hudson Krista Super Skinny Black Wax Jeans, $189

Rachel Zoe Taupe Grey Vintage Faux Fur Marianne Vest, $535

Jeffrey Campbell Battle Spike Black Leather Platform Pump, $210

Brahmin The Party Red Collection Alexis Clutch, $175

By Wendy Rose Gould

So, you’ve procrastinated your Halloween costume shopping trip and now your local horror shop only has a few hot dog getups and a sexy nun costume left in their arsenal. Or maybe you just don’t have the time to shop for this year’s Halloween costume, let alone fret about what the stores still have in stock.

Before you panic — or spend your dinero on any costume that’s less than ideal — take a moment to poke around your own wardrobe. That’s right — you probably have a thing or two that, when paired with another thing or two, can make the perfect stylish Halloween costume.

Let the following stylish Halloween ideas inspire your own this year. May you walk out the door looking fierce, fabulous and more chic than you thought possible.

	The Devil in Prada Get into the Halloween spirit and show off your favorite Prada pieces with a stylish Halloween costume. Throw on your most fabulous Prada garment(s) and then create a pair of devil horns. To create the devil horns, affix two red triangles (color paper or card stock red and cut the pieces out) to bobby pins, clips or a headband.
	Self Portrait Dress yourself to the nines. Think gorgeous designer gown, fabulous jewelry and well done makeup. Then — for the evening — remove the photograph or art from a large frame and carry the frame around. You’re an instant self portrait! You can also go more literal with this by dressing and styling yourself similarly to a famous painting. For example: The Girl with the Pearl Earring or the Mona Lisa.
	Tickled Pink Pull every single pink garment and accessory you own and dress yourself from head to toe in the girly hue. Don’t shy away from your pinkest lipstick, either. Carry around something that’s known to tickle such as a feather, duster or even a boa. When people ask what you are, simply tell them you’re tickled pink and give them a little tickle!
	Candy Corn If you’ve got some orange, yellow and white in your closet (and why wouldn’t you have all three?) then this is an easy one. Wear a pair of white pants/skirt, a wide orange belt and a yellow top and you’re all set. Alternatively, wear a yellow or white hat, orange top and yellow or white pants. Really, any combination will work as long as you achieve the candy corn ombre effect!
	The Cat Burglar All you need for this stylish Halloween costume is a black and white striped top, some black leggings and an old pillow case. Stuff the pillow case with something light and carry it over your shoulder. Seal the deal by wearing your most fabulous gold jewelry, some fierce black stilettos and long black silk gloves.

By Wendy Rose Gould