Weekly Shop Report

We worried all summer, pairing denim cut-off with Hanes t-shirts. But it’s almost fall (thank god), and while we still have one eye on our 401(k)s while other is ravishing the September Issue. Fall RTW runways offered a mix bag of Russian style blazers and trousers, 80’s inspired…um, everything, sexy mini dresses with over-the-knee-boots, pinstripes and camel hair. So what, you ask, is a girl to wear? TVC consulted two of fashions leading trend-reporters – Style.com and Elle – to bring you the very best this season has to offer.

Break out your leather bomber. The return of the biker brigade has us contemplating faux tattoos and squeezing ourselves into skinny liquid leggings, black jeans and leather pants again this fall. There was no discrepancy that the recurring coat is back and once again, paired with everything and anything in your closet. Our advice: save. Sure there are newer, shinier bombers with more zippers and varying sleeve lengths, but we needn’t spend where we can save. Recycle last year’s and treat it kindly as you’ll need it in autumns to come.

Fur. Both expert sources site fur as a RTW staple scene this fall. Great; if there is one thing we actually cannot afford, it’s fur. Faux fur is a good alternative, but unfortunately, much difficulty lies in finding a quality faux piece that matches the season’s trend.  Because fur is a committed investment, choose wisely. Wisely, does not however, mean it must be traditional. The pieces you will remember – your teenage daughters will someday drool over, you’ll leave in your will – have some spice to them. Whether you find a piece with detailed leather trim or a rich unusual color, choose something a bit different. And if it doesn’t drop in your lap the first time around, wait it out. The post-holiday sales will likely, though falsely, identify these furs as one time “trend” pieces and slap the sale sticker to them faster than you can say McQueen. Bottom line: worth the splurge.
Strong shoulders. We aren’t so convinced the super-strong shoulder will be the pillar of strength experts like Style.com suggest. Here we say: save. Elle offers some reasonably priced fall trend options in their Fall Fashion Steals piece, and yes, they even have some strong-shoulder options that won’t tip over your fall fashion budget.

Leopard leggings, lace bras and boyfriend blazers. For any given outfit, aim for about 40% visibly trendy and 60% investment or statement pieces. (Above.) When you are feeling unsure about purchasing a pricey trend, shop around and you can often get nearly the same thing for less. There is no need for DVF leopard leggings when Aqua makes a similar pair for $50. Invest in a cool, well made short biker bootie, but visit Top Shop shoes for the electric blue studded platform. Paired with quality investments, lower-priced trend items become posh. And that makes you smart.

Emma Dinzebach

Posted by Emma Dinzebach at 12:00 AM
Bargain Hunting , bargain news , STYLE/BEAUTY , TRENDS |