Blog #4. Shock Like an Electric Eel.

As many of us have seen, the runways are starting to finally show some COLOR again, indicating that the designers are finally ready to help break the country out of this economic funk; they are finally tired of reflecting the poor economic times in their collections.  I couldn't agree more.  Who wants to put on a dull gray or taupe dress when they could put on a brightly colored dress to lift their spirits?

According to Donegar Creative Services and Fashion Snoops, fashion forecasting services, bright blue is going to be a major color for the upcoming seasons (Spring '11 and Fall '11/'12).

Even though I enjoy color, I'm not sure how ready I am to give up my neutrals in favor of a wardrobe that looks like a Crayola Crayon Box.  I plan on introducing some of the more wild colors in my make-up.  My favorite feature to enhance is my eyes, so I will buy electric blue liner.

Don't know how to correctly apply eye-liner? Just watch this tutorial video courtesy of Expert Village, a YouTube based company that provides an answer to almost anything.



How will you wear your color?

Blog #3. Oh, you fancy, huh?

The streets of New York City are the best place to capture street style because anything goes! If you want to wear sequin bike shorts, a black bodycon skirt, a gray tunic, and black van sneakers, you can! (I spotted a girl at FIT wearing this exact outfit today; unfortunately I couldn't whip my camera out fast enough). One of my favorite aspects of Street Style in New York City is that you only need to travel a few blocks to be able to see drastically different style; the Lower West Side is very different from the proper ladies on the Upper East Side.

There are a few prominent Street Style bloggers operating today, the most famous being Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist out of New York. He photographs random, fashionable people all over the world. He is one of the pioneers of fashion blogs.

I spotted this girl chatting with a group of friends outside The Fashion Institute of Technology on September 20, 2010.

Cardigan, Unknown Swedish brand.
Dress, H&M.
Tights, H&M.
Metallic oxfords, Urban Outfitters. (my favorite part!)
Bag, Vintage.

Note how comfortable she looks for a day of classes. I photographed her because this is exactly the way I would wear the same pieces. Dresses are my uniform year-round, and her great patterned tights made this light dress Fall-appropriate.

Even though it has become more commonplace in New York to be photographed for great street style, it is always flattering. This girl was very happy to have her picture taken.

Blog #2. Let's Hear It for the Boys.

According to The Doneger Group, the fashion forecasting site, menswear-inspired clothing will continue to be a trend for women in Fall 2011.

The trend is not exactly new, as it was started back in the 1920s with the flapper (or garconne) look.

Note: The short hair and straight (boy-ish) silhouette.

A few seasons ago (Spring 2010 to be exact) Ralph Lauren sent fifty models down the runway in menswear inspired clothes. You can view the full collection here.

If I had to pick one menswear-inspired item that is my MUST HAVE for Fall 2011, I would have to pick a tweed blazer, preferably one with patches on the elbows.  I'll even settle for a vest version, but it must have that essential male-body shape.  I don't want anything too fitted or feminine.  This is a great extension of the already-established "boyfriend" trend.

Blog #1. Show Me Your Spots.

Leopard accessories have become a classic in the wardrobes of women across the world.  Originally worn by African kings to indicate status, the print found its way into the closets of American women around the middle of the 1960s after Jackie Kennedy wore a leopard fur coat out on the town.

(pictures via mattersofstyleblog.com and dailydivadish.com, respectively. 1964.)

Modern women, like Rumi Neely of the fashion blog, fashiontoast, updated Jackie Kennedy's coat with her own version from Topshop.

Due to the downturn in the economy, women are spending less on clothing and more on accessories to update their wardrobes.

Animal print is always present in fall collections, but I have been noticing it more than usual this fall.  I have seen it everywhere from expensive to inexpensive accessory lines.  And I'm not the only one; one of my favorite bloggers, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere noticed it too! She did a three part segment on her blog, and she featured leopard print accessories in the second part of the segment.

Higher end accessories:

(Coach leopard accessories, Fall 2010)

(Betsey Johnson duffel bag seen in an FIT dorm room)

Street Style:

(92nd and Lexington, New York)

(leopard print kitten heels from Steve Madden via DSW)

(leopard print kitten heels from Steve Madden via DSW)

Even I have a leopard print bag!

(leopard print bag from Urban Outfitters)

 My favorite take on the trend has to be either the Topshop coat as seen on Rumi Neely or the Topshop bag featured on the Cupcakes and Cashmere blog.  I loved everything about the bag except its size; I need a bigger bag than that as a student in Manhattan!  (Hence the Urban Outfitters purchase).
How are you going to wear leopard print accessories this season?