FASHION BY THE RULES: “Cheaters”…Sunglasses

According to Wikipedia …Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened. In the early 20th century they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters being an American slang term for glasses).

Today, the question that begs to be asked is “What do your sunglasses say about you?” The available variety of “shades” is endless when you think there are stores(Solstice, Sunglass Hut) devoted to them, web sites(by brand) devoted to them and a never ending amount of manufacturers who license new designer names almost on a daily basis. Most sunglass folks own several pairs, while there are even those who have a wardrobe of “shades” to “go with” every mood and fashion statement. Next time you are out on the streets, have a look around at everyone and see what you can find out about these people.

The photographs demonstrate that every pair of sunglasses has something to say about their owner, whether you are a racer, a celebrity, the nerdy type, a classicist, a skier, a fashionista, or just plain trying to keep the sun out of your eyes. Also, what can be gleaned is that the style does not necessarily dictate the price since today they are sunglasses from under $10.00 to ones that are several hundreds of dollars, can you tell which is which?

Don’t forget to look for me on Facebook or at the Examiner. http://www.examiner.com/aging-style-in-new-york/jeffrey-felner and feel free to subscribe, it’s free.

Trend Report: Waspy Waists

Hallelujah! It’s official, the battle between the defined versus the undefined waist is over! Accentuating your waist and creating curves is a classy (and sexy) fashion trend this fall, and in my opinion is always in style.

Earlier this month The Cut revealed the hottest upcoming trends and defining your waist made the list as as one of the top 9 trends of the season, “The waist is in for fall. Belts will come large, thin, and corseted — a little something for everyone. Balenciaga’s waist is sashed, feminine, defined, and girlie. Lanvin showed a skinny belt that was a nice color contrast with the dresses. Ann Demeulemeester’s corseted version has a twinge of S&M: slightly naughty and dangerous. If you needed any confirmation, Michelle Obama’s already wearing buckled belts frequently.”

Here is a gorgeous and sleek interpretation of how to clinch your waist by Oscar de La Renta.

One fashionista loves the idea of this Fall trend and describes it as, “So Mad-Men-meets-June-Cleaver but with a modern sensibility.” I couldn’t have said it better. “Belts that emphasized the waist, volume that’s been controlled via pleats, darts or tucks and skinny pants are all part of a bigger trend: the sleek silhouette.”

Let me also point out a trend: Michelle Obama as a new fashion icon. Her style caught our eye during the campaign and now she is bringing classic looks back into the White House and into our closets. You can’t ignore her power and grace in her array of J. Crew threads; we can’t keep our eyes off of her! The truth is, a sleek silhouette and a belted, clinched feminine waist is far from a new discovery. Michelle Obama is bringing back a 50′s sense of style that we haven’t seen executed so well since Jackie Kennedy.

And I can’t be happier! I hope this is the end of the bag-like dresses that hang shapeless from our bodies that don’t even look that appealing hanging from the walls of our favorite stores.

And I cannot talk about the skill of clinching your waist without mentioning one of my favorite fashion icons: Grace Kelly who effortlessly always looks fabulous and divine. Some of my favorite wardrobe selections comes from the movie Rear Window, a classic Hitchcock thriller where Kelly paired with James Stewart as well as some gorgeous dresses.

Here is just one amazing dress she wore in the flick:

I personally was inspired by Mrs. Obama and Ms. Kelly two weeks ago while shopping for a daytime wedding,  always a difficult task (especially with the ever-changing weather in Texas). I ignored my urges to select a dress from the popular colors this spring and instead chose a classic, yet unexpected piece doing some last minute shopping. My eyes fell on a sateen stretch color block dress by DKNY and I had to try it on. It was strapless– a risk for sure– but grabbed my size and carried my new find determined to the dressing room.  Amazingly, it fit perfectly. When does that happen? The store attendant said it was sassy, and it was.

Simple and classy. White on top with a black accent around the waist that hit at the perfect place. The bottom was slimming and the best part is that it has pockets, how fun.

Well, maybe the best part was that it was actually on sale, further justifying my purchase that I had already been running through all the different examples of how I could re-use this classic dress. Which meant I could buy a fabulous pair of  Marc Fisher “Samelia” pumps: black leather ice snake to be exact. I realize I am sounding a bit like the character from Confessions of a Shopaholic, but with my savings from the dress it’s as if the shoes were free!

Mr. Fisher describes them as, “ A glam pump that’s perfect for making an entrance.” And did I ever. I little flare on my feet to pair with my DKNY waist clinching love. If I felt any better I would have been the bride.

XOXO

Trend Report: Neon

 

What’s hot this Summer and Fall 2009? Neon and it was evident as it  showed up brightening the runways at New York Fashion Week. And while European lines on the other hand featured less of these bright shades, they certainly enbraced the neon trend in last month’s issue of VOGUE. 

“This season’s explosive new shades pack a powerful punch. Tangerine, citrine and dynamic neons make for a tangy combination, as bold colour- block dresses light up the night.”

See one of their neon dresses below, combining two of the latest trends, bright, bold color and geometric patterns.

 

 If you have read anything in the past couple months in industry publications you can see all the fashion influential designers such as Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, Diane Von Furstenberg experiment with these styles and color.

Neon bright hues of orange, yellow, pink and blue are everywhere for summer, for those that enjoy the spotlight and all the attention that comes with it. Ranging from bags, jewelry and clothes, this shiny hue will be the highlight of our closets whether we chose to indulge in a little or a lot of this fashion heat wave. 

According to my very credible and unidentified sources;  “Bold colors will continue to dominate fashion trends. Bright oranges and blues were present on most catwalks. Whether worn as part of the outfit or as an accessory, these statement colors will undoubtedly help fashionable women and men express their style and personality.”

Yes, don’t let your boyfriends or gay husbands escape this trend, embrace it! I especially loved the neon pink scarf seen at fashion week wrapped around a very handsome Hilfiger model. Hot neon scarfs are a guarenteed way to stay warm on cool fall nights. And oversized geometric jackets and shalls were seen draped around the female models stretching neon into (count it) three seasons for fashionistas with vibrant, vivd florescent color.

 

 

 The LA Times recently reported on the neon craze, “A trend that started on the street, it’s now filtered up to the runway with Michael Kors’ sporty, traffic-cone-orange sweater and fox fur coat, Narciso Rodriguez’s acid-yellow bandage dress and Marc Jacobs’ electric-blue scuba-inspired poncho. A pop of color is all you need to liven up the neutrals in your wardrobe. No cash for flash? Hit the drugstore and pick up some neon lipstick or nail polish instead. Viva the 1980s.”

While I am not so sure about the neon lipstick, I do know that a splash of neon color can instantly update and refresh your wardrobe. This is also an ideal way for ladies used to blacks and neutrals to try out hints of color through accessories or a new skirt with a white/neutral top.   

One fashion writer consurs and gives caution, “Neon is on the rise. But don’t get too excited, you don’t want end up like nineties roadkill. Instead, what you’re aiming for is a subtle flash of neon, a wonderful spring glow. Chances are you’ve already thrown out brightly colored scarves, blouses maybe even your neon Pez dispensers. You only need a small amount of color to make a statement. Bright colors can be mixed and matched too for a bolder look.”

Wow Pex dispensers, I don’t think they will make a big come back this year but now you all have been educated on the neon trend, not just for Spring 2009 but Summer and Fall as well.

I’ll leave you with this last comment on how this bright trend can instant dull your fashion sense.

If you aren’t all over neon, start by mixing and matching becasue even the most confident diva can have a hard time puilling off a complete neon outfit. Be smart, use age appropriate colors and ladies, it feels “wrong” in front of the mirror, chances are you might be right.  

XOXO

Next Page »