Fashion By The Rules 9/22

For the premiere of Fashion By the Rules, I would like to invite you to my overview of the New York Spring Collections for 2010.

The New York  trends for the season, which I know seems very far away, are not set in stone so use them as a guideline to make your personal statement  for Spring 2010.

As Kay Thompson said —“Think Pink”….but think blush pink on its own or mixed with white or black or beige……then think prints…..bold prints and not those little ditsy florals …polka dots and or spectator looks of color with white………these are Spring staples and you cannot go wrong even if you stick to the basics.

Next up is the waist ……….it has made a come back for Fall 2009 and continues to Spring 2010.  Your choice is to cinch it or suggest it….belts have made their comeback  and so have shaped dresses or pant or skirt with blouse or tee but tucked into the bottom of choice. Dresses range from shirtwaists to shifts to serpentine seamed sheaths that define every curve….your choice !

Travelling south , we get to everyone’s favorite …shoes!!  My feeling is that while many designers showed platformed heels(sandal or pump), I personally feel that a less “heavy” looking shoes is more correct so that you are not weighed down ….I am a big fan of regular sandals(not the gladiator variety) whether they are flat, mid heel, or stiletto as they all have a look but try to keep the color of the shoe on the light side, even if its metallic……of course black is acceptable but always be aware that a heavy closed up pump or worse yet “booty” can kill a stellar outfit.

Always remember that these shows are geared towards press and present an overall mood of each collection…they are in no way meant to be carried out to the letter.  You should take the time to review several of the shows on style.com—-it’s always educational to see each designer’s unique vision.  My favorites are Chado by Ralph Rucci , Oscar de la Renta. Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs who is proof that the vision and the reality are 2 different things—–all photos courtesy of www.style.com

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

American Express and Diane von Furstenberg

Can you tell I dont watch much tv? I rarely see commercials thanks to my trusty Tivo but last night I had to rewind as I almost zoomed past this American Express commercial featuring the iconic designer Diane Von Furstenberg. This ad was just beautifully done and I was fascinated with how they depicted her creative process as a designer as well as her pride and satisfaction at the end of the day. I just love it! Enjoy.