Trend Report: Urban Cowgirl

Giddy up girls, this week The Cut Reports that, “Wendy Nichol is three seasons into her eponymous line and can already count Scarlett Johansson and models Kim Noorda and Elizabeth Jagger among her many fans.

Not too shabby, considering she is completely self-taught. Following a four-year stint as a buyer and designer at Club Monaco, Nichol left to pursue her own label, which debuted in fall ’08. Her first collection was a mix of tough leather cuffs, feminine pearl necklaces, and delicate rings, all accented with her now-trademark studs. Nichol’s youngest daughter, Sofia, served as the look-book model, glammed up with red lips and perfecting a pose worthy of a Jurgen Teller–shot Little Marc ad. Nichol shopped the pieces around and landed at Brooklyn’s Bird.

Fast forward a year later and the likes of Bergdorf and Barneys Co-op are stocking the ever-expanding line, which now also includes bags. Citing cowboys and Native Americans as her main inspiration, Nichol’s fall collection consists of fringed clutches and horsehair-accented jewelry named after chiefs and princess, outlaws, and notable cowboys and cowgirls. The addition of chains and spikes toughen up Western-inspired pieces, giving it a slick urban vibe. Prices begin at $100 for small studded earrings and top out at $700 for a large fringed saddle bag, with all items sourced and constructed locally. Check out some of our favorite looks from her line.”

These remind me of a classier version of a Cowboys/Indians party I went to freshman year at college. Emphasis on classier.

Well Ms. Nichols’ fabulous pieces may set you back a penny or two, I found some great mock-offs that are recession and fashion friendly.

How about this leather and stone  necklace from – Tar- zjay?

Yes mam, that is just a little more than a frozen yogurt and a Coke Zero.

And this bag is extremely versatile from Urban Outfiters:

It appears the Urban Cowgirl is  just so cute that even the surfers and Yankees will participate.

So – What are your favorite designer pieces? Mock-offs?

This trend might just stay as long as the deer and antelope play.

XOXO

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