TT: CROP TOPS

We are going to throw it way back today with crop tops! If you can believe it, crop tops were actually first worn many many years ago by Middle Eastern Belly Dancers as a form of decorative beaded bralets. They didn't become popular in North America until the mid 80's when Madonna wore a black mesh crop top in her music video for 'Lucky Star'. Because she was the first popular artist to wear the crop top, from then on, the craze spread very fast and it wasn't long after that everyone followed. 

The trend has died and risen many times and it is rising once again for this Spring/Summer. The crop top has always been a love/hate piece for fashionistas but with that being said, it is a very versatile piece that can be worn tight or baggy with high wasted shorts, skirts, pants, etc. During New York Fashion week we saw crop tops all over the runway from designers including Lela Rose, Tracy Reese, Phillip Lim & Zimmerman. 

What crop top style will you be sporting this spring/summer? 

xx Kasey 

FORECAST FRIDAY: 5 SPRING TRENDS TO WEAR NOW

With the weather warming up and fashion week behind us, our imaginations are waiting our first SPRING ensemble. What will be your signature spring look? There are a few trends that you can wear now! InStyle magazine shows you the trends you need to know and how to wear them. So finish up that Spring Trend board near your closet and get to putting your Spring wardrobe together now. Who says you have to wait til the snow melts to look hot?

Photo courtesy of Imaxtree

1. IRIDESCENCE.
Add some sheen to your daily attire. Whether its a top or a skirt, the future of fashion is bright. Not that bold? Then play with iridescence in your accessories.

(L to R: Lanvin, Marc by Marc Jacobs, 3.1 Philip Lim)












2. SUITS. 
We've always been enamored by men's suiting and no woman wears a suit better than Sharon Stone. Get suited in a floral pattern or print for a sexy play on feminine-masculine fashion.

Suit blazer & slacks available at riverisland.com.

Photo courtesy of Imaxtree

3. LUXE SWEATSHIRTS. 
Sweatshirts are making a major splash on the spring runways. Paired with prairie skirts and shorts, it's not just for your yoga pants anymore. The baggy looks isn't fresh, but a more sophisticated silhouette offers a flattering approach to what we are accustomed too.

(L to R: Antonio Berardi, Peter Som, and Christopher Kane)

Photo courtesy of Imaxtree

4. BLACK & WHITE. 
That is how life usually is right? And it was a hit song for Michael Jackson, so it should come as no surprise that this trend is still popular. Forget 50 Shades of Grey, compliment your Spring attire with a perfect contrast.

Photo by Imaxtree

5. WHITE HOT.
White is not just a color we wear before Labor Day, in the winter it's referred to as "Winter White" and this spring it's all about the WHITE blouse. Clean, crisp and chic, dress this top up or down and you will be pretty pristine.

TT: FLANNELS

Flannel's became popular in the 90's due to Nirvana and the Seattle grunge scene. With the flannel being so versatile they were worn in every which way; around the waist, unbuttoned over t-shirts or tucked into belted jeans or shorts. Isn't it amazing the way fashion works? The way trends come and go every year. Well, I couldn't be more thrilled to see this one come back around. As it makes its way back, designers are obsessed with faux-flannel plaid print and it was proven on the runway this year on everything from shirts to jackets to skirts, etc.  As you can see with designers such as Tadashi Shoji and Costello Tagliapietra. 

Here are a few other examples of celebs showing us how they wear their flannels in this day & age...

Now go in your closet and whip out those old flannels because no matter how you style them, they rock!

xx Kasey 

TT: DENIM ON DENIM!

Who remembers the famous picture of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wearing all denim? I know I do! Who could forget that amazing moment of ALL denim! If not, here it is. :)

This trend has made its comeback once again! Even though denim is an endless trend it does not lose its importance and because of its changeability it is a definite must have for every girls wardrobe. Every year fashion designers give it a little twist by mixing different denim washes, adding studs, sequins, chains, patches, etc. Below is the Guess campaign photo showing different ways of wearing denim on denim. 

We saw this on the runway including designers such as House of Holland, Jonathan Simkhai and Diesel, Black Gold. So everyone, lets get adventurous! Don't be afraid to pair denim with denim! 

xx Kasey

Shoeday Tuesday: SHOE NIRVANA

Photo by KindredSole.com

It certainly smells like Teen Spirit when you watch the AW runway shows. Transport back in time when Seattle's rock scene was in full force and we couldn't get enough of plaid.

AW'14 embrace complete SHOE NIRVANA with the same inspired rocker combat-like boots we all indulged in in the 90's. I remember wearing my plaid pleated skirt, with my knee high socks and combat boots and my best friend rocking her short shorts with her favorite pair of Dock Martens.

Fast forward to 2014 and the color palette becomes muted in the shoe-world and our obsession with 90's nostalgia rages on. From dresses to jeans, these punk/rock kicks will have you zoned out to a simpler time. And although we miss Kurt Cobain's voice, it still echoes the sentiments of his legacy with the return of misfit dressing.

Mens-day Wednesday: 3 Spring Must Haves

Being on trend this season fellas, it's easy as 1,2,3. Follow our simple rules, update your closet, and watch the ladies, swoon.

3. GO RED. Yes, it is National Heart Awareness Month and Valentine's Day, but this Spring, the color that graced the catwalks for men was RED! Just the right splash of color, whether it's in your V-neck or your sneakers will give you the instant boost of sexy. Keep the rest of your ensemble basic to be a trendsetter.

(GQ.com says "If you're going on a vacation—say, to Miami—that's the perfect opportunity to experiment with a new color. It helps you get more comfortable with the idea. Red is the color you should be trying out this season. Don't go red head-to-toe. Let it be an accent. Start out with a red windbreaker or polo. Later you can graduate to a red sweater or even a pair of red jeans. You might be thinking it's not a color for you, but, really, it looks great on everybody."

2. 50 SHADES OF GREY JEANS. Step out of your comfort zone and try grey denim. Pair with a graphic tee and a denim or leather jacket. Instead of black accessories, turn up the volume on your ensemble with brown accents. This look is fresh and just the right amount of hip.

1. SUIT & TIE. They say "Go Big or Go Home" right? Well this style tip defines the rules your grandfather grew up with. Learn to stack your patterns. Find a common color and add texture with printed fabrics that vary in shades of that specific color. Don't hate the player, hate the suit because this suit game is right on point. From Justin Timberlake to Usher, these Hollywood A Listers have been combining these stripes, patterns and prints for years, now it's your turn. Need some help? Check out Art Lewin's BeSpoke Suit Company in Beverly Hills. (Photo via Art's personal FaceBook page, we think his style is superb!)

FORECAST FRIDAY: FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE COLORS

As the temperatures drop slightly and the leaves change color, we are quickly reminded that summer is coming to an end. But with the end of summer comes beautiful autumn colors. Here's a quick guide to making sure your closet is keeping up with Mrs. Wintour's favorite palette for fall.

This by far is one of the brightest Fall/Winter color streams we've seen in a while. Pink Flambe', Tangerine Tango, and Bright Chartreuse transition effortlessy from Summer, while Honey Gold, French Roast, and Titanium give us an earthly rich depth that rounds out a very complete array of colors.

Embracing a chocolate brown over black this season will be crucial to tie in these colors with ease and charm. Make a bold statement in Olympian Blue and maybe even Ryan Lochte will take notice!

Looking for a softer approach to a pretty extreme, opt for Rose Smoke or Rhapsody with a Titanium pencil skirt or slacks.

It's going to be a very colorful fall and I can't wait to dive right in!


xx T

THROWBACK THURSDAY: THE HALTER DRESS

Here is a great throwback we did in 2006 for Calabasas Magazine, featuring Parminder Nagra wearing a gold halter neck. We all know that 2006 seems like decades ago, but the same trends that happen 6 years ago still get the same recognition today, for example halter necks. Halter necks are still around today because they look flattering on any figure. They put a sexy twist on showing off your shoulders, and back. So don't throw out that halter neck in your closet because they are here to stay!

xoxo,
A

MAKEOVER MONDAY: LIP SERVICE

Lip Service

Summer may be slowly coming to an end, but these lip colors are still hot!  Feeling daring, then why not go for a bright and bold red lipstick.  One of my favorites right now is Nars Sheer Poppy Red lipstick!  If you’re looking for more of a subtle lip color, try out Costa Chic by M.A.C.  It’s the perfect shade of Coral for a trendy day-look!  Do you want more of a natural lip?  Dior’s Addict Utlra Gloss is perfect!  A touch of shine and shimmer will take your natural look to a whole new level!

Happy Makeover Monday!

 

Xoxo,

Stephanie

SWIM TRENDS 2013: SNEAK PEEK

Here’s a sneak-peek to this summer’s Mercedes-Benz Miami Fashion Week Swim 2013, runway looks by brands across the globe. For Spring/Summer 2013, designers will be introducing swimwear and apparel trends including Detail: Fringe and Tassels; Prints: Animal inspired and Aztec; and Silhouettes: High-waisted and Sexy One-Pieces. For more information on the shows taking place at The Raleigh Hotel July 19 – 23 or in need of images/press materials on a specific designer, please let me know.

L*SPACE put “Fringe” on the map – designer Monica Wise started incorporating fringe about 6 years ago and returns year after year due to the high demand of this specific style. This year, they’ve created an updated version of their fringe bikini that features knots and will offer new colors for the summer season.