New York Fashion Week Trend Report

Hey Glamazons!

So you stocked up on Red Bull, threw on your fur, strapped on your Louboutins and survived Fashion Week chaos alongside Ferocia and I. And we love you for it!

After the last show at Bryant Park ends (which was Tommy Hilfiger, fyi), the “Empire State of Mind” song fades and the models change into regular duds and go home, it’s time for editors to pick the trends of the season. Well, those who are unlucky enough to not be attending the London and Paris shows (I always laugh at the scene in “Devil Wears Prada” where Emily is dying to go to Paris Fashion Week. That’s so me!).

Here’s a preliminary roundup of the standout trends we saw at New York Fashion Week. Tell us what’s your favorite and what you’d never wear in a million years!

-FUR

PETA, don’t hate me. From colorful fur coats at Zac Posen to fur-trimmed jackets at Marc Jacobs, fur is the most luxurious way to stay warm next Fall. And the opulent material is no longer just for coats.

Fur-trimmed booties, purses and blouses were everywhere on the runway, like the fab fur-trimmed gloves at Brian Reyes. Designers like Marc Bouwer showed faux, PETA-friendly alternatives, which offer a guilt-free way to be lavish. Check out our faves:

Zac Posen

Michael Kors

Marc Jacobs

Stephen Burrows

Marc Bouwer

Boy by Band of Outsiders

Brian Reyes

-MILITARY DETAILING

When financial strife hits, fashion responds with clothes for work in strong, utilitarian silhouettes. The sharp shoulders of the 1940’s were an answer to the financial strife of the Great Depression and the need for women to work during World War II.

With recession-induced panic spreading at a fever pitch, and today’s war on terror, there is no better time for fashion to embody a brave, valiant spirit. Military looks accomplish just that. From Deola Sagoe, who presented at the Arise Magazine fashion show, to Vivienne Tam, power ruled the runway for Fall. Salute!

Deola Sangoe, Arise

Nanette Lepore

Vivienne Tam

-VELVET

Rich, opulent textures made their presence known on the Fall runways, but none was as important as velvet. The fabric was reborn in silhouettes that ranged from short and sexy (Alexander Wang) to long and luxurious (Nanette Lepore). A velvet blazer at L’Wren Scott offered a practical way to wear the look for day. Whether going to the office or hitting the red carpet, there are plenty of ways to rock Fall’s fabric du jour.

Alexander Wang

Marc Jacobs

Rachel Roy

L’Wren Scott

Nanette Lepore

-WIDELEG PANTS

Though cigarette pants, tights and even some leggings were a staple on the catwalk, everyone’s talking about the reemergence of the wideleg pant.

Fluid, oversized pants made a triumphant return to the runway paired with everything from suit jackets to knits. The new twist? Experimentations with color at Malandrino (orange) and 3.1 Phillip Lim (gold) that refuse to go unnoticed.

Rebecca Taylor

3.1 Phillip Lim

Charlotte Ronson

Malandrino

-PATCHWORK

DKNY promised to present patchwork in their Fall 2010 sketch, and boy, did they deliver! The patches from Grandma’s quilt got a modern and sophisticated update on chunky sweaters at Yigal Azrouel and short, fitted dresses at DKNY. Rodarte had a particularly artful spin on the trend with colors and prints all weaved into one stunning blouse. Grandmas, don’t try this at home.

DKNY

Rodarte

Yigal Azrouel

-CAMEL

While designers didn’t shy away from an occasional pop of color, most collections were rooted in understated tones, like gray and camel. The latter is a warm and rich staple that looks clean and sophisticated without feeling drab. Michael Kors showed almost an entire collection of camel looks (in line with his safari theme) while newcomer LaQuan Smith‘s collection presented the neutral color alongside oceanic tones of blue.

Zac Posen

3.1 Phillip Lim

Michael Kors

Boy by Band of Outsiders

LaQuan Smith

-LEGS!!

I don’t like pants, and apparently, many Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week designers share my sentiment. More than ever, several collections skipped pants altogether sending dresses, shorts and skirts down the catwalk.

Of course, I find this thrilling but it presents a dilemma: how does a sexy girl brave the cold with her legs out during the Fall? Designers like Alexander Wang and Elie Tahari have the perfect solution: legwarmers and thigh-high boots…for the fashionista who wants to stay warm while looking hot.

Alexander Wang

Elie Tahari

Vera Wang

L’Wren Scott

Rag & Bone

-GRAFFITI PRINTS

What once was a pastime for urban rebels has become a legitimate work of art. Heralded for its gritty yet artful flair, graffiti prints are being embraced by designers like Tory Burch and J Brand for Proenza Schouler. 

Coupled with trend-focused silhouettes, 90’s-esque graffiti looks make a chic yet creative statement that shoppers are sure to love. And city girls, like me, who loved graffiti all along will be happy to wear their support on their sleeves, literally. See our top looks below:

Tory Burch

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler

Diesel Black Gold

What do you think of our favorite Fall New York Fashion Week trends? What are your favorites? What are you tired of seeing? What would you never be caught dead in? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Fall Trends! I <3 The 80’s

Hey Glamazons!!!

September’s arrived replete with falling leaves, shorter days and colder weather. While I live for new fashion trends (hello sexy 80’s!), it’s a huge hassle to overhaul your entire wardrobe, especially when you’re trying to save every penny you can. Sigh. The good news? You can dust the mothballs off your cold-weather staples and buy a few double-duty trendy pieces to transition you fashionably into Fall.

And as always, I’ve done the work for you and found items you can buy at your local malls and favorite websites – you love me, don’t you? Keep clicking back for a series of Fall Trend posts with celebrity style, runway looks and lots of tips and tricks to make the trend work for you! After the last post, print this guide, hit the malls and watch your closet transform on a dime.

80’s Baby!

The 80’s are here to stay (and will be around this Spring too!). Before you are overcome with nightmares of pouffy skirts and wild hair (see SATC above), note that the new 80’s remix is sharp and decidedly sophisticated this season. The 80’s girl is still fun and look-at-me glamorous, but she’s all grown-up now.

Shoulder Pads

Fashion goes back to the future with shoulder pads from the 80’s. You have my approval to go digging through your Mom’s closets for a sexy, early Madonna-inspired blouse or Micheal Jackson military jacket to rock the look.

Does it get any better than Rihanna’s Balmain white lace blouse with shoulder pads?

Coats and jackets, like Kim Kardashian’s, take on a commanding, powerful feel with strong shoulders this season. The key to nailing the severe silhouette without looking broad? Make sure to balance it with a nipped-in waist.

Marc Jacobs shows how to embrace the 80’s strong shoulder silhouette. The narrow waist adds a much-needed dose of femininity to the strong shoulder look. Added bonus? The voluminous shoulders make your waist look even tinier.

Piece to Buy: A Michael Jackson-inspired military jacket with shoulder pads. Go for the jacket with embellishments—studs, embroidery, sequins—that really makes a statement. Compliment by pairing with basics like a white tank and black skinny’s; a black jumpsuit; even a neon pink dress from summer.

I wore the military jacket with shoulder pads with a black sweater dress to a Honey Magazine party last week to rave reviews and was told it was everything by the gay guys (when they co-sign, you know you look good!). Rihanna, Kanye West, Angela Simmons and Beyonce all seem to agree.

Affordable brands, like Bebe and Topshop, are selling fab jackets this season that borrow from celeb-favorite Balmain in look and style. An even better deal? Add shoulder pads to the blazer/jacket you already own. Just make sure the fabric is strong enough to withstand the extra padding.

80’s Haute Pink

Electric pink hues are this season’s bright idea. But in flashy florescent shades that work with every skin tone, they’re anything but pretty. Just like in my guide to summer brights, remember to pair this bold shade with neutrals like gray and black to tone down the explosion of color (unless you’re Heidi Klum and can rock a head-to-toe pink suit).

Marc Jacobs delivers again with a sexy hot pink look offset with black accents.

Dolce & Gabbana showed a ruched fitted hot pink dress with shoulder pads and a narrow waist.

Heidi Klum thinks pink in a sexy suit.

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon proves that pink is the new black.

Piece to buy: Neon blouses that mesh brilliantly with your toned-down neutral staples. They have more versatility than you think. You can wear a neon pink blouse under a gray suit at work just as easily as you can rock it with a black miniskirt and leather jacket for the club.

Acid Wash Jeans

Grab your favorite pair of acid wash jeans from 1987 because they’re back and more popular than ever this season! The update? Acid wash skinny leg jeans. The look can be cropped, distressed or ripped, but always fitted.

Balmain showed an 80’s redux with military jackets and sexy acid-wash jeans.

Rihanna and Beyonce rock light and dark versions of the acid wash trend. Their colored accessories pop perfectly against the faded wash.

Kim Kardashian rocks the trend in a sleek acid-wash jacket. Loves! If you really want to embrace the decade’s comeback, go for an acid wash denim vest, an 80’s wardrope staple.

Get the look from your fave websites and stores:

And I absolutely adore these plus-size acid-wash jeans from Torrid:

Stay tuned for more!

Kisses,

Coutura

Backstage Beauty Looks: Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

Who do I love more than any other man in the world? Marc Jacobs. Yes, I know he’s gay, but I’d marry him in a heart beat. But only for the clothes and accessories. (Is that bad?! hahaha) Ok, just kidding. I wouldn’t REALLY marry him, but we could totally be BFFs. (Does anyone have his number that they could forward along?) 

For the Spring 2010 season, the Marc Jacobs collection was inspired by the contemporary dancer, Martha Graham: old-fashioned and theatrical but graceful and precise. However, there was the presence of a gothic romance that also shone through. Ballerinas with a sense of mystery – as if part of them, along with some of their makeup, had been left behind stage.  Here’s what Francois Nars, founder and creative director of NARS Cosmetics (and key makeup artist backstage) had to say about the makeup look:

“Dancers in theater and opera always have white faces, pointed lips and an eye that is drawn outward, not upward – it’s very theatrical, very ballet. The shape of the eyeliner is important-it should open up the eyes, especially underneath. The slashes of white is something they used to do in the 70s – it brings a 3-dimensional feeling to the makeup.” 

Hmmm…what do we think of this look? Not that I’d want to run around the city with a white face (no pun intended), I did think the eyeliner was interesting. Maybe I’ll wear it this way to work tomorrow! Don’t you just LOVE experimenting with makeup?!

And now I’m off to a fun dinner date. Unfortunately it’s not with a hot guy or anything. Being a young, single fabulous working gal in this city is hard work, so there’s not much time left to date. I mean, where ARE the fly, single men out there?! Probably working as hard as I am hahahaha

Ah well, let me know what you think of this look! 

xo

Ferocia 

 

Puppet Couture: Marc Jacobs meets Miss Piggy; Harper’s Bazaar visits Sesame Street; Lady Gaga wears Kermit the Frog

Marc Jacob’s newest muse is famous, glamorous and pink from head-to-toe. Who is it, you ask? None other than my childhood idol, Miss Piggy! She had the good fortune of hanging out with the designer in his showroom and previewing his Spring 2010 collection. He even dressed her for Chicago’s Glamorama 2009: A Night of Fashion and Music Tickets. No, I’m not kidding.

Miss Piggy, Kermit and Elmo have each made news in the fashion circuit lately hanging out in designer showrooms, doing photo shoots for magazines and making celebrity appearances. Take a trip down memory lane with Harper’s Bazaar’s Sesame Street spread, Miss Piggy’s modeling stint and Lady Gaga’s Kermit outfit. And can someone please give Mickey and Minnie a makeover? It’s a hundred years overdue. Thanks!

Miss Piggy models Marc Jacobs’ designs and checks out the Spring 2010 collection.

In September’s Harper’s Bazaar, my fave model, Sessilee Lopez, and fashion royalty like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera visit Sesame Street to celebrate the show’s fortieth anniversary.

And Lady Gaga went on TV in Germany wearing a jacket made completely of Kermit the Frog dolls. I’m disturbed.

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Bazaar.com, Mupphet

How To Wear: Jumpsuits

…in Summer’s favorite style: crazy, short and colorful.

First order of business – forget the notion that everyone can’t wear a jumpsuit. There’s a suit for every shape and size. The appeal of the jumpsuit is that it drapes your body perfectly, so you just have to know your shape and find a suit to complement it. And before you go complaining about all your imperfections (every body is fabulous in the right outfit btw!), know that there are tips and tricks that can highlight your best and downplay the rest.

TIP ONE – IN A CINCH

In the words of my Fashion Editor, “it’s aaaaalllllll about…” the right proportions via the gathered waist. The gathered waist is the most important part of your jumpsuit – it’s what gives your body shape. The trick is quite simple: if you have short legs, look for a jumpsuit where the gathered waist sits higher (and don’t be afraid to add some killer heels!). If you have longer legs, choose a jumpsuit where the gathered waist falls lower.

Kelly Rowland, as adorable as she is, doesn’t get it quite right. The waist is too high making her legs look unproportional to her body.

Rihanna nails the look with a lower gathered waist that highlights her $1 million dollar insured legs and gives her a torso at the same time.

Forever 21 has the perfect suit with a drawstring waist for only $27.80 at forever21.com.

TIP TWO – FIGURE FLATTERY

Loosen up (but not too much)! Supertight jumpsuits don’t look good on ANYONE no matter how in shape you are! Tight fits lead to camel toe, wedgies, lumps and bumps and other unsightly public offenses. Even celebrities as famous for their body-slimming outfits as their singing talent (cough, Beyonce) know to loosen up in a jumpsuit.

But keep the loose fit to a minimum unless you’re a toddler in a onesie or a sanitation worker. (Also, be very scared of monster crotch). Thanks!

Beyonce and Kiely Williams achieve the perfect tailored fit.

If you have a smaller bust, go for embellishments (like ruffles) or a looser fit up top like Kiely; this will give the illusion of a fuller chest. If you’re curvy on the bottom like Beyonce, choose a silhouette that skims over your hips and butt but doesn’t cling. Ladies with hourglass silhouettes, throw on a belt or look for a cinched waist and you’ve got the look. The end result should look tailored, flattering and effortless.

This romper with ruffles by Rebecca Taylor is perfect for filling out the bustline. $300, netaporter.com.

TIP THREE – FRESH PRINTS

Be clear: long printed jumpsuits scare me (if you wouldn’t wear a leopard print full-length suit, don’t wear the long jumpsuit either). But a short romper has the same effect as a little summer dress and thus, looks amazing in a loud, colorful print. Choose a couple accessories that compliment the pattern without competing and you’re good to go.

Both Fergie and Solange’s jumpsuits are from an amazing up-and-coming clothing line, Boxing Kitten. Check out the website, boxingkitten.com, and their SICK jumpsuit designs below.

Marc by Marc Jacobs offers the hottest colorful zebra print jumpsuit for $228 at saks.com. Add subtle gold accessories and sandals and go!

Kisses,

Coutura

How To Wear: Brights

The Bright Stuff

Michelle Obama may look like a glowing angel in a yellow Michael Kors suit, but head-to-toe color makes most fashionistas look more like the yellow Power Ranger. For those not as daring as our beloved Mrs. Obama, a simple pop of color will still go a long way in lifting your mood and adding some much-needed pizazz to your outfit.

Here are the best tips for mastering summer brights (and for wearing your colorful pieces long into Fall).

Pop Star

If you love brights but want to avoid the ‘fashion clown’ look, regulate your brights to accessories. A pair of yellow pumps, a bold red necklace, electric blue tights or a neon pink bracelet are safe, chic ways to add a pop of color to your outfit. Better still, they inject your basics with a colorful flair that’s on trend for the sunny summer season. Solange nails the look, literally (check her adorable pink nails).

Beauty tip: Bright nails or a bold lip do the trick too and spice up your look (but ladies, read my Rock & Republic cherry red lips, do it in moderation!!).

When it comes to shoes, your options are endless: you can do a solid bright pump, a neutral bootie with bright details or a crazy, colorful bright sandal. Just keep the outfit subtle and complimentary.

Steve Madden pumps, $60, stevemadden.com.

Moschino Cheap & Chic booties, $165, shopbop.com.

Report Signature pumps, $95, shopbop.com.

*Beauty girls, Check the AMAZING Essie Neon Nail Collection below. Ferocia is applying Perky Purple to her toes as I type.

Essie Neon Collection in Punchy Pink, Flirty Fuchsia, Funky Limelight and Perky Purple, $9 each, essie.com.

Oh and here’s a beauty tip from the founder herself, Essie Weingarten: “Since neon nail colors produce a matte finish, make sure to apply a base and top coat like essie Protein Base Coat and Good to Go! top coat for a rich, high shine finish.”

Neutral Territory

When brightening up your fashion wardrobe, be sure to balance your colorful pieces with neutrals. What’s especially great about this tip is that you can energize your old basic black top and khaki wrap dress with a colorful skirt or tank—and make it look brand new!!! My good friend and I did this recently during a weekday outing at a Spanish food restaurant – my H&M bought neon top made the black pencil skirt I’ve had since freshmen year of HIGH SCHOOL (I kid you not) look right on trend. Even better? You can bring your summer-bought neon looks into fall by pairing them with a khaki trench or gray cardigan.

Marc Jacob’s Spring collection was an homage to brights — and the black basics that compliment them.

Thank God Rihanna matched her killer Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer with a black tank and jeans – more yellow than this and she’s giving me taxi.

My fashion stylist friend, Patrice, and I tone down our yellows with black basics – and she even throws in an animal print belt for fun – pure fabness.

Less is More

For the daring fashionistas who can work a bright outfit (hello Mrs. Obama!), please do the rest of the public a favor by complimenting your bright suit/dress/jumpsuit with subtle accessories. Bright accessories end up competing with your clothes and make you look like a walking box of crayons (see Angela Simmons below – who I LOVE but not in this outfit). Even my glamorous Brooklyn girls who pair a bright yellow dress with cobalt blue pumps—and look super duper fly btw—will tone it down by adding gold jewelry. By accessorizing her look with gold bangles and studs, Michelle lets her gorgeous yellow outfit shine on his own. Follow suit.

Blake gets it right in a pink Micheal Kors dress…Angela, not so much.

Follow these Glamazon tips and rock your brights in style!! And let me know how you’re wearing the bright trend this Summer!

Kisses,

Coutura

Would you wear…

…Marc Jacobs’ gravity-defying pumps?

By now we’ve all seen the inverted heels that were the talk of Fall Fashion Week.

They’re innovative, allegedly comfortable and Posh-approved, but would you wear these in public?

Even if Zappos.com was selling a version for $194.

I Like:

Lilia by Pour La Victoire

Ellen Pompei would.

As for me, I admit they’re surreal, creative and one-of-a-kind (<— that could be my label whore tendencies talking) but my ankle hurts just looking at them. 

I’d imagine stepping off the sidewalk onto a NYC street becomes a death-defying feat in these shoes. And landing on my butt in a pool of murky water or a pile of litter, to the amusement of cab drivers and the delight of thirsty men (Hey shorty, if I help you up, can I get your number?), is not the way I want to spend my morning commute.

Amusing, perhaps, but ultimately they’re just impractical and strange. Thoughts?

Kisses,

Coutura

P.S. Even Berardi is jumping on the heelless trend with these 5 1/2 inch precarious platforms. 

He told London’s Daily Mail, “When you walk, it’s almost on tiptoe. You look really dainty.” Yes, dainty is exactly the word I’d use to describe me flying headfirst down a flight of stairs. 

Apparently, the world loves them…or atleast England. They have to be ordered up to five weeks in advance at Browns stores in London. Huh? Discuss.

Fashion Scoop: Obamarama!!

It’s everywhere you turn. On bumper stickers, scrawled across trucker hats, in commercials during a television show, staring from the cover of your favorite magazine. All with one resounding message: Obama fever is sweeping our nation. 

Not since JFK has a political figure been so revered and loved by (most of) the American public. And fashion, ever a source of expression, is showing symptoms as well.

The ubiquitous Obama tee can be seen on everyone from trendy hipsters in France to the glamourous Halle and Beyonce strolling the streets of NY…

Other expressions are a bit more…unfortunate…

I’m mad you have a suit on with that foolishness. Somebody get his mother on the phone…

And whose Uncle came up with the Obama dance?

Wow. That’s a burning hot mess if I ever saw one. I mean, I’m glad you all care about politics…and maybe, just maybe, the negrodian nonsense will inspire someone to vote. But you have to wonder, especially in light of the Paris Hilton comparisons, is it hurting or helping his campaign?

Several designers, from Tracy Reese to Jay-Z, believe their products are the kind that help. The fashion industry’s biggest names have lent their talents to designing Obama/Biden’s official paraphernalia. And the proceeds from the designs, which range from t-shirts to tote bags, will go toward putting Obama in the White House.

A couple of my favorites:

Juicy Couture

Russell Simmons

Vera Wang

Tracy Reese

Pharell

Jay-Z

House of Dereon

Zac Posen

Charles Nolan

Rachel Roy

DVF

Marc Jacobs

Yeah, I pretty much love them all. And now for the prices…s/s tees, $60, l/s tees, $70, sweater, $70, bags, $75, scarf, $95. Expensive I know but change is priceless. All available at http://www.runwaytochange.com.

So in the words of my friend Melle, “if you’ve been kinda meaning to donate,” all summer, here’s your chance! And you can get an amazing Marc Jacobs bag too.

Kisses,

Coutura

P.S. They don’t allow paraphernalia at the voting booths so remember to leave your Obama tee at home on election day.

Badgley Mischka, Andre Leon Talley and Pink Peeptoes?

All hail the Voguettes…but what were those pink peeptoe flats about? Were they velvet? And wasn’t it raining?

Anyway, today I was blessed to see the Badgley Mischka show and though getting an invite should have been enough, I HAD to have a seat too. I plopped down in the first open chair I saw with my head up (customary fashion week demeanor) but it quickly went down when a pr guy with a walkie talkie told me “these seats are for our sponsors only” in front of the whole standing section…humiliation 101. Luckily, I found a reason to flee when I spotted Jason Biggs (American Pie) being attacked by the Paps.

The Paps

All in your personal space, Jason Biggs!

And then my editor reached her charitable quota for the year by calling and giving me her seat literally five seconds before the show started (Thanks, boo!). And when the lights came on, every garment that hit the runway, from the bikinis to the gowns, was absolutely spellbinding. 

I am secretly in love with fellow glamazons, Mark Badgley and James Mischka…and this year, to the dismay of many of their loyal fans, they shied away from razzle dazzle and gave the sophisticated lady plenty of wearable pieces—from fresh floral prints to tailored coats.

Sidenote: is that a little thickness I see? I was happy a model who eats regularly made it to the runway…my editor, however, was floored.

But their gowns still brought the drama (note to Erin: this is ruffles done right).

Ferosh.

And for kicks, here’s Marc Jacobs in a skirt…somebody tell me why…

Photos: NYMag.com.