THE BODY; suit

When thinking back to previous eras, I am reminded of the way women’s bodies were, and how they were depicted. There are hundreds of examples, but two that stick out to me are the late 1950′s movie, Gidget, with a petite blonde girl learning to surf in body-hugging one-piece swimsuits. And, the late 1970′s, Grease, with the new and improved Sandy at the end of the movie, in a skintight black outfit. These two women, of two different eras, are showing that shape and figure is everything, something I’ve found to be yet again popular in our era, with the reinvention of the bodysuit.

With the new campaign by Dov Charney’s American Apparel, it is apparent that skin and body was the focus with this new and improved one-piece.  Stretch Velvet Tank Thong, Polyester Spandex Tank Bodysuit, Nylon Spandex Mico-Mesh Bra Bodysuit, The Shiny Malibu One-Piece, Nylon Spandex Stretch Lace Diamond Grid Bodysuit; just to name a few.

Other designers following the one-piece trend, in a less revealing way, include Alexander Wang, Francesco Scognamiglio, Hussein Chalayan, and Stella McCartney. The one-piece can be done fashionably and in the right way, when you choose the right designer.

Gidget and Sandy wore their close-fitting pieces and it was fashionable for their eras, as for 2009, wear the one-piece solo (like American Apparel suggests from their ad campaigns), or layer it with jeans and a blazer for fall, or a pretty skirt for the springtime. The one-piece is a great invention and provides sleek lines for the body, so wear it right, and take advantage of this new and improved trend.

Shop these trends at AmericanApparel

JET SET; packing for a weekend getaway

When traveling, near or far, successful packing with fashionable options is a must.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE; decide if your clothes fit well, try on and piece together outfits, and bring items that are interchangeable. 

ON BOARD; for your bag on board, essentials include: an oversized bag, a digital camera, moisturizer, mints/gum, magazines/a book, perfume, hand sanitizer, a small bag of cosmetics to touch up, and an eye mask. And always bring your jewelry on board.

HOW TO PACK; the order of packing makes all the difference. Start with shoes on the bottom, then layer your jeans folded in half on top. Next, layer heavier items such as sweaters and dresses, and then add fragile tops, inside out, on top. 

Remember… try not to over pack, it will crush your clothes and create more creases than necessary. Also, always try and unpack your bag as soon as you reach your destination. Not only will this prevent wrinkling as well, but also it will give you a chance to see everything you have packed.

 

Pack wisely and dress impeccably for whatever occasion awaits you this weekend.

 

“I like women to dress for an occasion, she could be completely dressed like a boy during the day and at night she could become a fashion bitch. I like juxtaposition. The most stylish woman for me dresses for an occasion rather than looking lady-like all the time.” 

                  Hussein Chalayan

SAY WHAT; winter weather advisory

Transitioning from summer to fall is bad enough with switching out closets, but what’s up with this weather. All around the country, things are cooling down, and just one thing is rather perplexing… What happened to fall? A.K.A. What the heck am I supposed to wear now?

As for the current wardrobe of fall transition pieces, now would be a good time to pull out a more wintry selection. The weather is merciless; it’s always better to look fashionably dressed for the upcoming climate, than silly and rebellious by wearing the clothes you insist upon.

I applaud those who are smart enough to attend school or reside in the southern region, but as for us in the north and in between, it’s time we get ready for this winter weather blast – in the most fashionable way possible.

 

Things to wear, that you may not have been ready for just yet…

WOOLS AND CASHMERE. Lightweight or not, these fabrics will provide more warmth than your every day cottons.

BOOTS. Leather footwear may be huge this fall, but now is the time to give your other boots attention; the ones that offer more warmth and are more suitable for rough weather.

SUEDE. A great alternative to leather, especially in footwear, and will be even more warm.

COATS. Bye-bye blazers, and say hello to winter jackets with substance to them.

OUTERWEAR ACCESSORIES. Whether it’s scarves, gloves, or trendy hats, these accessories keep the cold air out, and add a little extra flair to outfits, so take advantage of it!

 

Winter has sneaked upon us, and now is the time to prepare in your best, fashionable wear. 

 

GOING GREEN; jade green

This season, Chanel has started a green movement.

The color jade has become present in all aspects of fashion; on the runway, in the stores, even on model’s nails. You’re not the only

 one to notice, it’s absolutely everywhere.

Of the most popular this season is Chanel’s Jade nail polish, 407 Jade Nail Colour. From the stylish Rachel Bilson, to funky Drew Barrymore, and it-girl Alexa Chung, everyone is wearing it. This look is only available online and in boutiques, so get it while you can girls.

However, nail polish is not all Chanel has to offer this fall. The fashion powerhouse has also incorporated jade into shoe accessories, deco-inspired jewelry, and bag clasps.

Chanel or not, this trend is sure to rub off on other designers, so don’t be the last to get it. Jade green is this falls most enviable shades and stones.

 

 

This season, go green the fashionable way, jade green.