Fall 2010

As a member of the Fashion Group International (FGI), I always look forward to receiving the trend Overview.  The fall fashion mantra written by Marylou Luther states:

 If clothes are truly socio-economic indicators, the recession is really over and it's okay to look rich again.

I think by "looking rich" it means to pull out the fur - real or fake - and pile on the bling!  A lot of fur accents were seen on wool along with fur dresses, skirts, and pants.  Sparkle and bling were in the form of sequins, metallics and glitter.

Here are some of the other runaway trends seen in the Fall Fashion Shows that could be adopted into our everyday ensemble

• Shapely formfitting clothes in solid hues. 
• The return of the pantsuit.  The jacket is longer, fitted, oversized, wrapped, or peplum.  Single or double-breasted jackets are paired with wide, narrow or cropped pants. 
• As I mentioned in last week's blog - leather (real or vegan) is on trend.  Lightweight leather is a great transition piece for cool fall days.
• Velvet and lace are popular for evening apparel.
• Plaids and prints are paired together.
• A polished-yet-approachable elegance with hat and gloves, plaid or tweed suit.  
• Calf length skirts with gores or A-lines.
• Classic camel colors along with bright and bold colors.  Green, red, purple, and turquoise.  Blues and oranges are strong.  Black and white are always right.

Keep in mind that runway trends are extreme.  To update your wardrobe for Fall you can pull these trends in with color, fabric, texture shoes and handbags.  Just make sure you are dressing to honor who you are and what works best for your unique body shape.

Next week I'll tell you about the Fall trends for accessories, shoes, hair and makeup.

Have a fabulous week!

Joyfully,
                              
Chris

                                 

                                              

"Green is the new Red, White, & Blue

I hope all of you had a fun and festive 4th of July.  In retail, the 4th of July signifies that it is time to get summer apparel off the floor and make room for Fall!  My next several blogs will focus on Fall 2010 trends.  Fall fashions are as exciting as fireworks to me.  I ooh and aah over the fabrics, textures, colors and styles. This year there is even more to light up the sky - organic and vegan wear. 

Organic food has led the way to what is now a hot trend in fall fashion - Vegan Leather.  I am a proud consultant for Jana Kos Style Partners and I'm excited to announce her earth friendly vegan leather jackets.

Organic and vegan wear is on the rise yet finding it is stores is still few and far between.  Just as organic produce was considered an unneeded luxury a few years ago, the perception of vegan apparel is changing as well.  Giving customers the choice will only add to its popularity.

As you can see from the pictures, Jana's vegan leather jackets look exactly like the more expensive lamb leather which she still offers.  While organic and vegan food seems more expensive,  Jana's vegan leather is several hundred dollars less than her lamb leather.

Everyone talks about "going green" with household products but I don't think we give much thought when purchasing clothing.  I see a lot of waste when I work in closets.  I'm guilty of it myself. Closets are overstuffed with the pieces that don't fit, have never been worn, or hang there because Aunt Betty gave it as a gift.

Besides purchasing vegan wear, here are few other ways to support the environment:

    1. Pay more for your clothing but purchase fewer clothes.
    2. Swap parties (see past blog on swapping)
    3. Consignment shopping (but only if you know how to spot good quality).

To see Jana's entire collection go to www.janakos.com or contact me at www.vipstudioonline.com.

Here's to life, liberty, and pursuit of vegan leather!

Joyfully,

Chris