Spring/Summer 2012 Trends: Motion in the Ocean!

A huge trend for Spring/Summer 2012 is a futuristic water world. This look started in Paris for fashion week and trickled down to many designers and I am starting to see these looks even in stores. CLICK HERE to read the full article and see photos on my new blog.

Are you too OLD to model?

One of my viewers wrote in to ask if she’s too old to model. She’s over 40. I took some time to record a video to answer her question – WATCH THE VIDEO ON MY NEW BLOG HERE and let me know YOUR thoughts!

The Changing Landscape of Fashion

David Wolfe

So over the years I have really been studying the fashion industry as a whole and what styles will be predominant and stick around and what styles will fade out. I have had the pleasure of hearing David Wolfe, a fashion forecaster from New York, discuss where fashion is headed and I am here to tell you that we are really headed in a great direction. I really think that fashion is going to become very innovative and very AFFORDABLE.

I think these big name designers such as Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Monique Lhuillier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. will be coming out with lower priced lines of clothing or even a store that carries the same lines of clothing at cheaper prices—think outlet mall. We are already seeing a HUGE shift in fashion headed in this direction. Look at Michael Kors who has the MICHAEL by Michael Kors line which is cheaper. Look at Betseyville by Betsey Johnson. Look at Simply Vera by Vera Wang. Fashion is really going to shift in this direction and I think it is going to fit our lifestyles better and really make fashion fun again.

Our lives just aren’t like they used to be. Back in the good ‘ol days we used to go out to fine dining, when’s the last time you really did that? We used to fly and it used to be a real luxury experience, remember the Pan-am days? Our world has just changed so much that we are rushed at everything we do, worrying about how fast can we get from A to B and not really leaving much time for luxury and enjoyment. Back then, we needed luxurious fashion and expensive looks because we really had a different lifestyle - now that has shifted, so I think fashion has to do the same thing. And I think designers, as a whole, really see that need for the shift as well and they are answering that need. All in all fashion is going to take an amazing turn and I really look forward to seeing what comes, even within the next year. Keep a look out ladies!

Menswear – for Women?!

This is my favorite look for Fall and Spring!!!! I know many of you have seen the Menswear looks that are out there right now and you are thinking, “I could never wear that.” Well you can!!! Follow these guidelines and you will be sure to pull off this look!

• It’s all about the lines: When shopping to create this look, make sure you try on everything and pay close attention to the tailoring of the item.  The blazer should have a nice princess cut that accentuates your waist and has broad shoulders to give you the appearance of a slender sillohuette.
• Pants: When shopping for the bottoms to this look, you want to find a high waisted wide leg pant or a straight leg pant.
• Details, ladies: Pairing both the tailored jacket and pants with a stiff collared top will create a gorgeous look that is sure to bring looks. Add a simple necklace and flats or a heel and you will knock em dead ladies!

If you need any more help with this look, Diane Keaton is a fashion icon for the menswear look.

Over The Knee… Oh My!

Ladies, we all know and love the movie Pretty Woman. Like me, I am sure that many of you would love to have the body that Julia Roberts spent months molding for this movie. There is one part though that every woman wants to re-create. THOSE DANG BOOTS!!!

After the movie, those boots were sold out for almost 4 years straight because they received so much hype. Now I know you all are thinking that you are too mature to pull off this look, (after all she was a gentleman caller!) But you can! Maybe not in the exact same way but you can pull off an over the knee boot.

Today there are many styles of over the knee boots. We have flat ones, round-toe, embellished, heeled, and even platform! Pair your over the knee boots with a skinny jean, leggings, or jeggings and add a simple cami with a cardigan, or for a fierce look add a leather jacket!  The boots should stand as the focal point for the outfit so keep everything else simple!

WARNING: DO NOT wear over the knee boots with a skirt or dress…it gives off the wrong impression and can leave others thinking that you and Julia worked the same block (if you know what I mean).

Here are some great styles I found that I think you ladies will love. Remember, you want these boots to be a reflection of your style so find that special pair and WORK IT!

Resort Style for 40-plus

So I know many of you like me enjoy following fashion and the newest styles out there. Some of them are a little “out there” and daring for my taste, but some of them are very sleek and sexy.

The latest style and fashion season that we are in right now is called Resort Style. This is the transitional season between fall and spring that is often when we, as consumers, are shifting into our traveling stage of the year and need outfits to fit those activities.

Resort style is very free flowing, long linen lines. The resort style is very simple to create. With bright colors and linen pants you will easily pull this look off. Remember, think cruise and jet-setty.

The key to this look is finding bright colored tops and pairing them with white bottoms and a simple flat and VIOLA! Resort style chic!

The Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit – YAY!

Jean Paul Gaultier is a noted fashion designer who designs raunchy, sexy, rare pieces of clothing, but Jean Paul does not consider his work to be art. Jean Paul Gaultier often leads the revolving trend, debuting his corset-style dresses in 1983, designing Madonna’s Blond Ambition World Tour costumes in 1990, and since then designing hundreds of corset-inspired pieces, including evening gowns, crocodile and leather wear, and my favorite, a black stone skeleton piece worn by Dita Von Teese.  JeanPaul is giving Dallas, TX the chance to see his designs and hear about the inspiration behind them for the first time ever. Here is what I saw and felt throughout the exhibit:

There are 6 rooms when you enter the exhibit that displays 6 different themes: The Odyssey, The Boudoir, Skin Deep, Punk Cancan, Urban Jungle, and Metropolis.

The Odyssey Room

The Odyssey: This room was my one of my favorites because it featured a very religious, controversial side of JeanPaul that many have not seen. The designs feature Sirens, Sailors, and Virgins and each one of the designs are placed on a faceless mannequin with a screen projected face that talks to you about what they are wearing. This was the most amazing projection I have seen in a long time. The faces look so real it is almost frightening.  The pieces featured in this room have such a beautiful glow about them with many gold materials and mother of pearl shells. It is almost as if the Sistine Chapel was put into fashion form.

The Boudoir Room

The Boudoir: This room is setup like a 1940’s powder room. The walls are baby pink padded with gorgeous drapery all over. The room displays many of Madonna’s old corsets and even some of JeanPaul’s earlier corset designs. This room is what I consider to be the start of JeanPaul’s climb to fame and really where he drew inspiration from.

Skin Deep Room

Skin Deep: Before you can even leave The Boudoir Room your eyes are pulled toward these 3 avante gard pieces in the middle of the Skin Deep room that are adorned in gorgeous crystals and gemstones. The room is decorated in red neon lights and almost has a very “red light district” feel and an “after dark” approach on the designs. These pieces are the heart of JeanPaul. They were designed at a time in his life where he was pushing the limit when it came to fashion and you can see the visible difference in each room displaying that. These designs are very daring, with missing breast pieces and lots of whips and leather. By far my favorite room.

Punk Cancan Room

Punk Cancan: Punk Cancan is exactly what it is titled. The designs are very British Punk with a few Spanish influenced designs as well. The models have mohawks and speak in a British accent about their designs and tell you about some of their favorite features. This room is not my style but you can always find something amazing in every design.

The Gaultier Exhibit

Urban Jungle: Urban Jungle is the most inspirational room. This room to me shows a lot of JeanPaul’s creativity. He has designs made from rolls of photography film, scuba gear, and even a coiled hot pink cocktail dress to die for! These designs were absolutely his most innovative and creative.

The Corset

Metropolis: This room had designs that I could see women in New York wearing. The styles portrayed a city woman who is very fashion forward and loves to be the center of attention. The room featured thigh high ostrich feather boots and a lace shawl hat that was out of this world. Every style in this room had a European touch to it that I hope one day American Designers will start to draw inspiration from.

We are so lucky to have gotten the chance to see JeanPaul’s exhibits up close and personal like this! We are one of two places in the United States that gets to view these designs. If you are in the Dallas area and get the chance to go you will not regret it. The way the exhibit is set up you feel as if you are having a private interview with JeanPaul himself about these designs. Don’t miss it!

Handbags!!!!

The change in style of handbags over the years has been one crazy rollercoaster. I think 2011-2012 is the year that is the sleekest. The styles this year are all about the business woman. The strong lines and sturdy materials are very convertible from both day to night and can be the statement piece in your entire outfit.

When shopping for handbags, you want to think of this part of your wardrobe, if not anything else, as an investment. Buying a purse is not like buying a dress on sale, it will not hold up as long as you think it will. PURSES ARE MARKED DOWN IN PRICE FOR A REASON!! You want to shop quality when it comes to purses.

Look at the material and hardware and make sure that the quality is good, otherwise it will be broken in a few weeks and you will spend what you didn’t the first go around buying a second purse. I would look at finer stores like a Nordstrom or even a Stein Mart to find a brand name purse.

I know it sounds funny but, they make purses for a reason ladies. The materials used in name brand purses are often of higher quality and will last you through everything. Here are some styles that are very fabulous for 2012!

Cute Travel Couture

Ever go on a trip and wish you had something comfortable yet stylish to wear while traveling? Well I have your solution. Take a simple pair of leggings or jeans and wear a basic tank or tee and you have the foundation of a comfortable, travel-friendly outfit.

Now for the accent pieces. Add a cute scarf or simple necklace to make your simple outfit pop - I suggest using a bright color or bold print to standout. Also remember to wear a jacket because you never know how hot or cold the plane and destination you are traveling to will be. Traveling should be fun and stress free so the last thing you need to worry about is looking good. Have a great trip!

How to Wear an Animal Print at any Age!

Okay so many of my ladies are asking me if they can pull off the animal print look and the answer is YES! Any woman of any age can wear animal prints as long as it is done right! The key is to be tasteful and not over the top. Here are a few tips to help you create a fabulous animal look:

• Stick to ONE animal.

You do not want to mix different animal prints in one outfit or you will look like a “HOT MESS” – so pick one print ONLY!

• Stick to ONE body part.

I know it is hard because animal prints are so good looking BUT, the fact remains that we must be tasteful so pick one party of your body you would like to wear this print. Whether it is a printed top or a scarf or even a skirt, pick one and make it the statement in your outfit.

• DO NOT GO JERSEYLICIOUS ON US!

I know it’s tempting but please, please, please do not put on something too tight or too revealing. It is very easy to make animal print go from chic to eeek!

Follow these simple tips and you are sure to look stunning and vicious in animal print!!!!