NYFW TREND SPOTTING

Fashion month is a time to be inspired. Whether you're directly immersed in the industry, or a passionate consumer, it's hard to deny the impact of others' creativity on sparking your own. While we still have three weeks left to bask in the glow that is runway, I'd like to take a moment to recap the highlights of New York Fashion Week.

There's some trends that simply aren't going away any time soon. Bold trousers is one of them.   

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

Rosie Assoulin and Maryam Nassir Zadeh both go to show that wide legged trousers are no thing of the past. The silhouette is as timeless and versatile as ever, being seamlessly paired with a graphic tee or airy blouse. This trend can easily be seen outlasting the next upcoming seasons.

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

While chokers have made a resurgence for a little while now, See by Chloé forecasted a classier upgrade on the traditional, edgy necklace. Rather than the typical black, tattoo-like chokers that the original 90s throwback was made of, the look is being replaced with a more delicate scarf look to create a more elevated twist on what could be interpreted as a juvenile trend.

The See by Chloé collection also emphasized the recurrence of long lines, and flowy silhouettes to be contrasted by a barebones décolletage. Fashion loves soft ruffles and skin. If you haven't jumped full force onto the strappy tank bandwagon, go for a bell sleeve.

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

Many of the Spring 2017 Ready to Wear collections dabbled in atypical textiles for the season. Coach 1941 and Maryam Nassir Zadeh, among other designers, featured leather contrasted by sheer chiffon or silk. The heaviness up top is balanced by the lightness on bottom, continuing the theme of airy silhouettes. The idea of showing off your undergarments is a bit foreign to many, but when fashion speaks, we may as well give it a try, right?

RUNWAY TO REALITY

This post is sponsored by Visionworks

If there is one dream I have always had it is to attend NYFW. I have had two chances so far, and they both happened when I was a week away from having a baby. A good reason to miss out, but bittersweet nonetheless. One day it will happen, and in the meantime, being the fashion lover that I am, I'll be translating the runway looks of my favorite shows to everyday life. This past week models strutted the catwalk wearing the latest designs of iconic fashion labels such as Zac Posen, Lacoste and DVF. I've partnered with Visionworks to showcase eyewear designs from these designers and translate these styles to the concrete catwalk of Arizona.

DVF's latest show was full of rich colors and interesting layers. You can always count on Diane to show women as sexy and strong every time. I love these teal glasses with a femme cat-eye. They frame my oval shaped face very well, and the color is complementary to my olive skin. After seeing the pictures from her show, I gravitated toward the rust color, and the masculine trousers. I also enjoyed the new ideas of putting skirts over pants and dresses over skirts. So, I put a lace slip dress over my slacks and a rust colored sweater vest on top.

Lacoste is the perfect example of high fashion sportswear. There is always a classic and timeless quality to what they make such as these brown frames, but you can always expect a sporty twist. In their show they showcased a lot of hoodies mixed with full feminine skirts. There was also a lot of dusty blues and purple pieces to see. I created my version of their runway look pairing this dusty blue hoodie and purple skirt. It's a bit out there and yet really cool.

Zac Posen's runway shows are always inspiring to me. He really celebrates the frame of a woman, and even his fabric choices speak volumes of femininity. Everything he puts on the runway makes a statement that you can't miss just like these red glasses. I feel so artistic and memorable when I wear these frames. I loved that he styled the models with curls and bit of frizz for the runway. That's my hair everyday. I also love that he had the models wear one color or pattern head to toe. He showed a lot of jackets and a lot of red. I was so surprised to see that for spring, but I love it.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; all clothing was found at thrift stores; glasses were provided by Visionworks.

NYFW STREET STYLE

When designers send a model down the runway or clothing stores dress a manikin everything is so carefully concocted and perfected. While it's usually beautiful to look at, there's not much personality in it. When it comes to street style however, you get to see how the latest fashions are actually worn. Different designers are mixed & matched to create a unique look. The styling isn't there to market a product to the masses, but instead to express individual style and push the limits. As I've mentioned before, I love street style for that exact reason. I admire the creative styling, which Im highlighting below and showing you how to easily recreate! 

How cool is this powerful pinstriped look? I love how she belted the blazer to accentuate her waist and added a red neckerchief which pairs nicely with the pinstripes. The quirky chic Louis Vuitton trunk clutch is just the cherry on top. 

By now I'm sure we all know the 70's are in. Suede, fringe, bell bottom flares, platforms, and circle sunnies can be found in just about every designer collection and fast fashion store. What really gets me is how well all of these trends were combined in this look without being too overpowering or costume-y. The white on white is simple enough to go with not just one, but two fringed outerwear selections. 

This look appears quite classic on top, with a soft pink coat, graphic sweater, and white neckerchief. However, it's quite trendy on bottom with a pair of white cropped flare jeans and lace up military booties. 

All street style images from Refinery 29.

THE TRENDS OF NYFW F/W '16

Not to get ahead of ourselves (as it's merely warming up to spring temps), but after the New York Fashion Week shows this past week it's apparent that we have a LOT to look forward to for Fall/Winter 2016. NYFW is typically the most casual in it's Ready To Wear fashion, so it's usually the best indication of what we will actually be seeing on the shelves and the streets this August. While there were many standout shows, I noticed quite a few overwhelming trends that intrigued me... 

CLEAN SLATE

Minimalism is still going strong. Designers are encouraging whites for winter and giving us a nice selection of garments with clean lines from strapless flowing dresses to robe-style fur coats. As a stylist, when I see simple pieces like these I think of them as a perfect clean slate. My mind starts running wild with ways to accessorize them with funky jewelry or a bright shoe.

Brock Collection, Brandon Maxwell, Dion Lee

FLAPPER FRINGE

Bohemian fringe has a new counterpart, it's cooler older sister: 20's inspired flapper fringe. We're getting major Gatsby vibes from these looks and can't complain one bit. 

Rachel Zoe, Zimmerman, Jason Wu

PINK AND YELLOW

Being one of Pantone's colors of the year, it's no surprise that rose quartz is gracing the runways left and right. However, select designers are taking a unique approach by styling their pinks with shades of yellow varying from bright neons to subdued mustard-y hues. This traditionally spring/summer color combo works surprisingly well with F/W fashions. Who knew? 

Creatures of Comfort, Marissa Webb, Delpozo

PATTERN PLAY

Here to contrast the stark minimalism we're seeing in fashion, pattern play is full of whimsy and color. So why not throw a leopard print coat on top of your floral silk pajamas? J. Crew did it...

J Crew, Clover Canyon, Coach

ON THE GRID

Plaid is pretty much a no-brainer when it comes to fall and winter fashion. Although this season we'll also be seeing a lot of clean, gridded patterns. The grids are a little less hectic and look more modern than your traditional lumberjack plaid. 

Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Kaelen

All images from Vogue.com. To see more trends I am loving right now be sure to follow my "Trends I Love" Pinterest board. 

Fashion week trends

NYFW brought us a lot of new styles to think about, some more approachable than others (read: gray cable knit mules/slingbacks at Alexander Wang). Here are 5 trends coming up for fall 2013: 1. Peplums: Ok, so this is not a new trend, but it definitely has staying power. It popped up on the runways at shows like Kate Spade, Jason Wu, and Lela Rose.

2. Plaid: Another trend that's been sticking for quite some time. Alice + Olivia, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Tommy Hilfiger all incorporated the plaid patterns in their shows.

3. Structured Pants & Jackets: The fall runway brought a lot of structure, in both suits and separates. A structured jacket was prominent in the Rag & Bone show.

4: Leather: Leather was, surprisingly, seen in a lot of pants silhouettes. Slouchy leather "sweats" were seen at 3.1 Philip Lim, Charlotte Ronson and Christian Siriano.

5. Jumpsuits: The 70's silhouette hasn't died yet! My favorite jumpsuits came down the runway at Suno and Band of Outsiders

Images by: Vogue, Washington Post