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.

runwaytrendpep

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.

runwaytrendsplaid

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.

runwaytrendssuit

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.

runwaytrendsleather

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

runwaytrendsjumps

Images by: Vogue, Washington Post

Capes

So, I may be getting a tad ahead of myself considering it's still 106 degrees in Phoenix, but I'm already spying my next winter coat - or shall I say CAPE! Pea coat style is usually what catches my eye each winter, but I'm ready for something different. Capes have been around for ages. I'm not sure why all of the sudden I'm wanting one. Maybe I'm watching too many Marvel comic movies?

Capes: Free People, Unknown, Zara, Anthropologie, ASOS

Let's Go Fall Shopping!

The September issues have hit the stands, stores are about to start gradually opening boxes of their fall collections and Starbucks will soon bring the pumpkin spice lattes back ...Everyone say it together, "Yay! Fall is coming!!!" So, you may be wondering what you need to start saving your pennies for this year and whether that jacket you bought on winter clearance will still be in style. Have no fear! I'll save your wallet!!!

Let's go shopping, shall we?!

Forget walking...Fall 2010 boots are made for stomping the concrete catwalk (got that phrase from my friend here).

Now, I know what you are thinking, "Thigh high boots?! Are you kidding me? Where am I going to wear these? Can they even fit over my knee?!" Truth? I'm not even going to buy  boots that go that high. I do suggest, however, you get boots that drop just below the knee. They will last you for many fall/winter seasons to come. I have had my Nine West boots for two years now, and they are just as in style this year as they were in years past.

Cropped jackets.

Do you remember when I told you guys to snag those bomber/motorcycle jackets while they were on sale? Well, I hope you got them because you will be using it a lot! Cropped jackets, whether they are wool or leather, are going to be your go-to light weight coat. As seen above, they can be worn with skirts, pants and dresses easily. Dillards, Macy's and Nordstrom will be sure to have them in stock. Let me be clear though...This doesn't mean you should pull out your cropped denim jackets or cropped sweaters. This style should embody some masculinity and menswear.

Speaking of menswear...

Did you get your classic black blazer yet? If not, you're going to need it! When you wear a blazer, wear skinny pants or a short skirt with leggings and NOT wide leg pants. The goal isn't to look like a man. It's to incorporate menswear. However, if you do go the route of wearing wide leg trousers as your piece of menswear, complement it with a tucked in or tight feminine top (see examples above and below).

So, what if your style is pretty feminine and girlie? For one, you're probably thinking that you aren't going to like this season of fashion. haha. Don't worry! There's something for everyone. With the craze of Mad Men, the beauty industry has embraced the elegance of the 40's and 50's, and it sure is a nice contrast to the clean lines of menswear.

Lips a are shades of red with little makeup on the eyes. You'll see a lot of curls and waves as well. (FINALLY!)

And what is more feminine than pantie hose and tights? We gotta keep our gams warm with something if we are going to wear those boots and shift dresses, right?

I love the polka dot and heart tights. I really need to go grab a pair of those!

Lastly, the main attraction of winter - your coat. If you have been trying to avoid putting a chunk of change down on a stylish coat I don't think you can hold off much longer. Save those Columbia and North Face puff jackets for the slopes! You are going to want to turn heads with long belted or button up coats.

Okay, so those are the main clothing items you will need this fall. Whew! Raise your hand if you're excited (MEEEE!!!).

Now raise your hand if you're scared, confused and all of the above...Solution - take me shopping with you or have me shop for you. For $35 an hour, I will end up saving you money by helping you avoid fashion mistakes and pick out pieces that will take you into 2011. You can email me for more information, alexandra@avestyles.com.

Men's Outerwear Featuring TopMan

66V06WBLK_largeA friend of mine has been searching for a cropped trench coat for her husband, and the only place she could find one was TopMan.com - the male version of TopShop. I started browsing through their outerwear, and fell in love with some of their pea coats and military styled jackets. So, I thought I would share my finds, ranging from $70 to $120, with you. 64B09WCHR_large64B08WNAV_large64S14WBLK_large64F03XSTN_large66S23WGRY_large

Such a Stud

studdedskirtStudded clothing is a big trend for fall in addition to all things Victorian, which is pretty fun considering they are on opposite sides of the spectrum. I've seen studs on shoes and bags mostly, but now we're seeing them on dresses, coats and hats! Check it out.