New Styles in Fashion

Everyone loves being in ‘the know’ on all things fashion, right? Read Style Bust’s fashion posts to find out what we see happening in the fashion industry from multiple viewpoints. We have ten guest bloggers dedicated to bringing our readers that latest fashion news from different parts of the globe!

Ana Locking Spring 2012

See the new Ana Locking Spring 2012 collection, presented at Madrid Fashion Week.

 

Walk this way

There are some incredible shoes hitting the stores this season – in all sorts of colors, shapes and styles.  But with the newness of the shoe styles, it can be a little difficult trying to figure out what to wear with them.

Here are a few of my favorite shoes for Fall 2011 and how I would incorporate them into my wardrobe.

 

Matiko, Jeffrey Campbell, Madison Harding, Messeca, ASOS

Fall shoes

The embellished flats are a great match for a preppy look – they add a little edge to a basic ensemble.

Fall shoes

These shoes are an attention grabber.  Pair them with a girly dress and a motorcycle jacket for a tough and modern look.

Fall boots

This will be my “go to” outfit this Fall.  The rustic ankle boot looks perfect paired with a skinny boyfriend jean and an oversized sweater – talk about cozy!

Fall boots

A leather platform boot will pull any look together.  Especially when worn with rich Fall colors and rugged styles.

Fall shoes

Leather ankle platforms are very versatile – they are elegant enough to wear with a skirt but also look great with cropped trousers.

*Outfits created using Polyvore

Hittin’ the streets

If you’re like me and find it inspiring to check out Street Style blogs – NOW is the time to be inspired (or just kill a couple hours)!  Street style photographers are combing through the crowds at Fashion Weeks all over the world to bring us some amazing fashion.

Here are my favorite Street Style looks from NYFW and LFW.

*Photo credits: Stockholm Street Style, Altamira, The Sartorialist, and Vanessa Jackman

Women’s Jackets for Winter 2011

Women have a lot of options when it comes to outerwear for Winter 2011. Some decide to go with options like Volcom from DogFunk while others choose to go with styles like Steve Madden. There are many updates to basic styles including the blazer, military jacket, trench coat and double-breasted coat. These updated basics, and a handful of new(er) jacket styles are adorned with modern touches like: belts, bows, fur, lace, metals and other materials specific to the season. Coats of all lengths can be found on the runways and on the streets for Fall and Winter 2011. You’ll see that the majority of jackets are mid-length; however if you are a fan of cropped, or long jackets, this winter is the season to invest in one. I recommend going for a m-length jacket (one that falls mid-thigh). As far as color palette goes, you can find jackets in deep reds, oranges, dark greens, blues and every shade and tone of neutral colors.

For inspiration, I’ve put together some of the best styles available this winter. If you’re ready to make a purchase – check out the assortment of women’s winter coats from JD Williams online.

image of Swing Jackets for winter 2011

Swing Coats:

Swing coats (pictured above) can be recognized by the way it “tents” or “bells out” at the bottom. The style is very feminine and romantic.  Swing jackets come is a variety of lengths this season – note the longer the jacket, the more it swings away from the body as you move.

 

image of double breasted jackets

Double-Breasted Jackets:

Double-Breasted Jackets (pictured above) give wearers that desired “hourglass” figure. The classic cut of a coat expressively emphasizes clean lines collar double-breasted, that visually lengthens the neck and makes a woman attractive.

 

image of Oval shaped jackets winter 2011

Oval Shaped Jackets:

Oval Shaped jackets (pictured above), is exactly that, and oval-shaped silhouette that has the most “room” in the midsection. The oval shape jacket usually has large pockets, collars and 3/4 length sleeves. The original shape of an oval coat came to us from the ’60s and permanently entrenched in the hardcore fashionistas wardrobes. I love this style for the season. The jackets looks great with skinny pants and fitted skirts.

 


How To Dress For A First Date

Women usually spend hours preparing for that all important first date, but as time progresses it is inevitable that men will start putting the same amount of thought. Women can tell a lot by a man’s clothes and first impressions count for a lot. As winter draws near, you will not only have to think about your clothes but also about the practicality of your choices, especially if you are going to walk her home.

There are a few things that women notice about a man, first their shoes and second that they have put in a certain amount of effort into their appearance. The rumor is that women can tell a lot about a man’s shoes. A boring pair of work shoes will not cut it, a pair of flip-flops will tell her that you haven’t really bothered and the same thing can be said about a pair of smelly old tennis shoes. This winter boots are making a comeback and newer designers are making waves in the industry, so you have no excuses – it’s time to pay up for some boots! A pair of Rick Owens boots would definitely make the right impression. Owens is known for combining glamor and practicality. By wearing a pair of these boots you will tell your date that not only are you stylish but that you have thought about being practical.

image of rick-owens-boots winter 2012

The same can be said about your coat choice. Women generally look for a man they can rely on. A smart but impractical coat would imply that you are no good at the practical things in life. The best way to start planning your outfit is to have a look at mens designer coats as this is the first thing your date will see. A well cut and flattering coat is definitely the right choice. You never know you might have to lend her your coat at the end of the night, so you don’t want it to be scruffy or smelly.

image of dior-double-breasted-coat-winter 2011image of dries-van-noten-alphonse-blazer-winter 2011

Another thing that you have to keep in mind is that you should dress for the occasion. If you are going out for dinner then you need to look smart, but not too smart. If you interpret the situation correctly then your date will appreciate the effort you have put in. Remember don’t just let the clothes do the talking; you will have to impress too. The clothes can only get you so far.

Favorites for Spring 2012

New York Fashion Week has come and gone.  And ladies – Spring 2012 is looking good!  We can expect to see the usual airy fabrics in sorbet and melon colors, timeless pieces that include thoughtful details, a little bit of sex appeal and clothes that will absolutely be staple pieces in our closets.

My top picks from NYFW

 

ADAM Spring 2012

Yigal Azrouel Spring 2012

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2012

Theysken’s Theory Spring 2012

Vena Cava Spring 2012

Sachin + Babi Spring 2012

Rachel Zoe Spring 2012

3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2012

Derek Lam Spring 2012

 

*Photos courtesy of New York Magazine

ArtLife: Bringing Original Art-Inspired Apparel to the Masses

Driven by originality, creativity and the active lifestyle—ArtLife, an apparel company out of Los Angeles, officially launched last month. The contemporary lifestyle brand offers consumers artist-inspired wardrobe items including cotton tees, tank tops, raglans and sweatshirts showcasing designs of various mediums.

Founded by artist and designer Dominic LaBarbera, ArtLife encompasses the creative lifestyle with colorful and vintage style graphics. LaBarbera’s wide range of unique, modern artwork is brought to life through an inspiration from nature, individuality and the belief that art should be wearable.

image of ArtLife womens art graphic tees
image of ArtLife Mens black zip hoodie

Nature is Earth’s purest form of art and is the ultimate mantra for the ArtLife brand…Each piece is designed and produced for the appreciation of life through art while honoring the earth and embracing individualism. Growing up in Southern California has provided me with the greatest inspiration imaginable and each piece of the collection is a reflection of how art can be transformed from canvas to cotton, said Dominic LaBarbera, ArtLife Founder, designer and Los Angeles native.

image of ArtLife Mens graphic tees
image of ArtLife womens art graphic tshirts

ArtLife is a not just a clothing brand but a lifestyle defined by those who wear it. It embraces artists, musicians, and athletes alike – and turns each unique design into wearable art. ArtLife is available at select retailers in California, Texas, Canada and the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Button-Ups

Wondering what to invest in for Fall, or for any season?   Definitely consider a button-up, or two!  Whether it’s floral, flannel, sheer, or silk, a button-up is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe—tuck it in, tie it in a knot, wear it over a tank, or let it flow freely.  The beauty of the button-up is that it can be paired with a skirt for a dressier look, or it can be worn with jeans, shorts, or even leggings.

If you’re going out for a night on the town, choose a silk button-up and tuck it into a ballerina skirt or a hip-hugging maxi skirt, and add a pair of heels or wedges.  Or, if you’re keeping it casual and looking for a day outfit, tie a flannel button-up in knot, throw on some skinnies or boyfriend jeans, and add a pair of converse or flats.  The button-up is versatile and an easy option for any occasion.

 

Button-Up Ideas:

1. Elizabeth and James Paris Striped Silk-Satin Blouse: $245

2. Theory Melise silk-charmeuse Blouse: $250

3. GAP Contrast Piping Houndstooth Blouse: $59.95

4. ZARA Check Shirt: $49.90

5.  Urban Outfitters Ecote Seattle Shirt: $54

 

 

 

 

 

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