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!
Still, and Perhaps Forever Channeling Leather Jackets
14 years ago
Leather jackets have become a fashion sensation, and why not? They’re classic, versatile, and chic, and give the perfect amount of edge to every outfit. While leather jackets were once reserved for the motorcycle folk, they’re now worn by a plethora of people, for any occasion, during any season. What’s hot about leather jackets is that they effortlessly transform an outfit, and stand out, but not too much! There is a bounty of styles out there: the cropped black, the brown blazer, the studded fold-over, the leather and wool combo, and many more. These jackets have become a staple item in many closets.
As for sporting these modish pieces, there are many ways to do so. Firstly, there is the never-fail-pairing of the jacket with jeans. Try a white over-sized t-shirt (James Perse, Alexander Wang T-Line, American Apparel, etc.) a cropped black leather jacket and a pair of dark or light jeans. Secondly, if you’re opting for a dressier look, try a leather jacket over a floral loose-fitting dress, a neutral-colored slip, a party dress, or an asymmetrical dress. You also can’t go wrong with adding black tights, which always complement a leather jacket. Thirdly, sport the jacket with a skirt, maybe a ballerina or pencil. If you’re feeling more daring, show some legs and add a pair of heels to the pencil skirt, and pair the ballerina skirt with a pair of oxfords or combat boots. Truly, whether you’re dressed up or dressed down, the leather jacket will revolutionize any outfit.
Alexandre Herchcovitch’s Spring 2011 shown at NYFW
14 years ago
Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch presented his colorful Spring 2011 collection last Monday at Lincoln Center for New York Fashion Week. There was no samba, but pieces were shown in a whole spectrum of colors.The accessories and hair color was also a great look for the collection.
Silk dresses in peach, fuschia, green and aqua blue set the tone. The dress shapes were fresh and flattering. The puffy sleeves and short but boxy shapes gave the pieces a voluminous feeling.
Moving into separates, abstract prints and multi-colored patchwork patterns were apparent in every piece.
Even the black section of dresses couldn’t dampen the mood. Of course these pieces are my favorite since I like such simple, basic colorways in my life!
Images via: Dazed Digital.
Recycling Inspires Jeremy Scott’s Spring 2011 Collection
14 years ago
I think designer Jeremy Scott must have come across photos of my Halloween costume from 2009 while he was dreaming up his Spring 2011 collection. As you can see by the images below, I dressed as a hobo of sorts last year (you can tell right?). My outfit was constructed of plastic bags and paper (plus sandals and tights), and I drank my vodka straight-up in a pickle jar.
If this clever costume was not Scott’s inspiration behind his ‘basura’ themed Spring 2011 collection, I don’t know what was, because clearly my costume provoked serious inspiration. Haha.
I do think that the collection is very relevant to the global issues we face today, however, I don’t know that creating this ‘statement’ collection will help him further his credibility in the cut-throat, serious industry of fashion. The pieces themselves varied greatly on a scale of difficulty. He includes everything from your standard black trash bag to a mini dress made entirely of soda pop cans (this dress is hot). I have to say the styling was spot on and really made the presentation worth while for me.
How do you feel about the presentation?
What Business Casual Styles Flatter Broad Shoulders?
14 years ago
Style Bust recently received a shopping and clothing inquiry for a particular body type. The question is as follows:
I’m shopping for business casual shirts, I am wondering if you can give me some tips for tops. My shoulders are a bit wide (a bit wider than my waist), so a lot of business casual clothes look awkward. Any advice?
Well, us ladies have it pretty good when it comes to dressing for the work place (especially the business casual workplace). Business casual can mean many different things, so when shopping, it can get a bit confusing. Business casual covers everything from trousers and a blouse, a skirt with a cardigan and sometimes even denim with a sweater (this look is especially appropriate for causal Fridays). You should use co-workers and other professionals around your age to judge how business casual your environment is. The rule of thumb is to let professionalism and comfort guide you when dressing for business casual environments.
Here are some silhouettes that work well for downplaying broad shoulders. All of these tops, if outfitted appropriately (layering) will work perfectly for business casual environments. This selection is great because it shows you that you don’t have to sacrifice style in order to look professional and disguise certain body parts!
A few pointers and tips on what to wear if you have broad shoulders:
1. You don’t have to hide your shoulders, instead you want them to look proportional to the rest of your body. A halter top is a perfect way to create a proportioned look – especially if you’ve been hitting the gym and have toned arms! You’ll need to pair a halter with a nice blazer or cardigan to pull this look off in the office. Bonus, halters serve dual purpose: a halter top on its own is the perfect night out top.
2. Plunging necklines are another great option, they draw the eye downward, showing length rather than width. Longer necklaces and silk scarves also do the trick by creating length.
3. Asymmetrical or interesting (non-traditional) necklines will also draw attention away from the shoulders and to your neck. Stay away from boat necklines and off the shoulder tops, these necklines bring attention to your shoulders.
4. When buying blazers, cardigans and jackets…keep in mind that they should be waist-length or longer. Anything shorter will make you appear very boxy, which will make your shoulders look even bigger.
5. Try a dolman or kimono style top. The wide armholes will balance out your proportions. Stay away from tops with shoulder pads, lots of shoulder detail and puffy sleeves.
To find affordable business casual clothing, check out Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Gap and Anthropologie.
Falling for Spring 2011
14 years ago
It’s day four of New York Fashion Week and the trends for Spring 2011 seem to be getting better every day! We’re seeing twill trouser pants, long silk skirts, chiffon blouses, all in neutral tones. And for the expected pop of color, we’re seeing poppy-colored sheath dresses, printed thigh-grazing shorts, and color blocked halter dresses.
Cynthia Rowley, Peter Som, ADAM, Vena Cava (Spring 2011)
I’m loving the fact that a lot of my favorite Fall 2010 trends are back for Spring (just lightened up a bit)!
Dries Van Noten Fall 2010, Nicholas K Spring 2011
Military for Fall: try a wool pea-coat paired with cargo pants, a chunky sweater and combat boots.
Military for Spring: pair cargo pants with a neutral tank top, oversized cardigan and wedge boots.
Kimberly Ovitz Fall 2010, Nicole Miller Spring 2011
Maxi skirts for Fall: pair a long skirt with a thin sweater, cropped blazer and lace- up ankle boots.
Maxi skirts for Spring: wear your long skirt with a body-con tank, braided belt, add a light denim jacket and wedge sandals.
Prada Fall 2010, Jason Wu Spring 2011
Lady-Like Trend for Fall: pair a curve hugging dress with a wool cape, thigh-high stockings and heels.
Lady-Like Trend for Spring: try a curve hugging dress with an embellished cardigan, bare legs and an ankle boot.
Interview with Justyna Wilson of Moda Epidemic
14 years ago
I met Justyna back in May at a San Francisco Fashion and Merchants Alliance event, and we’ve stayed in close contact ever since. She’s been writing a great blog, called Moda Epidemic all by herself for several months now, and the work she’s put into it is quite impressive. I asked Justyna to take a couple of minutes out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for Style Bust, here goes.
Style Bust: How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as contemporary with a little bit of edge. I like comfortable, wearable clothes but I like them to look effortless. I wear a lot of dresses and tunics and I actually rarely wear jeans. I don’t find jeans to be comfortable and I refuse to wear stiff, thick jeans with no stretch. If I wear a simple, classic dress I like to spice it up with a leather jacket or tougher looking platform shoes or boots but comfort is always the key, I walk a lot.
Style Bust: I might need to follow your lead and stop wearing denim. Right now I wear denim almost daily, and it’s becoming a little blue-collar for me. If you know what I mean.
Style Bust: How did you decide to get started in fashion blogging?
I always loved fashion and I wanted to find a way to express myself and talk about it. At first I just wanted to do it for fun, almost just for myself as a hobby. I read a lot of blogs on different topics: fashion, marketing, technology, travel and I wanted to become a part of blogging community. I wanted to write about something that I was absolutely passionate about so I could stay true to myself. I also love technology, the power of social media, virtual communities. It fascinates me how companies shift their brand marketing efforts to the web and how bloggers play a huge role in that process. Sadly print is dying and I wanted to play a role in what’s happening online.
Style Bust: How do you come up with ideas for posts?
I try to find inspiration around me, from fashion magazines, from other bloggers and from fashions walking down the street. I also appreciate beautiful surroundings, the city, architecture, photography.
Style Bust: Aside from your own blog, what other fashion blogs do you recommend?
Style Bust is of course one of them. If you are looking for more personal style you should have a look at Nickie Noel’s blog, Karla’s Closet is a really popular one but it’s just so good! I love her style. Cocorosa, Eclectic a la Mode…I probably look at 50 different blogs everyday It’s so hard to pick. I also love reading PR Couture and Sense of Fashion for blogging, web, pr information. There’s always plenty to learn from those blogs.
Style Bust: Does the blogging community influence your personal style?
Yes, it definitely does. I like to stay unique and true to myself but I do get lots of ideas from other blogs. They’re very inspirational.
Style Bust: What’s the item in your closet you can’t live without?
That is a tough one but I think it’s leggings. I wear them all the time. They look great with almost anything, dresses, tunics, boots, flats. San Francisco is rather cool and we don’t really get hot summers here so I find it hard to wear a tunic with bare legs and I’m not a big fan of wearing tights in July or August so leggings are a perfect solution. Warm and trendy all the time.
Style Bust: What fashion tip are you giving your friends for Fall?
Definitely get some lace up boots. They are sexy and they are so hot right now. I even featured some on Moda Epidemic not too long ago. They are just a great, versatile addition to your wardrobe. Also, big chunky sweaters. I am in search for one for myself now. I want to replace my winter coat with a thick, cozy sweater.
Style Bust: What item do you wish more people were wearing?
Ladies, wear more dresses please!
Style Bust: What item do you wish people would stop wearing?
I want girls stop wearing pinstriped Banana Republic trouser pants to work. There are just so many other chic and professional looking options out there. Sometimes It feels like every working girl has the same outfit on. It’s just boring.
Style Bust: Agreed. And for the record, when I don’t feel inspired int the morning, or I’m running late to work, I am one of those boring Banana Republic wearing girls. It sucks, but it’s the reality I live with.
Style Bust: What is your favorite local boutique? Online Boutique?
I have to say 90% of my shopping is done online. I have very little time to actually go shopping unless I run to Zara on my lunch break. I shop a lot on ebay but also I always check out Nasty Gal, 80’s Purple, Urban Outfitters. Again, it’s hard to pick a favorite one but online shopping really works for me.
Style Bust: How can people get in touch with you?
On my blog, Moda Epidemic and @ModaEpidemic on twitter!
The Denim Shirt
14 years ago
Let’s be honest: when does denim ever lose its charm? From jean shorts to jean jackets to jean skirts to the classic pair of jeans, one cannot go wrong with denim. Denim has become a staple in every closet, and no matter what, it will forever hold its place in the fashion industry. In particular, it’s the denim shirt that has most recently hit the fashion scene, and it’s versatility is undeniable. It has the perfect touch of both masculinity and femininity, and while this staple is by no means progressive, there’s something fresh about the way it’s being worn. One can wear it in so many ways! Firstly, try it in its looser form as a jacket with either a thin cardigan underneath or a simple tank. Or sport it a tad tighter, wearing it as a shirt either tucked into some tailored pants or tied at the waist with a form-fitting black skirt. Or even, follow Fall’s fashion trend of denim on denim, wearing it with a pair of straight leg, boyfriend, or flared jeans. Whichever you prefer, the denim shirt is a must-have!
Diane Kruger
Ashley Olsen
Street Style
Kate Bosworth via Denim Blog
Whether you’re looking for a more economical denim shirt or you’re up for spending some money on a designer label, see the list below of where to find the perfect denim shirt.
1. Elizabeth and James Cohen Cotton Buttoned-Back Shirt: $225
2. J Crew Selvege Chambray Shirt: $98
3. Current/Elliot The Perfect Shirt: $295
4. Banana Republic Chambray Work Shirt: $69.50
5. Forever 21 Studded Chambray Shirt: $10.99
6. byCORPUS Chambray Button-Down: $58
Interview with Pamela Sukeforth of Fashionistette.com
14 years ago
I learned about Fashionistette months ago through the powers of Twitter (Twitter recommended I follow @fashionistettes, so I did, and lucky for me, Pamela followed @FashionBust back!). What is Fashionistette.com you ask? Well, the short answer is it’s one of the strongest online women’s boutiques based in the Bay Area. The site featured a range of sought after, yet difficult to find fashion labels.
I met Pamela Sukeforth (pictured to the left), founder of the eCommerce site a couple of weeks ago through Justyna of Moda Epidemic. Not knowing too much more than I’ve already told your about Fashionistette or Fashion in eCommerce, I set out with a list of questions to ask Pamela to learn more about what she’s up to. Here are Pamela’s answers!
Style Bust: What was the first item you purchased online?
I bought Zooey Tee from ShopLAStyle.com about 5 years ago.
Style Bust: What were you doing before you started Fashionistette?
My career has been in Corporate Retail Planning and Buying for big companies like Macy’s and Guess? Jeans. I have always wanted to start and run my on business and decided to go for it two years ago.
Style Bust: Can you describe the circumstances and your thinking that led to the decision of creating an eCommerce site?
I am new to eCommerce and really enjoy the creativity to building and maintaining an online business. I decided to go online because retail has been soft in SF and wanted to reach more customers.
Style Bust: Describe the work behind creating the site.
I wanted to build the website myself but didn’t know HTML so I had to learn and develop at the same time. The process has been rewarding and challenging.
Style Bust: Wow, that’s very impressive!
Style Bust: What separates Fashionisette from its competitors?
I offer current merchandise from contemporary fashion brands. Customers like the special discounts, pop-up sales and giveaways I do with partner blogs. They have said they like the merchandise, product photography on a model and my blog.
Style Bust: What type of brands do you sell?
I sell women’s contemporary brands like Black Halo, Twelfth Street, Nation Ltd and Genetic Denim (the images below give you a taste of what I sell).
Style Bust: I’m a huge fan of the white shorts by Black Halo. They look absolutely perfect!
Style Bust: How do you go about selecting and buying items for the site?
I go to LA Fashion Market quarterly and buy existing brands selecting the best pieces to ship each month. Also, I look at new brands to add to the assortment different price points.
Style Bust: Does your personal style play into your buying role a lot?
Yes Fashionistette is a reflection of my personal style, which is casual chic and easy to wear day to evening.
Style Bust: If you could pass along one piece of advice to someone considering creating an eCommerce site, what would it be?
SEO is very important for web traffic.
Style Bust: Final question. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
yes, I will be a vendor at the Sassy City Chicks shopping event at Fort Mason on September 16th, 2010. This will give shoppers a chance to see and try on merchandise up to 80% off retail. Flyer:
