Fall Fashion

It's that time of year again. The mornings are getting crisp and the evenings are turning a little bit chilly. If you haven't already done so, now is the perfect time to start putting away your summer frocks and start pulling out your warm & cozy knits.

It's no surprise that most people love the fall.  The cool breezes, the colourful leaves and the woodsy scent that invites you to head outdoors.  I love all those things.  But what I am particularly looking forward to, are layers, leather and - I can't believe I am going to say this - the colour burgundy!

Here are my top 4 Fall fashion trends.  

Leather:  Although leather has always been a fall favourite, this season you will see even more styles, cuts and colours. Leather is so versatile that it can be worn with almost anything, from the most casual of outfits to evening dresses.
What to look for: unique pieces with leather insets.

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White: Cool, creamy and sophisticated, winter white is wonderful wardrobe addition this fall.
What to look for: knit sweaters.

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Burgundy: If this rich, sensual colour doesn't make you want to curl up with a good book (or fashion mag) and glass of wine in hand, I don't know what will!
What to look for: jeans or trousers.

Black & Blue: A sexy and sophisticated colour combo. Think blue pants with black blazers, dresses with abstract blue and black patterns, pairing a blue scarf with a black blouse. Worn together, these create a fresh and modern look. What to look for: mix your separates and shop your closet!

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How to wear the latest trends at any age

Every season, without fail, we are greeted with the arrival of the hottest new styles.  This Summer is no exception.  2012’s top trends - soft pastels, mix and match prints, flashy florals and sport inspired looks. But how can you achieve the balance of looking trendy and not trashy?  Here are some suggestions on how to look stylish and age appropriate in your 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and as well as your 70's.

30's: 
Now you can pick and choose from trends without looking as if you've tried too hard - if it looks good and feels good, wear it.  A pair of great-fitting jeans will take you from day to night, while cropped trousers (not to be confused with capris!) with ankle boots or heels are a fresher option than full-length trousers.  A statement bag or pair of bold neon heels will add a touch of trend.

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40's: 
It's time to develop a look that's sleek and streamlined.  It's best to keep your overall image simple but to add one or two key pieces. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color and texture - and then take the edge off by mixing bright rich pieces with neutral classics. Try pairing a pencil skirt with a bronze metallic cami.  The trick is to look sexy without looking like you are trying too hard.

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50's: 
The best way to look great is to embrace your natural beauty.  Give your waistline a helping hand with a fitted jacket, a wrap blouse tied at the waist or add a skinny belt to tie your look together.  Luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin and cashmere feel great and are forgiving. Keeping your overall look monochromatic, brings style and sophistication - then introduce a splash of one of your favourite colours or prints of the season.

60's: 
A balancing act is what you need now. If the top you choose is voluminous, wear it with a pair tailored trousers.  Conversely, if you choose a full floral skirt (flat over the hips to avoid adding bulk) or wide-leg trousers, it's best to keep your top half fitted. Statement jewelry is a perfect expression of your personal style!

70's: 
You want to look smart and sophisticated.  This means you’re your wardrobe should consist of classics with enough flair that accentuates your personal style. Timeless buys, such as long coat or trench, fitted jackets and fine-knit cashmere twinsets are your wardrobe staples. They'll never date and they always look expensive. A bold scarf tied at the neck or a striking shawl draped over your shoulders will give you a simple yet dramatic look. The key to looking stylish and timeless is making sure every piece you own, fits you well.

Being of a certain age by no means signifies the end of your fashionable days.  The key to dressing appropriately for your age is to figure out your own personal style and let that – not the trends – guide you.

spring trends

The arrival of the new season means the arrival of new trends. It's hard to escape since every store stocks  up on their interpretation of what was found on the runways.  Never fear, I am here to let you know how to navigate the latest trends.

 This post is meant to help out with trying to tie in what's in the stores to what you currently have in your wardrobe.  If you always struggle with trying to keep up with the trends you may be left with a wardrobe that is a mish-mash of styles, left with items that you don't love, and left with items that you have no idea how to wear, or what to wear them with.  The following are the most wearable trends of the season.

The bright bold colours that are everywhere right now -  as we transition from winter to spring - can be down right scary. Especially to those who find comfort in wearing black. Spring is the perfect time to wake up your wardrobe with eye-catching hues.  If you really want to break out and make a statement, then have fun mixing bold colours together.  If you want to be a bit more low-key, try introducing one or two bold items in the form of accessories (scarf, belt, purse, shoes, bangles). Easy enough, right?

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Sports inspired separates are also key players this season.  This is great news for us comfort queens, however, this doesn't mean that you should ditch your jeans for your oversized sweatpants.  The look is still tailored and fitted with touches of mesh, stripes and zippers. Drawstring pants (yay! comfort), anorak jackets and gym-bag sized totes are all winners this spring. If you don't want to be last at the finish line, try something as simple as wearing a striped sweater over a blouse, with shorts and stylish runners. For those who want to be first off the blocks (sorry had to do it!) try paring drawstring pants with a structured blazer.

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Pulling off prints can be tricky so remember first to keep the shape simple. When wearing prints scale is important - you don’t want to look insignificant or overpowered. Ground the print by choosing one colour from within the print as an accent. To make this trend your own, try incorporating it into one piece of clothing at a time. This will ensure your personal style remains the primary focus and not the bold print. If prints still freak you out a little, simply try a floral skirt with a plain tank or go for a blouse with a monochromatic print.

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Black and white is and always will be, a classic and sophisticated a colour combo, and most of us will have no problem finding items in our closet already. To keep it new add a fresh accent colour, like aqua or fuchsia. Experiment with fun prints, proportions or textures to keep your look interesting and unpredictable. Crisp black and white is a trend that is easy to incorporate into your daily life. Consider a two-toned dress, a black and white skirt or a simply a black & white striped scarf.

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Something to remember: colour is a powerful tool in the development of a strong sense of personal style. It gets you noticed, it refreshes, highlights, stimulates and re-vamps a tired wardrobe. This season, let your favourite shade(s) really stand out by combining it with neutrals. And when in doubt, start small with one colourful item – and build from there.