Features: In Style

How to Be a Frugal Fashion Diva

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:56:30 -0500

Just because times are difficult, it doesn’t mean you can’t look great. There are many tricks women can use to look their best while spending less or nothing at all. The first step is to go shopping in your own closet. There are plenty of pants, skirts and blouses that can be mixed and matched to create entirely new ensembles. “Always first take a look at what you own,” says Andrea Ward, author of Strut in Signature Style: Reinvent Your Wardrobe. “Find your strongest pieces that can create a strong foundation [items like a blazer, skirt, a classic black dress, white crisp shirt]. Refine your closet by putting the best pieces in front to work with and then take another look.” Quality is Key Once you’ve taken inventory of all your wardrobe has to offer then hit the stores. While a high-end department store may not seem like the logical place to stop, it should be the first place you look. First and foremost, you want items that will last so quality is key. Secondly, remember that retailers are hurting just as bad (if not more then consumers), so many are offering great deals. “Department stores are really fighting for your business right now. Take advantage of their discounts and then pay the bill in full when it arrives,” says former Hollywood stylist Linda Arroz. If you can’t find what you want at Saks or Macy’s, try Target and Kohl’s. Both chains offer a variety of limited-edition designer clothing, than try the overstock stores like Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx. Outlet stores are fine too, but often the deals aren’t as good as you may think. When you do buy, don’t buy anything too trendy. You don’t want to first on a trend or, worse, last. “You don’t know if a style is going stick when it first comes out. You can go for the Grecian look they promise will be so big, only to watch it fizzle,” says Sally Herigstad, author of Help! I Can’t Pay My Bills: Surviving a Financial Crisis.  Feel free to build upon last year’s fashions with accessories are a few new items. “Just buy a few key pieces to update your look,” says Fatima Mehdikarimi, owner of ShoppingQueen.com. “Fashion is not all or nothing.”

Fall Will Ruffle a Few Feathers

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:35:29 -0500

Seinfeld’s famous puffy pirate shirt may not look so funny this fall season as ruffles will be a big part of women’s fashion. Ruffled blouses with bows and all the frills will come into vogue as the hot weather goes out of the Northeast. “Girly ruffles, lots of flowers and beautiful bow blouses feel so fresh,” said Nancy Nadler LeWinter, editorial director of OneStopPlus.com. “Even ribbons or long scarves through the loops of pants over skirts and tied into a bow will update every look.” Scarves are everywhere, says Jackie Wile of StyleFeeder’s Tastemaker Diaries. Women who have added scarves to their summer repertoire will see them continue into the fall. “They’ll stick around long enough for the cold weather to take hold.” The riding boots and tights trend of last year will get one more season before fizzling out, she added. This fall’s color palette will continue to revolve around the gray and chocolate browns that took hold last year, but will be updated to include jewel tones like royal blue and purple. “It will make everyone feel imperial,” said LeWinter. “The brights are usually the look of spring, but this fall has the strongest blues, purples and greens.”

90s Grunge Makes a Comeback

For a completely different look, some women will embrace grunge. Now that fashion has cycled through 80s styles, fashion forward consumers are giving plaid a chance. “Nineties grunge is key to fall ’08,” said Bobette Scott, principal of DesginSource. “It has left its mark on everything from deconstructed hems on pretty girl suits to accessories to the requisite knit cap and unbuckled motorcycle boots.” Crocheted snood hats will be hip, agreed Silvana Porceddu of Effie’s Heart. Its knit hats have appeared in the Tyra Banks show. “They work because they are light weight and soft,” she said. The colors include berry, ink and fawn. Bker chic (leather pants, jackets and vests in black) is also a look for the more adventurous that Scott recommends “sexing up” with what else, but a “sheer ruffle top.” Strappy heels instead of chunky boots “provide just the right mix of hard and soft.” That should ruffle a few feathers.

Say It With Jewelry

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:26:12 -0500

A simple, inspirational quote or a bold phrase can now be found inscribed on your favorite piece of jewelry, making a statement that is uniquely yours.

For a subtle yet sophisticated look, Laurel Denise’s line of in- spirational and fairytale phrases and quotations are each hand- made, so no two are exactly alike.

Laurel Denise Designs (www.laureldenise.com) came to Denise in a dream. “One night, I had a dream that I was creating glass jewelry with my small handwrit- ing and illustrations.”

Denise gets her in- spiration for her highly coveted Simply Stated Collection from anything that makes her feel a small bit of peace or hap- piness in this hectic life.It might be the shape of the pendant or the phrase featured within, but you can bet that whatever is enclosed means some- thing personal to the de- signer and the wearer.

These necklaces are small pieces of delicate art that Denise creates using translucent glass, small drills, thin paper, and her creativity.

Go Bold

For a bolder conversation piece, try one, or mul- tiple, Jessica Kagan Cushman bangles (www.jessica- cushman.com). As seen on celebrities such as Paris Hil- ton, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren and Brooke Shields, JKC’s resin bangles fea- ture unique sayings from hit movies, children’s po- etry, bumper stickers and pop culture references. Some of the sayings in- clude: “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”; “Does this bracelet make me look fat?” ; and “Truly fabulous peo- ple never get dressed before lunchtime.”

Cushman practices scrimshaw—the art of intri- cately engraving on bone—on fossilized mammoth ivory, which was first practiced by whale fisherman to illustrate the scene at sea on pieces of whale bone. Each piece of fossilized mammoth ivory can be over 10,000 years old.

Fashionable alone or stacking a few, JKC bracelets and Denise jewelry are a fun conversation pieces and can be worn on any occasion

Green Fashion in the Bag

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Grocery bags as a fashion trend?

Not so long ago this would have seemed like a joke. However, consumers are embracing earth-friendly totes as a must-have accessory. Recognizing the massive amount of waste plastic grocery bags create, many consumers are opting to green by bringing tote bags with them to the market. In fact, more than half (54%) of Americans believe that plastic, non-compostable shopping bags should be banned, according to Deloitte’s Retail “Green” Survey. Retailers like Trader Joe’s and Ikea have even spurred consumers to make the switch. Trader Joe’s offers prizes for non-plastic users while Ikea charges a nickel a bag to deter people from using plastic.

Getting Into the Act

Fashion designers have taken note. Anya Hindmarch was one of the first to usher in the trend by creating her “I’m not a plastic bag” canvas tote. Top designers and retailers like Marc Jacobs and Barney’s New York followed suit. They offer a varied selection, both in price and style, of chic reusable totes. Even Amazon.com has gotten in the act by offering some more wallet-friendly. And, Whole Foods, Ikea and many others offer 99-cent reusable bags in-store. “The fashion industry understands the value and importance of conservation,” said Allison Berlin, a fashion expert with Stylemadesimple.net. “Designers have come out with a lot of eco-friendly and organic cotton collections to reduce their carbon footprint.” Even smaller retailers have locked into the trend. The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills is offering “green” bags and is in the process of redesigning its offering to include pockets for cell phones and other items. “Everyone is becoming more aware of the environment and the damage we have done,” said the store’s owner, Anya Wabnig.

No Fashion Sacrifice Needed

For some, what the bag is made of is equally as important as what it looks like. That’s why manufacturers like Kristin Jordan have begun mass producing tote bags made from recycled materials. Jordan noticed the trend catching fire last year and launched Daisybags.com. Here she sells hand woven bags mage from plastic bags. “The Daisy Bag customer cares about the negative environmental impact of plastic bags but also refuses to sacrifice fashion for its sake.”

“Regardless of age or status, it’s clear that being environmentally friendly is on everyone’s mind,” said Berlin.

Go For The Gold

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Even with its’ recent price surge, gold is making a fashion comeback this summer. "Yellow gold is making a great return. It sends a warm message and looks great with a tan,” says Brooke Harri, fashion director of NYC’s Fashionistas blog.

Gold also looks great with any skin tone and perfectly complements your white summer dress. Go for large gold pieces that feature modern shapes and sculptured looks. Gold is so eye-catching and rich on its own that you don't need gemstones to make a statement when wearing it.

This doesn’t mean tacky overkill, however. Sure, you’ll be piling on the goods, but other than a wide cuff here or a sizable statement ring there, most of the newer designs are of the delicate variety. Yellow gold earrings are especially flattering, adding a warm glow to the face, and the trendiest shape — lean and linear — adds great sway and flirty movement.

Barneys New York jewelry buyer, Christina Morris, says it makes sense that designer jewelry would be less affected by price increases in gold. "People are buying the design," Morris says, adding that gold's feel-good appeal makes it a timeless favorite, whatever the price.

The Midas Touch

Turkish-born designer, Gurhan, is known for reviving 24k yellow gold. Gurhan has introduced to the world of fine jewelry, the palette of warm, yellow, pure gold. Each Gurhan piece is a distinctive classic, hand engraved with its own unique identifying number.

Working with primarily 18k gold for celebrities world-wide – think Kate Hudson, Courtney Cox and Jennifer Lopez, Italian born jeweler, Ippolita has soared to success in New York’s jewelry world. Her gold is soft, organic and fluid – made of undulating gold loops and hoops, by hammering and crushing, folding and sculpting the precious metal into irregular and fine luxurious pieces of art.

The Gold Look For Less

Here are a few lines worth looking into that will provide you the gold look for less. Giles & Brothers by Philip Crangi “Eris” earrings are designed so intricately that they look like swirly pieces of gold lace.

Catherine Weitzman’s nature-inspired line of twig bangles and filigree necklaces are made from molds of actual pieces found in nature. So grab your mining pan this summer and start hunting for some gold.

Sunken Summer Treasures

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:40:00 -0500

If you’re ready to give your accessories closet a summer makeover, a few new pieces of jewelry could be just what you need to get started. Oversized jewelry is still the theme for accessories this year, with an emphasis on bold and bright colors with contrasting designs and modern twists. From textured rings to pop art bangles, this season’s top jewelry trend will make you feel like spending the day at the beach.

Coral And Turquoise

Two of the most important fashion colors this season — coral and turquoise — just happen to be as equally essential as jewelry pieces. These two natural beauties can spice up any outfit and work wonderfully with a number of looks, from maxi dresses and flowy skirts to your favorite print tunic or solid white, bright or black. No matter what type of jewelry you prefer — casual or dressy — you’ll find plenty of choices in coral or turquoise. Go for beaded necklaces or earrings, rings, bangles, cuffs, hoops or charms (another big trend).

Timeless Look

Coral jewelry has a timeless appeal. Thousands of years ago, the red jewel of the sea was familiar from India to Italy as a beautiful talisman with mystical healing powers. In 2008, coral is still in demand as a natural, ethnic-looking jewel that complements the latest fashions, and looks great with a tan. “Kenneth Jay Lane’s coral and turquoise jewels, especially his branch coral rings and cuffs, are best sellers around the country,” says Julie Gordon of NBC’s Today show. And no wonder his pieces not only look great but they are affordable. You’ll also love the chunky, sexy styles from Lizzie Fortunato. Or if you prefer a more delicate look, you can find it at Anthropologie or Calico Juno Designs. Coral and turquoise jewelry are perfect for summer, with its connotations of the sea, sun, and sandy beaches. “When the heat is on and you want to dazzle, go boldly into cool jewels,” says Gordon. “Keep things natural – the trendiest looks are inspired by the elements, textures and designs of Mother Nature.

Casual Is 'In' Business

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:50:00 -0500

There is a fine line between dressing casually and dressing like a slob. Fashion rules for today’s business environment have been relaxed to the point that shorts, flip flops and tank tops are just about the only no-no (although some work environments even allow for that). Fashion experts stress that just because we are not required to wear suits and pant suits any longer, doesn’t mean we can’t a add a flash of flair and formality. “Guys have the suit and tie thing down, and we know how to kick back on the weekend, but that weird, in-between zone has been a dangerous place for the past decade,” says Brian Boye, fashion director at Men’s Health magazine. Start with layering, says Boye. A lightweight cardigan in fine gauge cashmere or cotton is layered with a cotton shirt is an easy way to dress up a basic outfit. A “shirt jacket” is also an excellent layering piece. The difference between a shirt and shirt jacket is that the latter will be in slightly heavier cotton or lightweight wool.

A Fine Line

A nice button down shirt and khakis always works. Short sleeves are acceptable in the form of a button down or polo shirt in solid or stripe are also the correct choice, says Amy Tara Koch, a freelance trend reporter. However, “freebie gold shirts laden with logos or loud prints definitely fall into the slob category.” For women, the waists are high and the skirts are low. The new trend in pants and skirts is high-waisted paired with a crisp white button down. “It’s an updated look from the traditional business casual look,” says Maggie Gallant, founder of Spotlight Communications, a boutique public relations firm based out of New York City. “The pants are also very wide leg. They are getting away from the skinny leg pant that was hot last summer and fall.”

A No-Brainer

Dresses are also popular, “The big trend in the workplace is a casual dress,” says Kimo Frazzitta, owner/designer of Effie’s Heart, Santa Clara, Calif. “This takes the thought out of what to wear because a dress is just one item that you throw on.” But dresses should hit at the knee or a little below, warns Jill Seifert, instructor for Fashion Marketing & Management at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco. “No mini-skirts. Women in the workplace should also be careful of their necklines and cleavage. That’s important, no matter what is in or out.”

More Bling for Your Buck

Sat, 03 May 2008 17:21:52 -0500

Accessories are the key to any outfit, the signature that sets one woman's look – or one man's -- apart from another. Retailers from Target to J. Crew have plenty of chic, affordable jewelry in stores right now, perfect for budget-conscious fashionistas.

J. CREW

J. Crew has dipped its toes into the jewelry water over the past few years, hitting it big with their enameled bracelets, statement necklaces and eclectic pieces, perfect to dress up any black Oscar de la Renta dress. J.Crew’s costume jewelry is distinguished for its versatility — it can be worn during the day, or to cocktails or to a party — and the best part, of course, is the price.

TARGET

In the latest step by department stores to band together with high-end fashion designers, Dean Harris, Dominique Cohen, and Subversive by Justin Giunta have teamed up with retail giant, Target to create exclusive lines of limited edition, affordable and chic jewelry. High-end line Dominique Cohen’s limited edition collection features necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $59.99. Jewelry editors at WWD describe the line as affordable. “The Los Angeles-based designer, known for producing 18-karat rose and yellow gold necklaces in coin, lace, bamboo, Buddha and Champagne bubble motifs, made her layerable looks affordable by using ribbons, beads, faux pearls, and bronze and gunmetal chains.” As a point of comparison, Cohen’s luxe items retail for up to $35,000 each. This line looks to be perfectly compatible with the spring’s flowy looks, and is the perfect way to add a little glitzy detail to your wardrobe.

KOHLS

Vera Wang, known for her thousand dollar wedding dresses, designed a collection called “Simply Vera” for Kohls. Displayed in glass cases, most items are made from sterling silver or sterling with 18-karat gold plating, stackable and cocktail rings, made from real gemstones like white sapphire and amethyst, starting at $75. Wearing the latest trends, doesn't mean you have to break the bank. Look like a million bucks without spending a fortune by cashing in on the seasons “cheap chic” collections.

Colorful Days At The Beach

Sat, 03 May 2008 17:01:15 -0500

Tigers, zebras and birds, oh my; animal print bathing suits are going to make the beaches look like a veritable zoo this summer. Gone are the flowery designs and neutral colors. Instead, bold patterns and colors will be the hot style, according to experts. “Animal prints are on the prowl again and they are updated by a menagerie of actual prints of animals,” said Clare Brown, head of buying at Figleaves.com. Polka dots and other eye-popping prints are also in. Bright colors are back with fuchsia and sapphire blue leading the way. “All brights are wonderful,” said Nancy Nadler Le Winter, editorial director of OneStopPlus.com. “Fuchsia, purple, emerald and sapphire blue are particularly strong. Metallics and chocolate are also very flattering and, of course, there is nothing like a perfect black suit to be utterly chic and glamorous.”

Ready to Wear

To put these suits over the top, many designers are adding embellishments like sequins, leathers, beads and Lucite. “You will see very similar trends in swim wear that you are finding in ready to wear,” said Amy Gordon of Artfulwears.com. “Sequins, unique hardware and other fun embellishments will be widespread. Designers [are also creating] solid tops and bottoms that are close together in the color spectrum. Think aqua top and lime bottom.” But the most noticeable trend will be the rise of the Monokini. While it sounds like some prehistoric animal unto itself, the Monokini is actually a decades-old design that is a hybrid of two-piece and a one-piece. Its distinctive feature is fabric that runs down the middle connecting the top and the bottom, yet revealing much of the mid-section. “We are seeing a lot of Monokinis, high-waisted briefs and retro cuts which are all the style this season,” said Juliana Renz, designer from Le Doux Swimwear. “I think these cuts are popular because they can still be sexy and worn by girls who are not necessarily model thin.”

East vs. West

For men the styles are more regional. Men on the east coast tend to go with more preppier and nautical motifs. On the west coast it’s more of a surfer fit—baggier with longer shorts, said Maggie Gallant of Spotlight Communications, New York. “It’s safe to assume for at least the next few years, tiny bathing suits--a.k.a. banana hammocks--are never going to be mainstream in this great country of ours.” Thank goodness.

Thin Is In

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:59:51 -0500

Widescreen televisions and skinny ties are two trends that are driving men’s fashion this spring. From Ryan Seacrest to Sen. Barack Obama, the ties they are wearing are noticeably slimmer. Experts say this ‘80s-inspired trend is here to stay at least for the next season. “There hasn’t been this dramatic of a shift in ties in 12 to 15 years,” said Christian Boehm, director of merchandising and marketing for The Tom James Company. “Ties are noticeably thinner.” Whereas neckwear used to be 3.5-inches wide, it is now in some cases 2.5-inches. Boehm said the look isn’t just for the rich and famous, but also the boardroom. “Ryan Seacrest and everyone who appeared on the Grammy’s all had thin ties, but you’ll see more fashion forward people wearing them as well.” Because suit jackets and sports coat lapels have narrowed, so have the ties, said Simon Chan, men’s buyer for the high-end west coast retailer Mario’s. “Fashion is all about balancing proportions.” American designers are driving the trend as is an American presidential candidate, said Constance White, eBay Style Director. “Barack Obama’s skinny ties or pale blue ties have had an impact. He’s our newest celebrity and corporate conservatives as well as ‘metrosexuals’ can relate to him.” It isn’t just the Democrats driving the new spring colors, George W. Bush has also brought pale blue ties to the forefront, said Boehm. “You’re seeing a lot of it. It looks beautiful against a white shirt.” Periwinkles, baby blues, fresh greens and “power pinks” are in this year in part because gray suits are in fashion, said Jeff Landis of Montopoli Custom Clothiers in Chicago. “Peach tones are also a big fashion statement arriving from Italy. By adding brighter colors to lighter refined suits, the look is invigorating, refreshing and just in time for the warmer weather.” Patterns are also hot, said Peter Belisi founder of Belisi Fashion in Palm Beach, Fla. “HDTV is driving the trend of vibrant colors and more interesting patterns. Many intricate patterns that were previously blurred or invisible on TV are now able to show through on HD.” This means paisley patterns and medallion prints are now hip again. Fortunately ties with piano keys on them, however, are not.

Easy Access To The Finest Shops

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:05:00 -0500

If you don’t have access to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, New York City’s Madison Avenue, or Boston’s Newbury Street for your jewelry shopping experiences, you can still purchase from the best stores across the country online. The times have changed. Gone are the days when you spend hours locating the jewels you crave in different boutiques across town; From pearls to diamonds, rings to necklaces, consumers are looking for their online jewelry buying decisions to be made easy and the internet offers them the best jewelry websites to do so. Now, you can shop at the finest boutiques for the highest quality jewels with just a mouse click.

Top Sites

There are several boutiques that have launched websites to make it easy to offer you all kinds of products ranging from designer to unsigned labels. Here is a list of the top jewelry websites for you to enjoy a greater shopping extravaganza. TWISTonline.com: In 1980, Paul Schneider and Lauren Eulau opened their first store in Eugene, OR, and have now evolved it into one of the top websites to purchase high-end jewelry. TWIST has one of the most important collections of jewelry artists found anywhere in the country. TWIST is consistently featured in major national magazines for its outstanding selection of contemporary fashion and art jewelry. Vivre.com: Are you looking for a splurge gift for someone on your list – or better yet – for yourself? If so, explore Vivre.com, launched by socialite Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti, a website that specializes in the most luxe items around, such as this season’s “it” bangle by Kara Ross, and Mesi Jily’s bali ring. MoondanceJewelry.com: The Moondance Jewelry gallery is the premier collector of designer jewelry, whose goal is to represent an eclectic mix of fashion savvy jewels, to the sophisticated classics and unique one-of-a-kind pieces. With its celebrity following, Moondance jewelry offers a "standing" repertoire of designers, such as Me & Ro, Gabrielle Sanchez, Anthony Nak, Mallary Marks, Dana Kellin and Ten Thousand Things. Whether or not you live in a major fashion metropolis, buying jewelry at the hottest boutiques has never been easier.

Back to the Future

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:34:01 -0500

If you've suddenly got a strange desire to play your old Duran Duran LPs and watch The Breakfast Club on your VCR, there is good reason; the '80s are hip again. Like many bygone eras before it, fashion from the decade of excess is back for an encore. "It's hard to believe that anyone would want to bring back any aspects of style related to the '80s, but it was brought back in moderation and with the trends of today in mind," said Rochelle Thwaites, the founder and designer of the luxury handbag company Mimeki. This includes bright, vivid colors, floral and graphic prints as well as studs. Not to mention the giant belts. Eighties fashion was famous for its play on proportions (look no further than Talking Heads' lead singer's David Byrne's giant suit in the movie Stop Making Sense).

Must Have Accessories

Today, exaggerated accessories have returned. From actress Lindsay Lohan to singer Amy Winehouse, the extra wide belt is must-have accessory. It can be patent or plain and even embellished. This trend also translates to oversized jewelry like big bangles and large drop earrings, according to Allison Berlin, founder of Style Made Simple. Wearing skirts over leggings has been a predominant trend throughout the winter and will continue, said Jamie Yasko-Mangum of Successful Style Image, Inc. "Layering clothes with patterns, designs and cuts [is part of today's] modernized eighties' fashions."

Already a Member?

So is it time to dust off the Member's Only jacket? Not really, said Dina Pradel, vice president of marketing for StyleFeeder.com. "Bomber jackets are back for spring, but to update the look and avoid a Member's Only redux, keep the fabric cutting edge." She suggests leather, faux leather or vinyl. But the one aspect of the throwback styles that will be unavoidable will be the colors. "Bold colors are the big thing - bright yellow, cobalt blue...we'll see a lot of that edgy vibe," said Patricia Handschiegel, west coast bureau chief for Stylediary.net. Still, women need to dress their age, warned Thwaites. "Any age can do the eighties throwback, it's just a matter of how you incorporate it. Women in their twenties can easily get away with wearing electric blue tights. Women 30 and over need to be more selective by wearing a pair of electric blue flats or a bag to give a hint of eighties to their outfit."

The Bold and Beautiful

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:05:00 -0500

Follow the rainbow this season with the trail of cheerful, bright colors that popped up on many runways during the spring 2008 New York fashion week. These vivid hues are a welcome departure from the fall's obsession with all things neutral, and fashionistas will be dressing in accessories in eye-popping colors like daffodil-yellow, flaming orange, mint green, bold fuchsia, wild violet and sapphire blue. Jewelry in primary bright colors, with bold shapes or graphic designs is a colorful addition to any wardrobe. Seen on the runways, were large pendants hung from structured cords, fashioned from precious metals, gemstones, wood and enamel in abstract designs. Bracelets, like those from Dinosaur Designs, were bold in color, size and design, and often layered in different colors for a more festive spring look. "The best thing about this springs color-palette is how well you can mix and match them with traditional fall colors," says Carrie Weiss, owner of NYC's Azaleas boutique. The most surprising color for the spring season is yellow. Refreshing gemstones like citrine, yellow topaz, amber, and chrysoberyl can be worn to brighten up your daily lives. A great counter point color for yellow is the ever popular shades of purple, with complimenting tones of pink. Pink diamonds, amethysts, pink topaz, rose quartz and rhondonite gemstones will be femininity into our spring wardrobe. Another great color choice is blue. Look for sapphires, lapis lazuli, blue jade, aquamarine, blue topaz, turquoise, blue opals and blue moonstones to offer a range of shades to let you match the best ones for a perfect fit.

Mix and Match

Jump into the season's trend with both feet by wearing large blocks of contrasting colors: red and green; blue and yellow; purple and orange; pink and blue. You're bound to turn some heads. "Ease into this trend by wearing one bright piece of jewelry as an accent color," says Weiss. "But look for bright, candy-colors and unconventional color combinations to take center stage in your jewelry box."

Pushing the Right Buttons with Suits

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:00:00 -0500

Thanks to the dot-com boom of the late '90s, casual Friday's suddenly became casual every day. But, savvy men have begun to suit up again to clean up their look to get ahead. "The workplace has become more casual but there is an intrinsic sense of power and confidence that comes with wearing a suit. Plus they hide all sorts of physical flaws which we love," said menswear designer and one of this season's Project Runway contestants Jack Mackenroth. Unlike the suits of yesteryear there are two trends driving the look of today. The first is the two-button look. Two button suits are making their way into the boardroom with equal presence to the three-button counterpart. "It is often seen as a more liberated style. Less buttons equals less button upped perhaps," said Jeff Horowitz, the co-founder of DressMonkey which allows style-conscious individuals to design their own blazers. "Anybody can wear one and look sharp. In a less formal environment, guys might not bother buttoning the bottom button. It's a traditional touch that lends visual balance." That 70's Suit The second over-riding trend is a slimmer, more European cut. "Styles for men's suits have gotten increasingly more slim and tailored over the past two seasons," said Peter Belisi, fashion designer and president of Belisi fashions. "You can expect a return to the seventies-inspired suit, featuring tailored, fitted suits and waistcoats." Mario Bisio, owner of Mario's luxury retail stores in the Northwest agrees. "Suits are drawing a narrower silhouette. Details such as lapels and collars have narrowed; pant legs have a slimmer taper. Business looks are more fitted, but not to the point of making one feel body-conscious." Although the dark suit will never go out of style, Bisio expects a lighter color palette with more navy blues, tans, olives and shades of gray. Mackenroth also expects the winter charcoals and blacks to give way to tans and neutral grays as the weather grows warmer. Men should take notice, said Aaron Marino, owner of Alpha M Image Consulting in Atlanta. "In today's competitive marketplace, we need any advantage that we can on our competition."

These Boots Were Made For Wearing

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 17:10:00 -0500

If you feel compelled to buy more than one pair of boots this year there is a reason - boots are hot, all kinds of boots. Whether it is riding boots like those most commonly found among an equestrian team or laced up "granny boots," a multitude of styles are now in fashion. The most popular style and brand, however, continues to be Uggs. The warm, fur-lined pull up style boot was second only to the Nintendo Wii when it came to online consumer searches, according to a study conducted by HitWise during "Cyber Monday". But, consumers are looking far beyond just Uggs. "It is a great season for boots," said Shari Shakun, Chief Merchandising Officer for SmartBargains.com. "Mostly because anything goes when it comes to trends. We have seen great selling in all toe shapes, all heel heights as well as materials and shaft heights." Stand out performers include "slouch" boots and anything with mixed materials such as suede/patent and suede/leather combinations. The popularity of riding boots, which began last season, is expanding this year. "They are becoming more wide spread," said Danika Quinones, fashion editor for Luxemont.com. "Paired with a tights and a tunic, this trend is still gracing the runways and being sold in stores all around." THE BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Introduced this season, ankle boots have been making a bold statement, Quinones said. "They are what I consider a winter pump worn with skirts, suits, dresses or even jeans. This style is versatile, new and fun." Luxury shoe designer Taryn Rose added, "It's all about the shoe bootie worn with cozy leggings." While the color brown will likely never go out of style in footwear, basic black is making a comeback in women's boots and "gray continues to emerge as a strong fashion color," said Shakun. For those who like classic styles, you can never go wrong with a knee high pointed boot in black or brown, said Quinones. "It's very sleek when worn with a knee length dress or skirt and very polished when worn with slacks. You can take this style from polished and sleek to sexy and daring." Shakun agreed. "Basic knee boots with slightly pointy toes have become classic."