Month: September 2011

A Look from the Runway

Posted on September 23, 2011 by admin

Last week I had the pleasure of attending two fashion shows at Neiman Marcus for the newly arrived fall lines of Escada and St. John. These lines may be out of most people’s price range but they provide great ideas into how to add a few pieces to update your wardrobe. These collections focus on a variety of sweaters, jackets, pants, skirts and dresses that can be combined in a multitude of ways. I am so glad designers are providing such versatility instead of “costumes” with limited ways to wear them.

Escada is not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it. It is perfect for the businesswoman or the woman who has a traditional, elegant or dramatic style. The person who loves to be creative or a little boho in her dress will probably no find much that appeals to her style.

Instead of featuring Bordeaux, the official color of the season, Escada added Blueberry as their new color accent. This beautiful tone carries the same presence as navy, grey or black but offers a much more interesting twist. 

Pants ranged from slender to a wide bell: something for everyone. The many neutrals worked together to offer a collection that will last for years. Next week I will feature some combinations to show ideas of how a few pieces can carry you through a whole season with many different looks.

St. John has been known for over thirty years for their distinct knit. When I lived in Los Angeles, I remember having one of the very first St. John knit dresses. The little boutique where I often shopped told me about this new designer making these unusual knit dresses in her home. I wore it for several years and always received compliments. Over the years, that familiar St. John became a standby for more mature ladies and lost some of its youthful edge. (My opinion.) The company has hired a new designer and this year’s collection is beautiful, modern, and versatile. Neutrals dominated the color palette, combining a soft camel-beige with a medium gray. Again, these pieces combined with sweaters, pants, jackets and dresses which could be combined in a variety of ways to give the wearer many different looks. Throw on a little fur collar or wear it around your neck with a dress or take it off and wear the classic jacket.

Both collections would be excellent for travel. One could choose a capsule wardrobe either for business travel or pleasure, being appropriate for any occasion and never feel like you are wearing the same thing each day.

Are you thinking a capsule wardrobe might be the answer for you? Contact us and we will be happy to guide you. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

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Show a Little Skin this Fall

Posted on September 13, 2011 by admin

One of the not so new trends this fall is skin. I am so glad that this trend is lasting, as skin is a great way to add some pizzazz.

Shoes: If you prefer a solid color, you have the option of a shoe with a reptile print in a solid. This texture adds a nice touch of interest without conflicting with any print you might choose to wear it with. A natural python skin gives a softer look and offers great versatility. Natural reptile skin coloring can complement a wide range of shades. Then to give a touch of whimsy or to really add pizzazz, let an animal skin print do the work.

Handbags: A full range of skin is being shown in fall handbags. Some designs incorporate fur to really give a distinctive look. This handbag is not going to be particularly durable so it wont be your every day go-to bag. However, it will give a great focal point for an outfit. Reptile skin in either a solid color or a natural snake coloring will serve you very well. The same elements apply to the handbag as to shoes. Natural snakeskin will not be extremely durable either but it is beautiful when worn with plain colors. I have had a python bag for over twenty years and get compliments each time I carry it. It is, however, not my go-to every day bag. The handbags with exotics animal pelts such as zebra, tiger or leopard, will definitely be your focal point and should not be worn with a pattern.

Fur: This fall is featuring fur, both fake and real for collars, vests and multiple other accents. If you choose carefully, a fur vest or a collar accent can endure for several seasons. Depending on the fur, it gives a touch of softness, elegance or sophistication that can work matter what your intrinsic style.
If you want to show a little skin this season, you have lots from which to choose. Have fun!

Finally! A glimmer of cool weather, i.e. fall. We have been busy with closet edits helping clients repurpose some items while updating with some additions. If this is something on your to-do list, contact us at: Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288.

Bordeaux – The Color of the Season

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

Bordeaux. A beautiful, historic city in the Southwest of France. Vineyards. The best wines in the world. And, of course, this evokes the image of that rich, earthy, red wine color that we know as Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is the color of the season. I have always envisioned a group of people over a crystal ball determining the “color of the season”. Each season has its chosen color. Who does this? How do they decide? I actually know someone who is a part of that group and when I asked her how this all happens, her response left me no more enlightened.

Bordeaux, the color, has as wide a range of hues just as red wines. Hues can range from rich purple-red to a lighter rust-red and every shade in between. That is how this season’s chosen color is presented in the stores as well.

I have been doing some shopping for a client and was pleased to see only smatterings of garments in Bordeaux. A few years ago, the color of the season saturated every clothing line. Thus, even if one had a great garment from the previous season, it looked so “yesterday” that no one was comfortable wearing it. Today, one would need to be current with fashion magazines to recognize this season’s color.

Bordeaux can be flattering for anyone. If you have warm coloring, choose the more rusty shades to which brown has been added. These shades will look fabulous with brown, camel or a creamy white. Cool toned skin can wear the red-violet shade, the intensity reduced by the addition of either black or grey. One can find the perfect shade for each skin and hair tone. Bordeaux can be paired with black, grey, navy or white, which offers great versatility.

Looking for something to perk up your fall wardrobe? Bordeaux may be just what you need!

If you need some guidance in how to bring a fresh breath of fall style to your wardrobe, we would love to help show you how without costing a fortune. Contact us at 404-428-2527 or Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com