They're getting wiiiidddder. Wideleg pants were all over the Resort '09 collections, but John Galliano split the seams wide open in his collection for Christian Dior featuring widelegs reminiscent of the ones MC Hammer used to wear.
[Dior photo courtesy of WWD, MC Hammer shot courtesy of GettyImages.com]
Some days after looking through my wardrobe I can't decide if I should join a 12-step program for vintage addicts or open an eBay store; either way these retro dresses are quite beautiful to behold.
Surfacing Trend: Patent Leather in Spring Footwear
I adore these shoes! First they are the perfect spring to summer transition shoe as they are not quite a sandal nor quite a pump but a little of both. What caught my eye was the two-toned shaded coloring, the peep-toe, the zippered and lace-up fronts mixed into the prominently featured insert of patent leather as well as the cut-away spaces on the sides of the shoes. Yum!
Don't get it twisted, Fashionistas. This is no ordinary fanny pack. Take style note of the ruffle detailing, dope dealer chain trim and studded belt turned waistband -- all courtesy of the funky Styleaholic, rocking it proudly!
Once reserved for those who prefer comfort over style (at least those who aren't Native American), the Moccasin Shoe seems to be reemerging as the latest hipster footwear. To drive the point home, I just spotted this shoe in my local el cheapo store done in metallics. (Of course, since I'm a closeted trend groupie, I tried them on, but they looked awful!)
As much as I am over all things '80s, I couldn't help but snap these wonder twins. Dressed like they just stepped out of LL Cool's Around the Way Girl video, Coco & Breezy not only belong to a retro crew, but model, dance and design. Love it! Check out our Kanye-inspired shades, retro tees and funky leggings to get this day-glo look.
Related Links: If you're a lil' scared of neon, Nina Garcia's got some ideas how to light things up without blinding anyone.
I can't say for sure how new this trend is, but literally within a space of 60 seconds, I saw these pair of black boots with this reddish-chocolate brown trim yesterday in Soho; I'm digging both!
Boy, oh boy, it seems the men truly are taking fashion cues from their feminine counterparts (remember the men in skinny jeans trend alert?) I caught these floral printed sneakers on the feet of a few stylish gents (and yes, they appeared to be straight.)
“It looks good pressed or just run through the wash. You can wear it with a suit or jeans. You can wear it with or without a tie," states Tommy Fazio, the men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman.
Personally I have to agree, I especially love this look with a pair of dark wash True Religion jeans and brightly colored canvas sneakers.
Every time I turn around there's another trend that came straight out of my junior high closet, circa 1980-something. The latest trip down memory lane? Cut-off jean shorts. Go with the full-on fray for the authentic sixth-grader-in-the-summertime look, or embrace the 21st century with Earnest Sewn's cleaned-up cuffs. [photo courtesy People.com]
Between the thinly-veiled Arabophobia simmering in our post-9/11 culture, the upcoming presidential elections, and the war in Iraq, the fashion world is having a schizophrenic moment. Hence, the patriotic fervor, bright-eyed (and Crayola-colored) optimism, "Summer of Love" escapism, and, yes, Middle-Eastern chic that's been popping up on the runways, in the tabloids, and on blogs like ours. From Chris Brown's keffiyeh cravat to the Sikh-esque turbans that've been head-covering celebs like Beyonce & Mary Kate Olsen, looks like fashionistas are ready for peace -- or at least a few harmonizing pieces to try to make sense of it all.
I love fashion news like this! The UK Times recently reported how a new crop of fashionistas are rocking the lastest Pashimina scarves, without the company having to do any serious rebranding! It appears that both the hipster-rocker and fashionista crowds are seriously gravitating to the new style of scarf wearing: Middle-Eastern style (folded into a big triangle at the front and tied at the nape of the neck.) What can I tell you? Humanity will always have a need for a sexy scarf.
With all the '80s redux, I should have guessed. But the second coming of the neon surf look, circa 1989 -- found here, at Coachella -- still took me by surprise. Really? We’re doing this now? Before you try to dig up your old Body Glove neoprene bikini, try this neon yellow bubble dress, to ease into the trend. {photo courtesy latimes.com]
Nina Garcia says It's Cool to Be Gray, Chalky or Nude Too
So with the color obsession that has painted over spring '08 fashion, what's a Minimalist Girl to do? Why, what she wants, of course. Go ahead and glam up the bland the way Bottega Veneta and Calvin Klein did with stony grays, chilly chalks, and fleshy nudes. So are you gonna be rocking the acid colors, the minimalist cool tones -- or both? Personally, I plan to be a walking rainbow this spring & summer.
This seems to be a bit of a revolving trend, though I can't say I'm loving it, I do like the vivid color play of the design of the sock against the solid black flat shoe.
Though like many of you, I wish this trend would die a quicker death than Britney's career, I fear this one is here to stay. When you've got both your g-boys and your straights rocking murses, you can bet it's gonna stick around. On a style note, the latest look in the murse bag seems to be plaid briefcases.
Now that we're in the second layer of chatter surrounding that polygamist sect out in Texas, everyone's commenting on their style. Truth be told, there's secretly something close to fierce about their look, no? Some of these ladies' elements work: peep that shoulder looking like that Edwardian trend from a few seasons back! Catch that high hair, which, with a little more shine and control, could look fresh from the TREsemme hair salon! Note that methodical use of color! Some are even saying it totally screams Marc Jacobs . It wouldn't suprise me one bit to see irony-obsessed Williamsburg girls incorporating this look, or even a designer in spring. At the very least, expect to see it this Halloween.
You may not compost your kitchen scraps or drive a hybrid, but you can still make an Earth Day fashion statement. The once-hippie-now-hip realm of eco-fashion is as chic and easy as sustainable bamboo blend tops and organic denim jeans. No patchouli or hemp necklaces necessary. [Image courtesy of Sprig.com]
Curbside Catwalk: Canal Street (a.k.a. Counterfeit Row)
So, the new way to spot a fake Gucci (or "Fucci") belt is if someone's wearing it like a Miss America sash. As I walked down Canal Street on my way to meet a friend for dinner this past Friday, I saw two dudes sporting their Fucci belts across their chests as they brokered deals with tourists for more of the fake stuff. Hakim paused to pose for me before returning to handle his business. If you want the real thing, get your Gucci here -- and send a letter to Diane Von Furstenberg.
I can't say for sure, if this is going to be a huge trend or not for spring, but this all over lace dress caught my eye. Take style note of the pockets, cropped sleeves and the vintage look of the lace pattern itself.
Nina Garcia on Spring's "Collectors' Item" Fashion
So by now you've seen the pics and trend watch pieces on spring's museum/gallery pieces. Personally, I'm digging every paint-splattered minute of it -- just stay AWAY from the jeans. Check out the surrealist chic Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and others sent down the catwalk -- then let us know how you feel about the Art Basel-ification of spring fashion.
If you're worth your weight in Gucci, then you're already up on the latest look in clutch bags ; if not, you are going to adore The Bow Clutch bag. It's basically a wristlet and a handbag in one, as the bow on the bag is made big enough for you to slide your wrist through. This black patent leather bow clutch by Alexis Hudson is a great way to get started on this trend!
...star-printed dresses by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, star motifs by Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, and more stars by -- I'll stop scooping the video so you can see for yourself. I'm totally digging the "baby, you're a star" message star prints convey, and I love stripes -- just not sure how I feel about wearing 'em together on any other day but July 4th. How do you feel about spring's "Americana the Beautiful" trend?
We often under appreciate how a great sleeve on a coat, jacket or top can really pop an outfit. Take style note of the sheer material (which is right on trend this season)as well as the gold detailing on the sleeves captured here.
Checking out our new baby bFly's goodies, I noticed that chocolate brown leather sandals are in high supply, which then made me do a bit of summer trend research and it has been confirmed that brown leather sandals, specifically wedges could very well be the "it sandal" of the summer. Personally I can't choose between these studded Michael Kors or these sexy Nanette Lepore's .
Personally, I've been rocking sequined tops for the past few seasons, but I've recently noticed a strong surge of these disco frocks being worn by a variety of fashionistas on heavy rotation; vintage or new sequined tops do it for me!
Just in time for spring coat season, Nina Garcia is all about the African safari-inspired khaki trenches, blazers & vests Donna Karan, Lanvin & Proenza Schouler sent down the runways, and the batik prints too. The jury's still out for me on animal prints, though. What say you?
These blinged out looks made me re-think my no bling rule--okay--my no faux bling rule; I'm digging the "dope dealer chain" paired with the grandpa cardigan and the diamond dice choker.
These unique necklaces are surely a surfacing trend. Take note of the paper, bubble style and the fun colored paints used to create the lifelike look and feel of these avant-garde pieces.
Hair accessories in general seem to be making a big comeback, but I've recently noticed a strong trend in hair bows. Style notes include vinyl material and the sparkly faux diamonds.
Yowser! These Louis Vuitton 7" heels are the latest craze in fashionable footwear. According to the UK Times there is already a waiting list, and when they hit the shops later this year, they will be the highest heels in fashiondom, topping current title-holder Christian Louboutin's 6" black pony skin shoes. It appears shoes are getting taller and wilder as more women get comfortable expressing their outlandish side through their shoes!
What's cool about beatnik chic is it basically incorporates spring's other big trends. So you're actually saving money with this look -- at least that's what you can tell yourself when you're filling your shopping cart* with goodies. So go 'head and get yourself some funky florals, a really great pair of wideleg jeans, gladiator sandals for day and some hot platforms for night -- and you're good to go.
*You have till March 31st to use the FLYPAPER30 discount. If you're a new customer, you'll get $30 off your order of $150 or more.
From the runway to the streets, the printed cardigan is in full effect; looks can include street scenes, florals and animal prints. Peep this great spring cardigan by Nanette Lepore.
Anyone who knows me personally or even just virtually can attest to the fact that I'm a walking rainbow; but even I have my limits. I'm not so sure about opaque stockings in the two colors captured here. The green screams yuck and the burgundy yells prep school.
You will recall Flypaper alerting you to the sheer & clear spring trend -- well we didn't lie to you... Over the past few weeks I've noticed a delightful array of sheer tops in candy colors.
We all know that the bow is a serious trend for spring, worn mainly by women as a fun touch on tops, belts, coats and even headbands..but the other night I saw both a woman and a dude rocking this layered, ruffle white bow! I'm digging this.
Whether you are awash in fond memories from the 80s, or think of it as an adult onesie, the jumpsuit is here for your consideration in Spring ’08. It has been thoroughly dissected by I Am Fashion, donned by [left to right] Rhianna, Jennifer Hudson, and Pixie Geldoff on and off the runway. In fact, there are so many iterations of this trend you can go from day to night with ease. Just don’t try to go to the bathroom.
We've been hearing a lot about the waist as a focal point for designers this season, but Nina Garcia says we should add the shoulder to the list thanks to strong showings of spring power suits and jackets. (Between now & March 31st, if you splurge on a suit -- and you've never bought anyhting on Bluefly before -- you can save an extra $30 just by typing FLYPAPER30 at checkout!)
I pride myself on staying on top of and whenever possible, ahead of any shoe trend; that being said, the flower detailing on these pink leather Nanette Lepore wedges are divine and I believe will be a major trend this summer.
Skimming around the blogsphere, it seems that yellow is the "IT" color for the Spring; if that's true, I'm thinking I'm going to start with this hooded raincoat by Priorities.
This spring it's all about powerful flower patterns, but how to wear 'em without looking like an overgrown garden? Watch Nina Garcia's latest vid to get her expert tips. And don't forget: Only for this month, if you're new to Bluefly and spend more than $150, you get $30 off just by typing FLYPAPER30 at checkout so watch -- then shop!
You will recall that our last Curbside capture Joey proclaimed that the turban would be the new baseball cap; well he may be on to something...the dude captured here added a lil' Gen X swagger with the Y-3 jacket.
How fun are these comic strip tights? They totally make me want to dig out my old stacks of Archie comic books! If these tights work for you check out these Pirate Scanty pair.
At last count, I had over 5 pairs of white shoes, including a pair of stilettos, ankle boots and flat, knee length boots and I must admit that I dig my shoes even more when they become "dirty white" as it adds both a gritty and hipster-rocker aesthetic.
How psyched were we when our Project Runway BFF, Nina Garcia agreed to break down how and where to wear spring's biggest trends exclusively for Bluefly? Nina shot TEN vids for us -- this first installment is about spring's fling with electric color -- so check back next week and the weeks after that for Nina's newest style notes. And after you watch, make sure to shop the spring dresses, shoes, accessories and menswear that JUST arrived in our warehouse. Only for this month, if you're new to Bluefly and spend more than $150, you'll get $30 off just by typing FLYPAPER30 at checkout. Yay for spring hook-ups!
Women have so many options when it comes to accessories whereas men frankly don't; part of the reason for this is their own fear of being portrayed in the wrong fashion (pun intended.) Captured here were gents who added atypical bracelets to their wrists. Including the rubberband, I'm digging both looks.
The news that Mark "It's-So-Hideous-It's-Great" Jacobs and thoroughly modern Issey Miyake sent polyester down their runways last month is vindicating all the discount shoppers who’ve been picking nubby doubleknits and slippery synthetics from sale bins for years with the quiet understanding that polyester is made of petroleum and petroleum is liquid gold. And as crude oil surpasses $100 a barrel, you’ve gotta admit, the cheap suit is starting to look pretty sweet.
Related Links: Can't swing a whole leisure suit? Go with the jacket.
Upon first glance at this stereo themed clutch, I was impressed; I've shot hundreds of items and had never seen the likes of this bag. However, looking back at it this morning..I'm thinking not so much.