BLAZERS FOR YOUR BODY

Blaze into Fall with this super hot trend: THE BLAZER. The basic jacket that is an essential element to everyone's closet. Great as a suit and great as separates. Dress them up or Dress them down, this piece is ultra versatile. Not sure which blazer is right for you? Let me help. There is a style for every BODY, remember FIT is key! Follow these simple rules and you'll be a setting this season A-blaze!

CURVY. Compliment curves with a slightly over-size cut that skims the body rather than hugging trouble spots. Stick with solids or simple patterns; anything too busy will create the illusion of extra volume.

Toni says: "Contrasting trim on the lapel and cuff can definitely create a slimming effect. Find a jacket that contours to your curves and fits you in the shoulders, arm length, and torso."


Brands that suit this shape: I <3 Ronson, BB Dakota, Steve Alan, and Lily + Jae.

PETITE. Don't drown in over-size, non-shape long blazers. Opt for dark colors or an interesting lapel to draw attention upwards.

Toni says: "Opt for an accessory like a loosely tied scarf or statement necklace to add some pizazz to your top half."

Brands that suit this shape: The Limited, BCBG, TopShop, and Mango.

SMALL BUST. Want a quick augmentation without the surgery? Try a fitted blazer with a bold pattern and shimmer to add dimension up top. A snug fit creates shape and flatters a tiny frame.

Toni says, " Experiment with colors and patterns, it will only enhance the appearance of a more womanly shape!"

Brands that suit this shape: Forever 21, GAP, Armani Exchange 

TALL. Long and lean is beautiful. Statement blazers slim the figure and tall frames can carry them off without fail.

Toni says, "This is your opportunity to try sequins, patterns, and bold colors, be bold for Fall!"

Brands that suit this shape: Volcom, Shopbop, DKNY, and American Eagle

SCENT-SATIONAL!

Fall is in the air and it sure smells sweet. Top 10 Fragrances for Fall were announced. Whether you love florals, musks, or citrus, there is a scent for everyone. With the holidays just around the corner, here is a sneak peek at great gift ideas for your favorite gal.

1. BURBERRY BRIT. Naughty and Nice. A marvelous mix of Italian lime, icy pear and crisp green almond. A green oriental fragrance that features a surprising mix of sugar and spice.

2. PRADA L'EAU AMBREE. All Scents are created equal. This Uni-Sex scent is clean and crisp with a slight hints of rose oil and amber blended into a sensual seduction.

3. VERY HOLLYWOOD BY MICHAEL KORS. Glam Slam. Mandarin, jasmine, and Vetiver permeate an intoxication concoction that is true Hollywood glamour in a bottle.

4. NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FOR HER. For the women who enjoys a light delicate musk with traces of peach and lilac. This is an absolute must fragrance that is surprisingly subtle but will definitely get you attention.

5. LOLA BY MARC JACOBS. A sweet and spicy love potion of citrus, peony, and tonka bean have men obsessed. The bottle is as beautiful as the fragrance.

6. D&G FRAGRANCE ANTHOLOGY 3. A naughty blend of fresh grapefruit and peppery red currant undertones makes this perfume HOT! HOT! HOT!

7. GUERLAIN IDYLLE. A bold floral with touches of peony, rose, and patchouli give a powdery scent a feminine and flirty feel.

8. LOLLIA RELAX. Honey infused with vanilla and lavender create a warmth comforting aroma on chilly autumn days.

9. NANETTE BY NANETTE LEPORE. Soft sweet notes of rose, amber, and cedarwood make sweater weather strong & sexy.

10. A SCENT BY ISSEY MIYAKE. A refreshing approach to the typical strong perfumes with a crisp floral bouquet of hyacinth and verbena.

MUST HAVE HANDBAGS- A/W 2009

SNAKESKIN. An edgy neutral? Believe it. Dangerously stylish exotic skins blend with virtually any look. Jessica Alba (left) shouldered a buckle-bedecked Tod's tote while Rihanna (right) carried a Devi Kroell hobo.

RUFFLED. Add texture to an unfussy outfit with a ruched or tiered leather tote. Julia Roberts (left) gave her all-black suiting separates a feminine spin with a gathered calfskin design, while Katherine Heigl (right) chose a purse with soft vertical ruffles.

STUDDED. Add instant edge to an autumnal outfit with a punked-out purse. Heidi Klum (left) rocked an oversize fringed tote, while Lauren Conrad (right) chose a pyramid-studded shoulder bag from Rebecca Minkoff.

SATCHELS. Classic equestrian-inspired bags transcend the stable when added to vintage-inspired print dresses. Both Claudia Schiffer (left) and Keira Knightley (right, carrying Prada) went the town-and-country route with their hardware-bedecked satchels.

OVERSIZED CLUTCH. No need to cut down on your evening must-haves when you're carrying a bag this large and in charge. Blake Lively (left) held on to a zipper-accented design, while Rachelle Lefevre (right) accented her red-carpet look with a suede envelope clutch.

 SILVER. Brighten up your fall wardrobe with mirror-bright metallic purses. Camilla Belle (left) carried a high-shine pocket-front tote while Beyonce (right) flashed a Dolce & Gabbana carryall.

CHAIN. Classic and tough, a heavy-link strap gives weight to day and evening looks. Diane Kruger (left) selected an artsy-craftsy embellished Chanel bag, while Kate Bosworth (right) carried a biker-inspired all-black design.

RICH. TAPESTRY. Rich tapestry, embroidery and old-world detailing give a faraway feel to a standout shoulder bag. Whitney Port (left) carried an ornate carpet bag from Gucci, while Rachel Bilson (right) upgraded her jeans and T-shirt with Jimmy Choo's patchwork of exotic skins.

LEOPARD. ake a walk on the wild side this fall with hot spots. Halle Berry (left) held on to a metallic clutch from Louis Vuitton, while Jennifer Lopez (right) got fierce with a Jimmy Choo hobo.


(Source: InStyle)

FALL INTO COLOR: COLOR REPORT A/W 2009

Subtle contrasts, like those found in a painter’s masterpiece, make up the diverse color palette for fall 2009. Designers play with a broad spectrum of unique color combinations this
season, resulting in distinct, yet cohesive color palettes.

“The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

“Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to
incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and entice them to buy.”













A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color. Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.

Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette. Crème Brûlée, a grayed-down beige, and Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speak to the need for timeless neutrals. All three classics can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.

Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist. Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues.
Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories. Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. Like a painter’s palette, fall 2009 offers choice and diversity, but the unique integration of colors is what makes it so appealing.


HOW THE DESIGNERS INTERPRET COLORS INTO THEIR DESIGNS



























































































































Source: Pantone, InStyle, Barney's NY, WWD

KNIT WIT (MEN)

Men knitwear looks really brutal this autumn and winter. These are hand-knitted sweaters with textured patterns. However, the coarseness of weave in most cases is an illusion; actually they are knitted from very mild types of weave, merino and cashmere. By the way, these are not only sweaters, but jumpers and cardigans, and jackets, These knits come with all the bells and whistles, including hoods, patch pockets and zipper on leather hanging loops.

But the thin pullovers and jackets are becoming more universal: they are now allowed to wear even with a strict suit. Patterns play an intricate part of their appeal. Argyle, stripes, and plaids keep the knitwear fashion forward. No need to ask Aunt Liz to knit you a cozy scarf or Grandma Caroline to stitch you a sweater, from retail stores to department favorites, you will be surprised at the selections this season.

Some of my favorite knit-worthy pieces, . . .











A. O'Neill hooded sweater. Available at O'Neill.com.

B. Knit Cap. Available at Hollister.

C. Striped Sweater. Available at DBLAclothing.com.

D. V-neck cardigan by D&G. Available at D&G.

E. Knit & leather gloves. Available at True Religion.

CHECK, PLEASE! (MEN)

For an inner layer that is sure to turn heads, men pile on the checked shirts this season. In flannel and cotton, these colorful and eye-catching patterns are a pleasant way to add punch and panache to your wardrobe.

From ordinary to extraordinary, guys are all about throwing on button-down checked shirts over a long-sleeved tee or thermal shirt for an easy, casual look. With a variety of colors and patterns available, there’s surely something for everyone to keep warm this winter. Depending on your style, you can make checked shirts work for your look -- ranging from urban cowboy to punk hipster.















1. SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY. John Varvatos USA flannel is a great item for the urban cowboy. With embroidered details on the chest and collar and sleeves with a slight country twang, wearing this shirt should add a little swagger to your step. Pair this checkered shirt with dark denim and boots for a trendy look.









2. PLAID AROUND THE COLLAR. Wrap yourself in a touch of plaid if this trend seems a bit overwhelming. Try this grey plaid scarf by American Eagle for $15. Great with a dress shirt & blazer for a brisk winter evening or out on the town. This scarf adds a touch of preppy into a boring or bland wardrobe.













3. NOT YOUR PAJAMA PANTS. When many people think plaid, only a few things come to mind, the Brawny Man, Catholic school, or pajama pants. This season, try a classic flat front plaid pant by Penguin, paired with a dress shirt and a v-neck striped sweater for an edgy approach to a classic print. Pants are great way to add a bit of style to your ensemble. If you get any braver, you'll be wearing a kilt!













4. THE GRID IRON. Athletic wear more of your style? Michael Kors plaid track jacket will definitely suit the athlete in you while keeping you warm on your daily errands around town. Stylish and chic it looks good over a t-shirt and jeans or a polo and slacks. This jacket has fearless combinations for your cool evenings.













5. CHECK MATE. Comfy, cozy sweaters can never do you wrong for winter. This cashmere checkered sweater from Theory is a great layering piece for your wardrobe. Pair it over a dress shirt or under a blazer for a polished to perfection look that will be sure to leave them speechless. Turn heads in style while walking like a man!

HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER (MEN)

In a sea of suiting grays that flooded the runways of Milan and Paris, one-off pops of red bloomed like poppies. A pair of velvet slippers here, a jaunty riding cap there, puffer vests, pocket squares and cyclist jerseys. Among the bevy of burgundies, raft of rubies and multitude of maroons, mauves and magentas, we spotted hunting-jacket linings, screen-printed tromp l'oeil boutonnieres, pairs of pants, cardigan sweaters, car coats and a surprising number of suits. Nearly every label, it seemed, served up a flash of scarlet, but curiously never more than a piece or two per collection (with the exception of Etro, which made the "man in red" the thematic centerpiece of its collection).

A beacon of hope in a world of darkness or a symbol of economic bloodletting? Either way, look for cardinal as an attention-grabbing accent hue coming to a store near you for fall 2009. (Source: LA Times)

If you do not crave couture, take a look at the pieces below and incorporate them into your style. These key trends will transition, no matter your budget or your taste. Start small and embrace the red-hot trend that is sizzling into 2010.



1. SEEING RED. These D Squared2 Red Plastic Aviators will have you seeing red, red hot! Protect your baby blues with these retro shades. Available at Neiman Marcus, $395.












2. LIL RED RIDING HOOD-IE. Vroom. Vroom. Ferrari. Fall. Fun. Zip into this Ferrari Hooded Jacket by Puma will definitely have you yielding into winter in style. Available at Puma, $129.















3. RED ZONE. This trend is time sensitive. You will be stopping traffic with this oversized plasteramic watch by Toy Watch, USA. Available at Neiman Marcus, $225.














4. RED, WHITE, and SHOE. Stride into style in these D&G Patent-Striped Sneakers. True patriotic style reigns supreme this fall and is evident in every step you take. Available at D&G, $295.











5. RED STRIPES. Read between the lines, red is in. Get hot under the collar with the Striped Silk Brioni tie. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, $195.