KENNETH COLE EDUCATES FIT

Designer Kenneth Cole met with about 400 students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York on Wednesday night to speak of his journey to the $500 million brand he has built, but also in hopes of inspiring the students who are looking to enter the workforce in a down economy. “People say that things will get better in a few months, but to be honest, I don’t think it will get better for years,” he said. “The key is to go out in the world with a sense of contest....Find out where you can offer value as a designer and create something that people will desire.” Cole spoke of his latest success, which was designing a woman’s shoe that is “both stylish and the most comfortable shoe you will ever wear.” The company advertised the shoe over the summer and didn’t produce a large number in hopes of creating demand, he explained. On Aug. 7, 1,500 people waited on line outside of the Kenneth Cole flagship in Rockefeller Center hoping to get their hands on a pair. “We looked at the situation in the economy and used it as an opportunity to change the dynamic of what we sell,” he said. “There’s still demand for that shoe.” He went on to talk about the changing needs of the American consumer and the growing importance of social networking to stay on top of their needs. “By the way, I can use more Facebook friends and more followers on Twitter,” he said. By Thursday morning, a Cole spokesman confirmed the designer had 120 new friends on Facebook.

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

RECESSIONISTA: MEN-- THE DRESS SHIRT

Alright guys, it's your turn. Whether you are the metro-male, the bad boy or the 'guy's guy'-- a fitted dress shirt is alot more versatile than paired with your Hugo Boss suit. Stripes, plaids, or solids can transform right before your eyes with pieces you already have in your closet. Put your wallet down and take a new look at your favorite dress shirts.

Pinching pennies without compromising current fashion trends-- is it possible? The answer is yes. The fashion movement is called "Trans-fashion". It's the ability to manipulate one item that your currently have one of or multiples of and wear it in a new way that you might not have even thought of before. An important trend for men in '09 is the European fitted and extremely tailored look. Warning, only go for fitted if your body worships the treadmill daily. Stick with a slightly less severe tailored shirt if your body isn't beach-ready. (Don't worry you have some time!)

Here are 5 Dress Shirt Looks that will definitely take you from Winter to Spring in style!

1. DAPPER POET'S SOCIETY. Layers are important when creating a crisp, clean, and polished look. Start with a solid black turtleneck, light color buttoned dress shirt, and a tailored blazer. This look can be dressed up or down depending on mood or attitude. For a casual twist, add a pair of distressed jeans and your favorite kicks. To take this look away from casual, opt for a dark slack and a dressy boot. Celebs who love this look: David Beckham, Hugh Grant, Zac Efron

2. THE BAD BOY. Who doesn't love a bad boy? Edge your personal style by incorporating the vintage rock tee, a dress shirt left open, and a leather jacket. The mixture of textures screams trouble! And now there is another reason to wear your favorite ACDC shirt in a new 2009 kinda way! This look is for the hipster strolling Melrose or the record exec who is scouting new acts. Stick with dark denim for that alternative flair. Just say no to SKINNY jeans, a man should wear jeans that fit his body. (Do not emulate photo completely, could be hazardous to your dating life!) Whether you are a "regular", "mid-sagger", or a "full sag" this ensemble can work for you too! (Note: if you are above the age of 14, a full sag deserves a citation from the Fashion Police). Celebs who love this look: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Rob Patterson

3. A SOLID IN-"VEST"-MENT. How to dress like a GQ cover with your wardrobe basics? Patterns, such as, tweeds, herringbone, and plaids are a big trend for menswear 2009. The easiest way to try this trend is by separating that 3-piece suit that you might have worn once to your best friend's wedding. The key piece is the VEST. Try a solid dress shirt under a fitted vest. Add a stripe tie for a contrast effect. Celebrities who love this look: Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, George Clooney

4. THE PERFECT PROFESSOR. Here's a quick fashion lesson to learn-- Less is More. Yes, guys this applies to you too. Stay simple- dress shirt, great tie, and a bold sweater. This look works for all body shapes & sizes. Make sure to tuck your dress shirt into your favorite jeans-- no one likes to see your tails sticking out. Take the time to dress for success and you will definitely get an A for applying these rules in fashion! Celebrities who love this look: Michael Vartan, Tom Cruise, Ryan Seacrest

5. THE HOT & HOODED. Experiment with the looks that work for you. A hoodie can be a deal maker or a deal breaker. Here's a look that is for the guys who are going from college and transitioning into the Hollywood scene-- begin with a light colored dress shirt, layer on a contrasting sweater, and complete the look with a dark or colored hoodie. Key to pulling this off with ease, stay away from printed or obnoxious graphics on the hoodie. Celebs that love this look: Usher, Jason Mraz, Robin Thicke

And just because I love the men in my life, . . .Here's one more tip, aside from the typical dress shirt, tie, and blazer, why not skip the first 2 buttons on the dress shirt, toss out the tie, and cozy up to the idea of a cardigan. Not talking about Mister Rogers' favorite thing to put on in his neighborhood, but a varsity sweater can be sophisticated without aging you a bit!

Look for more exciting ways to wear your favorite pieces in the weeks to come, . . .every guy can dress with style and still have money for the most important things in the world, like family & friends!

RECESSIONISTA: WOMEN- BASIC BLACK BLAZER

Every recessionista needs to learn about "trans-fashion". Trans-fashion is the ability to take one standard piece that is typically found in every woman's closet and transition it into more than one outfit. Let's start with the ladies, . . .Suit, Suit, riot? Hardly. The basic black blazer can be transformed easier than you think. The fitted blazer is an important piece of the "Boyfriend" trend, where women are influenced by men's fashion. This little jacket doesn't have to always be paired with a black slack, unless you are a stubborn New Yorker going to an important interview. But for the "laid back, hip" west coasters take note. Dust off the basic black blazer and try these 5 different outfit options.

Below are 5 outfit options, all of them when paired under a fitted blazer come to together beautifully, so go ahead and experiment! These looks can flatter any age range. Fashion is meant to be fun, so if you are brave enough, I challenge you to try all 5 options, your friends will wonder where you had the funds to get 5 new outfits, but it will be our lil secret that you just needed a stylist's help and your own confidence to rock a whole new you!




1. THE SEX KITTEN. Take a note from actress Amanda Bynes, pair a blazer over a sexy dress to make any outfit a lil more polished and adds just the right amount of sophistication. Don't be afraid to try an animal print or a silky chiffon sundress. Blazers definitely help to transition from winter to spring. Think date night or red carpet, because you will definitely have heads turning. If you have gorgeous gams like Ms. Bynes, try going high fashion, by rockin' ankle booties with this look. Young Hollywood has embraced this trend with open arms and it has suited them quite well. Celebs who love this look: Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Aniston, and Heather Locklear

2. GEO-METRY GODDESS. Try a bold print or geometric pattern over black opaque tights. The contrast is pure genius. Keep the accessories in a pewter shade, keys being: large shades, textured belt, and flat suede boots. The dark colored tights give the illusion of length and a knee-high boot draws the eyes down to the floor. The cardigan keeps the femininity and by adding the blazer, creates the perfect symmetry of structure! Celebs who love this look: Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, and Jessica Alba

3. ROCK 'N ROLLER. Inside every good girl is an inner bad girl, this outfit lets you expose that Joan Jett, Pat Benetar that is dying to be unleashed! The best part of this look--- its sooo simple and chic that you have these items in your closet!! Black cami/tank, lighter denim (even a faded grey works) To vamp up this vixen-look, add patent leather kitten heels if you are to shopping on Robertson, but if you have a date at the House of Blues later, opt for a sensational studded stiletto. The blazer need not be boring ladies, try a leather blazer that is fitted to your sexy shape! Add some pizazz with a fun handbag.

Celebs who love this look: Duffy, Rachel Bilson, and Miley Cyrus

4. UPTOWN GIRL. What happens when you take your favorite blue tunic and your favorite dark skinny jeans and pair it with a blazer? You get the new uptown girl. East or west-- this can work for you! Turn up the color in the tunic- try primary colors-- red, yellow, and blue! Spice up the look by incorporating a key trend in

'09- FRINGE. The fringe should always be subtle and in an accessory, so why not a fringed handbag? To bring an urban flavor, add a beanie cap for those chilly spring days shopping in SoHo or running errands in the Village. Keep the boot basic to tie the look together. Celebs who love this look: Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Audrina Patridge

5. DELIGHTFUL DARLING. Sweet meets chic. Basic t-shirt,

comfy cardigan, your favorite jean, plus a tailored blazer equals delightful darling. Its great for day to day, from office to play date. Even mommy's need a re-charge in their wardrobe and this playful ensemble is a perfect combination. Remember, accessories can make or break an outfit. Sometimes you can base a whole outfit on just the floral headband or colored sweater. It's about being creative, this outfit can even be Boho with the right scarf and statement jewelry--- big colorful beads or a few strainds of thin gold chains. Celebs that love this look: Katherine Heigl, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift