Trend Dressing Update

As the director and commentator for the fashion show production company, Fashions with Flair, I am often asked by friends and family, “how can I update my look?” Well, I am also the single mother of four kids, so my answer combines my fashion background with my practical lifestyle. I include a trend dressing segment in all of our fashion show productions. This fall I took wardrobe staples every woman has in her closet and showed how effortless it is to add a little flair to your everyday routine.

If you’re anything like me, you’re in Target almost every day. Milk, toiletries, prescriptions …..and you pass the latest fashion staples on the way! I recently heard that if Target had a bar it would be the perfect place! I took four looks that I routinely wear and added the best of fashion accessories to make it fresh and new.

1. Jeans and a white tee shirt:

•  bright plaid shirt tied at the waist which gives you a slimming effect
• an army green flack jacket
• a fur charm hooked to your belt loop

 

2. Black pants and a black sweater

• off white sweater duster with black woven leather belt at the waist-Black and white unite!

 

3. LBD

• denim shirt tied at the waist (you know why)
• camel vest
• blue fur infinity scarf

 

4. Black leather pencil skirt (yes Target is selling this!) and white blouse

• lots of pearls around your neck
• white curly lamb car coat (no, Target doesn’t have this LOL…..York Furrier)

Happy fall and happy fashion!

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Miracle Weight Loss Fashion

With 100% seriousness and all due respect, the Mary Katrantzou spring 2017 RTW collection is the miracle slim wear of all time. Forget about your shapes, curves, and lumps, Mary Katrantzou created microfiber fabrics with patterns that were simply stunning and oh so flattering. A vibrant color scheme in blues, rust, and white, Katrantzou drew from her grecian background mimicking some of the very iconic pottery styles of ancient times. Later in the show she added plastic fish scales, scallops, and ruffles to to give the deigns a 3D effect and a more evening feel. Totally gorgeous!

All Right, White!

From girls who consider themselves a traditionalist to the most modern of divas, wearing the color white meets all personality types and the way you wear and style it can meet your many moods. But when is it okay to wear white? What are the “whites” and wrongs of wearing white after Memorial Day? Do you still have to retire all your white pieces after Labor Day? We have the list of options to break all the rules and show you how …………it’s all right in white all year round!

With architectural clean lines, white takes on a modern approach. 3/4 length jackets, crop pants, and tank tops were on tap at the Issa sing RTW 2016 show. Cedric Charlier’s RTW collection included a key white top- rounded shoulders, elbow length sleeves, and a wrap waist belt, it was a great day into evening piece. But hands down, it was the Viktor & Rolf spring RTW collection that took white fashion and made it modern- a “wearable art” theme of garments made from Cubist facial features. Wearing white in contemporary cuts shows a sharp fashion sense that breaks barriers and seasons.

With a hint of grey, this shade of white is the newest in neutral dressing. Dennis Basso was the leader in this look for spring. Mini skirts and dresses touched with metallic threads, he added tiny fur jackets in a white ice color and made us rethink how cool white really can be. From the couture collection, Giambattista Valli spring 2016 created a billowing tulle dress that rewrites all the rules on wearing white for the gala season.

Textured white fabrics bring a whole level of feminine dressing to the mix. Eyelet, lace, laser cut, and appliqué, these looks had a 3D appeal. Maxi dresses and scarves played up the boho chic trend and laid claim to the carefree gypsy lifestyle. Elie Saab’s spring RTW collection highlighted a two piece pant ensemble of oversized eyelet lace flared pants and box crop top-very garden party appropriate indeed. For the Beverly Hills poolside/jet set, Rochas spring 2016 paired a long duster terrycloth style coat over a gentle lace dress that was ready for you to dive right in!

A crisp white blouse or polo shirt never go out of style. A key layering piece for spring, these tops pair with shorts, circle skirts, jeans and cardigans. White shirt dresses are common but
Monse spring 2016 used the smoothest cotton fabric which was tied and draped for maximum sex appeal. More put together than wearing your boyfriend’s shirt, it was a suggestive look that made us daydream a bit. Adding a Sally LaPointe hide hair envelope purse would make you look ready for business.

Just like stationary, ivory is white’s casual side. It’s softer and easier on the eyes. Pamela Rolland and Sally LaPointe 2016 both had monochromatic ivory two piece outfits that charged down the runway and made a powerful statement. Gucci took an ivory over the knee skirt and combined it with a monkey fur vest with rust and ivory accents that screamed “I’m the ‘IT’ girl.”

Here’s my Pinterest for some inspiration https://www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/all-right-white/

Game On! Cheers to American Sportswear

Ladies, take your marks. We’re here to give your fashion routine a workout that inspires you to get fit, get active, and get going with winning All American sportswear looks. Undisputed leaders in patriotic playwear include Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tory Burch and never before have they made us so proud to be an American. Soccer moms, boardroom bad asses, and weekend warriors, together we salute our designer heroes and their creative inspirations that keep us in the game. Ready, set, shop!

American sportswear is a look that you know it when you see it…..effortless, daytime chic that is classic, ladylike, and innovative. Michael Kors is the undefeated champion in modern day activewear for die-hard enthusiasts and shows the rules of the game have changed in his 2016 RTW collection. The juxtaposition of a track suit made from fine  cashmere accessorized with a powder blue curly lamb fur shrug is a fly in the face message to the refined leather loafer and sport coat wearing crowd, “score one for Team Casual!” Women who understand that luxury can be approachable and wearable now gravitate to American sportswear designers and their carefree sense of style for blue ribbon winning looks.

Tory Burch is the newest draft pick to take a place in the American sportswear branding game. She appeals to young professionals who go from work to weekend with just a small carry on and a lip gloss. Mixing and matching color combinations made from primary colors, her pieces pair with everything from jeans to mini skirts. In her fall 2016 RTW collection, Burch put forth two short, box jackets made with wool and curly lamb. These key coats were youthful yet sophisticated. Fashion made for the girl who likes to show off her hard-earned money with investment dressing, Burch combines casual with collectible.

Leading the pack in our race to be the best dressed in modern-day sportswear, Tommy Hilfiger is our team captain. Nautical looks have never looked so new. In his RTW 2016 show, Hilfiger mixed leather and lamb to make the most powerful, seafaring pea coat. A key piece that shows you’re in control no matter the occasion. He coordinated his looks with flirty skirts in floral patterns and school girl blouses and sweaters. A charming rendition of youthful exuberance that make you cheer!

We you look good, you play great and today’s American designers have sportswear covered game, set, match! Designers put forth country club chic that puts you on the winning team of today’s modern fashion victories.

Pinterest gives it to you in pictures…..https://www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/game-on-cheers-for-american-sportswear/

 

Coachella Fashion and a Whole Lot More

When you mix celebs, music, fashion, and put it all in a remote desert location, what you get is a sick mix of off the chain awesomeness.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a multi faceted mix of entertainment with music being the main draw but fashion is the becoming the Kanye West to the Taylor Swift-a side show that gets your attention. The festival brings about 180,0000 people each year to Indio and Palm Springs, California and takes place Friday-April 12 and April 17-19 so buckle up, with back to back weekends, this sh-t gonna get real real.

Like the movie themes of Weekend at Bernie’s combined with Risky Business and touch of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Coachella is a millennial’s excuse to let it all hang out and then memorialize it on Instagram. When this type of epic low down is happening, rest assured people are dropping a few dimes and dressing for the occasion. You ask, “What is the dress code for dance club in the desert?” – well we’re here to break it down, bust it out, and help get yo swag on.

In the fabulous life of the young, rich, and famous what you wear is like a mating call of clothes. Lots of skin covered with tats, cut outs, cut offs, and crop tops are the go-to favorite to show the body art. There’s no shortage of denim and lace and designers like Nanette Lapore bring  signature girlish charm.  Accessories are all part of the hippie vibe. Fringe cross body bags, floppy hats, and flower headbands all add to the mood. The glam squad in attendance includes Gigi Hadid, the Jenner clan, Biebs, and Chris Brown and they’re always DTI. Last year Hadid wore a chestnut colored suede vest. This look was so loved, the style made its way into retail stores around the globe as a key piece. Flat caps and screen tees are a DJ’s favorite uniform.

Pop up shops and interactive virtual reality experiences from H & M are the new, modern way to titalize their audience in real time.  The most recent designer to buy into the buzz is Calvin Klein. In an effort join the “in” crowd, Klein and their multiple subsidiaries will host a “brand experience” over the weekend. Well, hell ya, “brand me“!-whateveh that means.

Temperatures rise with body heat combined with hot as hell desert conditions, pool parties are happening at hotels and private residences so off the hook that even Robin Leach would drop his dentures in ecstasy. Coachella has a modern-day Woodstock vibe (if you’re old enough to make that connection) but with parties set in über elite retreats.

Coachella attracts an orgasmic line up of talent and entertainment. The event may self combust with young, hottie fever.  Get your posse locked and loaded-this event isn’t for amatures.

 

Here’s my Pinterest for inspiration https://www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/coachella-2016-fashion-and-more/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Things, Big Impact

Opening the tool box of essentials I’m here to help you get through the temperature ups and downs this spring. The littlest things can make a big impact on your look and help you weather Mother Nature’s ever-changing moods. From jackets, to vests, and purses, add just the right accessory to layer together for any kind of weather.

The crop box jacket is a power player in any wardrobe. A slightly rounded shoulder, long sleeve, and cut at the hip bone, it is a figure flattering design that maximizes all your curves. The fall RTW 2016 collections made this a centerpiece creating it from colorful pelts and fine embossed leather. Alice and Olivia’s 2016 show featured a multi stripe dyed rabbit jacket that was youthful, artistic, and versatile.  J. Mendel never fails to set the bar and then vault it into the next stratosphere creating a red ombre dyed mink with monkey fur cuffs that was cool AF!  But Dennis Basso, the king of all things luxury, put forth the most stunning white mink and alligator embossed leather jackets. For a bridal gown, a black tie ball, a boudoir romance, or your moment at the Oscars, these coats gave a real sense of occasion.

Your bullet proof vest consists of soft fur and festive adornment-it takes you fearlessly through the streets. Gucci’s spring RTW 2015 interpretation was the most imaginative and exciting. The designer used a mix of fur pelts like fox and monkey fur dyed in color combinations of reds, whites, and browns that arrested me in my tracks. What was especially nice about these pieces is their cut- slimming silhouettes and just the right bling that give you total street cred. Fendi’s fall RTW 2016 showed a variety of colorful fur pieces and their interpretation of the vest was more voluminous. Bold patterning and billowy fox fur, this was a substantial piece that was pure fashion armor for the elements. J. Mendel’s black and white mink Piscasso-esque vest was the best of the bunch. A sophisticated basic that pairs with jeans, leather pants, and your LBD.

The purse has taken center stage as a status symbol and a conversation starter all in one. Sally LaPointe’s spring 2016 RTW show featured pony hair and fur envelope styled purses. Carried like a clutch or cross body, their size and coloring were statement making pieces that put an explanation point on outfits. Fendi’s fall 2016 RTW purse was as generous with size and style similar to their vest options. An oversized boho bag would carry everything and the kitchen sink in style. A more demure, traditional medicine bag was a great addition too. Prada’s snake-skin style and Blugirl’s pink shearling purses were both functional and fabulous.

Don’t worry about what the weather man predicts, you’re  charmed and dangerous with key pieces to ease you into spring that tackle the elements all in style.

Check out my Pinterest page for pics! https://www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/little-things-big-impact/

 

Dennis Basso Fall Preview ’16 Review

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who will be the best dressed this fall? 

With soft fabrics that invite you to touch, additions of fur pieces are never too much. 

Is it magic or is it true, Dennis Basso, the godfather of fashion fantasy, brings it all to you.

The Basso 2016 pre-fall collection pairs fairy-tale fashion with everyday wear-ability. With enchanted designs, luxe fabrics, fine fur, elite craftmanship, and deep hues, Basso remains true to his luxury brand this season.

The color pallet includes midnight blue, teal, brick red, coco and jet black. These are a twist on straightforward, neutral colors which are blended together to bring a depth and interest beyond the basics.The fabrics he selects absorb and reflect the rich earth tones. There’s a connectivity with the choices in color, fabric, and construction that bring this magical tale to life.

He uses the familiar architectural chinoiserie pattern of birds, branches, flowers, and the heavens-decor likely found in the upper east side apartments of his famous clients. Each piece is a wearable work of art and a story in the making. Supple fabrics combined with feminine designs remind us of all the romantic reasons we like being a girl. Liquid dripping silk, billowy chiffon, and fur all cut in patterns that favor fluidity. The shapes make a woman look like she’s walking on a cloud.  Effortless in beauty and taste, the Basso collection will appeal to a woman’s femininity and charm.

Ball gowns and party dresses are complimented by Basso’s signature fur collection. Russian broad tail with feather-like touches of fox designed as capes and vests are some of the versatile fur pieces offered in the collection. Sable and chinchilla walking coats are reserved for toppers on ball gowns and party dresses. Basso also includes suede ensembles that make everything he’s designed for fall irresistible to the touch.

Basso understands his clients’ desires. For them, fashion is a way of the luxe life. Whether she’s running errands or sipping champagne, she wants to look special, but feel special too – Cinderella is her middle name…..With the addition of a key fur piece from Basso or one of his ready to wear ensembles, it’s a daydream become reality.

My Top 3 .Com’s for Cyber Monday

It’s better to give than to receive and I want to make you the best gift giver ever! That’s where this season’s best online shopping links come in handy. “Wow” your friends and family with magical gifts in fashion and accessories. From the unique to the chic to the cheap, this is serious business.

Nastygal.com is eye-popping, tongue wagging, heart pounding eye candy for the culturally elite and the girl on the street. A collection of modern-day fashion must haves, tabletop collectables and beauty secrets to covet. The tipping point of Nastygal.com is the esthetic beauty of the website’s photographs. This is online shopping of museum quality.

For those of us who like to wear our “hardware” as our “software”, macrumors.com is the online destination for your inner tech geek. Now, I’ll readily admit you can’t snuggle up to a new MacBook Pro, but I’ll guarantee it’s the one gift that puts all things snuggly at your fingertips. Find the best deals, reviews and features on macrumors.com. User friendly, written in layman’s terms, macrumors.com pares down the details of all things Mac. Let’s face it, our relationship with our electronics is frighteningly intimate. Practical? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

If you’re anything like me, you shop with the best of intentions to buy for others, but it always happens that I find only the most perfect things for myself. Etsy.com is the domain for gifts that are singularly superior. It is a community of DIY’s, artists and one of a kind fashion must haves. Show your individuality and fashion savvy and shop Etsy.com. This is a wonderful way to support “local” without leaving your desk.

These fabulous websites are running circles around fashion’s hippest looks. Be prepared to dazzle. Up for a little shopping? Everyday errands become a pleasure with a touch of the keyboard. Santa’s not the only one with the magic touch anymore.

My Front Row Seat at Milan’s Fashion Week

Milan, Italy is the iconic breeding ground for all things “fashion”.  It is a city that dresses up to go grocery shopping.  The McDonald’s, located on the footsteps of the Duomo,  has a five-star view of its famous roof top gargoyles and spires.  Milan is the home to world-renowned designers Alberta Ferretti and Moschino.  My friend and I had front row seats to both designers’ fashion shows during fashion week.  Thankfully, I recovered from my borderline demonic, possessed excitement and have lived to tell.

The invitation to the Ferretti show made a big first impression and was a statement maker in its sheer enormity.  It was hand delivered to our hotel by someone on par of an armed guard.  Impossible to miss and duplicate, it was our golden ticket.  The invitation gave vague instructions of location and time.  Its ambiguity and mystery added to the frenzy.

Dressed like we were “someone”, we stood on the steps outside the venue.  Just like nightclub customs, security had all guests wait behind the velvet rope while VIP celebrities, stylists, and editors were waved up the stairs.  Sufficiently pent-up with frustration and anticipation, we were welcomed inside.  The atmosphere was electric.  Music was playing, champagne was at the ready, sunlight poured in and we were invited guests!

Dead center stage of the models’ entrance, we saw everything first.  Model after model, one by one, charged the runway at a breakneck pace.   The overall impression was of sophistication, luxury and beauty-exactly how I would describe the city of Milan.

As a board member of The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board, we offer silent and live auction prizes like this trip!  You too can attend fashion week or travel the Nile or sail BVI Bitter End Yacht Club all the while fundraising for the brightest minds in science.

Join us on November 8, 2014.

https://www.facebook.com/events/569771013108425/?previousaction=join&source=1

Pre show entrance.

Entrance into show.

My partner in crime and bestie, Lidia.

Random rolling rack of clothes.

Finale parade.

Alberta Ferretti finale bow.

Rough life.

McCafe gourmet

Post show party at the Principe de Savoy penthouse.

#1 Neglected Fashion Trend

In an unofficial capacity, I was an audience member at a fashion show last night.  I know, it’s like a postman taking a walk on his day off.  But unlike the metaphorical postman and his leisurely walk, I used the time for research and professional development.

The fashion show was the usual routine including lights, music, a runway, models and a jet set crowd of fashionistas.  When I produce a fashion show, I like to entertain and educate the audience on all things fashion.  This is what sets me apart from other producers and what was missing in the mix of models and music in the show.

“Fashion” is a head to toe concept in my book.  In particular, I subscribe to the belief that the number one secret to updating your look and shedding years off your appearance is to visit a cosmetic counter every year.  Nichole’s Fashion Commandment: your make up gets noticed before your outfit does.

As a fashion show commentator and producer, I have access to all the latest trends, top models, current styles and colors.  The one thing I consistently recommend is a professional make up application. This Saturday at Lord and Taylor Oak Brook, we will be highlighting the latest trends in skin care and make up.  Live demonstrations, questions and answers, plus tons of free products make this event the hottest ticket in town.

I’ve discovered the fountain of youth and it’s in the cosmetic department at Lord and Taylor Oak Brook.  Put your best face forward and come join me this Saturday!

DETAILS:

https://www.facebook.com/events/165273867004480/

Me, Amy Elliott, Lorena Munoz at “Rev it Up” fashion show

“Rev it Up” fashion show