What the H$ll Exactly is Haute Couture? A Look at Spring 2019

Ahhh, the mere mention of spring dressing really blows up our skirt! The Polar Vortex was a rude visitor that can leave just as fast as it came and not let the door hit it in the a$$. It’s time to welcome in fantasy fashion of Spring Haute Couture for 2019 and,oh,what a welcome friend it is!

Let’s take a quick step back and review what exactly is Haute Couture fashion. To put it in simplest terms, the most convenient definition, if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it. These custom creations are multifaceted. Each is a one-of-kind garment, made with pains taking tailoring, using the finest fabric, which all comes together in harmony to produce museum quality pieces. This is Old World craftsmanship paired with modern techniques that only today’s grand masters can make.

The name “Haute Couture” originated from Fédération Française de la Couture, which is the governing body for the French fashion industry. For a designer to be included in the uber exclusive club of Haute Couture, a designer must receive official permission from the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture, which is based in Paris. The parameters of this agreement say that the designers must show their collections twice a year and have no less than 35 pieces in each collection to include day and evening wear.

Don’t feel bad if Haute Couture isn’t hanging in your closet. Only 2000 people worldwide can touch the stuff. Taking 300 hours to create and complete, costing upwards of $90,000 per piece, clearly this is where the combination of time and money are no object. And with only 33 designers who make up this elite club, it’s a tight field of competitors giving it their all.

Haute Couture is where a designer really gets to strut their stuff by breaking boundaries, taking risks, and setting the pace for what is possible in fashion. In stark contrast, RTW is more for the common folk-this kind of fashion reaches the masses, not the classes. But in some form, the couture shows serve as an incubator for creative ideas that may trickle down to RTW…which of the ideas presented for spring 2019 will find their way onto the fall runways?

Some strong, recurrent themes played throughout the couture collections for spring 2019. While the emphasis is on easy, breezy warm weather silhouettes, a few fun surprises are on the horizon.

We’ll take a deeper dive in the specifics for 2019 trends. Even if you can’t afford couture, we sure can help you dress like you can. Stay tuned!

 

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What’s in a Name?

“What’s in a name?” William Shakespeare so famously probed and got me thinking about my company’s name, Fashions with Flair.

My mother, who founded FWF in 1985, was a certified teacher. As such, she believed that the audience should go home having learned something useful to apply to their everyday routine. In that spirit,  I created our signature “trend dressing” segment and, in each of our shows, I highlight all the easy ways to update and enhance your wardrobe.

Thus, “Fashions with Flair” says it all -we bring clothes to life.

At our most recent fashion show, with the help of our gorgeous models and fashion show coordinator, Judy Placek, I took what you already have in your closet-jeans and a nice white tee shirt-and gave it “of the now ‘wow’” style. Looks made for any age, any size…here’s your 411 for fashion fun!

Here are your options from global retailer White House Black Market.

1. Monochromatic color styling with a burgundy cardigan, obi belt, crushed velvet scarf and cross body bag.
2. Silver paillette studded poncho with silver belted front and pearl and silver choker necklace.
3. Cropped fringe suede jacket in dove grey with long tassel necklace.
4. Black moto jacket and over the top rock star-studded jeweled clutch. Bam!

Let me help infuse life into your wardrobe by shopping your closet for great mix and match ideas.

Check out my Pinterest board to see more looks. https://www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/fwf-jeans-and-white-tee-trend-dressing/

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/