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/

 

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/

 

Fur-sure Fall Trends 2016

Want to turn your fall fashion 2016 into something altogether amazing? Well, we’re here to help. Why not start off with a must have mink intarsia walking coat, or maybe pick a fox fur collar for your statement piece, or how about a dramatic fur cape to swoop in and show off your unmistakable style? Just make sure you layer things on, prepare for what old man winter throws your way and show him who’s boss.

From a frenetic pace of fall fashion show reviews from New York, London, Milan, and Paris, there were a few signs of reoccuring signature styles that are here to stay. Fashion mandates that fur is not just a luxury item in your closet reserved for only special occasions. It is a must have essential in your wardrobe. As the thermometer drops, we track the trends and chart a course  to destination high fashion…… is it getting hot in here or is that my fur keeping me warm?

The season’s most stunning combinations from the catwalk can fold seamlessly into every day, wearable chic. The designers have created the perfect balance to keep today’s modern woman warm and stylish. Here’s a few of our favorite picks!……

Mink intarsia topper coats have taken center stage as a key piece for cold weather dressing. Form and function, these coats are made to endure a full season of wearability day to evening. Their slim lines make them comfortable to wear, easy to travel in, and allow you layer all you like. The colorful patterns and artistic flair of intarsia design shows the singular style and sophistication of the woman who wears it. Chuck your everyday boring wool coat and replace it with a glamorous mink intarsia coat. It’s investment dressing that will take you around the block, around the clock and around the globe in first class fashion.

Great news! ….Capes aren’t just for superheros anymore. Welcome to the season where wardrobe choices are gloriously bold and the impact on your look is just as big. The timeless style of a cape shows an effortless, fashionable appeal that can be worn just about anywhere. Thrown over your shoulders, it tells the world, “yes, I do wake up looking this glamorous.” Created from fine mink in black or brown,  this style cape looks very old Hollywood. Saint Laurent went full tilt including a sweeping 3/4 long black mink cape with a regal metal closure. Take that, Game of Thrones fans! Pick a shearing and leather design for daytime chic with a tough girl appeal. Add beads and a fox fur collar and this cape has you front row at the opera. No matter your lifestyle, a fur cape is a cool girls guide to today’s modern trend.

Boho chic in a mixture of fur pelts is the new way to neutral. Pattern mixing is here to stay and when it includes color combinations of white, brown, tan and black, it becomes a versatile basic you can’t go without. Provenza-Schuler,  a designer known for sleek fashion engineering even introduced their own version of this gypsy mash up.  Marrying rabbit, fox, and lynx furs promises a life long commitment to luxury and style that say’s “I do.”

The fox fur collar is the absolute first and last word on luxury.  It would be faster and more efficient to name which designers didn’t feature this look somewhere in their collection. Whether it adorns the lapel of a walking coat or blazer, it is the finishing touch that says you’ve arrived. Sonia Rykiel hardly had a look that was missing this trend.  A detachable collar with a ribbon to fasten it about your neck is the modern accessory that takes that place of a necklace. Roksanda made this a must have and a go anywhere piece that sets you head and shoulders from the crowd.

What’s especially exciting about the trends emerging from the fall RTW 2016 collections at home and across the pond is their versatility. The furs have an everyday ease that are made to work and endure a season of wear. Introducing ideas like fun fur accessories and intarsia top coats show how easily these little extras reinvent your wardrobe.

 

Check out my Pinterest from some inspiration…..https://www.pinterest.com/niemannnichole/fur-shure-fall-trends-2016/

 

 

 

 

 

Key Trends for Fall ’15

As a fashion show producer and professional commentator, I am often asked by my friends, family, and clients, “what are the key trends for the season?” I am also the mother of four children who want a home cooked meal every night, so my fashion choices have to be approachable, wearable, accessible, and understandable. I work with the top models, dj’s, choreographers, and designers, so I get to see what’s hot FIRST and hand deliver it right to you-Spark Notes for fall 2015 fashion!

First, your wardrobe has to be built on a solid foundation of key coordinates. I’m a firm believer in quality basic pieces. The must-haves include:

1. a crisp, well fitted, white blouse
2. quality jeans
3. fitted white tee
4. black leather jacket
5. the best LBD money can buy

From here, sky’s the limit in accessory dressing and where the real fun begins!

This season, fashion and practicality go together! Woo Hoo! It’s more modern to mix than to match, so break the rules and mash up the patterns. Say bye, bye to boring solids and take a turn on the wild side. Plaid does go with polka dots and cheetah print is the new neutral so wear it with almost everything. Tom Ford….nails it!

Marc by Marc Jacobs brings boyish charm to feminine dressing. The latest new comer in neckwear is the silk ascot. It’s making a grand entrance in an oh-so-ladylike way.  Colorful, sophisticated and soft, this key piece tied in various ways says, “you’ve arrived.”

Brooches aren’t just for the Queen Mum anymore.  Pin a piece on your lapel, in the center of your silk ascot, or in the middle of your bikini top. This accessory is a statement-making piece that adds power and performance. Balenciaga show how to make a woman shine with this one key piece.

An apple a day in winter doesn’t keep the doctor away quite like a fur coat! But it’s not your grandmother’s fur anymore.  Rockstar glamour comes with fun, colorful coats that make silver white winters turn into a Forth of July parade.

It’s a party for your feet this fall, too!  Colorful kicks take you all over town with your cuffed jeans.  This is exactly the trend I’ve been dreaming of to put a spring in my everyday routine.

A surprise this season comes by way of make up. Any age and any size, self tanning bronzer from Trish McEvoy is a one size fits all.  It is your secret weapon against the dead of winter blues. A light dusting and I swear you’ll feel younger- just wait ’til your friends notice.

Here’s your cheat sheet for what’s hot as the temps drop. It’s all in the details this fall season and we’ve got you covered from head to toe with the crash course in fall trend dressing 2015.  It’s up to you if you want to share!