Fall Trend Report

I did my fall buying back in February in NYC and I am SO EXCITED to finally share my fall merch with you over the next months! I love the 2012 trends and feel that I ordered some pretty phenomenal collections. I hope you agree!

One of the most common questions I receive this time of year is “What’s hot for fall?”. Here are my impressions about what’s hot this season:

• Colored denim: Still hot! Look for burgundy to replace last fall’s reds, reptile prints to replace spring’s floral prints. We have some faded teal python-print jeggings coming in from DL1961 that are TDF. Can’t wait!

• Jeggings: Still hot! These are definitely here to stay, as they are denim’s #1 selling body right now.

• Colors of the season: Spring’s corals and mints will deepen this fall into rich wine and vibrant teal. Wine/burgundy is absolutely the #1 color of the season this year. Winter white is also very on trend.

• East Coast Prep: I definitely noticed a more conservative feel to many fall trends–blazers, military, etc.

• STILL HOT: Fur (faux or vintage), and Leather. Especially sleek, moto leather.

What’s OUT: I’m not going to call out any fading/borderline trends, but just the worst offenders that I still (sadly) see out on the streets. So if you have any of the following in your closet, you need to get rid of it, STAT! Blinged out jeans, anything Ed Hardy or it’s ilk, thermal graphics, overabundant ruffles, really chunky heels. Soooooooo two (or let’s be honest, MORE) years ago. 🙂

Scarves: The Must Have Fall Accessory

They are the perfect way to add an extra bit of panache to almost any outfit. Our recent delivery of Vivante scarves has inspired us to ask, what is the best way to wear them? Check out the celeb pics below for inspiration!

The infinity scarf remains in style this season.  I picked some out on my recent trip to NYC and will have them in-store Thursday.  I have them in black, red, grey, and cream and they look  very similar to the one Blake Lively is wearing here:

Here’s a chart of a few different ways to tie a scarf:

Here’s a sampling of the scarves we just received from Vivante, though we have MANY more in-store!

Trend Alert: Fall 2011

Every season I get the inevitable question: What’s hot this season? Here’s a sneak peak at our fave trends.

Neutrals: Grey is giving the #1 title over to brown this fall. The last couple of seasons the “go to” neutral has been varying shades of grey. This season we’re seeing a lot of brown tones, anywhere from beige to chocolate, often paired with navy. Not to worry grey lovers….you’re still fine wearing it. Neutrals like these never really go out of style. Go with the shades that suit you best!

The “still ins”: Jeggings. Leggings. Over the knee boots. Fur. I honestly don’t think that jeggings will ever go “out” in MN, they are just too practical. And comfortable.

Bottoms Up: Fashion is still giving the 70’s a firm nod (think chic or boho, not retro), and wide leg and bell bottom denim is HOT. Consider going high waisted and pairing them with a silky blouse for sophisticated chic. Same story for trousers. Avoid ripped/faded/distressed and go for a rich solid to elongate the leg.

Accessories: Loving the cuff bracelets, especially in leather. Edgy chokers. Printed scarves.

Other trends: Asian influence. Lace. “Burnt” colors: rust. Goldenrod. Mustard. Plunging necklines. Sheer (lined to knee) maxi skirts….though I find that trend to be more popular on the catwalk than the sidewalk.

Things that need to go away, STAT: jeans with heavy or excessive stitching. Anything even slightly related to Ed Hardy or his ilk. Men who don’t appreciate our fabulousness. Feather hair extensions–now that 8-year-olds are running around with feathers in their hair, it’s time to get rid of yours. Express yourself with feather earrings instead, or a subtle feather print blouse.

Fall Photo Promo

A few fall looks from Drama….

Trends for Fall

•Neutrals!  Shades of beige, pink, and gray are EVERYWHERE.  But gray is the clear winner.

•The silhouettes of the 1950s and 1960s make a strong return, with shapes that accentuate curves and enhance you feminine side.

•We’re also seeing the 70’s rise again:  high waists, wide legs, soft blouses, draping dresses.

.

•Leather is back. Our neighbors at MN-based Wilsons are rejoicing, because it has been awhile. Every girl must have a leather jacket: clean, tailored and on the short side. Don’t be afraid of leather dresses either!

•Cut outs.  Whether it be the “cold shoulder” look or cut outs filled in with sheer fabric, you’ll be seeing a lot of this trend going forward.

•Knee high socks.  Falling into line with the to-the-knee and over-the-knee boot look, knee socks are filling the gap.

•Velvets:  This won’t actually hit hard until closer to holiday, but already we are starting to see velvet accents.  Crushed velvet is haute as well.

Other trends:  rosettes, ribbon necklaces, hairpieces, tassle necklaces, owls, military, sheer fabrics, and lace.

My TOP Colors for Fall 2010

As an avid fashion content consumer, I have often found that my instincts tend to lead me in the right direction each season. When I crave a certain color or style, it frequently turns out that what I had lusted after was more than just an impulse but an inkling of an up and coming trend. In fact, when what I am loving comes to popularity in a big way, it is not mere coincidence or a magical occurrence but rather a result of my “research” (reading magazines is a big part of the life of a fashion student and intern!). Indeed, my predictions for color this fall were conceived in this same way, and the more I read the more confident I become and the more justified I feel about my selections. Even so, you don’t have to trust me blindly on my choices because I intend this simply as a guide and an expression of MY top colors for fall. While you may do well to heed my advice, the point is to follow your instincts in the name of fashion. They will unlikely lead you astray!

Camel – This color is everywhere for fall, from pants to tops to accessories and especially to outerwear. Brown is typically important for fall, but this color is the staple of the season. A camel colored coat for the cold weather will likely be a part of every chic, trend conscious woman’s wardrobe.

Gunpowder Gray – A smoky new neutral for those who love basic colors that go with everything. This season, gray is better than your average black or white in such a big way that it can make your outfit all on its own (even a monochromatic look in this color can be so fabulous!). Use gunpowder gray for of-the-moment sophistication and style this fall.

Army Green – While the least exciting, it is also the no brainer color for fall. So obvious is army green that I initially did not think to include it in my color predictions for the season! What with all the military inspiration that is hot right now, anything from pants to dresses to outerwear, this color will be your new go-to neutral for a look that is both of the moment and downright cool.

Emerald – As usual, jewel tones are fabulous for fall but my new favorite that hasn’t surfaced much in recent seasons is emerald. This deep and inimitable color is both striking and fresh for this season; it could turn out to be a bit difficult to find, but look for it especially in knits, silks, velvets, or jewelry that all add a touch of luxury to your cold-weather wardrobe.

Ballet Pink – A step away from baby pink, this color is more sophisticated and more subtle (think leather ballet slippers; an opaque light pink with faint peachy undertones). This color is soft enough to become a neutral in your look but also strong enough to be the star of your outfit. I’m loving it in casual tops, evening wear, and all types of leather for fall.

Scarlet – Red of any kind is a hit for this season, but fall especially calls for a deep red that is vibrant and sensual. As opposed to true red, scarlet is more flattering on most skin tones and also adds a hint of extravagance to your look. Like emerald, this color is best in rich and luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, and warm buttery knits.

Items pictured are available in-store today!

Spring Trend: Knee socks and heels

Socks with heels is one of the odder trends to come off the spring runways, but to my surprise it kind of works.   Here are some simple pointers to get the thigh high socks and knee high socks fashion trend right, courtesy of Fashion Rising:

• Pick the length wisely: they have to suit your body’s shape.
  • If you’ve got big thighs, thigh high socks will draw too much attention to them
  • Knee socks that finish below the knee may compliment your bone structure more than those knee high socks which finish above the knee. Try both styles on.
  • Knee high socks that cut off just below the knee are more likely to give you a slimmer look, as going only a short distance above the knee could result in socks that ‘bulge’ on your knee.
• Thigh high socks provide a perfect alternative to exposed stay-ups from 2010’s lingerie as outerwear fashion trend.
• If you’re short, knee high socks that cut off below the knee are best paired with a shorter hemline to expose more leg and, thus, imply greater height. The hem should be no lower than the middle of your thigh.
• If you’re in a colder climate then knitted socks might work for you. But avoid chunky and overt knitted socks: they were last a fashion trend back in 2007, and trends seldom repeat themselves so quickly.
• Avoid pairing knee high socks with tartan and plaid skits unless you can otherwise avoid the school girl overtones. The Gossip Girl look for girls is fast becoming a faux pas.
• Don’t be afraid to layer. Knee high socks and over the knee socks worn over sheer, patterned stockings can add a whole new dimension to an outfit.
• Nor should you be afraid to colour and texture, particularly if you want the socks to be a focal piece of your outfit.
• 

Lindsay Lohan in Hero Crane

She must be a fan, this is the second time recently I’ve seen her in Hero Crane!

We have this top in stock at Drama!

Accessorize It: Statement Pieces

Photo: Instyle

Beautiful multistrand necklaces by local designer Elizabeth Aloe

Multistrand necklace by Elizabeth Aloe, $120.

Add impact to any outfit with an ornate cuff bracelet. Photo: Instyle

Cuff bracelets by ROX available at Drama, $300 each.

3 Fall Must-Have Trends

1. Zippers. From dresses to handbags, zipper embellishments (both usable and completely ornamental) are HOT for fall!

Coming 9/15 from Yana K! Red/orange zip front dress $205. Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine.

2. Floral embellishments. Think girly! From headbands to belts to sewn on elements, this girly trend will be all over the place next season.  Think “Blair Waldorf”.

Headband Bud by local designer Nelle

A fave with the buyers at Bendels: the Cummberbund Belt from Nelle.

3. TEAL, TEAL, TEAL. This often-forgotten color is HOT HOT HOT for fall. Also watch for Amethyst and Papaya.

Teal is the "it" color for fall! Photo: Instyle