Fall Trend Alert: Funky Handbags

Bring in the funk bring in the...handbags?  With the Fall 2012 season approaching us and pre-fall items already hitting stores I thought it only appropriate to call out the emerging trends in accessories, enter the funky handbag.  This trend encompasses mixed media, unusual color combination, embellishments, pop-art and shapes.

Let's meet the players...

-Christopher Kane

-Chanel

-Dries Van Noten

 -Fendi

 -Givenchy

- 3.1 Phillip Lim

 -Louis Vuitton

Style Spotlight: Gwen Stefani

After 10 years of anticipation the band No Doubt has set a release date of September 25, 2012 for their sixth studio album entitled 'Push and Shove'.  The first single from the album is 'Settle Down' and hits July 16th.

As the countdown begins for all Gwen and company fans....I thought I would pay homage to the front woman herself Gwen Stefani whom, is a fashion icon in her own right.  Every year, hell every month is a new fashion adventure with Stefani from looks inspired by punk rock, 30's glamor, chola chic, bindi goddess, Alice in Wonderland, The Sound of Music, Harujuku....well the list goes on.  In any case I think we can all agree that the singer/songwriter, designer, L'Oreal spokeswoman has to put it in her words "the style that's wicked".

Here's some of my favorite Gwen moments... can't wait to get the new cd in my hands!

Must Have: Reed Krakoff Atlantique

A fashionable life

Icon: Victoria Beckham

That's right I said icon...Victoria Beckham has always been incredibly chic in her personal style but now with her four year old Victoria Beckham clothing line and her 'newer' bridge line Victoria by Victoria Beckham making headway in the industry; I think she's officially moved into Fashion Icon status.

TRANSITIONS

Whether it's because your a fashion addict and follow the fashion shows or just a shopaholic and your sales girl at Barney's calls you....whatever the case I think we're all familiar with the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons. But what about resort and pre-fall?

I pose this question to you because it is a common one that I get asked frequently. So I'm here with an answer, or at the very least some suggestions:

1.) Get ahead on the trends. I'm not suggesting wearing a long silk dress with a beach vibe (big trend for Spring) in the middle of January:
No, a touch of this trend like this Alice and Trixie 'Reese' dress paired with a boyfriend blazer will do the trick:

2.) Dress appropriately. It's not cold enough for a heavy plaid shirt or quite warm enough for that chiffon dress...
...so why not get the best of both like this Alice and Trixie 'Hayden' dress:


3.) Layers. When in doubt layer, a cardigan under a coat can create warmth when the air is frigid on your way to work and then easily comes off when it warms up later in the day. A floral silk scarf adds color to a mundane dress. And don't forget the accessories, a cool tote to store your extra layers will make all the difference.

OBSESSION: Givenchy T-Shirt

Printed, painted, pinned, slashed or sequined the tee is God's gift to fashion. Anytime you combine fashion with comfort you have my attention. Thanks to Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci the classic t-shirt has moved from an afterthought to the forefront of fashion.

I'm not talking about the 'disheveled-i-don't-care-how-I-look' t-shirt of the past. No no, It's all about picking the perfect fit and expressing your personal style. The options are endless; punk rock slashed Balmain tee, the Givenchy bulldog print, fitted, oversized or perhaps simple luxury like The Row's high-twist cotton with a single seam, either way you can't go wrong. Let's not forget the finishing touches like scarves, blazers, vests, etc. Get inspired and then go get dressed...