Pre-Fall Already?

So, Style.com has posted their coverage on the pre-fall shows and run-throughs of top designers collections. I've gone through them and chosen my favorites that I hope will inspire you. The fashion world can seem like a dizzy, blurred place, where the seasons are always pressed on the fast-forward button, but it does keep you prepared and updated on the upcoming trends.

Without further adieu, I present to you Style.com's pre- fall looks of 2010. Please feel obliged to comment on your favorite pieces, I would love to read your insight.

Missoni 2010

           

Diane von Furstenberg  2010

      

Sheer Love

It's winter time...middle of January...blah, blah, blah...So unless you have stolen away to an exotic tropical resort in St. Martin or Tahiti, you are probably in a the mode for layers, scarves and hot cups of tea...all the time. I know I have recently become addicted to late evenings of How I Met Your Mother episodes and chocolate chip snacking! I just have to say, I'm watching the first season and on that part when Ted is dating the baking girl, Victoria and she keeps sending him care-packages of cupcakes and it makes my  sweet tooth quiver. What can I say, watching people eat on TV makes me so hungry-- if I watched Gilmore Girls all the time I would probably never stop consuming!!

Anyways, my rambled point is, the winter can make us sluggish and unmotivated to keep experimenting with our wardrobes. First, if you do feel a tad bit lethargic, start by improving your mood by getting outside more...take a walk (if it's not absurdly cold out) or join a workout class. I have started Power Yoga twice a week, and it definitely up's my energy!! This will encourage you to just be happier in everything that you do...including...staying style conscious and inspired.

Let's look at a favorite trend of mine...sheer. Sheer outfits really stand out -- especially in the winter time because they show that extra bit of skin without actually exposing it. Sheer can be sexy and classy at the same time and reveal a lightness in your style.

Not only is this form fitting at the waist, but the sheer top and lace is sexy and elegant in one fell swoop!

  

Sheer textures are revealing in all the right places.

Here the sheer top and the ankle length skinny's paired with strappy heels are the perfect relaxed yet chic combo!

   

Hope you enjoyed my attempt to lift your winter spirits. Get inspired and experiment with sheer luminosity! I'm serious...it will take a weight off your day.

"Cinema Italiano"

I have recently endeavored on the most mesmerizing experience of Nine. Took a nice Tuesday night to go with a girlfriend to the movies-- Nine seemed like an obvious choice. Set in the classy and very sexy Italia in the 1960's, I took a wild ride through the mind of the Maestro-- Guido (Daniel Day Lewis). The film is based on Federico Fellini's 8 1/2, where a famous Italian director tries to get through the writers block he seems to be stuck with. It is a fascinating tale that left me in awe-- especially because of the wondrous dances directed by Rob Marshall, who also directed the award winning Chicago.

 The numbers are all filled with vivacious and sensual moves not to mention the fabulous, sparkling costumes. The entire film is dazzling from the intense and brilliant performance of Day Lewis to the elegant gracing of Sophia Loren-- an icon not only in the film world, but also in fashion. Penélope Cruz's electric, burlesque number also is absolutely outstanding.

The costumes add to the impressive Italian style and make you just want to step into that world, step into a corset or a fabulous trench and wayfarers and belt out some passionate notes.

Tailoring Your Style

In these selected outfits, it's all about looking tailored. The cuts on the blazers see in these images add a sophisticated, strong look that can be carried with poise anywhere. The power look of a tailored suit or even just the addition of a blazer to your outfit adds that extra "oomph" to your style and confidence.

Take note:

1. The bold shouldered jacket

2. The cropped angle skinny pant

3. Platform shoe

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A bold look!

This not only looks professional but also fun with the addition of the flowy, ruffled top. Have fun with your suit!

This blazer plays with length and also has an interesting lapel. Look for detailed clothing that adds a fun new dynamic to your style. If wearing black on black, play with the shapes and textures of the outfit- for instance, her ruffled dress, long cut blazer and unusually shaped purse. To add, a blazer doesn't have to be put with a suit either and therefore can help you play with shape of your outfit!

Check out the color of the bag as well! It really pop's out at your due to her all black attire.

Take a look at a few other shots and I think you'll get the idea!

I just have to say I love, love, love her bag and shoes! Fabulous!

I hope you have become inspired to buy that one statement piece, be it a blazer for all occasions or a tailored pant-- it really gives you a put together look that radiates grace and poise.

Bundled Up

I find it is a daily challenge in the dark and cold winter months to have a well put together exterior. I was shopping recently and noticed my incessant coat fetish that seems to either destroy my bank account or my fantasies of that beautifully tailored, soft winter wonderland parka. Nonetheless, what seems to be important is the fact that in the wintertime it's about the coat, hat, scarves, gloves and boots. The winter can be discouraging in terms of looking fashionable because all you really want is to stay warm!

Take a look and broaden your horizons of what it takes to look stylish, warm and comfortable this season!

The pairing of the laced up booties with the lovely sheep skinned coat adds a chic appearance to dressing warmly. It looks so comfortable. The boho style hat also "tops" off the outfit well.

This soft grey added with knee high boots looks great. The coat length also layers well and adds a classy look.

I love the length of this jacket as well as the fur trim on the collar. The splash of pink pops out to make the outfit seem interesting and vibrant!

Texture is very important and one easy way to play with this dynamic is with various fabrics and materials. This fur coat looks so cozy not to mention the addition of a fedora which really completes the look.

 

This screams elegance! A white coat has always been a glorious fantasy of mine. Yet I am most certain the upkeep is the major downfall. I am yet to go through a day without the aid of "tide to go!" If there is an easy way to keep white clean- please let me know! 

 This coat is shaped well: note its length and the extended collar that gives it a breezy, casual shape, while maintaining poise and grace. Pair it with a pair of your favorite heels (any color goes) and you're golden-- or should I say walking in a winter wonder land!

I love the layering in this look. Even though the leather jacket is shortened, she still looks quite warm with the wool sweater and top underneath. Layering is an easy way to freshen up your look. So often in the colder months we throw on our coats and the outfit we have underneath isn't apparent. Don't be afraid to use your clothes and your coat together to create something really chic!