Trend Alert - Safety Cone Orange

Fall 2009 is in full swing. The NY runway shows are over, trade show season has begun, and the trends are in clear view. These are clothes you won't be wearing for another 9 months, but it's fun to see what the designers have cooking up for us. Color is always the easiest trend to spot and it's amazing that so many designers can be on the same wavelength. Yes, even in this downer economy, designers are taking note and toning down their palettes and creating comfort clothes that you can snuggle up in next Fall. Let's all hibernate until it's over! Maybe when we come out from under our safety zone, it'll all be over and we can resume with confidence.

The runways were flooded with muted tones and graphite was officially the new black (Kate Winslet's Oscar gown was right on target with the gradation of grays and blacks that were hot on the runways.) So glad I added that gray/black Baja stripe to my Fall soybean sweater group at the last minute! But the runways weren't all somber. The refreshing trend was subtle pops of neon color, reminiscent of the '80's. What better way to spice up a gray look than with a jolt of safety-cone orange? I've always been a fan of orange and I'm happy to see it pop up in several designers' runways, for both men and women.

Orange was a huge color trend for Spring '09, so it's only natural that the trend flow into Fall, especially since we're all trying to stretch our trends and dollars. For my Stacia Palm Springs Spring collection, orange was a huge inspiration. It's clean, it's fresh, and uplifting, and unlike yellow, it's much easier to wear. It's funny that safety-cone orange is the new "it" accent color for Fall since I've been on the hunt for actual orange cones for my son's birthday party. And while I'm hunting high and low for these miniature soccer cones, I'm thinking what a great color! Obviously not from head to toe, but as an accent, it's rather flattering.

Michael Kors, always the optimist, was not afraid to have his ladies parade down the Fall runway with crayola colored furs, safety-cone orange accents, and neon pop colors to contrast with the dull, gray crowd. Check out Bill Cunningham's brilliant take on the fashion set at the shows; he pretty much sums it up. So if you must be a downer and wear gray until the cloud has lifted, at least show some optimism and add a splash of color with your scarf or shoe. If it doesn't put a smile on your face, at least it'll cheer up the folks around you.

Trend Alert - Safety Cone Orange

Fall 2009 is in full swing. The NY runway shows are over, trade show season has begun, and the trends are in clear view. These are clothes you won't be wearing for another 9 months, but it's fun to see what the designers have cooking up for us. Color is always the easiest trend to spot and it's amazing that so many designers can be on the same wavelength. Yes, even in this downer economy, designers are taking note and toning down their palettes and creating comfort clothes that you can snuggle up in next Fall. Let's all hibernate until it's over! Maybe when we come out from under our safety zone, it'll all be over and we can resume with confidence.

The runways were flooded with muted tones and graphite was officially the new black (Kate Winslet's Oscar gown was right on target with the gradation of grays and blacks that were hot on the runways.) So glad I added that gray/black Baja stripe to my Fall soybean sweater group at the last minute! But the runways weren't all somber. The refreshing trend was subtle pops of neon color, reminiscent of the '80's. What better way to spice up a gray look than with a jolt of safety-cone orange? I've always been a fan of orange and I'm happy to see it pop up in several designers' runways, for both men and women.

Orange was a huge color trend for Spring '09, so it's only natural that the trend flow into Fall, especially since we're all trying to stretch our trends and dollars. For my Stacia Palm Springs Spring collection, orange was a huge inspiration. It's clean, it's fresh, and uplifting, and unlike yellow, it's much easier to wear. It's funny that safety-cone orange is the new "it" accent color for Fall since I've been on the hunt for actual orange cones for my son's birthday party. And while I'm hunting high and low for these miniature soccer cones, I'm thinking what a great color! Obviously not from head to toe, but as an accent, it's rather flattering.

Michael Kors, always the optimist, was not afraid to have his ladies parade down the Fall runway with crayola colored furs, safety-cone orange accents, and neon pop colors to contrast with the dull, gray crowd. Check out Bill Cunningham's brilliant take on the fashion set at the shows; he pretty much sums it up. So if you must be a downer and wear gray until the cloud has lifted, at least show some optimism and add a splash of color with your scarf or shoe. If it doesn't put a smile on your face, at least it'll cheer up the folks around you.

Notes From the Oscars

No, I was not fortunate enough to be at the Oscars tweeting non-stop my fashion hits and misses. I was actually snug on my couch in pj's, indulging with ice cream, and making my personal picks from the comfort of my own home. Right off the bat it was easy to identify the chic from the "what were they thinking?" Sure-fire winners of the evening were newbie Taraji Henson (loved her sleek bob and elegant dress), Natalie Portman (someone finally not afraid of color), and Anne Hathaway (gorgeous dress.) A few losers...Miley Cyrus (was that a tin foil dress?), Beyonce (her own design, oh good grief!), and Marisa Tomei's origami dress (is it made of paper?)

I personally loved Tilda Swinton's get-up (she usually wears a Viktor & Rolf design). It was certainly a nontraditional Oscar look, very tonal, but she could have easily stepped off any NY runway, which is why I liked it. Gorgeous Frida Pinto should really have worn yellow rather than aging herself 10 years with that boring navy dress. Yellow was a huge symbol in "Slumdog Millionaire" and it would have been wonderfully refreshing if she had worn a beautiful yellow frock similar to Cate Blanchett's 2005 dress.

I was a little sick of all the asymmetrical, one-shoulder dresses. A trend that has been beaten to death. Overall the Oscars were a bit somber in color; enough with all the black and grey! I know they all received the recession memo, but please, aren't these stylists seeing what's coming off the Fall '09 runways -- Color! I guess that's why a few celebs were standouts on the red carpet, with pops of color amongst the sea of black - Natalie Portman in Rodarte, Alicia Keys in pretty mauve, and Heidi Klum in red carpet red. I loved all the champagne neutrals and taupes too - Anne Hathaway's sparkly Armani, Jessica Biel's duchess satin column, Meryl Streep's Alberta Ferretti, and goth Evan Rachel Wood.

Not a big fan of the cinderella-princess-wedding cake looks and could have done without all the fishtails - Sara Jessica Parker, Vanessa Hudgens, and Beyonce. Less is more in my book. I'm so happy Kate Winslet finally won and she was simply elegant in the grey/black tonal gown, and I especially loved her futuristic, sculpted hair.

And didn't Angelina wear that black strapless gown before at another awards show? I swear I've seen it before. But hey, I'm all for recycling. I loved Penelope Cruz's vintage Balmain and adore the fact that she's been coveting it for months and finally went back to the store and it was still waiting for her on the rack for just the perfect occasion. She reminded me of a young Sophia Loren. Speaking of Sophia Loren, how could someone with so much style in her heyday have suddenly lost good taste? Not even good plastic surgery could have saved this train wreck. I'm still reeling from the nightmares from last night. Please Penelope, stay away from the knife and keep your fashion clean and simple as you age.

Notes From the Oscars

No, I was not fortunate enough to be at the Oscars tweeting non-stop my fashion hits and misses. I was actually snug on my couch in pj's, indulging with ice cream, and making my personal picks from the comfort of my own home. Right off the bat it was easy to identify the chic from the "what were they thinking?" Sure-fire winners of the evening were newbie Taraji Henson (loved her sleek bob and elegant dress), Natalie Portman (someone finally not afraid of color), and Anne Hathaway (gorgeous dress.) A few losers...Miley Cyrus (was that a tin foil dress?), Beyonce (her own design, oh good grief!), and Marisa Tomei's origami dress (is it made of paper?)

I personally loved Tilda Swinton's get-up (she usually wears a Viktor & Rolf design). It was certainly a nontraditional Oscar look, very tonal, but she could have easily stepped off any NY runway, which is why I liked it. Gorgeous Frida Pinto should really have worn yellow rather than aging herself 10 years with that boring navy dress. Yellow was a huge symbol in "Slumdog Millionaire" and it would have been wonderfully refreshing if she had worn a beautiful yellow frock similar to Cate Blanchett's 2005 dress.

I was a little sick of all the asymmetrical, one-shoulder dresses. A trend that has been beaten to death. Overall the Oscars were a bit somber in color; enough with all the black and grey! I know they all received the recession memo, but please, aren't these stylists seeing what's coming off the Fall '09 runways -- Color! I guess that's why a few celebs were standouts on the red carpet, with pops of color amongst the sea of black - Natalie Portman in Rodarte, Alicia Keys in pretty mauve, and Heidi Klum in red carpet red. I loved all the champagne neutrals and taupes too - Anne Hathaway's sparkly Armani, Jessica Biel's duchess satin column, Meryl Streep's Alberta Ferretti, and goth Evan Rachel Wood.

Not a big fan of the cinderella-princess-wedding cake looks and could have done without all the fishtails - Sara Jessica Parker, Vanessa Hudgens, and Beyonce. Less is more in my book. I'm so happy Kate Winslet finally won and she was simply elegant in the grey/black tonal gown, and I especially loved her futuristic, sculpted hair.

And didn't Angelina wear that black strapless gown before at another awards show? I swear I've seen it before. But hey, I'm all for recycling. I loved Penelope Cruz's vintage Balmain and adore the fact that she's been coveting it for months and finally went back to the store and it was still waiting for her on the rack for just the perfect occasion. She reminded me of a young Sophia Loren. Speaking of Sophia Loren, how could someone with so much style in her heyday have suddenly lost good taste? Not even good plastic surgery could have saved this train wreck. I'm still reeling from the nightmares from last night. Please Penelope, stay away from the knife and keep your fashion clean and simple as you age.

Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009

HANDBAGS. We love them and we cannot just have enough of them.

The handbags are no longer just a mere accessory, it has become a fundamental element of a woman's look. And this change in perception was seen on the runway everywhere, where the handbags were worn with pride and elegance by the models.

Recession is looming on us, but that would not mean that we would stop paying attention to style. This season, the focus is more on the accessories, and BAGS is one of them. So instead of more clothes (that would be far more expensive), invest in practical but fashionable accessories to update your look.

This season's trends include useful and practical totes to clutches. Clean, simple (no-fuss) and structured bags will make a big fashion statement. Spring is about expressing yourself, and to uplift the mood this season's focus is on COLOURS. Don't be afraid of colour; go for bold and beautiful styles.
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Comfortable, roomy and structured bags with smart detailings look classy, will always be in and will also make a statement.

From top left - Celine, Salvatore Ferragamo

Prada and Dolce and Gabbana

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From the variety in-trend, you are sure to find a style to suit your fashion and taste.

Beautify's High Street Handbag Picks:

1. Tory Burch North/South Nico Tote for $285, click here to buy

Totally love this Tory Burch Tote. Love the colour, style and its size, which ensures you can carry all your essentials in this bag. With this bag you would most certainly look ultra stylish and it would updo your ensemble with its smart and classy looks.

2. Oasis Premium Charm Scoop Bag for £40, click here to buy

This bag is perfect for Spring/Summer. Pink would add colour to your wardrobe and the slouchy shape with short shoulder strap would look very stylish and chic. You can pair it with an all white ensemble to create the perfect summer look. Check out how Lauren Conrad adds a splash of colour to her white jeans and tee through her orange bag looking very chic, click here.

3. Bensimon Colourful Nylon Tote for £28.00, click here to buy

Also available in Neutral, Plum and Pink, with this nylon tote you are sure to look stylish in your gym. In fact, you don't even have to be going to gym, they're good enough for any occassion. The contrast straps, trip an zip closure gives it an edgy look.

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Related Posts:
Trend Watch - Oversized Clutches
10 HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
.

Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009

HANDBAGS. We love them and we cannot just have enough of them.

The handbags are no longer just a mere accessory, it has become a fundamental element of a woman's look. And this change in perception was seen on the runway everywhere, where the handbags were worn with pride and elegance by the models.

Recession is looming on us, but that would not mean that we would stop paying attention to style. This season, the focus is more on the accessories, and BAGS is one of them. So instead of more clothes (that would be far more expensive), invest in practical but fashionable accessories to update your look.

This season's trends include useful and practical totes to clutches. Clean, simple (no-fuss) and structured bags will make a big fashion statement. Spring is about expressing yourself, and to uplift the mood this season's focus is on COLOURS. Don't be afraid of colour; go for bold and beautiful styles.
.

.
Comfortable, roomy and structured bags with smart detailings look classy, will always be in and will also make a statement.

From top left - Celine, Salvatore Ferragamo

Prada and Dolce and Gabbana

.

From the variety in-trend, you are sure to find a style to suit your fashion and taste.

Beautify's High Street Handbag Picks:

1. Tory Burch North/South Nico Tote for $285, click here to buy

Totally love this Tory Burch Tote. Love the colour, style and its size, which ensures you can carry all your essentials in this bag. With this bag you would most certainly look ultra stylish and it would updo your ensemble with its smart and classy looks.

2. Oasis Premium Charm Scoop Bag for £40, click here to buy

This bag is perfect for Spring/Summer. Pink would add colour to your wardrobe and the slouchy shape with short shoulder strap would look very stylish and chic. You can pair it with an all white ensemble to create the perfect summer look. Check out how Lauren Conrad adds a splash of colour to her white jeans and tee through her orange bag looking very chic, click here.

3. Bensimon Colourful Nylon Tote for £28.00, click here to buy

Also available in Neutral, Plum and Pink, with this nylon tote you are sure to look stylish in your gym. In fact, you don't even have to be going to gym, they're good enough for any occassion. The contrast straps, trip an zip closure gives it an edgy look.

.
Related Posts:
Trend Watch - Oversized Clutches
10 HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
.

Fierce Shoes

Fierce Shoes with vertiginous heels are doing rounds on the runway and are popular even with A-list celebrities.

High-heels are definitely my fav, and I never step out without a pair, but these are the ultra-high heels with unusual horrifying designs.

I think its a silly trend, that not only looks ghastly but is also very uncomfortable. Fashion should not be fatal, but when will the fashion industry understand this?

These sky-high heels had even the professional models, who are used to walking the ramps with high heels, stumble on the runway while displaying this trend. Scroll down to see the runway pictures.

Celebrities wearing the trend

Rihanna

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Rihanna was seen wearing Rodarte ultra high platforms at the Verizon Blackberry Pre-Grammy party with an electric blue dress. You like?

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Madonna at the premeire of movie 'Filth and Wisdom'

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Madonna wore a very unusual pair of platform shoes with pistol-shaped heels at a New York movie premiere. How can she see those shoes as a fashion statement? Well, no wonder the Material Girl was attacked with lots of criticism for these shoes.
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and the most horrifying.........

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Victoria Beckham

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The most ghastly shoes were worn by none other than the Fashion Forward Victoria Beckham. I usually like her fashion sense, but these shoes look angry and horrifying. She is wearing Christian Louboutin spikes and studded shoes. Usually I love Louboutin shoes, but these are a complete no-no.

FROM the RUNWAY

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L-R: Versace, Miu Miu, Rodarte (by Chritian Louboutin)

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Models slipping
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Models slip at Herve Leger's Fall 2009 fashion show while walking in ultra-high heels.


You like the Fierce Shoes Trend?


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CRUELTY FREE FASHION
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