Reporting back from Mercedes Benz 2009 Fall Fashion Week in New York

Hi!  I’ve been away for the past week but I’m back now.  I had the opportunity to work backstage as a dresser during this past Mercedes Benz Fall Fashion Week in New York.  It was my first season working as a dresser for the company, Ground Crew.  I worked the Tony Cohen Fashion Show and the Michael Kors Fashion Show.  Both of the fall lines were really cute.  The Tony Cohen line was in mostly dark, muted colors but they were well cut and elegantly simple.  Here is a video from the show.  Check it out and enjoy learning about this great designer.

I dressed the lovely Martha in these two looks:

I also worked the Michael Kors show. The line was great! It was very clean and elegant with great splashes of color. I especially loved these tan and orange pumps that were worn by one of the models. They came in tan and green and tan and pink but I loved the tan and orange ones. Check out the video of Michael Kors Show from this past Fashion Week.

I dressed the lovely Heidi and Hanne.

Here’s Heidi:

Here’s Hanne:

While I was there I did some scouting to see what the ladies of the fashion capitol of the US were wearing. Stay tuned for that post. I noticed some trends that can be easily incorporated into the wardrobe of anyone in any state. Enjoy the shows! Oh and here are the shoes:

How do I wear that trend…bold colors

They were hot this past summer and they’re still hot for 2009.  Bold colors are still a great trend that is holding strong.  While basic black will always be classic and a fashion favorite, bold colors are a great way to make your outfits pop.  Now as someone that isn’t a big fan of patterns, I enjoy the bold color trend because it gives me the ability to some extra flair to my outfits without having to deal with patterns.

I know, I know.  I need to show patterns some love and I am working on it but in the meantime, I will rock those bold colors.  I do realize, however, that there are some of you who have an almost totally black wardrobe. Or there are others of you who live life in different shades of tan and brown. It’s ok, you can do the bold color trend as well.

Some easy and non intimidating ways to incorporate bold colors into your wardrobe is through jewelry, shoes, hair accessories and purses.  If you are a lady that enjoys wearing lots of black, you can spice up that black outfit with a bold colored bracelet or a bold colored pair of shoes.  If you are a lady that enjoys wearing tans, you can spice up that tan outfit with a burnt orange or red accessory of any kind.

The bold color trend is not unlike the jewel tone trend.  For more tips, check out this post I did on how to incorporate jewel tones depending on the most prevalent color palette in your wardrobe.

How Do I Wear Jewel Tones

You can also refer to a post that I wrote about how to wear the bright color trend that was really popular over the summer.  Honestly, bold colors and bright colors aren’t that different.  The tone is usually what may separate the two.  Bold colors can be bright or they can just be striking.  For example, burnt orange is a bold color whereas candy apple red is a bright color.  See the difference?  Check out this post for more tips.

How Do I Wear Bright Colors

Any questions? Send me a comment or a message.  Remember, fashion should be fun.

How do I wear that trend…blazers

I just finished going through all of the comments I’ve gotten recently.  I love that there are people checking out the blog and sharing their thoughts.  I highly encourage it!  Keep up the comments, thoughts, suggestions and insights.

Ok, now on to another trend alert.  When I was looking into trends for 2009, I was pleased to discover that blazers were making a comeback on the trend scene.  Now don’t get me wrong, blazers have been around for years.  They started out as something men would wear and eventually seeped into the closets of ladies as well.  So they haven’t ever actually left but it’s great to see them on the list of trends for 2009.

I love the way a good blazer can make an outfit look instantly more polished and pulled together.  I used to stay away from them personally because I’m a bit top heavy and I have a hard time with clothes that button down the front.  I get that annoying buckle effect and I think that makes the piece of clothing look too small even if it isn’t.  However, I am going to take the leap and join the rest of the ladies wearing blazers.  The great thing about blazers is that they come in so many different fabrics so you can own more than one and achieve a separate type of look with each one.

Ok this is what I’m going to do.  I’m going to go out there and find a few blazers and put together a few different blazer looks and post those pictures for you to see.  Now, I’m not a stylist by any means and I don’t consider myself a trendy person (I am a Clueless Fashionista) but I will use this exercise to broaden my ability to put together pieces.

I challenge you to do the same thing.  Get a blazer or two and put together a few different looks.  I’d love to feature your looks as well as mine.  Once you get the pictures together, send me a message and I will send you an email about where to send the pictures.  I have to keep my email addresses away from the spammers so I won’t post it here.

So good luck with the blazer project and I look forward to seeing your pictures!

How do I wear that trend…boyfriend jeans

A trend that become popular among celebrities late last year was the boyfriend jean.  In case you’re not familiar, boyfriend jeans are those jeans that are kind of loose and typically look as if you are wearing men’s jeans.  Here is a picture for a reference.

Boyfriend Jeans

As you can see, these jeans are very loose fitting and comfortable looking. Well late last year Katie Holmes was spotted wearing them with a tight cuff in the leg and people were loving the look. Honestly, many women have been wearing boyfriend jeans for years now but they never really had a name. Now that they do, they’re a trend for 2009. This is a trend I can totally support for a few reasons.

1. They’re jeans. I love blue jeans and at one point had about 25 pair. That number has since dwindled but I am working on increasing my collection.
2. They’re loose. Throwing on a pair of great fitting jeans that hug your curves is great but sometimes you don’t want your curves hugged but you still want to look polished. Boyfriend jeans are great for that.
3. They’re jeans. Did I mention that I love blue jeans?

Ok, enough of my reasons for why these are great. If you want to work this trend into your wardrobe, please keep some things in mind.

1. Fit is key. Loose doesn’t mean ill fitting. Make sure the jeans are the proper size so that they compliment your body type. When you go buy some, try them on and make full use of the full length mirror. If in doubt, ask a sales person or take a trusted friend with you. Don’t walk around in too big jeans calling them boyfriend jeans. These jeans can be loose but still fit well.
2. Wash is important. I’m a firm believer that dark washed jeans are the most flattering for all figures across the board. With that in mind, it is possible to wear a lighter wash and still look polished, however be careful with washes that fade in and out in designs. When you try on the jeans, make sure that the wash is one that flatters your figure along with the fit. In recent years, jeans designers have started doing interesting things with the color on a jean where it fades in and out in various places. This doesn’t look good on everyone so once again, use that full length mirror.
3. Buy women’s jeans. Even though these are called boyfriend jeans, you shouldn’t look for a shortcut and buy men’s jeans. I strongly caution against that because men’s jeans are cut differently. As women we have curves that men don’t have. Even if you aren’t a very curvy woman, your body is still shaped differently than a man’s. Buying men’s jeans is not something I would suggest because it could go against suggestion 1. Stick with women’s jeans for optimal fit.

I plan on taking full advantage of this trend in 2009. I’m going to make it a point to add a pair (or two) of boyfriend jeans to my current collection. I suggest you do too. But then again, I’m very biased as I LOVE blue jeans. Any questions about this trend? Send me an email or a comment. Any pictures of you rocking this trend? Send me a picture. I’d love to see it and post it.

How do I wear that trend…jewel encrusted

One of the trends on tap for this year is the jewel encrusted trend.  I know, I know.  When you hear jewel encrusted, you may automatically think bedazzled or tacky rhinestones on everything but that’s not always the case.  You can wear jewel encrusted clothing without looking like you were attacked by a glue gun.

1.  Shoes.  One great way to incorporate the jewel encrusted trend is by wearing a great pair of sparkle enhanced shoes.  As shoes become more glamorous, things like rhinestones and other sparkly studs are starting to make a strong appearance.

2.  Hair accessories. Another way to incorporate the jewel encrusted trend is by wearing sparkly hair accessories.  If you don’t want to be overwhelmed by jewels, putting them in your hair is a good way to do it in small doses.

3.  Earrings.  You can never go wrong with a great pair of sparkly earrings.  It may seem like a bit of a cop out in the jewel encrusted trend, but for those more conservative Clueless Fashionistas may benefit from an extra bit of sparkle.  Don’t be afraid of a little shine!

4.  Accessories.  Jewel encrusted belts and purses are another way to observe this trend.  It’s a great way to add an extra bit of flavor to a basic outfit without feeling overdone.

These are just a few ways you can participate in the jewel encrusted trend.  For those of you that are a bit more adventurous, you can always throw on a jewel encrusted shirt or jacket.  From there, the sky’s the limit!

How do I wear that trend-sheer clothing

Last year I decided to look forward rather than back and made a list of the trends that will be coming up in 2009.  Now that we’re in 2009, I figure it’s time to start incorporating those trends.  I also realized that everyone may not know how to do this so the “How do I wear that trend…” series is back up and running.  The first trend that I mentioned for 2009 was sheer clothing.  I know that some of you that are a bit more conservative may have written this trend off before even considering it but you don’t have to.  It is possible to take part in the sheer trend without walking around showing off your underwear.  Actually, I advise against doing that anyway.

The best way to do the sheer thing is to find items that aren’t completely see through but have sheer fabric incorporated in the clothes.  For example, you could take a shirt that is sheer and layer a non sheer shirt, jacket or sweater over it.  This way the sheer item shows but it doesn’t show all of you and it can be very tasteful and fun.  Below are some pictures of different ways to wear sheer clothing.  If you’ve dabbled in the trend, send me your pics and I will post them as well.  I’d love to feature some sheer-in-action shots!

Sheer top layered over a white dress from http://www.fabsugar.com/1135132

White sheer shirt and black skirt from http://parisparfait.typepad.com/paris_parfait/ma_famille/

Sheer shirt layered under a cropped sweater and over a black cami from http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

These are just to give you some general ideas of what you can do with sheer clothes without being overexposed.  Enjoy!

Shopping tips: Designer shopping for less

While I’m not a complete designer snob, I do appreciate the higher quality that designer clothes typically represent.  However, I am often unable to afford to make the investment that many designer clothes and accessories require.  It made me smile when Target began partnering with designers to create lower cost collections for their stores.  Early on, we started to see Issac Mizrahi,  Mossimo and Converse added to the Target brands that we have come to know and love.  Even before Target began partnering with designers, their clothing was typically much more preferred by the fashionable but budget conscious community.  Once they began introducing lines by well known high end designers, their clothing and accessories improved even more.  Now, Target is a great shopping destination for those budget conscious fashionistas.

Well Target decided to amp up its designers collections by releasing capsule collections from different designers as a part of their Go International section.  This is great for us Clueless Fashionistas who often don’t know how to start incorporating designer brands into our wardrobes and may not be willing or able to pay the higher prices.  Well you can visit Target now and browse their Go International collections and learn about different designers.  Currently they are featuring apparel by Thakoon, a designer that’s very popular with the high fashion set.  Now the line is available to virtually everyone at Target.  I recommend that you stop in and pick up some of his pieces out but do it quickly because it will be gone after January 31.  Check out the website at www.thakoon.com and then compare it to the Target line.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  Another designer currently being featured at Target is Hayden-Harnett handbags.  Typically those handbags can run upwards of $700 or more but the Target collection ranges from $19.99 to $44.99 without sacrificing the high end look and quality.  Check out the website at www.haydenharnett.com.

Go forth and shop Clueless Fashionistas!  I know that the economy isn’t doing very well and we all have to cut back but Target is making it possible for us to cut back without looking like it and that’s why its one of my favorite stores.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a lovely transition from 2008 to 2009.  I definitely did it with lots of smiles and laughs.  I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has participated in the Clueless Fashionista community by either visiting the site, commenting on the site or sharing one of the posts with others.

I started this blog with no idea of how it would pan out and it’s done really well.  I have some great things that I’m working on implementing in the new year and I look foward to sharing more of my insights with you and receiving more of your insights into the world of fashion and beauty.

Be on the look out for more posts about fashion trends, tips and tricks as well as posts about health and fashion shows.  If you would like to see something that I’m not addressing, please send me a comment.  I welcome all feedback and suggestions.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

-Coco Chanel

Fashion Trends for 2009

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season, whichever holiday you celebrate.  I also hope that everyone in the cities that have had the extreme weather is doing ok as well.

We are closing out another year.  2008 has been an interesting year in so many ways.  The fashion trends of this past year have been an interesting mix of things from bold colors to western themed wear.  I hope you had an opportunity to incorporate some of the fashion trends of 2008 into your wardrobe.  I’d love to see pictures if you have any.  It would be fun to do a fashion year in review featuring some of my fellow Clueless Fashionistas.  Feel free to send any pictures to info at cluelessfashionista dot com (it’s spelled out to prevent the spammers from getting a hold of it).

Well as we  move into 2009, I have compiled a list of fashion trends that we can look forward to for the upcoming year.  I will continue the “How do I wear that trend” feature to give you tips on how to wear next season’s trends but this is just a glimpse into what you can look forward to.  Enjoy.

1.  Sheer fabric

White sheer shirt and black skirt from http://parisparfait.typepad.com/paris_parfait/ma_famille/

2.  Jewel encrusted clothing

Jewel encrusted shirt with skirt from http://missy-j.blogspot.com/2005_02_01_missy-j_archive.html

3.  Statement Jewelry

Large Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet from http://www.bradbarwick.com/projects.asp

4.  Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend Jeans from http://luxepetite.wordpress.com/2007/11/

5.  Blazers

Blazers from http://fashiontechnews.blogspot.com/2008/01/balenciaga-blazers-lookalikes.html

6. Bold colors

Bold, bright colors from http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2007/10/18/trends-bright-shades/

7. Layering

Great layered look from http://www.fasshonaburu.com/2006/11/button-down-tee-in-one.html

8. Leggings

Legging styles for different ages from http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_4506734

9. Pearls

Pearls from http://landminedesign.org/midterm/visualArts/visualArts_bw.htm

10. Shift dresses (made trendy by our new first lady, Michelle Obama)

Great, red shift dress from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-402994/Dress-code--key-shapes-new-season.html

Look forward to tips on how to wear these great trends in the “How do I wear that trend” feature.  If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of these trends out and send me a picture.  If you’ve found a way to wear these trends, send me a picture.

Shopping Tips-An Introduction

Hi out there.  I hope everyone is managing to stay warm in this burst of cold weather.  I notice that it’s cold almost everywhere.  I realize that cold is relative but 50 degrees in Miami is considered cold.

Well I am going to be introducing a new segment to further help us Clueless Fashionistas.  I realize that all the advice and tips in the world aren’t helpful if you can’t put them into action.  One of the best ways that a fashionista can be in action is by shopping.  So I decided to create a section where I offer different shopping tips and advice for you to implement along with the other fashion and beauty tips I hope you’ve come to expect and enjoy.

The shopping tips won’t be strictly about clothes and shoes because I think that fashion is a holistic thing.  It applies to your external as well as your internal.  To be truly fashionable, you must be beautiful outside and inside.  This means that you need to not only wear great fitting clothes that compliment you but you should also be as healthy as you can be mentally and physically.

So stay tuned for some great shopping tips and advice.  I spend my time looking out for best practices in shopping and I can’t wait to share them with you.  Also, since I want this to be a two way dialogue, please send me any questions, tips or advice that you have about shopping as well.  I would love to feature my readers in the blog.  Although I keep my ear to the ground about things, I cannot cover all bases all the time so please shoot me a message.