London Fashion Week Trend Report: Helter-Skelter Sweaters

London is a city known as much for traditional style as it is for grey skies. As such, outerwear like trench coats are often expected on the runways during this part of international fashion month. For Fall 2017 Fashion Week, British designers instead brought back the sweater and remixed it, giving the functional piece a twist. With unexpected styling and reconstructed form, the sweater took a new shape.

Eudon Choi showed chunky knits meant to look half-on, half-off. What better way to show off the great shirt you've got on underneath?

At Casely Hayford, the look was given an athleisure spin: a peacoat/sweater hybrid was paired with trainers.

Christopher Kane's alternative ladylike vibe featured a mis-buttoned cardigan with slits mirroring the jaquard skirt. 

Joseph's oversized sweater with off-center buttons was gorgeously paired with a flouncy calf-length skirt (a winning silhouette). 

Showing how the look can translate for evening, Pringle of Scotland's golden maxi was styled with a dark knit draped sideways atop one shoulder and tied around the waist.

Burberry took the "See-Now-Buy-Now" approach and showed the Spring 2017 collection during this Fashion Week. Seemingly centered around the many ways a sweater can be reconstructed, this runway signaled that you don't have to wait until Fall to start wearing this trend.

An easy way to take a shot with this trend is to use a cardigan you already own, buttoning and folding it in a new fashion. Or play with draping and wrapping your favorite oversized sweater. Not only is it a chic way to show off your layers, but you just may find a new silhouette that flatters you and looks fresh.

NYFW Fall 2017 Trend Report: Style With A Statement

New York Fashion Week draws to a close today and many of the designers pointed to the current social and political turmoil in the world as an element they could not ignore when coming up with their collections. As Prabal Gurung put it, "fashion and politics can no longer be mutually exclusive". The social statements were included in every facet: from the runway music choices (Raf Simons chose David Bowie's 'This Is Not America' for his Calvin Klein debut), to the staging (Adam Lippes had a pre-show photo session in the street where models in his newest designs held protest signs). The prevailing trend was definitely tops with slogans that let your clothes speak for themselves. 

Alice + Olivia's sequin pant suit was topped off with a tee encouraging you to "Be The Change You Wish To See In The World"

Cinq à Sept's muse has an open heart in her "I Love Everyone" shirt.

Half of the proceeds from the silkscreeneed "We Are All Human Beings" jumpers at Creatures of Comfort go to the National Immigration Law Center.

Prabal Gurung finished his show with a parade of models in slogan tees with statements including "We Will Not Be Silenced", "The Future Is Female" and "Nevertheless She Persisted".

Public School rebranded the red cap with a new motto: "Make America New York", nodding to the diversity that the state is known for.

The Row's statement button-downs featured small embroidered words like "Dignity" and "Freedom".

Christian Siriano's "People Are People" shirt was inspired by the Depeche Mode song and sold with proceeds going to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Dozens of NYFW designers (including Marchesa's Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, above) wore "Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood" pins for their final bows. These pins were seen on fashion editors, buyers and it-girls throughout the week as well.

The inclusivity and activism theme was heard loud and clear! The styling of these shirts proved that they look great whether topping off a romantic, athletic, casual or glam outfit. Fashion is definitely asserting itself as part of a revolution and empowerment tees are a way to further express yourself through what you wear. New York Fashion Week's message was that not only do we aspire to look good, but we need to do good for the world we all live in too. Will you incorporate the statement tee into your style?

Screen Actor's Guild Awards 2017: White Hot

This year's Screen Actor's Guild Awards not only celebrated amazing performances in television and movies, but also freedom of speech. While so many nominated roles mirrored real people (past & present) and true stories, it was also easy to draw parallels from the films to the current political upheaval. In keeping with that theme, some of the red carpet fashion reflected the protests happening around the globe. Overall, a message of unity and activism was present, with many stars choosing winter white as their color of choice to the SAGs.

Brie Larson chose a gown by Taiwan-born, Canada-raised and current New York resident designer Jason Wu. The asymmetrical neckline and side slit added to the crisp look.

Natalie Portman continued her empowered maternity-style red carpet reign in a Dior dress fresh off the Spring 2017 couture runway in Paris. 

Vivienne Westwood's signature structured bustier neckline was featured in Viola Davis' white column gown, set off with a dazzling diamond necklace.

Dior's semi-sheer sparkling-white creation was a take on a modern bridal gown with a chic lingerie-inspired top. Newly-engaged Kirsten Dunst's styling with beachy waves and a layered necklace was chic. Perhaps she was road-testing her non-traditional wedding style?

Kerry Washington wore a safety pin on her custom Roberto Cavalli gown in solidarity with those fighting for human rights and equality. The pin featured quite elegantly with her bell-sleeved, off the shoulder, embellished gown.

Also in winter white and with a political message: Jocelyn Towne with her husband Simon Helberg. She chose the perfect strapless cut-out dress to highlight the message written across her chest: " Let them in". Simon held a sign welcoming refugees.

Fashion statements don't always equal political statements, but in this era we are quickly seeing 'art imitating life imitating art'. As it should, fashion is echoing the times, and if the SAGs have anything to say about it, activism is white hot. 

Spring '17 Paris Couture Fashion Week Trend Report: Belt It Out

Paris Couture Fashion Week showcased what you expect from haute couture: extravagance. In design, concept and inspiration. From the new "power woman" at Chanel, to an earthy garden goddess at Dior, the Spring 2017 offerings were presented in a way to really showcase just how special the textiles and craftsmanship are. This season I noticed an emphasis on one accessory in particular. Across the vast offerings on the different runways, almost all showed gowns featuring belts. Let's take a look at the cinched couture:

Armani Prive's sunset-hued collection included this gown with a wide leather belt worn tied at the waist.

Nearly every look at Chanel featured a belt worn slightly higher than the natural waistline- even on this art deco feathered gown. The empire waist effect highlights the full skirt.

Dior continued the collection's garden theme in the accessories with belts in all shapes of flora and fauna.

Elie Saab's golden rope belt was used to beautifully cinch in a flowing embroidered gown.

At Alberta Ferretti, belts with matching brooches added to the monochromatic cool factor of several evening looks.

Presented as a form of body jewelry, the glistening belt at Giambattista Valli also slithered up the torso, elevating a covered up chiffon gown.

Alexis Mabille's white lace dress had a jewel-lined bustier which was mirrored on the clasp of the matching belt.

Ralph & Russo showed a classic silhouette with casual elements: pockets and a thin belt. When styled with a modern bob, the look was very chic.

Schiaparelli's bright red belt added a pop of color to tie in the jacket and provide hip styling to the shimmering gold pleated gown.

Zuhair Murad also showed many red-carpet-ready designs featuring belts. This one is sparkling and studded to add to the overall dazzling effect of the intricately beaded dress.

Notice the absence of jewelry in the styling of most of these. Not much else is needed if you have a belt on an evening look! Adding a belt to an otherwise opulent gown can definitely modernize the effect. The cinched waist is also a bit of silhouette manipulation that is tried-and-true for accentuating the body. What do you think of this bit of downtown styling to the traditional ballgown? I think we'll be seeing some of this trend on the red carpet throughout the rest of awards season.

Golden Globes 2017: Se-Quintessential

After a widely celebrated end to 2016, the Golden Globes are a highly anticipated jump-start to not just a new year, but also the 2017 Awards Season. On the red carpet last night, the prevailing trend came in the form of gowns adorned with gold and silver sequins. Perhaps in a desire to cling to the last of the celebratory holiday season, or as a beacon of hope in an unknown new era, several stars picked glimmering gowns.

Drew Barrymore's whimsical Monique L'huillier dress had angelic off-the-shoulder wing sleeves.

Marchesa's high-neck, belted and tiered metallic gown accentuated Chrissy Teigen's figure.

Emma Stone was a contender for best dressed in this pale Valentino gown embellished with -what else?- stars!

Alexander McQueen's feather-hem gown has a stunning sequin pattern that creates the look of an ocean's wave on this gorgeous gown. The rock-star wrist embellishments add a cool edge but the puff sleeves might be best left for runway presentation.

Ruth Negga is one of my favorite new red carpet ingenues. Her custom silver Vuitton gave off elevated athleisure cool on the bodice with a crew neck and mid-arm sleeves.

Marc Jacobs designed a sparkling, open-back gown with long sleeves that matched perfectly with the Golden Globe statue that Sarah Paulson won!

My favorite, best-dressed of the night went to Thandie Newton, who took the sequin motif and turned it on it's head! Instead of an embellished bodice or choker, or allover pattern, she chose a stark white, off-the-shoulder Monse dress dripped in sparkling copper at the base. Paired with a reverse drop Harry Winston diamond necklace, she exemplified how to take the sequin trend to a bold new level.

Sequins can go beyond just the holiday season and can add a statement to any outfit. Do these looks inspire you to embolden your next night out with some sparkle?

2016 Holiday Gift Guide: It's Chic to Contribute

We've all been inundated with Gift Guides promising to solve the holiday conundrum of what to get people: from the coworker you aren't well acquainted with, to your mom who says that she already has everything she needs. For myself and many others I know, it's been hard to look at this as a real 'problem' given the atrocities that are currently going on in the United States and abroad. One of the things that I truly feel can provide a sense of meaning in situations where we otherwise feel helpless is to give back.

This is just a small list of many of the organizations doing amazing work for our world, and the people & animals who inhabit it. Supporting these groups is helping to champion those in need while protecting our future! I strongly suggest that if you're looking for a last minute gift, a unique gift, or any kind of gift at all, check these groups out and give on behalf of the recipient. They will feel great about it, you will too, and the good that you've done will far outreach the excitement of a material object. Win-Win-Win!

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
https://action.aclu.org/donate-aclu

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)
Dedicated to the support of HIV/AIDS research.
http://www.amfar.org/donate/

Doctors Without Borders
Providing medical aid where it's needed most. Worldwide.
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm

Earthjustice
Enforcing and strengthening laws to keep communities as safe, healthy places to live and work, and to safeguard the irreplaceable natural world.
https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Donation

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Providing relief, respect and renewal to refugees and victims of armed conflict around the world.
https://help.rescue.org/donate

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminating race prejudice.
https://donate.naacp.org/page/contribute/make-a-contribution

Planned Parenthood
Education and advocacy to protect and advance women's health and rights.
ppaction.org/ppdonate

ProPublica
An independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
https://www.propublica.org/donate/

Red Cross
Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Advancing the safety and well-being of animals globally.
https://donations.spcai.org/spcai/

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
Combats hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation.
https://donate.splcenter.org/splcdonate

The Trevor Project
Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
https://give.thetrevorproject.org

Please keep in mind that you can set up recurring donations for these organizations. The holidays aren't the only season when time and money is needed - these amazing groups are doing hard work all year round!

Another great way to give back is to offer your time. Many of these same organizations need volunteers or workers with your same skill set to provide even just a couple hours a week of assistance.

If there are any wonderful charity organizations that you love, let me know and we can keep this list growing!

And while there's nothing wrong with loving style (the reason behind this very blog!), it's important to remember: the best things in life aren't things. Stay informed, stay strong, and you'll feel the real holiday spirit that much brighter.

Critics' Choice Awards 2016: Keep It Simple

Last night's Critics' Choice Awards rolled out a blue(!) carpet that welcomed the brightest stars from film and television. While there were many fashion risks taken, my favorite looks were those that were bold in their very simplicity.

Michael Kors created a custom seafoam gown for Viola Davis and the effect was stunning. The unexpected hue was so fresh.

Mandy Moore's Solace London dress had a plunging neckline and small cutouts on either side, yet the navy color and impeccable fit created a look that seemed almost classic in it's beauty.

Evan Rachel Wood's tailored suit was so chic that I think many women will be eschewing the LBD for the LBS (Little Black Suit) this season. 

If anything the blue carpet fashion showed that when a color or cut is so perfect on you, the need for a lot of adornments or patterns is unnecessary and can take away from the look. Between last night's Critics' Choice Awards, and today's Golden Globe nomination announcements (which are chock full of fashion stars), it's undeniable that this Awards Season will be one to watch!