Polka Dot Love!

           There are so many reasons why polka dots are absolutely fabulous this fall.  If Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs are sending this same look down the runway then you know it is a trend, with a capital T!  Although polka dots may remind you of a childish print, this season designers are adding much more spunk to their patterns.  Whether you are wearing itsy bitsy or massive polka dots you are making quite a statement.  This look has been thriving in the evening wear department because somehow those fabulous designers have figured out how to make polka dots look sleek and amazing.  Polka dots are ageless (just like me)!  Try it head to toe!

      

Get dotty for fall!

Ciao, Annie May

My Obsession!

    There isn't much to say about this topic other than the fact that I'm obsessed with it!  Black and white photography is amazing.  It leaves you to fill in the photograph with whatever colors you want and lets your imagination wander.  Fashion photography is something that has been around for ages and it all started in black and white.  Vintage or modern, they are absolutely fabulous!  Here are a few of my favorite B&W photos.  Go out and try it yourself with your parents old camera!

Modern

Vintage

Modern

Vintage

Modern

Modern

Vintage

Vintage

Vintage

Everything is better in black and white!

Ciao, Annie May

Get Hitched!

       For the first time in fashion history the city that never sleeps hosted a bridal week trade show.  Pier 94 was decorated to the 9's with shimmering chandeliers, wall-to-wall white carpeting and not to mention some of the most famous bridal gown designers in the world.  Here is a sneak peak at the Bridal 2012 collection.

The bigger the better!

Ciao, Annie May

Fall/Winter 2012 Color Trends!

   Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Well, I know it's a tad early to begin thinking about snow considering it is a mere 68 degrees in Rhode Island right now but, the 2012 color trends are just waiting to be worn!  The designers for this winters collections have decided to crush the gloomy "stuck in the house" look and they added a live vibrant "shocking" look.  Of course, they started out with the neutral colors like maroon, camel, caramel, tans etc.  Then they went on to the mid-tone colors such as purple, orange, red, mustard etc. Then, if you believe it, they took chances and added the vivid hues like gold, teal and turquoise (my favorite)!  The designers have stated that it is less about the individual colors but more about the textures and colors used together.  This is where you come in!  Take chances when getting dressed in the morning.  Don't just put on those boring black leggings and that dull gray oversized top (me everyday)! Go out and try these new forecasting suggestions!  After all, fashion is a daring game!  Here's how it's done!

Color Trends

Neutral

More Neutrals

Go try it!

Ciao, Annie May

More about Faith in Fashion!

   Wear your faith on your sleeve...literally!  This upcoming winter a popular repeating trend that will carry over from the fall will be the wearing of religious symbols.  Designers are taking all types of religious figures and applying them to clothing, shoes and accessories.  The Catholic cross has been altered in many different ways.  Such as, change in color, material, added feathers, studs,  sequins etc.  The Buddha has been displayed on vintage inspired t-shirts and seen as bedazzaled rings and necklaces.  The Star of David has been screen printed onto shorts pockets, t-shirts and handbags, as well as been hung from earrings and bracelets.  This newfound fashion is a great way to express yourself through style.  Here are a few examples.

Check out the tattoo

Check out the ring

Keep your faith!

Ciao, Annie May

Designer of the Day: Alex and Ani

   "Alex and Ani's mission is to design products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit." says the Alex and Ani team.  Carolyn Rafaelian is the founder and designer of Alex and Ani jewelry who comes from a long line of family jewelers, now living in Rhode Island.  Carolyn believes that in wearing this jewelry you are able to express your thoughts and your spirit through materials.  Alex and Ani makes a wide variety of jewelry, from earrings to mens jewelry.  This company is particularly known for their expandable wire bangles that come in a few different finishing options (shiny gold, matte gold etc.) it is your choice!  Each and every Alex and Ani owner have their own story that they wear on their arm or around their neck, what's your story? Go online to www.alexandani.com and create your own bangle collection!

Be yourself!

Ciao, Annie May

Leather On The Bottom, Blazer On The Top!

     Try the new alternative for a pant suit.  If you dare, go out and get a pair of stretch leather leggings and match them with a loose boxy blazer.  Black leather leggings are the most slimming (does not mean you can not try other colors) and they look the best with a pop, either in the blazer or in the under layer (the brighter the better!).  This outfit is simply fabulous for a casual night at the bar or an office meeting, it can swing both ways!  The boxier and more oversized the blazer is the more casual the outfit will look.  What are you waiting for...go get em'!

Total Spunk

Wool Blazer

Street Style

YSL does it too!

Get Sexy Sassy!

Ciao, Annie May

Camel Crossing!

     Camel is the new black!  Yes, designers have created a new classic neutral and its camel.  Everything from full rompers to ball gowns are being made in this new raging camel color and they were all seen on the runway.  The great thing about camel is that it can be paired with any other hue, bright or deep darks.  Whether you like knitwear, leather, capes or accessories they all come in this buttery look.  Think minimalism, the color will do the rest!

Street Fashion

Men can do it too!

Simplicity is the key to success!

Ciao, Annie May

Man Up!

       Women's tuxedos have been a confusing subject for years!  Whether you consider them glamorous, sophisticated or an evening gown alternative they haze the gender divide.  This look was born in the 1960's by the famous Christian Dior himself and he trumped it "le smoking".  Thanks to Dior, the fashion world has considered the women's tuxedo a classic garment (every woman should own one).  The designers of Fall 2011 tuxedos have decided to change it up a little and add more spunk and pizzaz!  These tuxedos no longer come in only black and white, they come in every possible color you can imagine with all different types of hardware.  Although there are tons of ways to alter your tuxedos designers tend to love changing the collars (ex: peter pan, stand up, edwardian, peaked lapels).   In our modern world of fashion there are thousands of tuxedo designs, you just have to find the one that is best fit for you!  Like all things in the fashion world this is the evolution of the women's tuxedo.

Le Smoking 1960's

Sorry for the delay in posts! I just got back to school and have been so busy! I will keep post as often as I can!

Add a tie for fun!

Ciao, Annie May

Faux Fur!

     Disregarding the fur debate, lets discuss fur in the element of its fashion!  Everyone is a fake fur offender and when I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE (from Chanel to Forever 21)!  The thing that matters when discussing fur and fashion is the quality of the garment.  Faux fur allows everyone to experience and participate in the fashions of the fur look, even the PETA lovers!  Fur is a great look for winter and designers are now coming up with fur in every print and color imaginable.

Faux

Real

Real

Faux

Faux or not, you have to love fur!

Ciao, Annie May

Strap Up!

     When it comes to fashion, sexuality is a never ending discussion.  Is that too much?  Is it too revealing? Is this appropriate or not?  In a design studio those questions are floating around constantly.  It just so happens that in the YSL, Hermés and Chloé design studio they had quite daring answers to those questions.  Leather harnesses are back and you better buckle up because they are fierce!  The bondage and fetish fashion is still afloat and it begins with the leather harness accessories.  Although these accessories are far from mainstream we no longer question it as strange or absurd.  Since this look is a bit risque it is best paired with something elegant.  Think maxi dress or high waisted pants, sophistication is key!  See how the designers do it!

Saddle Up!

Ciao, Annie May