Marc Jacobs is the designer everyone looks to in order to see what the trends for the season will be and ultimately what we’ll all be wearing for many months — even years — to come. His show last week for Fall/Winter 2011 was no different. Everyone was talking about it, and we got the ultimate glimpse into fashion’s crystal ball for next fall. Let’s discuss what the prognostications were!

Polka dots. And not just a few dots here and there, it was a polka dot OD at Marc Jacobs. You may not want to go head-to-toe in this trend, but it’s chic in small doses and pieces. Take looks from his collection like dotted tights or a blouse and you’ll be right on target. Then, just pair with solids, and voilà!

Fitted shapes. Marc Jacobs went loose and fun for spring and summer, but it was quite different for this season. The silhouettes were structured and fitted, evolving yet again. You can capture this style with button-downs, pencil skirts and wide-leg pants. It’s all about creating sleek lines.

Lace. Keeping to that sophisticated vibe, he also infused touches of lace into his looks for a touch of class. If you haven’t rocked lace before, then you must start now! Lace tights, tanks and even skirts are an easy way to do it. I would stick to black for an old-school texture, then punch it up with some major color, like a pop of hot pink.

Fur trim. Marc showed tons of toppers, and fur trim made its way onto most of them. Before next fall, invest in a jacket with a fur collar and trimmed sleeves. It’s not too much like a full fur jacket, but just enough to have fun with the trend — and look super pretty. (Oh, yeah! And make sure it’s faux, friends.)

Structured bags. My favorite bag style of Marc Jacobs show? A structured tote! In patent leather. Black. It goes with everything, and is undoubtedly chic. It’s a definite investment piece!

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Head-to-toe black has been reinvented for the Fall/Winter 2011 season, and you can start wearing it right now. Here’s how.

At Erin Fetherston: The designer showed us some floaty black shifts with her collection, and they were as sweet and sophisticated as she is. A little chiffon goes a long way! Wear a dress belted with heels or style it down with a black blazer and pretty boots, with a few long necklaces to center the look.

At Alexander Wang: Alex Wang is the quintessential cool-kid designer. Every lovely lady he dresses seems to have that enviably innate style-sense, like she could literally look that fabulous in a paper bag. It’s the aura, I suppose, and his shows embody that. Wang didn’t disappoint this time, either. He showed that his girls have edge, too. Rock loose black pants, and a black leather jacket to capture his modern, street-style vibe that is just so impressive.

At Victoria Beckham: Posh is really making a name for herself as a style icon and amazing designer. The last several seasons, she’s killed it on the runway. She showed a couple all-black looks that were made for the working woman. A tailored blazer over top a pleated skirt and paired with black booties was a great option, or a long, slender dress with knee high boots peeking out underneath the hem was also classic and chic.

At Doo.Ri: Doo.Ri Chung may have produced my favorite look of fashion week so far. Her design aesthetic is simple, but she plays with details so well that her looks are still completely fresh and mod. A black jumpsuit that skimmed the curves with a belted middle was spot-on when paired with lace-up boot and a sleek black leather vest. The model’s jet-black locks cut in a blunt bang helped complete the look. I never thought I would see a look that would make me desperately want a jumpsuit, but I was wrong. That piece is going on my wish-list.

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There are a ton of designers out there: established stars, up-and-coming talent, under-the-radar types. And then, there are the fashion legends, those designers who have rocked the style universe and changed everything about it. This list could undoubtedly include many more names, but I have chosen six designers that you absolutely need to know, and their contributions to the world of clothing creations. HereÂ’s your mini designer dictionary. Study up.

Alexander McQueen. His passing earlier this year was tragic, not only because he was so young but also because of his immense talent. No one did it like McQueen. His clothes were works of art, with astounding prints, plenty of sparkle, crazy-cool head pieces and those incredible sky-high shoes.

Coco Chanel. Everything about her was timeless — and her label still transcends fashion with its sophisticated touch for generations of women. Girls around the world at every age want to get their hands on anything that sports those intertwined double C’s.

Yves Saint Laurent. His biggest contribution, the one that launched it all, was the tuxedo suit for women. With menswear still dominating runway fashion and street style to this day, IÂ’d say YSL will forever have a huge impact on the way we wear clothes.

Karl Lagerfeld. Karl does everything. He has his own label, K Karl Lagerfeld, helms iconic brand Fendi, shoots photography for major magazines and, of course, is the force behind Chanel. Busy? Yes. Talented? No doubt. Would he have it any other way? Never.

Marc Jacobs. The style world holds its breath in anticipation of a Marc Jacobs runway show. Why? Because his looks will set the tone for the entire season. We are lucky enough to see his sophisticated ensembles for Louis Vuitton, his affordable collections for Marc by Marc Jacobs and his signature Marc Jacobs catwalk presentations each season. Rest assured that if you follow his trend notes, you will be the most fashion-forward girl in any room.

Michael Kors. He brought back and reinvigorated American sportswear and separates. His looks are always wearable, always cool and always classic. The past few seasons, Kors has been at his best. Look for him to keep pushing the boundaries of effortless chic in the years to come.

All these designers are timeless, forever-modern and full of fresh fashion. Did I miss anyone? Feel free to let me know in the comments.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/classicchanelhandbags/4989249576

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What’s cool this summer is there are tons of little trends and stylish details that have been popping up in all sorts of both clothing and accessories. I just wanted to share here some of the smaller details which you should look for to keep any new clothes you purchase up to date and looking cool this summer. So here are some quick takes on summer’s hottest trends:

1. Asymmetrical-cut tops. Blouses, jackets, and sweaters are all being made this summer in an asymmetrical style with their front cut short and the back left extra long. The back of the top can be only a few inches longer, but it can also run all the way down to the mid-thigh. I think these tops can look very chic, but the key to wearing them it to keep the rest of the look simple. If you have a blouse with a long back, try paring it with something simple like jeans or shorts. This way you can show off the trend without looking sloppy.

2. Studs and grommets. This industrial design element has been used by designers on clothes, shoes, belts, and bags. Wherever you look, you can find the stylish use of studs. I think studs can be a fun look, especially when they’re reinterpreted to work for the summer. For example, if you’re interested in a studded leather bag, you might pick one made with brown or white leather rather than black in order to keep the heavy metal designed toned down for summer. Check out this Cindy Studded Clutch by Hype for $45.00. The cool brown leather works perfectly with the studs and perfect for summer.

3. Feathers. Much like studs and grommets, feathers have been showing up unexpectedly this summer. Feathers are being added to skirts and dresses to increase the volume and play with summer style. From what I’ve seen, these feathered pieces tend to be in neutral tones like brown, black, and beige to make them slightly easier and more realistic to wear. If you want to try out this trend, pair a feathered skirt with a very neutral, basic top and keep the rest of your look totally simple.

What do you think of these summer trends?

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1. Boyfriend Shorts. Back again for yet another summer, boyfriend shorts seem to be a trend thatÂ’s not going away. This seasonÂ’s boyfriend shorts keep the same classic shape: loose fitting and hit at the super flattering mid-thigh. But now, these shorts are being shown in more distressed styles. Look for rolled-up, torn, bleached, and paint splattered styles for a fun, relaxed weekend look.

2. Satin Shorts. This past year, dress shorts have been hugely popular. For a fun take on dress shorts, look for satin shorts in cool colors like light blue, dark blue, caramel brown, or off white. Satin shorts are typically made in a “bloomer” style. This means that these shorts have a fuller leg but are tighter and more fitted around the opening. Look for extra special satin sorts that are adorned with nice pockets, buttons, or other slight embellishments.

3. Silk Shorts. Another dress short option for summer. Silk shorts this summer are shown with full, flowy legs. They are often cut high and have an extremely relaxed, floaty fit. Look for these shorts in fun patterns or summer neutrals like tan and caramel.

4. Leather Shorts. Not for the faint of heart, leather shorts are making a big statement this summer. This is a very difficult trend to wear, but leather shorts can look so amazing if worn correctly. First of all, you donÂ’t need to shell out for real leather shorts, faux-leather will still allow you to get the look. If you are picking faux-leather, just make sure to pick a thick, dark colored fabric in order to most fully appear to be real leather. Try pairing your leather shorts with simple pieces, like a basic t-shirt or a blazer. By keeping the rest of the look relaxed, you can downplay the seriousness of leather shorts while upping your chic factor.

What do you think of these new shorts trends? Which would you wear?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/ffx-florbelasfotographix/3233961052

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So the look for less? Let’s talk again about clothing economy. You want more from a dress than to get the general “gist” of the dress outline. You want a dress that has a little something extra, a little something special that can be captured in even just an inch of photographed fabric.

Check out “one shouldered dresses” from Smarter, and find looks for as low as $20.

(1) Rocawear Women Romani One Shoulder Dress: $22.99
(2) Chelsea & Violet One Shoulder Dress: $29.40
(3) Teeze Me One-Shoulder Rosette Dress: $79.00

Take care of yourself! You deserve the best.

Be sure to check out more women’s dresses at Smarter.

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In the world of fashion, Jill Sander, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, and other simply chic designers and avant garde artists have paved the runway with flawless beauties styled from the waist down…in tights and sandals. The look is a romantic match during the spring transition… when your toes still need warmth, and sandals are making an introduction to the new season. Sandals are the new season must-have. Strappy sandal styles with the peep show of tights is the main look of this spring’s shoe style.

Do it Right:

Wear a strappy sandal style that features multiple straps with one half to one inch thick in width. Try to avoid thin straps or ankle straps, which can make your ankles look like “cankles” and your feet too big. Use sheer or opaque solid color stockings with a neutral colored heel. Wearing a light or bright colored heel with dark colored tights can be too much of a contrast, which makes you look shorter in height (this cuts your bottom half in sections: your feet and your legs should blend nicely and create a lengthy balanced look).

Make it Your Own:

Try to develop your own style! Take a pair of strappy heels, and wear some textured/lacy tights. For a mature sophisticated look, blend different fabric textures together such as knitted tights and a smooth silky dress. Or, try sheer tights matched with a twill blazer/coat. If your young and daring, go for a more edgy look, cut holes in your sheer tights (giving it a rocker grunge feel) and wear with heels that have embellished straps.

Try wearing similar color tights that match the strappy sandal look. The closer match of color for shoes and tights, the longer and lengthy look of the leg. Don’t be afraid to wear tights with a pattern, or a shoe with a decorative strap. The more unique,the more you can define your shoe style. Step into style: for this spring season, think nappy and strappy!

Check out more tips for wearing tights.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/helga/3184628812

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Ummm… maybe not me, but Halle Berry sure will. As seen in West Hollywood preparing for her 2nd perfume launch (Pure Orchid: the sensual scent is described as a “voluptuous floral experience” and is expected to hit stores next month). The 43-year old au natural screen queen is sporting her smile on an expression tee in front of the cameras. No need for paparazzi posing, this emoticon inspired shirt says it all.

Trend: The smiley face expression T-shirt become popular in the early ’70s. Remember the bright yellow shirts with a happy face? If not, think Forrest Gump running the marathon (one of my all-time favorite blockbuster hits). The smiley face resembled good news and highlighted the positivity in current events. Decades later, the smiley face turned into an array of expressions to represent ”happy times” on different colored shirts.

Designer Style: Halle Berry pulls off a youthful look in this comfy shirt from Wildfox. The Vampire Love top is made of 100% cotton and retails for $108. Personally, I think that this look is a little pricey for a teeny bopper look. If this look is a must for your lost youth, or your teenage niece, consider a more affordable option.

Designer Style on a Budget: Check out this star face smiley shirt from Abbey Dawn: a junior lifestyle brand designed by youthful rockstar Avril Lavigne. An affordable label exclusively available at Kohl’s stores. The stylish items resemble her fun rocker image. With a focus on cute shapes such as skulls, stars, hearts, and lightning bolts, this fashion line ranges from $24-$48. The name of her clothing line Abbey Dawn, is the name her father and high school friends would call her during her childhood. Awww! Check out the Abbey Dawn Raw Edge Tee for just $28.00.

Although this emoticon inspired shirt is all the rage for Hollywood’s elite, I would rather express myself verbally. I would also consider wearing this casual look during the summertime with a pair of cutoff jean shorts, and a pair of Chuck Taylor low tops on a lazy day…Forcing a smile onto myself and on my top is considered a little too overly dramatic: but that’s just me!!

How would you express yourself on your shirt?

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Trend: For the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection, Yves Saint Laurent has paved the runway with these ultra feminine floral heels. Perfect to wear during the spring season when flowers bloom and dresses flow beautifully like the crisp air. Ankle straps and peep toes are the look of the shoe, and floral creations are the ideal accent piece for the season.

Do It Right: Wear these shoes with pencil skirts and flowy dresses. If it is a bit chilly in your area, pair with sheer stockings or be daring and try small fishnets for an edgy evening look (just make sure you don’t look like a Flamenco dancer). Do not over do it with an all over floral print, you will look like a walking rose garden. If you do decide to wear it with a floral print, stick to small size prints or stencil like floral patterns (this should balance the overall floral effect without looking like a big bouquet).

Make It Your Own: Try to get creative with this designer look. Take a pair of ankle strap heels, or buy some strappy sandals (make sure that the shoe doesn’t fit too tight around the ankle) and think of your favorite type of blossom (my mother’s favorite would be the Primrose! hehe). Then, find a silk flower version (preferably with floral wire) and twist wire along the ankle strap. Make sure that you are using a subtle wire that is not too visible when worn. Wrap an adjustable stem along the straps. If it is too tight or uncomfortable, try the shoes on and find loose areas on your foot that have extra space to fit (you can also try flattening wire down).

Try using a complementary colored floral wire like black, and use on a pair of black strappy shoes (or for example: white flower/green floral wire on white straps). If you want, try twisting the wire along different straps of the shoes, making it look more abstract and decorative at the same time. And voila! You can create your own shoe garden.

Image Source: shoeperwoman.com, flower-arrangement-advisor.com

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Business suits have not been a popular choice for women’s clothing since “casual fridays” turned into every day of the week for most offices. With the job market becoming more scarce, and the number of unemployed professionals out there, finding your career is becoming more and more competitive. The business suit brings you one step closer to landing that dream job. Check out designer trend: Suits & Stockings from Chanel’s Fall 2009 Couture Collection.

Try a matching blazer and skirt set you have sitting in your closet, or check out some women’s skirt suits. With the cold weather, it is best to go with a wool or tweed fabricl. The options of different blazer styles (i.e. funnel neck, double breasted, tailored, etc.) and skirt provide different looks for day or night. With everything  covered up, your legs will take center stage. Dress up legs with some black stockings. To look like the runway models, choose black floral lace tights, one of fall’s hottest trend. Now it’s time to strut yourself off the runway into a new workplace!

Images Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com

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