Top Ten Trends for Fall 2011

TOP TEN TRENDS FOR FALL 2011

There are some carryover trends from spring as well as last fall, but of updated to reflect the change of season and cooling temperatures.

1. Colored pants

Bright pants can punch up any outfit and banish the gloom of dark days, but keep the top simple. Skinny jeans are still popular so choose a color to enliven your denim collection.

2. Color blocking and Geometrics

Mix unexpected hues for maximum impact. Color blocking can also be achieved by pairing unexpected colors in tops and bottoms, like purple and saffron, fuchsia and red. Black and white always makes a strong graphic statement.

3. Maxi skirt

Hemlines fall to the ground, but this fall eschews the bohemian look in favor of the more tailored and urban, or in the case of Dries van Noten, tribal and patterned. But with volume on the bottom, keep the top half simple and fitted.

4. Lace

Lace continues to be a fall favorite, in all incarnations--- sheer, layered onto sweaters, and a heavy version called "guipure". If wearing lace head to toe, stay monochromatic as in these luxe versions in black and in the deep red of the season.

5.High heeled Loafers

Loafers have lasting appeal, but they are going to new heights with high-heeled ones this fall.

6. Structured handbags

On the heels of the cross body handbag, the structured handheld handbag is having its moment of popularity and is the perfect accompaniment to ladylike dresses and sleek menswear suits.

7. Polka Dots

Polka dots offer a touch of whimsy. Marc Jacobs could not get enough of polka dots, going overboard with dots on everything. Stella McCartney layered white sequin like discs as well as black polka dots over sheer tulle for a very sophisticated effect.

8. Red and Bordeaux colors

Red and Bordeaux are but two of the myriad choices of rich colors this fall, a welcome relief from the omnipresent black. Look for jade green, cobalt blue, saffron and deep purples. Metallics are always in fashion. If wearing color feels too risky, try a punch of color in accessories with your blacks or neutrals.

9. Leather skirts

Leather skirts are stealing the limelight from the must have leather jacket, and some styles have an ease about them, thus avoiding the sausage casing look.

10. Poncho

The poncho is an easy throw on piece available in many guises, from wool to knits. Keep it simple and more tailored to avoid the flower child look of the 1960s. This poncho works more like a top.

These are but a few of the many choices that await you for a stylish fall! Enjoy!

Olivier Theyskens for Theory Fall 2011

I just attended a special trunk show in the Via C Department of Nordstrom’s in San Francisco to see the Olivier Theyskens for Theory collection brought over from Manhattan by Alexa, the charming sales rep, here to showcase their Fall 2011 line. Belgian designer Theyskens is now the artistic director for the entire Theory line and responsible for putting his distinctive avant-garde stamp on the much beloved line. After working in the world of haute couture, Theyskens wanted to create clothing that is more accessible and affordable. After all, he says, “shape is something that has no price.” He debuted a highly lauded spring 2011 line for Theory, and the fall line is his second. He will continue to focus on wardrobe essentials like the perfect blazer and the perfect pair of black slacks.

The fall 2011 line features bootcut corduroy jeans, cable sweaters, boyfriend cardigans, dresses, flowy skirts and blouses, tees with bright graphics, cocoon coats, blazers featuring his special notched collar, pleated slouchy pants, and some evening wear.

The prints were very unusual and created by superimposing blueprints of cathedral plans and Mies Van der Rohe architecture projects. The prints suggest an abstract plaid effect, which are enhanced by layering them with “vaporized” leopard. This dress is an example of the prints.

When asked which is the “must have” piece, Alexa answered, this classic blazer in Theory’s famous lightweight gabardine, with Theyskens’ signature notched collar that creates a V in the back. The collar sits up on the neck to frame the face. It also makes for a more comfortable fit.

Here is the back collar of a Theyskens’ jacket worn by my sister that shows how beautifully it frames the monsterra clasp on her string of pearls.

It’s never too early to be thinking about the holidays, as the evenings become cooler. Here is a beautiful brocade shrug with hidden sleeve pockets that is not only warm but ever so chic.

Alexa, who is diminutive and stylish, had on an oatmeal sweater dress with delicate cables that she wore over one of those above mentioned printed tops, and she looked fetching and a bit vintage. Here is the dress in a deep wine color called oxide:

The runway featured a shorter version in a cropped sweater with a flowy printed skirt:

Theyskens understands that Theory is famous for its pants that fit everyone, so for fall, created some great leg lengthening flared corduroys with innovative washes. Alexa showed me how the inside of a pair of cords is a different color, so the staff wears them cuffed to show off the contrast. Note the proportions.

Are you yearning for something different in a blazer? Theyskens has created what is sure to become a classic, but with a twist. A beautifully constructed blazer that is longer in the back, with the signature notched collar, notched lapels, a low double breasted button closure, and side slits. Two words: Elegant and Effortless.





For cozy comfort, you can’t beat this lightweight and non-scratchy chunky cable knit sweater, with a blend of camel hair, styled with a long grey fluted skirt that has a slight metallic sheen.

Speaking of cozy comfort, this cabled grey cardigan would be a welcome change from a jacket.




Alexa swears that these slouchy pleated pants are wearable and flattering. They may not appeal to all but are certainly comfortable looking.

I love the silhouette of this easy fitting tweed jacket and think it is a timeless choice.

I’m very excited with this partnership between a high-end European designer and an American contemporary company of enduring popularity. We’ll be able to buy clothing that reflects a true designer’s point of view without needing a trust fund.

You can read more in the The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/fashion/olivier-theyskens-shapes-a-new-future.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=theory%20olivier%20theyskens&st=cse&scp=1

Oscars Gowns from 2011 Academy Awards

The Academy Awards bring out Hollywood glamour and glitz on the Red Carpet. Here are some observations on the Oscar gowns.

Jennifer Lawrence’s red, minimalist Calvin Klein dress epitomized how something so simple can be so smashing when showcased on a perfect body. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a minimalist silver metallic Calvin Klein to similar effect, with added color in her jewelry.

A radiant Natalie Portman in Rodarte showed off her new shape in a beautiful plum color, also seen on Scarlett Johansson, who chose another trend for spring, lace.

Speaking of spring colors, lilac complemented Mila Kunis in her Elie Saab dress, though I would have liked her bodice to be a bit higher cut and to have fit a bit closer to her body to avoid the extra tire look around her middle.

Hailee Steinfeld, only 14 years old but so poised, glowed in a subtle blush color in a very age appropriate Marchesa tea length gown.

Jennifer Hudson, looking regal, opted for the drama of a blood orange architectural Versace gown, which showed off the amazing work she has accomplished to slim down. I would have wished for a more flattering decolletage.

Hilary Swank showed how drama can also be achieved in a metallic ombre grey Gucci gown embellished with beads and feathers and a long train, against a backdrop of simple hairdo and makeup.

Cate Blanchett won the award for the most fashion forward of the evening in her lilac Givenchy gown decorated with yellow beads and a warrior like shoulder line, but softened with pleating.

Reese Witherspoon looked a bit retro with a 1960s style hairdo and an Armani Prive black and white gown. I think it made her look a bit old and the style did not show off her figure, though the emeralds were resplendent against her skin.

Melissa Leo won an Oscar that night for Best Supporting Actress but did not win any prizes for her choice in gowns. Custom made by Marc Bouwer, the gown was not flattering and the collar was too high.

Michelle Williams wore Chanel, but the gown did nothing to show off her amazing her skin and figure, though her haircut is adorable and her face so beautiful.

Amy Adams wore a sumptuous sapphire color that set off her red hair, but the L’Wren Scott gown had too high a neckline. The ornate emerald necklace on top of the beaded gown was too heavy a look for her delicate beauty.

To conclude, one cannot go wrong wearing Valentino red on the Red Carpet, and who better to show this than Anne Hathaway, the co-host of the Oscars this year with James Franco, shown here with the designer himself?