The Cold Shoulder?

As July comes to a close, I become giddy with glee as I start planning my fall purchases! One of the newest trends that the jury’s still out on for this coming season is shoulder pads.

Paying homage to this 1980’s trend that once graced the shoulders of many fashionable women of that decade, big shoulders edged onto the runways of Miss Sixty, Diane von Furstenberg, Herve Leger, BCBG, Jason Wu, Nicole Miller and Alexander Wang at Fashion Week. Shoulder pads have been positioned to make a huge come back for fall ‘09. Straight from the runway of Gucci is a strikingly glittery sequined black dress that would be perfect for NYE…

But I am still chewing on the idea of wearing an oversized blazer stuffed with 3” pads. I’ve begun to think that this may be one of those “couture” runway looks that shouldn’t be tried by mere mortals like myself, unless you fall in the 6’ tall supermodel category.



Should you still feel so inclined to try this one on: I think you may have to splurge on the high end couture Gucci dress-- I wouldn’t dare try this look on a inexpensive thrift store find. You will most likely come off looking more ridiculous than cutting edge. You don’t want people thinking you just walked off a Robert Palmer video.

Shoulder pads: bringing back the 80’s? or do we let this trend die with scrunch socks?

Bright Idea

Whenever I hear the word NEON my mind quickly flashes to visions of tacky Vegas Strip signs. But neon this season can be worn in a very chic, fashion-forward way. One of my favorite looks from the Versace fall 2009 runway is a hot pink long sleeve tunic style dress with a small black belt accent. I find it fitting in our current economic state when people choose to take themselves less seriously and slip into something more fun.

Throw on some high voltage color that is sure to turn a few heads. If executed properly, this look can be done with sophistication and class. Not quite so daring? Try a subtle pop of neon like a skinny florescent belt over black skinny jeans and a sassy top. Feel like pushing the envelope slightly? Take a more modern approach-- neon tights in various assorted colors: fuchsia, blue and green. Also try a neon pink mini for a fresh take on the classic black mini-skirt. Looking to spruce up a dull outfit for a night out on the town? swipe on some bright pink lips that look luscious and spunky.











But please tread carefully! No one wants to look like a walking neon sign so approach with caution.

Saturday Night Fever

Disco Fever, Studio 54, and that ever so popular shiny disco ball… I find it fascinating to watch everything old become new again. It’s almost like it never left-- but simply evolved. One of my favorite eras in fashion is from the 1970’s. I so long to wear high-wasted flares, 6 inch cork platforms and don an oversized mood ring (I did once have one-- in 3rd grade my mother gave me hers, but I of course lost it).

‘70s fashion was more than just bell-bottoms and polyester; for instance the very popular maxi dress: born in 1970, was resurrected in 2000 and still lives in many of our closets today. Yves St Laurent also introduced the ‘peasant’ look in 1976- it still rears its head from time to time and most likely will for years to come.

The ‘70s was a time accentuated by love and peace. Its fashion was not an accident; it came from some place deeper. It was organic and seeped out of a movement. It was in the souls of that movement. It was a way of life.

Who wears short shorts?

One of my favorite things about living in L.A. is the way young women dress; in a laid back effortless never over-styled way. It must be something in the groovy California air that makes me catch the Cali girl fever.

My new favorite trend of the moment is shorts- but not just any regular pair of cut-off daisy dukes. Shorts are the new skirt, just like navy is the new black! Short shorts are a trend that will carry over to fall and even winter; you can throw on a pair of tweed black Chanel shorts over your favorite navy opaque tights for an uber-chic New York feel. Take a cue from this season’s runway and dress up a pair of nude shorts with a flirty pink top for a feminine touch.

Just be careful not to wear your shorts too tight or to0 short—neither look is ever flattering. Good rule of thumb: if you find yourself frequently tugging at you hemline, nix them and try a more suitably fitting cut or style. Fit is key when finding the perfect pair of shorts.