Spy On Trends » fashion

Step out in style with Tabitha Simmons

Carolyn Akel — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:00:16 +0000

Even with a closet full of shoes many women can’t find that perfect shoe for an occasion. On the other hand there are designer shoe lines in which every shoe is the right shoe—and the left as well. Stylist Tabitha Simmons’ line of shoes is that line. The only problem is with so many stylish choices it’s hard to decide on just one.

Tabitha Simmons’ is funky, urban chic. Characterized by tall heels, some in towering stiletto style and others with a chunky profile, Simmons’ line has been featured in all the fashion magazines and on numerous catwalks.

The England-born Simmons lives in New York and is a contributing editor for Vogue magazine, a regular contributor for Dazed and Confused and Another Magazine. Having her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry Simmons’ designs don’t disappoint. Her high heels are sexy and sleek while her boot styles are daring and edgy.

Simmons’ has collaborated with photographers like Craig McDean, Glen Luchford and Steven Klein and with fashion designers like Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen and Zac Posen.

Start the year off on the right food and grab one of the chicest fashion trends for 2011 at www.tabithasimmons.com

Shopping the Essentials

Sara Koonars — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:37:42 +0000

Want to spend less and shop smarter? If your new year’s resolution is to manage your finances better, try considering a shopping diet. But don’t panic, this doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be any less chic. The secret is to shop for quality and not quantity. You can spend a little more on one item that will last you three to five seasons rather than a trendy item that will last you one month.

THE KEY ELEMENTS:

White shirt
Trench
Jeans
Little Black Dress
Cardigan
Flats
Heels/Boots
Pencil Skirt
Day/Night Purses (or one that converts)

When looking for your key wardrobe elements make sure you choose first-class fabrics and cuts, don’t sacrifice quality for price. To get the best bang for your buck, try outlets or stores that sell designer pieces from last season. Classic colors like blacks, grays, whites, reds and navy blues are always in style. Stay away from trends like big poofy shoulders or prints, as they go in and out of style every season. A straight leg, medium washed jean won’t go out of style where as flares or skinnies do.

Once you have your essentials your can shop for less expensive accessories. You can find great earrings, bracelets, clutches, and more all under $50. You can buy printed tights or a leopard clutch and to show off seasonal trends instead of splurging on a leopard dress or printed jacket.

Now that you have finished shopping, it is time to mix and match your buys to create great outfits for any occasion.

Night Out on the Town

Camilla and Marc dress $790 (the price is on the higher side, but if you stock up on less expensive accessories you can change the look of the dress each time you wear it and get long-term use out of your purchase), Diane von Furstenberg trench coat $565 (go classic, the less frills the better), Steve Madden booties $150 (these boots are a steal and can be worn with a dress, skirt or pants for any occasion), Kate Spade clutch $225 (a simple red clutch will always be in style), House of Harlow earrings $100 (go all out on accessories when it comes to trends).

Weekday Chic

DKNY pleated cotton shirt $195 (a classic white shirt will go with absolutely everything from jeans to a pencil skirt), Diane von Furstenberg trench $565 (a trench can go from formal to casual), TEXTILE by Elizabeth and James jeans $250 (the less dazzle the better, so make sure there is no design on pockets, etc.), Michael Kors ballet flat $150 (a classic red will add a pop to any outfit), ASOS cross-body bag $86 (browns go with everything!).

Weekend Comfort

Rag & Bone grey cardigan $240 (in the colder months I carry a cardigan everywhere, you can throw it over a blouse, t-shirt or dress), Amrita Singh bracelets $100 (add some flare and trend with your accessories, like these Indian bangles), TEXTILE by Elizabeth and James Jeans $250, Forever 21 Tote $21 (you don’t have to spend a fortune on a great bag), Top Shop skinny belt (stay away from big buckles and think belts, a simple skinny brown belt will match everything), Michael Kors ballet flat $150, Rebel Yell t-shirt $69 (show off your personality with an inexpensive graphic tee).

On the Job

DKNY pleated cotton shirt $195 (a work wardrobe staple), Juicy Couture ring $88, Carven pencil skirt (A pencil skirt can take you from work to play, just switch the shirt to a silk blouse and you are ready for a night out), Steve Madden booties $130, Fossil tote $170 (this tote expands so you can wear it on your arm or shoulder).

Keep your sweaters skinny with the SkinnyShirt

Carolyn Akel — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:31:03 +0000

Do you love the polished look of a white collared shirt underneath a chic fitted sweater? Then you probably have dealt with the frustration of the bulk that combination tends to add to your figure. SkinnyShirt fixes that dilemma allowing you to get that pulled together look without adding the bulging and bunching that a regular shirt causes.

If you’re cool hunting there’s no hotter trend in fashion than the SkinnyShirt. The SkinnyShirt is innovative because the design features the crisp white collar you love while the rest of the sleeveless shirt is slim and fitted like a stretchy camisole.

Developed by a mom who longed for that pulled together look of her pre-children days, SkinnyShirt fits and flatters most figures. The best part about it is it pairs well underneath any type of shirt in your closet. It’s so cute you can even wear it alone!

SkinnyShirt comes in a classic version, a teen version and even a maternity version. The stretchy camisole material makes it a good fit no matter your chest or belly size. It’s the coolest thing to happen to your sweaters this season.

Craving a fitted and polished look? Check out the SkinnyShirt website at www.skinnyshirt.com

Sarah Hearey has a mix of wild couture in the bag

Carolyn Akel — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:13:42 +0000

Every girl has a favorite handbag. The one that organizes everything, matches with anything and simply feels just right for any occasion. Now grab that bag and get ready to hang it in the closet, because Sarah Hearey has introduced a line of handbags that will make you forget your old favorite and flock to the new and improved line.

Sarah Hearey bags provide a style you can call your own. Hearey infuses wild skins with a flair for exotic elegance. It’s the kind of bag you want to show off at every event you attend but at the same time you only want to break it out at ultra-special occasions. That’s because the bag is so glamorous you want to use it all the time, but special enough that you want to save it. Oh, the dilemma.

Good thing Hearey makes several versions of her bag, which is becoming popular with celebs like Jennifer Lopez, who was seen carrying a Sarah Hearey clutch recently. Hearey’s handbags recall both ancient art and eye-catching couture with her ready-made designs. Or be one-of-a-kind and have Hearey create a custom bag for you.

With Sarah Hearey bags, it’s great to be part of the in-crowd but it’s even better to set your own trend. Visit her line at www.sarahhearey.com

Spying Platinum Dirt

Carolyn Akel — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:29:00 +0000

Platinum Dirt launches a line of leather Vin Jackets built from reclaimed leather from vintage cars

Combine luxurious leather, fine vintage automobiles and eco-friendly repurposing and you’ll get Platinum Dirt—a line of leather Vin Jackets that take cool to a whole new level. Repurposed from the leather interior of vintage cars, the jackets offer chic style in a variety of colors.

Fashion designer Dustin Page and his business partner, Aaron Parrish, launched the line this year featuring genuine leather interiors of old Cadillacs, Lincolns, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and other fine vintage autos. Each jacket features a hood ornament zipper pull, VIN breast plate, and uniquely patterned interior lining.

Platinum Dirt is the brainchild of Page who one day was taken by the look of the worn, yet durable seats of his Volvo and was inspired to create the line of VIN Jackets.

The jackets aren’t just eco-friendly; however, with sleek lines and fine detail, the jackets are runway ready. If the jacket is not your style, Platinum Dirt creates handbags and clutches using the leftover leather scraps of rich teals, burgundies, creams, tans, and dark browns found in their studio.

Since the launch of Platinum Dirt, the label has been seen on the backs of celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Jeremy Piven and Adrian Grenier, each sporting their own one-of-a-kinds VIN Jackets.

The best part is you can look stylish but you can also feel good about helping the environment. Check out the line of men’s and women’s VIN Jackets at www.platinumdirt.com