COLOR CRAZY: ROYAL BLUE AND BLACK

Ok! It’s not rocket science. Royal Blue and Black is – was – and will be a great color combination. If you consider black to be a “safe” color and you want to experiment a little with something out of your usual comfort zone, royal blue is a great start because it is no too far away from black in terms of effect. Here’s a little inspiration on how to bring all your black accessories into 2009: by adding a little royal blue!

At Aquascutum and Michael Kors, a black belt adds definition to the knee-high dresses. Complete the look with a black clutch.

Mini dresses and platform gladiator inspired shoes = legs for days at BCBG and Gucci.

Maintain the aura of royalty with a long dress a la Lela Rose or Issa.

Sheer materials are a hit this season and the royal blue world is no exception. At Costume National the sheer black material is a perfect canvas for royal blue sequins, while Vera Wang creates a delicate sheer overlay for a royal blue dress.

Two piece combos can be as sophisticated or as simple as you prefer. Sonia Rykiel achieves a very luxurious look with this silk blue and black suit. The fishnet socks and ankle tie pants is definitely a look worth replicating. Paul Smith on the other hand, plays with the shape of the pant and the uses a scarf as a belt to add dimension and exaggerate the waist in it’s smallest point.

DKNY takes a simple casual approach but comes up with a look that prioritizes comfort and can be dressed up with jewelry.

Outfit Ideas

"Womens Ultimate Guide to Putting Together Stylish Outfits"

Here you'll find outfit ideas and fashionable suggestions on how to put together outfits, or when you just don't quite know what goes with what. I'll give your wardrobe and your repressed and stylish self a real kick in the behind! Use these outfit ideas to create a first date outfit, prom outfit or for just improving and updating your style!

Do you find yourself...

• Having difficulties figuring out what goes with what? 
• Wasting more time and energy on deciding what to wear than preparing your breakfast? 
• Falling into the same outfit combination? 
• Just feel that you have nothing to wear despite your stuffed closet? 

If you said yes to one or more of the questions above, then you're going to need this page! Read along and discover simple outfit ideas on how to put together outfits while injecting some of your personal style!

It's a common fact that we spend a lot of time in front of the mirror or our closet. And often, we also tend to avoid stepping outside of our comfort zone and just keep it safe. However doing that only keeps you away from fully developing your sense of style and it results in feeling like your style is boring, wardrobe is hopeless, etc. There's a new world out there, y'know!

So what can you do? In my outfit ideas-series you're going to discover how to make it easier for you to come up with outfits. Let's lay the groundwork with the 3 important steps;Organize, plan and then execute! :-)

Step 1 of Outfit Ideas-Series: Organize Your Closet

All pieces should be visible and readily available to you.

Now imagine drawing a picture in the living room with your crayons scattered all over your house. You need red but aren't sure if it's somewhere in the kitchen. You want blue but it's under your bed. You could really use some brown but you're not sure where it is. Now the most common reaction to this is to go out and buy new crayons! However, unless you've kept them in one place, the crayons will again get scattered throughout the house and you're off to buy new ones! And then one day while you're cleaning under the bathroom sink you discover the missing brown crayon when drawing your picture. Now you have two of almost the same crayon when you only need one.

Having an organized wardrobe is very important when putting together an outfit - you should have an overview at your clothes and accessories. It gives you a picture of what you have and don't have in your wardrobe, and makes it easier for you to mix and match.

One of the best ways to organize your closet is to keep all of your tops together, followed by pants, jeans, skirts and dresses. Keep your shoes in one place. Tights and socks in a drawer. Jewelry on a stand or compartment drawer. Scarves and belts on racks. And then sort them by color.

Step 2 of Outfit Ideas-Series: Have a Shopping Plan

Without a shopping plan, you'll keep going around in a loop about the way you feel about your wardrobe because your clothes aren't in place.

Now after organizing your closet, it's time to sit and rationally write down what you need and don't need.

Here are a few tips on how to do that:

• Make sure you have each and every item on the wardrobe essential-list. That said, go through the list and buy whatever is missing from your closet first before you indulge in other trendy pieces. The magic with these basic items is that they can be worn with absolutely everything and they're trend-proof! 
• List down what you don't need. Ask yourself: Are there any pieces you have too many of? By too many I mean garments you have 3-4 of but you haven't worn and that don't get frequently used. These are unnecessary items that you need to make a clear statement of never to buy. 
• When shopping make sure you know how many outfits you can pull off from onegarment with what's already in your closet 

Step 3 of Outfit Ideas-Series: Be Inspired and Create the Outfits

Now is the time to execute those clothes into outfits! There really isn't any exact formula on putting together clothes stylishly. We all have different styles and taste; in fact, being creative with clothes is about your gut and feelings on what works for you and what doesn't.

Tip: As long as you feel confident in something, you'll look good. That's why it's super important to play up your best features and feeling comfortable when wearing clothes. That's when dressing your body shape comes into play.

NORMAL, WHILE ANYTHING BUT

Sometimes, a girl just wants to look normal, but that does not mean sacrificing style. Carlos Miele and BCBG Max Azria present these simple outfits as inspiration. Neutral colors and straight hair have an aura of their own, so it’s a pass on the jewelry.

VPL continues the look with casual but strikingly clean outfit. If you want to go a little more ornate, Max Azria recommends sequins and a statement necklace.

Age Appropriate Fashion and Beauty Tips To Transition To Fall

Sharon & Brad's Latest Radio Show: Fashion, beauty & hair tips to look ageless and chic on any budget.

Gossip, dish, and inside style tips...

On this week's episode of Focus on Style-TalkRadio, the hosting duo Sharon Haver & Brad Boles talk about about what YOU want to add to your wardrobe to wear now and into fall on any budget.

• Short leather jacket- Aviator or motorcycle-inspired, a leather or vegan leather jacket plays down something too dressy and adds a crisp vibe to jeans... so very French too!
• Green, lean cargo pants- Keep them just above the ankle or roll the hem to there. Perfect with that leather jacket, a tailored blazer, or chunky sweater.... continues to the military trend vibe and more updated than jeans.
• Ankle boots- You probably own a few pairs of ankle boots by now but how about a lace-up pair with a lug or wooden sole or a sleek wedge? Instantly modernizes jeans and perfect with your country classics and camel tailored pieces.
• Classic black pumps- We’ve been upside down and inside out with zany platforms. Which are looking more than tired now. Turn 360 degrees to a simple chic black pump in a walkable kitten or “normal” high heel for iconic, classic glamour. Kate Moss has been rocking classic black pumps and it looks so much more modern and chic than some kooky skyscrapers or over-decorated gladiators.
• The NEW cropped pants- No, not the tourist, boxy kind. Think Audrey Hepburn meets 90’s minimalism for sleek, pants that hit just above the ankle. Of, course, Sharon loves them in black. Pair with anything above and you will look right on trend in the most classic way.

Sharon pulled a few on trend fashion pieces that you want to think about:

More Giuseppe Zanotti...

----

Brad is still reeling from some end-of summer fashion and beauty faux pas and feminine looks to wear until the first chill:

Peacocks in the garden are never out of fashion!

• First ladies, remember age-appropriate means the length of your hemline. If you’ve passed 40, leave the short skirts for the twenty-something girls. Keep it sexy, but beautiful.
• Keep it sexy, but beautiful with muted pale colors that are still in season, as well as soft, floaty fabrics.
• Throw on a jacket or a sweater over that dress for a day-to-evening transition.
• Avoid coral lipstick at any cost!
• Remember that black is never out of fashion, nor are little dogs with diamond collars, red nails, or peacocks in the garden for that matter! --Sharon & Brad on Focus on Style-Talk Radio

Published on August 16, 2010

Create your own unique and chic fashion look

Creating your own true sense of clothing style can take years to perfect, but there are ways you can speed up the process of fashionable and unique dressing.

It's about taking it day by day. About finding what styles and colours fit you, as well as working out what you like to wear, what makes you feel most confident and most yourself. Its also about dressing for your lifestyle, and your daily activities.

Check out Chictopia, an online community of fashion addicts, all with a different sense of style and creative flair. People all over the globe sign on and post photos of their latest ensembles, allowing you to see just how the fashion elite put together an outfit.

Check out magazines like Elle or Vogue, for runway tips and trends and celebrity looks too. Keeping in touch with whats going on is half the battle, it will enable you to easily navigate stores and help you know what sort of things you want to keep your eye out for.

Check out Youtube for tons of inspirational videos, and stylish ideas.

Wearing Womens Vintage Clothing

Vintage Fashion for Women

I find womens vintage fashion delightful, don't you? Not to mention its uniqueness.

Just imagine wearing a piece of history that exudes originality. The chances on stumbling upon someone with the same piece are slim. You'll definitely stand out from the crowd. Plunge in the world of the past and discover how vintage handbags, t-shirts, dresses and sweaters can take your style to another level!

What was popular in the past has come back into fashion again. And that's the way it's going to be in the future.

So relax, and discover what vintage fashion has in store for you!

So Why Do Vintage Fashion Rock?

There are many reasons, unique style being one of them. If you're not convinced here are my top points:

 Womens vintage clothing is a green option. Ok, so saving the nature might not be the first thing on your mind when you're looking for vintage, but hey, you're wearing something original while saving our earth!

 Vintage clothes has unusual fabrics and tailoring. The pieces have patterns and details that you often can't see in stores today. That's a total wow-factor when it comes to fashion!

It's not like the cookie-cutter clothes you see in our stores today. Vintage is unique and available in limited edition, and that prevents your style from becoming mainstream.

 Vintage fashion has something for everyone. You can find something in vintage fashion thatsuits your personal style. Fashion today has been recycled from all kinds of different eras -- dramatic Art Deco 20's-30's, tailored 40's-50's, flowy hippie 60's-70's, rock & urban period 80's -- so really. There's something for everyone!

 Vintage clothing never goes out of style. (Ok, I'm not talking about the really, reaaaally old vintage, like Victorian, frilly pieces).

Vintage is hip. It's timeless. It's stylish.

But only if you wear it right ;) You'll have to adapt to our modern society, so you might want to mix vintage with staples to balance the overall look.

TREND SPOT: TIE-TOP PANTS

As hot summer days turn into chilly fall evenings, we’re looking for versatile garment that can pull a double duty. One of the summer’s trends that can easily be carried over to fall are the tie-top pants. What exactly are tie-top pants, you say? They are similar to harem pants in that they are loose, but the waist is gathered with a string, belt or bow. Depending on the fabric and the styling, they can be dressy or casual. As with other loose styles, tie-top pants are practically begging for a tucked-in shirt to emphasize the figure. Here’s some inspiration on how to add this style to your swag collection.


Roberto Cavalli keeps it loose and layered, don’t forget the heels for a feminine touch.

Matthew Williamson – always a Zebreezy favorite – is never afraid of color. Here’s a sophisticated take on tie-dye and a couple of super trendy work-appropriate looks. I still can’t get over those shoes!

A shiny, crispy fabric makes Isaac Mizrahi’s looks more formal. Even though he continues the oversize theme with the jacket, the skintight body underneath is the figure-flattering focal point.

Burberry offers an updated rider-look and a fun way to wear your strappy sandals in the fall.

Whether it’s a loose pull over or a button-up sweater, Sonia Rykiel and Tory Burch show you that you can still tuck it in.

Jenny Kayne channeling a hippie vibe.

And for those holding on to summer just a little longer, a few short looks. Tie-top bubble skirt at Matthew Williamson.

Shorts work too, at Thakoon and Tory Burch.

BEST OF THE WEEK

Fashion Basics 101: Best Fashion Tips On How to Improve Your Style

Fashion Tips

Here you'll find vital fashion tips -- which I often call the fashion 101, that can help you revamp your looks, from the fashion basics on what colors look best on your skin tone tofashion advice on how to put together chic outfits to the best flattering womens clothing for all body shapes.

Style isn't about the trends. It's about reuniting fashion with your height, shape, skin, eye and hair color, personality and age!

Reflect Upon Your Previous and Current Fashion Bloopers

Unlike men, you and I are blessed with endless variety in clothes and the freedom todress creatively with exciting embellishments and details like sequins, earrings and high heels.

But inspite of the many womens clothing opportunities, you might end up looking ridiculous or "just not right". Our instincts might be false, try counting the fashion mistakes you've made in your life, from the wrong colors to the unflattering cuts that made your butt look flatter, bigger, etc.

The Best Fashion Tips for Women

That's why I've gathered the best womens fashion tips and split the heavy stuff into smaller, easy-to-understand chunks. It works as a mini 5-step guide on improving yourfashion style without getting lost.

Now, looking good doesn't involve putting on some clothes you think you look good in. It's about knowing what looks good on you. It's about playing up your best assets and disguising the ones you don't feel confident about. If you want to look good you have to look at yourself in the mirror, objectively inspect the contours, shape, proportions and color of your body. It might sound terrifying at first but all these details are needed to create the perfect blueprint of what looks good and what doesn't look good on you!

That's what you're going to learn here. You're going to discover how making simple adjustments in your wardrobe and style can make a huuuge positive difference with how you look. You'll also understand how these small changes can help you save time and money when going shopping.

You're here to unleash your greatest beauty potential.. for less time and money!

4 Cold Fashion Style Facts

1. Some clothes and fashion trends just don't look good on you. 
2. Just because you think something looks good on you, doesn't mean it does 
3. We live in a shallow world where we judge people by their looks. So image does matter if you want to get a head start in life. 
4. "The more, the merrier!" doesn't necessarily apply to a real fashionista. Quality always outranks quantity. By quality, I don't necessarily mean the fabric quality. It's more about how valuable a piece of garment is to your style. It's about the versatility and how it makes you look and feel good. 

You don't need a fat wallet, model body or the fanciest clothes to look good. So let's put the latest trends to the side for a moment and start with the very basic fashion tips -- the5 key elements for looking your best.

1. Right clothes for your body shape 
2. Right clothes for your face shape 
3. The rights colors 
4. Creating a solid wardrobe foundation 
5. Putting together outfits 

With these points in mind -- you'll know what works for you and what breaks your look. And it'll make it easier for you to decide what type of clothes and outfit to invest in and what to avoid. 

Right Clothes for Your Body Shape and Size

By knowing the shape of your body and how proportional your upper and lower half are with each other, you'll know what clothing shape, colors and designs flatter your frame -- creating an appealing silhouette (we're all attracted to symmetry, think hourglass), accentuating what you like and disguising the "bad" parts.Click here for more information on how to determine your body shape and find clothing tips and recommendations for different body shapes.

Also learn more about the basics on what it takes to look good in your clothes -- how proportions, vertical body line, fit and confidence affect the way you look. This is important to help you gain a clearer understanding of thebigger picture of looking faaabulous :-)

Right Clothes for Your Face Shape

Your face shape is the first thing people notice, and you want to make a good impression! You can use clothes and accessories to enhance, de-emphasize and improve the impressions of your face.

Colors Suited for Your Skin Tone, Eye and Hair Color

The right colors make your skin glow, and you'll look fresh and alert. However, the wrong colors can make you look pale, tired and bring out the discoloration of yellow teeth and even dark eye circles.

Create a Solid Wardrobe Foundation

If you want to make it easier to put on clothes in the morning (or any time of the day for that matter) -- you need to make sure you have the important wardrobe essentials. These are your building blocks to creating a solid wardrobe that keep you covered on all occasions and seasons.Click here to learn more about your wardrobe essentials .

Note: You'll save time and money from buying clothes you really need. Take a quick evaluation and ask yourself: "How many outfits can I make of this... (insert fashion piece)?" "How many times will I likely be wearing it?"Messy wardrobe? Nothing to wear? Learn how to effectively organize your closet.

Putting an Outfit Together

Playing it safe by relying on basic clothing isn't enough. Fashion and style is about expressing yourself. That's why we also need the latest trends to add some personality to your outfit!Overdoing it can make you look like a fashion victim.Learn how to work with the current fashion trends and theright way to mix and match basics with trends.

To help you look your best, you need to wear the right clothes that reflect your personality so that you feel comfortable, so take time to identify your clothing personality to make it easier for you to focus on yoursignature style -- your 'calling' card that sets you apart from the rest.Also do a read on the basics and ideas on how to put together an outfit.

Colourful Clothing

Work out what colors suit you, and buy essential items in these colours. Most women will fall into one of these two categories: earthy or clear.

The earthy girls look good in autumnal shades like reds, browns and greens, whereas the clear ladies will rock pink, blue and purples. There are a couple of colors which transcend these rules, these are turquoise and dark purple, which look good on pretty much every woman.

To find out which type you are, get out your clothes, accessories and some photographs. Work out which kind of color suits you best by seeing which makes your skin tone and hair color really healthy looking.

Generally, those with redder tones to their hair, or freckles on their cheeks will be earthy, and darker haired, clear skinned women are clear. But, there are some crossovers, so make sure to take lots of polaroids with different coloured clothes on. Doing this with a friend is so much fun too, as you can each decide on which colors look best. Make sure to write down which you think is best.

Current Fashion Trends

Guide to Help You Stay Trendy and Chic

Now let's talk about the current fashion trends that create the (sometimes crazy) excitement in a season.We all know that the latest fashion trends keep your style and wardrobe fresh; injecting glamour, wit and spunk, the extra *ooomph* -- making you feel more alive! But c'mon let's face it, when the trends are at their exaggerated worst, head-to-toe looks, -- well, you'll end up looking completely ridiculous.

When you gain a basic understanding of what trends flatter your lifestyle and personal style you'll notice that your spending habits will improve. With my advice and tips on the latest trends you'll become chic without looking like freaky fashion victim! No pun intended, it's just how I describe "fashionistas" who look like they're wearing an over-wrought stage costume (*cough* Lady GaGa)
.
How to Know If a Trend Looks Good On You

A trend has zero worth if it doesn't compliment your appearance or if you can't at least find a way to work beautifully for you. Do some homework by assessing your appearance, from head to shoulder. From the undertone of your skin to the contours of your body. Not sure how to do that? Well, come on in here and let's build (and improve) your personal style from the ground!

Go funk yourself

Who What Wear

 

Check out amazingly diverse autumnal trends:

 On one hand, the minimalist aesthetic is tapping into our fashion-minded psyches with its sophisticated neutral palette—um, hello Vince's Leather Dress ($595)—while, on the other end, sequins, shearling, and animal accents are channeling our inner drama queen—that means you, Topshop's Leopard Leather Shoulder Bag ($80)! Yet for us, the thrill we get from these great pieces is not just discovering these key items, but getting to spotlight them for you, dear readers. After all, we want you to have harmonious wardrobes—even if we don't! On that note of alignment, perhaps you'd like to jumpstart your cold-weather wardrobe with some seventies-inspired shearling; we like ASOS' Arctic Suede Crepe Wedges($93), which would look totally Kate Moss-worthy with a pair of Balmain-esque moto jeans. Lusting after Alexa Chung's spot-on transitional-weather style? We recommend slipping into Boutique's adorable Pleat Pinafore ($125) with Ferragamo-like ballet flats. Or, if it's MOD Jessica Hart's brand of city-cool chic you're itching to bring to life, opt for Edun's Patchwork Cotton Parka Jacket ($560) with some lace-up boots. However you decide to attain wardrobe Zen (with Pamela Love's Arrowhead Necklace ($1325), perhaps!), we have all the pieces you need—and more—in our Shop the Closetsection so that spiritual-sartorial stasis is only a mouse click away. Happy shopping!—Liza Kaplan