Ask a Fashion Expert! Ask Cathie, fashion designer/stylist, your fashion and/or style questions. She will answer your questions of general interest with objective advice.
Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Medium Pink Julie Hewett Peachie Cheekie Cheek & Lip Shine Nars Orgasm Blush SUQQU Nuancing Cheeks in EX-01 Lancôme Blush Subtil Chanel Blush Horizon
Pictured Nars Blush & Bronzer Trio- Laguna Bronzer, Orgasm Blush and Albatross Highlighter in a zip compact.
Sustainable - For the High Maintance Woman
This fall Gucci will launch sustainable sunglass eyewear frames in their signature green and red hues. The frames will be made from a high percentage of natural materials (liquid wood and recycled metal hardware) and will be packaged in eco friendly containers. Two styles of sunglasses will be made from bio-based material from castor-oil seeds. Also thiis fall Gucci plans to introduce their NEW certified biodegradable Marola shoe collection. Stay tuned for more.
Leather Ttrims Are Hot for Fall
Leather trims on classics are hot for fall 2012. Some of the ways designers are adding leather trims are on skirt waistbands, bands of leather on shoes, leather sleeves on jackets, leather collar, cuffs and pocket trims on blouses and jackets.
Jacket pictured by Katherine Hooker
Photo by Thomas Iannaccone, WWD
Summer Make Up - Metallics
Go metallic this summer. Metallic lipsticks, eye shadows and nail varnish are a way to update your look without breaking the bank. Metallics are a good way to add an edgy look too.
Pictures: Bobbi Brown Blackberry Eye Shadow
Tiffany & Company Celebrates
In honor of its 175th anniversary Tiffany & Company introduces a new metal RUBEDO™. RUBEDO™ marries gold, silver, and copper "capturing the light of dawn". This is a limited-edition series of 1837™designs hallmarked with founder Charles Lewis Tiffany's signiture. The seies consists of earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.
Colors to Wear With Neon Color Accessories
Black and white is safe with any neon color accessories. For the adventurous try yellow neon with tans/beiges, blues, greens, & lavender. Neon pink looks good with blues, bright orange works with greens and blues and neon chartreuse can be worn with green and yellow and pattern clothes will be stylish with a coordinating neon color.
Hot Accessories for Spring
Hand-painted treated wooden bangles, which come in myriad colors and employ motifs such as colorblocking, paint splatters and graffiti prints. $33.-$43.00 viviennekelly.com
Trendy Accessories
If your headed out the door to treat or invest in yourself, WWD reports that hot accessories NOW are Proenza Schouler’s PS1 bag, the YSL Tribute shoe, Alexander McQueen’s skull scarves and Stella McCartney’s Falabella bag.
David Moin, WWD, has reported that J.C. Penny will launch junior shops, “l’amour”, in 600+ J.C. Penny stores in the first quarter of 2013. They will feature fashions by Nanette Lapore with a “sophisticated look” for the younger set. “l’amour” junior shops will feature flirty dresses, silk screen T-shirts, sportswear and denim. Penney’s has ongoing exclusives with Nicole Miller, Liz Claiborne, Bisou Bisou, Charlotte Ronson and the Olsen twins.
WWD Predicts Fashionista's Will be Going West
Catherine Peridis reports that southwestern-inspired prints, patterns and materials are gaining major ground for spring 2012. Add an accessory with fringe to update your spring wardrobe.
Bag pictured from House of Harlow
Mixing Up Your Prints - Prints on Prints
Designers are moving away from the tried and true into a psychadelic or edgy mode mixing prints with florals, prints with prints and prints with florals and stripes for spring 2012. Mixed up prints on florals with stripes will be difficult to wear. Layering prints will be a popular trend but some one piece dresses will have clashing prints. Can you wear this trend to work? Might be more of a fashion statement for social ocassions. The shorter woman might be over powered with too much mixing. If in doubt whether to wear a mixture of prints it's better to be on the safe side and don't. ASOS Courtsy Photo
November is National Healthy Skin Month
Tips for relieving dry skin from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):
"Do not use hot water. Hot water removes your natural skin oils more quickly. Warm water is best for bathing."
"Use a gentle cleanser. Soaps can strip oils from the skin. Stop using deodorant bars, antibacterial soaps, perfumed soaps, and skin care products containing alcohol, like hand sanitizers. Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap substitute that moisturizes." Read more tips...
Spring 2012 Trends
The Roaring Twenties are Back for Spring 2012- WWD reports that "curves are back". Designers BCBG Max Azria, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, etc.have introduced fashions popular during the 20's with dropped waistlines, pleating, long strands of pearls, & cloche hats for Spring. Also hot for spring is printed denim and accessories accented with black, tan and other earthy colors.
Missoni to Raise Money for Orphan Aid Africa
Margherita Maccapani Missoni has designed a 12-piece collection of clothing to aid the OrphanAid Africa Collection. Missoni is president of OrphanAid Africa Italia and wants to sell "as many pieces as possible". The collection will be introduced on November 10 in Milan and November 15 in New York. The designs feature Missoni's zigzag pattern and are in pink and red. They will be available at M Missoni stores and on Yoox an online retailer.
Photo By Courtesy Photo
Latest Footwear Trend for Fall are Prancing Ponies
This season fashion designers are going with the ponies. One of the hottest footwear trends this season is “Pony Skin” shoes. Pony skin is cowhide with hair sometimes called “hair calf”. The shoes are available in conservative and more exotic styles. Pony skin footwear comes in a wide range of colors and can be textured or soft to touch. Stylist say pony skin shoes are a great way to update your look and add a richness to your outfit. Add a POP to your jeans or to a monochromatic outfit.
Oscar de la Renta's bridal line for spring 2012 focuses on quality rather than quantity. He presented seven looks for spring. WWD described the gowns as "one more stunning than the next." He showed a silk taffeta strapless gown with short-sleeve lace overlay and a “pick-up” balloon skirt (shorter hemline in the front), a body-skimming sweetheart gown, hand-embroidered with caviar beads. and a lace tulle sweetheart gown with seed beads and sequins scattered throughout the skirt.
WWD Photo by George Chinsee
Fancy Pants Are Hot for the Holidays
Looking for a new idea for holiday parties? How about fancy pants and a silk top or thin cashmere knit instead of your LBD (little black dress)??? Silver lame cropped pants were described in the WSJ (10/15/16) as "a daring alternative to the cocktail dress". If you've got the figure for them, why not go for fancy pants this holiday season. Another option are sequin pants like the black and gold sequin trouser pants pictured here from Alice & Olivia. Black sequin leggings with a short black skirt and heels is a geart look if you are tall and thin also.
WWD Reports - Domestic Bliss is a Spring Trend
"Calling all housewives! Forget about the trashy franchise that has taken over reality television. For spring, designers looked back to a demure time — the Fifties and Sixties to be exact — when the lady of the house was always polished, elegant and oh-so-chic." WWD Issue 09/28/2011
Oscar de la Renta RTW Spring 2012 Photo by Thomas Iannaccone
Shopping in Italy doesen't get better than this, designer brands in one venu. The Excelsior , first upscale shopping center in Italy, is described as a modern approach to shopping. Opened recently in Milan, the shopping center is focused on luxury and fashion having a high design concept. Manolo Blahnik's first shop in Italy is opening in the Excelsior. Fashion, food, fun, etc. Be sure to check it out when visiting Milano!
EBay Wants to be the Leading U.S. Destination for Fashion.
In addition to auction items EBay launched "Fashion Outlet", its virtual shopping mall with 200 brands with discounts generally between 20 percent to 65 percent off the retail price. Visitors / shoppers can browse items at the eBay store or by brand. Some of the women's brands available are Fossil, Furla, Jockey, Spanx, Stuart Weitzman, Adrienne Vittadini, Anne Klein, Badgley Mischka, BCBG Max Azria, Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller, Rachel Roy, Theory, etc. Some items are made exclusively for the outlet with competitive pricing that is not usually further discounted. Factory stores online at the Fashion Outlet include Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Fila, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Reed’s Jewelers and Tommy Hilfiger.
Feathers are Flying for Fall
WWD reports that many of the top designers, Giambattista Valli, Dior, Chanel, Valentino have feathered fashions in their fall lines. Feathers on gowns, coats, and accessories plus fabrics with feather prints are hot. Adding a feather evening bag to your "LBD" will update your evening look immediately.
Feather coat by Giambattista Valli, WWD Photo by Giovanni Giannoni
The Holidays Will be Bright & Shiny
It seems like a little pre-mature to be thinking about the holiday season before fall has arrived but you may see something fabulous with sequins & metallics when you are out & about shopping for your fall wardrobe. WWD reports that sequins & metallics are hot for the holidays so if you see something great you may want to grab it up & stash it away for the holiday season. Pictured Nicole Miller Collection’s silk cupro dress.
Photo by John Aquino, WWD
Alexa Chung has Bagged a Win for Mulberry
It’s been a memorable year for Mulberry, and the luxury London-based brand has the title of top performing fashion retailer in the bag! Mulberry’s share price has risen 527% in the pat 12 months and the company is now valued at £1 billion. It seems Alexa Chung, a UK model, TV presenter and fashion icon, is partly to thank for this latest boost to Mulberry. In 2009, Alexa was snapped sporting a vintage Mulberry men’s messenger briefcase, which inspired the creation of the Alexa handbag. Today, the Alexa is available in 4 different styles and accounts for an estimated 30% of Mulberry’s sales! Read More...
The first exhibition in the Museum's new Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Gallery, will examine the various roles and meanings associated with a wide range of gem materials.
She may have become famous for her big-screen role as a brainy young witch, but these days Emma Watson looks more like a fairy princess! The actress made her movie debut as Hermione in the first Harry Potter movie in 2001 at the age of 9, and has since blossomed into a true beauty with a career as a model and fashion designer. Emma Watson is also an avid supporter of sustainable fashion design; last year she worked as a creative advisor for People Tree to create a line of eco friendly clothing, and earlier this year she teamed up with Alberta Ferretti to develop a sustainable fashion line called Pure Threads.Read More...
What's new in engagement rings?
A line of glittering diamond engagement rings inspired by tiaras has been introduced by Lorenz Bäumer, Paris. Pictured is "The Daffodil" engagement ring. The Daffodil ring boasts a 7.29-carat yellow diamond.
Photo By Courtesy Photo
Margaret Thatcher’s Asprey Handbag Fetches $39,000. at Christie's Charity Auction
Mrs. Thatcher's famous bag was featured in a photograph taken with US president Ronald Reagan during her visit to the United States in 1985. Monday night it was reported to have fetched $39,800 at Christie's charity auction. It was purchased by an unnamed Cypriot who was an admirer of the Iron Lady and was a student in Britain during her tenure.
Power Handbags
Prada launched these two exclusive limited edition croc bags in June. Available in a limited version of 4 colors, lined with nappa leather, sporting detachable mini clutches and metal tags with a unique number. Price ??? Pick one up at Harrods, or a Prada Boutique in NYC, Beverly Hills or Las Vegas.
"COVER GIRL: Fiorucci on Tuesday introduced a 15-piece capsule collection designed by Naomi Campbell at Ittierre’s sprawling new Milan headquarters. Fiorucci just inked a four-year license with Ittierre, the Italian clothing manufacturer that produces young collections for Ermanno Scervino and Costume National, among others. The first line will bow for spring. “This agreement is important to accelerate the development of the company,” said Antonio Bianchi, owner of Albisetti, which now controls Ittierre." WWD Issue 06/22/2011Read More... More designer news: Designerbase Blog
"The dress is made from ivory and white satin-gazar (stiffened organza). The shape of the skirt, with arches and pleats, echoes an opening flower, and the ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry - a hallmark of Alexander McQueen’s designs. The back of the dress is finished with 58 gazar- and organza-covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops. The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace. The train measures 2.7 metres."
Manhattan Mavens
Whether you are going uptown or downtown in Manhattan, WWD reports that dresses in patterns, lean and/or flowy, and above the knees are hot trends among New York Fasionistia's this season! Check out the New York Social Diary!
WWD Staff Photos
Looking for eco-friendly, natural beauty products?
Josie Maran Cosmetics is a line of high-performance natural cosmetics. The cosmetic line is sold at Sephora, and QVC. Seeing that the skin of some patients having chemotherapy treatments seemed to be healing using her Argan Oil, you can buy her Argan Oil product at Cedars-Sinai [Medical Center, in Los Angeles].
"Christian Dior was a lover of art and artists. He opened a gallery in Paris in 1928 and was only 23 when showed Picasso, Klee and Giacometti.Read More...
The display explores the Dior House’s links with artists like Vincent van Gogh, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse, etc.
A Skin Care Line With A Problem-Solution Approach Photo By Robert Mitra
In August Physicians Formula introduces a skin care line to be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. Physicians Formula was formulated by a physician for his wife’s sensitive skin. The line addresses aging, moisture balance and sensitivity/redness. Next year the products will be available at other mass retailers. (WWD)
Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress- Royal Wedding-BBC
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Month®
Beautiful Skin
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Many skin cancers can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun and not using tanning beds. You can get "Skin Cancer Prevention Tips" from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). You can get a Free skin cancer screening click here.
Selma Hayek is getting ready to launch her New Beauty Line in August with CVS Pharmacies. This new beauty endeavor will have 100 products consisting of hair, skin, body and color and will be available exclusively in 7,000 CVS Pharmacy stores and online. According to WWD Ms. Hayek noted that the line is to honor her cosmetologist grandmother’s beauty secrets. She said some of the products have ingredients used by her family, not known to top chemists, and are conorstones of the Nuance collection. Prices range between $7.99 to $19.99 and the packaging will be linked by common colors.
Opening Party Pictures WWD-Photos by Steve Eichner & Kristen Somody Whalen
Fashion News
Samantha Pleet “Boutique Within A Boutique”
designer Samantha Pleet
NYC designer Samantha Pleet is committed to sustainability through her use of organic materials. She produces her modern designs in NYC.
Currently Samantha’s Spring/Summer collection is available at Kaight, this installation showcases specialty items, such as the Samantha Pleet x Osborn Shoe collection, select swim and novelty pieces, and a preview of a jewelry collection all set against a background of an urban wilderness. A film created in collaboration with musicians from Beach House will provide an additional visual element.
The installation opened on April 15 and will remain open for six weeks. Throughout the collaboration, Kaight and Samantha Pleet will be donating a percentage of sales to the Red Cross to aid our friends in Japan.
Ask a Fashion Expert!
Sustainable - For the High Maintance Woman
Leather Ttrims Are Hot for Fall
Summer Make Up - Metallics
Tiffany & Company Celebrates 
Colors to Wear With Neon Color Accessories
Trendy Accessories
WWD Predicts Fashionista's Will be Going West
Mixing Up Your Prints - Prints on Prints
November is National Healthy Skin Month
Missoni to Raise Money for Orphan Aid Africa
Latest Footwear Trend for Fall are Prancing Ponies
WWD Reports - Domestic Bliss is a Spring Trend
EBay Wants to be the Leading U.S. Destination for Fashion.
Feathers are Flying for Fall
Alexa Chung has Bagged a Win for Mulberry
Thrills and Frills: Emma Watson in Oscar de la Renta
What's new in engagement rings?
Margaret Thatcher’s Asprey Handbag Fetches $39,000. at Christie's Charity Auction
Naomi Campbell Delves into Denim Design
"Inspiration Dior" 
Selma Hayek is getting ready to launch her New Beauty Line in August with CVS Pharmacies. This new beauty endeavor will have 100 products consisting of hair, skin, body and color and will be available exclusively in 7,000 CVS Pharmacy stores and online. According to WWD Ms. Hayek noted that the line is to honor her cosmetologist grandmother’s beauty secrets. She said some of the products have ingredients used by her family, not known to top chemists, and are conorstones of the Nuance collection. Prices range between $7.99 to $19.99 and the packaging will be linked by common colors.
