Hello ladies.  Well, Fall is getting closer and closer by the minute.  It is officially time to stuff away those white linen pants and pull out your nice comfy sweaters. 

The next trend of the season is actually a surprise to me – Wide Legged Pants.  This trend snuck up on me because for the past couple of seasons it has been all about the skinny jeans.  Skinny jeans were everywhere and unfortunately too many people were trying to wear this look.  Nice look if you are a size 0, no curves and 5”11.  But if you are like the majority of the population – especially with any type of curves – please leave the skinny jeans on the rack.  What many didn’t realize is that skinny jeans wind up emphasizing exactly what you don’t want emphasized.  My opinion – lets leave that look to to the Hollywood folks.

On to the wide legged pant – this is the HOT pant of the season.  They come in all types of styles with variations ranging from work pants, to denim (which are NICE!), to party pants.  The wide legged pant is a fresh silhouette and a welcomed alternative to the skinny pants and the best part, flatters most body types.  Lets look at the different styles:

There is the trouser pant which is slightly loose throughout the entire pant.  This look is nice in denim. 

                                                

The flared leg pant which is fitted throughout the top portion yet slightly looser than the boot cut at the bottom.  Good look for work – a way to stay on top of the fashion without jeopardizing the work place attire.   

                                           

And then there is the true wide legged from top to bottom.  These bottoms will look really nice with a feminine top and some classic pumps and a nice clutch and you can transform this look from work to evening out. 

                                         

The good news is most body figures can pull off this trend, however, the bad news is if not done right, you may end up looking frumpy or stout.  The key to wearing this trendy look is to create a long, lean silhouette.  And with fashion, there are always do’s and don’ts to pulling off a killer look. 

Tip #1:    Stilettos or high heeled shoes – A must. 

Unless you are 6 ft tall, you must wear heels with these pants.  The fastest way to make this look unflattering is to wear ballet slippers.  Only tall people can pull this off.   

Tip #2:     Get the right length. 

It is vital that the pant skims the surface of the ground – this also helps to create the long, slimming effect.  No floods please, safe bet you will look a hot mess! 

Tip #3:     Balance out the width with the right top. 

Try pairing the wide legged pant with a narrow feminine top or a short fitted jacket.  Keeping the top pretty fitted only helps elongate the body.    

Tip #4:    Keep pants fairly fitted in the waist, hip and thigh area. 

We are going to talk about my absolute favorite fashion  season  – FALL.  I know, I know, we don’t want summer to end – and believe me I’m not a fan of snow, cold ice and rain, dreary days and everything else that comes with Cleveland winters.  However, I love, love, love fall clothes and the cold reality of winter will be upon us sooner than we think – so we need to discuss how to look good through the long, cold, dreary months coming up.

You may be asking why do you love fall fashion so much.  And I would respond with what not to love about fall fashion.  The rich fall colors, the comfortable fabrics and textures, the pretty winter coats and we cannot forget about the wonderful world of BOOTS.  Oh my, yes ladies, I will have a special post dedicated to BOOTS!!  In the meantime, you cannot begin shopping for fall clothes without knowing what the top trend color is for the season.

There is a new black in town this season………………and its name is grey.  Be it light, dark or charcoal grey (my favorite), it is the choice of color this fall season.  To keep grey from looking boring to trendy, add a pop of color to your grey outfit.  Matter of fact, another trend color this season is purple – be it amethyst, plum, berry – anything in the purple family is in this fall and is a wonderful combo with grey.  Grey is such a versatile alternative to black and is also a great neutral – almost every color looks good with grey. 

                                                              

Here is your classic grey suit.  I’m a lover of grey pinstripe suits – but either way, if you enjoy wearing suits, then you will need your grey suit.  I recommend it in a dark or charcoal grey – especially if you want to go from office look to night out look!

                                                            

The straight pencil skirts look good in either black or grey.  And as mentioned above, this season grey is the new black.  Pair this skirt with a teal or purple top……Nice.  Or you can go for the sophisticated, classic look by adding a crisp, tailored white collared top.  That’s actually one of my favorite looks.  Add some 3 to 4 inch stilletto’s and a stand-out piece of jewelry….that look will make a grown man cry!

                                                                  

Here is your grey sweater that is a must in everyone’s wardrobe.  Pair it with a white cami or tank underneath and some nice dark rinsed jeans or black wide legged trouser…….great combination.

                                                               

Prepster look.  Not everyone is a fan of this look – but I like it……………great casual look, especially to wear on the weekends while shopping, going out to eat, etc. 

                                                                

And last but not least, I added this picture due to the grey boots.  Once again, we will have a post all about BOOTS! 

Point is….get at least one grey item for your wardrobe.  It looks good with a variety of colors and is an excellent alternative to wearing black all the time. 

Until next time…………………………………………….s.

~shandrea

If you were around in the early 1990’s – chances are you have noticed that the menswear vest is making a comeback.  And if done right it is a super hot look.  However, just because vests are making a comeback does not necessarily mean you need to pull your vest out from the late 80’s / early 90’s and wear it today.  The vest have been updated slightly.  Also known as cropped vests, it creates a very tailored and polished look – which I am a fan of.  I don’t believe that everyone can pull this trend off – because you literally have to do it right in order for it to look good or you will run the risk of looking a hot mess!  The key to taking the vest from boring menswear to trendy, feminine look is wearing the cropped vest similar to a corset.  So the first tip of the day is to make sure the vest fits you well.  Not too tight ladies – or we will see all the wonderful rolls you weren’t trying to show.