The Color Conundrum

The Million Dollar Question

Every time a new season approaches so do people approach us, with perhaps the biggest fashion question of them all. It is the question that serves as the ultimate foundation for what every man and woman will buy, wear, and adorn even their fingernails in. The question is, "What is the 'it' color for the season going to be?" The answer is strewn across every runway from NY to Milan, and we have gathered all the top pieces from the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as well as the latest shows in London and Milan to bring you what are forecasted to be the biggest colors for the upcoming seasons beyond just this Fall.

Fall Foliage

Our last post on Fall fashion pointed out that this season is all about going green. This means getting back to roots and mother nature. Earthy tones like brown, military green, and crimson are always on point as Miu Miu showed earlier this year. However, beyond just earthy tones and this season, fashion week has left room for the other colors of the rainbow to shine in 2012.

Red, white, and Black?

Talk about a twist on American patriotism! The iconic American designer, Ralph Lauren, littered the runway with black, white, and red at Fashion Week like the one directly above, setting off a color trend followed by Fendi, who took on a mod metallic theme. With these colors, re-emerges the hounds-tooth pattern that we see almost every Fall. Not everyone followed Ralph's suit though. Then again, who can?

Taste the Rainbow

While some shows like Rag and Bone were exclusive when it came to color palette, many hitting the Fashion Week catwalk have been inclusive, taking us beyond this season into the spring/summer of the year ahead.Dolce & Gabbana kept it as colorful as their Italian culture, adorning the models in eclectic caftans and floral patterns that left little to the imagination, like the one above. While Fall may be all about earthy tones, this pair of designers set themselves apart, showing that beyond Fall and Winter, when it comes to the "it" color for the new year ahead, anything goes.

Pastels by Prada

Prada sets off a pastel trend

The next few seasons will be all about sea-foam if Prada's "desperate housewives" themed show was any indication. Preen and Gucci were also in agreement, showcasing pieces of baby blue and sea-foam that are on the fast track to being the top two "it" colors of 2012.

If your color conundrum remains as such, well, we send our condolences to your wardrobe. We, on the other hand, will be keeping our pinstripe pencil skirts on hand for Fall, and holding onto our vintage sea-foam ballet flats (that we once considered selling) for Spring.

The Biggest Emmy Winner of Them All

A Recount

So, yesterday we made our picks for what we then "saw" as the best dressed of this year's Emmy Awards. (Saw being the operative word) Our top pick was Sofia Vergara. However, since we placed our votes and were exposed to a certain up-and-coming TV actress on a certain TV show, we would like to ask for a recount, and seeing as we have that power, we will grant it.

Marilyn Versus Audrey

Audrey Hepburn in the dress she and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Made Famous

While Sofia was a modern Marilyn and still rightfully a best dressed finalist, due to unfair advantages (a.k.a.extended media coverage of her dress), we have had to reconsider and cast our vote for the true belle of the ball, who didn't give in to the red trend, which we were getting sick of seeing. While Sofia pulled off red the best and Marilyn, this woman pulled off another fashion and beauty icon of the same decade. This icon is Audrey Hepburn and a certain almost missed actress brought back this classic icon's sophisticated and timeless style, but updated it with her own twist. Drum-roll please...




And the Winner Is...



Lena Headey in Alessandra Rich stands out from the red trend

None other than "Game of Thrones" rising star and Audrey look-alike, Lena Headey. The brunette beauty with eyes of steel was ravishing and daring in a bold, black, long-sleeved, belted gown by Alessandra Rich. She gets our vote not only because she broke from the red pack and trend, but set her own with the cut of her dress. The long sleeves channeled old Hollywood and royalty bringing to mind Kate Middleton's recent nuptials. Sleeves in lace and simplicity are a huge trend this Fall.

From the color to the cut, her posh, tousled bob, and back nails, the look was close to being too goth,which is why we initially hesitated to give it our vote. However, it was the dress and the added pop of hot pink Brian Atwood shoes, which is right on trend, that made the look original and cutting edge, eventually sealing our vote.


Lena Headey re-captured the sophistication of old Hollywood with her Audrey Hepburn- style dress, but re-vamped it with bold colored accessories. This little known actress is rising faster than this summer's hemlines. Not only is she hot and on a hot show, but she has shown at this year's Emmy's, that she is a style star and trendsetter to watch. We will be watching because judging from the red carpet, we like what we see.

Emmy Fashion

Our Top Three Emmy Looks

Katie Holmes breaks from the pack in a cobalt CK

Gwyneth goes back to black in Pucci

Ravishing in red: Our winner Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Ladies in Red

Lea Michele rocks red in Marchesa

Despite the trend towards shimmery this season, which we did see on last night's Emmy red carpet, the carpet wasn't the only thing that was red. The red trend seen at last year's Oscars was kept alive by Lea Michele's stunning red backless Marchesa, Nina Dobrev's couture strapless number, and our personal favorite, Sofia Vergara's one-of-a-kind curve hugging Vera Wang. These ladies may have matched the carpet, but they were far from blending in. While Miss Michele kept it simple and sophisticated with a simple front, the back of the dress was a cowl neck, exposing just enough skin without looking inappropriate. The best dressed of the evening however, was the Colombian knockout Miss Vergara, in a Vera Wang number designed especially for her. A one-shoulder, stretch silhouette accentuated her hourglass and the fire-engine red only added to her hotness.

A Close Second

Jayma Mays rocked the blush tones

The other trend was a return to sparkle and blush tones. Some people who rocked this trend included Sofia's "Smurfs" co-star, actress Jayma Mays, and TV's Eva La Rue. Kristen Wigg rocked the brown trend in a silk Zac Posen, and Katie Holmes and Gwyneth Paltrow tied for second in a cobalt Calvin Klein and Black lace Emilio Pucci, respectively.

The Take Away

From red to black, the take away from the evening was a return to monochromatic and simplicity in pattern. Rather than drench themselves in accessories and feathers or crazy patterns, the Emmy nominees and presenters played it safe, and we like that feeling. The actors like winner Guy Pearce, stuck to simple tuxedos and ties. Actresses like Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood in a simple black Elie Saab proved that the allure of Old Hollywood is far from old.

Advantage + Vinatage = "Advintage"

In fact, what's old became new again, and lucky for them, the vintage appeal made it hard to choose a worst dressed. We are looking forward now to the Oscars and hope that vintage remains to what we like to call, their "advintage."

*All photos courtesy of people.com. For more info on the real winners and losers, check out the upcoming issue of People, which will be out this week.

Lazy Days of Summer Ahead

A Year Ahead

I know what you are thinking. It's too early to talk spring/summer when we are just getting ready to head into fall, but fashion waits for no one. In fact, fashion always has to be one heel ahead. We are referring to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC, which is just kicking off the international September extravaganza.

Lazy Days Will Be Here Before You Know It

While it is early on, from what we have seen so far it seems like spring/summer 2012 will be a lazy one. If Helmut Lang and Rag and Bone's Spring 2012 RTW shows proved anything, it would be that the sport trend we have seen re-emerge earlier this year will return next summer even lazier.

Rags and Bones

Rag and Bone's take on the sport trend

This was the sentiment felt by Rag and Bone's Spring 2012 RTW show that debuted this weekend. We mean that in a good way. If that can be taken in a good way? Anyway, while it had a bit more color to it when compared to Helmut Lang, the look was simple in terms of color and pattern.

The look overall was layered with swimsuits under sheer cover-ups and baggy pants with color-blocked stripes down the side that dressed down the look, like the one in the photo above. Both designers maintained a trend of the coming fall season throughout, which is mod, shown through the simple cuts and colors.

All in a Day's Work


Helmut Lang's looks were very similar to Rag and Bone's

As for Helmut Lang, the palette was strictly black and white, with a few areas of grey in between. Parachute pants paired with crop tops similar to sports bras and high heels showed that going from day to night is a matter of accessorizing and not changing your entire ensemble. Some of our favorites from the show are featured above.

The patterns were missing for the most part, and the message was as simple as it appeared: hold onto your gym bag because it will come in handy next summer. Just make sure you wash it before then!

*All photos above courtesy of style.com.

P.S.-We are super excited to find more themes from coming shows and share them with you so stay tuned, please!

XOXO

PEACE AND LUV,

CHASING PUMAS

FNO: Iconos Jolie

We were inspired by this year's international Fashion's Night Out (Sept. 8-9) to create a polyvore set of our favorite fashion icon and source of fashion inspiration, Angelina Jolie. Not only does she have a new film coming out soon, but this month's Vanity Fair cover girl is also an activist, mother, peacemaker, UN Ambassador, and considered one of the most beautiful and powerful women in the world.

Her inner and outer beauty combined with this Fall's "return to roots" motif led us to piece together velour, burgundy, gold, and maroon preview pieces from the latest Ralph Lauren and McQueen collections. Together, they call to mind the Spanish conquistador within and highlight the sex appeal of this icon. Angelina Jolie is a classic beauty and an elegant, timeless icon that we hope to catch wearing this Spanish passionate, sexy, lover trend on Fashion's Night Out. Who is your favorite fashion icon that inspires you to get your fashion on in honor of Fashion's Night Out?

*Set courtesy of Polyvore. For more info and details on how to obtain pieces found in the set check out below or Polyvore.com.

iconos jolie by levacasa featuring gold clip earrings

Alexander McQueen shoes
$1,645 - couture.zappos.com

Elie Saab woven leather handbag
$899 - boutique1.com

Chanel gold clip earrings
atelier-mayer.com

Dior Vernis 'Fall 2011' Nail Lacquer Massai Red 853 One Size
$22 - nordstrom.com

Viva La Vintage

The latest trend in fashion in the midst of a flailing economy is vintage. It's recession-proof and the pieces are already proven to last the test of time and trend. The hottest vintage pieces for the coming season will be fur and large, heavy handbags. However, shopping for that leather Chanel handbag or those Gucci heels is easier said than done, and not every vintage piece is created equal. Here are some tips when venturing out for vintage:

1. Venture past the corner. Local consignment shops may not always do the trick when it comes to classic vintage finds. Guess heels or Abercrombie sweats from last season are not exactly a gold rush, and usually that is what you'll find at your local place. Instead, try venturing outside your comfort zone. Get a map of NY, the hottest spot for vintage, grab a friend, and spend the whole day visiting shops in Soho and elsewhere to find true one-of-a-kind items.

2. Think outside the box. You may not be able to find a current trend such as a fur vest, but that doesn't mean you can't make one. If the coat fits, consider ripping the sleeves off to make it a vest. Add on an orange leather belt, and you have taken a 70s trend and made it applicable to today.

3. When in doubt, web it out. If you can't find what you are looking for in an actual store, considering visiting online sites, such as eBay, or even searching "vintage" on google. Nasty gal, and us trendy are some great online shops as well that feature vintage pieces at reasonable prices.

4. Never Look Back. It's kind of ironic when you think about it, because something vintage is essentially something from the past, but when it comes to buying vintage, you always have to shop a season ahead of what you want. When you shop let's say, in Fall for summer looks, you are almost always guaranteed to find more of what you want.

5. Lastly, it's quality not quantity. So, you didn't grab a whole ensemble or season's worth of wardrobes? When it comes to vintage, it's not about the quantity, but the wear and tear of what you've found. You want to find a piece that you can hand down for generations. You want something that lasts. Check the items you find for fatal flaws like a broken heel or deep rips and stains. Some can be removed, others cannot. That being said, this rule also applies to the shops you visit. The better shops are not necessarily the largest. In fact, some of the best shops are small, and are located in pricier neighborhoods. One great shop for example, is Green Street, located on Nassau Street in Princeton, NJ.

Always remember, if you aren't having fun, it's not worth the time, and Viva La Vintage!

Fall Fashion Forecast: Fall for Foliage

The "It" Colors in General

When it comes to the coming Fall season and fashion trends, the colors to think of are inspired by mother earth and its fall foliage. That includes military green, crimson, orange, mustard, cobalt blue, and the biggest fore-casted color of all: brown. This Fall, 70s retro vibes will be the rage when it comes to clothes, and all shades of brown, ranging from beige to deep brown will be the fall back color.

Ralph Lauren's take on the Lady in Red as photographed above.

Painting with the Palette

Once you've figured out the palette it's time to get painting with it. Fashion is art after all, and this season's art is based off the earth and the western environmental movement. For the working woman, A Burberry trench in khaki, a red Dior wide-leg pantsuit, and brown velour scrunch boots will have you office and fashion ready. However, the blue boom sparked by Princess Kate's engagement ring isn't going anywhere as the photo below from Phillip Lim's Fall 2011 RTW show proved, and is great for an accessory or added pop of color, just add to that list power red.

If you are a single lady working towards the weekend, large orange circular shades, a Balmain jacket in military green, and dark jean wide-leg bell bottoms will have you ready to go.

For the business man, a brown Halston turtleneck paired with some velour straight pants, a leather or suede vest, and square tipped dress shoes will have you ready for the job.

For a more casual look in the men's department, think leather. A motorcycle jacket with fur lining, a plaid shirt, baggy jeans, and combat or construction boots tie the look together and keep you warm to boot.

It's All in the Wrist

If you really want proof that Fall foliage is the color palette for Autumn 2011, look no further than the wrist, in particular, the hands attached to those wrists. No, don' jut scour for hygiene or dirt, check the fingertips for the shades of polish. The must-have polish of the season is often a clear indicator of that season's palette. Here are a few tips we are feeling for Fall:

1. Just as nude heels elongate the legs, so does a simple nude nail polish. The look is classic, clean, and appropriate for work. This classic shade never goes out of style or flattery.

2. Essie and OPI are releasing new crimson-brown shades like the one above that are sure to be the rage this season.

3. And, if you want to be different when it comes to your nails, make the crackle rage sensation a thing of the past and try a reverse manicure in brown and nude or brown and gold.

4. Finally, metallics are not going anywhere. Instead, Sally Hansen and Dior are adding new bronze metallic shades and some sparkly greys to the mix this season.

All in All, It's a Draw

All in all, the theme for Autumn 2011 is a return to nature and roots. These roots are a cross between the dusty and dirty browns of the west and the imperial and regal reds of the east. In a clash of the titans, the common bond throughout is a connection and foundation in mother earth. Like God said, honor your mother. Lucky for you, fashion is just one of the ways.

*All photos featured courtesy of style.com and google. For more info, check out style.com.