Styled to the Skin

"Python's hot this season", to quote The Devil Wears Prada, whether we like it or not! Along with fur of just about any kind (Sorry PETA!).

Python is just about everywhere and on virtually everything.

Prada's python and suede, color blocking boots are splattered across different magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and throughout the advertisements. Keeping close to the snake-skin style, Prada flaunts bags as well.

Following suit Gucci gives a spectacular show from bags to heels to belts.

Chloé, always close behind, gives a stunning example of a classic knee high boot, with twist of tricolor-ed python. Fashion is all about being bold, if you think you've got that under your python belt, take a look at Chloé's 100% silk, golden-tan snakeskin printed shirt dress! Talk about stopping traffic, and that's without any accessories.

If snakeskin is too close to the edge for you maybe you need a little luxury in your wardrobe, if so, you're in luck: Fur is back; and designers are not holding back! The furs that are being used are ranging anywhere from fox fur to chinchilla to sable to Mongolian lamb (especially popular with Fendi), and, as seen in Fendi's Fall 2011 show, sometimes a combination of all four!

If edgy isn't your thing and luxury, no matter how much it hurts to admit, just isn't in your price range; think classy! Tortoiseshell is coming back! I first noticed it in the August issue of Vogue. A pair of tortoiseshell glasses (D&G), are the perfect compliment to a sophisticated and elegant look!

Fingers crossed that Mother Nature keeps the warm weather through September!

Love, Lace & Lemons

Delectable Denim

This summer denim anything is huge! Denim jeans, dresses, shirts and shorts (the thing to remember when wearing short shorts is that they are SHORTS not underwear! Keep it classy). Denim jackets are the mayor of your jean staple city, it goes with everything...nearly. It doesn't matter the style, whether it's white, vest, cropped, they are all classic chic. But remember to use your judgment, just because it's denim does not mean it looks good! Also a staple item this season, along with denim is the white collared button down  Summer is the best time to try out new styles: like the 1960s chic as seen in Mad Men. Now you don't have to float all the way back to yesteryear with this look, take a modern twist: raise the hem line, tie a knot with the pearls instead of wearing them lank. But your outfit is only half the package, if your makeup and hair look like something died, you might as well be wearing a valor track suit! The red carpet is coated with celebrities with wavy hair pulled to one side, it's classy and sophisticated meets sweet and pretty: take a look! When you are applying your make up remember the pinks! Whether it is the lip stick, the eye shadow, the blush and then add a little powder and in no time you are the whole package (Kristin Dunst and Taylor Swift are my favs here)! Just remember to be careful with the bright pinks and reds because while some look amazing, others can look uncomfortably older!

Happy Summer!

Love, Lace & Lemons

Accessories to Rock This Year

Trends are only part of the package, as always, so here are my top ten sightings on what is going to be "in" this season:

1. Cat eye sunglasses! Can you see a trend? Yes: the 50's/60's glamor is back! (Prada and Jeremy Scott)

2. Belt purses. They are a fashionable version of fanny packs...much more fashionable (seen on the runways by Hermes, Pucci, and Dianne Von Furstenberg).

3. Gloves! And of all varieties too: knitted (Erin Wasson), lace (impractical but who cares about that..they're cute), leather (Yves Saint Laurent)!

4. Okay so I know this isn't strictly an accessory but...its definitely popping up EVERYWHERE (Chanel, Rodarte, Vivienne Westwood, everywhere).

5. Multiple finger rings. These are all over, and not just on the runway...though they were spotted on Valentino (which I was gloriously pleased about!)

6. Distractingly bright bags! (DKNY (red), Hermes (orange), Marc by Marc Jacobs (yellow), Miu Miu (hot pink) and everything together (Versus)).

7.Obi belts...no worries I had not idea what they were at first either until I saw them intertwined in a Marc Jacobs fashion show! They are warp around sash-like belts. They are inspired from the cinch belts that traditional kimonos have.

8. Bangles. But not the clinking metal ones, these are the bangles that give the air of African beat. Mostly wood and occasional patterns, very down to earth (Lacoste and Edun sported them on runways).

9. Skin. Snake skin to be specific. Shown prominently my Gucci on bags and shoes. Also sown on the latter by Salvatore Ferragamo.

10. And of course vintage. Which I am sure does not necessary to say but because it will always have a special place in my heart, I will note it.
Shoes tomorrow! They deserve their own post!
Love, Lace & Lemons

A Changing of the Trends

This Spring new trends our popping up everywhere. These are the top ten fashion statements that I think will be making a break through this season:

1. Lace clothing. Of course you may say that this isn't new, and of course you would be right. But it has evolved and has become rather classy.

2. Sheer Maxi dresses are exploding onto runways by multiple designers (Rag & Bone and Thakoon are just a couple that have shown these).

3. Corsets: Last season they were more popular as dresses while this year they are coming about almost with a 50's bathing suit air about them (Dolce & Gabbana rocking the edgy look while Rochas showed the girlish sweet side).

4. Stripes of the horizontal variety seem to be making a comeback and were shown by Prada and Proenza Schouler.

5. Horse-like harnesses with gowns (Marios Schwab and Lanvin) and high waisted pants (Hermes) have been spotted as well and they look very powerful...think fashionista dominatrix.

6. Bell bottoms and other wide legged pants are strutting down the catwalk this Spring.

7. 60's lady-like chic has also been making statements, specifically with their dresses, gloves and shoes completing the look; and looking very classy indeed. (Louis Vuitton).

8. Crocheted tops are making a second appearance and are back from the 70's.

9. Shirt tail dresses with the hems in the back longer than the front have been grabbing attention on the runways so far this year (Topshop).

10. Crop tops are reappearing from 2009 are making magic happen on the Yves Saint Laurent and Paul and Joe runways.

Tomorrow I will predict accessory trends because this new year has only just begun. Stay stylish!

Love, Lace & Lemons

Little Ray of Something New

Louise Gray, Marco De Vincenzo, Michael Van Der Ham, Meadham Kirchhoff, J.W. Anderson and Mary Katrantzou are the up and coming fashion designers of Spring 2011 and were recently featured in V magazine. They are ringing in the new year with new pieces that may define 2011.

 Some of these looks are edgy and are going along with the futuristic look, with a twist. Its a combination of sweet and classy meets edgy and daring.

http://fashionlvr.com/4836/meadham-kirchhoff-mary-katrantzou-v-magazine-new-direction/vmagazineissue69newdirection/Going off of the futuristic theme these designers spread futuristic to glamor and meshed them together for a fresh powerful look. 

http://fashionlvr.com/4836/meadham-kirchhoff-mary-katrantzou-v-magazine-new-direction/2vmagazineissue69newdirection/

Others are a meeting between boho chic meets indie. Full of layers and colors, and some of those lace socks with strappy heals seen in 2010, perfect for the brisk Spring ahead.
http://fashionlvr.com/4836/meadham-kirchhoff-mary-katrantzou-v-magazine-new-direction/3vmagazineissue69newdirection/

Love, Lace & Lemons