Iris Apfel

If there is one to be learned from Iris Apfel, it's to be free! She is known for her larger-than-life style. The Peabody Essex Museum is holding an exhibit showing off Iris' Park Avenue closets. Her style is inspiring, crazy, unique, and iconic.

Even though some of the looks may look a little silly on most people, and break a few "rules" in the fashion world, that is why they are great. Her attitude and ideas really send a message of "do what makes you happy" and be creative. She loved to layer and layer...and layer jewelry even if it covered her entire body. Normally I would say, if you are someone who loves to wear jewelry, you should stop at the door before you leave the house and take off a piece of jewelry no matter what, but Iris Apfel makes it work.

The exhibit includs maniquins wearing her wonderful winter jackets, dresses, hats, pants, everything that you would love to wear if you were a regular in Aspen. Her clothing collection is enriched by her experience with fabric design as an interior designer.

This is definitely an exhibit to see and will hopefully spark your fashion creativity.

Rock the Runway II

Last night I got to enjoy seeing the the best model rocking it on the runway. The fashion show was put on by Reggie Productions at the Hyatt in Boston for the benefit of the American Cancer Society's Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Clothing was provided by Betsy Johnson, Lit Boutique, Cameo Couture, Isabel Originals, Lily & Migs.

I attended the show with no expectation regarding the fashion, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was very excited to see Amber show off her secret life as a model and her outfits were great. The adjectives that would fully explain the night would be sparkly, tight, black, and mini. The outfits I liked the most included a long sleeve v-neck mini dress that was pearl white with silver sequins, a dark gray mini sweater dress, a high-waisted ruffled black skirt with a purple tucked in blouse, and a long black high-collared jacket.

This fashion show was a very good example of how to take different pieces and combine them in many different ways to make beautiful outfits. Since a lot of the styles were a little over the top and sometimes crossing into the inappropriate level, it was important not to just disregard them but to be able to visualize how individual pieces could be used differently. While you shouldn't wear mini shorts with a low cut shirt, the mini shorts would look cute with a blouse shirt or jacket. Some of the mini dresses that don't actually reach an appropriate level over your knees would look very cute with leggings and booties.

The trends highlighted in this fashion show were sequined dresses, high collared coats, high-waisted skirts, and mini sweater dresses.

SPARKLE

It's almost holiday time and fall fashion is kicking in. The new big thing, whether inspired by Michael Jackson or people ready to shine, are sequins. Usually the best way to shine is with a little touch of color or glitz, but this fall, dresses are full of sequins. Shining silver sequined skirts are the way to go. Don't be afraid to get the attention you deserve when going out for drinks with friends or getting your dance on. Find these different pieces at any store whether it's neiman marcus, H & M, or local boutiques. Don't try to dress down the sequined look or it will look like a confused look. This is the type of look that you go all out with and have fun. The things that you still need to be aware of are fit and color. Keep in mind of your body type and figure out what works best for you.