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.

leggings solve the problem

Do you have that special dress you love to wear in the warm weather and now you think you can't wear it? Don't worry because if you just wear the right stockings or leggings with it go for it! It's a great way to wear many things you thought you couldn't wear in the cold weather. You can even wear those cute booties you thought wouldn't be warm enough to wear.

Be careful with too many patterns. It's great to add some style with your leggings as long as your dress doesn't have too much pattern.

Must-haves for Fall

While some may be upset that it is getting colder, the fall brings a whole new excitement about fashion. When you first think about what to buy or what you are going to wear, remember to focus on a few essentials that should be in your closet.

-classic trench coat (can be worn in any weather or occasion)
-suede boot (perfect with most outfits like skirts, dresses, and even over skinny jeans. If it has at least a little heel it can be worn in any occasion).
-fitted jacket that can be worn with any outfit. (Fitted also means that it should fit to your particular body shape.)
-leather hand bag
-sheath dress (can be worn to work and out on the town)
-Splurge on a nice pair of jeans that are perfect for your body
-pear shape: wide-leg, or flared jeans
-apple shape: bootcut, or flared jeans
-hourglass shape: wide-leg or flared jeans
-rectangular shape: straight-legged jeans

Day and Night

This idea came up when I was out in the city all day and needed to stay throughout the night. Dresses are a good option that can be worn day and night.

Some features to look for:
-open neckline
-fitted-waist silhouette
-figure-skimming
-cap sleeves
-Knee length hem

In Style magazine says, "Look for dresses that nip in at the waist and slightly flare out over hips and thighs."

It is also best to wear a solid color dress so that you can switch accessories to match the occasion.

Shoes for Men

There are specific shoes for different looks. Here are some general rules:

-Choose a shoe that "goes" or is darker than your pants **Remember: outfits should "go" not "match"
-If you are confused how to make your shoe go with your outfit look at your belt and work from there

Shoes with jeans:
You can wear pretty much any style and color shoe with jeans. Think about what type of outfit you are wearing and start with your shirt. If you are wearing a polo shirt, a loafer might be more appropriate that basketball sneakers. Try not to wear too shiny of a shoe because that is alittle more dressy.

Shoes with Dress Pants:
General rule is to wear shinier shoes that are either the same color or darker than your pants.

Color tips:
Black shoes work well with navy, grey or black pants.
Brown shoes are best suited to tan, brown, beige, greens, other darker earth tones.
Burgundy shoes work well with khaki, lighter browns, blue and grey.
Tan shoes look great with lighter earth tones, blue, beige, lighter tan or white.