Day 7: Fashion Bloggers' Best Looks for Fall

Enroll in fall style 101 with a wearable look-a-day presented by our favorite style bloggers all month long. Think of it as a CliffsNotes for your closet.

By Michele Laufik - September 7, 2013 A Little Dash of Darling

Trade in your basic tee for a just-as-comfy peplum alternative in an autumnal hue, like the orange top A Little Dash of Darling's Caitlin Lindquist is sporting. Pair it with dark denim and fun flats for an effortless outfit you can still run errands in. The colorful floral clutch and crystal bauble necklace are the perfect smile-producing extras to finish the look. Penny Pincher Fashion

Your next board meeting will be anything but boring if you wear bold, rich shades like Penny Pincher Fashion’s Kimberly Smith, a mom and style blogger from upstate New York. Her teal green dress paired with a mustard yellow blazer, cinched at the waist with an eye-catching gold belt, is a refreshing twist on a traditional skirt suit. Rowena

Instead of your usual black or camel-colored coat, take a cue from Melbourne-based blogger and crafter Connie Cao of k is for kani and go for outerwear in a bold hue, classic animal print or funky pattern. It might seem a bit early in the season to consider a striped faux fur option, but the upcoming chilly days will be much more bearable when you have a coat you can't wait to wear. Girl With Curves

Say so long to sleeveless blouses with a silky button-down in a soft hue a la style blogger and momma-to-be Tanesha Awasthi. The California-based Girl With Curves founder, who wants to inspire women of all sizes and encourage positive body image, shows off her baby bump in a slim skirt and pretty top. Heading into the work? Swap out the metallic sandals for ballet flats or heels.

Barefoot Blonde

Even though the leaves may soon start to fall, you can still be in full bloom like Amber Fillerup of Barefoot Blonde this season with a bold graphic print top paired with a basic pencil skirt. The style blogger and hair stylist plays off the black-and-white combo with a bright yellow bag for a pop of color. It’s almost like summer never ended.

Frankie Hearts Fashion

We don't adhere to that stodgy "no white after Labor Day" rule, but white pants are the perfect piece to showcase on the unofficial end of summer as you transition into full-on fall looks. Nicole Levine of L.A. style blog, Frankie Hearts Fashion, wears her slouchy pair with a casual gray tee and a muted floral clutch for an effortlessly cool night-out ensemble. Isaiah Johnson

Just because it's September 1st doesn't mean you have to cover up and hibernate. Your summer wardrobe (including those crop tops) can carry you through fall and beyond. Pair a neutral version with a graphic high-waisted skirt to reveal a hint of skin like GabiFresh's Gabi Gregg, a style blogger who doesn't follow the usual "plus-size" rules. The look offers an updated seasonal take on the warm-weather staple.Like this? Want more? Sign up for Find Your Style Community Challenge Share Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

Fall Fashion Cheat Sheet: Style Trends From A to Z

From snuggly coats to spiky jewelry, we've spelled out exactly which fall fashion trends you won't want to miss

By Ingrid Schmidt - August 28, 2013

Designers have once again gone wild for animal prints. Namely, the iconic leopard print returns in fierce form. Go for timeless styles like pencil skirts, pocketbooks and ballet flats. Think: “I am woman, hear me roar!”

To buy: Oasis leopard purse, $45 at oasis.com 

The moto jacket is a gotta-have-it piece this fall. Whether quilted or sleek, colorful or black, wear it like a top and mix it with a coordinating skirt or upscale fabrics like velvet or brocade. You just can’t go wrong. P.S. This forever piece never goes out of style.

To buy: Warehouse quilted moto jacket with faux fur collar, $116 at warehouse.com 

As part of fashion’s spirit of rebellion, camouflage prints are back in fresh colors. Bonus: These desert boots do good, as part of TOMS expanded One for One program, new in the U.S., that aims to give one million pairs of shoes (and access to eye care) to children in need in 35 states by the end of 2014.

To buy: TOMS washed camo canvas desert wedges, $84 at toms.com 

The latest lace pieces move away from pale colors into darker territory, and casually appear on unexpected items like high-top sneakers, wristwatches and easy sweaters—or mixed with tartan plaid and tough leather.

To buy: Topshop lace top, $76 at topshop.com 

This new version of the earring is a growing trend, with more elaborate ear cuffs making their way from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Keep the look sophisticated by wearing a single rock star-style ear cuff with clean-lined, tailored pieces.

To buy: BCBG multi-chain brass and copper single ear cuff, $34 at bcbg.com

From glamorous to wild, faux fur is flying. It is showing up everywhere, from trim on sweaters and jackets to handbags and boots that are full-on fluffy.

To buy: Mark ‘Style Faux Sure’ faux fur-trim sweater vest, $45, available in September at meetmark.com

Plaids are anything but proper, straying from the preppy path into grunge territory this season. Think red tartans mixed with tough leathers and dark lipstick. But the look is street luxe, so everything still looks polished.

To buy: Uniqlo flannel-check dress, $39.90 at uniqlo.com

A bad-girl vibe is in the air, but that doesn’t mean dressing head to toe in punk style. Add just the right amount of edge to your look with some cool, hardware-laden jewelry.

To buy: Joomi Lim ‘Metal-Luxe’ 16 kt gold-plated brass ring with silver-plated brass spikes, $79 at joomilim.com

Whether luxuriously oversized or adorned with unique embellishment, sweaters are being worn as an alternative to the tailored jacket, mostly paired with skirts. This fine knit version eliminates the need for jewelry.

To buy: H&M sweater with rhinestone and bead trim, $49.95 at hm.com

Summer’s denim overall trend continues into fall, as the jumpsuit morphs into this new shape in a variety of fabrics. The trick is to pair the workwear-inspired jumpsuit with a dressier top and heels to make the look city-sophisticated.

To buy: Warehouse dungaree jumpsuit, $98 at warehouse.com

We’ve spotted black knit beanies with everything from lace dresses to tailored suiting to biker looks. And the contrast of wearing the relaxed, streetwise cap everywhere with everything is exactly what makes it cool.

To buy: Topshop net bow beanie, $24 at topshop.com

Piles of chunky chain-link jewelry, from necklaces to bracelets, are the new armor. In fact, the hard-core chain adornments are also showing up on boots, gloves, belts and handbags. These heavy-duty links add just the right attitude to feminine looks and businesslike basics.

To buy: Topshop chunky curb chain necklace, $55 at topshop.com

Tweeds, herringbones and other patterns borrowed from the men’s department are also on our most-wanted list. The way to wear them is mixed with dresses, skirts and hyper-feminine adornments, such as pearls, sequins and lace. Slip on this watch to get the look in one piece.

To buy: Timex Original Classics Round watch with tweed strap, $65 at timex.com

This trend started last season, when the patchwork of craft fairs past was reworked into sleek pieces, particularly denim and leather. The patchfest continues for fall with the introduction of fur and menswear fabrics.

To buy: Ann Taylor colorblock tweed top, $69, available on September 2 at anntaylor.com

Summer’s up-to-there gladiator sandals have morphed into a love for thigh-high boots, which also feeds into fashion’s tough-luxe vibe. Paired with skirts, they keep legs toasty when temperatures drop. Not ready for the tallest styles? Ease into the look with leather leggings and ankle booties.

To buy: Steve Madden suede over-the-knee ‘Baffel’ boot, $169.95 at stevemadden.com

Shades of blush mix beautifully with all of autumn’s grays and blacks. Most notably, accessories in this delicate shade are showing up in clean shapes that temper any overt sweetness.

To buy: H&M pale pink handbag with gold chain-link strap, $79.95, available in September at hm.com

The two-tone color trend of black and white never goes out of style, but this fall the look moves away from Pop Art toward an elegant simplicity. Tuxedo-inspired dressing offers a clean, modern alternative for evening.

To buy: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target dress, $44.99 available on September 15 at target.com

Crimson lips are making a major statement in the beauty department, as fall’s must-have finishing touch, and this Ban.do clip takes the trend to your tresse.

To buy: Ban.do ‘Smooch Bobbi’ enamel molded hair clip on gold-plated bobbi pin, $25 at shopbando.com

So many standout coats are making a show this season that there is talk about “the coat wardrobe.” But a single, fabulous coat can update your entire look; after all, it’s one piece that you wear almost every single day. We love the snuggle factor and dreamy price of this one from H&M.

To buy: H&M faux fur coat with satin lining, $59.95 at hm.com

We can collectively sigh in relief to hear that spiky stilettos have been replaced by practical block-heel and lug-heel boots—the new height of fashion. Punctuate pants, dresses or skirts with a pair to get in step with fall’s relaxed and slightly rebellious attitude.

To buy: Zigi Soho ‘Punisher’ Boot, $72 at shoppeeptoe.com

Every supergirl’s topper of choice, the cape is back in a variety of styles and lengths to suit every fashion personality. Add leather gloves and a top-handle tote, as shoulder straps tend to slide.

To buy: Ann Taylor ruana cape, $148, available in September at anntaylor.com

The rich texture of velvet shows up on both ends of the fashion spectrum, adding luxury to ladylike looks and softening structured menswear-inspired styles. Try the fabric in saturated shades, like cobalt and burgundy, for maximum drama.

To buy: Topshop quilted velvet crossbody bag, $56 at topshop.com

Rose patterns are the blooming print of the moment and a dark color palette keeps them looking grownup and autumn appropriate. Relax the femininity of floral prints with contrasting biker-inspired styles and tough boots.

To buy: Oasis ‘Winter Rose’ skirt, $72 at oasis.com and ‘Winter Rose’ biker jacket, $115 at oasis.com

Oversize coats that look like you swiped them from the man-in-your-life’s closet are what to wear when the weather cools. Another big trend? Mohair—the touchy-feely knit adds to the feel-good factor of this coat’s roomy shape and softens the volumized silhouette.

To buy: Topshop slouchy mohair boyfriend coat, $178 at topshop.com

Let’s be straight about every girl’s favorite fall accessory: We’re talking cronuts and any form of donut. Kate Spade collaborated with New York City-based artist Craig Redman, creator of the illustrated character Darcel, on a limited-edition collection featuring the sweet treat on tees, bangles and coin purses.

To buy: KSNY X Darcel limited-edition resin donut bangle, $78 at katespade.com

After years of leopard mania, it’s no surprise zebra prints are joining the herd. And we’re loving the ease of these fashionable sweatshirts that are all dressed up with prints and adornments. Because nothing beats comfort chic.

To buy: H&M zebra-print cotton sweatshirt dress, $24.95 at hm.com

Like this? Want more? Sign up for Find Your Style Community Challenge Share Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

It's About Time! Plus-Size Show a Fashion Week First

Cabiria catwalk show features designer styles for women sized 12 to 24.

By Lesley Kennedy - September 6, 2013

A plus-size designer showed her styles at New York Fashion Week this morning, and, yes, that was a collective sigh of relief you heard from non-waifs everywhere.

But before you strip off your Spanx for good, you should probably note that Eden Miller’s Cabiria line, part of the Fashion Law Institute's spring showcase, was one of a kind.

Never mind that the average American woman wears a size 14. Today.com reports this collection is a Fashion Week first.

“I’m not going to walk in with garbage and just say, ‘Well, I’m this plus-sized designer, you better be glad I’m here,’” Miller, 41, a costume designer, tells the news site of her line featuring bold colors and prints. “I feel that my designs are strong. I like what I’m putting together. I have confidence in my eye. I also hope that it’s received in a similar fashion by those who attend and in the press.”

Cabiria (the name comes from Nights of Cabiria, a Fellini film) sizes run from 12 to 24, and Miller, a size 18-20 herself, calls being chosen to show it in front of the world’s fashion press an honor.

And while almost every model strutting down a catwalk in New York over the next few days will top out at a puny size 2, Cabiria’s inclusion sends a message to retailers, NPD Group fashion industry analyst Marshal Cohen tells the news site.

“This a really good time for designers to take advantage, because the market is absolutely starved,” he tells Today.com, noting that plus-size clothing accounts for just 14 percent of the market.

Maybe there’ll be room for Miller’s designs.

“I remember looking at her line when she came to the clinic and thinking, ‘Wow, I wish she cut clothes in my size,’ because I wear more common sizes,” Fashion Law Institute founder Susan Scafidi tells Today.com. “And immediately, I got it. I suddenly understood, looking at this line of plus-clothing, what so many curvier women feel when they look at the traditional, very narrow range of designer sizes.”

And, as long as the Cabiria presentation wasn’t “a total disaster,” Cohen says, plus-size models will be stomping down the runway soon.

“One thing about fashion, they’re not ashamed to follow success,” he tells the news site. “If somebody else did it well, they’ll come right back and do it themselves in their interpretation, in their way of selling plus-size.”

Spanx? Consider yourself on notice.

Lesley Kennedy writes for ShopAtHome.com. Follow ShopAtHome on Twitter @shopathome and Lesley on Google+.

Like this? Want more? Sign up for Find Your Style Community Challenge Share Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

Pin This Now! iVillage & Pinterest Bring DIY Style to Fashion Week

We're making it easy to find your fall style by teaming up with Pinterest for NY Fashion Week

By iVillage - September 5, 2013

It's New York Fashion Week, and for the next seven days we'll be bringing you our favorite ways to have a little fun with fashion.

To kick things off, iVillage editors will be scouring the shows to find the most wearable looks that designers send down the runways. Our fashion blogger friends will be turning up too, sharing some of their favorite ways to make the new season as affordable as it is stylish. And keep an eye out each afternoon for exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks at the prettiest new beauty trends we've snapped at the tents, paired with insider secrets to DIYing them at home.

And this season, we're making it incredibly easy for you to keep track of all the new looks you discover by teaming up with everybody's favorite image sharing site Pinterest. We're really excited to be among a select group of influencers asked to participate in Pinterest's Fashion Week hub, and have created a customized board that'll help you discover DIY looks that are totally you.

Get pinspired by following and repinning our DIY Fashion board!

Like this? Want more? Sign up for Find Your Style Community Challenge Share Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

Fashion Philanthropy: 5 Amazing Women Who Are Giving Back

The Company
KarieAlls is a line of designer handbags that each fit a transferable bucket that allows women to quickly and easily transfer purse contents to the next KarieAll bag, and makes bags collapsible for storage and travel.

The Cause
Like most of the country's small towns, Hickory, North Carolina known for its furniture making, was very hard hit once the economy plummeted. KarieAll puts local people and companies back to work by using all locally made materials, equipment, and skilled workers to produce handbags. "I want the world to know we can do more than furniture. We have empty plants here and people who don't have jobs," says Siciliano.

She also goes a step further by buying up heavily discounted sewing equipment (leftover from faltering businesses), and putting them in the homes of women she employs.

"We hired this women whose application said 'seamstress.' When we asked what exactly did she sew, I found out she'd only been sewing zippers for 25 years before losing her job," says Siciliano. "These are exactly the kind of people we've been helping by teaching other skills."

The Inspiration
"Oprah was doing a series on innovative women. My family had just been traveling and I could only take one or two purses with me, and I thought It would be good if you had a bag that you can switch out real fast." And then it hit her – a "carry all" -- and should could even play off of her own name, Karie! "The idea kept coming back to haunt me, but there was never a reason to work this hard to start the business until I saw people around me not working."

The Takeaway
Grow your business at a pace you're comfortable with, advises Siciliano. Her company grew very big, very fast, and she essentially became a "plant manager," overseeing production of her designs. That wasn't something the full-time mom of three, and avid community volunteer wasn't ready to take on right away. Today, she's put a small team of local talent in place to help her achieve her mission.

View the original article here