Fall Fashion Trends: Military Inspired

A Ten- HUT! Sound the trumpets- military is back!  Fashion does indeed repeat itself.  During my past couple of trips to the mall, I could not help but notice that from wall-to-wall, the army was sweeping into fall fashion. I was at first, slightly disconcerted; the thing that comes to mind when I think of army is camouflage, which certainly is not my thing. Fortunately, I came to find that army and camouflage are not one in the same!

Almost every major retail store is joining the trend, selling plenty of military-inspired pieces that are suitable for all ages and styles.

Mackage ‘Diana’ Military Inspired Wool Blend Coat

Mackage certainly puts a posh spin on the standard idea of “military”. This classy wool jacket has a standout collar, and flared cuffs. Whether worn over jeans or a suit, it is sure to make a statement, and is ideal for those chilly days ahead.

Military Strapless Dress**Love

This casual dress is the epitome of the trend- super simple but still marvelously stylish. All that would be needed to complete the look is some layers of Bengal bracelets and ankle boots.

A Ten-Hut Military Jacket

And the essential staple piece of fall is undoubtedly the jacket, or in this case, the military jacket. Always known for selling trendy items at affordable prices, Forever 21 also caught on to the trend. This jacket is under $30

Michael Kors “Joplin” Buckled Military Boots

Combat boots are as military as it gets. To wear boots like this is a bold statement sure to turn heads and show off that “tough-girl” image.

Alexander McQueen Military Lace-Up Faithful Bootie

For those a little hesitant to strut in combat boots, there is a softer alternative. The late and legendary genius Alexander McQueen knew just how to intertwine lady and soldier. These peep-toed stilettos are absolutely to-die-for. Who wouldn’t feel like a supermodel in these six-inch-high sensations?

There you have it- military-inspired looks that are completely absent of camouflage. All of those pieces are only a sliver of what’s out there, so there is no excuse not to leap enthusiastically onto the bandwagon, especially after seeing that exquisite pair of Alexander McQueens.

Getting Comfortable with Hanes In New York City

During all the craziness that is BlogHer, Hanes took the time to throw a little party for the Comfort Crew and our friends, which I truly appreciated.  Anytime I can take a break from a hectic conference schedule to have a Comfortini and a foot and hand massage sounds good to me – because anytime I’m hanging out with my friends at Hanes I know it’s all about comfort.  Heck, I even took a break from my heels-only wardrobe and wore flip flops with my summer dress – they don’t call us the Comfort Crew for nothin’!

I was so glad that my guests Shannon from Traveling Mamas, Stefanie from Mommy Musings, and Debba from Girlfriendology could join me at this fun event!  Michael Moloney of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was on hand to teach us how to reorganize our sock and underwear drawers (seriously, when is the last time that you did that?  It’s time!) and also to show us just how quickly it could be done.  Celebrity stylist Jenn Falik went back-to-basics and showed us how to create some super-stylish outfits using the awesome new Hanes bras (bandeau?  one shoulder?  both straps?  one bra does it all!) and by layering items like the tanks and tees – great ideas for fall! 

It was so great to relax, hang out with my fellow Comfort Crew members, and sip a Comfortini.  I loved learning about all of the new Hanes products in person (I swear that the ComfortFlex Fit Bandini bra is my new BFF – sorry dad for the TMI) and loved feeling like I’m a continued part of Hanes’ social media efforts.  I have learned so much about the brand over the last 7 months, and I am incredibly proud of everything that the brand stands for (green initiatives, support of Susan G. Komen, committment to it’s customers) both online and off.  If you take a minute to watch the video below, you’ll hear me say that I believe Social Media is really important because it’s how people nowadays communicate and relate – and that Hanes is doing an amazing job.  I mean that 100% – Hanes is a standout in this space.

Thanks so much to Hanes and everyone who played a part in hosting such a wonderful, relaxing event in NYC!  Check out Shannon’s post about the Hanes event on Traveling Mamas – including 10 travel tips for packing for comfort!

Copenhagen Fashion Week Trend Alert: Nude Colors

Last week, fashion week hit Copenhagen. Hundreds of designers put forth their best as models hit the runway, awing onlookers and inspiring Scandinavians for Spring/Summer 2011. Americans, being in the most diverse cultural center of the earth, can certainly also draw from the designers from across the ocean. Fashion is, after all, an international language of expression.

Almost every designer had ensembles that were nude colored. The trend seemed to be the biggest among them all. Within the nude variety, there were outfits that channeled Indiana Jones with safari-themed ensembles, and feminine chic pieces.

1.  Safari in Nude.

Ivan Grundahl used a scarf to add flare and two belts to accentuate the model’s feminine shape. These two touches made all the difference, transforming simple to runway-ready.

For Margit Brandt it takes bold jewelry and a standout pair of shoes complete with a matching belt. Although they are the two smallest pieces of the outfit, the green bracelets act as bold accents, proving that one standout piece of jewelry can in fact complete an entire ensemble.

By Malene Birger proves that when you have a lovely beaded jacket over a pale pink cami, less is more. No jewels or belts were necessary here.

BZR nails it by ingeniously layering shorts over a trench.

2.  Super Chic In Nude.

As the name suggests, American Retro brings back America’s good old days with this dress. No jewelry was necessary, for it would have created a distraction from the cut-out detail of the neckline. However, the boyfriend jacket adds edge without neutralizing the femininity of this delightful dress.

Bruuns Bazaar created this absolutely adorable piece, which was perfect as is. Don’t you just love the lace and ruffles?

Jesper Høvring created a dress fit for royalty. Detailed roses cover it from top to bottom, while a long ribbon hugs the right above the waistline to flatter any shape.

I say that this trend is a definite keeper, and for that, I’m already anticipating spring fashion.

Those few looks were merely a small bite out of the hundreds of pieces from many designers, which you can find on Copenhagen Fashion Week’s official website

The Emmys 2010 Best & Worst Dressed

The Emmys have come and gone, and all that we have left are lingering images of glittering gowns – some that were a hit and some that were clearly a miss.  Well, that and that incredible Glee-inspired opening number, but I digress.  We’re here to break down the evening’s best and worst with our own little game of hot or not.  Are you ready?

Claire Danes shimmered in Armani Prive – she was absolutely stunning.  She did confess to one reporter on the red carpet that her dress was “not comfortable” but who cares how it feels when it looks that good.  Verdict? HOT.

Glenn Close was nominated for Best Drama Actress but should also at least be nominated for Best Dressed. Close knocked it out of the park in this steel colored Rubin Singer gown. The dress was incredibly intriguing with diagonal seams and beading, but not at all overdone.  Verdict? HOT.

Lauren Graham hit the red carpet in a Yigal Azrouel dress that looked like it was thrown together last night.  Perhaps the most unflattering look of the night, I take solace in knowing that Graham’s comedic acting skills make up for misguided fashion choice.  Verdict? NOT.

Christina Hendricks shows off her sexy curves in a dainty Zac Posen gown, and perhaps goes a little too far in an attempt to accentuate her “assets”.  In the end, I think the Man Men star looks better in well defined lines and most definitely in a different hue than this lavender, which for me just fails to do much against her creamy skin.  Verdict? NOT.

Sophia Vergara is simply stunning in a pale yellow, strapless Carolina Herrera gown with delicate sweetheart neckline.  Fans of Suave beauty products chose Vergara’s hairstyle for the evening, and I think they did a tremendous job!  Verdict? HOT.

Julie Benz sizzled in this white hot, one-shoulder Pamella Roland gown.  A statement necklace and bracelets glam up the dress, while her straight ponytail polishes the look to perfection.  Verdict? HOT.

Mindy Kaling usually stars in “The Office” but tonight she looked like she was starring in a new reality show called “My Big Fat Goth Prom”.  This dress was overdone, from top to bottom.  This is what we call a “big” mess.  Verdict? NOT.

Eva Longoria rarely has a red carpet faux pas, and tonight was no exception.  Longoria wowed in a Robert Rodriguez gown with a short train.  I loved the rosettes that covered her skirt – something I think we’ll see more of this fall.  Verdict? HOT.

Nina Dobrev was a vision in this cream-colored Zuhair Murad gown.  While other fashionistas in-the-know seem to disagree, I thought this look was a fantastic choice for Dobrev’s first Emmy ceremony.  Verdict? HOT.

Lea Michele nails it in a navy blue Oscar de la Renta gown that includes a ruffled mermaid hemline.  The Glee star was by far one of the evening’s standouts – what a way to start off awards season!  Verdict? HOT.

Kim Kardashian just may have been the evening’s scene stealer.  Her Grecian-inspired Marchesa gown was classy and delicate and was perfectly accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz bracelets.  In my book she competes with Claire Danes for the evening’s best dressed.   Verdict? HOT.

Fall Fashion: Fun, Fresh, and Affordable

One of my biggest goals for this site is to find ways to make stylish clothing and staying on-trend available to every woman – no matter what her budget looks like.  With that, check out the looks below.  Most of the pieces are below $50 and all of them are extremely on-trend.  I think you’ll like what you see.

I love the military coats, the skinny cargo pants, the lace pattern inspirations, the rocker chic bomber jacket, the jeggings and boyfriend jeans – every fall trend is present.  So, where can you find these pieces to update your fall wardrobe?  Kmart.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This fall, Kmart is stepping up to the plate and offering fashionable, on-trend solutions for every woman, even if she is on a budget.  As a matter of fact, Kmart has been quietly reinventing itself on the design side of things for a few years now, and this season’s fall collection is hard and fast proof.

I had the opportunity to see the line in person in New York City a few weeks ago and I was incredibly impressed.  The stitching was impeccable, jackets and coats were fully lined, and there was incredible attention to detail in each piece.   You will not be disappointed in the quality of this line – I’m willing to vouch for it.

So, for the fashionista’s out there – check out Kmart’s Fall line to help update your wardrobe with some affordable pieces.  You can also enter to win one of 8 shopping sprees at Kmart Design – which would be a cool way to check it out without spending a dime!

What do you think of Kmart’s Fall line?  See anything that you love?

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