Runway to Reality

There are some that may give a side-eye or turned up nose to a "knock-off", but some of us appreciate a good copy. Realistically speaking who has $15,965 to blow on a pair of boots in these economic times? Please understand that even most of the Hollywood starlets that you see walking the red carpet in such designer footwear have not paid for those shoes, the shoes have been given to them or they are being borrowed. So, thank goodness for designers like Steve Madden, Nine West, and the above Guess by Marciano for providing great impostors. The above boots (pictured with model) by Balmain retail for $15,965; the second pair (pictured alone) by Guess by Marciano retail for $288 and are available at www.guessbymarciano.com

-They Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Not Just Grunge

This fall designers have given flannel an upgrade by adding touches of elegance that make this life-long staple a nice business alternative. I'm a firm believer in combining style and practicality; a flannel shirt worn with a thick virgin wool suit is the perfect way to combat the harsh fall/winter weather. (Shirt above from www.jcrew.com retails for $69.50)

Hemlines Hint: Textured ties are the way to go with a flannel shirt. Something like a knit or nubby wool, no smooth silk neck wear.

-The Style Maven

Faux Real?

Faux fur is all the rage for fall, like this vest by BB Dakota. Throw a vest such as this on with jeans and thigh high boots for a look that is not only chic, but weather appropriate on a chilly fall evening. The beautiful thing about faux fur is that the trend is pocketbook friendly, and PETA friendly too. Vest retails for $60 and can be found at www.fredflare.com

-The Style Maven

Trend Alert: Draping

Draping is haute for a couple of reasons. It's figure flattering, and it adds an element of drama to any entrance. Trends come and go, so it often makes sense to take the less expensive route to the current fad, but with draping you must be cautious. If the fabric is of a cheaper quality you will not have the weight and movement for a proper draping, matte jersey is ideal for this look. (Above top by Banana Republic $45; dress by Derek Lam)

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Sex & The City 2

As we anxiously await the 2010 release of Sex and the City 2, we get a wardrobe teaser from our favorite fictional trendsetter, Carrie Bradshaw. You will notice for the second time around her clothes have a simplistic and pure approach, unlike the offbeat looks of the past. The new look is a complete sign of the times. Fashion revolves in cycles, and life dictates trends. So, after years of busy and heavily embellished clothing, and tough economic times, we now move in the direction of understated sophistication. Being the huge Carrie Bradshaw fan that I am, I adore everything that she sports, but let us know what you think. (First photo is from S&TC2, second photo is from S&TC1)

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: NY Mag/Google

Foldover Fad

For every season there are obviously new trends, but there are few fads that I obsess over. Well, that day has come, it's official, there will be many restless nights until I get a pair of fold over boots. Many boot styles have carried over from last season with slight variations, but the fold over boot is one of the hautest styles, bringing a fresh look into the fall 09' season. (brown boot $450 shopbop.com, gray boot $528 coach.com)

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Lucky Mag

On The Radar

It is my duty here at H&HS to keep you in the fashion loop so you are always one stiletto step ahead of the rest. So, here is the scoop on the trend to be on the look out for; it is the bib necklace. This bold accessory makes an impressive statement when worn with the most simplistic outfit. Try one with a plain white tank, or a very simple LBD (little black dress). The first necklace above can be found at www.bananarepublic.com ($150.00), and the second is available at Macy's ($32.00).

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Trend Watch

As fall quickly approaches H&HS is taking notice of what is haute to keep you fashionably informed. One of the emerging footwear trends is the Oxford, not only to be worn with slacks, but dresses or skirts ass well. No more boring black, or bland brown, today's updated Oxford comes in a variety of vibrant shades. This shoe trend is both stylish and practical.

(Above from left to right: Opening Ceremony-$322, 3.1 phillip lim-$410, Topshop-$125, Kaight-$99)

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: NY Mag

BF Hemlines

I'm sure all true, trend forecasting, haute chics saw this one coming. We had the boyfriend jean, the boyfriend jacket, and now the boyfriend shirt. The comfortable, casual, yet sexy look can be worn with various bottoms; it can be a compliment to the skinny jean, distressed cut offs, or belted with a slim fitting mini skirt. The great thing about the BF shirt is that it can be found virtually anywhere in solids, stripes, or plaids, from your local retailer to your BF's closet.

-The Syle Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Back to Basics

The trend of jeans with the heavily adorned pockets is over. You know the ones with the designer's signature stitching, rhinestones, studs, etc. on the back pockets; Garanimals for grown men. Enter a new day of slim cut, classic-preppy pieces at reasonable price points; Life/After/Denim is serving just that on August 1. The line will be available at Planet Blue (SoCal) today, and nationwide in September. http://www.lifeafterdenim.com/

-The Style Maven

Raising the Bar

The tie bar had a great presence in the 1920's, but like most fashion trends they lost popularity, but resurface about every 20 years or so. Also known as the tie clip, today's versions have a much more minimalistic look with clean lines, and simple patterns; unlike the tie bars of the past that displayed prominent designs, or small badges indicating membership or club affiliation. For a wide selection of tie bars visit: www.cufflinks.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Revival of the Wayfarer

The Wayfarer was manufactured by Ray Ban in 1952, and peaked in popularity in 1961 when they were worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's". In the 70's popularity faded, but in the 80's through clever product placement in television shows and movies like "Risky Business", the cool shades were back on every one's radar. Well guess what? 20 years later they are back again. Thanks to actresses such as Mary-Kate Olsen, and Chloe Sevigny spotted wearing vintage frames, Ray Ban took notice and re-introduced the original Wayfarer design that we love so much. Ray Ban Wayfarers can be found at: http://www.sunglasshut.com/