I utterly adore luxury designers, but I don’t tout myself as someone able to purchase them on the regular. While being a blogger occasionally feels glamorous, I’m not yet at a place to feasibly afford designers like Versace, Prada, Chanel, etc. Where I excel as a blogger is being able to take current runway styles and recreate them… to show my followers that you can be fashion-forward no matter your income.
Finding high-fashion trends on a budget can be difficult. Stores at typical malls carry styles that are a MINIMUM of one season behind runway styles. Did stripes just hit the runway? You’ll see them pop up at H&M next season. Is cerulean the new favorite color? You’ll be able to grab it at Express next Summer. **Cue Meryl Streep’s monologue in The Devil Wears Prada about how styles filter down here. **. Personally, I find it extremely fun building looks similar to runway favorites. But honestly, it can get exhausting searching for the perfect pieces when they can’t be found in stores yet.
Designer Christopher John Rogers gave me a reason to gasp, LOUDLY, in Target last week. It’s rare to find a luxury designer that a creates high fashion collections at an inexpensive price. I completely understand and appreciate that when you buy designs created by leading fashion houses, you are paying for the artistry, the beautiful vision, quality materials, and the time spent to create/manufacture each piece. Christopher John Rogers, who creates ensembles showcased at NYFW, designed a collection for Target that is the closest I have found to shopping high fashion within my budget!
He created bold pieces that aren’t just trendy, but extremely fashion forward. Additionally, he’s giving women (and men, if it’s your style) a chance to turn heads and feel confident. Each design feels like it’s directly off the runway, showcasing SS2021 details such as vertical stripes, elaborate ruffles, and bright color blocking. These trends can also be seen within runway shows such as Bottega Veneta, Versace, Badgley Mischka, and more. My personal favorite is his Floral Puff Sleeve Shirtdress, which has a flattering silhouette, heightened sleeves, and graceful, flowy movement. Quite honestly, it makes me feel beautiful. Conquer how to style puffy sleeves here.
I will always strive to support artful haute couture, but I am truly thankful for this rare opportunity to grab these affordable designs with ease while they’re available!
I’m sorry 2020, I’ve been cheating on you with 2021. It’s just happier, healthier, and far more stylish. After living in comfy attire for a year with nowhere to go, it’s time to look ahead for what the new year has to offer in the style department. Here are 5 fashion trends for 2021 that are straight off the runway:
Some call it pleather, some go for faux, some prefer vegan. Whichever you choose, this trend is a staple from the Fall/Winter 2020/2021 season that was highly underutilized due to stay at home orders. Thankfully, this trend is still going strong through the rest of the winter months. Pairing paperboy pleather pants with a light top or Vegan leather leggings with a chunky sweater is always a win!
Designers, such as Duro Olowu, Bottega Veneta, Ulla Johnson, and Jason Wu are making it known that in Spring 2021, stripes and lines are going to be all the rage. This trend can make such a statement if worn head to toe. Vertical lines elongate the body and create a slimming effect.
Chanel legend, Karl Lagerfeld, said, “Black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means.” Thankfully, this trend is making a comeback on the Spring 2021 runways, as seen in the Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Carolina Herrera, and Saint Laurent shows. The good news, we all have these colors in our closet, so we can ALL be effortlessly chic this season!
Cutouts are a hit, making even conservative looks more alluring this year. These peekaboo breaks in material are throwing edgy vibes this season. Check out this 2021 trend on the runway from designers such as Fendi, Johanna Ortiz, Valentino, and Akris.
The last of the 5 fashion trends for 2021 may catch you by surprise. While you may not feel the same slimming of skinny jeans, wide leg pants give a comfortable streamline to the body. This less constricting trend, which blossomed out of stay-at-home life, will continue to be alive and well in 2021.
For more looks to finish out the Winter 2021 season, check out my NYFW F/W 2020 RECAP.
The puffy sleeve trend has made its rounds from the 1800’s to the 80’s, and started resurfacing in the 2019 runway shows of designers such as Marc Jacobs and Valentino. You probably even caught a regal glimpse of Beyonce sporting the style at the 2020 Golden Globes! Here are a four tricks of the trade to style puffy sleeves!
FOCUS ON FABRIC: Finding the right fabric is the basis of conquering a puff-sleeve ensemble. A light fabric can be too wispy and cling, where as sturdy fabric will help the look from losing its shape.
BOLD ACCESSORIES: You can add heightened accessories to help even out the drama of the look. My recommendation, wear your hair up with a large pair of earrings, or even go with a bright color. In this look, I chose to do both with the hot pink Forever 21 bag and earrings.
PRINTS: A good print, like the floral motif seen in this H&M dress, is a perfect way to help camouflage as well as accentuate the puff. You’d almost think that adding a bold print with puffy sleeves would be too over the top, but really, it ups the drama and can give the whole look high-fashion vibes.
CINCH THE WAIST: To even out the fullness of the sleeves, find a design that has a cinched or form fitted waistline, or even do it yourself with a cute belt! It will allow the puff sleeves to be the statement piece without feeling frumpy everywhere else!
Trying this dramatic look takes some getting used to, but with these four style tips, you’ll be ready to wear puffy sleeves like a pro! Who says the runway models should have all the fun?
Fourth of July may look a little different this year due to the pandemic. Sadly, we will have to limit gathering in large crowds to watch fireworks or going to parties. But don’t let that bring down your style! Looking for an outfit that goes beyond the traditional Stars and Stripes? Here are a few chic Fourth of July outfits to try!
CLASSIC & COMFY
You can’t go wrong with the classic white button-down and denim shorts. For example, I chose this top from Banana Republic and these high-waisted shorts (similar here)from Urban Outfitters. If you’re celebrating stay-at-home style in your backyard, this look is the way to go because it’s light and comfy. Plus, if you are a redhead, you’re lucky to have the best red accessory around! If you’re not, pair this look with a red earrings!
SOPHISTICATED STYLE
A sleek look with a pair of tailored high-waisted pant and a puff sleeve top is the perfect outfit for a Fourth of July date. I got these paperboy pants from H&M (similar here) and this lace top from Forever 21 (similar). Paring the entire outfit with large earrings (Similar by Lele Sadoughi) takes it to a whole new level. Complete the outfit with little pops of red, like my red heels (similar at Lulus), Coach wristlet, and a classic red lip.
COLOR POP
Tired of the same ol’ colors? You don’t have to wear the traditional red, white, and blue to stand out this holiday. Try a bright summer color, like yellow! This yellow and white striped dress from ASOS is the way to go. I paired it with white accessories to keep the whole look airy on a hot day. Seriously, what could be more American than wearing a yellow dress while drinking a cold lemonade on the Fourth of July?
PLAY WITH TEXTURE
If you want to take a typical white and blue look up a notch, play with texture! The key is pairing it with simple pieces so that the accent can be the star of the show. This illusion top (similar here) illustrates this nicely, paired with a simple denim skirt from H&M. I completed this textured look with a hint of hot pink in my accessories. It’s a fun way to play on the classic red color.
Whatever it is that you do for the Fourth, please stay healthy and safe!
I’m not what you would consider a “girly girl”. I wanted to give wearing these textures their moment to shine, but I needed to figure out how to wear florals and ruffles as a non-frilly female. These designs have been popping up all over the runway, like in the Spring/Summer 2020 shows of Valentino, Giambattista Valli, and Prabal Gurung.
Testing my redheaded color limits, I snagged this pink and maroon floral and ruffled dress from Nasty Gal. It is a strong misconception that redheads can’t wear those colors that “clash” with their locks. Whoever decided that it was okay to tell redheads this was 100% incorrect!
Luckily, we’re in an era where looking pale in outfits is chic. Thankfully, skincare is important to people now more than ever. So we don’t need to worry about looking pale in pastel colors (like pink).
I love how the layers of this tiered dress accentuate the body and make the torso look longer. At first, I honestly thought this dress was going to look too… how do I put it… Baby Spice? But I realized that the layers help elongate the waistline as well as give fun movement when walking!
The biggest obstacle of wearing a floral print is making sure you don’t look like your granny’s drapes. To combat this, don’t wear head-to-toe floral. I recommend showing a little leg with a high necked long sleeve dress (like the Nasty Gal dress shown) or wear an off-the-shoulder midi or maxi, like the blue floral dress shown here. It breaks up the pattern while also showing your form.
If you wear a shorter floral dress, I recommend partnering it with a pair of heels, to elongate the legs. Depending on the season, you can also pair it with knee high boots.
Truly, I didn’t think I was going to be into wearing a floral look. But, as long as the right techniques are in place, it can be a great Summer look that will turn heads!
Dictionary.com classifies the word TRENDING as, “Emerging as popular, widely mentioned or discussed on the internet, especially on social media websites.” Each season, the designers at New York Fashion Week put their hard work on the line. They hope that the people covering their show will not only help their new line flourish, but also be respected… and of course purchased. What these designers accomplish before and during the process deserves every audience applause by the end of the show.
As a member of the press at NYFW, I bring my point of view to each new collection walking down the runway… much like watching movie trailers at the theater, thinking a soft, “yes, I loved it” or “I’ll wait and rent it”. While I may adore certain styles vs. others that may not be in my wheelhouse, I respect every single artist putting their work on the line. Displaying their designs to people of all different backgrounds, personalities, and opinions!
Kelley Anne Gibson, of Sincerely K Blog, joined me for this fun NYFW experience! Check her out! Be sure to check out the video above, which includes exclusive redhead and designer interviews, sneak peaks of what’s on the runway, and a redhead makeup tutorial by the experts at Covergirl! Here is my runway style breakdown by designer:
HAKAN AKKAYA
Hakan Akkaya, Photos: Getty Images
I cannot elaborate enough about how Hakan Akkaya‘s work just gets to me. Last year, I was first introduced to his designs when I attended his Glam Rock Collection. It completely opened my eyes to how glitz, studs, and high shoulders could empower both the women in his show, as well as the women watching. This year, I was astounded by his Justice Collection, showcasing how Amish meets punk. It proved how you can make simplistic pieces that still make women feel strong and empowered. Personally, I loved his use of strong, sharp edges which brought power to each individual piece.
FLYING SOLO RTW/COUTURE
Left to Right: Fraqair, Emma Altman, Ohhmiaa, Di Vencenzo
If you don’t know Flying Solo, LOOK IT UP! It’s a new era for female creatives!! The initiative, who’s flagship stores resides in Soho, promotes over 45 independent designers! Clears throat… again… LOOK IT UP! I was baffled by the incredible designs and craftsmanship! I had the pleasure of sitting front row at both their Ready To Wear and Couture shows. Personal favorites included the use of texture of Fraqair, the play of color in Emma Altman‘s “Clash”, the incredible prints by Ohhmiaa, and the fringe… I repeat… THE FRINGE, by Di Vencenzo. My absolute favorite designs of the night were IZA by Silvia D’ Avila. WHEN I TELL YOU!!!!! She mixes architecture with modern art to create extremely bold, unique, metal pieces that would make anyone feel confident!
JUST IN XX
Just In XX
Justin You-Ying Chou stole my heart this week with his Just In XX “Double Imprint” Collection. Influenced by the contemporary art of Tsong Pu, his designs are created with subtle matrix structures within the threading and print. I adored the bold colors utilized as well. One of my favorite parts of his show was that he chose an abundance of redhead models to walk. Most shows, you will maybe see one redhead…if that. It made me really appreciate his line, in that I was able to “see myself” in the pieces that were showcased. Thank you Justin! PS: Check out my exclusive interview with Redhead model Quincy, who walked in the show, in the video above!
Last year, I created a whole series on why Wearing Sustainable Fashion is important to implement in your wardrobe. Educating ourselves is the most important aspect. This is exactly what Sustainable NYFW accomplishes. Before every show, the designers sit and talk about how their designs are eco-friendly. I had the pleasure of seeing the Angela Clark and Butterscotch Castle show. Angela repurposes vintage pieces to create new jewelry, and the Butterscotch Castle brand up-cycles recycled shirts!
GLOBAL FASHION COLLECTIVE
Left: Gigi Wang, Center: WooLeeX, Right: Arlo Studio. Photos: Provided by GFC
Personally, I adore getting to view styles from so many different cultures. The Global Fashion Collective shows are the perfect way to get a multi-designer view of inspirations from around the world. My favorites were the hues and silk finishes from the Gigi Wang collection, the black and white modern prints of the WooLeeX line, and the mix of practicality and femininity of the Arlo Studio’s collection. Thanks to Emily, Founder of EB Consults Worldwide, for the amazing seats, for being so welcoming, and for treating us with such respect!
TIBI
I truly enjoyed the sleek, modern, yet feminine tones of the Tibi Past, Present, Future Fall/Winter 2020 collection. My personal favorite were the shoes and handbags! They have designed beautiful accessories.
What is NYFW without a VIP party? I had an amazing time at the VIP COVERGIRL NYFW Designer Popup, at their flagship store in Times Square! I received a fun makeover from Covergirl Beauty Expert, Angel Talwar, and also got to drink, dance, and shop! Interviewing the featured designer, Justin Haynes of Jus10H, was the highlight of the night. His new collection is inspired by the classic denim fashions of the 60’s and 70’s. Keeping sustainability in mind, he crafted the material from recycled denim to create new pieces! Check out the full interview in the video above (interview and Covergirl experience starting at 6:20). Thanks to fellow redhead, Melissa, Co-Founder of Fashion Mingle, and Dee, Founder of DCG PR!
White is a tricky color, no matter the season. Some white articles of clothing are made cheaply, creating a see-through effect. Sadly, the color itself doesn’t do much for camouflage. However, in the depths of winter, when an all black look is at the top of the list, a bright color goes a long way to bring a little sunshine into your wardrobe. Here are some tips to making Winter Whites a Win:
THICKNESS: Pair white pants with a thick cozy sweater! Unconsciously, white clothing, even if heavy, can give an airy effect in your brain. So, you want to make sure you battle the chill! Personally, I love this one from Forever 21 (similar here). This turtleneck keeps out the cold with thick material and has a loose fit for comfort.
2) TAILORED PIECES: Don’t waist your time on pants that are too tight or so thin you can see more of your butt than the pant. Face it, we have all seen this! Finding a well-tailored pant with a good lining is key! These Forever 21 high-waisted slacks elongate the legs and are a great price!
3) PAIR WITH LIKE COLORS: To captivate those who pass you by, try a head to toe white look! It’s sure to catch eyes in a sea of dark winter wardrobes. To complete this all white look, I paired it with these Forever 21 White Boots. For a more multi-dimentional look, you can pair white pieces with other cream and tan colors to ensure a similar effect!
4) MAKE YOUR RED HAIR POP: Redheads: winter whites are perfect for making those fiery tendrils pop! Luckily, we have the benefit of allowing our hair to be the best complimenting accessory! You can also match your hair to other accessories, such as bracelets, or belts!
So, when you’re in need of a pick-me-up throughout the cold months, try wearing Winter Whites to lighten your mood and boost your confidence!
The holidays are known for festive hues of red, green, gold, and silver. However, it is also a great time to experiment with a classic Little Black Dress. The LBD is known for being timeless and versatile. But how do you create holiday cheer with such a dark shade? Take your Little Black Holiday Look to the next level, with texture!
Thankfully, you can spice up any monochromatic outfit with a little texture by combining different fabrics. When implementing texture, you add intrigue to an outfit and create focal points based on placement. For example, the lead elements in this outfit are feathers, sparkles, and vegan leather.
Due to feathers hitting the runway this season, I pulled my favorite vintage Betsey Johnson LBD out of the closet. This eyelash feather dress gets a warm makeover by layering a sparkly sweater over top (try this one from White House Black Market). To define the waistline, I tucked the sweater into an accent belt (similar). Festively, the sparkles in the top add a layer of holiday cheer and the gold buckle accents with a little shine.
Sadly, almost every great holiday outfit ends up getting covered with a coat. To keep the intrigue, I added a third texture, accessorizing with vegan leather, as shown in this knot clutch and gloves. You can also accomplish a similar look with satin, like this clutch, which is trending right now!
For a little drama, I added a set of Pretty Little Thing hoops to match the belt, a hat, and over-the-knee boots (similar at Lulu’s). As with every LBD, this outfit is versatile, working well for the holiday or NYE!
Want to see other looks that play with texture? Check out my blogs on this SPARKLY outfit or this RED VELVET ensemble. Take that black holiday look to the next level and Enjoy the holiday season!
One of the most Instagrammable trends right now is a chic matching set! From a boho Summer Style, to a warm winter tone, this look has jumped off the runway and into our closets with ease! Here’s three reasons to wear matching sets:
SIDE NOTE: Be sure to check out the last paragraph to find out a little fun fact about me :).
The most obvious reason… IT’S SO EASY! No need to panic in the morning about what to wear! Thankfully, these sets allow you to create a sophisticated style with minimal effort. This Knit Set from H&M takes sweater weather to a whole new comfy level! Literally, it’s wool-blended and feels like wearing a warm blanket in the winter.
Another reason to sport coordinating sets is that you can easily CREATE MULTIPLE OUTFITS! Just as you can wear them together, you can separate these sets to create a whole closet full of looks! For example, you can effortlessly pair this midi skirt with a black turtle neck and a pair of pumps for a stylish work outfit, or go more laid back by combining the sweater with jeans!
Lastly, these twin selections also allow you to MAKE A STATEMENT! Whether keeping it sleek with all one color or mixing it up with printed patterns, you’re sure to turn heads in a matching ensemble. Monochromatic sets are super chic, like this pant set by Song of Style. Full printed looks are also making an impact, such as the H&M Plaid print I’m wearing! Two piece sets with a motif are also very slimming… which is helpful around the holidays LOL. If you’re curious on learning more about dressing in plaid, you may find this useful: PLAID IS TRENDING.
You don’t have to sacrifice your personal style when grabbing something quick to wear anymore! Matching two piece sets have got you covered!
FUN FACT: During this shoot, my amazing photographer, Nichole Marie Photography, walked me to the Plays and Players Theatre in Philly. I have been a professional actor for over 10 years, so this shoot has so much more meaning behind the outfit as it encompasses my biggest passion in life! Thanks to the amazing person (who I assume was a stage manager) for turning on the marquee lights. You are a star and made this shoot so special!
Plaid is the Fashion Week’s newest, yet most revisited prints on the runway. This motif exudes a feeling of comfort, usually crafted in warm fabrics which are perfect for Fall. Thankfully, there are now far more edgy ways to wear plaid than resorting to the classic flannel shirt and jeans. Here are a few on-trend ways integrate this pattern into your wardrobe:
GET THE INSPO: This motif can be incorporated in many different ways to compliment your unique style. You can pair a dress with a similarly patterned coat, wear a two piece which teams together, or sport a fashionable midi with a laid back tee. These inspirational styles have been spotted at shows such as Max Mara (left), Maryling (center), and Trussardi (right).
DETERMINE THE COLORS: When searching for a plaid outfit keep your hues in mind. Both neutrals and monochromatic tones are currently being spotted at on the runway, so the options are endless. Luckily, redheads can easily choose the classic Autumnal neutrals, as they match perfectly with our copper locks. I recommend finding plaids with 3 complimentary colors, to create intrigue without the print being too busy for the eye. This look by Ann Taylor, coordinates cinnamon tones, with black and white.
DOUBLE UP THE PRINT: To really make a statement, pair the print with its twin coat or blazer. The designers at Ann Taylor have created a range of complimentary pieces in their new limited edition Modern Plaid Collection! I paired their retro-inspired mock neck shift dress(similar here) with their beautiful Modern Plaid Trench (similar by Club Monaco), to create a dramatic look suitable for any stylish city. If you can’t find patterns that match, I suggest combining smaller and larger plaid pieces together.
ACCESSORIZE LIKE A PRO: Let the print do the talking and accessorize with solid colored pieces. My recommendation is to choose a color within the lattice, like how this cognac handbag from Nasty Gal brings out the hazel hue. Additionally, this black ASOS Design knot headband plays-up the retro vibe and keeps the focal point on the print, as seen below.
The most important aspect of pairing plaids is to make sure it makes you feel confident! This classic design truly makes a statement and will highlight the powerful woman you are!
