Maureen’s Blab & Blog

Is it true what they say about hemlines rising and falling with the stock market?  If it is true, at this point we should all be wearing floor length skirts.  It’s been a widely held belief in the fashion industry that hemlines drop as the market drops and this fall, they’re dropping and rising all at the same time!  What’s a fashionista to do?

Let’s start with the hot colors of the season.  Pantone, the authority on color, names blue iris as their color of the year for 2008.  In addition, berry colors are very popular this fall season.  Already the stores are brimming with raspberry colored clothing, handbags and shoes.  Cooler shades of blue, green and purple are also showing up as well as subtler variations of red, orange and yellow.  Warmer autumn hues like chocolate, brown and steel grays are also big.

Leather jackets are a “must have” item this fall.  Styles are very tailored with minimal detailing.  Think of this as a substitute for a blazer.  Leather jackets can be dressed up or down and are perfect for our bay area microclimates.  Try a leather jacket in brown instead of black for a sophisticated change.

Another HUGE trend is lace.  Every variation of lace is used in this falls styles.  Lace dresses and tops, even handbags and shoes are lace covered.  It seems that every designer is doing this treatment.  You’ve heard the term “leather and lace”?  This is the season to pair the two and make it work.

Working off the lace trend, romantic tops are making waves for fall.  You’ll see them in lace, of course, as well as ruffled pleated, pin tucked and flounced versions.  They are sleeveless, long sleeved and everything in between.  You can wear these with a suit or a pair of jeans, whatever your mood.  You can find them in cotton, organza, silk or satin.

Pants are one category where anything goes this season.  Pants are full cut, high waisted, wide legged, skinny, cropped and even HAREM pants are showing up.  The beauty of this is that no matter what your figure type, there is a pant style to suit you.  Skirts are also having an identity crisis.  Skirts are longer, to be sure, and they are fuller as well.  Tailored pencil skirts are in, as are the dirndl and A line.  So many choices, oh my!

Layering is one way you can make your clothing dollar go further.  Take that cute summer dress, and layer a long, thin knit cardigan, top with a thin belt, and Viola!  You’ll look like you stepped off the pages of Vogue magazine.  Chunkier sweaters are also important this season.  Like leather jackets, sweaters can be a great substitute for a jacket.  There are great versions of both thin and chunky sweaters everywhere from H & M to Barney’s.

Shoes and accessories are not to be forgotten this season.  Heels are high, and so is the vamp.  It’s almost like the cold weather version of the gladiator sandal.  The foot is very covered up in this type of shoe, which might help counter balance the height!  Boots are continuing to be a great fall investment, and I’m happy to report that there are lots of flat to moderate heeled boots.  I think that Aerosoles does a great job with their boots, they are comfortable and affordable, a winning combination.

Some handbags are staying neutral this season, while others are going the “berry” opposite.  It’s nice to see some color, so I am supporting a little boost of color via your handbag.  Keep in mind that I am carrying a bright yellow bag right now.  Speaking of bright colors, hosiery is positively popping with color.  Bright colored tights are seen in all of the fashion magazines, but it’s too soon to tell whether anyone will wear electric blue tights with a gray or black skirt, stay tuned.  Even Chanel is showing a two- toned tight, with the front half black and the back half tan.  I think it’s for those of us who just can’t make up our minds…

Lastly, statement jewelry is really a hot commodity this season.  Just because you can’t afford the real thing, doesn’t mean you can’t wear some bling.  Jewelry is big and overstated, even on some of these waif-like models.  My only warning is to keep the jewelry in scale with your body size and shape.

New York state of mind…I will be heading off to New York Fashion Week starting on Sept. 5th, for a fun filled week of spring 2008 fashions. Confirmed tickets so far are Piedmont’s own Erin Fetherston, The Academy of Art University (the ONLY student show in the tents), Tibi, Catherine Malandrino, Luca Luca, Betsey Johnson, Reem Acra and more as the shows approach.  Stay tuned as I may be invited to see the Finale show of Project Runway’s three finalists!  I will be blogging every night (or morning) during fashion week with show reviews, impressions, celebrity sightings and much more, so check my website frequently at www.maureenfrench.com, and don’t forget to ask questions and make comments.  I’d love to hear from you… Auf Wiedersehen.

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and kids are heading (or are already) back to school.  The Fashion magazines are brimming with the new trends, and declaring the season a success already.  Retailers are keeping it closer to the cuff as they await what will be best sellers and what will not.  I will try to boil down what will be the more wearable trends that we all can have a piece of.

Starting with colors this season… it will have lots of interest.  Pantone, the color authority, lists Spicy Chili Pepper, Lemon Curry and Purple Wine as dominant colors, along with Espresso Brown, Cashmere Rose, Green Moss and Burnt Ochre (translation: a shade of orange).  Gray seems to be making the biggest impact this season, as the “it” color.  For those who do not favor gray, try pairing it with a fun, bright color.  Red is everywhere and looks great with gray or black.  Having just returned from Barcelona,

Spain, every store was showing some form of red in their fall collections.  Remember to choose the shade of red that goes best with your complexion, all reds are NOT created equal!

Silhouettes will be slimming down this season and billowing out.  Skirts will be more tailored and more like the pencil style.  You will also see more full and flared styles also.  Pleats will prevail as long as you wear a more fitted top with them.  Pants will be either the continuation of the “skinny” jean look along with the wider legged trouser, with a higher waist.  You can actually use your pockets in these pants.  This style is flattering, and balances out a larger top or midsection.

Tweeds are making an appearance this season in very easy- to- wear variations.  They are sophisticated, but not stuffy this time around. Pair them with a nicely tailored leather jacket and you have a winning combination. You could also experiment with a more edgy motocross styled leather jacket. Man tailored clothing is also returning, so the tweed trend goes well with it.

Chunky sweaters and knits seem to be the way to keep warm this fall and winter.  The gauges seem to be exaggerated and bold.  For those of you who knit, take note: pull out your largest needles and start knitting!  Neutral colors will be your best bet for these pieces whether you choose a sweater coat, cardigan, tunic or oversize turtleneck.  Keep your bottom half tailored and not too baggy to balance the volume of this sweater.

Patent leather is BIG, BIG, BIG!  This trend is exploding.  We saw shoes and bags last season, and this season it’s taken one step further.  Patent leather trenches are showing up all over.  I love patent as much as the next person, but a patent trench?  Pass on that and grab yourself patent shoes and a bag.  Dresses are showing up with patent details and works nicely.  It will remind you of the days of Mary Janes and plaid skirts.

Capes are the new look in outerwear.   I think this is the next progression after ponchos.  Capes are more stylish and sophisticated, although not that easy to maneuver around in.  If you choose this look, stay with a style that can be belted in the front and worn looser in the back.  If your arms are too restrained, move on and choose another.  Bowed blouses look great with capes, and there are plenty to choose from.  The bow can be right at the neck, to the side or at the bottom of a V-neck.  Fabrics should be silky and easy to move in.  Cotton tends to be a bit stiff for this style to work.

Shine is the big buzz word this season, whether it is the shine of patent leather or the reflection of sequins and pailettes.  Eveningwear is shiny, silvery and sparkling.  You can choose from bronze, silver or gold.  No shortage of shimmering styles in dresses, shoes, bags and outerwear.

Feathers and faux fur are also showing up in trims and detailing.  Personally, I would skip the feathers in favor of the faux fur.  These treatments look great on evening wear or on the sleeve of a serious suit.  Choose what you like, and what looks good and remember to have some fun along the way.

Passport prevails …for 25 years.  One of my favorite shows is scheduled for the 19th and 20th of September.  Passport is coming, and it never disappoints.  This is the 25th anniversary of the show which has raised 25 million dollars benefiting the HIV/ AIDS community, both locally and nationally.  Passport is one of the Bay areas’ premiere fashion events and you don’t want to miss it!  For more information log on to www.macy’s.com and for tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com.

A parting note…I will be heading to New York Fashion Week September 5th – 12th.  Check out my experiences and impressions of the shows in the week or so after,  in this column.  Our very own Academy of Art University students will be showing their collections in the tents of Bryant Park on Saturday, September 8th at 7 p.m.  They will also be showing at the Passport events.  It’s a big month for the AAU fashion department and we’re so proud to have our local talent showcased so spectacularly!

THE WEATHER LATELY has been a bit of a tease. Between daylight-saving time coming so early, and one of the driest winters on record almost behind us, it has been very tempting to start wearing all of those new spring purchases sitting in your closets. If you have been good and waited for the flowers to bloom before buying anything new, then here’s what you might be seeing in some of the stores and out on the street.

Nautical remixed is a look that depends on the basics of red, white, khaki and blue, stripes and gold buttons. The way they are showing nautical this year is mixing vertical stripes with horizontal ones. They’re pairing stripes with prints and some plaids thrown in for good measure. Add to this some wide-leg, high-waisted pants and you are starting to get the picture.

Soft and romantic is another look that continues to show up this season. This look includes ruffles and bows, lace and crochet. The fabrics for this look are both feminine and floaty. Keep other pieces low-key so that the romance can show through.

Modified men’s wear is a favorite this season. Again, a pair of wide leg trousers gets this look started. Vests are perfect for this trend. Keep the colors pretty neutral and do a tighter top over a looser bottom. A crisp white shirt is the perfect compliment to this style. Move over men, women are stealing your look!

The Grecian-inspired look is coming on strong. This trend requires very drapey jersey fabrics that flow and fall easily. It is a very dramatic look that can really add some glamour. Metallic accessories and flat sandals are perfect compliments to this look.

Metallic is the finish du jour. Accessories, shoes, handbags and of course dresses can be seen in metallics all over the place. Be careful to do just a touch of this trend, as all over is too much. A pair of metallic flats have a way of dressing up even the most casual outfit.

Cropped is the cut of the season for jackets and tops. Layered over a longer top or tunic, gives you a long and lean line. These shorter jackets also look good over dresses.

The LWD or little white dress is making an appearance this season. This dress can bee seen in eyelet, chiffon or even jersey fabrics. The dress in general has made a huge splash this season.

Dresses are EVERYWHERE! Dresses over jeans and leggings or on their own can be seen at the beach and in the board room. Dress silhouettes are A line, empire, wrap and trapeze styles in both solid and floral prints. One of these is bound to flatter every figure type.

Trench coats are everywhere you look, in the magazines and in the village. The trench coat has gone from fashion staple to fashion statement. The trench can be spotted in many different colors and fabrics to give some pizzazz to this wardrobe must-have. If you’re going to invest, go for a khaki trench in a classic double-breasted style. If you already own a trench coat, but want to update it, considered having it shortened right to the knee.

Headbands are the accessory of the season. This look is fresh and fun. You can pair several skinny headbands for a splash of color, or go with one wide headband. You can also use skinny scarves to make your own. This is a great look to camouflage your not perfectly coifed hair! A high-waisted belt is another accessory that defines spring 2007. It cinches in the waist and looks great with a blouson top and skinny pants.

Shoes this season are reason to celebrate. The wedge heel is making a statement. A wedge shoe is a great way to add some height, without having to visit your chiropractor. Wedges are easier on the back than a traditional heel and they are really comfortable! They look as good under jeans as they do with a frilly dress. Ballet flats are also showing up in every conceivable material. Suede, velvet, canvas, patent and leather are just some of the choices for this shoe. They look great with pants, skirts and of course, a dress.

It will be a fun season with lots of fashion options. No matter which trend speaks to you, there’s a lot to work with this spring. Pick a few that suit you best, and make them your own!

Take a look at any fashion magazine this month, and you’re bound to utter a resounding HUH??? After viewing all of the couture shows on DVD this June, I had the very same reaction. Sitting there with a seasoned colleague, we both thought “how are we going to dress women when THIS is what the designers are showing?” Well, with the summer behind us, I have made peace with the current trends, and can even give you some suggestions on how the ‘real woman’ can incorporate them into her wardrobe.

The biggest trend of the season is clearly leggings and footless tights. They started to emerge this spring, and continue be the season’s most popular. For the uninitiated, leggings (and tights) were what we all wore in the 80’s. Remember Madonna in her footless tights during her “Like a Virgin” period? The difference between leggings and tights are the weight of the fabric. Leggings are usually made of cotton with lycra for stretch. Tights are a type of hosiery, and should be worn as such. The good news for most of us is that heavier tights (with foot in tact) in dark colors and subtle patterns are the rage, and are much more age appropriate for those of us who remember the 80’s. Under a dress or bubble skirt, leggings or tights can look fun, as long as the length of the skirt or dress is what you would wear without tights or leggings.

Another continuing trend is dresses. They are everywhere! Spring 2006 showed many dresses and thankfully, they are continuing to be big with no signs of slowing for spring 2007. The good news here is there are many different styles to choose from: The trapeze dress, the empire waist, the wrap dress, the list goes on. There are enough styles to suit most figures and tastes. Dresses are easy to wear, and look great for casual outings or dressed up with a pair of heels or boots.

Like it or not, the skinny or stovepipe jean is huge! This is very bad news for most of us that have a womanly figure, and not a shape that could be confused with a pre-pubescent boy. Don’t despair, if you feel like you want to try the trend there are a few options that would work. First, wear them under a dress. This is a forgiving look with the top part of the jean totally obscured by said dress!

Longer tunic tops are also a great look with this season’s skinny jean. Like a dress, it camouflages the area you want covered up. Tunics can also be worn with capri length pants and the gaucho pant as well. If you’re feeling confident you can go with a more form fitting style or a more A-line style for more coverage. Tunic tops can also be belted to give them a more refined look.

Plaids and tweeds seem to be making an appearance this fall. As a transplanted easterner, this was the quintessential autumn look. A lot of designers showed this on the runways. As long as the fabric is a lighter weight to match our Bay area climate, I think this looks great on a lot of women and men as well. Keep in mind that one plaid or tweed piece is enough at one time. Less is more in this instant.

Layering was a popular look at the fall shows. Although designers take it to the extreme, we don’t have to. Again, keep the layers light for our climate, and you’re halfway there. This can be done with sweaters, vests and tunics. The somber color palette this season makes layering a good opportunity to add a splash of color! A sweater over a dress is another way to wear this style.

Oversize and slouchy handbags are a good compliment to the skinny jean. It seems that we have come back to the handbag that holds everything but the kitchen sink. For those who really have to carry a lot of items, this trend is the way to do that. Be careful not to overstuff so that contents are spilling out. Your handbag shouldn’t be your home office, gym bag, and makeup bag combined. A well edited handbag is the way to go.

If all of this is still a bit confusing, come to Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square on September 19th from 5-7 p.m. for a fashion show and program called “Mixed-up Glamour”. I am one of the 6 featured stylists that will help you interpret the fall fashions, and make sense of it all. Tickets are $60 (including hors d’oeuvres and refreshments) and can be purchased by calling (650)949-3170 or at the door, the evening of the event.

If you can’t make it to Saks, I am going to be the celebrity bartender at the Montclair Bistro on Thursday, October 5th starting at 5:30 p.m. Come have a pomegranate martini made by moi and ask any fashion/style question you’ve been dying to know! All proceeds go to Wardrobe for Opportunity, an Oakland based organization that assists men and women in putting together appropriate business attire for job interviews and employment (www.wfo.org).

Despite the cold temperatures and recent rain, step into any store and you’d swear May flowers are already in bloom. Spring is in full swing, at least from a retail perspective. Remember, spring fashions were shown on the runways last fall. Retailers are chomping at the bit to push us forward despite the weather.

It’s an exciting season, and one loaded with possibilities. White is THE color of the season. Shirtdresses, tees, tunics, you name it, and it’s out there in white. Nude is also an important color this season. Paired with black, it’s elegant and understated. If you love all things blue, this is the year for you. Varied shades of blue are in; think navy, royal, sky and turquoise. If you can recall the color of your mid 70’s kitchen appliances, you’ll either rejoice or recoil when you see avocado, burnt orange or chocolate on the racks. Metallics continue to be a good investment, even if it’s just a piece or two. You’ll see some softer pastels, and brights like magenta, cranberry and acid yellow. Desert khaki and brown will continue to be a great substitute for black.

If I had to choose the most important piece this season, hands down, it’s the DRESS. You will see them all over in prints, florals, geometrics, polka dots and don’t forget vintage. It is the single most prevalent trend this season. Dresses are versatile and vibrant, practical and pretty. Paired with flats and a denim jacket they’re appropriate for day, with platforms and a cropped jacket or cardigan they’re ready to go out at night.

For most of us, flattering shorts are hard to find. They’re either too short, too high waisted or way too low. Meet the “city” short. It’s longer than a Bermuda, and shorter than a pedal pusher. City shorts can be worn with heels for a sophisticated work- appropriate outfit, and with a flat trainer and a t-shirt for the weekend. It’s a good substitute for capris and khakis.

The trench is making a big statement this season. They come in all lengths and colors, and, worn belted, they make an impression. A trench over city shorts or a fun skirt makes a definite splash.

Did someone mention skirts? No big surprise- they continue to be a staple this season. The A-line, dropped pleat and dirndl are all over the fashion magazines. They’re embellished and emblazoned with everything from embroidery to sequins. The good news for those of us with “real” figures is that the styles are flattering, fun and they FIT!

Sailor- inspired separates continue to impress. Pea coats, navy stripes and sailor pants are continuing their run as a dependable yet stylish look. A boyish vest is also a quick update to a pair of jeans or skirt.

Rounding out the fashion forecast are wedge and platform heels, flat and Grecian style sandals and handbags that are large and slouchy or softly structured. The “it” accessory is definitely the belt. It’s no longer worn low around the hips, but higher on the waist.

And lastly, ruby red lips are taking center stage in makeup. The rest of the face stays understated, letting the mouth do all the talking. With all of these fun trends on the horizon, my step has more spring in it already!