Recently in Fall 2008 Category

Ruffle Your Fall Wardrobe

Ruffles are commonly used as trimmings on skirts and dresses. Bridal gowns and ball gowns come to mind when I hear ruffles. Honestly, I never favored ruffles. I didn't like the unnecessary volume they add on clothing. And when one of my friends told me earlier this year that Prada is coming out with ruffled shoes and handbags, I wasn't a bit excited.

All my presumptions of tacky, hideous shoes and handbags, I had to take back when I saw the chic, modern and innovative applications of ruffles. I was guilty of not giving ruffles the benefit of the doubt and underestimating a designer's capabilities. So, I stand corrected. Nowadays, I'm a ruffle lover! I particularly love apparel that has asymmetrical tier ruffle design.Thread Social has a collection of ruffle dresses that are so chic! The silhouette, feminine and sexy yet elegant.

Word of advice, there are still pretty offensive usage of ruffles out there. Use your 'fashion commonsense'  when shopping. If you think a ruffle top is ugly at first sight, trust your instinct and move on to the next. Here are a few items you can use as reference when shopping. Have fun!
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Thread Social Dress
$595.00 ShopJake

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Prada Tessuto S Tote $995.00 Saks

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Prada Ruffle Ankle Boot $534.00 SALE Saks

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Alice + Olivia Ruffle Skirt
$440.00 Shopbop
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Vince Asymmetrical Tiered Ruffle Top
$195.00 Nordstrom

Sparkle at Holiday Parties

The start of the holiday season is just around the corner and invitations to parties and soirees will start pouring in. Most holiday parties are in the evening and cocktail dresses are of course the norm. But not mandatory. Black apparel will be the color of choice by most people and there's nothing wrong about that. 

My friend Nicole (whom I fondly refer to as one of 'L.A.'s social butterfly queen') asked me what else she can do besides wearing 'bling' with her black cocktail dress. I suggested to add more sparkle! And that doesn't mean more jewelry. So, Nicole you don't have to wear a tiara or glitter. Pairing a cocktail dress with sequin shoes is a chic look for your holiday party circuit. 

There are a few points to consider when wearing sequin shoes.
  • avoid sequin shoes that looks like bridal or prom shoes.
  • if you're wearing a solid/plain outfit, you can pair it with either a one-colored or multicolored sequin shoe. But don't match your outfit's color with your shoes. 
  • if you're wearing a sequin dress don't wear matching sequin shoes. You don't want to look like a disco ball do you? 
  • Avoid multi-colored sequin shoes with patterned or printed dresses. Iridescent sequin shoes are ok. 
  • Remember, to much sparkle can be blinding. Sequin shoes should compliment your jewelry, not clash.
  • As far as price is concern, you can find a pair of sequin shoes that fit any budget. Remember, you don't have to wear designer brands to look chic and stylish. But if you have a sky-is-the-limit budget, might as well get yourself a pair of Dior or Miu Miu. 
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Miu Miu Sequin Mary Jane Sandal
$895.00 Saks

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Jessica Simpson 'Dover' Pump
$43.90 SALE Nordstrom
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Guess by Marciano 'Carrielee2' Pump
$98.00 Zappos

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Miu Miu Sequin Point-Toe Pump
$695.00 Saks

macys.com

Men's Fall Trend: Military Inspired Coats & Jackets

When I was in college back in the Philippines, ROTC was one of my course requirements and I hated it with a passion! I disliked it to much that I almost flunked. I'm a 'Make Peace not War' type of guy. But I respect an honor every men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. There's one thing I love about the military, their outfits! I meant uniforms. Anyhow, 'dress blues' ( proper term for military uniform ) that are worn by men and women fits just right, not to snug and not loose. I guess for a lack of a better word, 'respectable' fit.

This fall, military inspired men's apparel are in the spotlight. I'm not talking about camouflage or military green coats and jackets. Perfectly fitted and tailored designs are the trend. And best worn with denim jeans. Here are a few of my top picks for military inspired men's coats and jackets.
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Juicy Couture Military Blazer
$248.00 Nordstrom
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G Star Raw 'South' Jacket
$250.00 Nordstrom
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Hugo Boss Military Jacket
$550.00 Saks
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C'N'C' Costume National Blazer
$113.00 SALE Revolve Clothing
 

Crimes of Fashion: Pringle Loop Stitch Cardigan

pringlebad.jpgAs a believer that style and functionality can be achieved when it comes to fashion, its such a shame to see designers don't even try to deliver one or the other.

This statement can be best exemplified by this Loop Stitch Cardigan by Pringle of Scotland. Style and design are lacking on this cardigan and the loop stitched wool... should keep you warm? Unless there's some aerodynamics or physics behind the hideous loops, what's the point?

And some might say this cardigan is edgy. Point taken, but I think loopy edge with a whole lot of ugly is more like it. Pringle doesn't deserve to go to jail for this, there's a bed waiting at the Fashion Insane Asylum!

Pringle of Scotland Loop Stitch Cardigan

Kurt Geiger Ltd. icon

Puffer Coats Do's & Dont's

It's undeniable that puffer coats are the keeping us warm for those cold fall and winter nights. But sacrificing style over comfort shouldn't be an excuse to look like a walking marshmallow or a shapeless lumpy blob. There are puffers that are stylish and functional at the same time. Here some points to consider when you're shopping for a puffer coat.

Don't wear puffer coats that makes you look like you're wearing a man's coat. They tend to make you look heavier. Opt for coats that shows off your silhouette and contours the shape of your body. Tip: Wearing a belt gives your puffer coat a very chic look and a waistline!
NO MAN COATS!
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Helmut Lang Puffer Jacket
$830.00 Shopbop
YES TO CHIC COATS
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Prada Fur Trim Puffer Jacket
$1,990.00 Saks
Take it easy on the puffs. More puffs doesn't mean it will keep you warmer. All it does is make you look like a lumpy mess. Go with clean, sleek and simple designs. Look as effortless as possible.
WAY TO MUCH PUFFS!
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Juicy Couture Long Jacket
$428.00 Saks
PUFFED PERFECT!
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GAP Long Puffer Jacket
$108.00 GAP
Don't wear puffer coats that literally puffs you up! The basic construction of puffer coat is stitching and stuffing. Visually look slimmer with stitching that makes the eye move inward not outward.
WIDENING STITCH
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Theory Puffer Jacket
$415.00 Shopbop
SLIMMING STITCH
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Kenneth Cole Puffer Jacket
$69.00 Dillard's

ssense.com sale

Stylish Rain Boots

"Rain, Rain, go away. Come again another day. Boys and girls wants to play. Rain, Rain, go away." That was the nursery rhyme I always recited when the first raindrop falls, hoping that playtime outside won't be cut short and be bored inside. Aside from playtime being interrupted, I also didn't like getting my shoes wet and socks wet! Just feels uncomfortable and the thought of wet socks gives me the shivers. 

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I was never a fan of rain boots up until about three years ago. Thanks to the advancement in technology and innovative designers, the very industrial and synthetic scent of rubber boots is not as overpowering and some don't even smell like rubber at all. I remember when I was seven years old my mom wanted me to wear a pair of hunter green rubber rain boots for school. And one whiff of the boots I regurgitated my breakfast that day. I know it's gross. Hence, my dislike of rain boots.

Styles and designs of rain boots have also evolved. You can find a pair that will compliment any look. Some rain boots even look like they are not made with rubber. For sure you'll be hoping for rain just to wear your trendy and chic rain boots. Thats what I do, so I can play outside wearing my Gucci rain boots (shown above). Gucci Men's Rain Boot $385.00 Saks.


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DKNY 'Gwendolyn' Quilted Boot
$188.00
Shopbop
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Hunter Original Rain Boot
$115.00
Nordstrom
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Emilio Pucci Rubber Boot
$175.00 Zappos
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Aquatalia by Marvin K Waterproof Boot
$285.00 Nordstrom
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Naturalizer 'Finola' Rain Boot
$59.00 Shoes.com

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American Eagle Ombre Rain Boot
$37.99 Payless Shoes

www.espritshop.com

Smart Accessory for Fall: Fingerless Gloves

nordstromfglove.pngCashmere Fingerless Gloves
$68.00 Nordstrom
It's been close to three years since I moved to California from Michigan. And the cold season here feels like summer compared to the Great Lakes' bitter-cold winters. Hats, scarves and gloves function more as protective gears from the harsh elements rather than part of your fall/winter look.
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Comfort over style. North Face Gloves $65.00 Nordstrom
And since here in L.A., it's more likely to have an earthquake than snowfall or below zero temperatures and the most likely or perhaps the only place you'll get frostbite is your freezer, cold weather accessories tend to be more trendy and chic.

I particularly love fingerless gloves! Wearing a pair gives that edgy feel even if they were cashmere. They also elevate any look or style. Like, the 80's look is hot this fall, a pair of Marc Jacobs 'Quincy' gloves definitely brings back nostalgic nights at the disco. 
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Marc Jacobs Quincy Gloves
$98.00
Shopbop
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Vince Ombre Cashmere Gloves 
$125.00 Shopbop
fashionchateau.com
Smart Shopping
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Browns Fashion
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TOMS Sequins Collection - Shop Now
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SHOP ONLINE DIESEL.COM
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