By Michelle A Heath, on 12.04.12 | Hello my fashion vixens. It’s that time of year where we pull out our sweaters and boots and coats from last season and try to figure out what we need to do to update our wardrobe to take us through Fall and Winter.
I don’t know about you, but I pretty much live in jeans. If you’ve been in my closet, you’ve witnessed my collection of jeans of all colors, fits and washes. So, I thought that it might be fun to talk about what’s happening with the jean trend for Fall so you’re sure to be all the rage.
What’s Hot:
 Mother Denim "Atomic Pink" featured at injeanius Boston 1. Bright colors: Red, blue, purple, you name it. Just about any color you can imagine is hot for Fall. A bright blue can really spice up your night life if you, like me, wear jeans everywhere. Pair a pair of blue skinny jeans with a gold belt, some rocking booties and a simple top and you are ready to turn heads.
2. Cropped: Believe it or not, cropped is carrying from Spring/Summer into Fall/Winter. I am an ambitious 5’2″ so for a shortie like me, cropped is really “ankle length.” How many women in this world really wear a 33″ inseam? Seriously! So, cropped is awesome because you can roll them and crop them even more or, if you’re short, you can avoid the $20 hem fee. They also tuck really well into boots and have a great look with heels. Love!
3. Tuxedo stripes: Another huge trend is the tuxedo strip. Hudson makes an awesome pair in all sorts of cool colors and I recently saw a fun pair of black jeans with sequin stripes. Glams up your jeans and they can look much dressier for those holiday parties and fun things that you do when you’re not chasing after your kids or moping up after your colleagues at work.
 Vince Camuto Faux Leather Knit Pant 4. Leather/Pleather: I have been a huge fan of leather pants since I splurged for that awesome pair of “leather jeans” circa 1998 only to sit on a chewed piece of bubblicious gum on a subway in NYC and, well, the rest was a sad story. You can still invest in a $400 pair of leather pants but let’s face it. They are hot (in a sweaty bad way), don’t have a lot of give in certain places and, well, for that $$ you could buy a great leather jacket. My investment two seasons ago was a pair of leather/cotton/spandex pants. Hot faux leather on the front and then a mix of cotton and spandex on the back. I wore them in Venice and they are still saucy as ever! And, a fraction of the cost of leather pants. H&M seems to carry these off and on, so keep your eyes open!
5. Zipped: Zippers are everywhere on jeans this season. Zippers as side pockets, zippers on the ankles, zippers as detail on the leg…it’s a zipped-up trend! I love it because it takes me back to the 80′s when zippers were on everything. Luckily, these jeans have no pleats (see below) and the zipper trend is fun and sassy.
What’s Not:
 Dear god...pleats and acid wash. #shootmenow 1. Acid wash: I’m sorry. I just cannot get into this again. I wonder if it would be different had I not be scarred by the acid wash of the 80s (mostly acid washes I did myself.ugh) or if this trend is just awful every time it comes around? Sorry, pass.
2. Flare: Another trend I just can’t get into. The super flare wide leg. I think that maybe if you are 5’10″ and rocking the Bohemian Rhapsody look, you can pull it off. For the rest of us, it makes us look like flower-child wanna bee’s. No one needs any of that.
3. Pajama jeans: Don’t do it. Ever. Or I’ll kill you.
4. Pleats: Pleats are awful on anything. Why would you possibly want more material near your hips and thighs? That’s right, you don’t. Keep it neat and simple.
5. Paisley: I have to say these are so horrible. Especially in velvet and corduroy. Pass.
What’s on your hot/not list for jean trends this Fall and Winter?
By Michelle A Heath, on 09.18.12 | It was 2003 and I was in an elevator in NYC heading to see a client. An impeccably dressed man in a couture suit of some sort said to me: “Damn, girl, those are some serious fence climbers!” To which I said: “Thanks,” tho I had no idea what he meant until he got out of the elevator. Which was when I had this crazy flash in my head…of me in my ridiculously pointy shoes climbing a fence in a tight black dress, vamp lips and police headlights on my rear. Okay, now that’s never happened (you didn’t think I was serious did you?) but I loved the description of the pointy toe shoe – good enough to climb a fence…just in case you need to.
 Truth or Dare by Madonna 'Corlew' Pump
- Well, ladies, they are back for Fall. The pointy toe. I have to say that I have been waiting for the tides to turn. It was tough for me to move from pointy to round toe – I always thought the pointier toe was much sexier and better elongated the leg, but the fashion gods spoke and we all bought round toe pumps for years.
Another interesting trend I’ve noticed is that the amount of “toe platform” for Fall is much much smaller than in previous seasons. I have to say I am ready for this change too. As much as the platform at the front of the shoe helps “balance” the height of the heel, I find they can be much less sturdy to walk in. I am digging the straight-up, stiletto. No stacked heels, no platforms. Just a sexy shoe with a straight heel. I recently had to (I know I know) buy these beauties on the left. Who doesn’t love a good game of truth or dare? More importantly, I loved the combination of the gold edge on the toe and the black calf hair. I have been wearing them all week. They are remarkably comfortable (for a stiletto, of course:) and look great with dresses, jeans and just about anything. Highly recommend them.
- Have you come across some great heels for Fall? Do share!
By Michelle A Heath, on 11.14.11 | I was reading the November edition of InStyle and came across a great article called Color Crash Course – Hot Pink. I was hooked. Funny, when I read the article, I realized that I have several hot pink pieces in my wardrobe. Some cute tops, tees, a sweater, a dress or two with a mix of grey or black and hot pink. Not to mention some super-hot stilettos I bought in the Spring.
 H&M Ladies Homepage The misnomer about hot pink is that it doesn’t work for everyone. I hear that all the time and it makes me bananas! Hot pink can work on everyone – even you redheads out there. It’s all about the shade and the amount of pink versus blue or purple. Blondes and darker-skinned lovelies can really wear just about any shade of hot pink. Brunettes, red-heads and fair-skinned ladies should look for a deeper and darker undertone to balance hair and skin. You might need to try on several shades before you get it right. I love hot pink because it makes a statement while being ultra feminine and as the article says…”done right, it’s cool, not cute.”
Otherwise known as fuschia, this gorgeous color is a great way to really add a hot pop of color to your closet. My clients are always looking for ways to add color to their wardrobes and I love helping them experiment with bold colors like hot pink.
As for how to wear it, today – for inspiration – I paired a gorgeous silk ruffled blouse in hot pink with a slim black skirt and black patent-leather belt. Wolford tights (of course) and my Tory Burch leopard print wedges (my fave purchase from last season). The color makes me feel alive and is perfect for a Monday when staying in bed when the alarm rang at 5:30am was a much better option:) And I just happened to check out the H&M site today and there it was on the homepage…great timing and H&M is always on the trend.
So, my fashionistas…have you experimented with the power of hot pink? Do tell.
By Michelle A Heath, on 09.19.11 | I’ve had several clients and a bunch of friend of Facebook ask for a recommendation of a great every-day boot – one that can do double duty day to night. Here are my top picks. I decided to feature tall boots as they can be worn over and under your jeans and are super-versatile.
1. Wedge
Wedge-heeled boots were all the rage last Fall and are still hip again and everywhere as we go into this Fall. The wedge is a comfortable way to wear a heel and transforms day to night. I’m a fan of the suede but it is limited in the New England winters so you might want to go for leather to get a fuller season out of the boot.
2. Riding
Riding boots also hit the scene last Fall and it’s great to see so many more choices this Fall. I love the two-tone brown and black styles – more of a true riding boot, but also love that designers are integrating riding-style features into a simple flat boot. You want this boots to ride tall – hitting you just below your kneecap. If they are too short, they will cut your leg off and make you look shorter. Its an optical illusion – keep that in mind.
3. Cowboy
I love a good cowboy boot! Now, there are a few options here. You can go all out cowboy (or cowgirl) with a Justin, Durango or other true cowboy boot. I love the look and they are super comfy if you get the right fit. The only challenge with this boot is that it looks great with certain outfits but is not as versatile for day-to-night as the wedge or riding boot. So, I came cross these Frye boots, which give the look and feel of a cowboy boot, but have the more ‘tailored’ appeal of a riding boot and can be worn with jeans, dresses or just about anything. The price tag is a bit steep but I wouldn’t showcase them if they were a trendy shoe that will last one season. Frye boots tend to be more expensive but will be a boot that can be re-soled or re-heeled and last you 20 years. No joke. There are plenty of knock-offs too so keep those Stylish Eyes focused when you shop and see if you can get a steal!
4. Stacked heel
The stacked heel is a big trend for Fall. I’m loving it because it gives you height but is much easier to walk in than a stiletto or skinnier heel. It is a more substantial boot and can be easily worn day to night.
5. Over the knee
The over the knee trend is still hot this Fall! I have two rules: 1) Over the knee is different than over the thigh. If you’re short, be careful as you don’t want to look like you’re hitting the pole after work:) 2) The boot has to fit snug. Too much leather around the top of the knee and you’ll look like you’re wearing waders. I have a few over the knee boots – one a dressy stiletto. Suede pull on and very tight so it almost blends into my jeans. The other is a day boot with a stacked heel and it hits about 1″ above my knee. Fit is key here – they are super cute but the line between hip and hooker is a fine one!
By Michelle A Heath, on 07.04.11 |  Miu Miu Flared Heel Pump $595 Miu Miu just launched their fall line of shoes and with it came the “flare heel.” I am curious what othersthink of this trend. My initial reaction is that they are more runway than everyday and seem overdone to me. Priced along with Choos, which I love for their trend-forwardness but classic lines, I’m not sure the $600 is worth it for something that kind of feels more like Felicity Shagwell than something you’d wear to a hot night on the town.
What do you think – Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.07.10 | It’s that time again, my stylish darlings. The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping here in the East and fall fashion is on the menu. I went back and looked at my Fab Five from last Fall:
1. Leopard-print anything
2. Ankle booties
3. Colorful, textured scarves
4. Skinny jeans
5. Long, layered necklaces
What’s interesting is that everything from last Fall is in this Fall – some stuff has evolved a bit into new fashion trends. Here’s a few simple ways to update what you bought last Fall with my Fab Five.
1. Lace
 MM Couture by Miss Me Lace Top in Black $70.00 I’m not talking about your grandmother’s lace doilies. I’m talking feminine but sexy lace. I’ve seen it in everything from trim on a skirt to a layered blouse to hosiery. When buying lace, fit is really important because there’s typically no give, unless it’s a blend with spandex or another stretchy material. Lace skirts are beautiful for the holidays and parties when paired with a simple white blouse or sexied up with a tank or camisole. Lace blouses are all the rage. I eyed this gorgeous black lace top on Revolve Clothing. Very rocker chick. Wolford’s has done it again with a lacey racey addition to their Fall line. Must have. Lace takes what’s usually reserved for under your clothes or behind closed doors and brings it to the center of your wardrobe. Take caution as lace on lace is too much and the lace piece of your outfit should be the standout – everything else should be minimal and streamlined. I love this trend and encourage you to add a little lace to spice up your Fall wardrobe.
2. Over-the-knee boots
Over-the-knee boots came on the scene last Fall but didn’t make my list. Why? Well, unfortunately, they missed the list. It was really more about the ankle bootie until Nov/Dec and the over-the-knees started appearing on models in fashion mags. I bought a pair last year and will tell you that I got quite the looks when I wore them. Here’s the deal with this trend. You’ve gotta get it right.
 Cole Haan Air Zelo Boot $328 @ Zappos The good news is now more people are wearing them so you probably will not get the scorn I received last Fall.  The thing you’ve gotta get right is the height which requires trying on alot of this style boot to figure out what’s going to fit the best. What you want to achieve is the boot hitting right above your kneecap – we’re not talking hooker boots here people – and you want them to be fitted not slouchy or you’ll be tugging at them all day. The shaft of the boot is always tricky and my clients often complain that boots aren’t made for girls with larger calves. It’s true that most boot shafts are slimmer in style but I have found that certain brands like Aerosole make a wide-width calf. They have a handy double zip on some of their boots that can be extended for a larger calf or zipped up for a slimmer calf. The other decision with over-the-knee boots is heel height. I am a fan of the flat heel – very versatile with jeans and great for lots of walking. The flat heel can also dress up a dress or skirt. If you decide high heel is the way to go, keep in mind my caution about shaft height and don’t go too far over your knee, unless there’s a pole near-by:) I love these Cole Haan boots. Definitely an investment but the leather is goreous and they are versatile in that you can wear them over-the-knee or cuffed and under-the-knee. Two boots for one price. Always thinking, my stylistas. And investing in a top quality leather boot is an investment that pays off for years.
3. Jeggings
In August, I wrote WTF Are Jeggings and Why Do I Care? Well, jeggings are huge for Fall. I recently helped convince a friend to try them out. She thought she could never wear them and that they would never look good. She bought a pair from Lucky.com and tried them on for me. They were super flattering and she loved the stretch and comfort. One word of advice is to order one size down. I know, they will look like they are made for little kids but I promise they stretch and no one wants a baggy jean (saggy = bad). Jeggings I love are from Citizens, Hudson and J Brand. They are also great with this seasons tall boots as you get no jean hang-over (like a muffin-top around your knee-cap = bad).
4. Hats
If you know me, you know I love hats. I always have and look forward to the rain and winter so I can break them out. Hats are huge this Fall.
 Betmar Fedora $54 Everythingfrom the Justin Timberlake style Fedora to the page-boy cap or raspberry beret (sorry I had to). I know most of you are thinking – I look terrible in a hat. Really? When’s the last time you tried one on? I bought a really hip tweed hat at a local boutique here in the North End called Bobbles & Lace (they have other locations on the North Shore). $25 and every time I wear it I get compliments and feel like I walked into a 1950′s movie. Betmar is one of my fave hat brands. Very stylish and not too pricy. Love this red beauty for just $54. Try out a fun hat and see how it makes you feel.
5. Faux leather & fur
No Fall wardrobe is complete without a little faux. I’m excited that faux is big this season for a few reasons. First off, designers have been trying to perfect the faux look for a few seasons now and are finally getting it right.
 Vena Cava for Aqua Faux Fur Vest @ Bloomies $188 I bought a faux leather jackets a few years ago and it looked more like pleather than leather. Designers are working to get better materials that more closely resemble leather or fur and are paying better attention to the details to make the coats and vests look more realistic. Second, faux is the way to go especially when it comes to a trendy accessory like a fur vest or a leather blazer. Might not live to see another season so why spend $300+ for it to hit the consignment shop next season? And last, but certainly not least, it’s friendly. Lots of people don’t like to buy leather coats or real fur so the faux route gives you the stylish look without the sad face. Ideeli recently had some hip faux leather bomber jackets for under $50. What a steal! A good friend recently bought a faux fur vest and was disappointed last week when it was too warm to sport for a local fashion event (bummer, Chris!). I spotted this faux fur beauty at Bloomies. A little pricy for a trendy piece but it looks very real.
So, my stylish friends, I ask you…what’s on your Fab Five for Fall? Would love to hear what you think about my picks and what you think you’ll add to your wardrobe this Fall. Go forth and be stylish.
By Michelle A Heath, on 08.19.10 | A dear friend recently Tweeted…
WTF are jeggings? #clueless
Dear Clueless, have no fear, your answer is here.
Take one part jeans. Add one part leggings. A dash of spandex. Maybe even some polyester or lycra. And, voila, you have yourself a jegging.
Jeggings really hit the style scene last Fall as models started parading them around paired with sky-high stilettos or knee-high riding boots. Though model I am not, I bought one pair last Fall at my fave local jean store in the North End, Injeanius, and was hooked.
What’s so great about jeggings?
1. They are the most comfortable pair of jeans you will ever own that actually look GOOD and are comfortable – something not typically attained in the fashion department.
2. They are NOT, I repeat not, leggings. Please dear fashionista, promise me you will never ever wear leggings as pants outside of your house. Promise? Phew, we got that over with. Jeggings have all the stylings of jeans – stitching, grommets, hems – but all the stretch and comfort of a legging.
3. They fit like a glove. Jeggings create a slimming effect, which is contrary to popular belief. I’ve heard people say they fear looking like a stuffed sausage. I say, try them and see for yourself. Just like a regular jean, you might need to try a few different brands to find the perfect fit.
4. They are generally cheaper than a pair of True Religions. Most jeggings I’ve seen run under $100. Rue La La just had James Jeans jeggings for under $70 – a steal!
5. They honestly go with everything. A tank and flats. A hot night-on-the-town top and stilettos. A jacket and boots. The slim style is especially great with boots – no pant overhang. I hate it when that happens.
So, I urge to to test-drive the jeggings style jeans for Fall and see what happens. Be careful you might become addicted like me.
PS: Have you tried jeggings? Would love to hear if you are in love, like, hate…tell me all about it.
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.18.09 | The biggest question I’ve had over the past few weeks is…”What’s your top-five must-haves for Fall?” I’ve been thinking about it alot and, I’ll tell you that it’s not easy to pick only 5 must-haves for Fall. It’s hard to pick only a handful of things to add to your wardrobe when confronted with the many choices of great Fall trends. But, IMHO, these trends will survive more than one season and will easily mix, match and update your wardrobe in no time. Why 5? It’s easy to remember and nice to your wallet. So, focus on the Fab Five and consider it your personal shopping list. Each picture is a link to the item in case you want to consider adding it to your Fall wardrobe. Here goes…
 Robbi & Nikki Bow Shoulder Chiffon Top @ Nordstrom 1. Leopard-print anything. There’s nothing like a little call of the wild to spice up your Fall wardrobe. It’s an interesting trend that keeps coming back every few years. This year I’ve seen boots, pumps, belts, scarves, blouses, sweaters and coats (okay, the coat goes too far). I have a leopard-print J.Crew sweater that I bought about 10 years ago and it has somehow survived the test of time. Look for more “subtle” versions of the big cat, which will likely mix and match easier with the other items in your closet. I love this flouncy beauty – great shoulder detail and goes great with Fall Fab #2 and #4.
2. Ankle boots. I bought several pairs of these last season including an amazing pair of purple leather Faryl Robins, which I have already worn several times this season.
 Pour la Victoire grey woven patent 'Elise' ankle booties @ Blue Fly I am semi-obsessed with ankle booties and believe they will last more than one season. Here’s what’s great about ankle booties…there’s alot of different ways to wear them. You can wear them under a straight leg or bootleg pant or jean, which is a nice alternative to a tall boot against your skin all day or all night. You can wear them with a pair of skinny jeans for a very hip look a la Fall Fab #4. You can pair them with a super-opaque pair of tights and a short skirt. I think these grey patent leathers would look Fab with a red plaid miniskirt or kilt and black tights.
3. Colorful, textured scarves. Scarves were everywhere on the run-way and in the fashion mags. Everything from bright colors to ruffles to lace trim. Scarves are a great fall and winter accessory for a bunch of different reasons. They can take a very simple black blazer or navy pea-coat and add a serious punch of color and interest.
 Hollywood Intuition Rouched Scarf in Purple @ Target Scarves draw the eye up to your oh, so fab face – what’s better than that? They are a great way to update your wardrobe on a shoestring. Target, Kohls and all the discount stores have some great scarves for under $20. I say pick up a few different colors or patterns and see how you can mix and match them with your Fall wardrobe. PS: This Target scarf is UNDER $10. Now that’s a must-have!
4. Skinny jeans. I can’t get enough of these staple jeans. I love the J Brand jeans – they have great stretch and come in a fabulous dark wash and a super dark black wash.
 J Brand Jeans 910 Super Skinny Jeans in Ink @ Cusp They are great when paired with a long or flowy top or a layered cardigan and long tee. Contrary to popular belief, these jeans work on a wide variety of body types. I’ve heard so many women say “I could never pull those off!” Then, they try them on and they look amazing. But, if you don’t feel you can pull off the super-skinny look, try a straight-leg instead of the wider bootleg. It’s a nice change, an update for Fall and looks great with Fall Fab #1 and #2.
5. Long, layered necklaces. Again, another trend I can’t get enough of. I’ve seen lots of mixed metals, which is a fun way to combine gold and silver for a new look.
 Aqua Multi Chain with Flower Necklace @ Bloomingdales It’s a great way to integrate the embellished “rocker-chick” look that is a big trend this Fall and do it in an inexpensive way. A fab, long necklace can transform an outfit from blah to bling and take a tired dress or top and breathe new life into it. The runway is showing everything from pearls (not your grandmother’s pearls, mind you) to flowers, to chains to beads. I love this black and gold 22″ necklace from Aqua. It’s a great combo of feminine flowers and bows with rocker mixed metals…and a steal at $35. I think I might have to get one for myself.
As I think about how to make your Fall wardrobe fabulous, it’s not about buying an entirely new wardrobe – who has the time or money? It’s about picking a few great trends and transforming or rejuvenating your existing wardrobe. Now that’s smart and stylish.
There were so many other items that I could have thrown into the mix but these were my top picks. So, what’s on your Fall Fab list? Would love to hear your style ideas.
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